Chicago Marathon Parish Fundraiser

The annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 11th, with 55,000 participants (including me) registered for this event. After being sidelined due to injuries, I’m once again lacing up my running shoes. God willing, this will be my 23rd Chicago Marathon. Overall, this will be my 54th marathon (26.2 miles) or ultra-marathon (31 miles). I feel blessed to be participating—even though my pace has really slowed down!

Today I’m asking you to please donate to Heart to Heart, Saint Gertrude Parish’s outreach ministry to older residents and shut-ins living in the Edgewater community (and other neighborhoods of Chicago). One hundred percent of your donation goes to Heart to Heart.

As you are aware, many people rely on Heart to Heart for transportation to the grocery store, the doctor’s office, or church. Often enough, they look forward to a friendly phone call or a pastoral visit from a parish volunteer. Under the leadership of our pastor, Father Sergio Romo, and the direction of Sister Susan Quaintance, a member of the Benedictine Order, Heart to Heart helps many individuals and families. With Laurie Hasbrook's efforts, Heart to Heart also operates a lending closet of durable medical equipment, which provides critical support to people all over Chicagoland.

I’m also offering T-shirts that you can purchase to support Heart to Heart. Become a member of the “SAINT GERT’S MARATHON CREW”! Shirts will be on sale in the vestibule of the church. All contributions go to Heart to Heart.

Without a doubt, I need your prayers to help me reach the finish line on October 11th. Please send your prayer requests to my email address (listed below), and I’ll write your intentions on a card that I’ll tape onto my arm. I promise to pray for your intentions while walking/running the 26.2 miles on the marathon course. I’m dedicating this marathon to the memory of Father Dominic Grassi, who passed away on August 25. Father Dom was a joyful supporter of my running, an enthusiastic contributor to Heart to Heart, and a dear friend.

With heartfelt appreciation for all your prayers and support,

Father Michael Bradley, Mbradley2222@yahoo.com

Sister Susan Quaintance, OSB, Director of Heart to Heart  

 Donate online at https://bit.ly/FrMikeRuns4Heart2Heart or via a check at church or dropped off at the Rectory. Please add Fr. Mike's name in the memo line.