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
It's time for a new Parish Photo Directory!
It's time for a new Parish Photo Directory!
It's time for a new Parish Photo Directory!
It's time for a new Parish Photo Directory!
It's time for a new Parish Photo Directory!
Order Your Christmas Greenery Today!
It's time for a new Parish Photo Directory!
Order Your Christmas Greenery Today!
Medical Lending Closet
Upcoming Events & Activities
Order Your Christmas Greenery Today!
Upcoming Events & Activities
Upcoming Events & Activities
Upcoming Events & Activities
This Weekend: Catholic Campaign for Human Development: Working on the Margins - Second Collection
The annual Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) collection will take place the weekend before Thanksgiving. For more than 50 years, CCHD has partnered with community organizations to address the root causes of poverty in the United States.
By supporting groups that help people help themselves, CCHD works to break the cycle of poverty—an effort that lies at the very heart of our faith. Through CCHD grants, community members come together to create jobs, improve neighborhoods, keep schools safe and enriching for children, and raise up future leaders right here in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
The Next Care for Real Collection is November 22 and 23: SNAP Benefits and Food Pantries
Our Care for Real collection drive is November 22 and November 23 before and after masses.
Please note, our food-insecure neighbors, and Care for Real, are in urgent need of support. As of November 14, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will only be partially funded for November.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, this means that recipients will only receive about 50% of their usual monthly benefits in November, and it may be delayed. In Illinois alone, this impacts 1.9 million residents and food pantries like Care for Real are now facing an overwhelming surge in demand. Feeding America notes that for every one meal provided by food pantries, SNAP provides nine, underscoring that pantries alone cannot fill the gap.
Please visit https://linktr.ee/cfrchicago for information about donating and links to their Facebook and Instagram pages 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.
ECRA Interfaith Thanksgiving Service - Sunday, November 23 at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church
The Edgewater Community Religious Association (ECRA) is an interfaith association of religious organizations who work toward fostering friendships and understanding of other faiths, nurture a thriving and just neighborhood, and create solutions to local problems.
ECRA hosts an annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service benefiting Care for Real that bring together Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, as well as our friends from the Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu faith.
All are invited to this year's service on Sunday, November 23 from 3:00 pm, hosted this year at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, located at 5649 N. Sheridan Rd.
If you are able, please bring canned goods or a cash donated to share with our local food pantry, Care for Real.
Order Your Trees, Garland, and Wreaths from St. Gert’s Annual Greenery Sale!
St. Gertrude is once again hosting our annual Christmas greenery sale, with a limited number of balsam pine trees, wreaths, and garland available for purchase. Our Christmas greenery sale is a great opportunity for parishioners to get ready for the holidays while supporting St. Gertrude ministries.
Each 6’ Christmas tree is $55. Three different sized wreaths are available—the 18” wreath is $25, the 24” is $27, and the 36” is $35. Garland is also available for $40 per 5’ length.
The sale is now live! Click below for details or to order.
An Ignatian Retreat in Daily Life at St. Gertrude
An “Ignatian Retreat in Daily Life” will begin this coming January and end in June. The retreat follows the basic themes of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, but will take place in the midst of daily life rather than at a retreat center.
Participants commit to praying on themes from Scripture which will be selected for each day of the retreat. Small groups of retreatants will meet once a week to share their prayer experiences and receive guidance on the next week’s themes.
The director of the retreat will be Jim Neafsey, a parishioner at St. Gertrude’s who has given Ignatian retreats for 50 years.
There will be a basic orientation to the retreat offered in December. Information sessions will last 45 minutes. Information sessions will take place in the Ministry Center on the following dates:
- Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00 pm
- Sunday, December 7 at 11:30 am (after Mass)
- Saturday, December 13 at 9:00 am
Each session will cover the same content, so you only need to come to one session.
They are intended to help clarify what the retreat entails and whether it fits with your desires and pattern of life at this time. If you are interested, but cannot make any of these meetings, please call or text Jim Neafsey at 773.580.5212.
This series is sponsored by the Adult Spirituality and Faith Formation Committee.
An Ignatian Retreat in Daily Life at St. Gertrude
“The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before. It is not possible to keep it from coming because it will. That’s just how Advent works. What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you.
So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. For now, stay. Wait. Something is on the horizon.”
~ Text © Jan Richardson from Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas. janrichardson.com. (used with permission)
As Jan Richardson reminds us, Advent calls us to slow down—to watch, wait, and open ourselves to the mystery that is already unfolding in our midst. It is a season of quiet anticipation and spiritual renewal, inviting us to notice what is coming to birth within us and within our community.
This Advent, the Adult Spirituality and Formation Committee invites you to join a special three-part series designed to deepen that journey of awareness and hope. Each session offers a unique way to encounter the sacred—through prayer, art, and reflection—as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
All sessions will take place from 7:00–8:30 p.m. in the Ministry Center Chapel. You are welcome to attend any or all.
All sessions will take place from 7:00–8:30 pm in the Ministry Center Chapel. You are welcome to attend any or all.
- Session One: Wednesday, December 3: Pondering in Our Hearts: Lectio Divina and the Virtue of Hope – with Patricia Sullivan and Karen Spear
- Session Two: Wednesday, December 10: A Pre-Instagram Birth: The Nativity of Jesus Told Through Art – with Fr. Sergio Romo
- Session Three: Wednesday, December 17: Encountering the Mystery of God’s Presence Through Sacred Art – with Jim Neafsey
Please consider being part of this Advent journey. While all are welcome to “drop in,” we ask that you let us know if you plan to attend so we can prepare sufficient seating.
To register, email Mary Ann O’Connor at maryann.oconnor@rcn.com and indicate which session or sessions you will attend.
Come, stay, and wait with us this Advent season. Something beautiful is on the horizon.
November is the Month of Remembrance
Each November, we take time to honor and pray for all who have gone before us—our parishioners, their family members, and friends who have died.
Altar of Remembrance
To honor a deceased loved one, you are invited to bring a photo to the Altar of Remembrance, located in front of the St. Thérèse shrine at the front of the church. Photos may be placed on the tables at any time and should be picked up Thanksgiving weekend. Please write your phone number on the back of each image.
7th & 8th Grade Students: Essay Contest Entries Due December 22
Students in the 7th and 8th grade are invited to take part in our annual essay contest. Participants should write an essay based on this prompt: What is the impact of Christianity on human rights?
Entries should be 500-550 words. Spelling and grammar count!
The top three winners will receive gift cards and have their essays published online and in the bulletin.
Entries must be submitted online or postmarked by Monday, December 22, 2025. Email essays (preferred method) to eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or mail them to Eloy Escamilla, 1420 W. Granville, Chicago, IL 60660.
A Huge Thank You From Heart to Heart
Many thanks to all who attended Nazareth Revelation, the parish play benefitting Heart to Heart Ministry on the evening of Saturday, November 8.
Laurie and Sr. Susan – along with all those who receive Heart to Heart services – are so grateful for the effort, time, and generosity of cast and crew, not to mention Mike Tobin, playwright and producer extraordinaire.
A total of $5,952 was raised in ticket sales and donations, and most importantly, a good time was had by all.
If you’d like to keep the good feelings going, please think about volunteering as a Heart to Heart driver or “receptionist.” Intrigued? Call 872-296-2537 to find out more.
Heart to Heart and the Medical Lending Closet do incredible work here in Edgewater and across Chicago, touching the lives of so many. We’ll share more next week about the event and this wonderful parish ministry, but please know how thankful we are for such a supportive community!
If you’d like to support this vital ministry, please consider making a donation at givecentral.org/event/606.
Helping our Immigrant Brothers and Sisters
Thank you to the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership
More than 30 St. Gertrude parishioners, along with Fr. Sergio, came out to the People’s Mass outside the Broadview Detention last Saturday. Special thanks to the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL), especially the St. Gertrude team, for organizing this demonstration our love and solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters.
Photos courtesy of Deb Winarski.
The Rosary at St. Gertrude: Friday Evenings and after the 7:30 am Masses
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.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary after 7:30 am Mass
Additionally, the Rosary is said every Monday through Saturday in the church right after the 7:30 am mass. Please consider joining us in church—we would love to have you!
It's time for a new Parish Photo Directory!
Sign Up for a St. Gertrude Photo Directory Photography Session
It’s time for a new St. Gertrude Photo Directory! Photography sessions will be held December 18–20. Every participating household will receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait and a free parish directory. You can view your photos immediately and purchase additional prints—perfect for keepsakes or holiday gifts.
Appointments can be made after Mass or online at schedule.ucdir.com (Church Code: IL457, Password: photos).
If you are able to volunteer to assist with sign ups or the day of photography, please click HERE to review available slots.
Questions? Email Jen Reyes at stgertrudeparishcouncil@gmail.com.
PARISH NEWS
Help Needed on our Sandwich Making Team
Our St. Gertrude Sandwich-Making Team is looking for an additional member to help prepare 35 bag lunches for our neighborhood Epworth Homeless Shelter. The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month, October through May, at 10:00 am in the Ministry Center.
Each group member purchases one item—bread, cheese, lunch meat, fruit, or chips—and brings it to the meeting, where the lunches are assembled. The item you are responsible for rotates monthly. Each session takes less than an hour.
If you are interested in helping on a regular basis, please contact Cecie Murphy at 773-338-3165 (h) or cmurphy@luc.edu.
Help Needed on our Sandwich Making Team
We’ve recently received a few questions about how information about parish events, updates, and neighborhood or Archdiocesan activities is shared. Here’s a quick overview:
Bulletins and Daily Reflections/Updates
Almost all of our information is gathered from our bulletins. Information is sent to stgertbulletin@yahoo.com, and should arrive about 10 days before the Sunday you’d like your announcement to appear. Early submissions are appreciated, as bulletin size can vary week to week, and both a print and e-bulletin are produced.
If you’ve signed up for our daily reflections, we include upcoming parish events or activities right after the prayers.
Announcements at Mass
We typically limit in-church announcements to three upcoming events, giving priority to parish-run activities happening over the next week. These are kept brief, as details such as times and locations can be found in the bulletin.
Social Media
We've been more active on social media, posting about everything on the bulletin and sharing some of our partners' posts too. Please consider following us on Instagram(@stgertrudeinchicago) or Facebook(@stgertrudechicago).
Help Needed on our Sandwich Making Team
We’ve recently received a few questions about how information about parish events, updates, and neighborhood or Archdiocesan activities is shared. Here’s a quick overview:
Bulletins and Daily Reflections/Updates
Almost all of our information is gathered from our bulletins. Information is sent to stgertbulletin@yahoo.com, and should arrive about 10 days before the Sunday you’d like your announcement to appear. Early submissions are appreciated, as bulletin size can vary week to week, and both a print and e-bulletin are produced.
If you’ve signed up for our daily reflections, we include upcoming parish events or activities right after the prayers.
Announcements at Mass
We typically limit in-church announcements to three upcoming events, giving priority to parish-run activities happening over the next week. These are kept brief, as details such as times and locations can be found in the bulletin.
Social Media
We've been more active on social media, posting about everything on the bulletin and sharing some of our partners' posts too. Please consider following us on Instagram(@stgertrudeinchicago) or Facebook(@stgertrudechicago).
Communion Services Now Held on Mondays at 7:30 am
Communion Services will be held on Monday mornings at 7:30 am instead of Thursdays.
Thank you for understanding!
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
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.
Rest in peace notices & funeral information
Michael J. Cronin
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025 from 3:00-8:00 pm at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave, Chicago. Funeral Tuesday 9:00am from the funeral home to St. Gertrude Catholic Church, 1420 W. Granville Ave, Chicago for Mass at 10:00am. Interment All Saints Cemetery.
It's time for a new parish photo directory!
Photography sessions will be held December 18–20. Every participating household will receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait and a free parish directory.