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
Harvest of Hope: Archdiocese-wide Food Drive Continues Until December 14
The Federal SNAP benefits that help 700,000 neighbors across the archdiocese put food on their tables have been drastically reduced.
Please help us ensure food pantries run by local parishes and Catholic Charities are fully stocked as we approach the holiday season.
Between November 29 and December 14, there will be a donation box labeled "Catholic Charities in the vestibule in the back of church. Please consider donating canned chicken, canned soup, canned tuna, and canned beef.
Giving Tree Program in Full Swing!
The Giving Tree Program is now underway! Once again, we will be asking for gift cards rather than gifts and in increments of $20. This allows flexibility for individuals to get what they need.
These cards can be from Target, Jewel, Walmart, Aldi, Dunkin Donut, or even a Ventra card. Any way you can help is appreciated!
Information about the charities/parish ministries benefiting from this fundraising effort and the deadline will be shared next weekend.
Order Your Trees, Garland, and Wreaths from St. Gert’s Annual Greenery Sale! In-Person Sales This Sunday After the 10:30 am Mass!
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. The Information session will last 45 minutes in the Ministry Center on Saturday, December 13 at 9:00 am
It is 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.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception - Monday, December 8
We will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, December 8. This is a Holy Day of Obligation.
Mass will be held at 7:30 am. The rectory office will be open.
Celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 9-12
In honor of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Rosary Group invites the entire parish to three evenings of prayer and reflection. Bilingual reflections on Our Lady of Guadalupe will be offered on December 9, 10, and 11, from 6:00–7:00 pm in the church, and will include the praying of the Rosary.
These gatherings offer a beautiful opportunity to deepen our devotion to Mary, seek her intercession, and prepare our hearts for the joy of her feast. All are warmly invited to join them.
Additionally, there is a Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at 7:30 am on Friday, December 12.
Book Club Gathering is Tuesday, December 9
Join us for a discussion of Skipping Christmas by John Grisham on Tuesday, December 9 at 6:30 pm at the Ministry Center, 6214 W. Glenwood. New participants are always welcome!
For questions, contact Lea Cloninger (773.213.0509) or Sue Benjamin (773.551.8401).
Deepen Your Faith & Hope This Advent
“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 the two remaining sessions designed to deepen that journey of awareness and hope. Each offers a unique way to encounter the sacred—through prayer, art, and reflection—as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Both will take place from 7:00–8:30 pm in the Ministry Center Chapel. You are welcome to attend any or all.
Session Two: Wednesday, December 10: A Pre-Instagram Birth: The Nativity of Jesus Told Through Art – with Fr. Sergio Romo
Selfies and social media capture both the momentous and everyday moments of our lives. Although the technology we use is relatively new, the desire to preserve a moment and share it with the world is ancient. Come explore how, over two millennia, the story of Jesus’ birth has been illustrated and retold.
Beginning with the earliest known depictions of the Nativity, Fr. Sergio—an artist in his own right—will trace the development of Nativity iconography, with special attention to works of art housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Session Three: Wednesday, December 17: Encountering the Mystery of God’s Presence Through Sacred Art – with Jim Neafsey
We will explore how gazing at a contemporary work of art titled Sacred Bond can become a form of prayer that invites us to experience God’s presence in our own lives. The radiance of a star-filled night sky and the expressive faces of a mother and child traveling through the darkness can awaken deep connections to our longings and life experiences.
Together, we will take time to share what in the painting captures our attention and what moves or touches us. We will also reflect on how Sacred Bond can deepen our understanding of the mystery of Christmas and speak to today’s struggles for justice and peace.
Jim Neafsey, a St. Gertrude parishioner, is a painter of sacred images and has served as a spiritual director, retreat leader, and teacher of spirituality for over 50 years.
Please consider being part of this Advent journey. While each 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.
Women's Friendship Club is December 11
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!
Their next gathering is Thursday, December 11. Consider yourself invited!
Youth Group Event is Planned for Saturday, December 13
Attention students in 7th grade and up! Save the date! On December 13, we've planned an afternoon of Christmas card-making and crafts, with cards going to those who are sick and homebound in our parish.
We'll gather in the Ministry Center from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Snacks will be provided!
Please reach out to Eloy Escamilla at eecamilla@stgertrudechicago.org for more information.
The Next Care for Real Collection is December 27-28
Our Care for Real collection drive is December 6-7 before and after masses.
Please note, our food-insecure neighbors, and Care for Real, are in urgent need of support, especially after many people didn't receive full funding for their November SNAP benefits.
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.
Second Collection for Retirement Fund for Religious is December 13 and 14
The second collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious is taken up each year on the second Sunday of December.
Across the United States, hundreds of religious communities lack financial resources sufficient to meet the retirement and health-care needs of aging members. Your gift will provide essential care for nearly 31,000 senior sisters, brothers and religious order priests who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
Let us show our gratitude to these selfless individuals by giving generously!
"Brewed at St. Gertrude" is December 21
The final Brewed at St. Gertrude’s hospitality for 2025 will take place after 10:30 Mass on Sunday, December 21 in the parish social hall.
Join us for a holiday celebration that will include music, festive treats, and a visit from Santa. The Brewed planning committee invites volunteers to join them in: 1.) decorating the social hall on Saturday evening, December 20th, 2.) help staff the event and/or 3.) bring food for the event on Sunday.
If you would like to help set up, decorate or assist with the event, click this link and add your name. If you would like to bring food for the event, please click on this link and add your name.
Help Needed to Decorate the Church for Christmas!
As we prepare our worship space for the joy of
Christmas, we invite members of our community to lend a hand in decorating the church. On Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23 at 1:00 pm, volunteers will gather in the church to help set up Christmas trees, arrange ornaments, and bring the beauty of the season to life.
Teenagers, young adults, and adults are all welcome—no special skills required, just a willing spirit and a bit of holiday cheer.
If you’d like to join or have questions, contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org for more information. We look forward to decorating with you!
Deanery 2B Advent Reconciliation Service Planned for Monday, December 22
St. Gert's will host a deanery-wide reconciliation service on Monday, December 22 at 7:00 pm.
There will be several priests on hand speaking a variety of languages to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with participants.
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.
Thank you for celebrating the feast of st. gertrude with us!
Feast Day Fun with Brewed at St. Gertrude
Thank you to all parishioners who came out last weekend to mass and the Brewed at St. Gertrude social event! It was wonderful to gather together and celebrate our faith community on our parish’s feast day.
Special thanks to the Brewed at St. Gertrude team for their hard work.
Photos courtesy of Steven Patzke.
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!
December Dates Filled, January Date Added
All December photography appointments have been filled.
The remaining available session date is Tuesday, January 13. Should this date reach capacity, an additional session may be offered.
Parishioners for whom this date is not suitable are invited to email Jen Reyes at stgertrudeparishcouncil@gmail.com to discuss alternative arrangements.
Appointments can be made after Mass or online at schedule.ucdir.com (Church code: IL 457, Password: photos).
PARISH NEWS
Sign Up to Be a Part of our Christmas Eve Pageant
During the Gospel at the 5:00 pm Christmas Eve Family Mass, the children of St. Gertrude will bring the Nativity story to life in a joyful, heartwarming pageant.
We are seeking children ages 5 and older to
participate, and adults to assist with organizing and guiding the event. Additionally, we are hoping to find a family with an infant or young baby to portray the Holy Family this year.
If you or your children would like to take part in this special celebration, please contact eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.
Announcements at Church
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).
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.
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.
Parish Photo Directory
It’s time to sign up for a new parish photo directory! A new January date has been added!