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Dear Friend,

Even in a pandemic, God is ever near to us. May the journey of Lent, leading us to Easter, be a reminder that even the desert spaces, the times of isolation, and periods of mourning, there is hope. As a community we trust in the Lord who is, who was, and will be forevermore.

If you are able to join us, we would love to see you at Mass this Sunday. A reservation is required to attend. Make a reservation by clicking on the button below.

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You can also watch the live stream of Mass at Saint Andrew at www.standrew.org/sundaymass. It is available in real time and also as a recording.

The remainder of this email is the Your Sunday Connection prayer guide.

Opening Prayer

O God, who have commanded us to listen to your beloved Son, be pleased we pray, to nourish us inwardly by your word, that, with spiritual sight made pure, we may rejoice to behold your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy spirt, God for ever and ever. AMEN

The Readings

Reading I Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18

God put Abraham to the test. He called to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am!” he replied. Then God said: “Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him up as a holocaust on a height that I will point out to you.” When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. Then he reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the LORD’s messenger called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Here I am!” he answered. “Do not lay your hand on the boy,” said the messenger. “Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son.” As Abraham looked about, he spied a ram caught by its horns in the thicket. So he went and took the ram and offered it up as a holocaust in place of his son.

Again the LORD’s messenger called to Abraham from heaven and said: “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you acted as you did in not withholding from me your beloved son, I will bless you abundantly and make your descendants as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore; your descendants shall take possession of the gates of their enemies, and in your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing— all this because you obeyed my command.”

Reading II Rom 8:31b-34

Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us, who will condemn? Christ Jesus it is who died—or, rather, was raised— who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.

Gospel Mk 9:2-10

Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.

Homily

Please click on the video link below to watch the homily for this week.

Prayers of the Faithful

For the Church, that God’s generosity to Abraham and his descendants might motivate us to share our blessings with those in need.

We pray to the Lord.

LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

That all the nations on earth may find blessing in their people, as God promised Abraham, and value even the least of them as the handiwork of God. We pray to the Lord LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

That the world may be transfigured by the presence of God, becoming a world of perfect justice, mercy, and peace. We pray to the Lord.

LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

For all who are struggling during difficult winter weather, especially those without homes and those who cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.

We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

For all who have been affected by COVID19, may God’s healing presence be comfort to them and bring health and well-being. 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: +Jim Sturm We pray to the Lord LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

Submit a Special Intention

Parish 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.

Give Your Sunday Offering

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

As we receive these glorious mysteries, we make thanksgiving to you, Or Lord, for allowing us while still on earth, to be partakers even now of the things of heaven. Through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Announcements

Live Stream Mass

In addition to Your Sunday Connection provided by Saint Andrew Parish, the Sunday 9:00am Mass will be live streamed. Join the broadcast.

Lenten Eating Options

Many Saint Andrew parishioners own restaurants that are offer meat-free dinning options for Fridays in Lent. Please support these restaurants when choosing your Friday menu. To see the complete list, read more...

Please click on the button below to see a copy of the Sunday Bulletin.

Read the Parish Bulletin for February 28, 2021

Please Let Us Know If You Need Assistance

Call the parish office at 773-525-3016 or email at info@standrew.org