our Chicago Marathon weekend fundraiser

Excitement is in the air at St. Gertrude Parish as we gear up for our highly-anticipated new fundraiser, Soles of St. Gertrude Parish 3K Fun Run and Walk!

All parishioners and Edgewater residents are invited to join us on Saturday, October 7 for a morning of fun, community, and generosity during the Chicago Marathon weekend.

This event promises to be a fantastic opportunity for us to come together, raise funds for important parish ministries, and strengthen our bonds of faith. Please consider registering for this special event and be a part of this special day. We truly need all the support we can get to make this event a success.

Let's make October 7th a date to remember as we unite in support of St. Gertrude Parish and its mission. Sign up in the back of church using a paper registration form or register online at https://bit.ly/StGerts3K.

T-Shirts for Soles of St. Gertrude Parish

Those who have already registered can pick up their t- shirts after Mass this Sunday and next weekend. Those who are interested in purchasing one can still get one for $15. Register after Mass today or online at https://bit.ly/StGerts3K.

Schedule for Saturday, October 7th's Soles of St. Gertrude Parish 3K

• 8-8:45 am - Warm up and stretch exercises.
• 8:55 am - Opening prayer
• 9:00 am - Runners will take off
• 9:30 am - Walkers will take off
• 9:45 am - Those who will be doing a walk around the block.
• 10:30 am - Pep Rally to show our support for Fr. Mike Bradley.
• 5:00 pm Mass - There will be a blessing at Mass for all those participating in the Chicago Marathon.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place on October 8th, and along with 45,000 other participants, several Saint Gertrude parishioners and I are prepping for the 26.2 miles.

My most recent marathon was a do-it-yourself event in our Edgewater neighborhood, back in October of 2020, when the regular Chicago marathon had been canceled. Since November of 2020, after experiencing medical setbacks and a surgery, and under doctor’s orders, I had to curtail my running. 

Because of the prayers of many people, however, I’m now able to lace up my shoes and run my 50th marathon. I'm also pleased to be part of this year's “Soles of St. Gertrude Parish,” which includes a fun run/walk on October 7th and other activities for “Marathon Weekend.” 

As part of the festivities, we are asking you to consider making a donation to Heart to Heart, our parish’s outreach to elders in the Edgewater community. Regardless of their religious affiliation, these folks can call Heart to Heart when they need transportation to the grocery store, doctor’s office, mass . . . or they’d just like a friendly visit. Heart to Heart also operates a lending closet of durable medical equipment which provides critical support to people all over the city. Your support for Heart to Heart is a real blessing to so many people, and your prayers for me will enable me to reach the finish line on October 8th. 

Please send me your prayer intentions (mbradley2222@yahoo.com), and I will pray for your prayer requests as I run/walk the 26.2 miles.  

With heartfelt appreciation for your prayers and support, 

~ Father Mike Bradley

Fr. Mike Bradley will run the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 8. We are seeking sponsorships for Father Mike, with all proceeds going to Heart to Heart ministry for seniors. You can donate online at https://bit.ly/FrMikeRuns or via a check at church or dropped off at the Rectory. Please add Fr. Mike's name in the memo line.

Sometimes people ask me why I still take part in marathons even though I’ve slowed down quite a bit over the years. At 70 years of age, my reason for running is that I can still offer prayers for those in our community who are suffering spiritually, mentally, and physically.

I realize that many people are “running a marathon” of sorts in their daily experiences – due to chronic illnesses, desperate financial situations, or profound disappointments. When I run on behalf of St. Gertrude Parish’s Heart to Heart program, my heart is filled with joy because I offer up any discomfort or pain for those who have entrusted their prayer intentions to me. It is a privilege to “run for you!”

As I keep moving forward for 26.2 marathon miles toward the finish line – especially during those moments when I feel that I have absolutely no energy left -- the Holy Spirit takes over and lifts me up. Whenever I think of all the prayers that you are offering for me, I realize that I’m not alone. Each step of the marathon, I carry you with me in my heart! 

~ Father Mike Bradley