Altar Servers, ushers, eucharistic ministers, lectors needed

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

Want to get involved in something? We are looking for parishioners who are interested in being part of an Art and Environment Committee. The team's goal is to create an environment inside and outside the church that enhances prayer and worship according to the liturgical times and seasons.

A variety of talents are needed. Having a background in art and interior design, woodworking, lighting, sewing, and floral arrangements would be good, but not necessary!

The team meets as needed to plan and/or prepare. To get involved, contact Fr. Mike at mgabriel@stgertudechicago.org.

St. Gertrude Parish is a caring, compassionate community whose mission is to serve others, seek to change social structures in conformity with the Good News we proclaim. We are committed to social action in the neighborhoods of the parish, the city, the Church and the wider world. 

Please consider how you can serve our faith community. There are many different 

ministries and groups that truly make our parish special, including some that can be done from home.

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 at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.  

 Parish Advisory Boards (working with Fr. Rich and Fr. Mike)

• 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 Eloy Escamilla, 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 Pt Sullivan, 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

• 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 

• Parish Garden & 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.