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.
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Welcome, Fr. Sergio!
Upcoming Events & Activities
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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!
Welcome to our new Pastor, Fr. Sergio Romo!
Please Welcome Fr. Sergio Romo!
We are pleased to welcome our new pastor, Fr. Sergio Romo, who officially started on July 1st!
Fr. Sergio comes to us with a deep commitment to pastoral care, spiritual leadership, and community engagement. We look forward to the energy, wisdom, and compassion he will bring to our parish.
As we begin this new chapter together, let us keep Fr. Sergio in our prayers and offer him a warm and joyful welcome.
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.
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.
"Brewed at St. Gertrude" Social Event is This Sunday, July 20 After 10:30 am Masses
Please join us this Sunday, July 20, for a parish hospitality event, "Brewed at St. Gertrude!"
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've scheduled all our "Brewed at St. Gertrude" parish hospitality events through 2026!
The dates are:
- July 20th
- August 24th
- September 28th
- October 26th
- November 16th
- December 21st
- January 18th, 2026
Commonweal Action: Meeting Planned for This Sunday, July 20
St. Gertrude’s Commonweal Action will meet again on Sunday, July 20, in the Social Hall after the 10:30 am Mass.
At our June 22 meeting, we discussed the results of the "Faith in Action" survey and, in small groups, began planning ways to respond to those results by opposing the current administration’s unchristian policies—policies that harm the poor, the elderly, children, immigrants, the LGBTQ community, and veterans.
Commonweal Action is committed to protecting access to healthcare (Medicaid) and food (SNAP), ensuring safety from wrongful deportation, and upholding the dignity of our most vulnerable neighbors. We take action through protests, letter-writing, educational efforts, and collaboration with like-minded community groups.
To move forward with the plans we’ve developed, we need your input, your energy, and your help!
Please join us on Sunday, July 20, around noon in St. Gertrude’s Social Hall—after the 10:30 am Mass and once everyone has had a chance to grab a coffee and connect at Brewed at St. Gertrude’s social gathering. The meeting will last approximately 90 minutes.
All are welcome.
Care for Real Collection Drive is July 26-27
Our collection drive for Care for Real is July 26 and July 27 before and after masses to support our neighbors in need.
Care for Real reports a tremendous need for food in our community. Food costs are still rising, new policies are removing safety nets, and summer means families must find options to replace the food their children receive at school.
Please visit https://careforreal.org/wishlist/ to see what they are specifically looking for at this time.
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.
Thank You from Fr. Mike Bradley
For some months, St. Gertrude parishioners have been praying for my sister Rosemary (Rosie) Bradley, who has courageously battled amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease).
Rosie passed away on July 10 at her home in Denver, surrounded by family members. Her family and friends are very grateful for your constant prayers and wonderful support throughout this difficult time. Thank you very much!
Rosie is now at peace with our Lord Jesus and our Blessed Mother Mary.
~ Father Mike Bradley
Lending Closet News: Thank You to the Jewish Voice for Peace
At the conclusion of their 18-day water-only hunger strike—calling for an end to U.S. funding of Israel’s genocide in Gaza and for the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid—Jewish Voice for Peace–Chicago gifted two newly purchased transport chairs to the Lending Closet.
Transport chairs are of tremendous help for families caring for loved ones at home and are among the most requested items in the Lending Closet.
Thank you, JVP–Chicago!
~ Laurie Hasbrook, Lending Closet Manager
Parish Garden Update
We're happy to report that the parish garden is thriving! Our latest harvest of fresh lettuce and herbs has been delivered to Care for Real, where it will be shared with neighbors in need.
Thanks to the hard work of our garden volunteers, this simple act of care is bringing fresh, healthy food to a few grateful families in our community
Thank You From the Catholic Extension
Dear St. Gertrude parish community,
On behalf of all of us at Catholic Extension Society, thank you for your generous gift of $952.83, received on May 5. Your support is a true blessing, bringing hope and strength to underserved Catholic communities in need across the United States.
Because of your generosity, we are able to the fund critical ministries that keep faith alive in economically poor, but spiritually vibrant Catholic communities. Your gift helps build churches, educate seminarians, religious sisters, and lay leaders - ensuring that vibrant Catholic communities can continue to grow and thrive.
Your belief in our mission is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the strength of our Catholic family. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in this work, and I pray that God blesses you abundantly for your kindness.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Rev. John J. Wall, President
P.S. We wouldn't be able to do what we do what we do without the help of the good people of St. Gertrude. Thank you for walking the journey with us!
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
Register Your Children for the 2025-2026 Religious Ed School Year in August!
Registration for the 2025-2026 Religious Ed school year will open in August!
Classes are held on Sundays from 9:15-10:15 am on the St. Gertrude campus. They will begin in September.
The goal of the Religious Education program at Saint Gertrude is to teach children to listen for and respond to God's invitation to love.
In class, students and teachers work to:
- Understand that everyone is loved and treasured by God.
- Live the lessons of Jesus Christ - loving God with your whole heart and loving your neighbors as yourself.
- Build a deeper personal relationship with God through prayer and reflection.
- Learn to pray as an individual and as part of a community.
- Discover ways to love and serve others in our day-to-day lives.
- Appreciate what it means to be part of a welcoming, loving community that cares for and respects people from all walks of life.
- Deepen their knowledge of the Catholic tradition.
The fees for the 2025-2026 school year are $230 for one child and an additional $40 for each student from the same family.
Children making their First Communion/Reconciliation or their Confirmation will also need to pay a $75 sacramental fee.
Questions should be emailed to Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.
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
John Staggs, husband of Mary Clare Barker
A wake for John will be held on Saturday, July 19 from 9:00-11:00 am at St. Gertrude, with a funeral mass to follow.
Ricardo Martinez
Ricardo Martinez, husband of Adel Stukas Martinez, father of Angie, Elena, Maria, Julie, and Carlos, grandfather of many. A funeral will be held on Friday, July 18 at 10:00 am at St. Gertrude.
Lillie Buie
Donald Nyderek
Donald Joseph Nyderek, age 85, died June 14, 2025, in Chicago. Born in Chicago on
Oct. 5, 1939, he was the loving son of Lillian (neé Gorlich) and Michael Nyderek.
Donald is survived by his brothers Joseph (Lani) and Michael J. (Robin) Nyderek.
sister Nancy (Ken) Costello, nieces Guenevere Nyderek and Jessica Costello, and
nephews Isaiah and Aaron Costello. He also leaves behind many loving friends,
especially Sheila Mangler.
Donald's passions in life were opera and classical music. He worked as an usher for the Civic Opera House for over 50 years; there he made many friends among coworkers and patrons. After 30 years of service, he retired from his day job as a check processor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 1994. He also was fascinated by architecture, particularly that of churches. Donald had a great love for animals and adopted many cats and birds over the years. For years he regularly set out early every morning, no matter the weather, to feed the neighborhood birds (mostly pigeons, who
could recognize him by his jacket) and squirrels while toting large bags of birdseed and peanuts. Someone once dubbed him "Birdseed Boy."
A lifelong devout Roman Catholic (he was a Franciscan brother for a time), Donald was a devoted member of St. Gertrude's Catholic Church in Chicago, where he served as a Eucharistic minister.
A memorial service and celebration of Donald's life will take place in Chicago later this summer. The Barr Funeral Home of Chicago is handling the arrangements.
James Murray
info TBA
Donald Hasselbeck
brother of Steve Hasselbeck (Anne)