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 3, 2023

First Sunday of Advent

From Fr. Mike Gabriel

Today is the First Sunday of Advent. It is time to be purple for a while. I suspect all of us think of Advent as a season of preparation, which it most certainly is. If asked what we are preparing for, we might well respond, Christmas. It’s an obvious response, since all around us are the decorations of the Christmas season, cropping up as they have been since Halloween. (I saw a TV station was already showing a Christmas movie!) 

But here is where it gets interesting. If one looks at the Scripture readings for Mass for the Advent season, one sees no mention of or reference to the birth of Christ until the Wednesday of the third week of Advent, nine days before Christmas. Consider just the Sunday readings. The first Advent Sunday focuses on warning us to be ready, for we know not the day or the hour. The next two Sundays are all about the ministry of John the Baptist. Now John’s preaching was all about preparation, to be sure. But it came some 30 years after the Nativity and was focused on being ready for the public ministry of Jesus. Not until the fourth Advent Sunday do we hear anything about the birth of a child, as we listen to the story of the Annunciation. 

Now it might seem that we are giving short shrift to Christmas, but we are not. We just don’t start celebrating the birth of the Savior until, well, until Christmas. Then we have several weeks, with the Feast of the Holy Family and Epiphany, to celebrate Christ’s birth. What all this means to me is that the mystery we celebrate during these days really centers upon the coming of Christ into our midst. While the birth of a Savior is a truly glorious and heart-warming event, Christ comes to us in many, many ways. We do wait for his return at the end of time, we rejoice that the Virgin was with Child, we are instructed and guided by the public ministry and teaching for which John prepared the way. And at each Eucharist, we celebrate his Real Presence in priest and people, Word, and Sacrament. We have much to celebrate. 

Giving Tree Program

One way we prepare for Christmas is by giving to others. And there is no better way to share with those less fortunate than our parish’s Giving Tree program benefiting Care for 

Real and St. Gertrude’s Refugee and Immigrant Ministry. Once again, we request gift cards rather than gifts. This flexibility allows individuals to get what is most needed. More details are further down in the bulletin. 

Second Collection Retirement Fund for Religious

Next weekend, December 9th and 10th, is the second collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. There are nearly 25,000 senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who dedicated their lives to serving others, by praying, educating, caring for those who are sick, and helping others. Your donation will make a real difference by providing essential care, medicine, and other necessities as we minister to them.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Next Friday, December 8, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. On Thursday,

December 7, the Eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, mass is at 6:30 pm. On Friday, December 8, masses will be held at 7:30 am, 8:30 am (with NCA), and 6:30 pm. The office will be closed. 

Upcoming Events: Advent Bible Study, Advent Reconciliation Service, Homeless Persons Memorial Vigil

Mark your calendars for these events! Fr. Paul is hosting a special Advent Bible study on Mondays during Advent from 10:00-11:00 am and again from 7:00-8:00 pm. Each week will focus on a different reading and topic.

Attendees are encouraged to read the assigned passages beforehand and come with their bibles. Additional details, including the readings, are further down in the bulletin.

The parish Advent Reconciliation Service is Sunday, December 17th at 1:00 pm. And on Thursday, December 21st at 6:00 pm, we will host the Longest Night of the Year: Homeless Persons Memorial Vigil.

Thank you!

Special thanks to Heidi Schlumpf and Michelle Nickerson for keeping the parish informed on the Synod on Synodality last Tuesday. 

Asylum Seekers Supply Drive is This Weekend, December 2-3

This weekend, December 2-3, is our supply drive for asylum seekers at the Broadway Armory, who are also being helped by Care for Real. 

The top request from CFR is more winter gear: stretchy gloves, hats, scarves, hand warmers, and new/gently used coats.  

Their clients also are in desperate need of: 

RCIA Rite of Welcoming and Acceptance - Sunday, December 3



On Sunday, December 3rd at the 10:30 am Mass, our church will celebrate the Rite of Welcoming and Acceptance for RCIA members:

• Jenna Marie Rawski
• Adrean Alexis Herrera
• Ilse Alejandra Vielma
• Victoria Anne Braucher Bussey
• Salwa Fadhil

Through the Rite, the church welcomes those who have been baptized in another faith or baptized Catholic as a child but never catechized in the Catholic faith, into the process of full communion with the Church.

The Rite of Acceptance recognizes the Catechumen's decision to begin the process of becoming a member of the Catholic Church through Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation.

Order From St. Gertrude’s Annual Greenery Sale! In-Person Sales Available 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.

Each 6’ Christmas tree is $55. 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 greenery 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 Begin This Saturday!

Deliveries will be offered for a $6 fee. They will take place on Saturday, December 2 and 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 3, as well as 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.

Advent Journey with Jesus: New Bible Study Classes Offered - All are Welcome to our Monday, December 4 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 4, 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 4: The Parents I: Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25); Zechariah (Luke 1: 5-23)
• 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.

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.

Next Youth Group Activity is 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 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 December 9 and 10

“Religious are blessed to serve,” says Dominican Father Bertrand Ebben, age 90. Please donate to the Retirement Fund for Religious next week.

Your gift will provide essential care for nearly 25,000 senior sisters, brothers and religious order priests who have dedicated their lives to serving others.

Let us show our gratitude to these selfless individuals by giving generously. 

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.

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, 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. 

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

Today’s GIF piece marks a milestone in St. Gertrude Parish history. Twenty years ago, on the 1st Sunday in Advent 2003, the parish bulletin launched our first Growing in Faith Column. Dedicated to represent the ‘voice of the parishioner’ it also served as a vehicle to enhance adult faith sharing and encourage connections between different populations within the parish. 

In Spring of 2003, Fr. Bill Kenneally organized a Parish Synod. We focused on four aspects of parish life: Liturgy, Social Justice, Adult Faith Formation, and Child/Youth Faith Formation. this GIF Column remains one of its lasting legacies of the Adult Faith Formation circle of parishioners.

We are so grateful to our writers! We thank and acknowledge the deep sharing of faith from each writer for each column on each Sunday, which amounts to almost 1,400 columns written! From every corner of the parish, the moving and thoughtful reflections have been the heartbeat of this effort. Also, it’s been a delight to receive the enthusiastic parishioner response of our columns over these 20 years. THANK YOU ALL!   

We also praise the parish leadership, specifically from our pastors since Fr. Bill, who embraced and encouraged our efforts throughout extremely difficult times.  

Looking ahead, we hope for new voices in faith sharing. Please become active! Whether you’re old or new to St Gertrude, if you have an interest in writing, networking, or faith sharing, join the GIF Bulletin Planning Committee! We’re a fun group. And, besides planning, please volunteer to write for this column! We welcome your voice to build the future of our parish. 

~ Claire Conley (email claireconley@me.com to volunteer)

Thank you to our current Growing in Faith Committee for their hard work!

The group includes Nancy Bujnowski, Claire Conley, Wendy Cotter,

Madeleine Philbin, Bob Raccuglia, and Pat Reardon!

Rest in Peace

• Mary Kathleen Agostinelli
• Paul Rapp

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, December 2 at 5:00 pm - Roman Reyes, Joseph McMahon
• Sunday, December 3 at 8:00 am - Rob Sierzega, Jennifer Kiedaisch
• Sunday, December 3 at 10:30 am - Steven Monti, Sarah Millar

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, December 2 at 5:00 pm - Kathy Wall
• Sunday, December 3 at 8:00 am - Barb Daly
• Sunday, December 3 at 10:30 am - Troy McMillan, Maria Ugarte, Carlos Barragan

Cantors and Musicians

• Saturday, December 2 at 5:00 pm - Eric Mason
• Sunday, December 3 at 8:00 am - Jim Manzardo
• Sunday, December 3 at 10:30 am - Matt Heimer

Altar Servers

• Sunday, December 3 at 10:30 am - Cross bearer - Owen Craft, Acolytes - Ethan Craft, Dominic Rubino

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Monday, December 4: 7:30 am - People of God
• Tuesday, December 5: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Society
• Wednesday, December 6: 7:30 am - Living and deceased parents of St. Gertrude parishioners
• Thursday, December 7: 7:30 am - Communion Service; 6:30 pm - Eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception - People of God
• Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Friday, December 8: 7:30 am - People of God; 8:30 am - People of God; 6:30 pm - People of God
• Saturday, December 10: 7:30 am - People of God; 5:00 pm - Richard Cenar+
• Sunday, December 11: 8:00 am - People of God; 10:30 am in church - Tim O'Toole+; 10:30 am Gym Mass - Charlotte Mullen+

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.