Bulletin for Sunday, September 10, 2023
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
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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. The Gym Mass will resume next Sunday, September 17.
Reconciliation: 4:15-4:45 pm on Saturday or by appointment.
Office Hours: The Rectory office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am-2:30 pm.
Heart to Heart Contacts: Sr. Susan Quaintance, OSB/Director/872-296-2537; Laurie Hasbrook/Lending Closet/773-973-5464
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From Fr. Mike Bradley
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place on October 8th, and along with 45,000 other participants, several Saint Gertrude parishioners and I are prepping for the 26.2 miles.
My most recent marathon was a do-it-yourself event in our Edgewater neighborhood, back in October of 2020, when the regular Chicago marathon had been canceled. Since November of 2020, after experiencing medical setbacks and a surgery, and under doctor’s orders, I had to curtail my running.
However, because of the prayers of many people, I’m able to lace up my shoes and run my 50th marathon. I’m also pleased to be part of this year’s “Soles of Saint Gertrude Parish,” which includes a fun run/walk on October 7th and other activities for our “Marathon Weekend.”
I’m asking you to consider making a donation to Heart-to-Heart, our parish’s outreach to the senior citizens and shut-ins of the Edgewater community, regardless of religious affiliation. Heart-to-Heart operates a lending closet with household medical equipment for those in need, and our volunteers provide rides to the doctor and other errands for those who have limited access. Your support for Heart-to-Heart is a real blessing, and your prayers will enable me to reach the finish line on October 8th.
Please send me your prayer intentions at mbradley2222@yahoo.com, and I will pray for your prayer requests as I run/walk the 26.2 miles of the marathon.
With heartfelt appreciation of your prayers and support,
~ Father Mike Bradley
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Our Marathon Weekend Parish Fundraiser: How to Help
Our parish fundraiser is just a few short weeks away! There are a few ways to help:
Soles of St. Gertrude Parish 3K Fun Run and Walk - Saturday, October 7
The time is NOW to sign up to participate in our 3k Fun Run and Walk! You can register online or fill out registration forms at the back of the church. You can also find additional information and sign up online for this event at https://bit.ly/StGerts3K.
A pep rally for Fr. Mike and all of the other runners will take place after the run, and a special blessing will be given at the 5:00 pm Mass. Please consider attending this, even if you are unable to participate in the Fun Run & Walk!
The event also needs volunteers! Sign up to help at the above link.
T-shirts are available for $15. Orders can be placed at https://bit.ly/StGerts3K.
Sponsor Fr. Mike's Chicago Marathon Efforts - Sunday, October 8
Fr. Mike Bradley will run the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 8. We are seeking sponsorships for Father Mike, with all proceeds going to our parish ministries. You can sponsor him online at https://bit.ly/FrMikeRuns or make a donation with a check at church or dropped off at the Rectory. Please add Fr. Mike's name in the memo line.
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This Week's Marathon Minute by Fr. Mike Bradley
In the spring of 2005, I was one of 529 runners in the Chicago Lakeshore Marathon, which gained notoriety because of last-minute changes in the route, resulting in a miscalculation that added an additional mile to the 26.2 distance.
Like the other runners, I was unaware of the fact we were actually running 27.2 miles - until the event was over.
A huge outcry from participants led to the event being shut down in the months following the mistake - but I laughed about the snafu. After all, none of us is perfect!
This marathon reminded me of the Gospel of Matthew (5:41) in which Jesus urged His disciples to "walk the extra mile" as we follow Him. Jesus' entire ministry was a "marathon" of self-sacrifice!
~ Father Mike Bradley
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Events & Activities at St. Gertrude
listed in chronological order
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Religious Ed Begins This Weekend on Sunday, September 10
Registration is still 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 on our website at https://stgertrudechicago.org/religious-education-news. Forms in Spanish are also available on our website. 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 eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org. 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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Kids Word Begins at 10:30 am Masses on Sunday, September 10
On Sundays during the 10:30 am Mass in church, children aged 4-7 years-old are invited to attend Kids Word to hear an age-appropriate Gospel message and do fun, scripture-based activities such as coloring or crafts in the Rectory.
Children will be invited by the celebrant to come to the altar before the readings and will return to church before the petitions.
Email eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org for details.
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Misericordia Family Fest—THIS Sunday, September 10
Family Fest, Misericordia’s largest fundraising event of the year brings our families, friends and neighbors together for a day of celebration.
This is the 41th annual Family Fest and will take place from 11:00 am-6:00 pm at 6300 N. Ridge Blvd. Proceeds support Misericordia’s programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
The festivities include food and drink, a cash raffle, children's games, games of chance, in-crowd entertainers, a car raffle, Misericordia art, a live & silent auction, bingo, a quilt raffle, and clowns.
Live entertainment on the main stage will feature Finbarr Fagan, the Shannon Rovers, the Heartzingers, the Heartbreakers, the Chancey Brothers, and In Spite of Ourselves. Dr. Mark and the Sutures, as well as Andrew Blomquist will perform in the North Tent.
Tickets are available online at https://www.misericordia.com/store/fest-tickets/ and at the door.
Visit Misericordia's Family Fest page at https://www.misericordia.com/events/family-fest-2023/ or call 773.273.2768 for more information.
Misericordia is looking for volunteers at the event as well as in the days leading up to the Fest. This one-day event takes approximately 2,000 volunteers to pull it off and your help would be greatly appreciated. Shifts are generally broken down into 2 ½ -3 hours. Sign up online at https://www.misericordia.com/events/family-fest-2023/.
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Book Club - Monday, September 11
On Monday, September 11, the book club will discuss The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai at 7:00 pm in the Ministry center.
We would love new voices and opinions!
Contact Lea Cloninger at 773.973.2465 or Sue Benjamin at 773.551.8401 with questions.
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St. Teresa of Avila Seminar at St. Gregory’s Held September 11-November 13
On Monday evening from September 11-November 13, St. Gregory the Great will host a weekly seminar on Carmelite Spanish mystic and doctor of the Church, St. Teresa of Avila.
Led by Fr. Bob Sprott, the group will read her two great works, The Interior Castle and The Way of Perfection.
The seminars will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm in St. Gregory’s Msgr. Klasen Building, 1609 W. Gregory. There is a suggested donation of $40.
For more information and to register, visit https://www.stgregoryhall.org/teresa.html.
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PPC Meeting is Wednesday, September 13
On Wednesday, September 13, the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) will meet in the Ministry Center at 7:00 pm. All are welcome to attend.
Contact the PPC at stgertrudeparishcouncil@gmail.com if you have questions.
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St. Gertrude Women's Friendship Club - Thursday, September 14
The next meeting of the St. Gertrude Women's Friendship Club is Thursday, September 14. The gathering begins at 11:30 am, attendees should bring their own (brown bag) lunch. Dessert is provided!
Please RSVP to Charlotte Sullivan at 773.743.5112.
The group meets monthly on the second Thursday of every month in the Ministry Center.
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Register for NCA’s 25th Annual Tim McGovern Memorial Golf Outing
Join the NCA community on Saturday, September 16 at Robert A. Black Golf Club for the 25th annual Tim McGovern Memorial Golf Outing.
The $70 fee includes golf and beer on the course and a BBQ at the Bubble afterwards. All proceeds benefit NCA athletics.
To register, go to bit.ly/3OfEMfP or call the Bubble at 773-743-9465.
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Second Collection for Seminarian Education Fund on September 16-17
The Seminarian Education Fund provides support for the training and education of men studying for priesthood in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The fund helps to cover the cost to educate each archdiocesan seminarian as they proceed through the various stages of formation before ordination as a priest for Chicago.
During Masses on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17, there will be a second collection for this fund. Your generosity supports these men answering God’s call to a life of service for the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Please give today at archchicago.org/seminarianfund.
Please support the men seeking to answer God’s call to a life of service as a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago.
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The Gym Mass Returns on Sunday, September 17
On Sunday, September 17, the Gym Mass will return at its regular 10:30 am time! This more casual Mass is held at 1401 West Granville Avenue.
The 2023 Gym Mass schedule is posted on our parish website at https://stgertrudechicago.org.
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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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Parishioner Author Event Planned for Thursday, September 21
Parishioner Kathy Osberger has a book that came out this month, titled I Surrender A Memoir of Chile's Dictatorship, 1975.
On Thursday, September 21 at 7:00 pm in the Social Hall, St. Gertrude parish and the Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN) are partnering to host an author event, with Kathy speaking about her book and time in Chile during the reign of military dictator General August Pinochet and experiences at the hands of Chile's secret police.
Her book will be available for sale at a reduced price this weekend in the back of church, with a portion donated to St. Gertrude’s.
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Youth Group Trip to Great America Planned for Saturday, September 23
Parish teens in 7th grade and up are invited to a youth group outing to Great America on Saturday, September 23.
We will depart from St. Gertrude at 1 pm and leave to return home at 7:30 pm. There is free bus transportation!
Interested? Contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or Jennifer Reyes at jlreyes6901@yahoo.com.
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Care for Real Food & Supply Drive on September 23-24
Thank you to those who were able to bring donations to the back of church on August 26-27.
Our next donation drive will be Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24.
Additionally, you can go to Care for Real's website, https://careforreal.org/wishlist, to make a donation, drop off items at 5341 N. Sheridan Road from 12:00-3:00 pm Monday-Friday, or bring items to the Asylum Seekers collection in church this weekend, September 2 and September 3.
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Special Thanks to our Lending Closet Volunteers!
A sweltering August day didn't keep volunteers Fr. Paul Adaja, Andrea and Guy Banicki, Hallie Burhoe, Barb Daly, Peter Morin, Carol Ann Munro, Tom Rogers, Greg Steigmeyer, and Tom Tentler, from loading a 15-foot U-Haul truck with surplus medical supplies from the Lending Closet.
Project C.U.R.E. warehouse volunteers in Woodridge, Illinois gratefully accepted everything.
Hallie Burhoe, Lending Closet volunteer extraordinaire, generously covered the costs of this project.
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FreeStyle Chicago Holds Event at St. Gertrude
The St. Gertrude Social Hall was the recent site of clothing distribution for asylum seekers. FreeStyle Chicago and Edgewater Mutual Aid Network members, along with parishioners Nancy Kuhn, Nancy Bujnowski, and Ana Ward distributed clothing to 60 families who are currently staying at the Broadway Armory.
Thanks also to Cecie Murphy for toys, and Dorothea Tobin, Bridget Lowry, and Mary Jude Ramirez for popsicle deliveries!
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Growing in Faith
I’m encouraged by Paul’s words to the Romans, outlining the life in the Spirit as not only enumerated by commandments, but enlivened by love, which “is the fulfillment of the law.”
For those times when we or others fail that message of love, and we happen to sin, I’m relieved and grateful that, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus has outlined a measured, progressive process that provides opportunities for understanding, clarification, evaluation, and (we hope) reconciliation.
At each step, this process avoids the temptation to escalate acrimony rapidly and to dismiss one party or the other. If a good outcome can be achieved by two people, or four, then pain has been spared and fellowship is restored. If the broader church needs to be involved, then these additional saints can provide perspective to lead the parties back into communion in the Body of Christ.
Lastly, if the breach cannot be healed, everyone has the consolation of knowing a loving process supported the decision to part ways.
Finally, whether in times of sorrow, or tedium, or of joy, we have the promise of Jesus to be in our midst wherever two or more of us gather in His name. My heart can rest in that promise.
~ Bernie O’Connor (pictured with Jane O'Connor)
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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 lorijdressel@gmail.com, or Carol Ann Munro carolannmunro@comcast.net.
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St. Gertrude Immigrant and Refugee Ministry
As summer winds down, I wanted to give you some updates related to our local neighbors who have migrated here seeking asylum and a better life, and to offer some additional broad viewpoints, as well as some ways to help.
As you know, Laurie Hasbrook has been part of the rapid response network of volunteers working on the many needs of asylum seekers at Broadway Armory, Leone Beach, High Ridge YMCA, and police stations. Care for Real is accepting donations from the parish for the asylum seekers and the current needs are updated regularly in the bulletin.
A lot of these important and necessary interventions have been ad hoc, and I hoped to learn more about a coordinated response from our local officials. The office of the 48th ward alderperson, Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, sent me this link that aggregates
opportunities for material support and volunteering. I'm told it's updated regularly:
Next, I was sent a few brief Ted talks to listen to - they are really something:
We are all still learning a lot about the best way to help. As of today our specific parish
response is centered on the donations, but we continue to look at ways we might have a direct impact on bettering the experience of these people who have endured so much already.
Finally, I'd like to share a prayer below that John Horan sent me. It's from a book entitled "A Theology of Migration - the Bodies of Refugees and the Body of Christ" by Fr. Dan Groody. I can't think of a better way to close this message.
Thank you for all you do, for your prayers, and your support.
On behalf of the Refugee and Immigration Committee,
~ Denise Goodman
An Immigrant Creed
I believe in Almighty God,
Who guided the people in exile and in exodus,
The God of Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon,
The God of foreigners and immigrants.
I believe in Jesus Christ, a displaced Galilean,
Who was born away from his people and his home,
Who fled his country with his parents when his life was in danger,
And returning to his own country
Suffered the oppression of the tyrant Pontius Pilate,
The servant of a foreign power,
Who then was persecuted, beaten, and finally tortured, accused, and condemned to death unjustly.
But on the third day, this scorned Jesus rose from the dead,
Not as a foreigner but to offer us citizenship in heaven.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The eternal immigrant from God’s Kingdom among us,
Who speaks all languages, lives in all countries, and reunites all races.
I believe that the church is the secure home for the foreigner.
And for all believers who constitute it,
Who speak the same language and have the same purpose.
I believe that the Communion of the Saints begins when we accept the diversity of the saints.
I believe in the forgiveness, which makes us all equal,
And in the reconciliation, which identifies us more than does race, language, or nationality.
I believe that in the resurrection God will unite us a one people in which all are distinct and all are alike at the same time.
Beyond this world, I believe in Life Eternal in which no one will
Be an immigrant but all will be citizens of God’s Kingdom,
Which will never end. Amen
~ Jose Luis Casal, The Immigrant’s Creed
www.ethnicharvest.org
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Join the Choir!
Are you interested in joining St. Gertrude’s choir? We'd love to have you!
Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 7:00-9:00 pm in church. The choir sings at the 10:30 am Mass in church.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Kathryn at kflynn@stgertrudechicago.org.
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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 eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or call the Rectory at 773.764.3621.
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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, September 9 at 5:00 pm - Millie Slane, Jennifer Kiedaisch
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Sunday, September 10 at 8:00 am - Hallie Burhoe, Art Lyons
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Sunday, September 10 at 10:30 am - Rose Karasti, Tim Love
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Eucharistic Ministers
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Saturday, September 9 at 5:00 pm - Kathy Wall
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Sunday, September 10 at 8:00 am - Kathryn Stimac
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Sunday, September 10 at 10:30 am - Lisa Schneider, Rafael Melendez, Bob Backis
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Cantors and Musicians
- Saturday, September 9 at 5:00 pm - Bernie O'Connor
- Sunday, September 10 at 8:00 am - Jon Blake
- Sunday, September 11 at 10:30 am - Rob Schroeder
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Altar Servers
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Sunday, September 10 at 10:30 am - Carter Dant, cross bearer; Jason Ameyaw, Xavier Lassus, Acolytes
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Financial Report from Last Weekend
September 2-3
Sunday Collection Envelopes: $2,512.00
Loose Checks: $715.00
Loose Cash/Coins: $670.72
Online Donations: $3,009.64
Total Collected: $6,907.36
Budgeted: $10,000.00
Difference: -$ 3,092.64
Year-to-date Collected FY 2024: $89,677.61
Year-to-date Budgeted FY 2024: $386.400.00
Difference: -$296,722.39
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Please Remember St. Gertrude in Your Will or Trust
When considering which charities to include in your will or trust, we hope you will remember
St. Gertrude. A bequest can be made to our parish using the following language:
“I give [insert specific dollar amount, or percentage of net or residuary] to The Catholic Bishop of Chicago, Tax ID #36-2170826, a corporation sole located in Chicago, Illinois, to be used for the benefit of St. Gertrude located in Chicago, Illinois. However, if St. Gertrude ceases to exist in its current form, then to the new parish or parishes erected in its stead.”
Please consult an attorney and financial advisor when drafting your will or trust. For more information, visit giving.archchicago.org/bequest or contact Eduardo Soto at 773-764-3621 or esoto@stgertrudechicago.org.
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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, September 11: 7:30 am - People of God
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Tuesday, September 12: 7:30 am - People of God
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Wednesday, September 13: 7:30 am - Jim Donnelly+
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Thursday, September 14: 7:30 am - Communion Service
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Friday, September 15: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Society
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Saturday, September 16: 7:30 am - Living and deceased parent of St. Gertrude parishioners; 5:00 pm - Hall Mann+
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Sunday, September 17: 8:00 am - People of God; 10:30 am in church - Betty & Jack Taylor; 10:30 am Gym Mass – People of God
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Please Keep the Following People in Your Prayers | |
- Carlos Barragan
- Zara Bradley
- Lilly Buie
- Hallie Burhoe
- Maggie Callaway
- Aida Calvopina
- Claire Conley
- Denise DeBelle
- Ann Collins Dole
- Connie Engelmohr
- Mr. and Mrs. Emin Euman
- Luke Fitzgerald
- Gina Heidkamp
- Maria Hertl
- Erica Maria Kast
- Bernice Kiedysz
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- Marilyn Klein
- Ignacio Lopez
- Janet McCulley
- Jack McDermott
- Andy Mueller
- Karey Myers
- Donald Nyderek
- Claude Poulsen
- Richard Seitz
- Willy Spalla
- Elinora E. Tolentino
- Manuel & Norma Viray
- Leon Ward
- Janice Wittenberg
- Yyes Yoza
- Joel Pozzi Zio
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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 stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org. Names will remain on the list for three weeks. After that time, please renew the name using same contact information. | | | | |
