St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville,

Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, December 14, 2025

The Third Sunday of Advent

The Latest News at St. Gertrude

The Third Week of Advent

As we enter the Third Week of Advent—Gaudete Sunday—we are invited to pause and let joy find its way into our hearts. This joy is not the fleeting happiness the world often promises, but a deeper assurance that God is near, working quietly and lovingly in the hidden corners of our lives. Even if the season feels hectic, heavy, or hurried, Advent whispers that grace is still unfolding.

In the Scriptures for this week, we hear the call to rejoice, not because everything is perfect, but because Christ is drawing close. Joy becomes an act of trust—a way of saying that God is at work even when we cannot yet see the fullness of His plan. John the Baptist reminds us that our role is to prepare the way in small, faithful steps: acts of kindness, moments of patience, gentle attention to the needs around us.

May this sacred time open us to a joy that meets us where we truly are. May we welcome Christ not only into our celebrations, but into our longing, our hopes, and even our unfinished places. And may the light of this week guide us as we draw nearer to the mystery of Christmas and the God who comes to dwell among us.

Second Collection for Retirement Fund for Religious is This Weekend

Women and men religious have dedicated their lives to serving others—through prayer, ministry, education, and compassionate care—often with little or no compensation.

Now, many of their communities lack the resources needed to support them in retirement. As they grow older, they face rising costs for essential care and medications. By giving to the Retirement Fund for Religious, you can help ensure they receive the support they deserve. Thank you for giving generously!

Youth Group Event is Planned for Saturday, December 13

Attention students in 7th grade and up! Save the date! On December 13, we've planned an afternoon of Christmas card-making and crafts, with cards going to those who are sick and homebound in our parish.

We'll gather in the Ministry Center from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Snacks will be provided!

Please reach out to Eloy Escamilla at eecamilla@stgertrudechicago.org for more information.

Letter from Cardinal Cupich: Second Collection for Retirement Fund for Religious This Weekend

Dear Friends in Christ,

On the Third Sunday of Advent, parishes throughout our Archdiocese will participate in the Retirement Fund for Religious collection, an annual appeal that benefits nearly 20,500 elderly religious sisters, brothers, and order priests nationwide.

As I look back on my years as a priest I have an abiding sense of gratitude for the women and men religious who have deeply influenced my own journey of faith. These faithful servants have long been a source of inspiration and support in our archdiocese through their lives of dedicated service to the Church. Perhaps you, too, have known a religious whose quiet dedication, prayerful presence, or selfless acts have helped you to daily live the Gospel message.

Today, the challenges many of these senior religious and their communities face in meeting their retirement needs are greater than ever. Most received little or no pay for their service, and their communities now struggle to cover rising health care expenses and the increasing cost of day-to-day eldercare. As the number of religious decreases, the financial burdens continue to grow, and the need is great.

Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious make a real, tangible difference to these many women and men religious. Contributions directly support their ongoing care today and help ensure that their communities can plan wisely for the future care of all their members.

Aware that you are asked to support many worthy causes, I invite you to consider making a gift to this year’s December 13-14 collection as you are able, and to continue to pray for all our elderly religious. You can be assured of their prayers for you.

May God’s abundant blessings be upon you and your loved ones during this Holy Season of Advent. With kind regards I remain,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Cardinal Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago

Coat Drive for Organized by Teen Parishioner for Cradles to Crayons

This Advent season, altar server and parishioner Ethan Craft is leading a winter coat drive to support Cradles to Crayons, a local charity that provides essential items to school-age children throughout the Chicagoland area. Cradles to Crayons works to ensure that every child has the clothing they need to stay warm, safe, and ready to learn—especially during Chicago’s harsh winter months.

Ethan, now an 11th-grade student at Saint Patrick High School and a graduate of Northside Catholic Academy, is organizing this drive as part of his service in the Cradles to Crayons Teen Leadership Corps. His project focuses on helping local children stay warm through the simple, meaningful act of sharing what we can.

A donation box will be placed in the back of church/entryway, clearly marked with flyers that identify the charity and list requested items. Gently used coats, along with hats and gloves, are gratefully accepted through the end of the month.

Your generosity will directly benefit children in our community who need support this winter.

For more information, please contact Ethan Craft or his father Jason at jason.craft773@gmail.com.

Thank you for helping make a difference!

Last Weekend for the Harvest of Hope: Archdiocese-wide Food Drive

The Federal SNAP benefits that help 700,000 neighbors across the archdiocese put food on their tables have been drastically reduced.

Please help us ensure food pantries run by local parishes and Catholic Charities are fully stocked as we approach the holiday season.

There is a donation box labeled "Catholic Charities" in the vestibule in the back of church. Please consider donating canned chicken, canned soup, canned tuna, and canned beef. 

Giving Tree Program Info

The Giving Tree Program will continue through December 28! We are collecting gift cards to support RefugeeOne, St. Gertrude’s Refugee Ministry, and Centro Romero, which serves survivors of domestic violence. Gift cards offer families the dignity and freedom to choose what they most need, and we encourage donations in $20 increments.

Cards from anywhere are welcome, but ones from Target, Jewel, Walmart, Aldi, or Ventra are especially helpful!

Please place your gift cards in the boxes near the statue of St. Teresa of Ávila at the front of the church.

If you have questions, contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or Joe McMahon at jpmgmu@aol.com.

St. Gert’s Annual Greenery Sale: Buy Trees, Wreaths, and Garland This Sunday After the 10:30 am Masses

St. Gertrude is once again hosting our annual Christmas greenery sale, with a limited number of balsam pine trees, wreaths, and garland available for purchase. Our Christmas greenery sale is a great opportunity for parishioners to get ready for the holidays while supporting St. Gertrude ministries. 

Each 6’ Christmas tree is $55. Three different sized wreaths are available—the 18” wreath is $25, the 24” is $27, and the 36” is $35. Garland is also available for $40 per 5’ length. 

In-Person Sales

Greenery will also be sold at the playlot on the west side of the Social Hall, 1401 W. Granville Avenue, on December 14, and December 21 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Only cash and checks will be accepted for in-person purchases.

Place an Order Online

Click here to place an order online or scan the QR code. Please note, if you are interested in having your item/items delivered, please add the delivery fee to your order in GiveCentral—it’s a separate charge! 

Order Via a Paper Form

Download a traditional paper form here or pick up an order form in church. Forms and checks or cash can be dropped off at the Rectory office, 1420 W. Granville Ave or placed in the mail slot in the side (west) red door next to the Rectory side yard if the Rectory office is closed.

Checks should be made out to St. Gertrude. Please note "Greenery" in the memo line. 

Last Day for Deliveries is This Sunday

Deliveries will be offered for a $6 fee. They will take place this Sunday, December 14 from noon - 4:00 pm. The greenery team will reach out to notify you when to expect your order. 

Please note, the boundaries for deliveries are north to Oakton, south to Irving Park, and east of the North Shore Channel.

Questions? Contact St. Gertrude Business Manager Eduardo Soto at esoto@stgertrudechicago.org or call the Rectory at 773.764.3621.

Advent at St. Gertrude: Encountering the Mystery of God’s Presence Through Sacred Art is This Wednesday

The Adult Spirituality and Formation Committee invites you to join the remaining Advent faith session designed to deepen our journey of awareness and hope this Advent. It will offer a unique way to encounter the sacred—through prayer, art, and reflection—as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.

Encountering the Mystery of God’s Presence Through Sacred Art with Jim Neafsey will take place Wednesday, December 17 from 7:00–8:30 pm in the Ministry Center Chapel. 

We will explore how gazing at a contemporary work of art titled Sacred Bond can become a form of prayer that invites us to experience God’s presence in our own lives. The radiance of a star-filled night sky and the expressive faces of a mother and child traveling through the darkness can awaken deep connections to our longings and life experiences.

Together, we will take time to share what in the painting captures our attention and what moves or touches us. We will also reflect on how Sacred Bond can deepen our understanding of the mystery of Christmas and speak to today’s struggles for justice and peace.

Jim Neafsey, a St. Gertrude parishioner, is a painter of sacred images and has served as a spiritual director, retreat leader, and teacher of spirituality for over 50 years.

Please consider being part of this Advent journey. While all are welcome to “drop in,” we ask that you let us know if you plan to attend so we can prepare sufficient seating. To register, email Mary Ann O'Connor at maryann.oconnor@rcn.com.

"Brewed at St. Gertrude" is December 21

The final Brewed at St. Gertrude’s hospitality for 2025 will take place after 10:30 Mass on Sunday, December 21 in the parish social hall. 

Join us for a holiday celebration that will include music, festive treats, and a visit from Santa. The Brewed planning committee invites volunteers to join them in: 1.) decorating the social hall on Saturday evening, December 20th, 2.) help staff the event and/or 3.) bring food for the event on Sunday. 

If you would like sign-up for any of these activities, please email Michelle Nickerson at mnickerson@luc.edu.

Deanery-wide Advent Reconciliation Service Planned for Monday, December 22 at St. Ita's

A deanery-wide reconciliation service will be held at St. Ita's, located at 5500 North Broadway, on Monday, December 22 at 7:00 pm.

There will be several priests on hand speaking a variety of languages to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with participants.

7th & 8th Grade Students: Essay Contest Entries Due December 22

Students in the 7th and 8th grade are invited to take part in our annual essay contest. Participants should write an essay based on this prompt: What is the impact of Christianity on human rights?

Entries should be 500-550 words. Spelling and grammar count!

The top three winners will receive gift cards and have their essays published online and in the bulletin.

Entries must be submitted online or postmarked by Monday, December 22, 2025. Email essays (preferred method) to eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or mail them to Eloy Escamilla, 1420 W. Granville, Chicago, IL 60660. 

Help Needed to Decorate the Church for Christmas on December 22 and December 23

As we prepare our worship space for the joy of Christmas, we invite members of our community to lend a hand in decorating the church. On Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23 at 1:00 pm, volunteers will gather in the church to help set up Christmas trees, arrange ornaments, and bring the beauty of the season to life.

Teenagers, young adults, and adults are all welcome—no special skills required, just a willing spirit and a bit of holiday cheer. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve, meet others, and help create a warm and festive environment for all who will celebrate with us.

If you’d like to join or have questions, contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org for more information. We look forward to decorating with you!

Sign Up to Be a Part of our Christmas Eve Pageant: Practice Scheduled for December 23 at 6:30 pm

Our parish tradition continues! During the Gospel at the 5:00 pm Christmas Eve Family Mass, the children of St. Gertrude will bring the Nativity story to life in a joyful, heartwarming pageant.

We are seeking children ages 5 and older to participate, and adults to assist with organizing and guiding the event. Additionally, we are hoping to find a family with an infant or young baby to portray the Holy Family this year.

If you or your children would like to take part in this special celebration, please contact eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.

St. Gertrude's Christmas Schedule

Christmas Eve 

• Rectory office closed
• 5:00 pm - Family Mass (Christmas pageant) 
• 8:00 pm - Carols in Church 
• 8:30 pm - Vigil Mass

Christmas Day 

• Rectory office closed
• 8:00 am Mass
• 10:30 am Mass
• No Gym Mass 

New Year's Eve (Wednesday, December 31)

• 7:30 am Mass

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Thursday, January 1)

• Rectory office closed
• 10:00 am Mass

Friday, January 2

• Rectory office closed

Care for Real Collection is December 27-28

Our next Care for Real collection drive is December 27 and 28 before and after masses. 

Please note, our food-insecure neighbors, and Care for Real, are in urgent need of support, especially after many people didn't receive full funding for their November SNAP benefits.



Please visit https://linktr.ee/cfrchicago for information about donating and links to their Facebook and Instagram pages to see what they are specifically looking for at this time.  

Our collection drive for Care for Real is always the fourth calendar weekend every month, and our asylum seekers’ collection is the first weekend of each month.

We are so grateful for your help supporting Care for Real as they work to provide food and much-needed supplies to our neighbors who are struggling. 

Parish Photo Directory: December Dates Filled, January Date Added



All December photography appointments have been filled. The remaining available session date is Tuesday, January 13. Should this date reach capacity, an additional session may be offered.

Parishioners for whom this date is not suitable are invited to email Jen Reyes at stgertrudeparishcouncil@gmail.com to discuss alternative arrangements.  

Appointments can be made after Mass or online at schedule.ucdir.com (Church code: IL457, Password: photos).

Growing in Faith

Happy Sunday! My name is Dani, a recent member of the Gertrude community. When asked to write this reflection, I wasn’t sure what value I could share. But then I remembered if C.S. Lewis could write a best-seller and by self-omission claim “I am a very ordinary layman of the Church,” well then, I could give it a go.

More than once, I’ve been judged of having little patience. Mostly true – it comes from a place of anxiousness and eagerness, especially at work. Being in public service for a decade, the everyday can be a real-life Parks and Rec scene: not enough resources, results taking too long, and constantly pounding your head on the wall out of frustration. But as I was re-reading Matthew, the story of John the Baptist caught my attention.

Here you have a person trekking through the wilderness going from crowd to crowd preaching the Word to anyone who would listen and all I could think to myself, “Wow, this guy must have been obnoxiously persistent, even in the face of doubt. How did he keep going?” Was it divine insight? Omnipotent knowledge? Or was it…patience? The kind that is neither passive nor idle but active. The kind where you may not know where the road ends but you keep walking. The kind grounded in the faith of your labor.

So, as the sunsets and we return to the week – in a time of seemingly unending turmoil – be like John: grab your wild honey, keep moving, and have faith in your work. I know I will. Amen.

~ Dani Mendez

Worldwide Candle Lighting for the Loss of a Child is This Sunday, December 14

The Elizabeth Ministry of Queen of All Saints parish will host the annual Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting service on Sunday, December 14 at 6:45 pm in the basilica, 6280 N. Sauganash Avenue, Chicago.

The Compassionate Friends is an organization supporting grieving families in all fifty states and across thirty countries. Every second Sunday in December, families and friends around the globe unite in lighting candles to honor the memories of children of any age who have died, at any time, for any reason. Everyone is welcome to participate in this non-denominational service of prayer and music as we remember children who have gone too soon. The service will also be live-streamed on our parish website.

Email elizabethministry.qas@gmail.com with questions, or to request the name of a loved one to be read during the service. Find more information about The Compassionate Friends organization and grief support at compassionatefriends.org.

Find more information about Queen of All Saints at www.qasparish.org.

Playdates at NCA on Mondays and Fridays

Bring your little ones (ages 0-5) and join us for fun-filled playdate! Held at Northside Catholic Academy, 6216 N. Glenwood, on Monday and Friday mornings from 9:30 - 10:30 am through December 19, the hour is filled with activities for kids, a chance to meet neighborhood families, and learn more about NCA.

Please scan the QR code in the graphic to RSVP!

St. Scholastica Monastery: Advent Retreat is Tuesday

Join us for our final Advent evening retreat which will offer opportunities for inner reflection and sharing. We will practice lectio divina, visio divina, and walking meditation using chapter 1 of the Gospel of Luke.

The retreat will be in the Oasis Room at St. Scholastica Monastery on Tuesday, December 16 from 7:00-8:30 pm.

Please RSVP to Sr. Virginia Jung at vjung@osbchicago.org or 773.764.2413 ext. 262.

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, December 13 at 5:00 pm - Joseph McMahon, Christine Lincoln
• Sunday, December 14 at 8:00 am - Anthony Myers, Jennifer Kiedaisch
• Sunday, December 14 at 10:30 am - Troy McMillan, Liam Benham

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, December 13 at 5:00 pm - Millie Slane
• Sunday, December 14 at 8:00 am - Hallie Burhoe
• Sunday, December 14 at 10:30 am - Sarah Millar, Michael Kowalsky, Steven Monti

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Monday, December 15: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Tuesday, December 16: 7:30 am - Pat Veccie+
• Wednesday, December 17: 7:30 am - Jacquiline Elwood+, Larry McCauley+
• Thursday, December 18: 7:30 am - Peter & Mary Tunney+ 
• Friday, December 19: 7:30 am - Eileen McGuire+ 
• Saturday, December 20: 7:30 am - Mary Amelse+ ; 5:00 pm - Joseph and Isabelle 
• Laczkowski+
• Sunday, December 21: 8:00 am - Mark Schreiner+; 10:30 am - Joseph and Isabelle
• Laczkowski+; 10:30 am Gym - Maggie McSweeney+ 

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.