St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville,

Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, May 4, 2025

Third Sunday of Easter

From Fr. Mike Gabriel

Last week was truly sensory overload. At Easter, I was filled with so much joy—I couldn’t stop smiling throughout the Easter Vigil. It was incredibly moving to watch Cynthia, Glen, Anne-Marie, Gloria, George, Graciela, Olivia, and Dani commit themselves to following Jesus. The music during the Triduum uplifted me, and my spirit soared with hope. What a beautiful way to conclude my time here—knowing that all is well. I climbed into bed that night exhausted, yet overflowing with gratitude and praise.

Then, early the next morning, I was awakened by a phone call from a friend in Europe: Pope Francis had died. I felt a deep sense of loss and sadness—not sadness for him, but for myself and for a world made better by his presence among us. You could see he had been struggling; now, he is at peace.

From the moment he humbly stepped onto the balcony and asked us to bless and pray for him, it was clear that things were going to be different. I don’t think I fully realized until now how much this holy man of God has shaped my thinking and ministry over the past 12 years.

I am so grateful he served as our Shepherd. As we await the selection of a new Pope, I pray the Holy Spirit guides the process and continues to make our Church a place of mercy and hope—where everyone is welcomed, loved, and forgiven.

Thank you once again to everyone who made Holy Week so meaningful and holy. We are deeply blessed by the many wonderful people who serve our parish and live as true witnesses of faith. Let us continue to be witnesses to the Risen Lord.

Peace be with you.

New Pastor Selected: Fr. Sergio Romo!

Another joyful announcement: we are pleased to welcome our new pastor, Fr. Sergio Romo. Father Sergio currently serves as pastor of St. Andrew Parish and will be transitioning to St. Gertrude’s in the coming weeks.

Please keep him in your prayers as he prepares for this new chapter. I will be meeting with him this week to help ensure a smooth transition.

More details will be shared soon.

~ Fr. Mike

How Is a New Pope Chosen?

The papal conclave is the solemn and mysterious process by which the Roman Catholic Church elects a new pope. Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, the Vatican has scheduled the next conclave to begin on May 7. This is a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, blending centuries-old traditions with the contemporary needs of a global faith community. The conclave’s decision will shape the Church’s direction for years to come.

Who Are the Cardinal Electors?

Cardinals are senior Church officials appointed by the pope. They often serve as his principal advisors and hold significant positions within the Church hierarchy. This conclave will bring together 135 cardinal electors—those under the age of 80—from around the world to choose the Church’s next leader. While there are currently 252 cardinals worldwide, only those under 80 are eligible to vote. This age restriction ensures that electors are actively engaged in the Church’s current affairs.

Pope Francis significantly shaped the current College of Cardinals, having appointed 108 of the 135 eligible electors. This influence may affect the direction of the Church’s future leadership.

What Is a Conclave?

The term conclave comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key,” symbolizing the cardinals’ seclusion during the election. Held in the Sistine Chapel, the conclave is designed to ensure confidentiality and spiritual focus. Cardinals are cut off from the outside world, with strict measures in place to prevent communication.

Voting takes place in the Sistine Chapel behind sealed doors. Each cardinal processes one by one to Michelangelo’s Last Judgment, says a prayer, and places a twice-folded ballot into a chalice. Four rounds of voting occur each day until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. The results of each ballot are counted aloud and recorded by three designated cardinals. If no one reaches the threshold, the ballots are burned in a stove with chemicals that produce black smoke.

If no candidate achieves a majority after 33 or 34 ballots, a runoff between the two leading candidates is held. In this final vote, the candidates are present but do not cast a ballot.

The conclave’s conclusion is signaled by white smoke from the chapel’s chimney and the ringing of bells, announcing that a new pope has been chosen. “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”) is then proclaimed from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, and the new pope steps out to deliver his first blessing to the city of Rome and the world.

The Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL) at St. Gertrude: May 3rd Monthly Meeting & Registration for June Congress at Loyola Closes This Friday, May 2

St. Gertrude is a member of the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL), a Catholic social justice network. 

On Saturday, May 3, the monthly meeting of the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL) Network will be held in the Ministry Center from 1:30-3:00 pm.

All are welcome to discuss and plan how to maximize St. Gertrude’s social justice efforts through the parish’s membership in the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership. Learn more about CSPL.

CSPL’s annual Congress is a three-day retreat that brings together people from across Chicagoland and the Midwest for theological formation, organizing workshops, leadership trainings, relationship building, strategic planning and collaboration in a direct action related to our campaign goals. This retreat will be held from June 6-8 at Loyola University Chicago’s Lakeshore Campus from June 6-8. Registration closes on May 2. Learn more here.

Collection for Asylum Seekers May 3-4

Our collection drive for asylum seekers is this weekend.

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.  

Weekly Cradles to Crayons Clothing Drive in Church After Mass

One of our parish teens is hosting a clothing drive benefiting Cradles to Crayons through May 18. A collection bin will be in the church foyer.

Cradles to Crayons aims to alleviate the nationwide issue of childhood poverty by addressing the clothing insecurity problem in the U.S. right now. Clothing insecurity is not one of the three insecurities covered by government safety programs, but it is an important insecurity to recognize. Without adequate or appropriate clothing, children can face barriers to participating in life and can feel unvalued. They don’t have shoes that fit, or coats warm enough to get through the Chicago winter, or clothes that fit them right.

Any children's clothing or child-appropriate adult-sized clothing in good condition is welcome. The most-needed items are:

• NEW underwear and sock in all sizes
• Boys pants in all sizes
• Girls t-shirts in all sizes

Help us get kids the clothing they need in order to feel safe, warm, and valued by donating!

Questions? Email annastecky22@gmail.com.

Friendship Club is Thursday, May 8

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.

Parent Info: First Communion Is Next Weekend - Practice is Friday, May 9!

First Communion is approaching, and families with students making their First Communion need to know/do several things before this important celebration takes place. 

• Some parents have not sent in their child's Sacramental Request Form. Please fill it out and send it to me at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.
• If you have not paid the registration fee for the 2024-2025 catechetical year, this is the time to do it. Please note that there is a sacramental fee as well. All payments can be done by check or online.
• On Friday, May 9, there will be a First Communion practice at 6:30 pm. Please be on time.
• Our parish's First Communion Mass is Saturday, May 10 at 10:00 am. No photos are allowed before and/or during mass, but rather after the service.
• On Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11, there is a May Crowning celebrated at the 10:30 am mass in church. All communicants should participate in the Crowning of Blessed Mary in their First Communion finery.

First Communion Attire

The attire for First Communion is simple, age-appropriate, and should not distract from the focus of receiving the Sacrament. 

• Boys typically wear a suit of any color, or slacks and dress shirt.
• Girls usually wear white dresses, but any color can be worn. Veils are optional, but should not block the child's face. Gloves can be worn, but not while receiving Holy Communion.
• While sitting in the pew (and especially when going up for Communion) children should not hold bibles, rosaries, flowers, etc.

~ Eloy Escamilla

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.

Catholic Charities May 11th Mother's Day Collection

Your support today can create stability for generations! Make your gift to the 2025 Mother’s Day Appeal today to support mothers and children across Cook and Lake counties. Your generosity helps us serve more than 61,000 moms and families every year with supports that promote long-term growth and well-being. 

Read about Dianne, a recipient of Catholic Charities’ Giving Hope Fund: Dianne was working hard to maintain stable housing for her son, with support from Catholic Charities, when she experienced an unexpected personal tragedy and couldn’t manage all her expenses.

The Giving Hope Fund at Catholic Charities provided financial assistance for utilities needed to stay in their apartment. “I never had someone show me so much love and respect,” Dianne says. Now she passes that love on, including to her son, whom she encourages to pursue his goals. “I want him to get something more out of life than what I had. My son is my pride and joy. I am forever grateful.”  

Please support the Second Collection on Mother’s Day, May 11, or anytime at catholiccharities.net/mothers. 

Combined Mass in Church Next Sunday, May 11/May Crowning Planned

There will be a combined 10:30 am Mass in the church next Sunday, May 11. Please note that there will be no Gym Mass that day.

Our annual May Crowning will also take place during this Mass. All are welcome to bring flowers to place before the statue of Mary.

Students who received their First Communion on Saturday, May 11 should attend the 10:30 am Mass in church wearing their First Communion finery.

Deadline for our Summertime Youth Mission Experience is Tuesday, May 13

The deadline for this summer's Mission Experience is fast approaching! Registration is due by Tuesday, May 13.

All parish teens going into seventh grade through high school are invited to take part in St. Gertrude's Youth Mission Experience, taking place June 23–27. The group will volunteer with a different Chicago organization each day.

This is a great opportunity to have fun while earning volunteer hours!

The cost for the week is $100, with a $50 deposit due at registration. Scholarships are available.

All participants will receive a T-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring sports backpack.

To reserve a spot or for more information, contact Pastoral Associate Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org. 

Book Club Gathering is Tuesday, May 20 (Meeting the 3rd Week of May This Month)

The book club will discuss When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. This month, the group will meet on the third Tuesday of May, the 20th. 

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.

Upcoming Youth Group Activities: A Car Wash and a Hot Dog Sale

The parish youth group has two upcoming events: a car wash and a hot dog sale. All proceeds will go towards youth group activities.

The car wash is planned for Saturday, May 31. Teens will be available to wash cars from 10:00 am-1:00 pm in the parish parking lot. The cost is $15 per vehicle.

The Edgewater Yard and Sidewalk Sale is Saturday, June 7 from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Our parish youth group will sell pop and hot dogs to attendees in the parish parking lot from 10:00 am-2:00 pm.

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

Growing in Faith

Robert Bolt, in his play A Man for All Seasons, presents a moment where the protagonist, St. Thomas More, caught in a decision between fealty to the King of England or to God, tells his daughter Meg:​

"When a man takes an oath, Meg, he's holding his own self in his own hands. Like water. And if he opens his fingers then — he needn't hope to find himself again." ​

More chose fealty to God and was beheaded. Perhaps a bit overstated by More, but I believe those words hold true regarding conscience, virtue, and personal integrity.​

In today’s readings, Jesus appears to the apostles. Though excited to see the risen Christ, I can imagine a dispirited Peter harboring self-doubt and self-loathing due to his previous denials of Jesus. At that moment of decision, as Jesus had foretold, Peter opened his fingers and discovered the overestimation of his personal integrity. Let’s reserve our criticism of Peter, though, since many of us might have done the same.​

In John's Gospel, the love and mercy of Jesus help Peter close his fingers once again, strengthening his grip and restoring his integrity and spirit. As the story tells, Jesus is so confident in Peter’s fealty to God that he entrusts him with the role of shepherd. With that faith and confidence, Peter and the fellow apostles are able to decisively reject the authorities' command not to teach.​

I cannot know what contingencies and circumstances the future holds for me, but I hope the example of Peter and the apostles’ rectitude in the face of threats strengthens my own fortitude and grip in these times of mendacious leadership and unethical authoritarian commands.​

~ Jim Wilda

Heart to Heart News: Ministry of Prayer

Did you know that despite your being homebound or physically inactive, there is a special and valued ministry here at St. Gertrude which we invite you to consider? There are no meetings, no dues or calls required; yet as a participant you will have a valued connection to the parish life by enriching others and yourself through your own dedicated, daily prayer time!  

It works like this: We provide you with a monthly prayer sheet that has some of the prayer petitions taken from the "Prayer Wall" in the back of our church. As one of our prayer angels, you will include these petitions in your daily prayers; thereby becoming an unseen blessing for so many!

Please contact Sr. Susan Quaintance at Heart to Heart at 773.973.5464 or squaintance@stgertrudechicago.org.  We welcome your interest in this caring ministry.

The 2026 Mass Intentions Book is Open

If you would like a mass intention said in 2026 for a person that needs prayers or in memory of someone who has died, please email the office at

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org or stop by the Rectory at 1420 West Granville Avenue during office hours.

We’ll help you find an available Mass and prepare a card for you to give to the person or family of the intention. 

A $20 donation is suggested.  

Easter Flower Offerings

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

We are offering an opportunity to celebrate someone in your life, living or deceased, during the Easter season. Please consider making an Easter Flower offering in their name.

Envelopes are available in the back of the Church and may be placed in the collection basket or sent to Rectory. The names of those honored will be published in the bulletin during the Easter season.

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.

Parishioner Jennifer Dunne to Perform This Sunday, May 4 at North Park University

School of Music, Art, and Theatre faculty members Jennifer Dunne and Dr. Eugenia Jeong explore the folk music of Scandinavia in a free presentation of works for violin and piano by Edvard Grieg and Johan Svendsen.  The event will take place at 2:30 pm in Anderson Chapel, 5159 N. Spaulding Ave.

Jennifer will also be accompanied by fellow parishioners John Neafsey and Jim Szmurlo!

Can't make it in person? The event will be live-streamed at https://www.northpark.edu/event/faculty-recital-jennifer-dunne-eugenia-jeong/.

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, May 3 at 5:00 pm - Christine Lincoln, Millie Slane
• Sunday, May 4 at 8:00 am - Kathryn Stimac, Hallie Burhoe
• Sunday, May 4 at 10:30 am - Sarah Millar, Patrick Robinson

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Monday, May 5: 7:30 am - Pete Ballard+
• Tuesday, May 6: 7:30 am - O'Reilly family
• Wednesday, May 7: 7:30 am - Ethna Nolan+
• Thursday, May 8: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Friday, May 9: 7:30 am - Patricia Gabriel+
• Saturday, May 10: 7:30 am - Deceased of the Halloran family+; 5:00 pm - Laura Linke+
• Sunday, May 11: 8:00 am - Marko Niketic+; 10:30 am - Claudette Mostyn

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.