Bulletin for Sunday, September 11, 2022
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
| |
Mass Times: Sunday: 8:00 & 10:30 am (The 10:30 am Gym Mass resumes
Sept. 18); 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.
| | | | |
|
From Fr. Rich
The Parish Potluck is THIS Sunday, September 11!
Please join in our Parish Potluck Picnic on Sunday, September 11 from 11:30 am - 2:00 pm in the parking lot at Glenwood and Thome. Please bring your own chair, a side dish or dessert for sharing, and whatever you would like to drink.
I hope to see you there!
| |
|
Parish Staffing Updates
Some months ago, preparing for the retirements of Kevin Chears and Jane Callahan-Moore, I realized that in a period of a little over two years, everyone on the parish staff would have changed positions, except Fr. Mike Gabriel. This wasn’t by design, but simply due to planned retirements and some job opportunities that opened up for some people. As that reality dawned, I also realized we had a responsibility of preparing the parish for this extended time of transition.
A quick recap of the changes: the Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry, Jim Potthast decided to be a stay-at-home dad when the pandemic hit so he could home-school his children; Art Blumberg, Business Manager, decided to take a position as Director of Evangelization at his home parish; the front office receptionist, Marge, decided the long commute was more than she wanted to continue; Fr. Mike Bradley retired and moved; Kevin Chears, Pastoral Associate, retired; Jane Callahan-Moore, Heart to Heart Director retired; and Mary Clare Barker, Music Director, will be retiring within the next year.
In the same order as above: after a year of Kevin Chears “filling in” for the Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry, Eloy Escamilla came on board as the new Director and has also taken on responsibility for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults; Eduardo Soto has come on a parish Operations Director (a new title and job description from the Archdiocese which includes the Business Manager position); Maria Garcia came on as front office receptionist; Fr. Bradley, who had been a resident-priest helping out with sacraments and other duties, was not replaced; nor did we replace the Pastoral Associate position because of finances; Pat Sullivan came on as the new Director of Heart to Heart as a half-time position.
Which leaves me and Fr. Mike Gabriel. A not-well-kept secret is that I am retiring on January 1, 2023, after 44 years of ministry here in the Archdiocese of Chicago. I will be moving to a home I have in St. Joseph, Michigan on that date, and then do some road-tripping for about four months. And then I will figure out the rest!
But because of the number of position changes, we also wanted to do whatever we could to guarantee a sense of continuity here at St. Gertrude Parish. To that end, Fr. Mike and I spoke with Bishop Bartosic and the Priest Placement Board representative about Fr. Mike becoming pastor. They all thought that was a good idea, presented it to Cardinal Cupich and he agreed. On January 1, 2023, Fr. Mike will become the Administrator of St. Gertrude Parish. In our newly updated system, the Archdiocese only makes pastors on July 1st each year. So, Fr. Mike will be Administrator from January 1-June 30, and then become pastor on July 1, 2023. It is both of our hopes that this will go a long way towards achieving continuity.
I will celebrate a “Retirement Mass” on Sunday, December 18 at 10:30 am with some kind of reception afterwards, then be here for Christmas, and then move to Michigan.
The parish staff has been working on this time of transition for some months now. We are well aware that the size of the staff has declined some and there will be some things that need to change. Some of the things staff members used to do will need either new volunteers, or some things may no longer be able to be done.
Please feel free to ask me or any of the parish staff any question you have or share and concerns. We are committed to continuing the excellence of St. Gertrude Parish for many more years. Your observations and suggestions are always welcome.
| |
|
Season of Creation—September 1-October 4
We know how to celebrate Advent and observe Lent, rejoice at Easter. But how might we observe the non-liturgical Season of Creation from September 1 through October 4? As
individuals and families, we can create our own traditions. Plant a tree. Help preserve a
forest. Take walks in nature. Support national parks. Shrink your carbon footprint.
| |
Prayer for use during the Season of Creation
Creator of All, from your communion of love, your Word went forth singing a symphony of life that sings your praise! By your Holy Wisdom you made Earth to bring forth a diversity of creatures who praise you in their being! You call us to keep your garden. You create us in relationship with creation so that we can listen and learn from their voices how to safeguard the conditions for life.
So often, we turn in on ourselves. We close our ears to your Word calling to us through creation and the Scriptures. We lament and grieve the loss of species, their habitats and human cultures that have perished because of our unwillingness to listen.
In this Season of Creation, call to us, as from the burning bush, with the sustaining fire of your Spirit. Teach us to contemplate your creation, and listen for the voice of each creature declaring your glory. Fill us with hope to quench the fires of injustice with your healing love. Enlighten us to follow Christ in walking lightly on this holy ground.
This we ask in the name of the One who comes proclaiming good news to all creation, Jesus Christ. Amen.
| | | |
Upcoming Events
Listed in Chronological Order
| | | | |
|
Misericordia Family Fest—This Sunday, September 11
After stopping by the Parish Potluck this Sunday, please consider visiting Misericordia and supporting their 40th annual Family Fest!
Family Fest will take place from 11:00 am-6:00 pm at 6300 N. Ridge Blvd. Proceeds support Misericordia’s programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Tickets are available online here and at the door. Visit Misericordia's Family Fest page or call 773.273.2768 for more information.
| | |
NCA’s Back to School Block Party
All are welcome to attend NCA’s back-to-school block party on Saturday, September 17! The event will be held from 12:00-4:30 pm outside the school’s Primary Campus, located at 6216 N. Glenwood Ave., and in the parking lot across from school. The festivities will offer food for sale, music, activities, and more. We hope to see you there!
| |
| |
|
Kids Word Returns on Sundays at 10:30 am Masses Begins Next Weekend
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 will be 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.
| | |
The Gym Mass Returns Next Sunday, September 18
Next Sunday morning, the Gym Mass returns at its regular 10:30 am time!
This more casual Mass is held at 1401 West Granville Avenue.
| |
|
|
A Letter for Cardinal Cupich: Second Collection for
Seminarian Education is Next Weekend, September 17-18
| |
|
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The seminarians preparing to be the future priests who will serve our parishes are a great blessing to us. They have stepped forward to give their lives to minister to the children and grandchildren of this present era.
Today, more than ever, we need compassionate and knowledgeable priests who will walk with us through life, sharing in our joys and sorrows and guiding us through life’s challenges.
This is why we need to invest in their training at both the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary and at Saint John Vianney College Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota. At Masses throughout the archdiocese next weekend, as we ask for your encouragement and prayers for our seminarians, we also ask you to invest in their formation. Your financial support will help to cover the educational and formational costs of their preparation, including tuition and fees, room and board, and health insurance.
These young men are giving their lives for us, and I ask you to match their generosity by making a sacrificial gift as we take up this collection. You will be investing in them, but also in the future of our Church.
A remittance envelope will be placed in your pew or at the back of the church for your gift. You may also send your donation to your parish, noting that it is for “Seminarian Education,” or make a gift online at https://archchicago.org/seminarianfund.
An additional way to support vocations in the archdiocese is by encouraging young men to consider discerning the priesthood. Many current priests credit their vocation to personal
invitations and conversations with loved ones and friends who recognized the potential in them.
On behalf of current and future archdiocesan seminarians, thank you. May God continue to bless you abundantly. Please know that I keep you in my daily prayers and intentions, and I ask for yours in return.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Cardinal Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago
| |
Interested in Becoming Catholic? RCIA Classes Begin Next Sunday, September 18 | |
|
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process by which adults learn more about the Catholic Church. This free program begins next Sunday, September 18 and meets until Pentecost.
Many people who begin RCIA are non-Catholics seeking to become Catholic or at least to explore whether Catholicism might be a good home. Those who complete the process and decide to become Catholic are initiated into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday. Others who take RCIA are already Catholic but want a deeper understanding of their faith foundation.
The RCIA process does not ask those who have been baptized in another faith to give up their denominational experiences. Rather, the RCIA process seeks to add new colors and designs to their existing faith life tapestry. In addition to attending Mass, the RCIA process includes weekly gatherings of breaking open the Word of God, sharing our stories, and learning about our faith traditions.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the RCIA process at St. Gertrude, contact me at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or call the Rectory at 773.764.3621. The RCIA meeting schedule is available here: https://bit.ly/RCIACalendarUpdated.
~ Eloy Escamilla, Pastoral Associate
| | |
|
Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass – September 18
Couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary from across the Archdiocese of Chicago are invited to gather together for the Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass that will be celebrated by Cardinal Cupich on Sunday, September 18 at 2:30 pm. The Mass will be held at Holy Name Cathedral.
Click here for information & to register
| |
Save the Date—ACDVO Mass is Saturday, October 1
The Archdiocese of Chicago Domestic Violence Outreach (ACDVO) will hold their annual Mass to end domestic violence and for survivors and their family on Saturday, October 1 at 5:30 pm. The Mass will be held at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State St.
| |
|
PreCana Class at St. Gertrude on Saturday, October 15
Are you an engaged couple planning on getting married at St. Gertrude? Couples that have established a connection with Fr. Rich (or another priest) are invited to attend St. Gertrude’s PreCana course on Saturday, October 15.
This full day, in-person gathering is dedicated to considering your life together as a married couple. Led by a facilitator couple from St. Gertrude, the session begins at 9:00 am and features presentations, prayers, and discussions with your partner and 5-10 other couples. Lunch and snacks are provided.
Couples can register for the October session by calling the Rectory office at 773.764.3621or by filling out an online form at https://stgertrudechicago.org/marriage.
The cost of PreCana is covered by the church fee couples planning a wedding at St. Gertrude are charged.
Additional PreCana classes at St. Gertrude will be offered on January 21, 2023, April 15, 2023, and September 9, 2023.
| | | |
|
|
Hidden Mercy - A Conversation with the Author Happening on October 18
Everyone is invited to join a conversation with Michael O'Loughlin, author of Hidden Mercy: AIDS, Catholics and the Untold Stories of Compassion in the Face of Fear, on Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00 pm.
This is a jointly sponsored event between St. Gertrude and The Hank Center for Catholic Intellectual Heritage at Loyola.
The event will be held in Loyola University’s
McCormick Lounge, located on the first floor of Coffey Hall, 1000 W. Sheridan Rd.
| | |
|
Interested in Joining the 10:30 am Sunday Choir?
The 10:30 am choir resumes this weekend! New members are welcome, as well as cantors interested in singing at the 10:30 am and other weekend Masses.
The group practices on Sunday mornings at 9:40 am and on Thursday nights at 7:00 pm when we have special music.
To join or for more information, contact Mary Clare Barker at 773.764.3621 or mcbarker@stgertrudechicago.org.
| |
|
St. Gertrude Garden Goodness
More beautiful veggies were harvested from the parish garden this week!
The vegetables and herbs grown from our garden will be shared with both Care for Real and the St. Thomas of Canterbury soup kitchen!
| |
|
Growing in Faith
Luke’s Gospel passage in this weekend’s readings contains three very familiar bible stories. Sr. Wendy Cotter mentioned the other day that these three parables are for three different audiences.
I suspect Jesus had each specific audience in mind when he told these different stories. The Lost Sheep is geared toward men. The Lost Coin to women. And The Lost Son was clearly positioned for a larger group of both.
Luke pulled all three stories into one section, as if Jesus were talking to only one audience. Why? I’ll guess Luke saw that all three stories contained a similar theme: Going after and reclaiming something we have lost.
It’s ironic to learn that Sunday, September 11th is the date these readings appear. 9/11 was an event that divided time into before and after. Today, we find ourselves in a parallel time where we’re struggling to make sense of this post-pandemic world. Like the time after 9/11, we are seeking to find wholeness and meaning.
As before, we can’t return to our same pre-pandemic life. Neither can we just pack up and move on. We’ve all experienced significant loss, in so many different domains. We’ve lost family members, friends, livelihoods, school, and development time. The list goes on. Now, recovery of ourselves is “job one”. And it’s not about going back to the same life as before. Instead, we reclaim our lives thanks to the transformative process of grief, through which we create new meaning. Only then will we find ourselves once again whole.
~ Claire Conley
| |
Help for Ukraine
If you would like to donate to help the Ukrainian people, please consider donating to Catholic Relief Services for emergency aid to the people in Ukraine.
Click here to donate to CRS
| |
| | |
|
Remember St. Gertrude in Your Will or Trust
When considering which charities to include in your will or trust, we hope you will remember St. Gertrude Parish. A bequest can be made to our parish using the following language: “I give [insert specific dollar amount, or percentage of net or residuary] to The Catholic
Bishop of Chicago, Tax ID #36-2170826, a corporation sole located in Chicago, Illinois, to be used for the benefit of St. Gertrude located in Chicago, Illinois. However, if St. Gertrude ceases to exist in its current form, then to the new parish or parishes erected in its stead.”
Please consult an attorney and financial advisor when drafting your will or trust.
For more information, please visit giving.archchicago.org/bequest or contact Eduardo Soto at esoto@stgertrudechicago.org or 773.764.3621.
| |
Schedule for Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Cantors, and Musicians | |
|
Ministers of the Word
- Saturday, September 10 at 5:00 pm - Kathleen Dawson
- Sunday, September 11 at 8:00 am -
- Kathryn Stimac
- Sunday, September 11 at 10:30 am -
- Rose Karasti
| |
|
Eucharistic Ministers
- Saturday, September 10 at 5:00 pm - Kathy Wall
- Sunday, September 11 at 8:00 am - Brian DeVarenne
- Sunday, September 11 at 10:30 am - Carlos Barragan, Bob Backis, Rafael Melendez
| |
|
Cantors and Musicians
-
Saturday, September 10 at 5:00 pm - Bernie O’Connor
- Sunday, September 11 at 8:00 am - Kate Hibbs Davis
-
Sunday, September 11 at 10:30 am - Matt Heimer, cantor; Dana Sullivan, flute; St. Gertrude choir
| |
Ways to Help Our Parish: Amazon Smile, Text to Give, GiveCentral, PayPal, and Amazon Smile
Visit smile.amazon.com and select St. Gertrude Parish as your charity of choice. From then on, connect to Amazon through smile.amazon.com and St. Gertrude will automatically benefit as your charity of choice.
We have set up a "Text to Give" option through GiveCentral. Parishioners are welcome to text the word Donate to 1.773.741.9505 to make a donation via phone.
To access our PayPal link, please visit our parish website and donate from there. GiveCentral offers parishioners the option of one-time gifts or weekly contributions.
For more information on text to give or to sign up for online giving, please email Eduardo Soto at esoto@stgertrudechicago.org.
| |
|
-
Monday, September 12: 7:30 am - Living and deceased Torreano family members
-
Tuesday, September 13: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Society
-
Wednesday, September 14: 7:30 am - Joseph Brennan +
-
Thursday, September 15: 7:30 am - Communion Service/Billy Tobin +
-
Friday, September 16: 7:30 am - Living and deceased parents of St. Gertrude parishioners
-
Saturday, September 17: 7:30 am - World peace; 5:00 pm - Hal Mann +
-
Sunday, September 18: 8:00 am - Living and deceased Torreano family members; 10:30 am - Betty and Jack Taylor; 10:30 am Gym Mass - Marie Schraufnagel +
(+ indicates the person is deceased)
| |
|
Click HERE for the daily readings for Masses. Here is the list of readings for this for parishioners that prefer to look them up:
Monday, September 12: 1 Cor 11:17-26, 33/Lk 7:1-10
Tuesday, September 13: 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27-31a/Lk 7:11-17
Wednesday, September 14: Nm 21:4b-9/Phil 2:6-11/Jn 3:13-17
Thursday, September 15: 1 Cor 15:1-11 (446)/Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35
Friday, September 16: 1 Cor 15:12-20/Lk 8:1-3
Saturday, September 17: 1 Cor 15:35-37, 42-49/Lk 8:4-15
Sunday, September 18: Am 8:4-7/1 Tm 2:1-8/Lk 16:1-13 or 16:10-13
| |
Please Pray for our Parishioners and Friends
| |
- Pamela Sherrod Anderson
- Zara Bradley
- Sharon Brown
- Lilly Buie
- Maggie Callaway
- Aida Calvopina
- KC Conway
- Connie Cool
- Caloy Desembrana
- Ann Collins Dole
- Christine Frisoni
- Shirley Marie Gonzales
- Gina Heidkamp
- Maria Hertl
- Daniel Hidalgo
| |  |
- Bernice Kiedysz
- Marilyn Klein
- Steve Laslo
- Roy Lipscomb
- Sheila McGuire
- Dean Mattoni
- Larry McCauley
- Molly Morris
- Karey Myers
- Richard Seitz
- Peggy Stoffel
- The Sullivan family
- Elinora E. Tolentino
- Manuel & Norma Viray
- Leon Ward
- Ken & Vyes Yoza
| | | | |
