Liturgical Ministry Groups

There are so many ways to get involved at St. Gertrude. Below is a list of litergical groups. Please reach out to the Rectory at 773.764.3621 or email  stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org for information on how to join these groups.

Boys and girls in fourth grade and up, assist the priest and other ministers on the altar for the celebration of the Sunday and school Masses along with weddings and funerals. By their reverence and diligence, they help to make these Masses more meaningful for everyone. 

Meetings: Annual training; additional sessions are scheduled as needed.

Contact: Eloy Escamilla

This committee decorates the Church according to specific liturgical themes and seasons. Using flowers, fabrics, statuary, art, etc., the committee designs the church environment to give glory to God through its beauty and reverence, and serves God’s people with a climate of hospitality and prayerfulness.

Meetings: Seasonal

Contact: Fr. Mike

The liturgical dancers are women in the parish who use movement and gesture to pray and to expand our community experience of prayer.

Meetings: Rehearsals are called per event.

Eucharistic Ministers administer Holy Communion at all of the weekend Masses. All adult and high school aged, confirmed parish members are eligible to participate in this ministry. 

Training: Sessions are scheduled as needed.

Contact: Eloy Escamilla

The live streaming of Mass started as a response to the COVID-19 protocols for gathering together. Even after these protocols were relaxed, we have continued to broadcast the 10:30 am Mass every Sunday, as well as other special Masses through out the year.

Our ability to join as community both in person and via the live stream keeps us connected. What started as an answer to a problem has become a ministry and a way of being of service to others.

We are looking for assistance with these live-streams! The process is simple, you do not have to have a technical background, a special camera or phone, just a willingness to help. If you are interested in being part of the live stream ministry please contact Eloy Escamilla.  

Participants are provided with a monthly guide sheet reflecting some of the prayer petitions taken from St. Gertrude Church’s Prayer Wall and are asked to pray for them.

Training: Contact Pat Sullivan at psullivan@stgertrudechicago.org or 773.973.5464.

Ministers of the Word proclaim the Word of God through their reading of sacred scripture at all of the Masses. This spiritually satisfying role helps our community experience more fully the celebration of Mass. Participation is open to all confirmed parishioners high school age and older. 

Meetings: Training sessions are scheduled as needed.

Contact: Eloy Escamilla

Saint Gertrude’s incredible music adds praise through song to each Mass, and helps us strengthen our social bonds through special events throughout the year. Mary Clare Barker is our Music Minister, and can be reached at  mcbarker@stgertrudechicago.org or by calling the Rectory. Please contact her if you are interested in sharing your musical talents with our parish community. We would be grateful for help and will work around any time constraints. Our Music Ministry includes:

• Cantors are needed to lead the congregation in song at all weekend Masses.
• If you just like to make music, there are opportunities to help bring joy to our community through our plays and cabarets, the annual All Are Welcome Concert, and ECRA Interfaith Thanksgiving service. 

Do you feel called to help others journey with the Catholic faith? Please consider being part of our RCIA Ministry!

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process by which adults learn more about the Catholic Church and seeks to add new colors and designs to their existing faith life tapestry. In addition to attending Mass, the RCIA process includes weekly gatherings of breaking open the Word of God, sharing our stories, and learning about our faith traditions.

If you are interested in joining our RCIA team, please reach out to ears, Eloy Escamilla, Pastoral Associate, at kchears@stgertrudechicago.org.  

This ministry serves the parish by setting up the elements to be used in the Mass. Sacristans arrive ten to fifteen minutes prior to the start of Mass to prepare the host, wine, and chalices etc. that will be used. 

Contact: Eloy Escamilla

Music, liturgical dance, and drama engage participants in the celebration of our faith. Short parishioner reflections after the homily allow people to share their own experiences of faith and living out the Gospel. Fellowship, coffee, and refreshments follow the Mass. Mass is celebrated Sundays at 10:30 am in the Gym from September through June. All are welcome!  

These teams help to seat worshipers at Mass and take up the collection of offerings. 

Training: Sessions are scheduled as needed.

Contact: Eloy Escamilla