St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville,

Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, October 13, 2024

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

From Fr. Mike Gabriel

Well, it that time again. With the election just weeks away, families and friendships can suffer, and parishes and workplaces can become strained.

This is the perfect time to be reminded that we are all part of one family. Those we call family hold a special place in our life; a place where we hope to find respect, understanding, and acceptance, even when we disagree.

In our current political environment, many people avoid or dread conversations with family members or friends because of differing political views. They worry that any attempts at political discussions will lead to arguments, hurt feelings, or anger. Please pray for the ability to listen to the concerns of people who differ from you politically, for skills for listening in a way another person feels heard, for sharing viewpoints in a way that others might hear even if they disagree.

All of this is well-grounded in Pope Francis’s encyclical Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social

Friendship.) Pope Francis offers a vision we can all aspire to - seeing one another as

members of one family. We can seek to encounter. We can identify common values. We can listen to understand. We can seek the truth together. In this way, we as the Church can respond to the call "to sustain hope, to be a sign of unity, to build bridges, to break down walls, to sow seeds of reconciliation." (FT no. 276) The tools of dialogue can help us do this.

Pope Francis tells us that dialogue is key to building communities that rise above the damage done by indifference: “A country flourishes when constructive dialogue occurs between its many rich components” (FT no.199). I, for one, found approaching conversation with someone with whom I might disagree to be very uncomfortable. But that’s okay, especially when I remind myself that God’s presence dwells within them as it does within me. When we open ourselves to universal love and see all people as our sisters and brothers, we are expressing our love for God who created one human family.

The Chicago Marathon is Sunday!

This weekend is the Marathon. We wish Fr. Mike Bradley all the best on his running the

Marathon today! Fr. Mike, every step you take, remember, you are not alone. We are all with you.

“Marathons are not won just by legs, but by the heart.” (Heart to Heart)

First Communion and Confirmation Students

The next few weekends are important ones for students making their First Communion and their Confirmation. On Sunday, October 20, at the 10:30 am mass, we will have the presentation of the First Communion Candidates. On Sunday, October 27, at the 10:30 am mass, we will have the presentation of the Confirmation Candidates. 

The dual purpose of presentation of the Candidates is for the Candidates to formally announce to the community that this is a special year for them, receiving a sacrament, and they are pledging to work hard to prepare for this wonderful sacrament. The other purpose is for the community to acknowledge that these candidates are preparing and commit that as a community they will pray especially hard for them this coming year.

All Souls Day

When someone we love passes from this world, we feel a great loss. All Souls Day is a reminder that death is not the end. We believe in eternal life and death is the beginning our eternal journey with God.

Here at St. Gertrude’s, we will be having our special mass of Remembrance of all those who have died on November 5, at the 5:00 pm mass. We will light a candle especially for those who died this past year. If you loved one passed and was not buried from St. Gertrude's, please call the rectory with the name of the person and the date of their death.

~ Fr. Mike

Fr. Mike Bradley to Run the Chicago Marathon for Heart to Heart!

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place this Sunday, October 13th, and along with 50,000 other participants, several Saint Gertrude parishioners and I are prepping for the 26.2 miles.

I've had a couple medical setbacks during recent times. However, because of the prayers of many people, I'm able to lace up my shoes and run my 22nd Chicago Marathon. This will be my 52nd marathon overall.   

I’m asking you to consider making a donation to Heart-to-Heart, our parish’s outreach to the senior citizens and shut-ins of the Edgewater community, regardless of religious affiliation. Heart-to-Heart operates a lending closet with household medical equipment for those in need, and our volunteers provide rides to the doctor and other errands for those who have limited access. Your support for Heart-to-Heart is a real blessing, and your prayers will enable me to reach the finish line on October 13th.

Please send me your prayer intentions at mbradley2222@yahoo.com, and I will pray for your prayer requests as I run/walk the 26.2 miles of the marathon.

With heartfelt appreciation of your prayers and support,

~ Father Mike Bradley

Please Welcome Our New Music Director, Jonathan Hannau

Hello! My name is Jonathan Hannau and I am thrilled to be joining the community of St. Gertrude’s in Edgewater as your new Music Director. I myself live in Edgewater with my wife Suzanne and our three dogs.

For the last decade, I have worked as the Music Director for the Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church and Associate Music Director for St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. I earned my degrees in Music Composition from DePaul University and Roosevelt University, and I maintain a very active career as a performer and composer in the city and abroad. I have released two albums of original solo piano music (among other things), I perform with two professional ensembles in the city, and am also the Artistic Director of the Chicago Composers Orchestra: an organization dedicated to playing the orchestral music of living composers. I recently made my WFMT debut back in February 2024 with violinist Hannah Christiansen.

I look forward to working with you all and bringing a joyful sound to this vibrant and loving congregation. 

Domestic Violence Information

Domestic violence is common, affecting millions of people in the United States each year. Data from CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) indicate about 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime and reported some form of IPV-related impact.

Common signs of abusive behavior in a partner include:

• Telling you that you never do anything right.
• Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them.
• Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with friends, family members, or peers.
• Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people.
• Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.
• Controlling finances in the household without discussion, including taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.
• Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.
• Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
• Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.
• Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
• Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.
• Destroying your belongings or your home.

Domestic Violence Resources: The Archdiocese of Chicago's Domestic Violence Outreach has a list of resources, available here: https://pvm.archchicago.org/human-dignitysolidarity/domestic-violence-outreach.

The St. Gertrude website has a domestic violence information page and a click-away button in the event someone is monitoring computer use. Here is the link: https://stgertrudechicago.org/domestic-violence-help. 

Follow-Up Discussion with Author and Parishioner Michelle Nickerson is This Friday, October 11 

On Friday, October 11th at 6:30 pm, Commonweal Dialogue will continue the discussion of longtime parishioner, Loyola professor, Fulbright Scholar, and historian Michelle Nickerson’s new book, Spiritual Criminals: How the Camden 28 Put the Vietnam War on Trial and its relevance for current political protests. 

This gathering of Commonweal will be held in the first-floor chapel of the Ministry Center, 6214 North Glenwood Ave. Please RSVP for the October 11 gathering to to John Williams at oolikar@gmail.com or Denise DeBelle at ddebelle@gmail.com so we are sure to have plenty of pizza and wine!

Important Religious Education Dates

Below are some important dates for Religious Ed students, particularly for those making sacraments this school year:

• Sunday, October 13th - No Religious Ed Classes
• Sunday, October 20th and Sunday, October 27th - Think First & Stay Safe sessions. These two informative sessions are mandatory for all of our students. 
• Sunday, October 20th - Presentation of the First Communion Candidates. All those who will be making First Communion in May 2025 should attend the 10:30 am Mass in church after their regular Sunday class. During the Mass, the priest will call forward the candidates to be acknowledged by the whole community. All Communion candidates must be accompanied by an adult. 
• Sunday, October 27th - Presentation of the Confirmation Candidates. All students who plan to be confirmed in March 2025 should attend the 10:30 am Mass in church after their regular Sunday class. During the Mass, the priest will call forward the candidates to be acknowledged by the whole community. All Communion candidates must be accompanied by an adult. 

World Mission Sunday is Next Weekend, October 19-20!

World Mission Sunday, observed on October 20th this year, is not just another Sunday; it is a powerful reminder of our call to be missionaries. The collection taken up on this day is unique as it is mandated by the Code of Canon Law and is essential for the survival and growth of the Church in mission territories.

These funds support the pastoral and evangelizing work of the Church, including building churches, providing healthcare and education, and training future priests and religious. In places where resources are scarce, your generosity makes a profound difference. As we reflect on the theme "Go and invite everyone to the banquet," let us remember that our participation and support help invite countless souls to the feast of God's love.

Collection for Care for Real is October 26 and 27

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.

Please place nonperishable items in the bins at the back of church before and after mass times. Special needs this month include diapers in any sizes.

Visit www.careforreal.org/wishlist to shop Care for Real's Amazon or Target wish lists to shop-to-donate today. Donations can also be dropped off between 12:00-3:00 pm every Monday-Saturday at the back entrance of 5339 N. Sheridan.

Additionally, you can visit www.careforreal.org/wishlist to shop Care for Real's Amazon or Target wish lists to shop-to-donate today. Donations can also be dropped off between 12:00-3:00 pm every Monday-Saturday at the back entrance of 5339 N. Sheridan. 

Parish Town Hall Planned for Sunday, October 27

The Parish Pastoral Council asks that you reserve the date for a Call to Action Town Hall on October 27.

This meeting will be held in the Gym after the 10:30 am masses; and will review how to operationalize the strategic plan. 

Listen With the Ear of Your Heart - Heart to Heart Listening Session on Tuesday, October 29

That's the first piece of advice that St. Benedict gives in his Rule, and Heart to Heart is taking it to . . . heart.

Heart to Heart is the parish program that serves older adults in Edgewater with the goal of helping them remain independent in their homes. 

Sr. Susan Quaintance, O.S.B. will be holding a listening session with volunteers about their experiences and reflections on the place of the program in the parish. While the Lending Closet is also part of Heart to Heart, that is not what will be discussed. We will focus on the outreach to seniors who need transportation and other services. If you would be interested in being a part of that conversation, please join us on Tuesday, October 29, at 11:30 am We will meet in the Ministry Center Dining Room.

Save the Date - Upcoming Youth Group Events

Attention students in 7th graders and up! Save the date! On Saturday, November 2, you are invited to join us as the youth group visits the National Museum of Mexican Art.

On this field trip, you will be able to visit exhibitions capturing the wide range of Mexican cultural expressions and art forms, from ancient to modern and on both sides of the U.S. - Mexican border. This is a very exciting cultural experience amidst of the Day of the Dead Celebration!

Additionally, on December 14, we've planned an afternoon of Christmas card-making and cookie baking and on January 11, we'll go ice skating.

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

Fr. Mike Bradley and Laurie Hasbrook to be Recognized as 2024 Edgewater Treasures on November 2!

On Saturday, November 2, Fr. Mike Bradley and Laurie Hasbrook, along Dr. Jamal Husain, will be recognized as 2024 Living Treasures of Edgewater! The event will be at 1:00 pm at the Edgewater Public Library, 6000 N. Broadway. Light refreshments will be served.

Edgewater Living Treasures are residents of Edgewater who have made a difference, some in a profound, fundamental way, and others in a small but significant action that has affected the well being of the Edgewater community. Their deeds were not driven by personal gain, but to help the people of the community – whether generating beauty, fostering harmony, helping the less fortunate or encouraging grass roots activity.

In addition to his work at the Archdiocese and St. Gertrude parish, especially the Heart to Heart ministry, Fr. Mike has raised funds for an AIDs clinic in Uganda, Catholic Charities in Chicago, Leukemia Society, and Northside Catholic Academy.

Laurie has worked diligently to improve the lives of others in Edgewater for more than 20 years. She has served as a support person for Iraqi refugee families and assisted migrants who gathered around the 24th District police station, sleeping on the ground without food or adequate clothing. Laurie has also worked with various mutual aid networks and WhatsApp groups to distribute goods and services to help these new neighbors. And her work at St. Gertrude, especially with the Lending Closet, has been a blessing to so many!

We hope you can join us to celebrate these amazing people!

Parish Play Planned for Saturday, November 2 to Benefit Heart to Heart

The St. Gertrude Players are staging a new musical play on Saturday, November 2nd, at 7:00 pm in the Gym.  

The play, "Two Trillion At Least," tells the exciting tale of the Pope's trip to outer space! (The title refers to how many galaxies there are in the Universe.)

Please plan to be there!

Kids Word Available at 10:30 am Masses

On Sundays during the 10:30 am Mass in church, children aged 4-7 years-old are invited to attend Kids Word to hear an age-appropriate Gospel message and do fun, scripture-based activities, such as coloring or crafts, in the Rectory.

Children are invited by the celebrant to come to the altar before the readings and will return to church before the petitions.

Email eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org for details.

Pet Blessing Pictures

Thank you to those who came out this past Sunday for our annual Pet Blessing!  

We were so happy to see those family members who don't usually attend Mass. 

Social Hall Boiler Damage

There has been damage to one of the two boilers located in the social hall. We had three different companies come out and assessed the damage. All agreed the boiler will need to be replaced. 

St. Gertrude and Northside Catholic Academy are working together in making sure this project will begin within the next few weeks.

St. Gert's Parish Garden

The parish garden keeps on giving! We've continued to be able to share the bounty from our garden with St. Thomas of Canterbury's soup kitchen and food pantry and Care for Real.

Special thanks to Mary Clare Barker, Max Schweikert, and his team for their hard work this summer (and fall!) caring for the garden.

Growing in Faith

“Then who can be saved?” A camel through the eye of a needle? That’s preposterous! Yes, it is preposterous - to us humans. As Jesus says, “For

human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” 

Like the man who approached Jesus and asked what he must do to inherit eternal life, I think many of us wonder if we are worthy. The man didn’t like Jesus’ answer. He liked his possessions more than what Jesus said he should do. 

Do we like our possessions more? Do we prefer how we do things day in and day out rather than what Jesus says we should do? Do we prefer the status quo? Don’t rock the boat! Go along with the crowd. Don’t speak out about injustices. It’s not my fault they’re homeless. It’s not my fault they won’t seek help for mental illness or addiction. It’s not my fault they left their country. 

Some of us may say, “I’ve worked hard to build a career. I saved to buy this house. I sacrificed so my kids could get a good education. Isn’t that worth something?” Sure, it’s worth something. But is it enough? The second reading says, “No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.” While all things are possible for God, will we be worthy for God to grant us treasure in heaven?

~ Steve Hasselbeck

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, October 12 at 5:00 pm - Tim Harrington
• Sunday, October 13 at 8:00 am - Barb Daly
• Sunday, October 13 at 10:30 am - Carlos Barragan, Annie Hasselbeck, Stephen Hasselbeck

Upcoming Mass Intentions



• Saturday, October 12: 7:30 am - People of God; 5:00 pm - Theresa Cenar+
• Sunday, October 13: 8:00 am - Patricia Meade; 10:30 am - Edith Flores; 10:30 am Gym Mass - People of God
• Monday, October 14: 7:30 am - Pat and Ralph Veccie+
• Tuesday, October 15: 7:30 am - Sheila McGuire+
• Wednesday, October 16: 7:30 am - Alonzo Jackson
• Thursday, October 17: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Friday, October 18: 7:30 am - Rodney Colin Manuel and Evanzuela Manuel
• Saturday, October 19: 7:30 am - People of God; 5:00 pm - Victor & Zaida Reyes +; 
• Alphonsus & Blanche Saldanha
• Sunday, October 20: 8:00 am - Harlan Fissel; 10:30 am - Bill O’Toole; 10:30 am Gym Mass - People of God

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.