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 9, 2025

The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

From Fr. Mike Gabriel

What is going on? A lot of fear.

From the economy to immigration, from climate change to layoffs—there is a lot going on. Every day, the president is making changes, and with that comes fear. These uncertainties are fueling anxiety, stress, and even depression across all communities.

It doesn’t help when Dr. Phil, with permission from deportation czar Tom Homan, tags along to interview immigrants being arrested—sensationalizing these events just to boost his TV ratings. Really?! How have we stooped so low? And then, last Sunday, reports surfaced of ICE officers attending church services incognito, scoping out congregations, and harassing or arresting people as they headed home. That, for me, was an all-time low. These actions have put educators, religious leaders, and business owners on edge.

All of these issues are creating fear and threatening our sense of community—especially within the church. As church leaders, we are striving to provide a sense of peace during an incredibly difficult time. But it’s not easy when some people are afraid to gather for prayer, send their children to school, or even go out for basic necessities.

Feelings of anxiety, anger, and hopelessness are everywhere: for Democrats and Republicans alike; for immigrants, both documented and not. But as the body of Christ, we must stand together, especially in times of crisis.

As fear spreads, so does misinformation, impacting everyone—especially children. Make no mistake, all children are affected. They see it on the news, hear it from friends, absorb it from social media, and pick it up at school. They notice far more than we think. What are they supposed to believe?

I don’t have all the answers, but I do have faith. I find myself turning to Psalm 31, repeating the words as a mantra: "Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord."

Additionally, a friend sent me this prayer. She could not find the name of the author, but I am sharing it for anyone looking for a prayer to say:

Dear Lord, in this turbulent world, we reach out to You, seeking Your guidance and strength. Please hold our hands, calm our hearts, and grant us wisdom to navigate through these uncertain times. We trust in Your love and protection and ask that You bring peace and healing to our lives and our world. Amen!

Granville Traffic Safety Plan



Please note that there is a QR code and an invitation to a Zoom meeting on February 13th regarding traffic and parking on Granville.

This may impact access to and from the church, particularly for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Your attendance at the meeting is encouraged.

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.  

Super Bowl Tamale Benefit for Midwest Workers Association: Pick-Up Your Orders This Weekend



This weekend, volunteers from Midwest Workers Association (MWA) will return to St. Gert's to deliver orders of tamales on Sunday for their annual Super Bowl Tamale Benefit.

MWA volunteers will be at the 8:00 am and 10:30 am Masses. Please note, Saturday Mass attendees should come on Sunday to pick up your tamales. Forgot to place your tamale order? Stop by the table to see if there are any extras.

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.

Book Club Gathering is Tuesday, February 11

The book club will discuss Bewilderment by Richard Powers on Tuesday, February 11. Please note, we now meet on the second Tuesday of the month! The gathering is at 7:00 pm in the Ministry Center, located at 6214 North Glenwood Avenue.  

We would love new voices and opinions!

Contact Lea Cloninger at her new number, 773.213.0509, or Sue Benjamin at 773.551.8401 with questions.

Friendship Club is Thursday, February 13

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.

Collection for Care for Real Collection Scheduled for 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.  

Next "Brewed at St. Gertrude" Planned for Sunday, February 23

December's parish hospitality "Brewed at St. Gertrude" event was a big success! It was a joy to see almost 200 parishioners socialize and enjoy music from the Heavenly Horns.

The next parish hospitality gathering is planned for February 23rd after the 10:30am masses. We are seeking a few volunteers who are willing to help set up, serve, or clean up.

Please email Steven Patzke at stevenjcpatzke@gmail.com if you are available. 

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.

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.

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

Today’s readings are all about calling us to serve and our reluctant, hesitant answer to that call.

Like Frodo in Lord of the Rings, we feel that we are unworthy of the call and in a sense, we are right: we are not worthy. I am but a simple person: how can I possibly fulfill the role that God’s call has presented me? But God sees in our hearts and knows what is needed to accomplish the tasks. It seems to me that discipleship means listening for and responding to God’s call.

A few years ago, I received a call to serve as a physical therapist in Northern Peru with Global Health Volunteers working with an underserved population in the campo. My Spanish was iffy: my professional experience had been primarily in the hospital or rehab, not in the clinic; I did not believe myself to be the ideal choice.

But the call was pretty clear. The opportunity was pretty golden. It was easy to see it and answer. But sometimes, I wonder how many other calls/opportunities I have missed or ignored. Not the big, obvious calls, but the little, daily calls.

So I believe discipleship is not just answering the obvious calls, but tuning our ears, or our faith to hear God’s call, not just obvious ones, but the day-to-day calls to speak truth to power, to stand with those who are powerless, to lend our voice and protection, to demonstrate God’s love by how we live our life.

~ Jay Lamble 

Ignatian Spirituality Project: Join Us for Chicago's Winter Walk This 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! 

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. 

Loyola University's The Hank Center for The Catholic Intellectual Heritage Invites You to Envisioning a Livable Future on Monday, February 17

Join Loyola's University for an 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 5:30-6:45 pm CST.

The topic is the Contribution of Catholic Social Thought. A synopsis of the discussion is :Ten years after the publication of Laudato Si’, what are, or ought to be, the growing edges of Catholic social thought? What does it have to contribute to our understanding of the climate crisis and the development of an ecological conscience?

Additional sessions will be held on Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, April 9. This is a free online event, and registration is required for each session. 

Visit https://www.luc.edu/ccih/conferences/archive/laudatosiat10series.shtml for more information and to sign up.

Rest in Peace

• Darlene Durso-Clark+
• Kevin Walsh+

Baptisms

• Callie Ann Arseneault

New Parishioners

• Rheaume family
• Maria Mendoza, Leonides Ramos and family
• Brittany Jasin
• Allison Ledwon and Sean Goldman
• Susan Lorimor
• Anne Morris
• Camacho family
• Jan Shenko
• Matthew Dillon
• Katie Diggins, Michael Skokna and family

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Monday, February 10: 7:30 am - Fr. Brian Fisher+
• Tuesday, February 11: 7:30 am - William Iverson Moore+
• Wednesday, February 12: 7:30 am -  Vincent O'Malley+
• Thursday, February 13: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Friday, February 14: 7:30 am - Valerie Patterson+
• Saturday, February 15: 7:30 am - Deceased members of the Gillespie and Kelly family+; 5:00 pm - Waldemor Roman++
• Sunday, February 16: 8:00 am - Cheryl Stanton+; 10:30 am - Isabelle Lackowski+; Ed DeWolf+; 10:30 am Gym - Estelle Ann Guardino+

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.