Volunteer at St. Gertrude

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 Kevin Chears, Pastoral Associate, at kchears@stgertrudechicago.org.  

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 Kevin Chears at kchears@stgertrudechicago.org.  

Parish Advisory Boards (working with Fr. Rich)

• Parish Pastoral Council (PPC): The PCP meets about once a month (but usually takes the summer off). This is the group of parishioners who consider the pastoral direction of the parish. Members listen to parishioners to get a sense of where the overall direction should be focused. They bring this wisdom to the PPC meetings in order to determine how we might best respond to the needs and directions that are brought forward. The PPC goes through an annual discernment process to determine membership each year of both general members and then the PPC officers.
• Parish Finance Council: This team meets about four or five times a year. Members review monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual financial reports to keep updated on the financial condition of the parish. With this information, they are able to make informed decisions about the annual parish budget and how we are staying on track or need to modify certain activities in order to stay within our budget. The Finance Council also approves the budget, and at the end of the fiscal year, also approves the Annual Report. Membership is open to any parishioner. 
• Parish Development Council: This group tries to anticipate upcoming financial needs and how they might best be met. This includes everything from considering if the Sunday Offertory collections are meeting the budget and, if not, what fundraising steps need to be taken. They also look at some extraordinary needs -- such as maintenance and
  repairs to the buildings. 

Religious Education and Youth Ministry (working with Eloy Escamilla, Pastoral Associate, Religious Education and Youth Ministry)

• Catechist: Sign up to become a Catechist on Sundays from 9:15-10:15 am to help children to find the presence of God among us. 
• Kids Word Volunteer: On Sundays during 10:30 am Mass in church, volunteers share age-appropriate scripture readings with children ages 5-9. 
• Youth Group Volunteer: Help facilitate activities supporting our parish youth's faith and personal development. 

Liturgical Ministries
(working with Kevin Chears, Pastoral Associate)

• Eucharistic Ministers: Assist in the distribution of Holy Communion at Masses.
• Lectors: Proclaim the Word of God at Masses.
• Ushers/Greeters: Welcomes parishioners to Masses, takes up the collection. 

(working with Mary Clare Barker, Music Director)

• Cantors, Vocal Ensembles, Musicians: Opportunities abound to cantor at weekend Masses, participate in small vocal ensembles at the 10:30 am Sunday morning Mass, or accompany our Masses on a string, woodwind, or brass instrument. 

Social Services

• Heart to Heart Ministry for Seniors (working with Jane-Callahan-Moore, Director of Parish Social Services)
  Volunteers help their neighbors aged 60 and above who need support to sustain their independence by driving seniors to medical appointments, procedures, and more. Other volunteers are needed to call homebound seniors weekly to ensure their well-being, while others commit to praying for those who have requested prayers at least once daily using the Ministry of Praise letter mailed monthly.

Social Justice Ministries

• New! Social Justice: Peace and Justice Committee (working with Fr. Mike Gabriel)
  As people of faith, we are commissioned to call out many of the injustices in our world. There is an urgent need now more than ever for us to be a church not only of statements and prayers but one of action, where God’s love, justice, and mercy can grow. We are looking for people who would be willing to be part of this committee, to help focus on specific injustices and to facilitate parish social justice activities. 
• Refugee and Immigrant Ministry: This group sponsors refugees and immigrants, providing both financial and emotional support as they settle into their new lives in Chicago. 
• United Power for Action and Justice: United Power works with faith communities,
  including St. Gertrude, to help them connect and put their power behind the issues that matter most to them. The group is currently working on issues related to gun violence, health care, affordable housing, immigration, and violence prevention.

Laudato Si': Care for our Common Home 

• Resurrection Compost (working with Mary Clare Barker, Music Director) This seasonal project combines composting and a vegetable garden. Parishioners lease a composting bucket and deposit appropriate materials in the parish’s compost bin. The compost is then used to fertilize our vegetable garden, tended to by volunteers, that feeds patrons of Care for Real and the St. Thomas of Canterbury soup kitchen.

In addition to the above groups, there are several other liturgical, environmental initiatives, social justice, social, and neighborhood groups affiliated with our parish! Please visit www.stgertrudechicago.org and look under Ministries/Community Life for details.