Bulletin for Sunday, February 2, 2025
The Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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Mass Times: Sunday: 8:00 & 10:30 am Mass in Church; 10:30 am Gym Mass (1401 West Granville Avenue); Monday-Friday: 7:30 am (Thursday is a Communion service); Saturday: 7:30 am & 5:00 pm.
Reconciliation: 4:15-4:45 pm on Saturday or by appointment.
Office Hours: The Rectory office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-4:30 pm.
Heart to Heart Contacts: Sr. Susan Quaintance, OSB/Director/872-296-2537; Laurie Hasbrook/Lending Closet/773-973-5464
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From Fr. Mike Gabriel
This weekend, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, commemorating when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple and consecrated Him to God. This was a customary practice among the Jewish people of the time. Naturally, Jesus’ parents followed the traditions handed down through generations—just as we do today when we bring our children to be baptized or stand as godparents, witnessing the Sacrament of Baptism.
In coming to our “holy temple,” we give thanks and praise to God for the gift of life, committing ourselves to raise and guide that precious life in God’s ways, according to Christ and Christ's law—the law of love.
At baptism, we receive a candle as the priest proclaims the words: “Receive the light of Christ.” This is followed by a beautiful prayer that entrusts parents and godparents with the responsibility of keeping that light burning brightly: "This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly, so that, enlightened by Christ, you may walk always as children of the light and, persevering in faith, may run to meet the Lord when He comes with all the Saints in the heavenly court."
We are called to keep this light alive—not just the flame of the baptismal candle, but the light of Christ burning brightly in our hearts, minds, words, and actions. We are called to be aflame with Christ so that we may carry His light into the darkness of the world.
I am reminded of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s often-recited words, which we reflected on just two weeks ago as we celebrated his life and legacy: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
We are called to be children of the light. Christ is our light, and every candle we encounter—from the one received at baptism to the Paschal candle lit during baptisms and funerals, and even the candles used in Mass, prayer, and worship—serves as a reminder of who Christ is and who we are as His followers: bearers of the Light.
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Updates and Reminders
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Night of Romance Canceled: Unfortunately, we had to cancel this year’s Night of Romance event due to a lack of registrations. We hope to see greater participation next year!
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Volunteer Opportunities: As mentioned last week — and later in this bulletin — we are in great need of volunteers for various ministries. Your help makes a meaningful difference.
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Feast of St. Blaise: This weekend, we will also celebrate the Feast of St. Blaise. A general blessing will be offered at each Mass, with individual blessings available afterward. Additionally, there will be a blessings of throats on Monday, February 3.
A Final Thought
Have a great week, and expect that God can do great things in your life—so long as you are willing to do your part. May we all work together to spread the truth and joy of the Gospel in a genuine spirit of love, as we work together for unity, peace, and justice for all.
Peace be with you!
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Events & Activities at St. Gertrude
listed in chronological order
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Upcoming Training for Ministers of the Word (Lectors) is TONIGHT and Altar Servers Training is Next Thursday, February 6
Interested in being more involved in church? We are looking for Ministers of the Word to read at weekend masses. There will be a training TONIGHT, Thursday, January 30 at 6:30 pm in church.
Additionally, students are welcome to attend a training to become an altar server on Thursday, February 6 at 6:30 pm in church.
Questions? Please reach out to Eloy Escamilla after Sunday, January 26 at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.
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Friday Morning Men’s Prayer and Scripture Discussion Group
The Friday Morning Men's Prayer and Scripture discussion group will have in-person gatherings on Fridays in February.
They are at the St. Gertrude Ministry Center, 6214 N. Glenwood. We meet for social conversation at 7:45 am and begin prayer at 8:00 am.
We read and share our insights into the Scripture readings for the coming Sunday. We want to better live the Gospel in our daily lives and we share what the readings mean to us, from our personal perspectives rather than a scholarly point of view. We finish with an “Our Father” at about 9:00 am. Some opt to linger longer as their schedule permits.
An option to meet via Zoom is also available. Here is the Zoom information for our weekly gathering:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84331230411?pwd=rnUN9lmPtxjVg6bdiQ5QnsbBlpcptc.1
Meeting ID: 843 3123 0411; Passcode: pray
There are currently about 6-8 guys participating in a typical Friday morning gathering. We hope several who are reading this will also find this to be appealing and give the group a try. If you are interested and plan to come, it would be helpful – but not required – if you let Allen Stryczek know you are coming by sending him an email at astryczek@sbcglobal.net.
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Care for Real Collection for Asylum Seekers is This Weekend
This weekend, Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2, is our collection drive for asylum seekers. Care for Real is urgently seeking donations of diapers in sizes 2-6, baby wipes, juice boxes, thermal layers (all sizes) gently used coats (all sizes), hand warmers, lotions and hand soap, shampoo and body wash, adult incontinence under bed pads.
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.
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Midwest Workers Super Bowl Tamale Benefit Deliveries on Sunday, February 9
On Sunday, February 9, Midwest Workers Association (MWA) volunteers will return to deliver tamales after the 8:00 am and 10:30 am masses for their annual Super Bowl Tamale Benefit. Saturday mass attendees are asked to pick up their orders on Sunday morning.
The tamale benefit generates critical support for MWA’s Winter Survival Campaign, which includes door-to-door membership canvasses, utility bill advocacy to avert utility shutoffs and restore service, winter-watch phoning, and warm clothing distributions.
If you are interested in ordering tamales, please stop by their table at the main church
entrance or call their office at (773) 285-0485. Supporters can place orders by the half
dozen for chicken in green sauce, cheese and jalapeno (vegetarian), or black bean and cactus (vegan.) There is a suggested donation of $10 for a half dozen tamales or $20 for a dozen.
Groups of volunteers are urgently needed to play a role in making tamales from February 3 through February 6, as well as participating in MWA’s membership canvasses and benefit advocacy sessions. Speak with an MWA volunteer next weekend about how you can play an ongoing role in MWA’s Winter Survival Campaign.
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Teens are Invited to Register for St. Gertrude’s Youth Mission Experience
Parish teens are invited to take part in St. Gertrude's Youth Mission experience this summer from June 23-27. Teens in seventh grade through high school will volunteer with a different Chicagoland organization each day.
This is an excellent opportunity to have fun and earn volunteer hours! There is a $100 fee for the week. A $50 deposit is required at the time of registration. Please note that there are scholarships available! All participants will receive a t-shirt, water bottle, and a sports drawstring backpack.
To reserve a spot or for more information, contact pastoral associate Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.
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Timeline for New Pastor Placement
Here is an estimated timeline of the Pastor placement process:
· End of January: A list of parishes looking for a new pastor will be released.
· February/March: Discernment for pastors takes place.
· March/April: Hopefully we will have an announcement of a new pastor.
God of new beginnings, be with us, the people of St. Gertrude, as we await the appointment of our next Pastor. Enable us, in this time of waiting, to be a people of hope, trusting in the presence and power of the Spirit.
We thank you for the pastoral leadership of all who have been pastors of our faith community, for those who have ministered as members of pastoral staffs over the years, and for the gifts of the Spirit shared in countless ways by those whose lives have graced this sacred space.
May the community of St. Gertrude continue to be a beacon of welcome, of hope, of reconciliation, of peace and justice for all who seek you.
Bless those priests who may be considering applying to be the next pastor of our faith
community and of all who will be a part of the discernment and selection process. Bless the works of our hands. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Volunteers Needed!
Several months ago, we began the transition process of welcoming a new pastor. However, this transition involves much more than just one person—it represents a shift in the mission and direction of our parish.
As part of this process, we have been reflecting on who we are as the parish of St. Gertrude’s, what our mission is, and the role we play in our neighborhood and the broader world.
This transition also includes some very practical changes. The pastoral staff has been taking on increasing responsibilities, and they have been doing an excellent job. However, they cannot carry this weight alone—they need your help.
We need more volunteers to sustain the programs and ministries we currently offer and to continue moving forward, no matter who the pastor may be.
Here are a few immediate areas where your assistance is needed:
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Baptismal Preparation: We offer a monthly class for families having their babies baptized for the first time.
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Live Streaming: The 10:30 am Mass is live-streamed to bring the liturgy into the homes of those who cannot attend in person.
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Choir: The choir is looking for singers and musicians. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. All voices are welcome.
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Heart to Heart Ministry: This outreach program offers aid and support to older adults in need.
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Church Environment:/Decoration: As we approach Lent and Easter, there is need for assistance making the church look beautiful.
Please consider getting involved in one of these ministries. If you have any interest in any of these ministries, please reach out to Fr. Mike Gabriel at mgabriel@stgertrudechicago.org
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Student Essay Contest Winner Matteo Nafe
Recently, students preparing for Confirmation were asked to take part in an essay contest about the importance of forgiving others.
Matteo Nafe is one of our two winners. His thoughtful submission can be read below.
Forgiveness is accepting an apology from someone else for their past wrongdoings such as hurting someone you love or someone breaking your things. Forgiveness helps relieve guilt off your shoulders and helps your mood because you don't have to fight with that other person.
Forgiveness to me is accepting that we feel that something is wrong then we try to fix it or
find the common ground between the two different perspectives. It is not always easy to
forgive or be forgiven because some people hold grudges which can last a lifetime while
others forgive more easily.
Forgiveness is important because if you hold a grudge with someone it could affect the
relationship, and people are hesitant to continue to communicate feelings or thoughts with you. It is harder to be close to someone or build a relationship with them if they have hurt you and not apologized. By forgiving others it also helps you feel better and if the person is truly sorry you should forgive them.
You must really think why the hurt happened to begin with. Many different things like
misunderstanding, accident, bad circumstances or disagreements can be the reason. We
can begin to forgive by keeping ourselves calm and trying to see from the other person's
perspective. Asking to meet and discuss the problems and being a good listener so you
can understand the other person and what motivated them.
If you are truly sorry for something that you did wrong to someone such as harming them
are stealing from them, then it will be forgiven by God but in the end it is up to the person to decide if they want to forgive you or not. Some people are more hesitant to forgive because they have been hurt by people.
The bigger wrongdoing or misunderstanding the harder it is to forgive, because it affected you so much and some people think that if you forgive that it feels like it just didn't happen or that it is ok that they hurt you. It is also hard to ask for forgiveness because some believe it is showing weakness and is embarrassing so they just ignore it rather than deal with it.
When you forgive it strengthens bonds between the people you forgave and yourself as well as other people within the community that may have the same beliefs. When you forgive someone, it encourages others to forgive people as well and will lead to everyone being in an overall better mood. With forgiveness, our community becomes more understanding and thoughtful.
Growing up with many friends who were into sports while I preferred to read books always
led to a lot of conflict. Occasionally, they would get more aggressive and push or wrestle
with me, which was not the nicest and made me feel not welcome and not safe. As we
grew, they became more understanding of who I was, and I forgave them for not treating me well. The result is that our friendship is much better, and I no longer hold a grudge against him for doing that.
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Growing in Faith: Guided by the Spirit
We fostered two young brothers. This inaugurated our attempt at parenting. Frankly, we were clueless about being guardians to these rambunctious children. We could’ve used a guide! When their behaviors went wayward, they often sought refuge in their bedroom. I feared I might over-discipline or say something regrettable, so I taped a permanent sign on their door: “The King’s Kids reside here.” Reading that message before entering always helped to compose me.
So parenting isn’t easy, and I imagine it wasn’t for Mary and Joseph either. Mary also was challenged as a young mother by the messages she received about her “Son of the Most High.” After humbly submitting to God's will, Mary's life was a whirlwind: the encounter with the Angel Gabriel; her marriage to Joseph; enduring a 70-mike donkey ride to Bethlehem, where she gave birth to Jesus in a stable. Then, they fled from the murderous Herod. Despite all, they remained obedient to Mosaic Law which required all women after childbirth to go through a purification ceremony. They also dedicated their first-born male child, Jesus, at the presentation ceremony.
There, at the Jerusalem Temple, they encountered old Simeon who, led by the Spirit, recognized the child as the awaited Messiah. After giving thanks to God, he was given a specific message for Mary… “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against…And a sword will pierce your own soul, too.”
As parents, we aren’t alone, at moments of uncertainty or sorrow if we just allow the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us.
~ Suzanne Stryczek
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Catechist Needed
Our Confirmation catechist recently needed to step down to address health issues. We are now in urgent need of a new Confirmation teacher.
If you can help, please contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.
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NCA, Archdiocese, and Neighborhood Events | | | |
Ignatian Spirituality Project: Join Us for Chicago's Winter Walk Next Sunday, February 9
Mark your calendars for Chicago's inaugural Winter Walk on Sunday, February 9th at 10:00 am!
Winter Walk is a community event to raise awareness and challenge stigma about homelessness in our city. The day includes a 2-mile walk around Humboldt Park, speakers sharing lived experiences of homelessness, refreshments (plenty of hot cocoa and coffee), and fellowship!
One of our partner organizations, the Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP), is a partnering organization for the walk, along with Franciscan Outreach, The Boulevard, and Chicago Help Initiative. All funds raised from the walk go directly back to these organizations. If you register to walk with ISP, all funds go directly to ISP!
Check out the postcards at the back of the church for more information. Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/winterwalk2025-chicago/ to register!
Ways you can help:
1. Join us at the walk! Let's come together as a team for a morning together and to support the cause!
2. Invite friends, family, and members of your community group to walk with you! If they can't walk, invite them to support ISP walkers and donate! ISP's goal is to bring 100 people to walk with us. They can't do it without you!
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Monthly Caregiver-Toddler Playdates Begins on Monday, February 10 at NCA
Looking after your child/children or caring for a little one? You're invited to our monthly get together for caregivers and toddlers! The gatherings will be held next Monday, February 10, as well as March 10, April 7, and May 12 at Northside Catholic Academy, 6216 N. Glenwood, from 9:30-10:30 am.
Each hour is filled with story times, crafts, and free play for little ones. Caregivers must attend.
RSVP to gmalfatti@ncaschools.com.
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Ministers of the Word, Eucharistic Ministers, & Altar Servers for Upcoming Masses | | |
Ministers of the Word
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Saturday, February 1 at 5:00 pm - Roman Reyes
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Sunday, February 2 at 8:00 am - Hallie Burhoe, Mary Clare Barker
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Sunday, February 2 at 10:30 am - Rose Karasti, Patrick Robinson
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Eucharistic Ministers
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Saturday, February 1 at 5:00 pm - Tim Harrington
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Sunday, February 2 at 8:00 am - Barb Daly
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Sunday, February 2 at 10:30 am - Sarah Millar, Annie Hasselbeck, Stephen Hasselbeck
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Altar Servers
- Saturday, February 1 at 5:00 pm - cross bearer: Addison Regan; acolyte: Esteban Campuzano
- Sunday, February 2 at 10:30 am - cross bearer: Danna Salinas; acolytes: Angel Garcia, Mathios Paulus
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Financial Report from January 25-26
Sunday Collection Envelopes: $1,478.00
Loose Checks: $840.00
Loose Cash/Coins: $672.50
Online Donations: $6,667.87
Total Collected: $9,658.37
Budgeted: $10,000.00
Difference: -$341.63
Year-to-date Collected FY 2025: $326,913.65
Year-to-date Budgeted FY 2025: $550,000.00
Difference: - $223,086.35
Latin America Collection: $944.00
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Ways to Help Our Parish: Text to Give, GiveCentral, and PayPal
We have set up a "Text to Give" option through GiveCentral. Parishioners are welcome to text the word Donate to 1.773.741.9505 to make a donation via phone.
To access our PayPal link, please visit our parish website and donate from there. GiveCentral offers parishioners the option of one-time gifts or weekly contributions.
For more information on text to give or to sign up for online giving, please email Eduardo Soto at esoto@stgertrudechicago.org.
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Upcoming Mass Intentions
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Monday, February 3: 7:30 am - JoAnn Joyce+
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Tuesday, February 4: 7:30 am - Enoch River+
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Wednesday, February 5: 7:30 am - Vincent O'Malley+
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Thursday, February 6: 7:30 am - Communion Service
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Friday, February 7: 7:30 am - Willian Irvin+
- Saturday, February 8: 7:30 am - Valerie Patterson+; 5:00 pm - FeLiza Velasquez+
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Sunday, February 9: 8:00 am - Cheryl Stanton+; 10:30 am - Sr. Mary Lionel O.P.; 10:30 am Gym - Estelle Ann Guardino+
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Please Keep the Following People in Your Prayers
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- Victor Ayes
- Andrea Banicki
- Carlos Barragan
- Patrick Barton
- Zara Bradley
- Lilly Buie
- Hallie Burhoe
- Maggie Callahan
- Aida Calvopina
- Terrence Carmichael
- Cavicke Family
- David Denegas
- Denise DeBelle
- Ann Collins Dole
- Renee Elhoumaidi
- Mr. and Mrs. Emin Euman
- Luke Fitzgerald
- Marie Galoney
- Adolf Gabriel
- Thomas Hajduch
- Rochelle Hernandez
- Maria Hertl
- John Kahoun
- Marilyn Klein
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- River Malik
- Matilde Manzardo
- Nancy Michael
- Steve Monti
- Hilda Mora
- Andy Mueller
- Donald Nyderek
- Dealina Peon
- Claude Poulsen
- Joan Ross
- Bob Radycki
- Bill Salek
- Willy Spalla
- Floret Spalle
- Frannie Swaine
- Elinora E. Tolentino
- Manuel & Norma Viray
- Tayana Wallace
- King Wallace
- Christinan Wallace
- Leon Ward
- Ron Whitfield
- Janice Wittenberg
- Yyes Yoza
- Joel Pozzi Zio
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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. | | | | |