St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville, Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, November 5, 2023

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

From Fr. Mike Gabriel

Next weekend we will celebrate the Feast of St. Gertrude. Why do we celebrate our namesake's feast day? Acts 4:32-37 is the reference. The early Christian community who embraced their new life and faith, felt that their unity needed to be celebrated. The spirit and heart of the new community of the Resurrection did not want to keep this to themselves, but wanted to share the joy and invite others as well.

So who is St. Gertrude?

St. Gertrude the Great, or St. Gertrude of Helfta, was born on January 6, 1256 in Germany. She eventually chose to follow the Lord by pursuing a vocation as a Benedictine Nun. Her deep relationship with the Lord in prayer led to her being hailed as a mystic. She was also regarded as a great theologian.

Although little is known about Gertrude's childhood, it is widely accepted that at

just four-years-old, she was enrolled in the Cistercian monastery school of Helfta in Saxony, under the governance of Abbess Gertrude of Hackerborn.

The Cistercian movement was an effort to bring the Benedictine religious community back to a stricter and more faithful adherence to the original "Rule" or way of life encouraged by St Benedict. Some sources speculate that Gertrude's parents offered their child as an oblate, a lay person especially dedicated to God

or to God' service, while others believe she may have entered the monastery

school as an orphan.

St. Mechtilde, the younger sister of the Abbess Gertrude, took care of young Gertrude. Gertrude and Mechtilde had a strong bond that only grew deeper with time, allowing Mechtilde to have a great influence over Gertrude. Gertrude, known for being charming and able to win people, devoted herself to her studies, and received an education in many different subjects. Gertrude was both fluent in Latin and very familiar with scripture and works from the Fathers of the Church, including Augustine.

As we unite in Mind and Spirit next weekend, we especially remember those

among us in need of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. At all of the masses next weekend, November 11 and 12th , we will celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing. The anointing is for anyone who is suffering, short-term or chronic illness, or anything in between. It may be physical, psychological, or emotional health issues. Feel free to invite relatives, friends, and neighbors who could receive some comfort in receiving this sacrament.

Coming up: On November 18th and 19th , we will welcome guest speaker Ed Jacobs, who is the former Director of Franciscan Outreach. Ed will speak about the important work and our participation in the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. There are envelopes at the back of Church this weekend and next.

This Weekend: Donations Needed for Asylum Seekers

A collection for asylum seekers will be held on Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5. 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.

This month, the top requests from CFR are things to keep people warm, specifically stretchy gloves, hats, and hand warmers.

Their clients also are in desperate need of toiletries and baby care items. 

Items brought to mass can be dropped off in the back of church. Thank you for your generosity!

Book Club is Monday, November 13

On Monday, November 13, the book club will discuss The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen at 7:00 pm in the Ministry Center.

Contact Lea Cloninger at 773.973.2465 or Sue Benjamin at 773.551.8401 with questions.

Save the date! Our December book club is planned for Monday, December 11. We'll be discussing The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell.

NCA Open House on November 16

Northside Catholic Academy is hosting an Open House on November 16th at the Primary Campus (grades Pre K - 4) located at 6216 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago, IL 60660.

It is a chance to experience our award-winning academy with a student ambassador as your tour guide. You will be able to learn about our holistic educational approach and experience the commitment of our faculty and the connections they make with our students.

See you there!

Living with Grief Workshop on November 18

How do you anticipate and want to move through winter and the holidays in a way that honors both your grieving and your loved one? Where presently do you find strength, understanding, and encouragement as you experience the many feelings your loved one’s absence has awakened within you?

Join others who are also grieving the death of their spouse/partner, in a safe, understanding, non-judgmental space to connect and share stories, explore ways of living with and without your loved one, and to honor your loved one.

An in-person grief workshop is being offered by parishioner Jim Mandardo, Board Certified Hospital Chaplain and Intern Counselor. The program is Saturday, November 18 from 9:00 am to noon at the Center for Grief Recovery and Therapeutic Services, 1261 W. Loyola Ave. The entrance is two doors east of the corner, one block west of the Loyola Red Line stop.

The cost is $10 and is limited to 20 participants. Coffee, bagels, and fruit will be provided. Masks are optional.

Please RSVP to Jim Manzardo at 773.274.4600 or j.manzardo@griefcounselor.org.

Order From St. Gertrude’s Annual Greenery Sale!

St. Gertrude will once again host our annual Christmas greenery sale, with a limited number of balsam pine trees, wreaths, and garland available for purchase. Our Christmas greenery sale is a great opportunity for parishioners to get ready for the holidays while supporting St. Gertrude ministries. 

Each 6’ Christmas tree is $55. Three different sized wreaths are available—the 18” wreath is $25, the 24” is $272, and the 36” is $35. Garland is also available for $40 per 5’ length. 

Order Online

Buyers can purchase greenery online at https://bit.ly/StGertsChristmasGreenery or by scanning the QR code.

Order via Paper Form

A paper order form is available for download at https://stgertrudechicago.org/christmas-greenery or in the print bulletin.

Forms and checks or cash can be dropped off at the Rectory office, 1420 W. Granville Ave or placed in the mail slot in the side (west) red door next to the Rectory side yard if the Rectory office is closed. Orders can also be sent to NCA to the attention of Eduardo Soto.

Checks should be made out to St. Gertrude. Please note "Greenery" in the memo line. 

Deliveries

Deliveries will be offered for a $6 fee. They will take place on Saturday, December 2 and Saturday, December 9 from 9:00 am-11:00 am, and Thursday, December 7 and Thursday, December 14 from 6:00-8:00 pm. The greenery team will do their best to accommodate your preferred delivery date and will reach out to notify you when to expect your order. 

Please note, the boundaries for deliveries are north to Oakton, south to Irving Park, and east of the North Shore Channel.

In-Person Sales

Greenery will also be sold at the playlot on the west side of the Social Hall, 1401 W. Granville Avenue on Sunday, November 26, Sunday, December 3, Sunday, December 10, and Sunday, December 17 from 11:30 am-1:00 pm. Only cash and checks will be accepted for in-person purchases.

Questions? Contact St. Gertrude Business Manager Eduardo Soto at esoto@stgertrudechicago.org or call the Rectory at 773.764.3621.

Volunteers Needed for Christmas Greenery Deliveries

One benefit parishioners enjoy about the greenery sale is the delivery service. This service will continue, but in order to be successful, we need volunteers. Help is needed on Saturday, December 2, Thursday, December 7, Saturday, December 7, and Thursday, December 14 from 9:00-11:00 am on weekends and 6:00-8:00 pm on weeknights.

If you are available to volunteer your time, email Eduardo Soto at esoto@stgertrudechicago.org. 

Growing in Faith

I am struck today with images from Psalm 131, and from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians: a weaned child on its mother’s lap, and a nursing mother caring for her child. These images of peaceful contentment are the love letters of God’s motherhood, reminding us of God’s tender care of children. People who have nursed babies know the extent of commitment that breastfeeding takes, likewise the bittersweet relief when that phase of motherhood ends.

Recent shortages of infant formulas scared and stressed the families relying on it. In ancient times, it must have been common enough to see women nursing babies for writers to include them in the scriptures we still read.

As a mother and grandmother, I know from experience and observation of what I speak, but also, I am aware of !that in the Gospels, Jesus warns of the woes that will befall pregnant people, mothers and their infants in the calamities yet to come.

In modern times, the rights of the unborn may be at odds with the rights of the women who carry them. In endless wars, in climate destruction, and in refugee crises, the global poor face undernourishment, and starvation in unprecedented numbers. News stories and photos in the past weeks have graphically depicted scenes of yet another gruesome genocide with no consideration for the sanctity of life.

How can each of us bring the contentment, stillness, and tender care of our loving God to this suffering world? Jesus tells us: in humble service, for the good of others.

~ Nancy Bujnowski

Prayer for Peace in the Holy Land



God of mercy and compassion, of grace and reconciliation, pour your power upon all your children in the Middle East: Jews, Muslims and Christians, Palestinians, and Israelis.

Let hatred be turned into love, fear to trust, despair to hope, oppression to freedom, occupation to liberation,

that violent encounters may be replaced by loving embraces, and peace and justice could be experienced by all.

- Reverend Said

New Parishioners

• The David family
• The Liesen family

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, November 4 at 5:00 pm - Joseph McMahon, Jennifer Kiedaisch
• Sunday, November 5 at 8:00 am - Jay Cook, Kathryn Stimac
• Sunday, November 5 at 10:30 am - Stephen Modde, Martha Mulligan

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, November 4 at 5:00 pm - Mary Cook
• Sunday, November 5 at 8:00 am - Marty McDermott
• Sunday, November 5 at 10:30 am - Troy McMillan, Sarah Millar, Rafael Melendez

Cantors and Musicians

• Saturday, November 4 at 5:00 pm - Kathryn Flynn
• Sunday, November 5 at 8:00 am - Denise Goodman
• Sunday, November 5 at 10:30 am - Matt Heimer

Altar Servers

• Sunday, November 5 at 10:30 am - Carter Dant, cross bearer; Henry Villareal, Mathios Paulus, Acolytes

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Monday, November 6: 7:30 am - Bernice Kiedysz+
• Tuesday, November 7: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Society
• Wednesday, November 8: 7:30 am - Maggie Callaway
• Thursday, November 9: 7:30 am - Communion service
• Friday, November 10: 7:30 am - Living and deceased parents of St. Gertrude parishioners
• Saturday, November 11: 7:30 am - People of God; 5:00 pm - Hal Mann+
• Sunday, November 12: 8:00 am - Living and deceased members of St. Gertrude parish; 10:30 am in church - Delores Marie Winslow+; 10:30 am Gym Mass - Quinn Michael Bringas +

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.