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.
Here is the Latest News:
Mass Times/Rectory Hours
Order Your Christmas Greenery from St. Gerts!
Upcoming Events & Activities
Upcoming Events & Activities
Order Your Christmas Greenery from St. Gerts!
Upcoming Events & Activities
Order Your Christmas Greenery from St. Gerts!
Order Your Christmas Greenery from St. Gerts!
Order Your Christmas Greenery from St. Gerts!
This Weekend's Bulletin
Support St. Gertrude Parish & our Ministries
Order Your Christmas Greenery from St. Gerts!
Our Mission & Values
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
Care for Real Collection Drive This Weekend
Our monthly Food & Supply Drive for Care for Real is November 23 and 24. Please place nonperishable items in the bins at the back of church before and after mass times.
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.
Please place nonperishable items in the bins at the back of church before and after mass times. Special needs this month include diapers in any sizes.
Visit www.careforreal.org/wishlist to shop Care for Real's Amazon or Target wish lists to shop-to-donate today. Donations can also be dropped off between 12:00-3:00 pm every Monday-Saturday at the back entrance of 5339 N. Sheridan.
Additionally, you can visit www.careforreal.org/wishlist to shop Care for Real's Amazon or Target wish lists to shop-to-donate today. Donations can also be dropped off between 12:00-3:00 pm every Monday-Saturday at the back entrance of 5339 N. Sheridan.
ECRA Interfaith Thanksgiving Service - Sunday, November 24 at Ebenezer Lutheran
The Edgewater Community Religious Association (ECRA) is an interfaith association of religious organizations who work toward fostering friendships and understanding of other faiths, nurture a thriving and just neighborhood, and create solutions to local problems.
ECRA hosts an annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service benefiting Care for Real that bring together Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, as well as our friends from the Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu faith.
All are invited to this year's service on Sunday, November 24 from 2:00-4:00 pm , hosted this year at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster Ave.
Attendees are encouraged to share their bounty with the food insecure in our neighborhood. Visit https://careforreal.org/wishlist/ to see Care for Real's wish list! A reception will follow the service.
Happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving Day Mass is at 9:00 am/Office Closed Thursday and Friday
We hope Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful one for you and your loved ones.
We are so grateful for our wonderful parishioners and neighbors who make our neighborhood and city a better place. And we thank those that are able to volunteer their time at St. Gertrude. We are so lucky to have you!
The rectory office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 28 and Friday, November 29. Mass on Thanksgiving will be held at 9:00 am and 7:30 am on Friday. Additionally, there are no Religious Ed classes on Sunday, December 1.
Giving Tuesday is December 3
Next Tuesday, December 3, is Giving Tuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. People all over the world celebrate the true reason behind this holiday season, showing generosity, compassion, and love to those less fortunate.
St. Gertrude is a parish that is truly dedicated to helping others. Whether it be through reaching out to teens through our youth group, caring for our seniors with our Heart to Heart program, collecting food for Care for Real, or committing to sponsoring a refugee family, our community of faith shows love to others every single day.
If you are inspired to take part in this day-long donation campaign, please consider supporting St. Gertrude and making a donation here.
Every donation will make a difference! Thank you!
Order Your Trees, Garland, and Wreaths from St. Gert’s Annual Greenery Sale!
St. Gertrude is once again hosting our annual Christmas greenery sale, with a limited number of balsam pine trees, wreaths, and garland available for purchase. Our Christmas greenery sale is a great opportunity for parishioners to get ready for the holidays while supporting St. Gertrude 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
Purchase greenery online at https://bit.ly/StGertsChristmasGreenery.
Order via Paper Form
A paper order form is available for download at https://stgertrudechicago.org/christmas-greenery.
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.
Checks should be made out to St. Gertrude. Please note "Greenery" in the memo line.
Deliveries
Deliveries will be offered for a $6 fee. They will take place on Saturday, December 7 and Saturday, December 14, from 10:00 am - 2:00 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
Greenery will also be sold at the playlot on the west side of the Social Hall, 1401 W. Granville Avenue on the first four Sundays of December: the 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd from 11:30 am to 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 8
The Elizabeth Ministry of Queen of All Saints parish will host the annual Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting service on Sunday, December 8th at 6:45 pm in Queen of All Saints 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.
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.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception - Monday, December 9
We will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, December 9.
Mass will be held at 7:30 am and 8:30 am. The rectory office will be open.
December Youth Group Event on December 14
Attention students in 7th grade and up! Save the date! On December 14, we've planned an afternoon of Christmas card-making and cookie decorating. We'll gather in the Ministry Center from 1:00-3:00 pm.
Please reach out to Eloy Escamilla at eecamilla@stgertrudechicago.org for more information.Real's wish list! A reception will follow the service.
7th & 8th Grade Students Invited to Participate in our Essay Contest
Students in the 7th and 8th grade are invited to take part in our annual essay contest. Participants should write an essay based in this prompt: The Importance of Forgiving Others.
Entries should be 450 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 16, 2024. Email essays (preferred method) to eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or mail them to Eloy Escamilla, 1420 W. Granville, Chicago, IL 60660.
St. Gertrude's Giving Tree Program
The Giving Trees will go up shortly 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 the St. Gertrude Refugee and Immigrant Ministry and other organizations.
There will be boxes at the front of church, by the statue of Mary. Please place your gift cards into whichever organization you would like to support.
We’ll have more information next weekend about the other organizations, the deadlines when gifts card need to be submitted by, and types of gift cards each organization would prefer.
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.
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 N. Glenwood Avenue.
St. Gertrude's Giving Tree Program
The Giving Trees will go up shortly 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 the St. Gertrude Refugee and Immigrant Ministry and other organizations.
There will be boxes at the front of church, by the statue of Mary. Please place your gift cards into whichever organization you would like to support.
We’ll have more information next weekend about the other organizations, the deadlines when gifts card need to be submitted by, and types of gift cards each organization would prefer.
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.
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 is 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!
Please Welcome Our New Music Director, Jonathan Hannau
Hello! My name is Jonathan Hannau and I am thrilled to be joining the community of St. Gertrude’s in Edgewater as your new Music Director. I myself live in Edgewater with my wife Suzanne and our three dogs.
For the last decade, I have worked as the Music Director for the Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church and Associate Music Director for St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. I earned my degrees in Music Composition from DePaul University and Roosevelt University, and I maintain a very active career as a performer and composer in the city and abroad. I have released two albums of original solo piano music (among other things), I perform with two professional ensembles in the city, and am also the Artistic Director of the Chicago Composers Orchestra: an organization dedicated to playing the orchestral music of living composers. I recently made my WFMT debut back in February 2024 with violinist Hannah Christiansen.
I look forward to working with you all and bringing a joyful sound to this vibrant and loving congregation.
Jonathan can be reached at jhannau@stgertrudechicago.org.
On the run for heart to heart
Congrats to Fr. Mike Bradley on Completing the Chicago Marathon for Heart to Heart!
Many thanks to everyone for your wonderful support as I took part in the "Bank of America Chicago Marathon." It was a pleasant day for a run, with comfortable temperatures and so many supportive spectators. Thank you to all those parishioners who cheered me on.
I finished the marathon in 6 hours, 8 minutes, and 27 seconds, six minutes faster than last year!
During the marathon, I prayed four rosaries for all the intentions that were asked of me. Your intentions were written down on a piece of cardboard I carried.
I'm grateful for your contributions to St. Gertrude's Heart to Heart ministry. I am proud to run for such a great cause and great people (Sister Susan Quaintance, OSB, Laurie Hasbrook, and the generous volunteers.) I'm very grateful also to Father Mike Gabriel for his support for my running.
From the bottom of my heart, many thanks to all of you!
~ Father Mike Bradley
Photo courtesy of Carolyn Backis
It's Not Too Late to Donate to Fr. Mike's Run for Heart to Heart!
Fr. Mike Bradley ran the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 13, raising funds specifically for our Heart to Heart ministry. Donations are still welcome!
Please consider supporting his efforts by donating online at https://bit.ly/FrMikeRuns4Heart2Heart, scanning the QR code, or via a check at church or dropped off at the Rectory.
Please add Heart to Heart in the memo line if you are writing a check.
Pet Blessing Pictures
Thank you to those who came out this past Sunday for our annual Pet Blessing!
We were so happy to see those family members who don't usually attend Mass.
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.
An Update from the Refugee & Immigration Ministry: Welcome to a New Family! (August 2024 Update)
Thanks to your extraordinary support, we are once again able to sponsor a newly arriving refugee family. We are working with Refugee One rather than Catholic Charities now, and I think you'll be impressed with all the support they provide.
This family of four is from Venezuela, and just recently arrived, flying into O'Hare via Ecuador. This is a young Catholic family, with one 8-year-old daughter and a 10-month-old son. The husband's father is already in Chicago, living on the South Side.
A case manager from Refugee One welcomed them at the airport. Since they had arrived to the U.S. through another city and cleared customs there, it went quickly and they were able to go straight to their apartment, where there was a culturally-appropriate, hot meal waiting for them, along with a kitchen stocked with groceries. They were also given a cell phone with one year of service, CTA cards, pocket money, and directions to the nearest grocery stores. The parents were very tired from the travel, and after a brief apartment orientation, the staff left so they could rest. The husband's father was able to visit them later the same evening. What a blessing to be reunited!
The case worker visited them again the next day to check in and answer any questions they had. The father shared that he worked as a barber in Ecuador since 2018 and would like to pursue that career path here! Eventually they'd like to live closer to family, but of course that will take some time.
The family was scheduled to go to Refugee One for their intake appointment shortly after their arrival; this allowed them to learn more about the services being offered to them, and for Refugee One staff to start to get to know them. Afterwards, the case worker was set to orient them to the CTA and practice the route from RefugeeOne to their apartment. They’ve begun an 8-week Cultural Orientation series (childcare is provided). “CO” is an 8-week long program for adults that focuses on topics like rights as a US resident, cultural norms in the U.S., carrying personal identification, U.S. laws, money management, creating a budget, steps to getting a job, the importance of paying taxes, and so much more. They’ll also be assessed for English level afterward and will be enrolled into one of the in-house classes or referred elsewhere, depending on their assessment outcome.
The next few weeks will be busy with school enrollment for their daughter, English classes, CO, and employment support, all while adjusting to their new home. Refugee One said, "We’re so grateful to St. Gertrude’s support in ensuring the Garcias received a warm and comfortable welcome to Chicago."
As you can see, the agency has a spectacularly well-organized on-boarding process. It's been wonderful working with them, and I wanted you all to know the wonderful result of your generosity and kindness.
On behalf of the Refugee and Immigrant Ministry,
Denise Goodman
Two Marriage Programs Available
Are You Struggling in Your Marriage?
If your marriage has become troubled or stressed, unloving or uncaring, or if your relationship has grown cold or distant, if you are thinking of separation or divorce, or if you are already separated or divorced, but you want to try again, then the Retrouvaille program can help you.
For more upcoming dates, information, or to
register, call 1.800.470.2230, 224-534-9235 or go to helpourmarriage.org.
Learn the Art of Living your Marriage Journey
As Pope Francis states, living together is an art and can be a beautiful journey. Marriage can be challenging with family, work, finances, kids, busy schedules and al that life offers. Losing focus on what is important in life is easy.
A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend experience focuses on what's important in your marriage and provides the tools to live a beautiful journey together. It's for any married couple that desires a richer, fuller life together.
For more info, visit www.wwme.org.
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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.
Thank you to the parish for all your support and prayers. The youth had a wonderful community mission week impacting lives in the community and beyond. We volunteered at the following organizations this week: The West Ridge Nature Park, Care for Real, Cradles to Crayons, and Feed My Starving Children. We then celebrated all our hard work with a day at the beach at the end of the week.
Special thanks to Jennifer Reyes and Anh Tran for helping to organize and lead the activities of the Mission week.
Mission Experience 2025 will be from June 23rd to the 27th. Hopefully, your child is interested in joining us next year!
Rest in peace notices & funeral information
Michael Cannon
Marcie Roti
- funeral Tuesday, November 26 at St. Gertrude
Carol Shields
- mother of Tracy Shields