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 24, 2024

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

From Fr. Mike Gabriel

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, and enter the last week of the liturgical year before we begin the season of Advent.

This is a time to sharpen our focus on who really is the King of our lives and to make sure our lives reflect that belief in every way. It is also a time to continue giving thanks and using the gifts God has blessed us with for the good of others, especially those less fortunate, and for continuing to find ways to do our part to help the Church grow stronger and more vibrant. 

I realize that Thanksgiving is four days away, but I thought I would offer you a few things to focus on this Thanksgiving before the days get clouded by the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and pumpkin pie. As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I believe it’s a beautiful time to reflect on the countless blessings God has given us. It is, however, easy to overlook the gifts that surround us because of the busyness of the day. I invite you to join me in pausing for a moment to appreciate five things we should be thankful for, today and always. 

The gift of our faith: Our faith is a light that guides us through life’s trials and joys. It gives us purpose, hope, and strength to face the issues that come our way. Through prayer, our gathering around the altar of God to celebrate the Eucharist, and our St. Gertrude’s parish community, we’re reminded that we are never alone. As we reflect upon the gift of our faith, we cannot forget our Indigenous brothers and sisters who were the first to inhabit this land as well as all the men and women who have served our country in order that we can worship in freedom.

The support of family and friends: Our family and friends are a treasured gift from God, providing us with love, understanding, and honesty even when we don’t want or need it. They stand by us in times of both celebration and sorrow. Cherish the people in your life who walk beside you on your journey of faith.

The beauty of creation: Each day, we’re blessed with the wonders of nature, from a sunrise to a gentle breeze, from the falling leaves to the flowers that will bud in the spring. In this beauty, we see God’s presence and creativity. May we be thankful for the earth and take every step we can to care for it.

The strength of our parish community: St. Gertrude’s has stood here in the heart of Edgewater for more than 112 years now. We come together to share at the altar of God, to grow in faith, to serve the needs of the hungry, and to be a voice against injustice in the world. In moments of both joy and hardship, this community serves to strengthen and encourage us so that we can “embrace our call to love, to serve, and to build a just world.” 

Lastly, the blessing of new opportunities: Every day is a new beginning, filled with possibilities to learn, grow and deepen our relationship with God. Let us be grateful for the challenges that help us become stronger and the opportunities that allow us to make a difference in building God’s kingdom. As we reflect on these blessings, I urge you to remember to offer your gratitude in prayer and live each day with a spirit of thanksgiving for someone or something. I encourage you to do everything possible to join us for Thanksgiving Day Mass at 9:00 am. 

I invite you to fill out the form below or in baskets in the back of church, so that we can present them at mass on Thanksgiving Day. I like to encourage family and friends to share this special meal and to give thanks to God for so many blessings. There is no better way to offer thanks on this special day than to gather at the table of the Lord at 9:00 am to celebrate the Eucharist. As I am sure you are aware, the word eucharist means thanksgiving. We are so blessed in so many ways, and eucharist is our very best way of offering our thanks to God. As you make your Thanksgiving Day plans, prepare to “come to the table of plenty,” and make this a wonderful and meaningful Thanksgiving celebration.

Giving Tree

The Giving Tree will start next weekend. Share in the spirit of giving to others this Christmas season. Once again, we will be asking for gifts cards, to places like McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, Aldi, and Jewel. 

Care for Real Collection Drive This Weekend

Our monthly Food & Supply Drive for Care for Real is November 23 and 24. Please place nonperishable items in the bins at the back of church before and after mass times.

This month, Care for Real is urgently seeking donations of menstrual products, especially pads, to ensure all community members have access to essential hygiene items. If you’re able, please consider helping us keep these supplies in stock. 

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. 

ECRA Interfaith Thanksgiving Service - Sunday, November 24 at Ebenezer Lutheran

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 24 from 2:00-4:00 pm , hosted this year at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster Ave.

Attendees are encouraged to share their bounty with the food insecure in our neighborhood. Visit https://careforreal.org/wishlist/ to see Care for Real's wish list! A reception will follow the service.

Weekly Caregiver-Toddler Playdates at NCA

Looking after your child/children or caring for a little one? You're invited to our weekly get-together for caregivers and toddlers! Held at Northside Catholic Academy, 6216 N. Glenwood, every Monday morning from 9:30 - 10:30 am, the hour is filled with a story, craft, and sing-a-long for kids, and adult interactions for the grown-ups.

RSVP to gmalfatti@ncaschools.com.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Day Mass is at 9:00 am/Office Closed Thursday and Friday

We hope Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful one for you and your loved ones.

We are so grateful for our wonderful parishioners and neighbors who make our neighborhood and city a better place. And we thank those that are able to volunteer their time at St. Gertrude. We are so lucky to have you!

The rectory office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 28 and Friday, November 29. Mass on Thanksgiving will be held at 9:00 am and 7:30 am on Friday. 

Additionally, there are no Religious Ed classes on Sunday, December 1.

A Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Loving God,

who created and sustains the universe,

who loved us all into being,

and who gives us every good thing,

we thank you for the blessings

that you bring into our lives.

We thank you for the gift of life itself,

which you gave us in our mothers' wombs.

We thank you for the fresh start of each new day,

which is a sign of your renewing and creative love.

And we thank you for our friends, our families,

our neighbors and our coworkers,

whose human love is an image of your divine care.

Increase our gratitude this Thanksgiving Day,

and help us to recognize all the good things

that we have, both large and small.

And magnify our desire to share

what we have with others,

so that they too may be

grateful to you, Loving God.

~ Father James Martin, SJ

Ceremony of Healing and Reconciliation Planned for Sunday, December 1

Thank you to those who attended the town hall on October 27. We look forward to collaborating with you in bringing your ideas to fruition.

Another thank you to those who attended the listening sessions regarding the search for our new pastor. If you were unable to attend a session, the QR code and the paper surveys in the back of church will be available until December 1.

The Parish Pastoral Council will host a Ceremony of Healing and Reconciliation on Sunday, December 1 at 11:30 am in the Ministry Center. Let us prepare the way for the Lord on the first Sunday of Advent. Join us for a prayerful opportunity focused on reconciliation to launch the new liturgical year. Together we will lay the heaviness of these past months and the heaviness we may carry to God so we may open our hearts to God’s healing grace.

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. 

Order Online

Purchase greenery online at https://bit.ly/StGertsChristmasGreenery or by scanning the QR code.

Order via Paper Form

A paper order form is available for download at https://stgertrudechicago.org/christmas-greenery.

Forms and checks or cash can be dropped off at the Rectory office, 1420 W. Granville Ave or placed in the mail slot in the side (west) red door next to the Rectory side yard if the Rectory office is closed.

Checks should be made out to St. Gertrude. Please note "Greenery" in the memo line. 

Deliveries

Deliveries will be offered for a $6 fee. They will take place on Saturday, December 7 and Saturday, December 14 from 10:00 am - 2:00 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.

In-Person Sales

Greenery will also be sold at the playlot on the west side of the Social Hall, 1401 W. Granville Avenue, on the first four Sundays of December: the 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Only cash and checks will be accepted for in-person purchases.

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

Giving Tuesday is Next Week

Next Tuesday, December 3, is Giving Tuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. People all over the world celebrate the true reason behind this holiday season, showing generosity, compassion, and love to those less fortunate. 

St. Gertrude is a parish that is truly dedicated to helping others. Whether it be through reaching out to teens through our youth group, caring for our seniors with our Heart to Heart program, collecting food for Care for Real, or committing to sponsoring a refugee family, our community of faith shows love to others every single day. 

If you are inspired to take part in this day-long donation campaign, please consider supporting St. Gertrude and making a donation here.

Every donation will make a difference!

Thank you!

Worldwide Candle Lighting for the Loss of a Child - Sunday, December 8

The Elizabeth Ministry of Queen of All Saints parish will host the annual Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting service on Sunday, December 8th at 6:45 pm in Queen of All Saints basilica, 6280 N. Sauganash Avenue, Chicago.

The Compassionate Friends is an organization supporting grieving families in all fifty states and across thirty countries. Every second Sunday in December, families and friends around the globe unite in lighting candles to honor the memories of children of any age who have died, at any time, for any reason. Everyone is welcome to participate in this non-denominational service of prayer and music as we remember children who have gone too soon.

Email elizabethministry.qas@gmail.com with questions, or to request the name of a loved one to be read during the service. Find more information about The Compassionate Friends organization and grief support at compassionatefriends.org.

Find more information about Queen of All Saints at www.qasparish.org.

RCIA Rite of Welcoming and Acceptance - Sunday, Dec. 8

On Sunday, December 8 at the 10:30 am Mass, our church will celebrate the Rite of Welcoming and Acceptance for RCIA members.

Through the Rite, the church welcomes those who have been baptized in another faith or baptized Catholic as a child but never catechized in the Catholic faith, into the process of full communion with the Church.

The Rite of Acceptance recognizes the Catechumen's decision to begin the process of becoming a member of the Catholic Church through Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception - Monday, December 9

We will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, December 9.

Mass will be held at 7:30 am and 8:30 am. The rectory office will be open.

December Youth Group Event

Attention students in 7th grade and up! Save the date! On December 14, we've planned an afternoon of Christmas card-making and cookie decorating. We'll gather in the Ministry Center from 1:00-3:00 pm.

Please reach out to Eloy Escamilla at eecamilla@stgertrudechicago.org for more information.

7th & 8th Grade Students Invited to Participate in our Essay Contest

Students in the 7th and 8th grade are invited to take part in our annual essay contest. Participants should write an essay based in this prompt: The Importance of Forgiving Others.

Entries should be 450 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 16, 2024. Email essays (preferred method) to eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or mail them to Eloy Escamilla, 1420 W. Granville, Chicago, IL 60660. 

Deanery 2B Advent Reconciliation Service Planned for Monday, December 16

St. Gert's will host a deanery-wide reconciliation service on Monday, December 16 at 7:00 pm.

There will be many priests on hand speaking a variety of languages to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with participants.

Christmas Eve Pageant at 5:00 pm Mass: Children & Adults Needed

As is our tradition during the Gospel at the Christmas Eve 5:00 pm Family Mass, the kids from St. Gertrude parish will act out the Christmas story.

We are looking for children ages 5 and older to participate in this charming production, and adults to help organize or be part of the event. 

Contact me at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org if you and/or your children are interested in being a part of this special Mass. Thank you!

~ Eloy Escamilla

St. Gertrude's Giving Tree Program

The Giving Trees will go up shortly in the back of Church. We will again be asking for gift cards, rather than gifts. This allows flexibility for individuals to get what they need. The benefactors of the Giving Tree collections will be the St. Gertrude Refugee and Immigrant Ministry, St. Oscar Romero, Refugee One, and Catholic Charities.

There will be boxes at the front of church, by the statue of Mary. Please place your gift cards into whichever organization you would like to support. 

We’ll have more information next weekend about the deadlines when gifts cards need to be submitted by and types of gift cards each organization would prefer. 

We hope that in this most joyous of seasons you will be able to support the Giving Tree program. Each gift card will allow others to be able to have a blessed and happy Christmas celebration.

Growing in Faith

When I find myself lamenting and angry with leaders’ actions, I remind myself that throughout much of human history, people nearly everywhere, who have lived under unjust, oppressive, and persecutorial political authorities, have longed, prayed, advocated, and even fought for benevolent leaders who exercise the power bestowed on them for the good of all and not for their own self-interests. 

In no way discounting that desire of the people for leaders who are just and merciful, both Daniel in the first reading and Jesus in the Gospel, as they speak truth to human and limited power, exhort their contemporaries and us, in the face of injustice, oppression and violence, to not lose sight of the Higher Power: That is, love, kindness, justice, and mercy.

In our ever divided nation and world, filled with every kind of violence that is fueled by divisive and false narratives, hatred and demonization of the weak, I think more than ever we who claim Jesus as our model, need to listen more attentively to and ground ourselves more deeply in the courageous, humble, merciful, compassionate and generous Spirit of the one who testified to the truth, who fed the hungry, who tended to the sick, the lost, and the lonely, and who confronted leaders who abused the power that the people gave them.

~ Jim Manzardo 

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, November 23 at 5:00 pm - Mary Cook
• Sunday, November 24 at 8:00 am - Josephine Delgado
• Sunday, November 24 at 10:30 am - Michael Kowalsky, Stephen Modde, Bob Backis

Rest in Peace

• Pierre Betts
• Michael Cannon (NCA staff member) 
• Mary Regina (Gina) Heidkamp-Hajduc)
• Marcie Roti (Funeral November 26 at St. Gert’s)

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Monday, November 25: 7:30 am - Ethna Nolan+
• Tuesday, November 26: 7:30 am - James Barton+
• Wednesday, November 27: 7:30 am - Carol Shields+
• Thursday, November 28: 9:00 am - Thanksgiving
• Friday, November 29: 7:30 am - Norman H. Linke+
• Saturday, November 30: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Society; Mylene Velasquez+; Marilou V. Cruz+; 5:00 pm - James McKee+
• Sunday, December 1: 8:00 am - People of God; 10:30 am - Patricia Signa+ ; 10:30 am Gym Mass - Eufrocina Benitez+

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.