Dear Friend of Saint Andrew,
We hope you are doing well this week!
As a rule of thumb, we try to keep these weekly notes light and joyful. However, this week we want to recognize that a tragic event occurred during a recent church holiday party in Orland Park. Due to intoxication, a retired priest's action led to the death of one Catholic school teacher and the injury of another. The incident was inexcusable and certainly the entire Catholic community suffers from the loss of a valued teacher caused by the neglect of a leader. We are all grasping to even try to imagine how to move on from such a tragedy.
At Saint Andrew, we may not be directly effected by this event nor may we be directly part of the resolution. However, what we can do in response is important. We can choose to be good and kind to one another in these weeks that lead to Christmas. This is the time of year when there are many company parties and celebrations with friends or family. Acknowledging how tragedy can befall a community when safeguards are not in place, we encourage everyone think about safety as you celebrate.
While we can still be joyful and have fun, it is a spiritual gift to keep the discipline of temperance. And since we are also our brother's keeper and sister's keeper, please speak up and intervene if a friend, colleague, or family member is intoxicated, even if it is a superior at work or in a social circle. You may be saving their life or the life of some other person whom they might harm. What an important gift we could give within our city if Saint Andrew parishioners were known not only for having fun but also for making sure that everyone else can have fun too! Please keep the season merry and bright by being responsible!
Below are listed a few of the important notices for the week ahead.
Advent Speaker Series
Our Advent Speaker Series continues this week on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 7:00pm in the Social Hall. Entitled "The Gifts We Have," the series is a seminar on Gallup Polling's CliftonStrength, a highly powerful personal inventory used in both professional and spiritual settings. There is also an accompanying children's programs so that all ages can attend together.
Biddy Basketball Registration Open!
Our 7-week basketball season for children in Pre-K through 3rd grade will start on Sunday, January 5, 2020. The league is open to all parishioners, friends, and neighbors. To find out more about schedules, rules, fees, and registration, read more...
Time to Return Giving Tree Presents
We are now accepting the newly purchased gloves/mittens, socks, and/or winter hats that were requested through our annual Giving Tree. If you picked up an ornament, please return gifts for the ornament to the parish office by this Thursday, December 12, 2019. There are few ornaments left on the tree. Contact Julie@standrew.org to help us finish the request for gifts. Thank you to all who supported the Giving Tree!
As a reminder, this weekend will be our next Hospitality Weekend for our 125th Anniversary Celebrations. During this week, we will celebrate the work that the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary of the Woods have done to support our parish community. We'll hear from Sr. Marilyn Kofler about the work they currently do and we'll take up the second collection for the Retired Religious Fund. Thank you for your generosity in this collection.
Planning for Christmas? Our schedule of Masses for Christmas is found below.
For your convenience, we've included a copy of yesterday's bulletin below.
