Bulletin for Sunday, July 16 & Sunday, July 23, 2023
The 15th & 16th Sundays in Ordinary Time
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From Fr. Mike
Summer is really going by quickly, and we are just starting to kick off many things.
First, as you can see in this week’s bulletin, we are welcoming three new staff members to the parish. We will have some official welcome in late summer.
This past week, the parish youth group is involved with their Mission Experience. As I write this, there are 25 participants. How wonderful!
On Wednesday, July 19th at 7:00 pm, we will host the first Firepit gathering of the summer. This month's discussion topic is gender identity and how as Catholics we should respond. See further down in this bulletin for two related articles that would be helpful to read before coming.
There is a Blood Drive on Sunday, July 23rd. Please call 877.258.4825 or visit vitalant.org and use group code: ORDOO591
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Help Needed to Plan our Parish’s New Event: Marathon Weekend - October 6-8!
We are organizing a very special fundraising event the weekend of the Chicago Marathon! Fr. Mike Bradley has committed to running his 50th marathon and we will celebrate this incredible achievement with a weekend full of fun activities.
We are still planning an event for Friday, October 6. But on Saturday, October 7, there will be a 3K walk and run with parishioners encouraged to participate, followed by a pep rally for Fr. Mike and all of the other marathon participants, and a special blessing at the 5:00 pm Mass. Additionally, we’ll sell special t-shirts to commemorate this weekend of fun.
All funds will go to Heart to Heart and other parish ministries.
We do have some amazing parishioners who have volunteered to help and I'm so grateful for them. But I am looking for extra hands to plan and also to assist with organizing sponsorships opportunities. Send me an email at [email protected] if you can pitch in!
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Events & Activities at St. Gertrude
listed in chronological order
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Fireside Chat Planned for Wednesday, July 19
The first fireside chat of the summer will be on Wednesday, July 19 from 7:00-8:30 pm between the church building and Ministry Center.
Gender identity have become a very public discussion. The Peace and Justice Ministry would like to have a conversation with sensitivity so that we can better understand this issue.
The speaker at this discussion is Stephani Clark, a transgender woman and well-known advocate for culturally-competent care training for all medical professionals throughout Illinois and a member of Howard Brown and Equality Illinois' advisory boards.
Attendees are asked to review the suggested readings and to be mindful of the rules of engagement. Both are outlined below.
Fireside Covenant
As we engage in conversation, please observe the following:
- Confidentiality - What's said here, stays here.
- No preaching - We speak from our personal experiences, we are not here to judge, we avoid saying "we should" or "you should".
- No cross talk - We listen in silence while others are speaking. We do not comment or ask questions about what others say.
- Respect time - Our gathering is 90 minutes. Please respect time so we can all share.
- All are asked to share - by coming to this gathering, you agree to participate in some way. Even if it's just your name, we ask you to share something.
Readings Linked Below (both from America: The Jesuit Review)
Bring your own lawn chair, a beverage of your choice, and snacks to share, if you choose.
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Care for Real Food & Supply Drive - July 22 and July 23
Our monthly Food & Supply Drive for Care for Real is July 22 and June 23. Please place nonperishable items in the bins at the back of church.
Special needs this month include diapers in sizes 5 and 6, incontinence briefs, and menstrual pads.
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Blood Drive Planned for Sunday, July 23
The next parish blood drive will be held on Sunday, July 23 from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. The Vitalant Bloodmobile will be located on Glenwood Avenue in front of the entrance to St. Gertrude Church.
Blood donors are greatly needed in our area to help local patients. Every blood donation can save up to 3 lives in our community!
Please prepare for your donation by eating well and hydrating before your appointment. Additionally, bring ID.
To schedule your donation, call Vitalant at 877.258.4825 or visit vitalant.org and use group code ORD00591. Walk-ins are welcome!
For more information, contact Pat Knowles at [email protected].
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Donations Needed for Asylum Seekers - Collections on the August 6-7/Updated List of Needed 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.
Donations of the following items can be left in the back of church before and after Masses on the first Weekend of the month, August 6-7.
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Children's, women's & men's underwear (S/M/L - NEW ONLY).
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Children's, women's, men's tennis/athletic shoes (NEW ONLY, nothing larger than a men's 9).
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Rolling suitcases (new or like-new).
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Strollers in LIKE NEW condition
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Sanitary napkins (NO tampons).
- Diapers size 3T, 4T, 5T.
- Children's scooters, bike helmets
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We are NOT accepting food, or clothing.
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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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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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Meet Fr. Paul
Paul Ọlátúbọ̀sún Àdajà was born and raised in Southwest Nigeria. He had his Catholic Seminary education in the Seminary of All Saints, Uhiele-Ekpoma, Nigeria.
Fr Paul was ordained a Catholic Priest in July 2009 for the Diocese of Èkìtì, Nigeria. After ordination, he served as the Diocesan Secretary from 2009-2013.
He was sent to the United States by his Diocese in 2013 for graduate studies. He earned his doctorate in New Testament and Early Christianity (Theology) from Loyola University Chicago in August 2021 majoring in St Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Prior to earning his doctorate, he received a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Languages and Literature from Loyola University Chicago in May 2015.
Fr Paul enjoys talking about the Catholic Faith, the Sacred Scriptures, his nieces, his nephews, cousins, his students, the joy of being a Nigerian and the real football (Americans call it soccer).
From August 2014 to June 2023, he served the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Chicago at Ss. Peter and Lambert Parish in Skokie, Illinois. He is happy to be here in St. Gertrude to share in the life, joys, and challenges of the community!
Father Paul's email is [email protected]. He also can be reached at [email protected].
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Meet Kathryn Flynn, St. Gertrude Music Director
Hi! I’m Kathryn and I’m the new Music Director here at St. Gertrude parish! I just graduated this past spring with my Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and am so excited to be working with such a vibrant and welcoming parish.
I’ve met many of you already and am hopeful and eager to be planning the Music Ministry for such a dedicated community, both musically and spiritually.
I’ve been involved with Catholic music ministry since age 8, when I joined the adult church choir at my hometown parish with my grandmother, who will be turning 95 in August. She was always the oldest choir member, and I always remained the youngest until I left for college. While “on paper” I am a classically-trained singer, I bring a lot of versatility as a pianist/accompanist, opera enthusiast, as well as a musical theatre actor/performer.
I have a lot of experience in both community theatre and university opera/theatre environments, as well as choral background with both semi-professional chorales and University chorales alike. I’ve done my fair share of being a choir section leader, leading my own church music ministry groups, and working as a cantor/soloist at various parishes throughout my time both in high school and college.
In my free time, I am exploring Chicago every chance I get, as I’m brand new to the city! Otherwise, I like to walk my cat, “Kemps” (I’m originally from Wisconsin and he’s a Tuxedo rescue...so I named him after the Wisconsin dairy company), or find new coffee shops/ eclectic neighborhood bars. I’m looking forward to meeting more of you as time goes on. Please don’t hesitate to reach out - I’d love to get to know you!
~Kathryn Flynn
Kathryn can be reached at [email protected].
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Meet Susan Quaintance, the New Heart to Heart Director
My name is Susan Quaintance, OSB, and I am a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago at St. Scholastica Monastery in Rogers Park; currently I am serving as the community subprioress. Working with the volunteers and members of St. Gertrude’s Heart to Heart program is an opportunity that is such a gift.
Long interested in issues affecting older adults, I have spent the last decade of my professional life working in that sphere: first in the Center for Life and Learning at Fourth Presbyterian Church and then at Comfort Keepers, an agency that places home health aides with people who need care in their homes. Prior to that, I happily taught English and Theology at St. Scholastica Academy for 23 years.
~ Sr. Susan
Please contact Sr. Susan via email at [email protected] or at 872.296.2537.
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Heart to Heart Lending Closet News
An interesting email found it's way to the Lending Closet inbox this week:
"I'm a reporter with Brain and Life, the consumer publication of the American Academy of Neurology. We are writing a story on medical equipment lending closets and I wondered if I could speak with someone at your program about what you offer... Why do people need to borrow medical equipment? Why doesn't insurance/Medicare cover it?"
Health insurance executives and Medicare managers would undoubtedly answer that reporter's question differently than I would. Suffice to say, our Lending Closet fields calls every week from individuals, family caregivers, health care professionals, and even health insurance case managers (YUP!!) who are unable to get durable medical equipment for patients who need it covered by insurance or Medicare. Healthcare professionals routinely tell us that it is getting more difficult, not less, to get needed medical equipment covered. Until we have Universal Healthcare, the Heart to Heart Lending Closet provides an invaluable, and greatly appreciated service to people throughout our city. Thank you for your support of this vital ministry!
~ Laurie Hasbrook
Laurie can be reached at [email protected] or 773.973.5464.
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Spiritual Directors/Companions Available
Are you searching for a deeper relationship with God? Have you wanted to seek God’s help in making a major decision, but haven’t been quite sure how to do it? Would you like to connect to your purpose in life? Would you like to explore the spiritual dimensions of the issues, struggles and “stuck” places in your life?
You might consider meeting with a Spiritual Director/Companion.
We are blessed to have two spiritual directors/companions in our parish who offer confidential one-on-one sessions at St. Gertrude’s. Spiritual Direction provides the opportunity to slow down and take time to reflect on your experience of life, God’s action and grace in your daily routines and connect deeply to “the Spirit hidden in the depths of your soul.“ (T. Merton)
In meeting with a spiritual director, a person learns to pay attention to God’s personal communication, to respond to this personally communicating God, to be open to intimacy with God, and to live out the richness of the relationship that results from this intimacy.
“Within each of us dwells the desire to find meaning beyond the moment… To discover our true selves, to grow closer to God, and to each other. A Spiritual Director can help you satisfy that longing.” ~ Spiritual Directors International
If you are interested in learning more about spiritual direction contact Lori Dressel [email protected], or Carol Ann Munro [email protected].
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Community Care Mission Trip Experience
We are so proud of our parish youth group, who took part in our five day mission experience. The 25 teens volunteered at Chicagoland area organizations, including Care for Real, Misericordia, the Friendship Center, and the Park District.
Congrats on a job well done!
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Registration Open for our 2023-2024 Religious Ed Program
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 at https://bit.ly/RelEd2023-2024 and on our website at https://stgertrudechicago.org/religious-education-news. 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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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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Growing in Faith
During these adventurous teen years with our sons,
God has touched my heart recently, reminding me:
“ALL is well. Your sons are My children first. There’s never any need for worry.”
I just might have to get a tattoo with those words. Woop!
These weeks’ Gospel readings address practices of the gardener: prepping and seeding. It feels to me that parenting is a lot like gardening, prepping the soil for magnificent creations. But here’s the thing. Children have ALWAYS been magnificent creations.
Newsflash: I’m not really in charge here. But I am a tool that God is using to help things along, like gardeners who tend their soil in preparation.
As with the garden, God creates the magnificent harvest.
What we parents can do is live alongside our children in wonder and love…
and with (here’s the kicker): GENUINE ACCEPTANCE.
I forget that last one sometimes and try to take control. And when I do, things get messy.
It is so miraculous to me that God takes the messiness I created and makes beauty even out of that too.
The brilliant Ann O’Connor wrote,
“When children feel fully ACCEPTED by another human being,
they develop the enthusiasm in the world to learn, grow and flourish …
to love themselves and others … “
To my heart, that COMPLETE ACCEPTANCE of them is the best way we can “prepare the soil for our children’s growth.”
Now, about that tattoo…
~ Michelle Hanafee
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After six years of parish restructuring, the majority of our parishes are now poised to focus and invest in spiritual renewal. It is an exciting moment for us, as an Archdiocesan family, while we move forward with renewed commitment to Christ's call to renew His Church.
Our spiritual renewal must be both personal and communal, marked by a fresh and ongoing encounter with Jesus, a deep sense of belonging nurtured through relationships and a commitment to bold sharing as we intentionally share the gift of our faith.
Are you ready to share Christ's love with others and create a parish of belonging?
Meaningful Connections Create Trust
It is human nature to seek connection, which involves trust. While that takes time, any meaningful conversation is a start.
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you when there's an opportunity for a deeper conversation that could lead to sharing your faith story with someone - it might help them encounter God in their own lives.
Not sure what to share? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- If I could thank God for just one moment in my life it would be ______ and why?
- If I could thank God for just one person I’ve encountered on my faith journey it would be _______ and why?
- If I had to tell someone why I am Catholic/a believer I would have to say….
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Upcoming Marriages
- Khoa Truong and Ilse Vielma
- Adam Smith and Maygan Anthony
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Rest in Peace
- Charles "Chuck" O'Connor
- Patricia Meade
- Aboubakar Ahounuo
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Baptisms
- Vivian Rose Bauer
- Greta Fern Bauer
- Remington Valencia
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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, July 15 at 5:00 pm - Millie Slane, Roman Reyes
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Sunday, July 16 at 8:00 am - Art Lyons, Marty McDermott
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Sunday, July 16 at 10:30 am - Stephen Modde, Martha Mulligan
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Saturday, July 22 at 5:00 pm - Jennifer Kiedaisch, Patrick Reardon
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Sunday, July 23 at 8:00 am - Marty McDermott, Hallie Burhoe
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Sunday, July 23 at 10:30 am - Debra Novak, Tim Love
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Eucharistic Ministers
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Saturday, July 15 at 5:00 pm - Kathy Wall
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Sunday, July 16 at 8:00 am - Hallie Burhoe
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Sunday, July 16 at 10:30 am - Sarah Millar, Carlos Barragan, Michael Kowalsky
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Saturday, July 22 at 5:00 pm - Michelle Kuehlhorn
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Sunday, July 23 at 8:00 am - Kathryn Stimac
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Sunday, July 23 at 10:30 am - Bob Backis, Steven Monti, Maria Ugarte
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Cantors and Musicians
- Saturday, July 15 at 5:00 pm - Jim Manzardo, Jay Lamble, guitar
- Sunday, July 16 at 8:00 am - Jon Blake
- Sunday, July 16 at 10:30 am - Michael Callahan, John Horan, guitar, Mike Tobin, djembe
- Saturday, July 22 at 5:00 pm - Amir Ghazaleh
- Sunday, July 23 at 8:00 am - Kate Davis
- Sunday, July 23 at 10:30 am - Rob Schroeder
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Altar Servers
- Sunday, July 16 at 10:30 am - cross bearer - Henry Villareal; acolyte - Carter Dant, Grace Cashman
- Sunday, July 23 at 10:30 am - cross bearer - Henry Jacobson
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Financial Reports from July 1-2 and July 8-9
July 1-2
Sunday Collection Envelopes: $3,117.00
Loose Checks: $425.00
Loose Cash/Coins: $670.76
Online Donations: $4,968.30
Total Collected: $9,181.06
Budgeted: $10,730.00
Difference: -$818.94
Year-to-date Collected: $9,181.06
Year-to-date Budgeted: $386.400.00
Difference: -$377,208.94
July 8-9
Sunday Collection Envelopes: $2,538.50
Loose Checks: $892.00
Loose Cash/Coins: $603.99
Online Donations: $6,681.66
Total Collected: $8,773.93
Budgeted: $10,808.42
Difference: $808.42
Year-to-date Collected: $19,989.48
Year-to-date Budgeted: $386,400.00
Difference: -$366,410.52
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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, July 17: 7:30 am - Living and deceased parents of St. Gertrude parishioners
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Tuesday, July 18: 7:30 am - People of God
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Wednesday, July 19: 7:30 am - Adolph and Ann Gabriel +
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Thursday, July 20: 7:30 am - Communion Service
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Friday, July 21: 7:30 am - Lucille and Wm Meade +
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Saturday, July 22: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Society; 5:00 pm - Blanche & Alphonsus Saldanha
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Sunday, July 23: 8:00 am - People of God; 10:30 am Mass in church – Janet Swoboda & Patricia Meade +
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Monday, July 24: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Society
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Tuesday, July 25: 7:30 am - Living and deceased Torreano family members
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Wednesday, July 26: 7:30 am - Patricia Meade +
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Thursday, July 27: 7:30 am - Communion Service
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Friday, July 28: 7:30 am - Living & deceased parents of St. Gertrude parishioners
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Saturday, July 29: 7:30 am - People of God; 5:00 pm - Janet Swoboda +
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Sunday, July 30: 8:00 am - Claire Roache ; 10:30 am Mass in church – Bernadette Stanis +
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Please Keep the Following People in Your Prayers | |
- Carlos Barragan
- 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
- Ignacio Lopez
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- Patricia Meade
- Janet McCulley
- Jack McDermott
- Karey Myers
- Donald Nyderek
- Richard Seitz
- Elinora E. Tolentino
- Manuel & Norma Viray
- Leon Ward
- Tammy Wielgosz
- Janice Wittenberg
- Yyes Yoza
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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. | | | | |
