St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville, Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, December 10, 2023

Second Sunday of Advent

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is This Week!

The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. It is a celebration that brings Latino families together (especially Mexicans and Mexican-Americans) and invites the whole Catholic community to gather to celebrate and honor Mary. It is through this celebration that these communities identify with Guadalupe, a powerful symbol of devotion, where they show and express their faith in God. 

The devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe is so embedded in the Mexican and Mexican-American culture that it is no longer possible to distinguish it from the daily activities of the people. After hundreds of years in Mexican life, Guadalupe has become the symbol of hope, humility, faithfulness, responsibility, and willingness to serve, but most importantly, a symbol of courage to continue doing God’s will. 

According to history, Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared in Mexico during very difficult times: The powerful were doing their will over the vulnerable, which is very similar to what we have been witnessing lately. Her presence was the beginning of a harmonious way of coexistence.

May this feast be an occasion to bring peace wherever we go. 

~ Eloy Escamilla, Pastoral Associate

From Fr. Mike Gabriel

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. This week as we light our second Advent candle, it symbolizes Faith. It is a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Their journey calls every one of us to prepare the way of the Lord. One of the ways we can be active in our Advent preparation is to practice hospitality.

"When I was a stranger, you welcomed me." (Matthew 25:27). That's what Jesus calls us to do: welcome the stranger.

St. Gertrude’s will hosting a family of four from Venezuela, thanks to the generosity of the Catholic Guild of Chicago and our parish's Immigrant and Refugee Ministry. The parish motto is “ALL ARE WELCOME,” and as a parish, we are taking steps to be a place of hope by welcoming this family. Like parents all over the world, they want their children to be happy and safe. So today, we welcome Miguel, Angie, and their children into our family!

How can you help? First, pray for them and for all refugees and asylum seekers. Second, if you speak Spanish or know someone who does, it would be of great help in assisting this family.

You might want to invite them for dinner or make dinner for our new neighbors. Like any young family starting out, there are things they need that we haven’t thought about. So, reflect on things your family needs! You might be willing to drive them to the grocery store, or to an appointment. I know this all seems rushed, but it is a necessity to get this family out of this shelter into a safe warm environment.

Fr. Paul's Visit to Nigeria!

Fr. Paul recently returned to Chicago after a visit with his family in Nigeria. It was the first time he went home in eight years.

He's shared some pictures of his visit with the family and friends who were able to see him during his time there.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception - Friday, December 8

We will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Friday, December 8.

Mass will be held on Thursday, December 7 at 6:30 pm, and on Friday, December 8 at 7:30 am, 8:30 am, and 6:30 pm. 

The rectory office will be closed.

Youth Group Activity is This Saturday, December 9

Teens in the parish in 7th grade and up are invited to attend our next parish youth group event on December 9 at 1:00 pm in the Ministry Center! We will make Christmas cards for the vulnerable.

Snacks will be served!

Edgewater Singers Holiday Concert is This Saturday, December 9

The Edgewater Singers will perform their annual Holiday concert on Saturday, December 9th at 7:30 pm. The performance will be held at the beautiful Ebenezer Lutheran, located at 1650 W. Foster Ave.

We look forward to sharing fun, seasonal music, and hope to see you there!

Second Collection for Retirement Fund for Religious is This Weekend, December 9 and 10

Women and men religious have spent their lives serving others in prayer, ministry, education and care for those in need—usually for little or no pay.

Today, their religious communities do not have enough retirement savings. As they age, they require essential care and medications. Please support them by giving to the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your donation makes a difference for nearly 25,000 senior men and women religious. 

Please give generously. 

Order From St. Gertrude’s Annual Greenery Sale! Only Garland and Wreaths Available; In-Person Sales Happening Again This Sunday

St. Gertrude’s annual Christmas greenery sale is going on now! This is a great opportunity for parishioners to get ready for the holidays while supporting St. Gertrude’s ministries.

All Christmas trees have been sold. Three different sized wreaths are available—the 18” wreath is $25, the 24” is $27, and the 36” is $35. Garland is also available for $40 per 5’ length. 

Order Online

Buyers can purchase wreaths and garland online at https://bit.ly/StGertsChristmasGreenery or by scanning the QR code.

Order via Paper Form

A paper order form is available for download at https://stgertrudechicago.org/christmas-greenery or in the back of church.

Forms and checks or cash can be dropped off at the Rectory office, 1420 W. Granville Ave or placed in the mail slot in the side (west) red door next to the Rectory side yard if the Rectory office is closed. Orders can also be sent to NCA to the attention of Eduardo Soto. Checks should be made out to St. Gertrude. Please note "Greenery" in the memo line. 

Deliveries Available!

Deliveries will be offered for a $6 fee. They will take place on Saturday, December 9 from 9:00 am-11:00 am, and Thursday, December 7 and Thursday, December 14 from 6:00-8:00 pm. The greenery team will do their best to accommodate your preferred delivery date and will reach out to notify you when to expect your order. 

Please note, the boundaries for deliveries are north to Oakton, south to Irving Park, and east of the North Shore Channel.

In-Person Sales Continue This Weekend

Greenery will also be sold at the playlot on the west side of the Social Hall, 1401 W. Granville Avenue this Sunday, December 10 and Sunday, December 17 from 11:30 am-1:00 pm. Only cash and checks will be accepted for in-person purchases.

Questions? Contact St. Gertrude Business Manager Eduardo Soto at esoto@stgertrudechicago.org or call the Rectory at 773.764.3621.

Worldwide Candle Lighting for the Loss of a Child - Sunday, December 10

The Elizabeth Ministry of Queen of All Saints parish will host the annual Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting service on Sunday, December 10th at 6:45 pm in the basilica, 6280 N. Sauganash Avenue, Chicago.

The Compassionate Friends is an organization supporting grieving families in all fifty states and across thirty countries. Every second Sunday in December, families and friends around the globe unite in lighting candles to honor the memories of children of any age who have died, at any time, for any reason. Everyone is welcome to participate in this non-denominational service of prayer and music as we remember children who have gone too soon. The service will also be live-streamed on our parish website.

Email elizabethministry.qas@gmail.com with questions, or to request the name of a loved one to be read during the service. Find more information about The Compassionate Friends organization and grief support at compassionatefriends.org.

Find more information about Queen of All Saints at www.qasparish.org.

Advent Journey with Jesus: New Bible Study Classes Offered - All are Welcome to our Monday, December 11 Classes

Please join Fr. Paul Àdajà for a special Advent-focused Bible study on Mondays! The sessions will take place in the Ministry Center on December 11 and December 18 from 10:00-11:00 am and again from 7:00-8:00 pm. Attendees are encouraged to read the assigned passages beforehand and come with their bibles. 

Each week will feature a different reading and topic: 

• Monday, December 11: The Parents II: Mary and Elizabeth (Luke 1: 26-56)
• Monday, December 18: John the Baptist, Jesus, and Me (Luke 1:59-66; Luke 2: 1-7)

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

Book Club is Monday, December 11

On Monday, December 11, the book club will discuss The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell at 7:00 pm in the Ministry Center. 

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

Parish Pastoral Council News: Greeters Wanted/Next Meeting is December 13

The parish council is getting a Welcoming Committee up and running to foster a sense of hospitality, ensuring that every parishioner, both longstanding and new, feels a genuine connection to our faith community. We are starting the committee by looking for GREETERS to welcome those into church. If you are interested, please contact Tim Love at tim.1love@gmail.com.

The next parish pastoral council meeting will be on Wednesday, December 13 at 7:00 pm in the Ministry Center.

Friendship Club is Thursday, December 14



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.

Holy Ground Documentary Premiere is December 14 (and Fr. Paul Àdajà is Interviewed!)

The documentary Holy Ground is a history of Catholics in Chicago from the discovery of the area, all the way into the post-World War II era. 

The film looks at the role Billy Caldwell (a.k.a. Chief Sauganash) had in helping immigrants become settled to Chicago and the Grosse Pointe area. Holy Ground features engaging historians and showcases dozens of parishes and individuals, including St. Gert’s associate pastor, Fr. Paul Àdajà! 

Holy Ground features engaging historians and showcases dozens of parishes and individuals, including St. Gert’s associate pastor, Fr. Paul Àdajà ! 

There is a free screening of the film on Thursday, December14 at Landmark Glen, 1850 

Tower Dr. in Glenview. Tickets are available at the box office for 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm. 

St. Gertrude's Giving Tree Program: Donation Deadline is Sunday, December 17

The Giving Trees are in the back of Church. We will again be asking for gift cards, rather than gifts. This allows flexibility for individuals to get what they need. The benefactors of the Giving Tree collections will be Care for Real and the St. Gertrude Refugee and Immigrant Ministry.

Care for Real is asking for gift cards in $20.00 increments to Target, Jewel, and Walmart. They are also asking for Ventra passes. The Refugee Ministry is requesting $20 gift cards to Target. We are also asking for $10 McDonald’s gift cards to provide immediate meals for those who request them.

There are two boxes at the front of church, by the statue of Mary. One will be for Care for Real and one for the Refugee Ministry. Please place your gift cards into whichever organization you would like to support. The McDonald’s gift cards can be placed in either box. The last chance to donate gift cards will be Sunday, December 17 at noon.

We hope that in this most joyous of seasons you will be able to support the Giving Tree program. Each gift card will allow others to be able to have a blessed and happy Christmas celebration.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Giving Tree Program coordinator Joe McMahon at jpmgmu@aol.com or at 708.525.5051.

Our Advent Reconciliation Service is Sunday, December 17



On Sunday, December 17, at 1:00 pm in church, we will celebrate our Advent Reconciliation. Please join us for this special service of scripture, hymns, and guided reflection, offering us some “quiet in the midst of the storm” as we celebrate the forgiveness of our sins in preparation for the celebration of Christmas.

Everyone is welcome. This service usually lasts about 45 minutes.

St. Gertrude's Advent and Christmas Schedule

Advent Reconciliation Service

Sunday, December 17

• 1:00 pm in church

Christmas Eve

Sunday, December 24

• 5:00 pm Family Mass (live-streamed)
• 7:30 -8:00 pm Choral music
• 8:00 pm Vigil Mass, adult choir & instruments

Christmas Day

Monday, December 25

• 8:00 am
• 10:30 am (live-streamed)
• Rectory office closed

Tuesday, December 26

• Rectory office closed
• 7:30 am mass

New Year's Eve

Sunday, December 31

• 5:00 pm Mass

New Year's Day - Mary, Mother of God

Monday, January 1

• Rectory office closed
• 8:00 am mass
• 10:30 am mass (live-streamed)

7th & 8th Grade Students Invited to Participate in our Essay Contest: Deadline is December 18

Students in the 7th and 8th grade are invited to take part in our annual essay contest. Participants should write an essay in response to this question: What is your role as a Christian Catholic to obtain world peace?

Entries should be 500-600 words. Spelling and grammar count!

The top three winners will receive gift cards and have their essays published online and in the bulletin.

Entries must be submitted online or postmarked by Monday, December 18, 2023. Email essays (preferred method) to eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or mail them to Eloy Escamilla, 1420 W. Granville, Chicago, IL 60660. 

Longest Night of the Year: Homeless Persons Memorial Vigil is Thursday, December 21

On Thursday, December 21st at 6:00 pm in church, we will host the Longest Night of the Year: Homeless Persons Memorial Vigil. This vigil is to remember and honor our sisters and brothers who have died while living on the streets.

We hope you can join us.

Christmas Eve Pageant at 5:00 pm Mass: Children & Adults Needed

As is our tradition during the Gospel at the Christmas Eve 5:00 pm Family Mass, the kids from St. Gertrude parish will act out the Christmas story.

We are looking for children ages 5 and older to participate in this charming production, and adults to help organize or be part of the event. 

Contact me at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org if you and/or your children are interested in being a part of this special Mass. Thank you!

~ Eloy Escamilla

Growing in Faith

I’ve been pondering today’s scripture and praying for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. These words continue to jump out: “Prepare the Way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!” This is the beautiful season of Advent, when we are called to prepare the way for Jesus.  

Last year, I had the life-changing experience of being led through the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius. Of the many revelations of those weeks, the most significant change for me was the repeated entreaty to see Jesus as my friend.  

When I think of preparing the way for my friend, Jesus, I imagine how I would prepare for a friend’s visit to our home: I would clear the walkway, clean the sitting room of mail and papers, move my many knitting bags upstairs, etc. So, how am I called to prepare for my friend, Jesus? I want to sweep the path clean of resentments, judgements, quick irritations, and self-focus. As soon as an irritation pops up, sweep it away, clear the path for the Love of God. Or, at least I’m going to try!

“Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed!” That introduces part two of my Advent plan: To take the time to pray and acknowledge the glory of Jesus revealed all around us. We see it in the kindness of friends and strangers, smiles, the connections in our community, the gift of family. I am regularly astonished by Jesus’ quick response to a prayer. I may ask Him to accompany me as I enter a difficult place. I walk in and am warmly greeted, as if Jesus is saying, “I’m with you. I’ll be here.” The glory of the Lord is revealed!

~ Dorothea Tobin 

Rest in Peace

• Connie Engelmohr

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, December 9 at 5:00 pm - Patrick Reardon, Susan McKean
• Sunday, December 10 at 8:00 am - David Sullivan, Mark Kollar
• Sunday, December 10 at 10:30 am - Tim Love, Rhiana Damalerio

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, December 9 at 5:00 pm - Kathleen Dawson
• Sunday, December 10 at 8:00 am - Barb Daly
• Sunday, December 10 at 10:30 am - Lisa Schneider, Patrick Robinson, Michael Kowalsky

Cantors and Musicians

• Saturday, December 9 at 5:00 pm - Bernie O'Connor
• Sunday, December 10 at 8:00 am - Jon Blake
• Sunday, December 10 at 10:30 am - Rob Schroeder

Altar Servers

• Sunday, December 10 at 10:30 am - Cross bearer - Carter Dant, Acolytes - Wyatt Dant, Mathious Paulus

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Monday, December 11: 7:30 am - Gabrielle Albarillo
• Tuesday, December 12: 7:30 am - Bernice Kiedysz+
• Wednesday, December 13: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Society
• Thursday, December 14: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Friday, December 15: 7:30 am - Jacqueline Elwood+
• Saturday, December 16: 7:30 am - Pat Veccie+; 5:00 pm - Emmet McKee+
• Sunday, December 17: 8:00 am - Kevin Kirland+; 10:30 am in church - Bernice Kiedysz+; 10:30 am Gym Mass - People of God

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.