All Are Welcome
St. Gertrude Parish in Chicago
Our parish strives to be a community, growing in faith, that welcomes all and brings Christ’s love to others.
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Upcoming Events & Activities
Upcoming Events & Activities
Upcoming Events & Activities
Upcoming Events & Activities
Heart to Heart Ministry
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Support St. Gertrude Parish & our Ministries
Support St. Gertrude Parish & our Ministries
Support St. Gertrude Parish & our Ministries
Support St. Gertrude Parish & our Ministries
Support St. Gertrude Parish & our Ministries
Friday Morning Men’s Prayer and Scripture Discussion Group
The Friday Morning Men's Prayer and Scripture discussion group will have in-person gatherings for all of the Fridays in January and February.
It will be at the St. Gertrude Ministry Center, 6214 N. Glenwood. We meet for social conversation at 7:45 am and begin prayer at 8:00 am.
We read and share our insights into the Scripture readings for the coming Sunday. We want to better live the Gospel in our daily lives and we share what the readings mean to us, from our personal perspectives rather than a scholarly point of view. We finish with an “Our Father” at about 9:00 am. Some opt to linger longer as their schedule permits.
An option to meet via Zoom is also available. Here is the Zoom information for our weekly gathering:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84331230411?pwd=rnUN9lmPtxjVg6bdiQ5QnsbBlpcptc.1
Meeting ID: 843 3123 0411; Passcode: pray
There are currently about 6-8 guys participating in a typical Friday morning gathering. We hope several who are reading this will also find this to be appealing and give the group a try. If you are interested and plan to come, it would be helpful – but not required – if you let Allen Stryczek know you are coming by sending him an email to astryczek@sbcglobal.net.
Care for Real Collection is February 22-23
Our next collection drive for Care for Real February 22 and February 23. Care for Real is urgently seeking donations of diapers in sizes 2-6, baby wipes, juice boxes, thermal layers (all sizes) gently used coats (all sizes), hand warmers, lotions and hand soap, shampoo and body wash, adult incontinence under bed pads.
Our collection drive for Care for Real is always the fourth calendar weekend every month, and our asylum seekers’ collection is the first weekend of each month.
We are so grateful for your help supporting Care for Real as they work to provide food and much-needed supplies to our neighbors who are struggling.
This Sunday is our "Brewed at St. Gertrude" Parish Hospitality Event—All are Welcome!
Please join us this Sunday, February 23rd for a parish hospitality event, "Brewed at St. Gertrude!"
Following the 10:30am church and gym masses, come to the Social Hall for pastries, coffee, tea, and hot cocoa.
All are welcome: new and long-time parishioners, families, and visitors! We would love for the entire parish to be there!
Refugee and Immigrant Ministry Update: New Volunteer Meeting Planned for Thursday, February 27 at 7:15 pm
The St. Gertrude Refugee and Immigrant Ministry has a meeting on Thursday, February 27 at 7:15 pm in the Ministry Center Chapel, 6214 N. Glenwood Ave.
This is an open meeting specifically focused on engaging active volunteers to reflect on our mission and plan going forward, with people interested in volunteering to continue the cycle of leadership.
Lenten Season Mediation Series
We live in incredibly troubled times. Injustice after injustice and a stream of never ending tragedies show through social media algorithms designed to distract us. It is difficult to digest it all, let alone find a moment of stillness to reflect and potentially act on it.
You are invited to a new series titled “Music, Stillness, Solidarity” every Friday night from March 7 to April 11. From 6:00-6:30 pm, St. Gertrude's will be open as a safe space where ALL are welcome to come, sit, pray, and meditate as we navigate these realities as a community.
Contemplative music will be played through the duration of the time to help guide and promote reflection on the day.
Timeline for New Pastor Placement/Prayer for a New Pastor
Here is an estimated timeline of the Pastor placement process:
· End of January: A list of parishes looking for a new pastor will be released.
· February/March: Discernment for pastors takes place.
· March/April: Hopefully we will have an announcement of a new pastor.
Prayer for a New Pastor
God of new beginnings, be with us, the people of St. Gertrude, as we await the appointment of our next Pastor. Enable us, in this time of waiting, to be a people of hope, trusting in the presence and power of the Spirit.
We thank you for the pastoral leadership of all who have been pastors of our faith community, for those who have ministered as members of pastoral staffs over the years, and for the gifts of the Spirit shared in countless ways by those whose lives have graced this sacred space.
May the community of St. Gertrude continue to be a beacon of welcome, of hope, of reconciliation, of peace and justice for all who seek you.
Bless those priests who may be considering applying to be the next pastor of our faith
community and of all who will be a part of the discernment and selection process. Bless the works of our hands. We ask these things in Jesus’ Name. AMEN!
Join Our Choir!
Are you looking for other ways to contribute to the Mass that you know and love? Consider joining the choir to help us further make a joyful sound!
Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. All voices are welcome. If you have any questions or want to learn more, please email me at jhannau@stgertrudechicago.org.
Volunteers Needed!
Several months ago, we began the transition process of welcoming a new pastor. However, this transition involves much more than just one person—it represents a shift in the mission and direction of our parish.
As part of this process, we have been reflecting on who we are as the parish of St. Gertrude’s, what our mission is, and the role we play in our neighborhood and the broader world.
This transition also includes some very practical changes. The pastoral staff has been taking on increasing responsibilities, and they have been doing an excellent job. However, they cannot carry this weight alone—they need your help.
We need more volunteers to sustain the programs and ministries we currently offer and to continue moving forward, no matter who the pastor may be.
Here are a few immediate areas where your assistance is needed:
- Baptismal Preparation: We offer a monthly class for families having their babies baptized for the first time.
- Live Streaming: The 10:30 am Mass is live-streamed to bring the liturgy into the homes of those who cannot attend in person.
- Choir: The choir is looking for singers and musicians. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. All voices are welcome.
- Heart to Heart Ministry: This outreach program offers aid and support to older adults in need.
- Church Environment:/Decoration: As we approach Lent and Easter, there is need for assistance making the church look beautiful.
Please consider getting involved in one of these ministries. If you have any interest in any of these ministries, please reach out to Fr. Mike Gabriel at mgabriel@stgertrudechicago.org
Teens are Invited to Register for St. Gertrude’s Youth Mission Experience
Parish teens are invited to take part in St. Gertrude's Youth Mission experience this summer from June 23-27. Teens in seventh grade through high school 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 for more information, contact pastoral associate Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.
Kids Word at 10:30 am Masses
On Sundays during the 10:30 am Mass in church, children aged 4-7 years-old are invited to attend Kids Word to hear an age-appropriate Gospel message and do fun, scripture-based activities such as coloring or crafts in the Rectory.
Children will be invited by the celebrant to come to the altar before the readings and will return to church before the petitions.
Email eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org for details.
Fr. Mike Bradley and Laurie Hasbrook are Recognized as 2024 Edgewater Treasures
On Saturday, November 2, Fr. Mike Bradley and Laurie Hasbrook, along Dr. Jamal Husain, were recognized as 2024 Living Treasures of Edgewater!
Edgewater Living Treasures are residents of Edgewater who have made a difference, some in a profound, fundamental way, and others in a small but significant action that has affected the well being of the Edgewater community. Their deeds were not driven by personal gain, but to help the people of the community – whether generating beauty, fostering harmony, helping the less fortunate or encouraging grass roots activity.
In addition to his work at the Archdiocese and St. Gertrude parish, especially the Heart to Heart ministry, Fr. Mike has raised funds for an AIDs clinic in Uganda, Catholic Charities in Chicago, Leukemia Society, and Northside Catholic Academy.
Laurie has worked diligently to improve the lives of others in Edgewater for more than 20 years. She has served as a support person for Iraqi refugee families and assisted migrants who gathered around the 24th District police station, sleeping on the ground without food or adequate clothing. Laurie has also worked with various mutual aid networks and WhatsApp groups to distribute goods and services to help these new neighbors. And her work at St. Gertrude, especially with the Lending Closet, has been a blessing to so many!
An Update from the Refugee & Immigration Ministry: (January 2025 Update)
You may recall that we supported a refugee family of four Venezuelans who came by way of Ecuador. I've received a wonderful update (shared below) from Refugee One that lets you know just how impactful you support can be. Refugee One is a spectacular partner with a wealth of services to ease the transition of these families!
Hard to believe, but it’s been nearly six months since the family of four we are sponsoring arrived in Chicago! Here are a few final updates as we conclude your financial co-sponsorship:
The father of the family is still working at the barber shop and doing well. If he ever has questions or concerns, he knows he can reach out to us for employment support for up to five years.
The mother passed her exam for our Level 1 English class in December with an impressive 97%! She has since advanced to our Level 2 class, which started earlier this month. She continues to stay home to care for their young son but is also interested in taking classes in our Sewing Studio soon. Her commitment to learning is evident, and we’re glad to see her in our office several days a week.
Their daughter is thriving in school, enjoying her time with peers, and making good progress in learning English. We’ll follow up on her specific academic progress at her next parent-teacher conference.
Lastly, we received wonderful news this week: the father’s cousin and his son will be joining them in Chicago next month! We’re thrilled that their family will soon be reunited. 😊
The resettlement process is never seamless, but this family has been proactive and dedicated since their arrival. We’re deeply grateful for your financial support and prayers for this family—your generosity has provided them with stability during their first few months here.
Thank you again for helping to make Chicago a more welcoming place by supporting this family. We look forward to continuing our partnership in this important work of welcome.
Additionally, if you are curious about joining the team, please reach out to Denise at dmg321@comcast.net.
Thank you for all you do, for your prayers and support.
On behalf of the Ministry,
~ Denise Goodman
Student Essay Contest Winner Jose Ramirez
Recently, students preparing for Confirmation were asked to take part in an essay contest about the importance of forgiving others
Jose Ramirez is one of our two winners. His thoughtful submission can be read below.
According to Google, forgiveness is "the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven." I certainly agree with Google's words. Now Google just gives us the tip of the iceberg about forgiveness. Forgiveness to me is a collection of emotions whether good or bad and all those emotions are taken out in the form of forgiving
Many times in my life people have hurt me. Both physically and mentally. For example, once in the 2nd grade, I was in P.E. playing soccer while others were playing catch with a football. While playing soccer I got struck with the football by the boys that were playing catch. The boy who threw the ball came up to me and he said "Are you okay?" I said yes and then he said " I'm so sorry I didn't mean to." The next words that came out of my mouth were "It's okay, I forgive you."
Now when I said those words it was much more than just saying it's okay. I was taking the emotions I had felt when I got hit and It was taking those emotions and turning them into something positive taking the situation from just strangers to having a special bond that could have never been made. Now if at that moment when the boy had said he was sorry and I would have said that I don't accept his apology things would have been very different.
Now the main reason I use this example is because in this situation I met my best friend of 6 years. After the situation, I talked to him more and we learned we had a lot in common. See if I had held a grudge like others sometimes do I would have never become best friends with him, I would have never gone to the waterpark with him, and none of the memories with him would have happened if I said "No I don't forgive you." But for forgiving him good things came out of it. So now that's the reason I want people to hear. When you don't forgive someone it's not just holding a grudge it's closing a door. Closing a door full of possible memories and opportunities and great things to come.
Let's take for example a made-up story. let's say a teenager named Jacob, He had a lifelong friend since elementary named Cesar, He goes to high school with Cesar and they both like a girl, Now Jacob told Cesar about how he likes her but Cesar never told Jacob. Cesar dates the girl they both like behind Jacob's back. Cesar then breaks the news to Jacob and he can't believe it he tells Cesar he never wants to talk to him again. Cesar begs for forgiveness but Jacob doesn't care.
Fast forward 10 years Jacob starts his own bakery. His bakery isn't doing very well. The pastries are delicious but he doesn't have the proper advertising he asks around for advertisers and finds out about one of the best in the country with low prices. He then contacts him, but to his surprise, it's his old friend who he never wanted to forgive. Now Jacob feels stuck, he doesn't want his business to fail but he doesn't want to talk to Cesar after what he did. He prefers to pay much more money for an advertiser with not the best work than to forgive his friend.
See I use this story to help you understand the extent people go and the grudges they hold do not always work. To sum up, everything I've stated so far nothing bad will happen out of forgiving someone even if you do not want to continue a relationship at least end things on good terms because you never know when it's gonna be your last time talking to them.
Student Essay Contest Winner Matteo Nafe
Here is another winning essay from our contest, which asked students preparing for Confirmation about the importance of forgiving others.
Forgiveness is accepting an apology from someone else for their past wrongdoings such as hurting someone you love or someone breaking your things. Forgiveness helps relieve guilt off your shoulders and helps your mood because you don't have to fight with that other person.
Forgiveness to me is accepting that we feel that something is wrong then we try to fix it or
find the common ground between the two different perspectives. It is not always easy to
forgive or be forgiven because some people hold grudges which can last a lifetime while
others forgive more easily.
Forgiveness is important because if you hold a grudge with someone it could affect the
relationship, and people are hesitant to continue to communicate feelings or thoughts with you. It is harder to be close to someone or build a relationship with them if they have hurt you and not apologized. By forgiving others it also helps you feel better and if the person is truly sorry you should forgive them.
You must really think why the hurt happened to begin with. Many different things like
misunderstanding, accident, bad circumstances or disagreements can be the reason. We
can begin to forgive by keeping ourselves calm and trying to see from the other person's
perspective. Asking to meet and discuss the problems and being a good listener so you
can understand the other person and what motivated them.
If you are truly sorry for something that you did wrong to someone such as harming them
are stealing from them, then it will be forgiven by God but in the end it is up to the person to decide if they want to forgive you or not. Some people are more hesitant to forgive because they have been hurt by people.
The bigger wrongdoing or misunderstanding the harder it is to forgive, because it affected you so much and some people think that if you forgive that it feels like it just didn't happen or that it is ok that they hurt you. It is also hard to ask for forgiveness because some believe it is showing weakness and is embarrassing so they just ignore it rather than deal with it.
When you forgive it strengthens bonds between the people you forgave and yourself as well as other people within the community that may have the same beliefs. When you forgive someone, it encourages others to forgive people as well and will lead to everyone being in an overall better mood. With forgiveness, our community becomes more understanding and thoughtful.
Growing up with many friends who were into sports while I preferred to read books always
led to a lot of conflict. Occasionally, they would get more aggressive and push or wrestle
with me, which was not the nicest and made me feel not welcome and not safe. As we
grew, they became more understanding of who I was, and I forgave them for not treating me well. The result is that our friendship is much better, and I no longer hold a grudge against him for doing that.
Heart to Heart Volunteer Spotlight: Michael Kowalsky
The Heart to Heart Lending Closet provides durable medical equipment to people throughout Chicagoland. Items donated to us for distribution are gently used and in good condition. But when we get a perfectly sturdy wheelchair, transport chair, or rollator with a flat tire or loose supports -- Michael Kowalsky comes to the rescue!
Michael is a Heart to Heart volunteer with a knack for diagnosing the most perplexing equipment issues. Thanks to Michael, along with the folks who donate to us, we're able to keep our mobility room well-stocked!
Items Needed for the Lending Closet
The Lending Closet is in dire need of rollator walkers (walkers with a seat.)
Please e-mail or call the Lending Closet manager Laurie Hasbrook at lhasbrook@stgertrudechicago.org or 773-973-5464 ext. 115 if have one to donate.
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Spiritual Directors/Companions Available
If you've been searching for a deeper relationship with God or wanted to seek God’s help in making you might consider meeting with a spiritual director/companion.
Carol Ann Munro and Lori Dressel offer confidential one-on-one sessions at St. Gertrude and the opportunity to slow down and take time to reflect on your experience of life, God’s action and grace in your daily routines and connect deeply to “the Spirit hidden in the depths of your soul.“ (T. Merton)
In meeting with a spiritual director, a person learns to pay attention to God’s personal communication, to respond to this personally communicating God, to be open to intimacy with God, and to live out the richness of the relationship that results from this intimacy.
If you are interested in this, contact Lori Dressel at lorijdressel@gmail.com or Carol Ann Munro at carolannmunro@comcast.net.
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.
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.
Rest in peace notices & funeral information
Geoffrey Penar
Estelle Ann Guardino
- mother of Sam Guardino (Laurie Hasbrook) ; info available here