Dear Friends,
We hope that you had the chance to view the video message from Fr. Sergio that was sent last night. It announced that the Saint Andrew Reopening Team has begun work to reopen the church building for public gatherings for specific gatherings under 10 people. It has been their assessment, with the pastor’s approval, that the earliest a possible opening for Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Confession, and private prayer could begin would be May 31, 2020 or possibly later. (If you are in need of one of these services, please contact us at info@standrew.org)
You can view the full announcement by clicking here.
You are urged to join us virtually on Sunday morning, May 24, 2020 at 11:00am for Your Sunday Connection… Live! We will hold a Zoom call for all parishioners to watch the pre-recorded homily for Sunday, have a chance to share and connect with one another, and even have virtual time for “coffee and donuts.” Register to join the call by clicking here.
The remainder of this note is the “Your Sunday Connection” Flocknote. As you scroll through, read and pray along. A homily message from Deacon Mark Purdome is included.
Opening Prayer
Gladden us with holy joys, almighty God, and make us rejoice with devout thanksgiving, for the Ascension of Christ your Son is our exaltation, and, where the Head has gone before us in glory, the Body is called to follow in hope. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.
The Readings
Reading 1 ACTS 1:1-11
In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”
Reading 2 EPH 1:17-23
Brothers and sisters: May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Gospel MT 28:16-20
The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
The Homily
Please click on the video link below to watch the homily for this week.
The Prayers of the Faithful
For the Church, that we continue to carry on the commission Christ gave to his first disciples, preaching, teaching, and baptizing throughout all nation . We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER.
That all nations lay down their arms and resolve never again to use instruments of death to resolve disagreements and discord. We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For all who suffer from systemic persecution, oppression, and discrimination, that justice and righteousness may overcome sin and evil. We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For those who were welcomed into the Church this Easter season, as they go forth to make disciples in the way that they live their faith-filled live. We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For all of us, that we may be blessed with wisdom and hope so that we may be effective witnesses in our communities of the joy and consolation of our faith. We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For those who are affected by COVID19 that God will help them through this terrible time and for the entire world as we face this pandemic. We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For the departed, who remain with us in our prayers and our memories, and for the promise of a joyful reunion, and especially for: +Judith Heimann, Emma Hlinetzky, Patrick Walsh Jr., and +Melvin Soult. We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER.
Sunday Offertory
Stewardship of Saint Andrew Parish is the responsibility of us all. Consistently throughout the year, we remind parishioners about stewarding the gifts of Time, Talent, and Treasure to support the mission of Saint Andrew Parish.
During this pandemic, there are many urgent needs, among those needs are caring for the financial obligations of Saint Andrew Parish. If you do not regularly contribute electronically ether weekly or monthly, please consider making a Sunday Offering online through Give Central through the link below.
Spiritual Communion
In many places in the world receiving Holy Communion is not possible. Catholics in these areas are encouraged to make “Spiritual Communion.” St.Teresa of Jesus wrote about this practice:
“When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you”
You can make Spiritual Communion by the bringing this prayer to your heart…
“My Jesus, I believe that you are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I long for you in my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though you have already come, I embrace you and unite myself entirely to you; never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.”
Closing Prayer
Almighty ever-living God, who allow those on earth to celebrate divine mysteries, grant, we pray, that Christian hope may draw us onward to where our nature is united with you. AMEN
Announcements
Volunteer for Church Reopening
The team that is helping to roll out the gradual reopening of Saint Andrew parish for public worship is in need of additional volunteers to help with clean up, set up, and greeting. To find out more about the team’s needs and to sign up, please read more…
Take Some Time to Color
As we continue social distancing even as more businesses begin to open, it is wonderful to take some time to do something creative! The Saint Andrew coloring book has been assembled for parishioners of every age to color with crayon, pencil, or marker and the recall the incredible beauty that we treasure in our church at Saint Andrew. We encourage you to download the book and to send us any photos of completed pages. The entire coloring book is available for download at http://standrew.org/post/saint-andrew-coloring-pages/
Please click on the button below to see a copy of the Sunday Bulletin.