St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville,

Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, February 23, 2025

The Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

From Fr. Mike Gabriel

We certainly have been experiencing a lot of cold weather this year. Unfortunately, we have just experienced another week of a deep freeze throughout the whole country.

One evening, I took a quick walk to one of the restaurants on Broadway. In front of me was a woman briskly walking with a CVS bag in her hand. She stopped at where a man sat on the ground, wrapped in a blanket. I heard her tell the man, "I bought you some gloves and a hat. Here there are breakfast bars, a candy bar and a cup of coffee. Please try and find a place that is going to shelter you from this cold weather.” It was obvious that she had come across the man and went out of her way to purchase the stuff she gave him.

I was so touched and moved by her kindness. How many times have any one of us come across somebody in need?

This is the Annual Catholic Appeal weekend. This collection helps people like the man sitting on the ground. It provides food and shelter for the homeless and hungry and hope for those who are facing extraordinary challenges through just one of the ministries of the diocese Catholic Charities. The Appeal covers many other operations and ministries of the Diocese. Many of you received Annual Catholic Appeal letter in the mail the last month. If you did not, I ask that you use the envelopes that are at the end of each pew this weekend.

As always, I am so grateful for the generosity of St. Gertrude parishioners. Over the years, our parish has always met the goal for this appeal and the many other appeals that we make for those who are most vulnerable and in need. My hope is that you will prayerfully consider donating to the Annual Catholic Appeal. Your support, no matter the size, has the power to transform lives. Together, our contributions can create a ripple effect of compassion and change in our community.

Stations of the Cross

In the earliest years of Christianity, the locations central to the story of Holy Week — the Garden of Gethsemane, Calvary, the Holy Sepulcher, and more — were destinations for pilgrims who wanted to experience Christ's sacrificial love for us in a physical way.

In the years of the Crusades, pilgrimage to the Holy Land became impossible for most Christians, and the Stations of the Cross were popularized as a devotional means to pray through the passion and death of Christ. Throughout history the number of stations has varied, with different traditions focusing on different events.

In the 18th century, the number was officially fixed at 14 by Pope Clement XII. These stations are taken from the Gospel accounts of Christ’s passion and death, though there are several which are derived from tradition and apocryphal sources, such as the meeting of mother and son, and St. Veronica wiping the face of Christ.

Lent is just a few weeks away!

Each Friday during Lent, we will host Stations of the Cross at 3:00 pm and at 6:30 pm.

Additionally, please consider joining us for “Music, Stillness, Solidarity” on Fridays during Lent. From 6:00-6:30 pm, the church will be filled with beautiful live music, giving us the opportunity to pray, mediate, and help us navigate these very confusing times.

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.  

Collection for Care for Real Collection Scheduled for This Weekend, February 22-23

Our next collection drive for Care for Real February 22 and February 23. The organization 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.  

This Sunday is our "Brewed at St. Gertrude" Parish Hospitality Event—All are Welcome!

Please join us this Sunday, February 23rd for a parish hospitality event, "Brewed at St. Gertrude!"

Following the 10:30am church and gym masses, come to the Social Hall for pastries, coffee, tea, and hot cocoa.

All are welcome: new and long-time parishioners, families, and visitors! We would love for the entire parish to be there! 

Refugee and Immigrant Ministry Update: New Volunteer Meeting Planned for This Thursday, February 27 at 7:15 pm

The St. Gertrude Refugee and Immigrant Ministry has a meeting on Thursday, February 27 at 7:15 pm in the Ministry Center Chapel, 6214 N. Glenwood Ave. 

This is an open meeting specifically focused on engaging active volunteers to reflect on our mission and plan going forward, with people interested in volunteering to continue the cycle of leadership.

Lenten Season Mediation Series

We live in incredibly troubled times. Injustice after injustice and a stream of never ending tragedies show through social media algorithms designed to distract us. It is difficult to digest it all, let alone find a moment of stillness to reflect and potentially act on it.

You are invited to a new series titled “Music, Stillness, Solidarity” every Friday night from March 7 to April 11. From 6:00-6:30 pm, St. Gertrude's will be open as a safe space where ALL are welcome to come, sit, pray, and meditate as we navigate these realities as a community.

Contemplative music will be played through the duration of the time to help guide and promote reflection on the day. 

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. 

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.

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:

• Baptismal Preparation: We offer a monthly class for families having their babies baptized for the first time.
• Live Streaming: The 10:30 am Mass is live-streamed to bring the liturgy into the homes of those who cannot attend in person.
• Choir: The choir is looking for singers and musicians. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. All voices are welcome.
• Heart to Heart Ministry: This outreach program offers aid and support to older adults in need.
• 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

Growing in Faith

Honestly, reflecting on this Sunday’s readings—especially Luke’s “Love your enemies” Gospel—was no easy task this week.

“Make it about lived faith,” I was told. “Well, that’s not the string my mind has been plucking lately,” I responded. Fortunately, she understood!

I will try to make two points here: a theological garden I wander in when anger, bitterness, and ridicule come easily to mind; and an action-point I will use to attempt to blow away the smoke of attention-seeking, disdainful gestures of power.

Jesus reminds us that His Father, our Creator, directs dynamic love to every human being that opens the womb. That calls for respect for the possibilities within every single person, not just the good guys. “All men & women are created equal” is not a bad place to start. Even if their actions are objectionable, but I can respect the fact that God loves them, and wants the best for them, just as He does for me. You. All of us. Which opens a line of prayer: “Lord, send them a sense of self-worth, plus an empathetic thought for those who need help. Just do it!” Maybe this counts as “loving one’s enemies?" Wishing God’s blessing on them? I hope so, because that’s as far as I’ve gotten lately.

Action point: I’m going to write one $5 check every month this year to one of the many recently defunded NGOs that I know does good work: Refugee One. I can’t just talk.

May God strengthen us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

~ Ann White 

Next NCA Monthly Caregiver-Toddler Playdates on Monday, March 10

Looking after your child/children or caring for a little one? You're invited to our next monthly get together for caregivers and toddlers! The gathering will be held on March 10, as well as 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. 

Loyola University's The Hank Center for The Catholic Intellectual Heritage Invites You to Envisioning a Livable Future on Tuesday, March 11

Join Loyola's University for a free online serial symposium in collaboration with John Carroll University marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si'. The event will be held via Zoom from 4:30-5:45 pm CST.

The topic is the Political Economy of Climate Change. A synopsis of the discussion is: How do we move from what Pope Francis has called an “economy that kills” both people and planet to an economy that is truly sustainable and just? What are the levers of such a system change, and what are the obstacles to it?

An additional session will be held on Wednesday, April 9. Registration is required for each session. Visit https://www.luc.edu/ccih/conferences/archive/laudatosiat10series.shtml for more information and to sign up.

New Parishioners

• Bennett family
• Vanessa Gross & family

Rest in Peace

• Edith Herbin, mother of Mary Herbin Horan
• Jim Ness

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, February 22 at 5:00 pm - Art Lyons, Patrick Reardon
• Sunday, February 23 at 8:00 am - Jennifer Kiedaisch, Kathryn Stimac
• Sunday, February 23 at 10:30 am - Troy McMillan, Rafael Melendez

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Monday, February 24: 7:30 am - Living & deceased parents of St. Gertrude parishioners
• Tuesday, February 25: 7:30 am - Geoffrey Penar
• Wednesday, February 26: 7:30 am -  Eric Christian
• Thursday, February 27: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Friday, February 28: 7:30 am - Eileen Andrews
• Saturday, March 1: 7:30 am - People of St. Gertrude; 5:00 pm - Kevin Walsh+
• Sunday, March 2: 8:00 am - Joey Harris+; 10:30 am - Geoffrey Penar; 10:30 am Gym - Edith Herbin+

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.