It is a blessing to become part of the St. Andrew Parish community. I began my role as Operations Director on Monday, August 31, and have already started learning the many processes that support our church and school. I’d like to take this opportunity to share a little about myself.
I have lived in Chicago for 22 years. I met my wife, Beth, at St. Alphonsus Parish in 2005, and this month we will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. We have three children. Our two oldest attend DePaul College Prep, and our youngest attends Budlong Elementary School. We currently live in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.
My professional background is in nuclear technologies and building automation. I served in the U.S. Navy for eight years, including nearly four years stationed aboard a submarine. After leaving the Navy, I worked for Siemens Building Technologies for many years as a Technical Training Manager. In 2018, I became a stay-at-home dad, which prepared me well for helping teach my children at home during the COVID pandemic.
In 2024, I reentered the workforce as Operations Director at Queen of Apostles Parish, my home parish. During my time there, I gained valuable experience and developed skills that I look forward to bringing to St. Andrew Parish.
One habit that helps me stay organized is starting each workday by identifying the three most important tasks I need to accomplish. Having clear goals helps me stay focused and productive. Since arriving at St. Andrew, everyone in the parish office and school has been incredibly welcoming and helpful, and I am grateful for the warm reception.
Outside of work, you’ll most often find me attending my children’s activities. Whether it’s my oldest son’s cross-country meets, my daughter’s flag football games, or my youngest son’s soccer games, I enjoy supporting them and cheering on their teams. Our family also loves to travel. We enjoy hiking and skiing in the mountains out west, relaxing in beach towns, and making trips to Disney World. Even as an adult, I still find Disney to be a wonderful and fun vacation destination.
During my first month at St. Andrew, I will be focused on learning the parish and school’s operations while taking on the many responsibilities of the Operations Director role. Fr. Hank, the principal, and I have met to review current projects and plan for the work that lies ahead in the coming year.
My office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you would like to meet, please stop by the parish office or email me at chrisk@standrew.org to schedule a time. I look forward to meeting many of you and becoming part of the St. Andrew Parish community.
God bless,
Christopher Kraszewski
Operations Director
