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St. Andrew the Apostle Friday Flash | November 5th, 2021

Friday Flash

November 5, 2021

“I’M HAVING A BLAST!”

This was an enthusiastic statement made to me by a small boy who was clearly having a good time going from one game to another and, trunk and treating in between this past weekend. This was when I asked him how he was enjoying our Parish Fall Festival event. Knowing that children usually do not lie, I believed him. Moreover, his testimony was later corroborated by several adults who equally expressed genuine joy of finally being able to come back to their beloved Church St. Andrews after a long period during this past twenty months of the pandemic. I shared later that evening with some key members of the Parish pastoral council also left no doubt in my mind that our Fall Festival was indeed a great success. Kudos to our committees that worked so hard to pull it off. Liturgically, right from the Rosary led by our Knights of Columbus to the very touching memorial Mass which culminated in the symbolic burning of our prayer intentions, everything was well planned and meticulously executed.

However, I would like to once again, take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude particularly to our diligent pastoral council led by its very inspiring leader Mike Threadgill who, together with me came up with the idea of this Festival. In a spirit of unity of purpose and pride in our parish, they were joined by a team made up of members of our staff, stewardship council, Finance council and ministry leaders and volunteers. This team, divided into three committees: Liturgy, Communication and Festival worked for hours and days and weeks to make sure that our festival was the success that it was. They made numerous sacrifices amidst some of the unforeseen challenges posed by the present uncertainties of the pandemic. To all of them, I am very grateful.

My last but not least gratitude goes to all of you my dear parishioners and friends, children, and adults alike, who came in large numbers to grace the occasion with your presence. For the first time since the pandemic, the Church was filled with over six hundreds of you for the 2pm Mass and over eight hundred who attended the fun after the Mass. As the council and I go back to review the event, I have no doubt that the temptation to do this again next year and the following year will be difficult to resist. We shall keep you informed. In the meantime, let us continue to give gratitude to our God as He continues to bless our parish with greater hope for the future. There is every evidence that great things are happening in our parish and greater ones are yet to come. I invite you all to be a part of it. Here is a video I am excited to share with you all as a highlight of this passed weekends fall festival. Take a look!

Now that the festival is behind us, I would like to give you a summary of some of the exciting things to look forward to in the coming weeks and months that will be happening here in our parish.

As you may recall, we are in the process of making perpetual adoration available for you in the nearest future. That is why we have introduced whole day adorations on first Fridays and Saturdays in the adoration Chapel after the morning Masses. This weekend we begin the adoration for all, after the Friday morning Mass and will conclude with the Jammies and Jesus at 6pm in the Church for families with young children ages 1-7 years and Benediction at 7 pm. Though it is geared towards young children, all are welcome to join in this moment of experiencing our Lord’s presence with our young ones.

Mothers Uplifting Mothers Spiritually- MUMS After Dark gathering is happening on November 19 at 6.30pm in the Adult Ed Center. It will feature informative speakers. It is a great way for mothers of all ages to come together, compare notes, find friendship, support and encouragement in the good work of raising the next generation. Bring something to share as well as a friend.

On November 22/23 we resume Wisdom and Works of Mercy which is a 13 week class run by Margie and our Marian Missionaries of the Divine Mercy. It is a great opportunity to grow in our spiritual life.

On Dec. 6 at 6:30pm as part of our Advent preparation, we shall have the Floriana Chant- Advent Concert in the Church followed by Dec 12 and 13 Advent Mission with Fr Peter Mushi, a dynamic speaker of the Apostles of Jesus Order right from New York! He will focus on our Journey to Bethlehem.

Finally, as I promised some months ago, we shall be taking a survey in order to determine whether we should retain our Mass schedule as it is, meaning, Saturdays 5.00pm, Sunday 7.00am, 10.00am and 2.00pm or return to our pre-COVID schedule of Saturday 5.00pm, Sunday 7.00am, 9.00am, 11.00am and 2.00pm. So, I encourage you to participate in this survey once we determine the date to do it so as to have your voice heard.

St. Andrew, I love you!

- Fr. Robert

The Good News Newsletter is out!

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TODAY, November 5th at 6pm

In the Hall

Join us in a wonderful encounter with the Eucharistic Jesus, especially crafted for small children and their families. The presence of the little ones brings such joy to Jesus.

Sunday, November 7th

After the 7am and 10am Masses

Our featured ministry is: Caring Ministries

Sunday, November 7th in Adult Ed Center

After the 7am and 10am Masses

Free Continental Breakfast and Social gathering to honor all military veterans and their families.

Please come and share a few minutes as we honor you for your service to our great country, church and

community.

Have you moved? Changed your phone number?

Please contact Mary at Finance@standrewchandler.com
To update your information

Public Masses are now offered

Monday - Saturday | 8:30am

Wednesday | 6:30pm

Saturday | 5:00pm

Sunday | 7:00am, 10:00am, 2:00pm

Daily Mass on Tuesday and Thursday, as well as Sunday Masses at 10:00am and 2:00pm are also streamed on Facebook

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Thank you for your Generosity!