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:
Upcoming Events & Activities
Upcoming Events & Activities
Upcoming Events & Activities
This Weekend's Bulletin
Join Us in Praying for our New Pope, Leo XIV!
Upcoming Events & Activities
Our Mission & Values
Join Us in Praying for our New Pope, Leo XIV!
Join Us in Praying for our New Pope, Leo XIV!
Join Us in Praying for our New Pope, Leo XIV!
Join Us in Praying for our New Pope, Leo XIV!
Join Us in Praying for our New Pope, Leo XIV!
Fr. Mike to Retire/New pastor of st. gertrude selected
Thank You from Fr. Mike
As I write this, I’m reminded of these words from Ecclesiastes 3:1–8:
For everything that happens in life—there is a season, a right time for everything under heaven:
A time to be born, a time to die; a time to plant, a time to collect the harvest.
A time to kill, a time to heal; a time to tear down, a time to build up.
A time to cry, a time to laugh; a time to mourn, a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, a time to gather them.
A time for a warm embrace, a time to keep your distance.
A time to search, a time to give up as lost; a time to keep, a time to throw out.
A time to tear apart, a time to bind together; a time to be quiet, a time to speak up.
A time to love, a time to hate; a time for war, a time for peace.
Over the last few years together, I believe we’ve experienced nearly everything on that list. I remember the baptisms, weddings, and funerals; our Advent and Lenten practices; our Christmas and Good Friday pageants; the singing, praying, preaching, and friendship. I remember it all.
We’ve had disagreements and found resolutions, remembered and forgiven. We’ve collected food and clothing for Care for Real, gathered necessities for migrants and immigrants, and donated gift cards and McDonald’s cards for those in need. We’ve laughed and cried, mourned and celebrated. We’ve said goodbye to beloved members who moved away or went home to God—and we’ve welcomed new faces into our community. We’ve added staff, and seen growth in our Religious Education program, choir, and other ministries. We’ve weathered storms and floods—literally and figuratively.
Through it all, we’ve bonded and grown in beautiful ways, experiencing so much mercy, grace, joy, and love. The Lord has blessed us more than we can count. God has truly been with us, showing again and again that what seems impossible, God makes possible.
We may not have accomplished everything I had hoped for—but still, much was accomplished. My greatest desire was to serve you in a way that made you stronger disciples of Christ. And now, as we welcome Fr. Sergio as our new pastor, I pray you continue that journey as strong, committed disciples.
When Jesus was preparing to leave his disciples, he shared three promises with them:
First, He promised to make a home in their hearts.
Second, He promised to fill them with a spirit of courage and comfort: “The Holy Spirit… will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you.”
Finally, He promised to sustain them with a peace unlike any other: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
Please remember: you will always be a part of me, and I will always be a part of you. Thank you for all the patience, kindness, mercy, grace, generosity, and love you’ve shown me. You are a remarkable community, and I wish you all the best. May you continue to grow in faith, hope, and love—worshiping the Lord with your whole heart, mind, body, and soul. And may you always do everything for the glory of God.
I thank God for you.
~ Fr. Mike
P.S. I may have said this already, but I leave here with overwhelming gratitude—a love that never dies, and a place in my heart that is eternal.
Last Sunday’s Pentecost celebration was over the top. I’m still on a high from it. I’ll never forget it—the hard work that went into planning the liturgy, the reception, the love tunnel, the baked goods… the list goes on. I hope to personally thank everyone who helped make it so spirit-filled. Just seeing you all interacting together—it was truly out of this world.
Thank you.
Please Welcome Fr. Sergio Romo!
We are pleased to welcome our new pastor, Fr. Sergio Romo.
Father Sergio currently serves as pastor of St. Andrew Parish and will be transitioning to St. Gertrude’s in the coming weeks.
Please keep him in your prayers as he prepares for this new chapter. Fr. Mike will be meeting with him to help ensure a smooth transition.
Fr. Sergio will officially begin his ministry on July 1st and will celebrate Masses starting July 5th.
More details will be shared soon.
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.
Gym Mass to Go on Its Annual Summer Hiatus
Please note, Sunday, June 15, Father’s Day, is the last Gym Mass before it goes on its annual summer break.
Gym Masses will resume in the fall!
The Office is Closed on June 19 in Honor of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans and is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865. The rectory office will be closed.
A communion service will be held at 7:30 am.
Collection Drive for Care for Real is June 21 & 22
Care for Real is urgently seeking donations of new socks and underwear, diapers in sizes 4-6, shampoo, hand soap, and adult incontinence briefs.
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.
"Brewed at St. Gertrude" Social Events After 10:30 am Masses - Next Gathering is June 22
We've scheduled all our "Brewed at St. Gertrude" parish hospitality events through 2026! These gathering are held following the 10:30 am church and gym masses in the Social Hall and feature 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!
We hope to see you there! The dates are:
- June 22nd
- July 20th
- August 24th
- September 28th
- October 26th
- November 16th
- December 21st
- January 18th, 2026
Easter Flower Offering Envelopes
- In memory of Helen and Andrew Galoney from Marie Galoney
- In memory of: Beatrice "Trixie" Muchman from Marilyn Klein
- In memory of Mary A. Pierce and John A. Pierce from Ellen Pierce
- In memory of Pope Francis from Marilyn Klein
- In memory of the Charles Strubbe Family from Marie Galoney
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.
Adult Faith Formation Commission Forming
One of the “hungers” identified in the St. Gertrude Parish Strategic Plan is that of developing and supporting opportunities for ongoing adult faith formation in our parish.
If you are interested in being part of a group whose mission will be to support current adult faith formation ministries in the parish as well as to discern and develop new possibilities for adult faith formation, please send your name and email address to Bob Backis, PPC Co-Chair, at rjbackis@gmail.com by June 1st.
For more information, please email Bob or call him at 773.510.6553.
An initial meeting of an Adult Faith Formation Commission will be held in June.
Faith in Action Survey - Deadline is June 15
Please take a moment to fill out this parish survey about political issues you care about, how well the Church is speaking to the things you care about and what does Christ-centered activism look like to you?
Visit bit.ly/FiASurvey or the QR code in the image. The survey is available in English and Spanish and closes June 15.
The Parish Pastoral Council is Looking for New Members!
The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) is renewing its search for new members. If you are interested in learning more about the PPC or are interested in joining, please complete this INTEREST FORM.
Questions or comments for the PPC can be sent to stgertrudeparishcouncil@gmail.com.
Religious Ed and Kids Word is Over! Thank You to our Teachers
The end of the catechetical year has arrived, with Religious Education, RCIA, and Kids Word coming to an end on Sunday, May 4th.
This year was indeed a successful year, with 19 teens confirmed in March from our Religious Ed program and 18 children celebrating their First Communion last weekend. Kids Word has kept the same average of kids per Sunday.
We are so grateful to all our volunteer catechists who generously gave their time and talents to our children.
They include:
From Kids Word:
- Rosalie Sullivan
- Gisela Rosales
From Religious Education:
- Melinda Banahene
- Dorothea Tobin
- Dinh Quoc
- Rose Isaily
- Susanne Stryczek
- Steven Monti
- Brad Collins
- Liam Benham
- Lily Benham
Prayer for Our New pope, Leo XIV
'Habemus Papam!'
Eternal God, we thank you for the gift of faith and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon the College of Cardinals.
We humbly ask that you bless our new Pope, Leo XIV, with wisdom, strength, and unwavering faith as he leads the Church. Grant him the grace to be a faithful witness to your truth, a compassionate minister to all in need, and a unifying presence in our divided world.
May he find joy and peace in his ministry and may his leadership bring renewal and hope to the Church and to all of humanity.
We ask this through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
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
The 2026 Mass Intentions Book is Open
If you would like a mass intention said in 2026 for a person that needs prayers or in memory of someone who has died, please email the office at
stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org 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.
Heart to Heart News: Ministry of Prayer
Did you know that despite your being homebound or physically inactive, there is a special and valued ministry here at St. Gertrude which we invite you to consider? There are no meetings, no dues or calls required; yet as a participant you will have a valued connection to the parish life by enriching others and yourself through your own dedicated, daily prayer time!
It works like this: We provide you with a monthly prayer sheet that has some of the prayer petitions taken from the "Prayer Wall" in the back of our church. As one of our prayer angels, you will include these petitions in your daily prayers; thereby becoming an unseen blessing for so many!
Please contact Sr. Susan Quaintance at Heart to Heart at 773.973.5464 or squaintance@stgertrudechicago.org. We welcome your interest in this caring ministry.
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!
Recent events at St. Gerts: the Youth Group's car wash & our parish garden put in!
Holy Week & Easter at St. Gertrude
Our Confirmation class of 2025!
Congratulations to Our Newly Confirmed Teens!
On Tuesday, March 18, teens from our Religious Education program and NCA made their Confirmation. We are so proud of their hard work and dedication!
Those who made their Confirmation and their families should note that there is a second Confirmation retreat on Thursday, May 1 from 6:00-8:00 pm in the Social Hall.
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
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.
Rest in peace notices & funeral information
James Murray
info TBA
Donald Hasselbeck
brother of Steve Hasselbeck (Anne)