St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville,

Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, April 7, 2024

Divine Mercy Sunday/Second Sunday of Easter

From Fr. Mike Gabriel

Last Saturday evening, a truly glorious event took place around the world and here at St. Gertrude. As the day came to a close and the sun set, we celebrated the Easter Vigil of the Lord’s Resurrection, the most solemn celebration of the year.

The Easter Vigil always begins after dark, perhaps revisiting the darkness that fell over the earth at 3:00 pm on that first Good Friday. As the day turned into night, we gathered to rejoice in a Service of Light, a recalling of our faith story from the Scriptures, a rededication of

our baptismal promises, and of course, the celebration of Eucharist, which had not taken place anywhere in the world since Thursday night.

As sunset continued its nightly journey around the world, so did the celebrations of light and life and victory over death everywhere. As light shown in the darkness, celebrations of hope marched around the world. When we gathered here at St. Gertrude’s after the sun had set over our church, we joined Catholics all over the world solemnly celebrating the most glorious event in the history of the world, the Resurrection of our Crucified

God.

The Risen Christ came and was present in their midst, and so was this same Risen Christ

present in our midst. We baptized two, and welcomed fully into the church two others. Welcome and congratulations to Salwa, Gabriella, Ilse, and Adrean.

We do have indeed have much to celebrate here as St. Gertrude’s. A year ago, at this time, the parish council was putting the finishing touches on our Parish Strategic planning. I am presenting to the bishop and his staff what we have accomplished this past year, what the challenges have been, and how have all deepened our discipleship of Jesus Christ.

As I have been getting this report together for this review, I think WOW! We have much to celebrate here. So let us continue to celebrate.

Easter not over, it has just begun! Let us come first together in gratitude for the gift of faith, the love of our families, friends, and the vibrancy of our parish community. Let us rejoice in the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair, and life over death. May the joy of Easter fill your homes with peace, your hearts with love, and your spirit with renewed faith.

Special thanks to the pastoral staff who have put in many hours to make this Lent and Easter a truly faith-filled season. And thank you to all who participated in our Lenten activities and services.

Thank you to all who attended our services during Holy Week and on Easter both in-person and online! What a joy it was to get together and celebrate God’s unending love for us.

The past few weeks have required extra time and energy from so many of our volunteers in order to rehearse and then serve at all the services of Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter! Thank you to all of our wonderful and generous cantors, our choir, musicians, and corps of liturgical ministers. They did a magnificent job! 

Great churches don't just happen: they are created and nurtured by active, engaged, and generous parishioners. We appreciate you sharing your time at Church, your talents and helping hands at Mass and parish events, your stewardship, and your prayers.

We are grateful to have you as part of our St. Gertrude family!  

Special thanks to Maria Ugarte and Laurie Hasbrook for the all of the amazing photos. Additional images are available at stgertrudechicago.org.

Friday, April 5

• 7:00 pm - Guadalupanos Rosary Group

Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7

• Food and supply drive for Care for Real/Asylum seekers
• French patisseries for sale after Masses by nuns from the Fraternite of Notre Dame/St. Roger Abbey

Monday, April 8

• The 2025 Mass Intentions book opens
• 7:00 pm - Book Club in the Ministry Center

Thursday, April 11

• 11:30 am - Women's Friendship Club in the Ministry Center

Sunday, April 14

• 12:30-3:30 pm - Paper shredding event in the parish parking lot
• 12:30-2:30 pm - NETWORK Election workshop at St. Gertrude in the Social Hall

Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20

• 8:00 pm - Lights, Camera, Action parish play (doors open at 7:30 pm)

Thursday, April 25

• 6:00-8:00 pm - Confirmation Retreat II in the Ministry Center

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.

French Nuns to Sell Baked Goods Next Weekend

Nuns from the Fraternite of Notre Dame/St. Roger Abbey will sell handmade, organic French patisseries made with quality ingredients after Masses all weekend! Tables with their treats will be set up in the back of Church.

Proceeds from sales will go to support their soup kitchen, food pantry, and other charities in some of Chicago's neediest areas.

Our Monthly Asylum Seeker's Food and Supply Drive is April 6-7

On Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7, we will host a food and supply drive for asylum seekers. Items needed for migrants include: 

• Protein bars
• Ramen or other instant noodles 
• Snack size chips and crackers
• Juice boxes
• Fruit cups
• Menstrual pads *most urgent
• Gloves (only, no scarves, other winter wear, etc.)
• New underwear (all genders and sizes) *most urgent
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Body wipes
• Bar soap

Thank you for helping our neighbors in need!

2025 Mass Intentions Book to Open

The Mass Intentions book for 2025 will open on Monday, April 8.  

If you would like a Mass Intention said for a person that needs prayers or in memory of someone who has died, please call the Rectory at 773.764.3621 or stop by the Rectory office at 1420 West Granville Avenue during office hours. We’ll help you find an available Mass and prepare a card for you to give to the person or family of the intention. 

A $20 donation is suggested.  

Book Club is Monday, April 8



Please join the book club in the Ministry Center on Monday, April 8 at 7:00 pm. The group will talk about The Man Who Broke out of Auschwitz to Warn the World by Jonathan Freeland. The Chicago Public Library has multiple copies of the book. 

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

Women's Friendship Club Gathering on April 11

The St. Gertrude Women's Friendship Club meets monthly on the second Thursday of every month in the Ministry Center. The gathering begins at 11:30 am, and attendees should bring their own (brown bag) lunch. Dessert is provided!

Their next gathering is Thursday, April 11. Consider yourself invited!

Workshop Planned for Sunday, April 14: Informed, Engaged, and Committed: Being a Catholic Multi-Issue Voter

On Sunday, April 14, join trainers from NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice and justice-seekers from around the Chicago area for a workshop.

The workshop will take a deeper look at how Catholic social teaching and tradition provide us with a framework for living responsibly and building a just society. It will explore the many issues that we're invited to consider as we head into election season.

Workshop participants will then begin to explore and practice concrete tools to help have respectful conversations about hard topics and practice sharing about a vision of multi-racial inclusive society where all have what they need to thrive - no exceptions.

There is a suggested donation of $15. Please do not let cost prevent you from attending this workshop. Register at https://www.mobilize.us/network/event/613472/.

Community Shredding Event Planned for Sunday, April 14

Need a safe way to get rid of old papers and documents? On Sunday, April 14 from 12:30-3:30 pm, 606 Real Estate is hosting a community shredding event in St. Gertrude’s parking lot, located at 6236 N. Glenwood. 



There is a limit of two file boxes/bags per person, per trip. Only paper items can be securely disposed of: no cardboard, staples, or paper clips are allowed. 

Save the Date! Our Parish Play is April 19-20!

Every year, parish members write an original play that is complemented by a mix of songs ranging from showtunes and oldies to more contemporary hits.

Lights, Camera, Action is centered around a local theater trying to survive and hold onto its roots.

The event will be in the Social Hall, with the show beginning at 8:00 pm, with doors opening at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Snacks and beverages (including beer and wine) will be available at our concession stand. This year, there will also be a 50/50 raffle, with $1 per ticket or $5 for six tickets.

Confirmation Information: Second Retreat is Thursday, April 25

There is a second Confirmation Retreat planned on Thursday, April 25 for students that made their Confirmation in March of 2024. It will be in the Ministry Center from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

Questions? Contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org. 

Register for St. Gertrude’s Youth Mission Experience This July!

This summer, there is a mission experience for teens in our parish. Students in sixth grade through high school are welcome to attend this week-long event, taking place July 22-26. The group will volunteer with a different Chicagoland organization each day, earning service hours and having fun.

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.

Thank You from our Director of Music

Greetings from behind the Bechstein!

Obviously, it’s an absolute requirement at this point in time to take a moment to thank all of the fabulous musicians incorporated into all of the Holy Triduum services celebrated at St. Gertrude parish.

As all of you know by now, this season marks one of the last celebrated within my first year here as Director of Music. One short year ago, I was anticipating a very different career path; planning on pursuing my doctoral degree in Vocal Performance and continuing toward my dream of full-time performance and eventually teaching collegiate voice. While this job has certainly presented challenges I could have never foreseen prior to personally experiencing them, each and every one of those has shaped one of the most colorful and learning-filled years I could have ever asked to imagine.

I am very grateful to have the support system I have here among you: the parishioners and the members that consistently give of their time and musical dedication to the Music Ministry program here at St. Gertrude.

In addition to the multitude of talented musicians who contributed their time and talents to the Holy Triduum, I would be amiss not to mention multiple other colleagues within the Chicago area that have made my transition to both Chicago and the Catholic Music Ministry world one that I’m sure not everyone gets the privilege to experience so early on in their career. You know who you are, both at St. Gertrude and elsewhere in Chicago… and I hold you very near and dear to my heart.

Wishing you all a very blessed Easter season filled with joy and expectancy of renewed hope for your future.

~ Kathryn Flynn, Director of Music

Lending Closet Needs

The Lending Closet is in great need of shower chairs, shower transfer benches, and rollator walkers.

If you have any to donate, please reach out to Laurie Hasbrook, Lending Closet manager, at lhasbrook@stgertrudechicago.org.

Growing in Faith

One of the main responsibilities I have in my position as Pastoral Associate in St. Gertrude Church is directing the Religious Education Program, and it is always fascinating to see enthusiastic children and youth who are preparing for the reception of the sacraments of First Communion or Confirmation, attending religion sessions on Sundays.

It is even more captivating talking to these children about Jesus’s presence and love in their lives and seeing them trying to make meaning of it. Sometimes, however, even if they cannot express or articulate such a meaning, the atmosphere of the classroom is truly an experience of faith. Their own honest reflections about their desire to know more about Jesus and how to respond to Jesus’ love show indeed their faith. This is because those children believe and yet they have not seen.

Looking at the figure of Peter in scripture, definitely, if Peter had seen them, he would

address them exactly with the words of his letter: “And though you have not seen Him, you

love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with

joy inexpressible and full of glory.” This Sunday, the Gospel wants us to focus, in mind and

heart, on the resurrected Jesus who lives among us. John is inviting us to see the

resurrection of Jesus as an occasion to redeem ourselves from all those things that hinder

us from seeing the joy of the Pascal season.

~ Eloy Escamilla

Thank you for Your Generosity!



Thank you to the many parishioners who dropped off donations for asylum seekers this weekend and our neighbors in need last weekend! 

These donations will be sent to Care for Real, who is providing support to families sheltering at the Broadway Armory, in addition to feeding neighbors in need. 

Easter Flower Offering Envelopes

We are offering an opportunity to celebrate someone in your life, living or deceased, during the Easter season. Please consider making an Easter Flower offering in their name.

Envelopes are available in the back of the Church and may be placed in the collection basket or sent to Rectory. The names of those honored will be published in the bulletin during the Easter season.

Flower Offering Remembrances

In Memory of/Individual who Honored Them

• Caskie Family
• Peter Steenveld by Joanne Steenveld
• John and Elizabeth by Pat O’Neal
• Groleau Karasti by Rose Karasti
• Slane and Quinn families by Millie Slane

St. Francis Catholic Worker House of Hospitality



St. Francis House is a home offering hospitality in the tradition of the Catholic Worker movement, located in the Uptown neighborhood at 4652 N. Kenmore.

All are welcome to come by for dinner any Monday at 6:00 pm! Curious about this tradition? Read about in the Chicago Catholic at https://rb.gy/10e7pw. 

NCA: Be a Part of Something Greater 



The best way to learn about Northside Catholic Academy and to see if it’s the right fit for your family is to walk through our halls and visit our classrooms. We encourage prospective parents to discover first-hand what makes NCA a Blue Ribbon School. We accept applications up to one year in advance.

Private admissions tours are available by 

appointment. Please contact Brad Gschwendtner at bgschwendtner@ncaschools.com or 773.743.6277 with any questions about our admissions process or to schedule a tour.

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, April 6 at 5:00 pm - Kathy Wall
• Sunday, April 7 at 8:00 am - Hallie Burhoe
• Sunday, April 7 at 10:30 am - Carlos Barragan, Rafael Melendez, Debra Novak

Cantors and Musicians

• Saturday, April 6 at 5:00 pm - Denise Goodman 
• Sunday, April 6 at 8:00 am - Paula Dempsey 
• Sunday, April 6 at 10:30 am - Rob Schroeder 

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Sunday, April 7: 8:00 am - Pasqual Gusmanos+; 10:30 am in church - Samuel and 
• Margaret Marato+; 10:30 am Gym Mass - Thomas Patrick O’Neal+
• Monday, April 8: 7:30 am - Dolores Murray Winslow+
• Tuesday, April 9: 7:30 am - Steve Cook+
• Wednesday, April 10: 7:30 am - Chris Krop+
• Thursday, April 11: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Friday, April 12: 7:30 am - Maria Jose
• Saturday, April 13: 7:30 am - Living and deceased parents of St. Gertrude parishioners/James Nolan+; 5:00 pm - Bernice Kiedysz+

New Parishioners

• Kathleen Lawlor

Rest in Peace

• Sra. Lina Santos Godinez, grandmother of Eloy Escamilla
• Bob Kustusch
• Nancy Adele Maloney
• Shelia Zirves, sister of Tim Harrington 

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.