Bulletin for Sunday, September 3, 2023
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
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Mass Times: Sunday: 8:00 & 10:30 am Mass in Church; 10:30 am Gym Mass; Monday-Friday: 7:30 am (Thursday is a Communion service); Saturday: 7:30 am & 5:00 pm. The Gym Mass will resume in the fall.
Reconciliation: 4:15-4:45 pm on Saturday or by appointment.
Office Hours: The Rectory office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am-2:30 pm. The office is closed on Labor Day.
Heart to Heart Contacts: Sr. Susan Quaintance, OSB/Director/872-296-2537; Laurie Hasbrook/Lending Closet/773-973-5464
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Marathon Minute by Fr. Mike Bradley
My first marathon was in April of 1995. I was doing graduate studies at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium, and a classmate talked me into driving to Paris and running the marathon with him and a couple seminarians.
Though I had run 5K and 10K events when I was younger, I had not attempted to run 26.2 miles, but it sounded like a good way to see the Eiffel Tower.
So, the marathon was quite a challenge, and yet the sights and sounds of Paris were awesome!
Another classmate traveled around the marathon route on the subway, and he provided us bananas and trail mix - as well as encouraging words - to get us to the finish line which was at the Arc de Triomphe.
You never forget your first marathon!
~ Father Mike Bradley
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Our Marathon Weekend Parish Fundraiser - How to Help
Our parish fundraiser is just a few short weeks away! There are a few ways to help:
Soles of the Parish 3K Fun Run and Walk - Saturday, October 7
The time is NOW to sign up to participate in our 3k Fun Run and Walk! You can register online or fill out registration forms at the back of the church. You can also find additional information and sign up online for this event at https://bit.ly/StGerts3K.
A pep rally for Fr. Mike and all of the other runners will take place after the run, and a special blessing will be given at the 5:00 pm Mass. Please consider attending this, even if you are unable to participate in the Fun Run & Walk!
The event also needs volunteers! Sign up to help at the above link.
T-shirts are available for $15. Orders can be placed at https://bit.ly/StGerts3K.
Sponsor Fr. Mike's Chicago Marathon Efforts - Sunday, October 8
Fr. Mike Bradley will run the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 8. We are seeking sponsorships for Father Mike, with all proceeds going to our parish ministries. You can sponsor him online at https://bit.ly/FrMikeRuns or make a donation with a check at church or dropped off at the Rectory. Please add Fr. Mike's name in the memo line.
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A Note from Fr. Mike Gabriel
Dear Friends,
I am so grateful for all your thoughts and prayers. They are doing wonders! Your kindness and thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated.
I hope that you'll soon see me walking the neighborhood, and in a few weeks, back in full swing.
Thank you again for your prayers.
~ Fr. Mike
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Events & Activities at St. Gertrude
listed in chronological order
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Donations Needed for Asylum Seekers - Collections This Weekend, September 2-3/Updated List of Needs Below
We are so appreciative of the many parishioners who dropped off donations to asylum seekers these past few weeks! Thank you so very much for your generosity.
These donations will be sent to Care for Real, who is providing support to families sheltering at the Broadway Armory in addition to feeding neighbors in need.
Please place items from the list below in the bins at the back of church for delivery to Care for Real:
- Diapers sizes 4, 5 and 6
- Pull-ups
- Baby wipes
- Clean children’s in-season clothing and new or very gently shoes (that they can wear right now)
- Feminine sanitary pads (no tampons, please)
- Individual, pre-packaged, ready to eat food and snacks (granola bars, tuna kits, jerky, etc.)
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Black hair care
- Body wash
- Bar soap
- Incontinence briefs
- Women’s leggings
- Men’s jeans and pants
Thank you for your generosity!
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Rectory Office Closed on Monday, September 4
The office will be closed on Monday, September 4 for Labor Day.
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PreCana Class Offered at St. Gertrude on Saturday, September 9
Pre Cana classes at St. Gertrude are primarily intended for couples getting married at St. Gertrude. Before registering you must speak with Father Mike Gabriel about your planned wedding at St. Gertrude or receive consent to attend if you are getting married at a different parish.
This full day, in-person gathering on Saturday, September 9 is dedicated to considering your life together as a married couple. Led by a facilitator couple from St. Gertrude, the session begins at 9:00 am and features presentations, prayers, and discussions with your partner and 5-10 other couples. Lunch and snacks are provided.
Couples can register for the September session by calling the Rectory office at 773.764.3621or by filling out an online form at https://stgertrudechicago.org/marriage.
The cost of PreCana is covered by the church fee couples planning a wedding at St. Gertrude are charged.
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Countdown to Classes! Religious Ed Begins Next Sunday, September 10
Registration is now open for our 2023-2024 Religious Education program! Classes will begin on Sunday, September 10, with in-person instruction held on Sunday mornings from 9:15-10:15 am.
Religious Ed registration forms can be found on our website at https://stgertrudechicago.org/religious-education-news. Forms in Spanish are also available on our website. Please note that students must receive two years of preparation in order to make these sacraments.
The fees for the 2023-2024 school year are $210 for one child and an additional $30 for each student from the same family. Tuition can be paid online at https://bit.ly/StGertsRelEdTuition.
An additional sacramental fee of $65 is required for children making their First Communion and First Reconciliation, or their Confirmation. That fee can be paid at https://bit.ly/StGertsSacramentalFee.
Completed forms and any questions about the program should be emailed to Eloy Escamilla at [email protected]. Please register before the start date.
Interested in becoming a substitute catechist teacher? Contact Eloy Escamilla at the above email address.
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Kids Word Returns at 10:30 am Masses Beginning Next Sunday, September 10
On Sundays during the 10:30 am Mass in church, children aged 4-7 years-old are invited to attend Kids Word to hear an age-appropriate Gospel message and do fun, scripture-based activities such as coloring or crafts in the Rectory.
Children will be invited by the celebrant to come to the altar before the readings and will return to church before the petitions.
Email [email protected] for details.
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Misericordia Family Fest—Sunday, September 10
Family Fest, Misericordia’s largest fundraising event of the year brings our families, friends and neighbors together for a day of celebration.
This is the 41th annual Family Fest and will take place from 11:00 am-6:00 pm at 6300 N. Ridge Blvd. Proceeds support Misericordia’s programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
The festivities include food and drink, a cash raffle, children's games, games of chance, in-crowd entertainers, a car raffle, Misericordia art, a live & silent auction, bingo, a quilt raffle, and clowns.
Live entertainment on the main stage will feature Finbarr Fagan, the Shannon Rovers, the Heartzingers, the Heartbreakers, the Chancey Brothers, and In Spite of Ourselves. Dr. Mark and the Sutures, as well as Andrew Blomquist will perform in the North Tent.
Tickets are available online at https://www.misericordia.com/store/fest-tickets/ and at the door.
Visit Misericordia's Family Fest page at https://www.misericordia.com/events/family-fest-2023/ or call 773.273.2768 for more information.
Misericordia is looking for volunteers at the event as well as in the days leading up to the Fest. This one-day event takes approximately 2,000 volunteers to pull it off and your help would be greatly appreciated. Shifts are generally broken down into 2 ½ -3 hours. Sign up online at https://www.misericordia.com/events/family-fest-2023/.
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Book Club - Monday, September 11
On Monday, September 11, the book club will discuss The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai.
We would love new voices and opinions!
Contact Lea Cloninger at 773.973.2465 or Sue Benjamin at 773.551.8401 with questions.
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St. Teresa of Avila Seminar at St. Gregory’s Held September 11-November 13
On Monday evening from September 11-November 13, St. Gregory the Great will host a weekly seminar on Carmelite Spanish mystic and doctor of the Church, St. Teresa of Avila.
Led by Fr. Bob Sprott, the group will read her two great works, The Interior Castle and The Way of Perfection.
The seminars will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm in St. Gregory’s Msgr. Klasen Building, 1609 W. Gregory. There is a suggested donation of $40.
For more information and to register, visit https://www.stgregoryhall.org/teresa.html.
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PPC Meeting is Wednesday, September 13
On Wednesday, September 13, the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) will meet in the Ministry Center at 7:00 pm. All are welcome to attend.
Contact the PPC at [email protected] if you have questions.
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St. Gertrude Women's Friendship Club - Thursday, September 14
St. Gertrude Women's Friendship Club meets monthly on the second Thursday of every month in the Ministry Center. The gathering begins at 11:30 am, attendees should bring their own (brown bag) lunch. Dessert is provided!
The next gathering is Thursday, September 14. Please RSVP to Charlotte Sullivan at 773.743.5112.
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The Gym Mass Returns on Sunday, September 17
On Sunday, September 17, the Gym Mass will return at its regular 10:30 am time! This more casual Mass is held at 1401 West Granville Avenue.
The 2023 Gym Mass schedule is posted on our parish website at https://stgertrudechicago.org.
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Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass – September 17
Congratulations to all of the couples celebrating 50 years of marriage this year! The Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass is scheduled to be held on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 2:30 pm. The Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60654.
Please register by September 15, 2023. Click here for information & to register.
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Parishioner Author Event Planned for Thursday, September 21
Parishioner Kathy Osberger has a book that came out this month, titled I Surrender A Memoir of Chile's Dictatorship, 1975.
On Thursday, September 21 at 7:00 pm in the Social Hall, St. Gertrude parish and the Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN) are partnering to host an author event, with Kathy speaking about her book and time in Chile during the reign of military dictator General August Pinochet and experiences at the hands of Chile's secret police.
Her book will be available for sale at a reduced price this weekend in the back of church, with a portion donated to St. Gertrude’s.
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Care for Real Food & Supply Drive on September 23-24
Thank you to those who were able to bring donations to the back of church on August 26-27.
Our next donation drive will be Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24.
Additionally, you can go to Care for Real's website, https://careforreal.org/wishlist, to make a donation, drop off items at 5341 N. Sheridan Road from 12:00-3:00 pm Monday-Friday, or bring items to the Asylum Seekers collection in church this weekend, September 2 and September 3.
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Growing in Faith
The American culture celebrates the rich and powerful. Just look at the news and notice how much is about entertainers and politicians and millionaires and billionaires.
On Labor Day, though, we celebrate the un-rich and the un-powerful — you and me and everyone who works or has worked or will work. It’s a countercultural holiday.
Christianity is a countercultural faith. It celebrates the poor and the oppressed and those on the margins — those without power, who wake up every morning and go about their day and go to sleep at night, unnoticed by the influencers of society, ignored. It is a faith that recognizes that, as much as we try to do right, we are all
sinners.
The American culture is built on the illusion of eternal youth, the fantasy of perpetual
comfort, the warped “value” of greed and selfishness.
In Paul’s letter to the Romans, Christians are told: “Do not conform yourselves to this
age.” Instead, walk to a different drummer — to the drumbeat of what is good and
pleasing and perfect. And how do we know what is good and pleasing and perfect?
God tells us. In our heart of hearts, the Holy Spirit is that still, small voice that points
us on the right path. That path is a walk with everyone else, a journey that all of us,
as equals, take together to the full richness of human life with all its pain and joy. It
is about community rather than isolation, about sharing rather than selfishness. Our
job is to listen and act. It’s that easy, and hard.
~ Patrick T. Reardon
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Join the Choir!
Are you interested in joining St. Gertrude’s choir? We'd love to have you!
Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 7:00-9:00 pm in church. The choir sings at the 10:30 am Mass in church.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Kathryn at [email protected].
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Interested in Becoming Catholic?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process by which adults learn more about the Catholic Church. This free program begins in the fall and meets until Pentecost.
Many people who begin RCIA are non-Catholics seeking to become Catholic or at least to explore whether Catholicism might be a good home. Those who complete the process and decide to become Catholic are initiated into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday. Others who take RCIA are already Catholic but want a deeper understanding of their faith foundation.
The RCIA process does not ask those who have been baptized in another faith to give up their denominational experiences. Rather, the RCIA process seeks to add new colors and designs to their existing faith life tapestry. In addition to attending Mass, the RCIA process includes weekly gatherings of breaking open the Word of God, sharing our stories, and learning about our faith traditions.
Classes begin in September.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the RCIA process at St. Gertrude, contact Eloy Escamilla at [email protected] or call the Rectory at 773.764.3621.
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Rest in Peace
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George Kehoe - Visitation on Saturday, August 26 from 9:30-10:00 am at St. Gertrude Catholic Church. Memorial Mass to follow at at 10:00 am.
- Seamus W. White, nephew of Rich and Mary Ann Goode
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Baptisms
- Celine Cruz
- Anthony Douglas Gatto
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Ministers of the Word, Eucharistic Ministers, Cantors, Musicians, & Altar Servers for This Weekend | | |
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Ministers of the Word
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Saturday, September 2 at 5:00 pm - Patrick Reardon, Joseph McMahon
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Sunday, September 3 at 8:00 am - Art Lyons, Hallie Burhoe
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Sunday, September 3 at 10:30 am - Bob Backis, Anthony Myers
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Eucharistic Ministers
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Saturday, September 2 at 5:00 pm - Michelle Kuehlhorn
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Sunday, September 3 at 8:00 am - Kathryn Stimac
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Sunday, September 3 at 10:30 am - Steven Monti, Michael Kowalsky, Stephen Modde
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Cantors and Musicians
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Saturday, September 2 at 5:00 pm - Bernie O'Connor
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Sunday, September 3 at 8:00 am - Paula Dempsey
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Sunday, September 3 at 10:30 am - Dana Sullivan
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Altar Servers
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Sunday, September 3 at 10:30 am - Carter Dant, cross bearer; Jason Ameyaw, Wyatt Dant, Acolytes
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Financial Report from August 26-27
August 26-27
Sunday Collection Envelopes: $2,474.00
Loose Checks: $410.00
Loose Cash/Coins: $787.10
Online Donations: $3,660.32
Total Collected: $7,331.42
Budgeted: $10,000.00
Difference: -$ 2,668.58
Year-to-date Collected FY 2024: $82,770.25
Year-to-date Budgeted FY 2024: $386.400.00
Difference: -$303,629.75
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Take Advantage of Highest Payout Rates in Over a Decade!
You now have the opportunity to benefit more from your giving and to help ensure that God’s good work continues. When you establish a charitable gift annuity with the archdiocese, not
only will you receive fixed payments for life, but you can designate our parish as the
remainder beneficiary.
You can schedule payments according to your financial needs, and enjoy immediate and future tax benefits, including a federal income tax deduction for a portion of your gift, if you itemize. Also, a portion of each annuity payment will be tax-free (through life expectancy). The funds remaining after your lifetime will support our parish or school – as designated by you.
For more information, please contact Eduardo Soto at 773-764-3621 or
[email protected] or visit giving.archchicago.org/cga.
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Ways to Help Our Parish: Amazon Smile, Text to Give, GiveCentral, PayPal, and Amazon Smile
Visit smile.amazon.com and select St. Gertrude Parish as your charity of choice. From then on, connect to Amazon through smile.amazon.com and St. Gertrude will automatically benefit as your charity of choice.
We have set up a "Text to Give" option through GiveCentral. Parishioners are welcome to text the word Donate to 1.773.741.9505 to make a donation via phone.
To access our PayPal link, please visit our parish website and donate from there. GiveCentral offers parishioners the option of one-time gifts or weekly contributions.
For more information on text to give or to sign up for online giving, please email Eduardo Soto at esoto@stgertrudechicago.org.
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Upcoming Mass Intentions
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Monday, September 4: 7:30 am - Maria Purita Fran Abanes +
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Tuesday, September 5: 7:30 am - Louis Picciano+
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Wednesday, September 6: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Socity
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Thursday, September 7: 7:30 am - Communion Service
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Friday, September 8: 7:30 am - James Nolan +
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Saturday, September 9: 7:30 am - People of God +; 5:00 pm - Carlos Ubanowicz +
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Sunday, September 10: 8:00 am - People of God; 10:30 am – People of God
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Please Keep the Following People in Your Prayers | |
- Carlos Barragan
- Zara Bradley
- Lilly Buie
- Maggie Callaway
- Aida Calvopina
- Claire Conley
- Denise DeBelle
- Ann Collins Dole
- Connie Engelmohr
- Mr. and Mrs. Emin Euman
- Luke Fitzgerald
- Gina Heidkamp
- Maria Hertl
- Erica Maria Kast
- Bernice Kiedysz
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- Marilyn Klein
- Ignacio Lopez
- Janet McCulley
- Jack McDermott
- Karey Myers
- Donald Nyderek
- Claude Poulsen
- Richard Seitz
- Willy Spalla
- Elinora E. Tolentino
- Manuel & Norma Viray
- Leon Ward
- Janice Wittenberg
- Yyes Yoza
- Joel Pozzi Zio
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If you would like to add a name to the prayer list, please contact the Rectory at 773.764.3621 or email [email protected]. Names will remain on the list for three weeks. After that time, please renew the name using same contact information. | | | | |
