Bulletin for Ascension Sunday, May 21, 2023
Seventh Sunday of Easter
| |
Parish Calendar of Events | | | |
|
Wednesday, May 24
- Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach spring retreat (both in-person and online through June 16)
Saturday, May 27 & Pentecost Sunday, May 28
- Care for Real food & supply drive in church
- Registration deadline for our Summertime Teen Mission Experience
Thursday, June 1
- 7:00 pm - What Does it Mean to the LGBTQ+ and Catholic discussion at St. Gertrude
Thursday, June 8
- 7:00 pm - What Does it Mean to the LGBTQ+ and Catholic discussion at St. Teresa of Avila
Sunday, June 11
- Celebration for Mary Clare Barker's retirement at all Masses
- 10:30 am ~ Corpus Christi combined Mass in Church (No Gym Mass)
| |  |
|
Monday, June 12
- 7:00 pm ~ book group in the Ministry Center
Thursday, June 15
- 7:00 pm - What Does it Mean to the LGBTQ+ and Catholic discussion at St. Gertrude
Sunday, June 18
- Father's Day
- Last Gym Mass until September
Monday, June 19
- Wildcat Summer Camp begins
Thursday, June 22
- 7:00 pm - What Does it Mean to the LGBTQ+ and Catholic discussion at St. Teresa of Avila
Monday, July 10
- Youth group Mission Experience starts
- 7:00 pm ~ book group in the Ministry Center
| |
Events & Activities at St. Gertrude
listed in chronological order
| | |
Refugee & Immigrant Ministry: Helping New Migrants in Chicago
You've all doubtless heard of the ongoing crisis for new arrivals of migrants, often after long, dangerous, and arduous journeys. It's easy to find this overwhelming, or to wonder how to help.
Several members of the parish have been reaching out to people directly, and to other community resources. At present, we have several avenues to help:
1. We are going to support the Sanctuary Working Group, which has years of experience and do direct work related to housing, case management, and legal help.
2. Allen Stryczek is in active discussion with the faith communities that are part of ECRA (Edgewater Community Religious Association), so that we can pool our resources and voice.
3. Donations of the following items can be left in the red EASTER bin outside of the Ministry Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am- 2:30 pm, Saturdays before and after the 5:00 pm Mass, and Sundays before or after all the Masses:
- women's sneakers/athletic shoes (sizes 4 - 7, NEW ONLY)
- men's sneakers/athletic shoes (sizes 6 - 8, NEW ONLY)
- feminine hygiene products
- stick deodorant
- disposable wipes
This is just the beginning, but anything can help. You are the heart and soul of this ministry, and your prayers and support are always appreciated.
On behalf of the Refugee and Immigrant Ministry,
~ Denise Goodman
| |
AGLO (Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach) Program: The One Whom Jesus Loved Spring Retreat Series, May 24-June 16
Are you someone who is LGBTQ+ and Catholic or are a family-member/friend of someone who is? Do you struggle to reconcile and unify these sometimes-competing identities?
AGLO is again partnering with Loyola Chicago’s Institute of Pastoral Studies to present a retreat series as we come together in faithful fellowship to learn more about what it means to be both LGBTQ+ and Catholic. This 4-part retreat is open to the whole community and all seekers, a unique learning opportunity both for those who identify as LGBTQ+ and those who do not. All are welcome!
Steeped in biblical tradition, the retreat offers safe and sacred space for learning and growing in faith, personal sharing, and vulnerability in a judgment-free zone. Come discuss what the Pope means about being a welcoming church, and “enlarging the space of her tent”! This retreat will serve as positive affirmation and a life-changing experience of God’s unconditional love.
In this 4-week series, we will:
- Encounter the person of Christ, Jesus, who welcomes and embraces us all!
- Examine specific texts from Sacred Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, that help us understand God’s desire to be with those present “on the margins”!
- Build authentic community by sharing in rich, meaningful discussion!
The group will meet every week for 4 weeks. The meeting dates are:
-
Online via Zoom: Wednesdays, May 24 – June 14 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.
-
In Person: Fridays, May 26 – June 16 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Ministry Center, 708 W. Belmont Avenue.
The cost is $40 for four weeks. To register and get more information, visit https://www.aglochicago.org/retreat.
| |
Care for Real Food and Supply Drive in Church, Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28
St. Gertrude will conduct its monthly food drive before and after Masses on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28.
Care for Real currently serves more than 1,300 families per week (almost double the need from one year ago). At the same time, its share of food donations from the Chicago Food Depository has declined dramatically (from 7,500 lbs. per week to 5,200 lbs. per week).
The timing is important; with summer approaching many school meal programs are suspended, putting local children at increased risk of food insecurity.
We encourage you to leave a sturdy bag (or bags) containing non-perishable foods, such as canned soup, canned vegetables, canned meats and fish, pasta, rice or cereal as well as feminine products and deodorant (both male and female). The donations stay in the community to help local individuals, seniors, and families facing hunger.
Thank you for your help!
| |
|
Deadline for our Summertime Teen Mission Experience is May 28
The deadline for this summer's Mission Experience is fast approaching! Registration is due by Saturday, May 28.
Teens in 6th grade (soon-to-be 7th graders) through high school are welcome to take part in this experience, which held from July 10-14. The parish youth group will volunteer from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm with four different Chicagoland organizations, including Care for Real, Misericordia, a soup kitchen, and a public park. Students will be packing food, preparing food, cleaning, and reaching out to the homeless. Please note, participants will always be supervised.
Participants should be dropped off and picked up at the Social Hall. Students need to bring their own lunch, but snacks and water will be provided. Most of the organizations are local, so transportation might not be needed. Otherwise, public transportation will be used.
Every day will begin with a prayer and will end with a moment of reflection on what was done during the day. This is an excellent opportunity to have fun and earn volunteer hours!
There is a $100 fee for the week. A $50 deposit is required at the time of registration. Please note that there are scholarships available!
All participants will receive a t-shirt, water bottle, and a sports drawstring backpack.
To reserve a spot or to get more information, contact Eloy Escamilla at
eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.
| |
June Pride Month Discussions: What Does it Mean to be LQBTQ+ and Catholic: First Discussion Thursday, June 1
This June, St. Gertrude and St. Teresa of Avila will host four conversations on What Does it Mean to be LGBTQ+ and Catholic. LGTBQ+ members for each community will share their stories of faith, hope and love.
Sessions will be held at 7:00 pm at both parishes:
- Thursday, June 1 at St. Gertrude
- Thursday, June 8 at St. Teresa of Avila
- Thursday, June 15 at St. Gertrude
- Thursday, June 22 at St. Teresa of Avila
Register HERE or by scanning the QR code in the above image. There are no fees to attend - all are welcome!
| |
|
Book Club - Monday, June 12
On Monday, June 12, the book club will be discuss The Lincoln Highway: A Novel by Amor Towles. The group will talk about the book at their July 10th meeting.
We would love new voices and opinions!
Contact Lea Cloninger at 773.973.2465 or Sue Benjamin at 773.551.8401 with questions.
| |
|
Wildcat Summer Camp Begins June 19
Have you made summer plans yet for your kids? Register them for Wildcat Camp! Camp begins June 19 and will provide a safe, engaging experience with a variety of recreational, educational, athletic, and fine arts programs at an affordable price!
For more information on dates and pricing, visit www.northsidecatholic.org or call 773.743.6277. The 2023 Wildcat Summer Camp Flyer is be seen here.
We look forward to seeing you this summer!
| |
|
First Communion - Class of 2023
Congrats to all of the children from our Religious Ed program and NCA communities, Holy Child Jesus, St. Jerome, Mary Mother of God, and St. Gertrude, who made their First Communion on Saturday, May 13!
They worked so hard and we are blessed to have their loving presence at our parish.
We are especially thankful for all of our teachers from NCA and our Religious Education Program for their kind and patient instruction.
Please continue to hold the First Communicants in your prayers as they experience the unfolding mystery of the Sacrament of Communion.
| |
|
May Crowning & Mother's Day Blessing
Thank you to those who attended our 10:30 am combined Mass and annual May Crowning.
The service was made even more special thanks to the First Communicants who attended in their First Communion outfits.
All mothers were recognized and blessed and so many families brought flowers to honor Mary and placed them at our statue of Mary. It truly was a special morning.
| |
|
Growing in Faith
We’re reaching the end of the Easter season. Isn’t it nice, Easter is a season and not just a day? Jesus takes his leave from us, or rather doesn’t leave us. His words, “I will be with you always, even unto the end of time.”
I’m struck by the contrast with the Jesus we saw at the start of the Lenten season, just 12 weeks ago: in isolation in the desert. Then, our homilist speculated that the temptation Jesus was feeling in the desert was the temptation of disconnection, the temptation…to just remain there in isolation, alone. How seductive really to let yourself be drawn into…to settle into…isolation and dis/connection because it’s easier than piercing the veil of separateness.
It was February. It was dark. The sun kept not shining on us. I recognized this temptation.
And yet! How far Jesus traveled in 12 weeks’ time! To arrive at the state of being we find him at, in these last words of Matthew’s gospel, where he cannot NOT be with us, always and until "the end of the age".
Maybe we are on the same journey? Once we have done the work of passing-thru or passing-up the temptation of living on bread alone, we are set on a path whose certain destination is connection, communion, living in the oneness.
~ Madeleine Philbin
| |
|
Thank You to Our Religious Ed and Kids Word Volunteers
On Sunday, May 7, our Religious Ed and Kids Word school year came to a close. We are so grateful to the students who attended and made the year so special and for their families for entrusting us with your children.
Special thanks to our Religious Ed and Kids Word teachers listed below! We truly appreciate their hard work and generous spirits.
Religious Education:
-
Melinda Banahene 1st Grade
-
Dorothea Tobin 2nd Grade
-
Sandra Francis 3rd Grade
-
Sister Matilda Adeboye 4th Grade
-
Suzanne Stryczek 5th & 6th Grade
-
Steven Patzke 1st Year Confirmation prep
-
Steven Monti 2nd Year Confirmation prep
Kids Word
- Michelle Wielgosz
- Rosalie Sullivan
- Gisela Rosales
- Alex Campuzano
| |
|
Easter Flower Offering
- In memory of Larry McConley from Marilyn Klein
Mother's Day Mass Remembrance
- In memory of Carmen Malagon from Graciela Escobedo Malagon
- In memory of Sabina T. Frias from Nona T. Frias
- In memory of Diane Kasper from William Kasper & Amanda Roberson
| |
Rest in Peace
-
Mary Simon - Memorial Mass on Saturday, May 20 at 11:00 am at St. Gertrude
- Janet Swobada
-
Eileen Gormaly - Memorial Mass, on May 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Name Cathedral, 730 North Wabash Avenue
| |
Ministers of the Word, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, and Cantors & Musicians for the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday | | |
|
Ministers of the Word
-
Saturday, May 20 at 5:00 pm - Susan McKean, Michelle Kuehlhorn
-
Sunday, May 21 at 8:00 am - Hallie Burhoe, David Sullivan
-
Sunday, May 21 at 10:30 am - Martha Mulligan, Eric Ameyaw
| |
|
Eucharistic Ministers
-
Saturday, May 20 at 5:00 pm - Tim Harrington
-
Sunday, May 21 at 8:00 am - Barb Daly
-
Sunday, May 21 at 10:30 am - Lisa Schneider, Michael Kowalsky, Stephen Hasselbeck
| |
|
Cantors and Musicians
-
Saturday, May 20 at 5:00 pm - Bernie O’ Connor
-
Sunday, May 21 at 8:00 am - Jon Blake
-
Sunday, May 21 at 10:30 am - Michael Callahan
| |
|
Altar Servers
-
Sunday, May 21 at 10:30 am - cross bearer - Dominic Millar ; acolytes - Henry Villareal, Grace Cashman
| |
Financial Report from Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14
Sunday Collection Envelopes: $3,327.00
Loose Checks: $605.00
Loose Cash/Coins: $1,043.66
Online Donations: $8,967.08
Total Collected: $13,942.74
Budgeted: $10,730.00
Difference: $3,212.74
Year-to-date Collected: $434,893.36
Year-to-date Budgeted: $558,000.00
Difference: -$123,106.64
| | |
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.
| |
|
Upcoming Mass Intentions
-
Monday, May 22: 7:30 am - Living and deceased Torreano family members
-
Tuesday, May 23: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Society
-
Wednesday, May 24: 7:30 am - Living & deceased parents of St. Gertrude parishioners
-
Thursday, May 25: 7:30 am - Communion Service
-
Friday, May 26: 7:30 am - Peter and Mary Tunney +
-
Saturday, May 27: 7:30 am - Living and deceased Torreano family members; 5:00 pm - Sheila McGuire +
-
Pentecost Sunday, May 28: 8:00 am - Helen and Helen Mary Long; 10:30 am Mass in church – Victoria Centeno; Gym Mass - People of God
| |
|
Click HERE for the daily readings for Masses. Here is the list of readings for this week for parishioners that prefer to look them up:
-
Monday, May 22: Acts 19:1-8/Jn 16:29-33
-
Tuesday, May 23: Acts 20:17-27/Jn 17:1-11a
-
Wednesday, May 24: Acts 20:28-38/Jn 17:11b-19
-
Thursday, May 25: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11/Jn 17:20-26
-
Friday, May 26: Acts 25:13b-21/Jn 21:15-19
-
Pentecost Saturday, May 28: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31/Jn 21:20-25
| |
Please Keep the Following People in Your Prayers | |
- Zara Bradley
- Lilly Buie
- Aida Calvopina
- Claire Conley
- Ann Collins Dole
- Mr. and Mrs. Emin Euman
- Luke Fitzgerald
- Gina Heidkamp
- Maria Hertl
- Erica Maria Kast
- Bernice Kiedysz
- Marilyn Klein
| | |
- Patricia Meade
- Janet McCulley
- Jack McDermott
- Karey Myers
- Richard Seitz
- Bernadette Stanis
- Elinora E. Tolentino
- Manuel & Norma Viray
- Leon Ward
- Tammy Wielgosz
- Janice Wittenberg
- Yyes Yoza
| |
If you would like to add a name to the prayer list, please contact the Rectory at 773.764.3621 or email stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org. Names will remain on the list for three weeks. After that time, please renew the name using same contact information. | | | | |
