St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville, Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Click here for a print version of the bulletin

Bulletin for Sunday, October 9, 2022

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Special Masses Next Weekend: On Saturday, October 15 at 10:00 am, there will be a Mass of Hope and Healing for survivors of clergy sexual abuse. On Sunday, October 16, the Feast Day of El Señor de Los Milagros (Our Lord of the Miracles) will be celebrated at 12:00 pm. 

Reconciliation: 4:15-4:45 pm on Saturday or by appointment.

The Rectory office is open  Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am-2:00 pm.

From Fr. Rich

Annual Report

As you may remember, every year each pastor in the Catholic Church is required to make an annual report to his parishioners about the stewardship of the parish finances. This weekend, I am presenting our Annual Report for the Fiscal Year of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.

Most of all, thank you! We were still going through the effects of Covid throughout most of that year. Attendance in church had slipped, but many were using the opportunity of our live-streamed Masses at 10:30 am on Sunday. (Which we will continue indefinitely, as long as parishioners are using the service.)


Throughout the pandemic, most parishioners continued their weekly contributions, making it possible to pay our bills. Thank you!


The Annual Report has three columns to give everyone a means of comparison. The first column is the previous (2020-2021) year’s report of Actual dollars, which was also during the pandemic. The middle column is the most recent year’s (2021-2022) Actual dollars. And the third column is the Budget numbers for the year we are currently in.


Mostly we are okay. That is because of some budget tightening I have already reported on in previous bulletins: when Kevin Chears retired, we did not fill her position; when Jane Callahan-More retired, we filled her position with a half-time person; and some cutbacks in other areas.


What is most striking about this year’s report can be found on lines 14 (Utilities), 16 (Archdiocesan Assessments), and 17 (Insurance). These three categories on the report show a substantial increase in the previously completed Fiscal Year (2021). The increase in these numbers is because the campus of the now-closed St. Ignatius Parish is now in our parish boundaries and we are responsible for its upkeep, etc. Until some or all of the St. Ignatius property is sold, the expenses are in our budget.


So, for right now, we are in a deficit position because of those extra expenses. However, as soon as any part of the campus is sold, the proceeds first go to pay off any bills that have accumulated since the closing. So, we would be paid back in that first step. Then, after the bills have been paid, the remainder of the proceeds will be divided between St. Jerome and St. Gertrude. (As I have mentioned earlier, as far as I know, there is a potential buyer for the school portion of the campus, but so far, no serious inquiries for the church part of the campus.)


Aside from that temporary unique situation, everything else is pretty normal. But we now have to consider raising funds so additional cuts will not be necessary. That will likely lead us to an Offertory Increase program. This is not a surprise, and it is something we have considered for the past few years. It just didn’t seem prudent in the midst of the pandemic to be launching a financial campaign. But it can’t be put off much longer.


Part of what the report isn’t able to relay is the generosity of so many parishioners to those “on the peripheries.” Your contributions to the Refugee Ministry, to the many special collections which benefit those in need in the broader church and world, the Giving Tree and many other worthy activities is most appreciated.

Click for a PDF of the Annual Report

St. Gertrude Annual Report 2021-2022

pervian parade with shrine

New Shrine/El Señor de Los Milagros (Our Lord of the Miracles) Feast Day Mass on Sunday, October 16 at 12:00 pm 

There is a new shrine which is temporarily being housed in the back of church. A little back story. When we were preparing for the closing of St. Ignatius Parish, one of the chief concerns was what would happen to the three shrines in the church. Each of the shrines was from a specific country: Our Lady of the Clouds from Ecuador & Peru, Our Lord of the Miracle from Peru, and Our Lady of Guadalupe from Mexico. El Señor de Los Milagros (Our Lord of the Miracles) now has a new home here at St. Gertrude.  


Temporarily the image is in the back of church. But before the end of the year, its permanent home will be on the south wall just outside the shrine of the Little Flower (St. Therese of Lisieux).  


The Feast Day is celebrated in October over a number of days and weeks. This year, there will be a special Feast Day Mass on Sunday, October 16th at 12:00 pm with Bishop Bartosic and members of the Peruvian Community in Chicagoland.


Part of the tradition in this, and many other devotional shrines, is to place some kind of emblem on or near the shrine if your particular prayers have been answered. These are often in the shape of a heart, or, if there was a healing of some part of the body, it might be a small, metallic emblem of an arm, a leg, or whatever was healed. Those emblems are called “milagros” (miracles).


Time this year does not allow for the usual procession as part of the Feast Day celebration. But once the shrine is installed on the south wall and various concerns about the stand (“anda”) have been resolved, in future years the Feast Day celebration will include the procession with the image.


We want to extend a special welcome to all those who will be visiting St. Gertrude as part of their regular devotion for El Señor de Los Milagros.

older woman standing amid wreckage of home post-hurricane

Hurricane Relief

Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), the official domestic relief agency of the U.S. Catholic Church, launched a dedicated disaster donation page with 100 percent of the monies raised going to support people impacted by Hurricane Ian and served by their local Catholic Charities agencies.


“While the scale of Hurricane Ian’s impact on our neighbors in Florida and the southeast U.S. will continue to be realized over the next few hours and days, CCUSA is committed to the region for as long as it takes to recover,” said Sister Donna Markham, President and CEO of CCUSA. “Catholic Charities staff and volunteers are standing by and ready to respond to the most pressing humanitarian needs as they evolve.”


Donations will provide much-needed support — including shelter, food, and other humanitarian needs — to those impacted by the disaster. Catholic Charities USA will direct 100 percent of the funds raised through this effort to its agencies that are working with residents impacted by Hurricane Ida.


There will be a special collection in church for hurricane relief within a few weeks. If you wish to donate immediately, you can go online to the CCUSA website: https://lp.catholiccharities.us/Hurr_Ian.


Or you can drop your contribution in the regular Sunday collection in an envelope marked “Hurricane Relief” and we will bundle donations together and forward them to CCUSA.


If you want to send a check directly to Catholic Charities, you can mail it to the local office at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, P.O. Box 7154, Carol Stream, IL 60197-7154.


As you have already seen, the extent of the damage in Florida, the Carolinas and other parts of the southeast is extensive and severe. Please consider helping out our sisters and brothers in need.

From Fr. Mike: Upcoming Parish Listening Sessions & Survey


We are all very aware that we are in transition here at St. Gertrude’s. The Parish Council and the Pastoral Staff are looking at ways we can move forward as a parish and continue to grow and meet the challenges before us. 


Of course, we cannot do this alone. To start with, we need to hear from you in ways that can help us move forward and grow as a parish community. The Parish Council will be putting out a parish survey, and I would like to offer some time each week for the rest of this month as listening sessions. These times will vary so that we can accommodate most of you. They can be individually or small group. This coming week’s times are Tuesday, October 11, following the 7:30 am Mass until 10:00 am and Wednesday, October 12 from 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm. You do not need to make an appointment, just come to the Parish office. 


Please remember the focus of these listening sessions is not about the past, but how we move forward into the future and grow. How do we overcome some of the obstacles that we face as a faith community, poverty, racism, and apathy. Hope to see you.

Survey Link & Listening Sessions with the PPC


The Pastoral Parish Council (PPC) invites you to fill out a survey, linked below, by scanning the QR code in the image, or filling out a paper survey in church.


Members of the Parish Pastoral Council will be available at the following Mass times to listen to parishioners:

  • Sunday, October 9 - 8:00 am 
  • Sunday, October 16 - 10:30 am Gym Mass
  • Sunday, October 23 - 10:30 am 
  • Saturday, October 29 - 5:00 pm


*Please note, Fr. Mike has also provided two listening sessions for parishioners this week in the above column.


Survey Link

Pat Reardon

Growing in Faith 


When it was over, Naaman wanted to take home two mule-loads of sacred soil. That seems like an odd thing, but maybe not, given what he went through.


After all, Elisha had cured the Syrian general of leprosy. He’d sent the commander to dip himself seven times in the Jordan, and, after the seventh time, his flesh was “again like the flesh of a little child.” A man of the world, Naaman wanted to do the right thing and give Elisha a big gift, but the prophet refused. So, the general asked for those two mule-loads of soil. 


Faith is a funny thing. Naaman, it seems, wanted to sort of bottle up the grace that he had received through the Lord’s power and take it with him. Bringing the soil home was a way to bring this mighty Hebrew God along with him.


It’s hard to believe that faith works without some magical something, like a lot of dirt, however holy it may be. But, in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus says to the leper he has cured, “Your faith has saved you.”  


It’s not the faith will cure every illness. But believing in God and in a deeper meaning to life and believing in the need to live a life that is fully alive to goodness — this is faith that transforms a life, a faith that gives hope and leads to love. It is faith that makes me or make you as beautiful as a little child.


Not faith in soil or any thing, but faith in the soul. And in action.


~ Patrick T. Reardon 

Upcoming Events

Listed in Chronological Order

Religious Ed News: Upcoming Day Off


There will be no Religious Ed classes held on Sunday, October 9.


Click here for the 2022-2023 Religious Ed calendar.

fall foliage
graphic of dove outlined in flame

Youth Group Outing to Holy Fire Chicago on Saturday, October 15


All students in grade 7 and above are invited to attend the next youth group gathering! The group will attend Holy Fire Chicago on Saturday, October 15 at Credit Union 1 Arena (formerly known as UIC Pavilion).


Holy Fire is a powerful moment of encounter, worship and fun for young people. It offers students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation an engaging and significant experience of the broader Church to which they and their parish or school belong. Event information can be found here: https://pvm.archchicago.org/events/holy-fire-chicago.


Please contact Eloy Escamilla to RSVP, as well as for details about purchasing tickets, the time and location of where to meet and when the outing will end.  

Mass of Hope and Healing for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse - Saturday, October 15 at 10:00 am


A Mass of HOPE and Healing will be celebrated on Saturday, October 15 at 10:00 am, here at St. Gertrude. This Mass is open to all and especially to all survivors of clergy abuse and their families.


We will gather to ask the Lord for the gift of healing and peace for all who have suffered abuse. 


The Mass will be livestreamed on our parish Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stgertrudechicago.

Click here for the full page Mass of Hope & Healing  flyer 
couple getting married exchanging rings

PreCana Class at St. Gertrude on Saturday, October 15


Are you an engaged couple planning on getting married at St. Gertrude? Couples that have established a connection with Fr. Rich (or another priest) are invited to attend St. Gertrude’s PreCana course on Saturday, October 15.


This full day, in-person gathering 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 October 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. 


Additional PreCana classes at St. Gertrude will be offered on January 21, 2023, April 15, 2023, and September 9, 2023.

Presentation of First Communion Candidates - Next Sunday, October 16


Next Sunday, October 16th, at the 10:30 Mass, the girls and boys preparing for their First Holy Communion next May will be in church for the Presentation of the Candidates for First Communion. 


Please keep these young people in your prayers as they continue in these important days of preparation.


Presentation of Confirmation Candidates - Sunday, October 23

The Presentation of the Confirmation Candidates will be on Sunday, October 23 at the 10:30 am Mass in church. Those students to be Confirmed on March 5, 2023 must be present along with their families.

graphic of heart with words in it
graphic of heart

Heart to Heart Educational Program Planned for Sunday, October 16 


Maureen Burns, a community health worker from the HAP Foundation, will be presenting “Support and Care when Living with a Serious Illness” after the 10:30 am Mass in the Ministry Center Chapel on Sunday, October 16. 


Attendees will learn about palliative care and hospice care, and how these services can help those experiencing a serious illness. She will explain palliative care and hospice care, what they have in common, as well as how they are different. Participants will be introduced to the benefits of care, eligibility, insurance coverage, and how to access care.

Volunteer Drivers Needed for Heart to Heart


Volunteers are the backbone of Heart to Heart. We are in special need for drivers to take seniors and disabled individuals to Mass. With the winter coming on, this need will increase. 


Contact Pat Sullivan at psullivan@stgertrudechicago.org or call 773.973.5464.

Upcoming Peace & Justice Ministry Meeting - Monday, October 17


The Peace and Justice Ministry will have a planning meeting on Monday, October 17 at 2:30 pm in the Ministry Center.


Email Fr. Mike at mgabriel@stgertrudechicago.org with questions. 

bonded hands with a heart

Online Retreat for LGBTQ+ Catholics to Help Heal and Reconcile - First Gathering is Wednesday, October 19

Calling all persons of Catholic faith who identify as LGBTQ+! This retreat serves to examine what it means to be both Catholic and LGBTQ+ in an increasingly diverse socioreligious context. Steeped in biblical tradition, the retreat offers safe and sacred space for authentic sharing and personal vulnerability, a judgment-free zone! If your experience has been that the Church does not welcome persons of LGBTQ+ identity, then this retreat is for you. Please join us for what is sure to be a life-affirming experience of God’s unconditional love! 

In this five-week series, we will:

  • Encounter our true humanity through Jesus’ true divinity, and vice versa.
  • Examine specific texts from Sacred Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, that help us understand God’s salvific act in the Incarnation of His Son.
  • Cultivate and nurture personal relationship with Jesus by engaging in rich, meaningful discussion.
  • Develop an informed conscience and realize our authentic identity through Sacred Scripture and Catholic Church teaching


The retreat will be held over Zoom on five Wednesdays, October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9, and November 16. There are two time slots each session - in the morning from 10:00 am-12:00 pm, and in the evening from 6:30-8:30 pm.


There is a $75 fee for all five sessions, scholarships are available. Visit 

https://www.aglochicago.org/retreat for more information and to register. 

Crowd of young singers

The Yale Whiffenpoofs to Perform on Thursday, October 20


Join the Yale Whiffenpoofs for an evening of music featuring Chicago's own Dania Baig on Thursday, October 20 at St. Gertrude's church. The event begins at 8:00 pm with doors opening at 7:30 pm.


Tickets are $45 for priority seating, $15 for general admission, and $5 for children and students.


Masks are not required but are encouraged. Vaccinations are strongly encouraged.


The Whiffenpoofs are the country's oldest collegiate a cappella group. Founded over a hundred years ago, the Whiffenpoofs have been singing around the country (and the world!) delighting audiences with a wide variety of a cappella music.


Click here to purchase tickets

More News from the Pastoral Parish Council (PPC): International Dinner in November, Next Meeting is Thursday, October 20


The PPC is looking for someone to help organize an International Dinner on Friday, November 11. If available, please reach out to Jen Reyes at 

stgertrudeparishcouncil@gmail.com


The next PPC meeting is Thursday, October 20. Meetings are held in the Ministry Center from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm and are open to parishioners.  

Parish News

It's Not Too Late to Sign Up for Religious Education Classes!


It is not too late to enroll your children for Religious Education. And please remember, any child preparing for reception of a sacrament (First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation) must be in Religious Education for two years prior to receiving any sacrament.



Click here for Religious Ed forms

colored pencils lined

Kid's Word Offered at 10:30 am Mass in Church


Kid’s Word has resumed during the 10:30 am Mass in church. This program offers children aged 4-7 years-old an age-appropriate Gospel message and do fun, scripture-based activities such as coloring or crafts in the Rectory.


Children are invited by the celebrant to come to the altar before the readings and are returned to church before the petitions.

domestic violence stats

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Available  Resources


For many, home is a place of love, warmth, and comfort. It’s somewhere that you know you will be surrounded by care and support, and a nice little break from the busyness of the real world. But for millions of others, home is anything but a sanctuary. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are victims of physical violence by a partner every year. And during the pandemic, domestic abuse incidents have skyrocketed.

 

Archdiocese of Chicago's Domestic Violence Outreach

The Archdiocese of Chicago's Domestic Violence Outreach has a list of resources, including hotlines and service agencies. It can be found here.

 

St. Gertrude's Domestic Violence Resource Page

The St. Gertrude website has a Domestic Violence information page and a click-away button in the event someone is monitoring computer use. It lists specific information on abusive relationships, including:

  • Where to Start
  • Organizations that Provide Housing
  • Legal Help
  • Spanish-Speaking Assistance
  • Asian, Arabic, & Korean Assistance
  • LGBTQ Help
  • Help for Teens & Young Adults
  • Help Securing the Safety of Pets
  • What Does Abuse Look Like?
  • How to Help a Friend or Family Member
  • Emotional Abuse
  • Why Do People Stay in Abusive Relationships?

RCIA: A Journey of Faith - Classes Open to All/No Class on October 9

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process by which adults learn more about the Catholic Church. Interested participants are still welcome to sign up! Please note there is no gathering on Sunday, October 9. 


If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the RCIA process at St. Gertrude, contact me at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or call the Rectory at 773.764.3621. The RCIA meeting schedule is available at https://bit.ly/RCIACalendarUpdated.


~ Eloy Escamilla, Pastoral Associate

Rest in Peace


Please note, in addition to a notice in the weekly bulletin, we will now share news of the death of a parishioner or their loved on the homepage of the parish website, stgertrudechicago.org and in our emailed daily reflections. 

candle glowing in darkness

Baptisms


  • Aiden Patrick Meluso, son of Edgar and Siobhan Meluso

Priests' Health & Retirement


Priests have dedicated their lives to the ministry of God’s children, serving our needs as Catholics without asking for anything in return. Now, it is our turn to show our love and care for their ever-faithful support. Please consider including a legacy gift for Priests’ Health and Retirement to support the healthcare needs of our active priests, as well as the medical and housing needs of our retired priests.


For more information, please call Priests’ Health and Retirement at 708.449.8026. If you would like to make a gift today, please visit prmaa.org.

Schedule for Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, & Cantors 

Ministers of the Word

  • Saturday, October 8 at 5:00 pm - Millie Slane, Patrick Reardon
  • Sunday, October 9 at 8:00 am - Marty McDermott, Hallie Burhoe
  • Sunday, October 9 at 10:30 am - Troy McMillian, Stephan Modde

Eucharistic Ministers

  • Saturday, October 8 at 5:00 pm - Kathleen Dawson
  • Sunday, October 9 at 8:00 am - Sr. Kathryn
  • Sunday, October 9 at 10:30 am - Rafael Melendez, Steve Monti, Victoria Healy

Cantors 

  • Saturday, October 8 at 5:00 pm - Amir Ghazaleh
  • Sunday, October 9 at 8:00 am - Paula Dempsey
  • Sunday, October 9 at 10:30 am -Cindy Lawson

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.

Donate via GiveCentral
Donate via PayPal

Upcoming Mass Intentions

  • Monday, October 10: 7:30 am - Living and deceased Torreano family members
  • Tuesday, October 11: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Society
  • Wednesday, October 12: 7:30 am - Living and deceased parents of St. Gertrude parishioners
  • Thursday, October 13: 7:30 am - Communion Service
  • Friday, October 14: 7:30 am - Pat & Ralph Veccie + 
  • Saturday, October 15: 7:30 am - Living and deceased Torreano family members; 10:00 am Mass of Hope and Healing for Survivors of Sexual Abuse; 5:00 pm - Theresa Cenart +
  • Sunday, October 16: 8:00 am - Parishioners of St. Gertrude +; 10:30 am - Roy Lipscomb +; 10:30 am Gym Mass -Hurricane victims; 12:00 pm - El Señor de Los Milagros (Our Lord of the Miracles) Feast Day Mass

 

(+ indicates the person is deceased) 

Daily Scripture Readings

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, October 10: Gal 4:22-24, 26-27, 31—5:1/Lk 11:29-32 (

Tuesday, October 11: Gal 5:1-6/Lk 11:37-41

Wednesday, October 12: Gal 5:18-25/Lk 11:42-46

Thursday, October 13: Eph 1:1-10/Lk 11:47-54

Friday, October 14: Eph 1:11-14/Lk 12:1-7 

Saturday, October 15: Eph 1:15-23/Lk 12:8-12

Sunday, October 16: Ex 17:8-13/2 Tm 3:14—4:2/Lk 18:1-8

Please Pray for our Parishioners and Friends

  • Pamela Sherrod Anderson
  • Ryan Bach
  • Zara Bradley
  • Sharon Brown 
  • Lilly Buie
  • Maggie Callaway
  • Aida Calvopina 
  • KC Conway
  • Connie Cool
  • Caloy Desembrana
  • Ann Collins Dole
  • Christine Frisoni
  • Shirley Marie Gonzales
  • Jeanne Hasbrook
  • Gina Heidkamp
  • Maria Hertl
  • Daniel Hidalgo
  • Bernice Kiedysz
  • Marilyn Klein
  • Steve Laslo
  • Sheila McGuire
  • Dean Mattoni
  • Larry McCauley
  • Molly Morris
  • Karey Myers 
  • Richard Seitz 
  • Peggy Stoffel
  • The Sullivan family 
  • Elinora E. Tolentino
  • Manuel & Norma Viray
  • Leon Ward
  • Ken & Vyes Yoza
Facebook