St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville, Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, October 15, 2023

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

From Fr. Mike Gabriel

Once again, heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Mike Bradley, for his successful marathon run, and to all those who participated in the parish Fun-Run-Walk, “Soles of St. Gertrude, and all who sponsored Fr. Mike and the Heart to Heart ministry.

We had about 65 people who ran the race, helped with the logistics, and cheered on Fr. Mike and the rest of the runners and Sunday’s marathoners at our post-race pep rally.  

It has been a whirlwind these last two months around here, with so much energy and

activities I thought I’d take a moment to share with you how the Spirit is alive and well in the young people of our parish community. Here are a couple things that have been going on and a few upcoming things to come.

I’ll start with the Children Liturgy of the Word. After the opening prayer at the 10:30 am church mass, the young children are dismissed and are given handouts filled with beautiful stories of God, prayers, and faith activities sheets connect to each weekend scripture. We are grateful to our catechists and confirmation students who help with each class on Sunday.

At the 10:30 am mass today, we will have the Presentation of the First Communion candidates, and next Sunday, and next Sunday at the same time, we will have the Presentation of the Confirmation candidates. Please keep our students in your prayers.

The Youth Group had a few weeks ago a trip to Great America’s Fright Fest. Next Sunday after the 10:30 am masses is movie time.

Next week, I will continue to share other ways the Spirit is Alive here at St. Gertrude’s.

Coming up soon is our Mass of Remembrance, planned for Saturday, November 4 at the 5:00 pm mass. As in past years for the month of November, we will have the Altar of Remembrance. All are invited to bring a picture or a memento of a loved one and place it on the remembrance altar. (We asked that you put a name and phone number so we can contact you if you forget to pick up. We have a box overflowing with past pictures that no one ever picked up).

Fr. Mike’s Marathon Minute

Many thanks to everyone for making the

Marathon Weekend at Saint Gertrude so amazing! You made this a memorable 21st Chicago Marathon and 50th overall

Marathon.

The weekend was filled with many moments of great joy:

All the donations from you, my family and friends, to support the important work of Heart to Heart (very generous!)…The amazing fun run and walk on Saturday, and the pre-run work-out led by Father Mike Gabriel (inspiring!)…The pep rally afterwards (energizing!)… the blessing for us runners at the 5:00 pm mass (uplifting!)…Running and walking the 26.2 miles of the marathon on Sunday morning (realizing that you were praying for me during the Masses – reassuring!)…The cheers and support of many parishioners along the marathon route, especially when I most needed a lift (very encouraging!)…Being able to reach the finish line (with a grateful heart)….

And most of all, I was entrusted with your prayer intentions, which I attached to my arm on a piece of cardboard, and which I referred to often. During my 6 hours, 14 minutes of this marathon, I prayed four rosaries for you and your loved ones, and all the good people of Saint Gertrude Parish.

During each moment of Marathon Weekend, I felt the presence of God – because of you!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you! And may our dear God be praised!

~ Father Mike Bradley

World Mission Sunday is Next Weekend, October 21-22

Get ready to set your "Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move," the message of Pope Francis for World Mission Sunday 2023!

Next weekend, we celebrate World Mission Sunday and unite with fellow Catholics around the globe. We will renew our call to become missionary disciples of Jesus Christ by reflecting on the story of the disciples on the way to Emmaus. We will also offer our support for the Church's missionary activity in the most remote and resource-limited areas of the world through the annual collection. Prepare to support the work of the

Pontifical Mission Society for the Propagation of the Faith with your prayers and generosity.

Thank you for your daily witness to the love of Christ!

Our Next Food & Supply Drive for Care for Real is October 21-22

Our next supply drive is next weekend, October 21-22.

Items needed for neighbors and asylum seekers include:



Ready to eat meals:

• Canned meals (pop-tops only) like chunky soup, pasta, chili
• Soft granola bars
• Protein bars
• Cheese & cracker packs (shelf stable)
• Juice boxes
• Protein shakes (shelf stable)
• Snack size chips and crackers
• Applesauce & fruit cups
• Peanut butter/jelly

Baby Care:

• Baby wipes
• Size 4, 5, and 6 diapers
• Pull Ups (all sizes)

Personal Care:

• Shampoo/conditioner
• Body wash
• Deodorant
• Toothbrushes
• Body wipes

Pet Pantry:

• Dry/wet dog food
• Dry/wet cat food

Additionally, you can go to 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 on November 4-5.

Growing in Faith

Our first reading this Sunday, from the prophecy of Isaiah, is so comforting (which is probably one of the reasons it is often used at funerals). We hear that God will provide a feast with “juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.” Even more miraculous, the Holy One will untangle “the web that is woven over all nations” and “destroy death forever.”

But the kicker is the phrase at the beginning of verse 9: “On that day.” That day . . . not this day. We know that while some enjoy feasts a plenty, others are dying of malnutrition or are chronically hungry. This vision of Isaiah has not been achieved yet.

This coming Tuesday, October 17, is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Promulgated by the United Nations since 1987, it is a day to acknowledge how many people live in poverty and destitution and, importantly, to hear from them about that experience. Then we must determine what part we can play in addressing this reality that is so counter to God’s plan for the human family.

Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us that God’s table is big enough for all, and that no one can

be satisfied until everyone has found their place. This week let us watch for the ways that the table is – and isn’t – ready. How can I invite someone to the feast? Can I donate to Care for Real? Might I make some meals for A Just Harvest? Should I lobby for

government programs like WIC and SNAP which seem perpetually in danger?

“On that day it will be said, ‘Behold our God to whom we looked to save us!’” Isaiah 25:9a

~ Sr. Susan Quaintance, OSB

Help Needed with Baptismal Classes and with our Live-Streaming Team

We are looking for help with our monthly pre-baptismal sessions, held for new parents and guardians planning to have their child/children baptized at our parish. The classes are typically held on a Monday evening and last around 45 minutes.

Every Sunday, our 10:30 am mass in church is live-streamed by volunteers. Team members using a phone provided by St. Gert's, as well as a camera stand. We'll show volunteers how to go live on Facebook and troubleshoot any issues during the service.

Please reach out to Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org with questions or if you can help. 

Kids Word Available at 10:30 am Masses

Kids 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.

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.

Our Parish Garden's Final Harvest!

This past week, Mary Clare Barker, Max Schweikert, and Gina Massa harvested the remaining veggies and cleared the space.

Our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to a very successful gardening season!

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, October 14 at 5:00 pm - Millie Slane, Patrick Reardon
• Sunday, October 15 at 8:00 am - Jennifer Kiedaisch, Hallie Burhoe
• Sunday, October 15 at 10:30 am - Eric Ameyaw, Susan McKean

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, October 14 at 5:00 pm - Tim Harrington
• Sunday, October 15 at 8:00 am - Barb Daly
• Sunday, October 15 at 10:30 am - Rafael Melendez, Troy McMillan, Annie Hasselbeck

Cantors and Musicians

• Saturday, October 14 at 5:00 pm - Paula Dempsey
• Sunday, October 15 at 8:00 am - Jim Manzardo
• Sunday, October 15 at 10:30 am - Kathryn Flynn; John Horan - guitar

Altar Servers

• Sunday, October 15 at 10:30 am - Henry Villareal, cross bearer; Jayson Ameyaw, Henry Jacobson, Acolytes

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Monday, October 16: 7:30 am - Living and deceased parents of St. Gertrude parishioners
• Tuesday, October 17: 7:30 am - Kathryn Jane Winslow-Smith (birthday celebration)
• Wednesday, October 18: 7:30 am - Alex Janicijevic
• Thursday, October 19: 7:30 am - Communion service
• Friday, October 20: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Society
• Saturday, October 21: 7:30 am - People of God; 5:00 pm - Hal Mann+
• Sunday, October 22: 8:00 am - Kathy Strubbe+; 10:30 am in church - Shirley Goeltenbodt Russ + (20th anniversary of death) ; 10:30 am Gym Mass - Michael Breen +

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.