St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville,

Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, November 2, 2025

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed/All Souls Day

Masses of Remembrance This Weekend



Each November, we take time to honor and pray for all who have gone before us—our parishioners, their family members, and friends who have died.

During the Masses of Remembrance on Saturday, November 1 at 5:00 pm and Sunday, November 2, we will read aloud the names recorded in the Book of the Dead, along with those from our parish who have passed away this past year (November 2024–November 2025).

Altar of Remembrance and Book of the Dead

To honor a deceased loved one, you are invited to bring a photo to the Altar of Remembrance, located in front of the St. Thérèse shrine at the front of the church. Photos may be placed on the tables at any time and should be picked up Thanksgiving weekend. Please write your phone number on the back of each image.

In the back of the church, near the baptismal font, you will also find the Book of the Dead. All are welcome to inscribe the names of deceased loved ones in the book.

• Jan Adams
• Mary Amelse
• Joseph Avila
• Pierre Betts
• James Bloomquist, Jr.
• Rosemary (Rosie) Bradley
• Lillie Buie
• Michael Cannon
• Evaristo Centeno
• Kathleen Daniels
• Darlene Durso-Clark
• Julienne Fouche
• Bernada Gonzalez
• Estelle Ann Guardino
• Rev. Wilfred Harrington, O.P. 
• Donald Hasselbeck
• Gina Heidkamp-Hajduch

• Gina Heidkamp-Hajduch
• Edith Herbin
• Jean-Pierre
• Arlene Kaspik
• Paul William Kelly 
• Ricardo Martinez
• Daniel McCarthy
• John F. McCormick
• Maggie McSweeney
• William Iverson Moore
• Vincent Moore
• Sr. Jean Moylan
• Beatrice Muchman
• Ethel Mullin
• James Murray
• Delno Nelson
• Jim Ness
• Donald Nyderek
• Abigail Phillips

• Bob Radycki
• Phyllis Raine
• Elena Rivera
• Enoch Rivers
• Elizabeth "Betty" O'Boyle Rivet
• Marie Roti
• Maria Schamberger
• Mark Schreiner
• Lyle Rose Slaber
• Carol Shields
• John Staggs
• Cheryl Stanton
• Fr. James Stoeger
• Cattarina Valente
• Kevin Walsh
• Cornelius Ward
• Bill Washburn

People’s Mass at Broadview Detention Center This Saturday, November 1

All are invited to join the People’s Mass on Saturday, November 1, at 10:00 am outside the Broadview Detention Center, 1930 Beach St, Broadview, IL. Come together in prayer, song, and resistance in solidarity with our immigrant siblings.

For more information, contact Jeanne Rattenbury at jeanne.rattenbury@gmail.com.

Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL) Planned for Saturday, November 1

St. Gertrude is a proud member of the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL)—a faith-based group dedicated to justice and community organizing. 🙏

Join us this Saturday, November 1 from 1:30–3:00 p.m. at the Ministry Center to connect with other parishioners and discuss how we can strengthen our commitments to social justice, human concerns, and faith formation.

All are welcome!

The Rosary at St. Gertrude: Friday Evenings and after the 7:30 am Masses

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.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary after 7:30 am Mass

Additionally, the Rosary is said every Monday through Saturday in the church right after the 7:30 am mass. Please consider joining us in church—we would love to have you!

Care for Real Collection for Asylum Seekers is This Weekend: SNAP Benefits and Food Pantries 

Our Care for Real collection drive for asylum seekers is November 1 and November 2 before and after masses. 

Please note, our food-insecure neighbors, and Care for Real, are in urgent need of support. At the time of publication, the government shutdown was still ongoing, and funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps has run out. 

This means that SNAP recipients will not receive benefits in November. In Illinois, 1.9 million residents rely on SNAP and will lose this assistance unless the shutdown ends or the 

Department of Agriculture releases contingency funds—resources that are sufficient to 

cover November benefits. Without this action, food pantries like Care for Real will face an overwhelming surge in demand. Feeding America notes that for every one meal provided by food pantries, SNAP provides nine, underscoring that pantries alone cannot fill the gap. 

Please visit https://linktr.ee/cfrchicago for information about donating and links to their Facebook and Instagram pages to see what they are specifically looking for at this time.  

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. 

Special Event: Program, "Catholic Social Teaching in the Past and the Present Moment" Planned for This Wednesday, November 5

All are invited to a special event discussing Catholic Social Teaching in the Past and the Present Moment on Wednesday, November 5 at 7:00 pm in St. Gertrude’s Social Hall.

This engaging program will feature two of our own parishioners—Heidi Schlumpf and Michelle Nickerson (pictured above)—both professors at Loyola University, published authors, and past speakers at St. Gertrude’s.

Join us for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and inspiration as we consider how the Gospel’s call to justice continues to shape our Church and our world today.

Parish Play Planned for Next Weekend to Benefit Heart to Heart

All are invited to attend a play benefiting Heart to Heart! For one night only, Saturday, November 8, the St. Gertrude Parish Players will perform a Mike Tobin production, Nazareth Revelation, a Canadian cowboy love story with bandits and a train robbery.

The performance will take place in the Gym, located at 1401 West Granville Avenue, at 7:00 pm. More information about ticket prices will be shared closer to the event date. 

We hope to see you at this festive event featuring the many talented parishioners of St. Gertrude!

Book Club Gathering on Tuesday, November 11

Join us for a discussion of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Known World by Edward P. Jones on Tuesday, November 11 at 6:30 pm at the Ministry Center, 6214 W. Glenwood. New participants are always welcome!

For questions, contact Lea Cloninger (773.213.0509) or Sue Benjamin (773.551.8401).

Online Discussion on Rerum Novarum with Greg Pierce Planned for November 12: Free Copies of the Newly Updated Encyclical Available

In 1891, Pope Leo XIII issued an encyclical titled Rerum Novarum (“Of New Things”), a groundbreaking document that responded to the social upheavals of the Industrial Revolution. Confronted with growing inequality, poor working conditions, and the rise of both socialism and unrestrained capitalism, Pope Leo XIII offered a Catholic vision of social justice rooted in the dignity of work, the rights of laborers, and the responsibilities of employers.

Rerum Novarum became the foundation of modern Catholic social teaching, inspiring later papal documents and shaping the Church’s commitment to justice, fair wages, and the common good for more than a century.

Greg Pierce—former long-time St. Gertrude parishioner, publisher of ACTA Publications, community organizer, and author—will host a Zoom presentation and discussion on this historic encyclical and its enduring relevance today.

As Greg writes, “One of the things to observe about the new pope is his choice of papal name: Leo XIV. His decision clearly links his papacy to the long tradition of Catholic social teaching that began with his namesake, Pope Leo XIII, and his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum.”

Greg has published an updated edition of Rerum Novarum that uses inclusive language, making this important document more accessible and meaningful for today’s North American, English-speaking readers.

Join Greg for this engaging Zoom discussion on Wednesday, November 12, from 7:00–8:15 pm. Participants will receive a free copy of the encyclical to read in advance.

To register and receive the Zoom link, contact Gail Smith at 312.315.9896 or gailbeth316@yahoo.com.

Women's Friendship Club Gathering on November 13

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, attendees should bring their own (brown bag) lunch. Dessert is provided!

Their next gathering is Thursday, November 13. Consider yourself invited!

The Next "Brewed at St. Gertrude" is Sunday, November 16

Please join us on Sunday, November 16 for another "Brewed at St. Gertrude", our monthly parish hospitality event! 

These gathering are held following the 10:30 am church and gym masses in the Social Hall and feature 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! 

ECRA Interfaith Thanksgiving Service - Sunday, November 23 at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church

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

ECRA hosts an annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service benefiting Care for Real that bring together Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, as well as our friends from the Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu faith.

All are invited to this year's service on Sunday, November 23 from 3:00 pm, hosted this year at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, located at 5649 N. Sheridan Rd. 

If you are able, please bring canned goods or a cash donated to share with our local food pantry, Care for Real.

Order Your Trees, Garland, and Wreaths from St. Gert’s Annual Greenery Sale! 

St. Gertrude is once again hosting our annual Christmas greenery sale, with a limited number of balsam pine trees, wreaths, and garland available for purchase. Our Christmas greenery sale is a great opportunity for parishioners to get ready for the holidays while supporting St. Gertrude ministries. 

Each 6’ Christmas tree is $55. Three different sized wreaths are available—the 18” wreath is $25, the 24” is $27, and the 36” is $35. Garland is also available for $40 per 5’ length. 

In-Person Sales

Greenery will also be sold at the playlot on the west side of the Social Hall, 1401 W. Granville Avenue, on November 30, December 7, December 14, and December 21 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Only cash and checks will be accepted for in-person purchases.

Online Orders and Paper Forms

The option to purchase greenery online or via paper forms will be available soon.

Deliveries

Deliveries will be offered for a $6 fee. They will take place on Sunday, December 7 and Sunday, December 14 from noon - 4:00 pm. The greenery team will do their best to accommodate your preferred delivery date and will reach out to notify you when to expect your order. 

Please note, the boundaries for deliveries are north to Oakton, south to Irving Park, and east of the North Shore Channel.

Questions? Contact St. Gertrude Business Manager Eduardo Soto at esoto@stgertrudechicago.org or call the Rectory at 773.764.3621.

Parish Photo Directory: Sign Up to Get Your Family Portrait Taken!



It’s time for a new St. Gertrude photo directory!

Photography sessions will take place December 18–20. Every participating household will receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait and a free parish directory.

You’ll be able to view your photos immediately and have the option to purchase additional portraits—perfect for keepsakes or holiday gifts.

Appointments can be made after Mass or online at schedule.ucdir.com (Church code: IL 457, Password: photos).

Questions? Email Jen Reyes at stgertrudeparishcouncil@gmail.com.

7th & 8th Grade Students: Essay Contest Entries Due December 22

Students in the 7th and 8th grade are invited to take part in our annual essay contest. Participants should write an essay based on this prompt: What is the impact of Christianity on human rights?

Entries should be 500-550 words. Spelling and grammar count!

The top three winners will receive gift cards and have their essays published online and in the bulletin.

Entries must be submitted online or postmarked by Monday, December 22, 2025. Email essays (preferred method) to eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or mail them to Eloy Escamilla, 1420 W. Granville, Chicago, IL 60660. 

Growing in Faith

The litany of the saints is a very flexible prayer. It can be as long or short as you want to pray it. Maybe, as I’m praying, I want to add, “St. Gertrude the Great, pray for us” because I’m a member of St. Gertrude’s parish. Or maybe I want to add Mother Cabrini, the Italian-American nun who conducted much of her ministry in Chicago. Or maybe add Joan of Arc or Thérèse of Lisieux because I admire them.



This weekend, we have All Saints’ Day on Saturday and All Souls’ Day on Sunday. They’ve been linked together like this for almost exactly a thousand years since Odilo, the Benedictine abbot of the French monastery of Cluny, started this tradition, and the western church soon followed suit.

It makes a lot of sense. The saints who have been canonized were people like us. They got hot and cold. They needed food. They were also sinners, as all of us are, as Pope Francis used to remind us. Despite their failings, they did God’s work so well that their holiness was widely recognized.

And those we pray for on All Souls’ Day were people like us. Like all of us, they were

called to do God’s work, and many of them did it very well.

So, when I pray the litany, I like to add the names of people who have died who were saintly in my life — “Saint” Joan who was my seventh grade teacher, “Saint” Aunt Mary who was a nurturing presence in my young life, “Saint” Alexander whom I watched be a strong and strident voice for social justice in Chicago. Maybe, on this All

Souls’ weekend, you can think of your own saintly souls.

~ Patrick T. Reardon

Music Ministry Announcement: Hymnals Update

The music ministry of St. Gertrude’s has an exciting announcement! After much thought and careful consideration, we have decided to transition to GIA’s Gather, 4th Edition hymnal. Not only is this hymnal more sustainable and aligned with our mission to care for the planet, but it is also one of the most diverse and inclusive hymnals available—qualities that best reflect St. Gertrude’s dynamic and eclectic community. We are thrilled to begin using this new resource at the start of the new liturgical year on November 30, the First Sunday of Advent.

Now, we need your help and support! Outfitting the congregation with a complete set of new hymnals and musical resources is a significant investment, but it is one that will serve us for many years to come. We have purchased 315 hymnals to replace the current ones and are asking for your generosity in helping us cover the cost.

Each hymnal costs approximately $26, and you may donate as many as you wish. Every hymnal you give can be dedicated in memory of a loved one or in honor of your family or friends. To donate, visit Give Central, or send a check payable to St. Gertrude’s. (Please be sure to note that your donation is for hymnals, whether giving online or by check.) If you donate via Give Central and would like to make a dedication, please email Jonathan with that information. 

Your generosity and commitment to St. Gertrude’s are vital to our success, and anything you contribute toward the purchase of these new hymnals will be deeply appreciated.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering a donation. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact our Music Director, Jonathan Hannau, at jhannau@stgertrudechicago.org or 773.764.3621 ext. 22.

National Vocation Awareness Week

National Vocation Awareness Week will be celebrated in our country November 2-8, 2025. Please ask our Lord for more dedicated, holy priests, deacons, and consecrated men and women. May they be inspired by Jesus Christ, supported by our faith community, and respond generously to God’s gift of vocation.

Find out about upcoming vocations events, ways to discover God’s will, and more at vocations.archchicago.org.

Banned Books Week Quiet Read-A-Long on Monday, November 10

Even though Banned Books Week officially takes place in October, we believe there’s never a wrong time to celebrate the freedom to read. Join us on Monday, November 10 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm for a Quiet Read-A-Long at St. Scholastica Monastery.

Bring a favorite book—especially one that’s been challenged or banned—and enjoy an hour of peaceful reading in community. You’re also welcome to bring a snack to share. Need ideas? Visit the American Library Association’s list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books at www.ala.org/bbooks.

Please RSVP to Sr. Susan Quaintance at subprioress@osbchicago.org or 773.764.2413 ext. 231.

Book Discussion Featuring Kristin Grady Gilger – My Son, the Priest: A Mother’s Crisis of Faith – on Tuesday, November 12

Loyola University's Hank Center is hosting a a special conversation with Kristin Grady Gilger, author of My Son, the Priest: A Mother’s Crisis of Faith, on Tuesday, November 12, from 7:00–8:30 pm at the Hank Center, 1032 West Sheridan Road, in the Information Commons, 4th Floor.

This powerful memoir tells the true story of a young man’s journey to become a Jesuit priest—told through the eyes of his mother, a fallen-away Catholic grappling with her son’s calling. Honest, intimate, and often irreverent, the book explores faith, family, and reconciliation, offering a rare glimpse into Jesuit formation while tackling difficult questions about the Church’s history, its treatment of women, and the meaning of faith in modern life.

Baptisms

• Serafina Eva Longmore

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, November 1 at 5:00 pm - Joseph McMahon, Christine Lincoln
• Sunday, November 2 at 8:00 am - Tim Love, Jim Duros
• Sunday, November 2 at 10:30 am - Sarah Millar, Lily Benham

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, November 1 at 5:00 pm - Tim Harrington
• Sunday, November 2 at 8:00 am - Hallie Burhoe
• Sunday, November 2 at 10:30 am - Carlos Barragan, Steven Monti, Patrick Robinson

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Monday, November 3: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Tuesday, November 4: 7:30 am - Almo Mazardo +
• Wednesday, November 5: 7:30 am - People of God
• Thursday, November 6: 7:30 am - Brian Hickey+
• Friday, November 7: 7:30 am - Carol Shields+
• Saturday, November 8: 7:30 am -  Purgatorial Society; 5:00 pm - Hal Mann
• Sunday, November 9: 8:00 am - Ethan Seitzer+; 10:30 am - Juanita Tello+ and Antonio Velazquez+; 10:30 am Gym - Jeanne Hasbrook+

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.