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 8, 2025

Pentecost

Mass Times: Sunday: 8:00 & 10:30 am Mass in Church; 10:30 am Gym Mass; This Sunday, June 8, there will be a combined 10:30 am Mass in church. There will not be a Gym Mass. 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. The office will be closed on June 19 for Juneteenth.

Heart to Heart Contacts: Sr. Susan Quaintance, OSB/Director/872-296-2537; Laurie Hasbrook/Lending Closet/773-973-5464

The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) can be reached at stgertrudeparishcouncil@gmail.com.

From Fr. Mike Gabriel: It Filled the Entire House


The gift of Pentecost is the most important and least understood of the Church’s gifts. Even though, as St. Paul says in 1 Corinthians, each of us is given the manifestation of the Spirit, many Catholics still expect only the clergy and religious to embrace the gift of the Spirit for the benefit of the Church.


Thankfully, St. Gertrude parishioners have had a legacy of pastors, clergy, and religious who have encouraged every parishioner to embrace the gifts of the Spirit to benefit their families, themselves, the parish, and the world. I pray that my ministry here has followed in their footsteps. If my time as your pastor has been effective, I hope its impact has helped you embrace your faith and encouraged you to follow Christ more fully.


On the day of Pentecost, the Acts of the Apostles states that a noise from the sky “filled the entire house” where the disciples were gathered. The appearance of “tongues of fire” rested not simply on Peter, Mary, and the apostles, but on all those gathered in the house. They all spoke in different languages, and every visitor who heard the noise understood the message in their own language, despite the linguistic limitations of the disciples.


What sort of message can be spoken in every language? Is there one message that every person and culture can understand? What is God’s message? And does the Holy Spirit give us the ability to speak that same message as powerfully as it was spoken on the day of Pentecost?


Noise—the earth is the home of God’s children. That noise comes to us as the voice of God. For some, God's voice sounds like church bells calling us to worship; for others, it is thunder warning of danger. God's voice can be heard in the laughter of children, the sighs of the elderly, the music that makes young adults dance, the hum of machinery, the tears of a mother, and the pride of a father.


For most of us, God's voice is the silence that surprises us when all other sounds fade away and we realize we are in the presence of God—whether before the tabernacle, receiving Communion, or participating in any sacrament. It fills the world, but it also rests upon each of us, speaking to us and encouraging us to speak more boldly than we ever have before.


I am encouraging you to run into the world shouting, “Jesus is Lord” to all you meet. St. Paul reminds us that the Body of Christ needs more than just tongues to proclaim His name. The Spirit calls us to different services, works, and gifts—all united in proclaiming one Lord and one God. There are so many in need of a helping hand, and so many in need of forgiveness in our world.


I began my priestly ministry filled with great joy to share that GOD LOVES YOU. As I retire from active ministry, that same joy fills my heart and that same message rings true: GOD LOVES YOU! Thank you, people of St. Gertrude’s and the other parishes I have served. Not only did I hear, but I also saw the Spirit working through you. THANK YOU!

This Weekend, We Celebrate Fr. Mike Gabriel as He Retires!

Baked Goods Needed for Father Mike Gabriel’s Retirement Celebration - Drop Them Off This Saturday or Sunday!


After years of dedicated service, Father Mike Gabriel is heading into a well-deserved retirement—and we want to send him off with all the love and gratitude he deserves!


We are looking for parishioners to bring or make baked goods for the party! To make it easier, there will be someone in the Gym accepting drop offs on Saturday June 7 from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm and on Sunday June 8 from 9:00 - 10:00 am. Otherwise, you can bring your sweets to the event after mass 10:30 am mass on June 8th.


Additionally, we are looking for volunteers to assist with the following:

  • Set-up & clean-up in the Social Hall
  • Staffing during the event, including monitoring food and beverages


If you are able to lend a hand, please contact Michael Kowalsky at mkowalsky@rcn.com or call 773.633.6692.


Thank you in advance for your help—and we look forward to celebrating together!

Letters of Gratitude


As a part of our celebration of Father Mike, we would like to compile a book of letters from St. Gertrude parishioners, and from the many people he has served in his 41 years as priest. It would be a very special remembrance for him as he begins his retirement, and is indeed a perfect gift!


There will be a table at the reception where people can write a note of thanks and good wishes for the future.


Thank you!

Events & Activities at St. Gertrude

listed in chronological order

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.

Youth Group to Hold a Hot Dog Sale During the Edgewater Yard & Garden Sale on Saturday, June 7


The parish youth group also has an upcoming event planned during the Edgewater Yard and Sidewalk Sale next Saturday, June 7 from 9:00 am-5:00 pm.


The teens will sell pop and hot dogs to attendees in the parish parking lot, located at the northwest corner of Thome & Glenwood Avenues, from 10:00 am-2:00 pmPlease consider stopping by and supporting them (or saying hello!) if you are out enjoying the Edgewater sales!


If your teen in grades six and up is interested in joining our youth group, please contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.

Second Collection on This Weekend for Priests’ Health and Retirement


Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,


Very shortly, we will celebrate Fathers’ Day, an opportunity to celebrate the men who gave us life and supported us across the years. It marks a time of memory and gratitude. As we remember and thank these men who gave us physical life, I invite you to extend that gratitude to those who have been spiritual fathers to us, priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago. 


Certainly, you remember how your priests have been present at every season of your 

lives—from birth and growing up in the early years to sacramental celebrations. They have walked with you in times of great joy and times of deep sorrow. 


Now, we have an opportunity to express our gratitude to these priests who number 

386 active and 247 retired with the gift of our support for their health and retirement needs. 


This weekend, we will take up a second collection for the Priests’ Health and Retirement. Your contribution will support their health care, nursing care, and retirement. Those who will benefit from your generosity to this collection are our Chicago priests of the archdiocese. As you may recall, a different collection for men and women belonging to religious orders (including their priests, brothers and sisters) was taken up several months ago. 


Please join me in making a generous contribution to this weekend’s second collection. 

You may also want to consider naming the Priests’ Health and Retirement as a beneficiary in your will, something that I have done. 


Above all, raise a prayer to God in thanksgiving for the archdiocesan priests he has given 

us and raise a prayer of petition for them, so that they can continue to serve God’s people with the heart of Christ, the Good Shepherd.


Sincerely yours in Christ, 


Cardinal Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago

Collection Drive for Care for Real is June 7-8


This weekend is also our collection drive for Care for Real!


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.  

Book Club Gathering is Tuesday, June 10


The book club will discuss Inseparable: A Novel by Simone de Beauvoir. on Tuesday, June 10. 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 773.213.0509, or Sue Benjamin at 773.551.8401 with questions.

Friendship Club is Thursday, June 12


The St. Gertrude Women's Friendship Club meets monthly on the second Thursday of every month in the Ministry Center.


The gathering begins at 11:30 am, and attendees should bring their own (brown bag) lunch.

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.


Mass will be held at 7:30 am.

"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!  

Parish News

Thanks for Coming out to the Youth Group's Car Wash


Thank you to parishioners and neighbors who brought their vehicles to the youth group's car wash last weekend! The teens had raised $372 for future activities.


Special thanks to those who helped and contributed to this event.

Gardening Day at St. Gertrude!


We appreciate those who helped out with weeding and planting the parish garden last weekend! The back of the Rectory was once again transformed thanks to the green thumbs of our volunteers.


Your time, energy, and care have brought new life and beauty to our shared space, creating a peaceful spot for reflection and community. We are so grateful for your generosity and spirit of service—our parish is truly blessed to have you!

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: Pentecost: The Mission of the Church


When Pope Leo XIV was made a cardinal by Pope Francis on September 23, 2023, he gave this answer to the question, “What is the Mission of the Church?” …It seems so right on Pentecost to hear his answer:


“The mission of the Church has been the same for 2000 years, when Jesus Christ said: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Mt 28:19).


We have to announce the good news of the Kingdom of God at the same time that we understand what the Church is in its universal reality. This is one of the things I learned while I was Prior General of the Augustinians, and it has certainly been a great grounding for the role I have now.


There are many different cultures, many different languages, many different circumstances around the world where the Church responds. So when we list our priorities and weigh up the challenges before us we have to be aware that the urgencies of Italy, Spain, the United States, Peru or China, for example, are almost certainly not the same except in one thing: the underlying challenge that Christ left to us to preach the Gospel and that this is the same everywhere.


The priorities of pastoral work will always be different from one place to another, but recognizing the great richness of diversity within the People of God is tremendously useful because it makes us more sensitive when it comes time to better reach out and respond to what they expect from us.”


God bless you, Pope Leo XIV! 


Source: https://www.augustinianorder.org/post/interview-with-cardinal-robert-prevost-osa-above-all-a-bishop-must-proclaim-jesus-christ

Easter Flower Offerings


  • In memory of Helen and Andrew Galoney from Marie Galoney 
  • In memory of: Beatrice "Trixie" Muchman from Marilyn Klein
  • In memory of Mary A. Pierce and John A. Pierce from Ellen Pierce
  • In memory of Pope Francis from Marilyn Klein 
  • In memory of the Charles Strubbe Family from Marie Galoney 

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.

Archdiocese/Neighborhood/NCA News

Join the Ignatian Volunteer Corps! First Info Session on June 12


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: 


  • St. John XXIII Parish (Evanston) - June 12, 11:00 am
  • 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.

Catholic Lawyers Guild Event: Workers Rights Forum This Thursday, June 12


The Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago is hosting a Forum to educate and enlighten attorneys–and the larger community–about how Catholic social teaching supports worker rights. This is particularly topical in light of the elevation of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV who has signaled his connection to Pope Leo XIII, author of the 1891 Encyclical supporting labor organizing and worker rights.


The Forum will take place on June 12 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. It will be held at the Carpenters Council Hall (12 East Erie in Chicago). Lunch will be provided.


Register today at: clgchicago.org/workersforum.

Parish Info

Baptisms


  • Dalzary Diaz Adame
  • Alain Neil Arias
  • Eloisa Teresa Hernandez Mejia

Ministers of the Word, Eucharistic Ministers, & Altar Servers for Upcoming Masses

Ministers of the Word

  • Saturday, June 7 at 5:00 pm - Christine Lincoln, Patrick Reardon
  • Sunday, June 8 at 8:00 am - Mary Clare Barker
  • Sunday, June 8 at 10:30 am - Bob Backis, Edie Sheridan

Eucharistic Ministers

  • Saturday, June 7 at 5:00 pm - Patrick Reardon
  • Sunday, June 8 at 8:00 am - Kathryn Stimac
  • Sunday, June 8 at 10:30 am - Troy McMillan, Stephen Hasselbeck, Annie Hasselbeck

Altar Servers

  • Saturday, June 7 at 5:00 pm - cross bearer: Danna Salinas; acolytes: Carter Dant, Wyatt Dant
  • Sunday, June 8 at 10:30 am - cross bearer: Mary Kate Cashman; acolytes: Kora Cunningham; Adaobi Okoli

Financial Report from May 31-June 1


Sunday Collection Envelopes: $1,545.00

Loose Checks: $810.00

Loose Cash/Coins: $923.03

Online Donations: $4,031.06

Total Collected: $7,309.09


Budgeted: $10,000.00

Difference: -$2,690.91

Year-to-date Collected FY 2025 (as of 6/1/2025): $501,372.71

Year-to-date Budgeted FY 2025: $550,000.00

Difference: - $48,627.29

Upcoming Mass Intentions

  • Monday, June 9: 7:30 am - Cirela Perez
  • Tuesday, June 10: 7:30 am - Larry McCauley+; 8:30 am - NCA Mass
  • Wednesday, June 11: 7:30 am - Glenn & Mary Jo Martin+; Louise Rodiguez+
  • Thursday, June 12: 7:30 am - Communion Service
  • Friday, June 13: 7:30 am - Savanna Carter
  • Saturday, June 14: 7:30 am - Billy Tobin+; 5:00 pm - Jenny Wyman+
  • Sunday, June 15: 8:00 am - John Daly+; 10:30 am - Donald Hasselbeck+; 10:30 am Gym - Those that are fathers and father-figures

Please Keep the Following People in Your Prayers


  • Mary Amelse
  • Victor Ayes
  • Andrea Banicki
  • Carlos Barragan
  • Patrick Barton
  • Rose Mary Bradley
  • Zara Bradley 
  • Lilly Buie
  • Hallie Burhoe
  • Maggie Callahan
  • Aida Calvopina 
  • Marta Carlson
  • Terrence Carmichael
  • Cavicke Family
  • David Denegas
  • Ann Collins Dole
  • Darlene Durso-Clark+
  • Renee Elhoumaidi
  • Mr. and Mrs. Emin Euman
  • Luke Fitzgerald
  • Adolf Gabriel
  • Marie Galoney
  • Thomas Hajduch
  • Tricia Hernandez
  • Maria Hertl
  • John Kahoun
  • Marilyn Klein
  • Joseph Lambin
  • River Malik
  • Alex Marks
  • Nancy Michael
  • Steve Monti
  • Hilda Mora
  • Donald Nyderek 
  • Dealina Peon
  • Claude Poulsen
  • Joan Ross
  • Willy Spalla 
  • Floret Spalle
  • Mary Pierce Spalla
  • Frannie Swaine
  • Christopher Thomas
  • Elinora E. Tolentino
  • Arsenia Tumliuan +
  • Manuel & Norma Viray
  • Tayana Wallace
  • King Wallace
  • Christinan Wallace
  • Kevin Walsh+
  • Leon Ward
  • Ron Whitfield
  • Janice Wittenberg
  • Dawn Wyman
  • Yyes Yoza
  • Joel Pozzi Zio

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.

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