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
Upcoming Events & Activities
Upcoming Events & Activities
Upcoming Events & Activities
Upcoming Events & Activities
Upcoming Events & Activities
Our Mission & Values
Upcoming Events & Activities
Religious Education Classes
Religious Education Classes
Support St. Gertrude Parish & our Ministries
Religious Education Classes
This Weekend's Bulletin
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
Please Welcome Scott Williams, our New Music Minister!
Scott Williams has worked as a liturgical musician, educator, composer, pianist, and vocalist in the Chicagoland area for nearly two decades. He received his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and Master of Music in Jazz Performance from DePaul University, during which time he gave private piano instruction to about two dozen students, directed the St. Vincent DePaul contemporary mass, and toured/recorded with various jazz bands, including the Frank Catalano Quartet.
In 2015, Scott focused his attention on liturgical music ministry, accepting the role of Director of Music and Liturgy at Old St. Mary's parish in Chicago's South Loop. Scott has planned the music, directed the cantors, choirs, and instrumentalists for all four weekend masses and the weekly school mass at Old St. Mary's, while also coordinating the scheduling and training of lectors, eucharistic ministers and altar servers for the last nine years.
Scott loves spending time with his 7-year-old daughter Ava and his 2-year-old dog Nova, watching Chicago White Sox and Bears games and playing billiards with friends, and is excited to embrace new challenges in his music ministry journey with the St. Gertrude's community!
All are Welcome to our Meet and Greet Scott on Thursday, September 12
We will have a wine and cheese celebration to welcome our new Music Director on September 12 at 6:30 pm. It will take place between the Ministry Center and the Church building. Scott will also play for us!
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.
Religious Ed has Begun
Our 2024-2025 Religious Education classes began on Sunday, September 8! In-person instruction is held from 9:15-10:15 am.
Registration forms, the Religious Ed handbook, and service options for students preparing for confirmation, can be found at stgertrudechicago.org/religious-education-forms.
Forms in Spanish are also available on our website. Please note that students must receive two years of preparation in order to make these sacraments.
The fees for the 2024-2025 school year are $210 for one child and an additional $30 for each student from the same family. Payments are accepted here.
An additional sacramental fee of $65 is required for children making their First Communion and First Reconciliation, or their Confirmation. That fee can be paid here.
Completed forms and any questions about the program should be emailed to Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org. Please register before the start date.
Interested in becoming a substitute catechist teacher? Contact Eloy Escamilla at the above email address.
Kids Word Returns 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.
Collection for Care for Real
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.
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.
Next Book Club Gathering is Monday, September 9
Next Monday, September 9, the book club will discuss Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead: A Novel by Olga Tokarczuk. The gathering is at 7:00 pm in the Ministry Center, located at 6214 North Glenwood Avenue.
We would love new voices and opinions!
Contact Lea Cloninger at her new number, 773.213.0509, or Sue Benjamin at 773.551.8401 with questions.
Women's Friendship Club Gathering is September 12
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. Dessert is provided!
Free Bibles and Religious Books Giveaways on September 14 & September 15
There will be a table with free Bible and other religious books at the back of church after the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday, September 14 and after the 8:00 am and 10:30 am Masses on Sunday, September 15.
A few parishioners have identified that they have more reading resources than they can use. It is a delight to share this inspirational writing with those who may be looking for options on ways to help nurture their spiritual growth. Books will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.
For questions or additional information, please contact Allen Stryczek at astryczek@sbcglobal.net.
Interested in Becoming Catholic?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process by which adults learn more about the Catholic Church. This free program begins in the fall and meets until Pentecost.
Many people who begin RCIA are non-Catholics seeking to become Catholic or at least to explore whether Catholicism might be a good home. Those who complete the process and decide to become Catholic are initiated into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday. Others who take RCIA are already Catholic but want a deeper understanding of their faith foundation.
The RCIA process does not ask those who have been baptized in another faith to give up their denominational experiences. Rather, the RCIA process seeks to add new colors and designs to their existing faith life tapestry. In addition to attending Mass, the RCIA process includes weekly gatherings of breaking open the Word of God, sharing our stories, and learning about our faith traditions.
Classes begin in September.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the RCIA process at St. Gertrude, contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or call the Rectory at 773.764.3621.
"Jesus and the Women of the Gospels" Discussion on Thursday, September 19
The gospel stories and parables offer us details of Jesus’ encounters with women, sometimes as petitioners, but also as friends and disciples.
In each of these, something of the soul of Jesus is revealed to us, his disciples, today.
Please join me on Thursday, September 19 in the Social Hall, 1401 W. Granville, from 7:00-9:00 pm.
~ Sister Wendy Cotter CSJ, Ph.D
Youth Group Architectural Boat Cruise Outing on Saturday, September 21
Students in grades 7 and up are welcome to attend an architecture cruise on September 21 to hear about the history and architectural heritage of Chicago on this tour, which highlights landmarks such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower.
The group will meet at St. Gertrude at 10:00 am and then take the train downtown. Please RSVP by September 14th.
Reach out to Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org for additional information and to RSVP.
Book Discussion with Author and Parishioner Michelle Nickerson on Wednesday, September 25
Recently, longtime parishioner, co-chair of the parish council, Loyola professor, Fulbright Scholar, and historian Michelle Nickerson released a book titled, Spiritual Criminals: How the Camden 28 Put the Vietnam War on Trial, published by the University of Chicago.
The book relates the harrowing real-life story of Catholics who burglarized draft boards to oppose the Vietnam War. Guided by the church’s social teachings, they broke the law to revive non-violence as an activist strategy for advancing peace at the end of the 1960s. In the process, these activists exposed illegal activity by the FBI, forcing a new era of Congressional and judicial oversight of government surveillance in the United States.
On September 25, we'll host a discussion with Michelle from 7:00-9:00 pm. We hope to have books on sale in the back of the Church in the near future.
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!
St. Gert's Garden Update
Thank you to our parish gardeners! Our parish garden is blooming and our bounty is being shared with Care for Real and St. Thomas of Canterbury's soup kitchen.
Special thanks to Mary Clare Barker and Max Schweikert for their hard work.
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.
Rectory Hours Update
The Rectory is now closed on Saturdays.
The Rectory office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
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
Celebrating 50 Years of St. Francis House
Since 1974, St. Francis House, located in the Uptown neighborhood at 4652 N Kenmore Ave., has been a home of hospitality in the tradition of the Catholic Worker movement.
To mark their 50th Anniversary, they are hosting a Catholic Worker National Gathering and Celebration at St. Gertrude parish from October 4-6, 2024!
For more information, please visit francishousechicago.org or email sfh.chicagocw@gmail.com, or just come by for dinner any Monday at 6:00 pm.
Thank you for Supporting our Youth Group
Thanks so much to those that had their car washed by our parish teens! We appreciate your support! Proceeds will go towards youth group activities.
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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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.
NCA: Be a Part of Somethings Greater
The best way to learn about Northside Catholic Academy and to see if it’s the right fit for your family is to walk through our halls and visit our classrooms. We encourage prospective parents to discover first-hand what makes NCA a Blue Ribbon School. We accept applications up to one year in advance.
Private admissions tours are available by
appointment. Please contact Brad Gschwendtner at bgschwendtner@ncaschools.com or 773.743.6277 with any questions about our admissions process or to schedule a tour.
Spiritual Directors/Companions Available
Last weekend, Lori Dressel and Carol Ann Munro were in church to discuss the benefits of a spiritual director and companion.
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 and Lori 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.
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
Ben Keefe
- husband of Kim and father of Nora, Riley and Molly. Article posted here
John Reilly
- husband of Jeanne; wake and funeral info here
Victor Reyes
- beloved father to Carmen, the late Mildred, Victor D. (Phyllis Reyes), Arlene (Richard Sabatini), and Michael (Liz Farwell).; wake and funeral info here