St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville,

Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, April 26, 2026

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Good Shepherd Sunday

On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, often called Good Shepherd Sunday, the Gospel invites us to reflect on Jesus as the shepherd who knows each sheep intimately and calls each one by name. In a world filled with noise and distraction, this image is both comforting and challenging. The Good Shepherd does not lead from a distance; instead, the shepherd walks with the flock, guiding, protecting, and seeking out those who are lost. The shepherd’s voice is steady and trustworthy, but it requires attentive hearts to hear it.

We are reminded that being part of Christ’s flock is not passive. To recognize the Shepherd’s voice, we must cultivate a relationship with Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and the life of the Church. When we listen deeply, we begin to discern that guidance in daily life—often in quiet, unexpected ways. The promise of the Good Shepherd is not a life free from difficulty, but one rooted in the assurance that we are never alone.

This Sunday also invites us to consider how we are called to reflect the love of the Good Shepherd in our own lives. Each person, in their own way, is called to care for others—to accompany, to encourage, and to stand with those who are vulnerable or in need. In doing so, we become instruments of Christ’s compassion, helping others recognize that presence and hear that voice.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Today is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. As a Church, we are called to pray for young men and women to hear and respond generously to the Lord’s call. May those called to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life, and secular institutes have the courage to follow where the Good Shepherd leads. Let us ask God to stir hearts, strengthen faith, and raise up joyful witnesses who will serve with love and dedication.

Care for Real Collection is This Weekend

St. Gertrude will host a collection drive for Care for Real on April 25-26 and again May 2-3. Our Care for Real collection takes place on the fourth weekend of each month, and our asylum seekers’ collection is held on the first weekend of each month.

SNAP is one of the most effective ways to address food insecurity in the United States. However, as eligibility requirements change, many of our neighbors—especially seniors and others without exemptions—are at risk of losing their benefits. New requirements to work or volunteer 80 hours per month and report this to the state can be difficult to meet, increasing the risk of food insecurity.

As a result, Care for Real anticipates a growing need for their services. For more information, including current needs and ways to give, please visit https://linktr.ee/cfrchicago or follow their Facebook and Instagram pages.

We are grateful for your continued generosity in supporting Care for Real as they provide food and essential supplies to neighbors in need.

Confirmation Information: Second Retreat is This Thursday, April 30

There is a second Confirmation Retreat planned on Thursday, April 30 for students that made their Confirmation earlier this year. It will be in the Social Hall, 1401 West Granville Avenue, from 6:00-8:00 pm. 

Questions? Contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.  

Join Us for the Rosary at St. Gerts 

Guadalupanos Rosary Group (Grupo del Rosario de Guadalupanos) on Friday Evenings 

All are welcome to attend the bilingual weekly Rosary group held on Friday evenings at 7:00 pm 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 Friday in the church right after the 7:30 am mass. Please consider joining us in church—we would love to have you!

Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL) Meeting Planned for Saturday, May 2; Northside Catholic Community Protection Training on Saturday, May 16

St. Gertrude is a member of CSPL, the faith-based organization that organized the recent People’s Mass and Eucharistic Procession to the Broadview Detention Center.

Come together with other parishioners on Saturday, May 2 from 1:30-3:00 pm in the Ministry Center to build community and discuss how to help advance our parish's commitments to social justice, human concerns and faith formation through our participation in CSPL. Learn more about CSPL. All are welcome! 

On Saturday, May 16, please consider attending the Northside Catholic Community Protection Training from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. St. Gertrude Parish, in partnership with St. John XXIII Parish and Loyola University Chicago, will host this event to help community members better support immigrant neighbors. The session will take place at St. Nicholas Church, located at 806 Ridge Ave, Evanston.

Parent Info: First Communion Is Saturday, May 9—Here's What You Need to Know

First Communion is approaching, and families with students celebrating this sacrament need to know/do several things before this important event takes place.

• Some parents have not sent in their child's Sacramental Request Form. Please fill it out and send it to me at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.
• If you have not paid the registration fee for the 2025-2026 catechetical year, this is the time to do it. Please note that there is a sacramental fee as well. All payments can be done by check or online. These forms and links can also be found on our website at stgertrudechicago.org/religious-education.
• On Friday, May 8, there will be a First Communion practice in church at 6:30 pm. Please be on time.
• Our parish's First Communion Mass is Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 am. No photos are allowed before and/or during mass, but rather after the service.

First Communion Attire

The attire for First Communion is simple, age-appropriate, and should not distract from the focus of receiving the Sacrament.

• Boys typically wear a suit of any color, or slacks and dress shirt.
• Girls usually wear white dresses, but any color can be worn. Veils are optional, but should not block the child's face. Gloves can be worn, but not while receiving Holy Communion.
• While sitting in the pew (and especially when going up for Communion) children should not hold bibles, rosaries, flowers, etc.

~ Eloy Escamilla

Book Club is Tuesday, May 12

Join us for a discussion of The Shape of Water by Guillermo del Toro & Daniel Kraus 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).

Friendship Club is Thursday, Mary 14

The St. Gertrude Women's Friendship Club meets monthly on the second Thursday of every month in the Ministry Center, 6216 North Glenwood Avenue.

The gathering begins at 11:30 am, and attendees should bring their own (brown bag) lunch.

St. Gertrude’s Youth Mission Experience

We’re grateful to share that our summer Youth Mission Experience is now full. Thank you to all who registered and helped bring this vibrant expression of our parish community to life.

From June 22–26, parish teens entering seventh grade through high school will serve with organizations across Chicagoland while growing in faith, friendship, and community.

Please pray for the teens as they prepare to volunteer with organizations across Chicagoland, spend time together, and earn service hours as they deepen their connection to one another and to their faith.

Parish Directory Update & Orders — Available Until May 31

We are finalizing our parish directory! If you did not have your photo taken, we invite you to update your household information to ensure your details are included.

Forms are available at the back of the church, or you may submit your information using the QR code or at https://bit.ly/StGertsDirectoryUpdateForm.

If you had your photo taken, a complimentary directory will be provided. For those who did not have a photo taken, you may still purchase a copy of the directory using the same form or online options.



Thank you for helping us create an accurate and complete parish directory!

Growing in Faith

“I am the gate!” — John 10:15

Some years ago, a friend returning from a trip to Israel told me about spending a day with a shepherd. In preparation for the night, the shepherd made a kind of corral for the sheep, but he left the entrance open—without a door!

When my friend asked about what looked like a very important missing item, the shepherd smiled and said, “I am the door! I’ll sleep right here. The sheep will be safe.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says precisely that: “Amen, amen, I say to you… I am the gate… I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

These days, our social media offers a wide swath of responses to world and local news. Which attitude is wisest? In this image, Jesus presents himself as the entrance to our hearts and minds. He tells the Pharisees, “My sheep hear my voice.” In fact, sheep do hear and trust only their shepherd. (I hope you can access this short video I found: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e45dVgWgV64)

With the world in so much turmoil, and in the face of so many divisions, Jesus’ desire is that in God “there will be one flock and one shepherd” (v. 16).

~ Sister Wendy Cotter, CSJ, Ph.D.

Easter Flower Offering Envelopes

In Memory of The Strubbe & Galoney Families from Marie Galoney

In Honor and Memory of Sr. Maggie McGinn B.V.M. from Marilyn Klein

In Memory of Lilder and Albert Sherrod from Pamela Sherrod Anderson

In Memory of Jon Anderson from Pamela Sherrod Anderson

In Memory of Billy Tobin from Dorothea and Mike Tobin

In Memory of Ricardo Binalber

In Memory of Maria José Fereira de Souza from Ana Ward

In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. A. Escara

In Memory of Warren Meintz from Jacalyn Meier

In Memory of Jeanette Cordero from Cristina Cordero

We are offering an opportunity to celebrate someone in your life, living or deceased, during the Easter season. Please consider making an Easter Flower offering in their name.

Envelopes are available in the back of the Church and may be placed in the collection basket or sent to Rectory. The names of those honored will be published in the bulletin during the Easter season.

In Need of Communion? Our Ministers of Care Can Help



For those who are unable to attend Mass regularly, our Ministers of Care offer a meaningful connection to parish life. These specially trained parishioners bring Holy Communion along with the prayers and presence of our community to those who are homebound or ill.

Through their visits, they share not only the Eucharist but also companionship and spiritual support, reminding each person that they remain a valued and connected member of our parish family.

If you or someone you know would like to receive Communion at home, please contact Sr. Susan at squaintance@stgertrudechicago.org.

Curious About the ’Cats? Come Visit NCA on May 7!



Thinking about a school for your family for next year? Join us for coffee and conversation and enjoy a relaxed morning on May 7 where interested families can meet current parents, talk with school leadership, and learn what makes NCA such a special place.

Children are welcome! While parents connect and learn more about the school, students can enjoy a playdate and student-led tour with our NCA ambassadors.

Please RSVP on our website: https://www.northsidecatholic.org/admissions/meet-the-cats.cfm

Rest in Peace

• Sister Margaret A. McGinn, BVM

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, April 25 at 8:00 pm - Christine Lincoln, Art Lyons
• Sunday, April 26 at 8:00 am - Jacalyn Meier, Hallie Burhoe
• Sunday, April 26 at 10:30 am - Eric Ameyaw, Theo Fletcher

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, April 25 at 8:00 pm - Millie Slane
• Sunday, April 26 at 8:00 am - Anthony Myers
• Sunday, April 26 at 10:30 am - Michael Kowalsk, Lisa Scheneider, Troy McMillan

Altar Servers

• Saturday, April 25 at 8:00 pm - cross bearer: Esteban Campuzano
• Sunday, April 26 at 10:30 am - cross bearer: Carter Dant; acolytes: Jayson Ameyaw, Mathios Paulos

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Monday, April 27: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Tuesday, April 28: 7:30 am - For the sick, dying, suffering, poor, and those who care for them
• Wednesday, April 29: 7:30 am - Deceased parents of St. Gertrude parishioners
• Thursday, April 30: 7:30 am - For priests in crisis
• Friday, May 1: 7:30 am - Eric Vaughn+
• Saturday, May 2: 5:00 pm - Holy Souls in Purgatory
• Sunday, May 3: 8:00 am - Pervis Joseph Balthazar+; 10:30 am - Blanche Thomas+; 10:30 am Gym Mass - People of St. Gertrude

If you would like to add a name to the prayer list, please contact the Rectory at 773.764.3621 or email stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org. Names will remain on the list for three weeks. After that time, please renew the name using same contact information.