Pet blessing on sunday, october 2 at 11:30 am!
Altar Servers, ushers, eucharistic ministers, lecors needed
Post-Covid Liturgy Changes
When we shut down completely for covid, we knew we would have to change some of the usual ways of operating. When we were able to reopen and resume our liturgical celebrations, we did so with fewer ministers assisting, Communion distributed only with hosts and only in the hand, no altar servers, both readings are now read by one person instead of two, and we pretty much look for volunteers to help in the ushering duties on an almost weekly basis.
But now we hope we are, if not exactly moving beyond covid, at least returning to some new version of normal. We would like to recruit and train a new group of altar servers, return to each of the two scripture readings at Mass proclaimed by a different lector/reader, recruit and train some new ministers of Communion to assist in distributing Communion, recruit and train some new ushers, and also seek out a captain for the ushers at each of the three Sunday Masses.
We are doing recruiting right now until the end of September. Training will take place for new Ministers in the beginning of October. New schedules will include all these minsters beginning the weekend of October 15-16.
Please consider how you might participate in our Sunday Masses as a minister in any of these capacities. Our Pastoral Associate, Eloy Escamilla, can be reached at 773.764.3621 or eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org with any questions, or simply to volunteer.
If you have done any kind of liturgical ministry before and would like to try that again, or a different ministry, please come forward. If you have never been a
liturgical minister but would now consider that level of participation, please come forward. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to speak with Eloy, Fr. Mike, or myself. Thank you for your consideration!
~ Fr. Rich
Relaunch of Altar Servers Ministry/Training Session for New Minister
Altar Servers: This program seeks to encourage the youth of our parish to fully engage in our faith through their service to the Church as altar servers. The altar server ministry is very important, and the youth will be making a serious commitment to our parish family. This ministry is open to any boy or girl who has received his/her First Holy Communion.
Altar servers should plan on spending no more than 60 minutes each time they serve.
Training Sessions for New Ministers
- Training for altar servers will be in the church on Monday, October 3 at 6:30 pm.
- Training session for new Ministers of the Word will be in the church on Tuesday, October 4 at 6:30 pm.
- Training session for new Eucharistic Ministers will be in the church on Wednesday, October 5 at 6:30 pm.
- For people interested in serving as ushers, the training will be 30 minutes before the 5:00 pm and 10:30 am Masses; and 15 minutes before the 8:00 am Mass during the first weekend of October. We are looking to have 4-6 ushers per Mass.
Liturgical Ministry Groups
Ways to Get Involved at St. Gertrude Parish
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.
Altar Servers
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
Art and Environment
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
Dance Troupe
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
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
Live-Streaming Help
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.
Ministers of Praise
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
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
Music Ministry - limited to cantors/musicians
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.
RCIA Team
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.
Sacristans
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
St. Gertrude Gym Mass
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!
Ushers
These teams help to seat worshipers at Mass and take up the collection of offerings.
Training: Sessions are scheduled as needed.
Contact: Eloy Escamilla