St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville,

Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday February 4, 2024

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

From Fr. Mike Gabriel

As Catholic School Week celebration comes to an end, I have been reflecting on and profoundly grateful for Catholic education. We certainly give thanks not only for that have given so much for Catholic Education in the past, but those that have donated their time, talents, and funds to create a wonderful environment in the present.

Please join me in thanking the wonderful NCA faculty, staff, and children. While giving thanks, we also remember our Religious Education Program and many other faith formation programs here at St. Gertrude’s.

It truly takes a whole community that share a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ. Everyone here has a role - parents, teachers, catechist, and volunteers, there are so many good examples that come from the entire community. Your participation at Mass each weekend, your generous offerings of gifts that help the work of the Lord, your everyday lifestyle speaks loudly about what faith is all about. 

Feast of St. Blasé

As mentioned last weekend, February 3rd is the Feast of St. Blasé. After all the Masses this weekend, we will be having the traditional Blessing of Throats.

Ash Wednesday Info

It is hard to believe that January is already over, and we are in February. Lent begins soon, February 14th is Ash Wednesday. It is time to start planning the ways that will help you in this season of “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” This doesn’t just happen because we get ashes placed on our foreheads. Rather, the ashes are a call and a challenge to utilize the tools and opportunities of Lent to let our old selves die and live our lives more in tune with the message of the Gospel.

Ash Wednesday Masses with distribution of ashes will be held at 7:30 am and 8:30 am. From noon to 1:00 pm, there will be a distribution of ashes only. There will also be an evening Mass at 6:30 pm, with ashes distributed.

Lenten Activities

Fridays: Eucharistic Adoration and Two Stations of the Cross

Each Friday during Lent, there will be Eucharistic Adoration from noon until 3:00 pm. Mark your calendars so that you can participate in Stations of the Cross each Friday. Walk in the footsteps of Jesus and be reminded of God’s love for us and the sacrifice that was made to save us. At 3:00 pm, we will offer a traditional Way of the Cross. Another Stations of the Cross will be held at 6:30 pm on Fridays with a social justice theme. On Good Friday, March 29, our Youth Group will lead a Living Stations of the Cross. 

Wednesdays: Simple Suppers and a Lenten Bible Study: The Silence of God: Finding God in a Void

We will be having a special Lenten Retreat/Bible Study series, led by Father Paul. The title will be The Silence of God: Finding God in a Void. It will held on Wednesdays during Lent. There will be a morning session at 10:00 am and be held again at 7:00 pm. Just before this Lenten program will be Simple Suppers, which will start at 6:00 pm. Both of these activities have more info below in the bulletin.

Sacrament of Reconciliation Opportunities

If it has been a while since you have last celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation, every Saturday from 4:00-4:45 pm, private confession is available. A parish communal reconciliation has been planned for March 17, and a deanery an Reconciliation Service for all parishes of Deanery 2B Monday of Holy Week (Monday, March 25 at 7:00 pm), at (Saint Ita) Church of Mary, Mother of God Parish.

Almoners Lenten Ministry

Our parish's Almoners’ Program will be held again. Each weekend, a second collection will be held, with funds used to distribute McDonald's Cards to those who are in need. At the end of each Mass, those wishing to participate in distributing cards to the needy will be invited to come forward, receive the cards, and be given a blessing as they go out in this charitable outreach. 

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 North Glenwood Avenue.

St. Gertrude Super Bowl Tamale Benefit for Midwest Workers Association: Orders Still Accepted Until Tuesday



The Midwest Workers Association (MWA) is still taking orders of tamales for their annual Super Bowl Tamale Benefit! 

If you are interested in ordering tamales, please call the MWA office at 773.285.0485 before February 6. Supporters can place orders by the half dozen, for chicken in green sauce, cheese & jalapeno (vegetarian), or black bean & cactus (vegan). The homemade tamales are available for a suggested donation of $10 for a half dozen or $20 for a dozen.

MWA volunteers will return on Sunday, February 11 to deliver the tamales. Please note, Saturday Mass attendees, please come on Sunday to pick up your tamales. MWA volunteers will be at the 8:00 am and 10:30 am Masses.

The tamale benefit generates critical support for MWA’s Winter Survival Campaign, which includes door-to-door membership canvasses, utility bill advocacy to avert utility shutoffs and restore service, winter-watch phoning and warm clothing distributions.

Collection for Asylum Seekers is This Weekend, February 3 and 4

The following items are most needed by newly-arrived neighbors. New and gently used are preferred by Care for Real so they can give with dignity. 

• Thermals (men and women)
• Gloves (all sizes, all genders)
• Winter boots (adult sizes, all genders)
• Adult coats (no wool, please) (all sizes)
• Hand warmers
• Menstrual pads
• Body wipes
• Diapers (all sizes, but especially 4, 5, & 6)
• Juice boxes, shelf stable snacks (protein packed), soup cups or ramen, meals and soups in pop-top cans or pouches (no condensed, please). 

We appreciate the support!

Next Weekend is Our Parish's Evening of Romance

Save the date! St. Gertrude's Marriage Ministry is planning a special evening for couples on Saturday, February 10. The night will celebrate, renew, and strengthen your sacred commitment to your life partner. 

All couples are welcome, but space is limited!

The night will start off with Mass, followed by cocktails, appetizers, dinner, and dancing. Dim lighting, romantic decorations, and great food will set the mood for an evening for you and your partner to reconnect and socialize with other couples in the Social Hall.

The cost is $125 per couple and includes dinner, beer, and wine. Tickets are available at the rectory. Gift certificates are available!

For more information, contact mgabriel@stgertrudechicago.org or spatterson@stgertrudechicago.org. 

February 10-11 is the 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal's Commitment Sunday

Next weekend is Commitment Sunday for the Annual Catholic Appeal. Each pledge makes a difference for each gift enables the Archdiocese to deliver needed ministries and services to answer the call.

Many families in our parish will be receiving the Annual Catholic Appeal mailing from Cardinal Cupich. On behalf of those served by the ministries, parishes and schools who receive funding from the Appeal, we thank you for your gifts. Please return your response as soon as possible. The Annual Catholic Appeal offers a wonderful opportunity to answer the call “Together at the table.” We encourage giving at all levels to support this initiative. In addition to providing for ministries and services throughout the archdiocese, the Annual Catholic Appeal funds services in our own parish. 

When we financially support the work of our parish, our archdiocese and the Catholic Church throughout the world, we experience a feeling of deep gratitude, especially when we contemplate God’s many gifts to us personally. By sharing our wealth through gifts to the 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal, we demonstrate our commitment to the Church and each other.

You can make your gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal online at annualcatholicappeal.com, or you can choose to send in the response envelope from the Cardinal’s letter you may have received earlier in January. Next weekend, there will be envelopes available in church too.

Book Club Planned for Monday, February 12

Please join us in the Ministry Center on Monday, February 12 at 7:00 pm. We will discuss Octavia E. Butler's book, Kindred, and would love new voices and opinions.

Contact Lea Cloninger at 773.973.2465 or Sue Benjamin at 773.551.8401 with questions. 

No Religious Ed Classes on Sunday, February 18/Rectory Closed on February 19

Presidents Day is celebrated on Monday, February 19. Due to the long weekend, there will be no Religious Ed classes that weekend.

Additionally, the Rectory office will be closed on Monday, February 20.

Lenten Simple Supper Planned for Late February

The Parish Pastoral Council will be hosting the first Simple Supper of Lent on Wednesday, February 21 at 6:00 pm in the Ministry Center. 

More info will be shared in the bulletin soon!

The Silence of God: Finding God in a Void: Lenten Retreat/Bible Study Program

Please join Fr. Paul Àdajà for a special Bible study during Lent! The sessions will be held twice on Wednesdays, at 10:00-11:00 am and again from 7:00-8:00 pm, on the following dates: 

• February 21
• February 28
• March 6
• March 13
• March 20

Additional details will be shared in coming bulletins. 

Questions? Email Fr. Paul at padaja@stgertrudechicago.org.

Save the Date! NCA's Soiree is Saturday, March 2

The 2024 NCA Soiree will be held on Saturday, March 2 at Loyola University with food, drinks, dancing and a live auction. 



Tickets can be purchased at ncasoiree.com, where we're also selling tickets for the Grand Raffle. Three winners of the Grand Raffle will receive either $1,000, $2,000, or a $3,000 prize and the buyer does not need to be present at the event to win. 

This Summer: St. Gertrude’s Youth Group Mission Experience

Attention teens in sixth grade through high school! This summer, from July 22-26, the parish youth group will volunteer with a different Chicagoland organization each day. This is an excellent opportunity to have fun and earn volunteer hours!

There is a $100 fee for the week. A $50 deposit is required at the time of registration. Please note that there are scholarships available!

All participants will receive a t-shirt, water bottle, and a sports drawstring backpack.

To reserve a spot or to get more information, contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.

Refugee & Immigrant Ministry Update

I know you are all wondering how Miguel, Angie, and their kids are doing.

We are so grateful for all your support and prayers. As some of you may have known, Angie's sister, her husband and two kids were in a different shelter. We've been working to reunite the families and the great news is that we've been successful in doing so. This will help everyone, as the kids will have more support to overcome the stress and trauma of this move, and the adults can now share child care responsibilities, meaning that all four can work.

We have two requests: Angie needs the services of a dentist. So far we have been unable to find one who will do pro bono work. We are investigating Stroger, but if you know of anything please let me know to forward to Father Mike, or write Father Mike directly. Also, all four adults seek work of any kind.

Next, here is a press release from the City of Chicago: New Shelter Stay Policy, Additional Landing Zone Personnel and New Regulatory Measures

There are a lot of new restrictions and limitations that I'll summarize at the bottom. You can see why it was a blessing we could support an extended family at St. Ignatius, and why so much more needs to be done to ensure that their asylum hearing and various documents are moving along.

I think that's everything for now. Thank you for being a light to the world!

On behalf of the Refugee and Immigrant Ministry committee,

~ Denise Goodman

Some changes to highlight from the City's press release:

• Rental assistance has been reduced from 6 months to 3 months for newly qualifying families.
• Shelter residents who arrived to shelter on or prior to 11/16/2023, will maintain eligibility to apply for rental assistance.  
• Shelter residents who arrived to shelter on or after 11/17/2023, will not be eligible for rental assistance.  
• All families are now receiving a 60-day notice to leave their current shelter. This process happened in waves. 
• Families who arrived in shelter prior to 7/31/2023 have already received their 60-day notice.
• Later arrivals who entered shelter between 7/31/2023 - 11/16/2023 will begin receiving 60-day notices on 2/1/2024. 
• All new arrivals to shelter on or after 11/17/2023 will receive a 60-day notice upon intake.
• Families who do not have other housing options at the end of their 60-day notice must return to the migrant Landing Zone in the West Loop to place a new shelter request.
• All migrant families continue to be eligible for public aid benefits (Medicaid, WIC, etc.) through IDHS, health care access through Cook County Health, and school registration for children.
• City-provided legal services and case management will be available to help individuals apply for Temporary Protected Status, Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), and Asylum. 
• For those who have arrived after November 17, 2023, there is NO months of rental support. 

Student Essay Contest Results

Recently, students preparing for Confirmation were asked to take part in an essay contest about their role as a Christian Catholic to obtain world peace. 

Rhianna Zhoe Damalerio is one of our winners. Her beautiful essay can be read below, with the other winners featured in next week's bulletin.

Thank you to all who participated and to our judges!  

As a Christian Catholic, I believe that it is my responsibility to strive towards world peace through actions of kindness and compassion towards others. Jesus taught us to love one another and to seek peace and reconciliation with one another. I believe I must love all the people, not only those who mean a lot to me, treat all with respect and grace, and work towards creating a peaceful and just world for us all, starting from within. As a thirteen-year-old, my contribution would be to strive hard to create a positive change in my family and the community through service and charity.

Being a Catholic, I frequently wondered what small things I might do to promote world

peace. To spread love and compassion would be to make a concerted effort, via charitable work and volunteerism, to bring about beneficial societal changes. I would give time to attend church and religious activities and do my best to contribute what I can afford to worthy charities within my community and around the globe. In addition, as a youth, I wish to promote peace and understanding between people of different cultures and beliefs.

Indeed, people may not be born equally. Some may be born from a poor family or a

wealthy family, however, all people must be given the chance to equal treatment without prejudice of status in society. Poverty and homelessness must be addressed accordingly. There should also be the promotion of respect and tolerance between people of all faiths and traditions. Through active engagement in our communities and the world at large, we can work together to create a more peaceful and just world for all.

Among the things that have affected me these last months are the killings of innocent

especially the children. Why can‘t efforts to promote religious tolerance and interfaith harmony in society through interfaith dialogue, cooperation, and understanding be made? Even at a young age, I know that it is not difficult to speak out against any attempts to create divisions between people based on race, religion, or ethnicity. Ultimately, by following the teachings of Jesus and promoting Christian values, we can make meaningful contributions to creating a more peaceful and just world. Religion can be sustained side by side if we all agree to respect and love each other no matter our beliefs, culture, and backgrounds. As a Christian Catholic, it is my responsibility to contribute to this goal through actions of kindness and respect. I believe

that by treating others with love and compassion, we can begin to work towards creating a more peaceful and unified world for all people.

I truly believe God calls upon the youth to be the ambassadors of love and peace. My

religion and values have taught me to love, respect, and serve others. When it comes to

creating world peace, only when we can come together as a community and develop

understanding and respect for all can we begin to lay the groundwork for lasting global peace.

Additionally, my great-grandfather used to be the president of the Knights of Columbus

in the Philippines, and my great-grandmother was the Catholic Women's League president. They were both part of the entourage when Pope John Paul II visited the Philippines. Their organizations then visited faraway places to teach children and families about our religion and how God lives among us, in all aspects of our lives. Small steps to help maintain global peace. Those stories were part of the fond memories I had with my grandparents. I wish to continue the legacy and spread the word of God.

My name is Rhianna Zhoe; I am thirteen years old and proud to be baptized as a Roman Catholic.

Growing in Faith: Jesus’ Example for Personal Prayer Time (Mark 1: 29-39)

Rising very early before dawn, Jesus went off to a deserted place where he prayed.  The previous day had been very busy – calling his first apostles and curing several people.  Instead of sleeping in, He chose wisely to be strengthened as He communed with God.

For several decades I have opted to start my day in prayer around 4:30 AM in a special “prayer room” off our kitchen. It is quiet with less chance of being distracted. It is the best part of my day! 

For many years I used a prayer journal mainly to record petitions for various people and needy world situations.  About 10 years ago I was blessed using the Sarah Young “Jesus Calling” daily devotional.  I spoke less and started listening to God more.  Now, I daily write down l what I am hearing God speak to me. This was a game changer in my prayer life.  

I am anchored by daily Bible reading. Particular scripture passages come from both the church’s three year cycle and those suggested by daily devotionals.  I use a Bible atlas, dictionary, and Who’s Who as references.

My time in prayer doesn’t end when I leave the prayer area. For example, I still have petitions for God, but many of them are saved for sharing before meals. When I work out at the gym, I find that recalling Scripture verses helps the time pass quickly.

Is private time with God a priority for you?  Who does most of the talking?

~ Allen Stryczek 

Rest in Peace

• Robert Egloss

New Parishioner

• Brynn Thomas

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, February 3 at 5:00 pm - Millie Slane, Patrick Reardon
• Sunday, February 4 at 8:00 am - Hallie Burhoe, David Sullivan
• Sunday, February 4 at 10:30 am - Bob Backis, Sarah Millar

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, February 3 at 5:00 pm - Kathy Wall
• Sunday, February 4 at 8:00 am - Kathryn Stimac
• Sunday, February 4 at 10:30 am - Maria Ugarte, Michael Kowalsky, Lisa Schneider

Cantors

• Saturday, February 3 at 5:00 pm - Paula Dempsey 
• Sunday, February 4 at 8:00 am - · Kathryn Flynn
• Sunday, February 4 at 10:30 am - · Martin Downs

Altar Servers

• Sunday, February 4 at 10:30 am - Owen Craft, cross bearer; Henry Villareal, and Mary Kate Cashman, acolytes

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Sunday, February 4: 8:00 am - Robert Egloss+; 10:30 am in church - Patricia McKee+; 10:30 am Gym Mass - Mary Cronin+
• Monday, February 5: 7:30 am - People of God
• Tuesday, February 6: 7:30 am - Living and deceased parents of St. Gertrude parishioners
• Wednesday, February 7: 7:30 am - People of God
• Thursday, February 8: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Friday, February 9: 7:30 am - Glenn Martin+
• Saturday, February 10: 7:30 am - Bernice Kiedysz+; 5:00 pm - Hal Mann+

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.