St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville,

Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, June 15, 2025

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

From Fr. Mike Gabriel

As I write this, I’m reminded of these words from Ecclesiastes 3:1–8:

For everything that happens in life—there is a season, a right time for everything under heaven:

A time to be born, a time to die; a time to plant, a time to collect the harvest.

A time to kill, a time to heal; a time to tear down, a time to build up.

A time to cry, a time to laugh; a time to mourn, a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones, a time to gather them.

A time for a warm embrace, a time to keep your distance.

A time to search, a time to give up as lost; a time to keep, a time to throw out.

A time to tear apart, a time to bind together; a time to be quiet, a time to speak up.

A time to love, a time to hate; a time for war, a time for peace.

Over the last few years together, I believe we’ve experienced nearly everything on that list. I remember the baptisms, weddings, and funerals; our Advent and Lenten practices; our Christmas and Good Friday pageants; the singing, praying, preaching, and friendship. I remember it all.

We’ve had disagreements and found resolutions, remembered and forgiven. We’ve collected food and clothing for Care for Real, gathered necessities for migrants and immigrants, and donated gift cards and McDonald’s cards for those in need. We’ve laughed and cried, mourned and celebrated. We’ve said goodbye to beloved members who moved away or went home to God—and we’ve welcomed new faces into our community. We’ve added staff, and seen growth in our Religious Education program, choir, and other ministries. We’ve weathered storms and floods—literally and figuratively.

Through it all, we’ve bonded and grown in beautiful ways, experiencing so much mercy, grace, joy, and love. The Lord has blessed us more than we can count. God has truly been with us, showing again and again that what seems impossible, God makes possible.

We may not have accomplished everything I had hoped for—but still, much was accomplished. My greatest desire was to serve you in a way that made you stronger disciples of Christ. And now, as we welcome Fr. Sergio as our new pastor, I pray you continue that journey as strong, committed disciples.

When Jesus was preparing to leave his disciples, he shared three promises with them:

First, He promised to make a home in their hearts.

Second, He promised to fill them with a spirit of courage and comfort: “The Holy Spirit… will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you.”

Finally, He promised to sustain them with a peace unlike any other: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”

Please remember: you will always be a part of me, and I will always be a part of you. Thank you for all the patience, kindness, mercy, grace, generosity, and love you’ve shown me. You are a remarkable community, and I wish you all the best. May you continue to grow in faith, hope, and love—worshiping the Lord with your whole heart, mind, body, and soul. And may you always do everything for the glory of God.

I thank God for you.

~ Fr. Mike

P.S. I may have said this already, but I leave here with overwhelming gratitude—a love that never dies, and a place in my heart that is eternal.

Last Sunday’s Pentecost celebration was over the top. I’m still on a high from it. I’ll never forget it—the hard work that went into planning the liturgy, the reception, the love tunnel, the baked goods… the list goes on. I hope to personally thank everyone who helped make it so spirit-filled. Just seeing you all interacting together—it was truly out of this world.

Thank you.

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

All are welcome to attend the weekly Rosary group held on Friday evenings at 7:00 pm.

The bilingual gathering is held in the dining room of the Ministry Center, located at 6214 North Glenwood Avenue.

Gym Mass to Go on Its Annual Summer Hiatus 

Please note, Sunday, June 15, Father’s Day, is the last Gym Mass before it goes on its annual summer break.  

Gym Masses will resume in the fall! 

The Office is Closed on June 19 in Honor of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans and is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture.

Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865. The rectory office will be closed.

There will be a Communion service at 7:30 am.

Collection Drive for Care for Real is June 21-22

Our collection drive for Care for Real is June 21 and June 22 before and after masses.

Care for Real is urgently seeking donations of new socks and underwear, diapers in sizes 4-6, shampoo, hand soap, and adult incontinence briefs.

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.  

"Brewed at St. Gertrude" Social Event - Next Gathering is Sunday, June 22

Please join us on Sunday, June 22, for a parish hospitality event, "Brewed at St. Gertrude!" 

Following the 10:30 am mass, 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!  

Commonweal Faith in Action Meeting on Sunday, June 22

St. Gertrude’s Commonweal Action thanks everyone who completed the "Faith in Action” Survey (open until June 15). It is now time to look at the opinions of our fellow parishioners and decide what action we wish to take!

Please join us for this vitally important meeting on Sunday, June 22. We will come together after Mass (and after allowing time for parishioners to attend the Brewed at St. Gertrude parish coffee in the Social Hall) at around noon in the Ministry Center Chapel, 6214 N. Glenwood. The meeting will last until about 1:30 pm. Please bring your thoughts on how our parish community should move forward.

Coffee and cookies will be served.  

All are welcome.

Sunday is the Last Day to Fill Out Our Faith in Action Survey

El Domingo es el último día para completar nuestra Encuesta Fe en Acción

Thanks for Coming out to the Youth Group's Hot Dog Sale

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our parish youth group during the Edgewater Yard and Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, June 7. Whether you stopped by for a hot dog, grabbed a cold drink, or simply offered encouragement, your generosity made a difference!

Thanks to your support, the teens raised $236, which will go toward future youth group activities and events. We're so grateful for a community that continues to show up for our young people.

Composting Project: What Can & Cannot Go in the Compost Bin

Now that the weather is helping our composting project, we want to thank everyone who contributes to our compost bin. Mary Clare especially appreciates the compost soil that she uses to produce her beautiful vegetables in the St. Gertrude garden.

We are including reminders of what can and cannot be added to the bin.

Yes, Can Compost:

• Food Scraps: Fruit and vegetable scraps (including peels and cores), bread, pasta, rice, cereal, cooked meats, fish, and bones. Cut these in small pieces to help the process.
• Coffee and Tea: Grounds, filters, and tea bags.
• Yard Waste: Leaves, grass clippings. 
• Other Organics: Feathers, flower bouquets, dry grains.
• Household Plants: Including soil. 

No, Cannot Compost:

• Meat, Bones, and Fish: Large quantities or raw meat/fish/bones can attract pests and create odors. 
• Waxed Paper or paper plates: The wax coating can slow decomposition and contaminate the compost. 
• Large branches
• Dairy Products
• Grease and Fats: Can slow decomposition and attract pests. 
• Pet Waste: Dog and cat waste, and cat litter. 
• Plastic, Metal, Glass
• Weeds with Seeds: Can re-grow in the compost pile. 
• Diseased Plants: Can spread disease to other plants. 
• Chemical-Treated Yard Trimmings: Can contaminate the compost. 
• Oily Foods: Large amounts can slow decomposition. 
• Onions, Garlic, and Citrus Fruits: Can negatively impact the microbial balance in the compost. 

~ Guy and Andrea Banicki

Adult Faith Formation Commission Forming

One of the “hungers” identified in the St. Gertrude Parish Strategic Plan is that of developing and supporting opportunities for ongoing adult faith formation in our parish. 

If you are interested in being part of a group whose mission will be to support current adult faith formation ministries in the parish as well as to discern and develop new possibilities for adult faith formation, please send your name and email address to Bob Backis, PPC Co-Chair, at rjbackis@gmail.com by June 1st.

For more information, please email Bob or call him at 773.510.6553.

An initial meeting of an Adult Faith Formation Commission will be held in June.

Growing in Faith

On the day our son arrived in our home, my mother gave me a statue of St. Joseph. She encouraged me to seek guidance from “the most important adoptive parent of all time.” My prayer was often, “I don’t know what I’m doing—please don’t let me mess this up.”

I find myself sometimes crying, sometimes chuckling, as I pray to St. Joseph. Through it all, I know I’m growing—always landing in a place of immense joy and a kind of love I had never experienced before.

I’ve received a great blessing: to shepherd a soul entrusted to me as “father.” Through my own son, I experience the divinity of Christ, the Holy Spirit playfully surprising and renewing me, and our awesome God in every breath I take. Each day brings an invitation to be more compassionate, merciful, tender, forgiving, and loving. Sometimes I accept it; sometimes I don’t.

My father was a man of faith who sought wisdom. I’m sure Joseph had to do the same in raising Jesus. I think my father, the land surveyor, knew what Joseph, the carpenter, must have known: that whether through flesh or divine providence, they were shepherding a soul created by God, loved by God, and called to a unique destiny known only to God. They were simply participating—willingly and lovingly—in God’s grand plan.

~ Gordon Hannon

The Parish Pastoral Council is Looking for New Members!

The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) is renewing its search for new members. If you are interested in learning more about the PPC or are interested in joining, please complete this INTEREST FORM. 

Questions or comments for the PPC can be sent to stgertrudeparishcouncil@gmail.com.

Join the Ignatian Volunteer Corps! First Info Session on June 17 and June 26

Want to make a difference? Want to grow in your faith? The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) matches the skills and experiences of adults 50+ with Chicagoland nonprofits dedicated to walking with and assisting those most in need. IVC supports members in deepening their faith through formation opportunities rooted in the Ignatian tradition.

Learn more by attending an upcoming information session: 

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish (Glenview) - June 17, 2:00 pm
• Old St. Mary Parish (Chicago) - June 26, 2:00 pm

Register online at www.ivcusa.org/chicago or call Program Manager Cathy Buescher at 201.407.6052.

The Edgewater Community Religious Association (ECRA) Juneteenth Event Planned for Thursday, June 19

The Edgewater Community Religious Association (ECRA) invites you to a powerful Juneteenth Service: "America the Free?" — a time to reflect, remember, and rise.

Join St. Gertrude parishioners and other members of faith communities in Edgewater at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church as we honor freedom and justice with a message from Annamarie Brown, Co-Executive Director of Circles and Ciphers, and a moving performance by Circles and Ciphers themselves.

This is more than a service—it’s a call to community and a celebration of resilience.

Free parking available at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church (5649 N Sheridan Rd).

What is ECRA?

The Edgewater Community Religious Association (ECRA) is an interfaith association of religious organizations that work toward fostering friendships and understanding of other faiths and to nurture a thriving and just neighborhood.

For decades, ECRA has linked religiously diverse neighbors to create solutions to local problems, including the Edgewater Community Council and creating Edgewater’s food pantry, Care for Real. St. Gertrude was a founding member of ECRA.

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, June 14 at 5:00 pm - Joseph McMahon, Millie Slane
• Sunday, June 15 at 8:00 am - Hallie Burhoe
• Sunday, June 15 at 10:30 am - Anthony Myers, Liam Benham

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, June 14 at 5:00 pm - Millie Slane
• Sunday, June 15 at 8:00 am - Barb Daly
• Sunday, June 15 at 10:30 am - Michelle Kuehlhorn, Rafael Melendez, Tim Love

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Monday, June 16: 7:30 am - Lyle Rose Slaber+
• Tuesday, June 17: 7:30 am - Joe Biden
• Wednesday, June 18: 7:30 am - People of God
• Thursday, June 19: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Friday, June 20: 7:30 am - James Murray+
• Saturday, June 21: 7:30 am - Billy Tobin+; 5:00 pm - Bartley McKee+
• Sunday, June 22: 8:00 am - Thomas Richmond+; 10:30 am - The Buckingham family (Bruce+)

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.