St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville,

Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, August 18 and Sunday, August 25, 2024

20th & 21st Sundays in Ordinary Time

From Fr. Mike Gabriel

Do you remember on April 14, 2024, we had a workshop after mass by NETWORK, (Nuns on the Bus)?

They reminded us of the Catholic Social Justice Principles. I bring this up because this coming week, Chicago will host the Democratic National Convention.

Recently, there was the Republican Convention, and in

November, we will have Presidential Election. It might be helpful to offer you some points to prayerfully consider.

Forming our consciences, shaped by the Gospel of Jesus and our tradition that lifts up our Catholic Social Teachings, provides us with a framework that goes beyond hate speech, sound bites, and singular issues that can so often be the source of focus and attention and a pressure point in voting.

Pope Francis said, "Let us not be deceived by easy solutions. Let us instead be passionate about the common good. Why are we not scandalized in the face of rampant evil, life being humiliated, labor issues, the sufferings of migrants? Why do we remain apathetic and indifferent to the injustices of the world?" Pope Francis reminds us that we cannot be single issue voters; rather we need to look to all of the issues in light of the Gospel.

As the upcoming November election begins to gain momentum and we reflect upon candidates and issues both locally and nationally, I offer you a list of 10 things born out of our Catholic Social Teaching to prayerfully consider as you prepare to cast your vote:

1. Human Dignity: Does the candidate or policy respect and promote the inherent dignity of every human person, from conception to natural death? Can we take into account the multi-faceted issues that span the whole spectrum of life?

2. Common Good: Does the candidate or policy contribute to the common good, fostering conditions that allow all individuals and communities to thrive?

3. Solidarity: Does the candidate or policy show commitment to standing with and supporting the marginalized, the poor, and oppressed?

4. Subsidiarity: Does the candidate or policy respect the roles and responsibilities of families of every shape, size, color, way of life, communities, and smaller institutions, ensuring decisions are made at the most local level possible?

5. Care for Creation: Does the candidate or policy promote stewardship of the environment and address issues related to climate change and sustainability in a serious way so it can provide for future generations?

6. Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable: Does the candidate or policy prioritize the needs and rights of the poor, the marginalized and vulnerable in society?

7. Rights and Responsibilities: Does the candidate or policy uphold the fundamental rights of all individuals, including the right to life, work, education, and healthcare, while also emphasizing personal and communal responsibilities?

8. Economic Justice: Does the candidate or policy advocate for fair wages, the rights of workers, and economic policies that reduce inequality and poverty?

9. Peace and Reconciliation: Does the candidate or policy promote peace, conflict resolution, and efforts towards reconciliation and justice in society, without attack, name calling or threat of retaliation?

10. Family and Community: Does the candidate or policy support the institution of the family no matter how it might be conformed, shaped or configured and the well-being of communities?

Reflecting on these principles can help guide our decision-making in alignment with what we believe as Church. While no candidate or issue for that matter will embrace all 10 principles of Catholic Social Teaching, we want to focus our attention on the bigger picture of how a candidate or issue help will all of God’s people.

Join me in reflecting and prayerfully considering all the issues. Know of my prayers for you as you take on this great challenge in voting your conscience and living out this privileged moment in citizenship.

Sincerely yours,

~ Fr. Mike

P.S. It is time for all of us to start getting serious about the new school year. The first day of Northside Catholic Academy is August 26th, Chicago Public Schools begin that day as well Religious Education begins on September 8th. I am sure preparations are well underway in most households, and I assure you things around are moving along here as well.

The staff, teachers, and catechists are preparing for a new and exciting year that will continue to shape the lives of our young in many ways, especially faith. My prayer is that this new year will bring about a renewed sense of unity, cooperation and commitment to share and live the Gospel of the Lord.

Save the Date! Upcoming Parish Special Events This Fall

Meet and Greet our New Music Director on Thursday, September 12

We will have a wine and cheese celebration to welcome our new Music Director (whose name will be announced soon!) on September 12 at 6:30 pm. It will take place between the Ministry Center and the Church building. Our new colleague will also play for us!

"Jesus and Women in the Gospel" Discussion on Thursday, September 19

Sister Wendy Cotter will offer a evening of reflection on September 19 from 7:00-9:00 pm. This evening will give parishioners a chance to listen, pray, and reflect. More details will be shared in next bulletin.

Book Discussion with Author and Parishioner Michelle Nickerson on Wednesday, September 25  

Recently, longtime parishioner, co-chair of the parish council, Loyola professor, Fulbright Scholar, and historian Michelle Nickerson released a book titled, Spiritual Criminals: How the Camden 28 Put the Vietnam War on Trial, published by the University of Chicago.

The book relates the harrowing real-life story of Catholics who burglarized draft boards to oppose the Vietnam War. Guided by the church’s social teachings, they broke the law to revive non-violence as an activist strategy for advancing peace at the end of the 1960s. In the process, these activists exposed illegal activity by the FBI, forcing a new era of Congressional and judicial oversight of government surveillance in the United States.

On September 25, we'll host a discussion with Michelle from 7:00-9:00 pm. We hope to have books on sale in the back of the Church in the near future. 

~ Fr. Mike

Heart to Heart Closed the Week of August 19

Heart to Heart will be closed on Tuesday, August 20 and Thursday, August 22. The office will reopen on Tuesday, August 27.

You may leave messages for Laurie Hasbrook and Sr. Susan Quaintance by voicemail and email; they will be returned during the week of August 27.

Friday Morning Men’s Prayer and Scripture Discussion Group

The Friday Morning Men's Prayer and Scripture discussion group will continue their in-person gatherings on all the remaining Fridays in August.

Those will be at the St. Gertrude Ministry Center, 6214 N. Glenwood. We meet for social conversation at 7:45 am and begin prayer at 8:00 am. 

We read and share our insights into the Scripture readings for the coming Sunday. We want to better live the Gospel in our daily lives and we share what the readings mean to us, from our personal perspectives rather than a scholarly point of view. We finish with an “Our Father” at about 9:00 am. Some opt to linger longer as their schedule permits.

An option to meet via Zoom is also available. Here is the Zoom information for our weekly gathering:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82324487220?pwd=otM815Mj0GGCKgLdIAm3wcXEdcSHEF.1

Meeting ID: 823 2448 7220; Passcode: pray

There are currently about 6-8 guys participating in a typical Friday morning gathering.  We hope several who are reading this will also find this to be appealing and give the group a try.  If you are interested and plan to come, it would be helpful – but not required – if you let Allen Stryczek know you are coming by sending him an email to astryczek@sbcglobal.net.  

Guadalupanos Rosary Group (Grupo del Rosario de Guadalupanos) on Friday Evenings

All are welcome to attend the weekly Rosary group held on Friday evenings at 7:00 pm.

The bilingual gathering is held in the dining room of the Ministry Center, located at 6214 N. Glenwood Avenue.

Two Upcoming Collections for Care for Real

We have two upcoming collections for Care for Real planned.

Our monthly Food & Supply Drive for Care for Real is August 24 and August 25. Please place nonperishable items in the bins at the back of church before and after mass times.

Special needs this month include diapers in sizes 2-6.

Our monthly collection for asylum seekers is September 7 & September 8. Please place nonperishable items in the bins at the back of church. Items will be donated to Care for Real who is working hard to help these newly-arrived neighbors.

Requests this month from Care for Real for asylum seekers include sanitary napkins (NO

tampons) and diapers size 3T, 4T, and 5T.

Our collection drive for Care for Real is always the fourth calendar weekend every month, and our asylum seekers’ collection is the first weekend of each month.

Visit www.careforreal.org/wishlist to shop Care for Real's Amazon or Target wish lists to shop-to-donate today. Donations can also be dropped off between 12:00-3:00 pm every Monday-Saturday at the back entrance of 5339 N. Sheridan. 

Register for the 2024-2025 Religious Ed School Year!

Registration for the 2024-2025 Religious Ed school year is open through the end of August!

Classes begin on Sunday, September 8 and will be held from 9:15-10:15 am on the St. Gertrude Campus.

The goal of the Religious Education program at Saint Gertrude is to teach children to listen for and respond to God's invitation to love. 

In class, students and teachers work to: 

• Understand that everyone is loved and treasured by God.
• Live the lessons of Jesus Christ - loving God with your whole heart and loving your neighbors as yourself.
• Build a deeper personal relationship with God through prayer and reflection.
• Learn to pray as an individual and as part of a community. 
• Discover ways to love and serve others in our day-to-day lives. 
• Appreciate what it means to be part of a welcoming, loving community that cares for and respects people from all walks of life.
• Deepen their knowledge of the Catholic tradition.

The fees for the 2024-2025 school year are $210 for one child and an additional $30 for each student from the same family. Payments will be accepted here.

Registration forms, the Religious Ed handbook, and service options for students preparing for confirmation, can be found at stgertrudechicago.org/religious-education-forms.

An additional sacramental fee of $65 is required for children making their First Communion and First Reconciliation, or their Confirmation. 

Questions should be emailed to Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org. 

Catechists Needed to Teach Religious Education This School Year

We are looking for catechists to teach in our parish’s Religious Ed program! Catechists don't have to be professional teachers. Most are parents and parishioners who enjoy kids and are willing to help them grow in a personal relationship with God, participate in the sacraments, and develop a mature conscience, and integrate faith in all areas of their lives.

Please consider offering your time and talents to help our young people learn about and grow in their faith. If you have any questions, please reach out to Eloy Escamilla, Pastoral Associate, Religious Education and Youth Ministry, at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or call 773.764.3621. 

Ouroboros Opera Presents: The Order of the Virtues: Friday, August 30 & Saturday, August 31 at 7pm St. Scholastica Chapel

In 1152, Hildegard von Bingen finished her Ordo Virtutum (The Order of the Virtues.) In 1971, Pauline Oliveros published her first book of Sonic Meditations. This performance brings together two women, 800 years apart, who lived their lives fully in sound.

Our world can make us feel exhausted, burnt out, and lonely, but it is also full of beauty and hope. These are women that knew that to find beauty sometimes all you needed to do was listen with care.

Here we will tell the story of a saint: a saint who survived her own church and built a better one.

Here is the story of ourselves: how we survive and how we grow with the help and guidance of our virtues.

Reserve your ticket at https://www.ouroborosopera.com/productions.

PreCana Class Offered at St. Gertrude Parish on Saturday, September 7

PreCana 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 7 is dedicated to considering your life together as a married couple. Led by a facilitator couple from St. Gertrude, each 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 either session by calling the Rectory office at 773.764.3621or by filling out an online PreCana registration form at https://stgertrudechicago.org/marriage. If a sufficient number of couples do not sign up, the session will be canceled, and they will be provided with information about how to sign up for session elsewhere.

The cost of PreCana is covered by the church fee couples planning a wedding at St. Gertrude are charged. 

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 eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or call the Rectory at 773.764.3621. 

Celebrating 50 Years of St. Francis House

Since 1974, St. Francis House, located in the Uptown neighborhood at 4652 N Kenmore Ave., has been a home of hospitality in the tradition of the Catholic Worker movement.

To mark their 50th Anniversary, they are hosting a Catholic Worker National Gathering and Celebration at St. Gertrude parish from October 4-6, 2024!

For more information, please visit francishousechicago.org or email sfh.chicagocw@gmail.com, or just come by for dinner any Monday at 6:00 pm.

Growing in Faith

In July, my husband Bob and I had the privilege of traveling to Rome. We attended a Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica, spoken in Italian. I didn’t understand the readings in Italian but praying together with people from many different countries and cultures from all around the world was remarkable.  

Everyone at Mass had different stories, experiences, and points of view; we probably would disagree on some issues. Yet, on this Thursday morning in Rome, we were a community gathered together to pray. We shared the hunger to be nourished and sustained by ritual and the Bread of Life. We knew what we needed.

Everyone carries a burden, some physical, some emotional, some more obvious than others.  At the Mass in Rome, I noticed a couple still kneeling after Mass, wiping tears from their eyes. I wondered what losses they were grieving. I noticed a father, with such tenderness, bringing his severely disabled son in a wheelchair for communion.  I wondered how a family finds strength to care when so much is demanded.

The gospel tells us that when we eat this “living bread,” we receive life in Christ. If Christ is with us, this means that we don’t need to carry our burdens alone.

Can we let go of our worries? For a little bit? For a while? We try, but then we forget and feel the weight of the burden again. That’s why I return to Mass again and again, to be nourished, to remember that I can give up my burden. Even if I attend a Mass said in Italian, I don’t need to understand anything else.

~ Carolyn Backis 

An Update From the Refugee and Immigrant Ministry: Welcome to a New Family!

Thanks to your extraordinary support, we are once again able to sponsor a newly arriving refugee family. We are working with Refugee One rather than Catholic Charities now, and I think you'll be impressed with all the support they provide.

This family of four is from Venezuela, and just recently arrived, flying into O'Hare via Ecuador. This is a young Catholic family, with one 8-year-old daughter and a 10-month-old son. The husband's father is already in Chicago, living on the South Side. 

A case manager from Refugee One welcomed them at the airport. Since they had arrived to the U.S. through another city and cleared customs there, it went quickly and they were able to go straight to their apartment, where there was a culturally-appropriate, hot meal waiting for them, along with a kitchen stocked with groceries. They were also given a cell phone with one year of service, CTA cards, pocket money, and directions to the nearest grocery stores. The parents were very tired from the travel, and after a brief apartment orientation, the staff left so they could rest. The husband's father was able to visit them later the same evening. What a blessing to be reunited!

The case worker visited them again the next day to check in and answer any questions they had. The father shared that he worked as a barber in Ecuador since 2018 and would like to pursue that career path here! Eventually they'd like to live closer to family, but of course that will take some time.

The family was scheduled to go to Refugee One for their intake appointment shortly after their arrival; this allowed them to learn more about the services being offered to them, and for Refugee One staff to start to get to know them. Afterwards, the case worker was set to orient them to the CTA and practice the route from RefugeeOne to their apartment. They’ve begun an 8-week Cultural Orientation series (childcare is provided). “CO” is an 8-week long program for adults that focuses on topics like rights as a US resident, cultural norms in the U.S., carrying personal identification, U.S. laws, money management, creating a budget, steps to getting a job, the importance of paying taxes, and so much more. They’ll also be assessed for English level afterward and will be enrolled into one of the in-house classes or referred elsewhere, depending on their assessment outcome.

The next few weeks will be busy with school enrollment for their daughter, English classes, CO, and employment support, all while adjusting to their new home. Refugee One said, "We’re so grateful to St. Gertrude’s support in ensuring the Garcias received a warm and comfortable welcome to Chicago."

As you can see, the agency has a spectacularly well-organized on-boarding process. It's been wonderful working with them, and I wanted you all to know the wonderful result of your generosity and kindness.

On behalf of the Refugee and Immigrant Ministry,

Denise Goodman

NCA Info: What’s Happening at 6216?

To the parish community of St Gertrude,

We are grateful for your hospitality, support, and guidance over the past thirty years of NCA. In light of this great history, we will be taking an important step this fall. For the first time ever, our entire school community will be at one campus! We are excited by this move and what it means for each of our stakeholders.

If you'd like to know more about the consolidation or how you can support us in this crucial moment, please reach out to our Director of Institutional Advancement, Patrick Lambert at 773.743.6277 or PLambert@ncaschools.com.

With great hope,

Terese Black, Principal

Two Marriage Programs Available

Are You Struggling in Your Marriage?

If your marriage has become troubled or stressed, unloving or uncaring, or if your relationship has grown cold or distant, if you are thinking of separation or divorce, or if you are already separated or divorced, but you want to try again, then the Retrouvaille program can help you.

For more upcoming dates, information, or to

register, call 1.800.470.2230, 224-534-9235 or go to helpourmarriage.org. 

Learn the Art of Living your Marriage Journey

As Pope Francis states, living together is an art and can be a beautiful journey. Marriage can be challenging with family, work, finances, kids, busy schedules and al that life offers. Losing focus on what is important in life is easy.

A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend experience focuses on what's important in your marriage and provides the tools to live a beautiful journey together. It's for any married couple that desires a richer, fuller life together.

For more info, visit www.wwme.org.

Parish Garden Update

Our parish garden is thriving! We are so happy to report our garden is blooming and our bounty is being shared with are for Real and St. Thomas of Canterbury's soup kitchen.

Baptisms

• Shirel Karina Mejia Hidalgo
• Francis Rocco Russo
• Adaora Charlize Ezemoka

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, August 17 at 5:00 pm - Tim Harrington
• Sunday, August 18 at 8:00 am - Kathryn Stimac
• Sunday, August 18 at 10:30 am - Bob Backis, Sarah Millar, Carlos Barragan
• Saturday, August 24 at 5:00 pm - Kathy Wall
• Sunday, August 25 at 8:00 am - Barb Daly
• Sunday, August 25 at 10:30 am - Tim Love, Patrick Robinson, Michelle Kuehlhorn

Upcoming Mass Intentions



• Monday, August 19: 7:30 am - Rodney Colin Manuel+ and Evanzuela Manuel+
• Tuesday, August 20: 7:30 am - Anniversary of Diane Barnhart & Richard Barnhart, Jr. +
• Wednesday, August 21: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Society
• Thursday, August 22: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Friday, August 23: 7:30 am - People of God
• Saturday, August 24: 7:30 am - John Reilly+; 3:00 pm - wedding; 5:00 pm -Victor Reyes+
• Sunday, August 25: 8:00 am - People of God; 10:30 am - Judy O'Toole+
• Monday, August 26: 7:30 am - Apolonia Sia
• Tuesday, August 27: 7:30 am - NCA students past and present
• Wednesday, August 28: 7:30 am - Mary Monaghan+
• Thursday, August 29: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Friday, August 30: 7:30 am - Louis W. Krueger+
• Saturday, August 31: 7:30 am - James H. Corcoran; 5:00 pm - The Kelly & Gillespie Family
• Sunday, September 1: 8:00 am - Juanita Gusmanos+; 10:30 am - Nancy Kelly Kohl+

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.