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
Helping Asylum Seekers in Chicago
Upcoming Events & Activities
Upcoming Events & Activities
Helping Asylum Seekers in Chicago
Upcoming Events & Activities
Helping Asylum Seekers in Chicago
Helping Asylum Seekers in Chicago
Congrats to our First Communion Class!
Congrats to our First Communion Class!
Support St. Gertrude Parish & our Ministries
Congrats to our First Communion Class!
Support St. Gertrude Parish & our Ministries
Support St. Gertrude Parish & our Ministries
Support St. Gertrude Parish & our Ministries
This Weekend's Bulletin
Support St. Gertrude Parish & our Ministries
Support St. Gertrude Parish & our Ministries
All are Welcome - and All Means All!
A Word of Welcome from Fr. Mike Gabriel
St. Gertrude extends a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, LBGQT, rich, poor, y no habla ingles. We offer special welcome to those who are young and old, or who have a crying baby. We welcome you if you can sing like Andrea Bocelli, or more like me, who just tries.
We don’t care if you're more Catholic than the pope or haven’t been in church since little Timmy’s baptism. We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60, but not grown up yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast. We welcome starving artist, tree huggers, latte sippers, vegetarians, and junk food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery and those who are still addicted.
We welcome you if your having problems or down in the dumps. We’ve been there too. We welcome those who don’t like “organized religion”. We offer a special welcome to those who think the earth is flat, those who work too hard, those who don’t work, can’t spell, or came because grandma is in town.
We welcome those who could use a prayer right now, or thought you were on Clark Street, not Granville, and are here by mistake. We welcome those who are inked, pierced, or both. We welcome those who laugh at this, as well as those who gasped.
We welcome tourists, seekers, doubters, and bleeding hearts with all our hearts.
We welcome YOU!
On January 1, 2023, Fr. Mike became the Administrator of St. Gertrude Parish. He will become pastor on July 1, 2023.
The Parish Garden Has Been Planted!
Thank you to all who helped plant our parish garden this past weekend! Led by Mary Clare Barker, the team worked hard to make the garden beautiful, with veggies and herbs planted.
The produce grown from our garden will be shared with both Care for Real and the St. Thomas of Canterbury soup kitchen!
We are looking for people to help with the daily watering of our garden. If you can assist, please reach out to Mary Clare Barker at mcbarker@stgertrudechicago.org.
Scroll down for Parish Events (Listed in Chronological Order
June Pride Month Discussions: What Does it Mean to be LQBTQ+ and Catholic
This June, St. Gertrude and St. Teresa of Avila will host four conversations on What Does it Mean to be LGBTQ+ and Catholic. LGTBQ+ members for each community will share their stories of faith, hope and love.
Sessions will be held at 7:00 pm at both parishes:
- Thursday, June 8 at St. Teresa of Avila
- Thursday, June 15 at St. Gertrude
- Thursday, June 22 at St. Teresa of Avila
Register HERE or by scanning the QR code in the image. There are no fees to attend - all are welcome!
Baby & Toddler Supply Collection for Asylum Seekers at Ismaili Jamatkhana Center on Saturday, June 10
On Saturday, June 10 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm, there will be a baby and toddler supply collection for newly arrived asylum seekers. The event will be held at the Ismaili Jamatkhana Center's parking lot, located at 6259 N. Broadway. Please enter off of Broadway.
Donations will go to Centro Romero and Care for Real. The following items will be accepted:
- diapers
- baby wipes
- baby formula
- snacks for babies and toddlers
- over-the-counter medications
- gently used baby and toddler clothing
- Roller suitcases that are in proper working order - no broken wheels or zippers
The donation drive is being coordinated by Sacred Heart, Ismaili Civic, the Church of the Atonement and St. Gertrude. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact jane.steinfels@shschicago.org or mariapaz@shschicago.org.
Second Collection on June 10-11 for Priests’ Health and Retirement
The Priests’ Health and Retirement/PRMAA annual second collection will be June 10 and 11. This collection benefits the healthcare, wellness, and retirement for the priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Your generosity to this special collection directly impacts both the many active and retired archdiocesan priests who we have come to rely on throughout our lives. These men, who have dedicated themselves to ministry, play a significant role in our personal and spiritual lives, providing counsel and guidance as we deal with life’s challenges. They serve our needs as Catholics from the moment we are baptized until we receive last rites before entering eternal life. And just as we have come to rely on the help of our priests, it is now our turn to show our gratitude and lend them some assistance with their needs.
As we’re all aware, healthcare and retirement costs continue to rise, so there is an urgent need for your gifts to this fund. Your generosity will not only safeguard the health and well-being of our priests, but also support their ability to continue meaningful work in our parish and in the community.
Thank you in advance for your support of the priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago!
Mary Clare Barker's Retirement Celebration is June 11!
Mark your calendars! There is no way to say goodbye easily. Our Director of Music, Mary Clare Barker, will celebrate her retirement on Sunday, June 11th. Mary Clare's musical talent has truly made a significant contribution to our parish. We have been so blessed to sing, clap, listen, and pray over the years to her beautiful music.
As a community, over the weekend of June 10 and 11, we will have an opportunity to show our appreciation to Mary Clare after all the Masses. On June 11, we will have a combined Mass at 10:30 am in church for a special tribute to her.
All are welcome!
A Note from Eloy Escamilla, Pastoral Associate
Dear community of St. Gertrude,
I just want to share with you that I will be away from the parish from June 12 to June 27. I want to take this time for a retreat as I am walking “El Camino” to Santiago the Compostela.
Please, keep me in your prayers so I can have a nice encounter with God.
~ Eloy Escamilla
Book Club - Monday, June 12
On Monday, June 12, the book club will be discuss The Lincoln Highway: A Novel by Amor Towles. The group will talk about the book at their July 10th meeting.
We would love new voices and opinions!
Contact Lea Cloninger at 773.973.2465 or Sue Benjamin at 773.551.8401 with questions.
PPC Update: Looking for a Leader for a Welcoming Committee/Next Meeting is June 14
At the May meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), the committee shared that the theme at St. Gertrude is ALL ARE WELCOME.
In order to help truly live that out, the PPC is looking for someone to lead up a WELCOMING COMMITTEE. This person would lead a group in thinking of ways to help reach out to new parishioners as well as visitors. If this ministry appeals to you, contact the PPC at stgertrudeparishcouncil@gmail.com.
The last meeting until the fall is Wednesday, June 14 in the Ministry Center at 7:00 pm.
Save the Date - ECRA Juneteeth Celebration Planned for Sunday, June 18
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.
All are invited to attend the second annual Juneteenth Ecumenical Service on Sunday, June 18 with the Edgewater Community Religious Association (ECRA). The event will be held at 3:00 pm at Edgewater Presbyterian Church, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Additional information will be shared soon!
Wildcat Summer Camp Begins June 19
Have you made summer plans yet for your kids? Register them for Wildcat Camp! Camp begins June 19 and will provide a safe, engaging experience with a variety of recreational, educational, athletic, and fine arts programs at an affordable price!
For more information on dates and pricing, visit www.northsidecatholic.org or call 773.743.6277. The 2023 Wildcat Summer Camp Flyer is be seen here.
We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Scroll down for Parish news
Congrats to our RCIA Class
Members of our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) class, Manuel Ballester, Tyler Fawbush, Mike Joyce, Sarah Kutz, and Wildaline Serin (pictured), have been working hard since Easter until today, Pentecost, on this final period of the initiation process.
This time is dedicated to a deeper understanding of God's word, the sacraments, and the lived Christian life, celebrate the fullness of the Liturgy with the Christian community, to develop closer ties with the faithful, and to discern and recognized their gifts and their call to discipleship.
We are thankful for their dedication and are glad they are part of our faith community.
May Crowning & Mother's Day Blessing
Thank you to those who attended our 10:30 am combined Mass and annual May Crowning.
The service was made even more special thanks to the First Communicants who attended in their First Communion outfits.
All mothers were recognized and blessed and so many brought flowers for our statue of Mary.
Thank You to Our Religious Ed and Kids Word Volunteers
Last Sunday, our Religious Ed and Kids Word school year came to a close. We are so grateful to the students who attended and made the year so special and for their families for entrusting us with your children.
Special thanks to our Religious Ed and Kids Word teachers listed below! We truly appreciate their hard work and generous spirits.
Religious Education:
- Melinda Banahene 1st Grade
- Dorothea Tobin 2nd Grade
- Sandra Francis 3rd Grade
- Sister Matilda Adeboye 4th Grade
- Suzanne Stryczek 5th & 6th Grade
- Steven Patzke 1st Year Confirmation prep
- Steven Monti 2nd Year Confirmation prep
Kids Word
- Michelle Wielgosz
- Rosalie Sullivan
- Gisela Rosales
- Alex Campuzano
Congrats to our First Communicants!
We are so proud of the children from our Religious Ed program and NCA communities, Holy Child Jesus, St. Jerome, Mary Mother of God, and St. Gertrude, who made their First Communion on Saturday, May 13!
They worked so hard and we are blessed to have their loving presence at our parish.
We are especially thankful for all of the teachers from NCA and from our Religious Education Program for their kind and patient instruction.
Please continue to hold the First Communicants in your prayers as they experience the unfolding mystery of the Sacrament of Communion. More images can be found here.
Our Parish Town Hall Event: Strategic Plan Shared
We appreciate everyone who took the time out to attend our parish Town Hall on Sunday, May 7.
The Parish Pastoral Council's (PPC) shared their strategic plan for St. Gertrude.
If you missed the meeting, you can find the plan HERE.
Heart to Heart Info
Our Heart to Heart Ministry has around 30 members and 11 active volunteers, covering Edgewater/Rogers Park areas. Our volunteers provide companionship to our elderly, many of whom live alone and have a limited support network.
There are six dedicated drivers taking members to doctor appointments, grocery shopping and other errands. Three ministry of care volunteers visit people at home or in their care facility. A volunteer does weekly phone visits with many of our members and another sends thank you letters for monetary and medical equipment donations.
In addition, there continues to be a solid group of volunteers working independently making sandwiches for the needy.
Our Heart to Heart/Lending Closet phone number is 773-973-5464.
Pat Sullivan is available on Monday and Thursday for Heart to Heart inquiries. Her email is psullivan@stgertrudechicago.org.
Laurie Hasbrook is available on Tuesday and Thursday for Lending Closet inquiries. She can be emailed at lhasbrook@stgertrudechicago.org.
NCA Looking for Feedback on Candidates for Their Leadership Team
You may be aware that Northside Catholic Academy (NCA) is currently actively recruiting for an Executive Director and a Principal to lead the school. Bishop Bartosic has formed a team of stakeholders to interview prospective candidates for the open leadership positions.
The Leadership Transition Committee (LTC) is excited to start meeting with prospective candidates and wanted to give a formal introduction to who we are and our approach to this important work. Included is a link to a document that outlines the mission of the LTC and who we are.
We also want to hear from you! Here is a link to a survey where you can provide feedback on the types of candidates you think will best fit the needs of NCA. Also in the survey you can indicate your interest in a group listening session, an opportunity for the LTC to hear directly from you. NCA has many stakeholders and we want to make sure everyone is heard throughout this process.
Please keep the LTC in your prayers as we move forward.
A Note About Children in Church From (Former Pastor) Fr. Rich
Recently some parents reported that someone had complained to them because their young child was walking around in the back of church. They were told, “Fr. Rich wouldn’t like it.”
In fact, I DO like it!
I have oftentimes told parents who are worried about their kids making noise in church that, unless their child has a penetrating scream, mostly their noises blend into the ambient sound of church. I also always encourage parents to try to sit closer to the front because youngsters like to watch what is going on.
As for walking about in the back of church, I’m fine with that as well. These are, after all, children.
Generally speaking, it is counter-productive to make our future parishioners feel they are not welcome in church!
I do realize I have a bias -- I have nine siblings. Although my memory is fuzzy, I kind of doubt we were perfect angels every Sunday at Mass!
Rest in peace notices & funeral information
Bernadette Stanis
- Mother of Pat Sullivan, Director of Heart to Heart
Janet Swobada
- Memorial Mass on Saturday, May 27 at 12:00 pm -2:00 pm at St. Gertrude - details HERE
Mary Simon
- Memorial Mass on Saturday, May 20 at 11:00 am at St. Gertrude - details HERE
Eileen Gormaly
- Memorial Mass on May 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Name Cathedral, 730 North Wabash Avenue
Statement of Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, in Response to the Illinois Attorney General Report