St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville,

Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, September 6, 2026

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Remembering Fr. Dominic Grassi

For many at St. Gertrude, Fr. Dominic Grassi was more than a former pastor—he was a familiar face, a trusted priest, and a friend whose presence became part of the life of our parish.

During his years at St. Gertrude, Fr. Dom shared in the joys and challenges of parish life and built relationships that continued long after he retired. Many parishioners stayed in touch with him over the years, a reminder of the lasting impact he had on the people he served.

As we remember Fr. Dom, we give thanks for the memories, conversations, celebrations, and moments of faith we shared with him. We are grateful for the years he gave to St. Gertrude and for the many lives he touched through his priesthood.

Please join us in keeping Fr. Dominic, his family, friends, and all who mourn his passing in our prayers.

May Fr. Dom rest in the peace of Christ, and may his memory remain a blessing to all who knew and loved him.

Annual Mission Appeal is Next Weekend

Dear Parishioners of St. Gertrude Parish,

Greetings and blessings in Christ!

My name is Fr. Gudime Jesudas, and I am a priest of the Diocese of Kadapa, India. I currently serve as Associate Pastor at St. Mary of the Woods Parish, where I have been ministering since 2021.

I am honored to be with you on the weekend of September 12 and 13 for the Annual Mission Appeal. I would like to share a little about myself, my vocation, and the mission of the Diocese of Kadapa, which your generosity will help support.

I was born into a traditional Catholic family and am the fifth of six children. My parents, Samuel and Showramma, were people of deep faith who planted the seeds of love for God in my heart. Through their example, encouragement, and sacrifices, I discovered my vocation to the priesthood. At the age of sixteen, I entered the seminary, and after years of formation and discernment, I was ordained a priest in 1997.

Before coming to the United States, I served the people of my home diocese in India for twenty-two years. Every assignment, every parish, and every person I encountered became a blessing in my priestly journey. Since arriving in Chicago in October 2019, I have experienced the same joy of serving God's people. I have been deeply touched by the faith, generosity, and welcoming spirit of the Catholic communities here. Chicago has truly become a second home for me.

The Diocese of Kadapa: A Mission Church

The Diocese of Kadapa, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh in South India, was established in 1977 as a mission diocese. Today, it serves approximately 85,000 Catholics among a total population of nearly eight million people. The diocese consists of 68 parishes and 125 diocesan priests. Many of our priests serve not only in India but also in countries such as the United States and Europe, sharing the gifts of our faith with the universal Church.

Most of our Catholic faithful come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Nearly 90 percent belong to marginalized communities and depend on daily agricultural labor for their livelihood. Despite their hardships, they possess a deep faith and remarkable devotion to Christ and His Church.

Each parish often serves numerous mission villages, sometimes as many as fifteen. Priests travel long distances to celebrate Mass, administer the sacraments, provide catechetical instruction, and accompany families in their spiritual lives.

Forming Faith and Building the Future

The primary mission of our diocese is Evangelization, Education, and Social Upliftment. The diocese conducts the following programs:

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• Faith formation for children and youth
• Scholarships for poor students
• Marriage preparation programs
• Leadership training for village elders
• Formation programs for catechists
• Women's empowerment programs
• Charismatic conventions at the deanery level
• Awareness programs in rural areas

The diocese takes on the ongoing responsibility of supporting parish ministries, providing salaries for priests in active ministry and trained catechists, caring for retired and sick priests, assisting hundreds of village catechists who serve in mission villages, and providing charitable assistance to families in need.

These ministries require approximately $30,000 each month to sustain. We meet these needs through the generosity of priests serving abroad, mission appeals such as this one, and the kindness of benefactors who believe in the Church's mission.

As a priest, I have witnessed firsthand how generosity changes lives. A contribution may seem small, but it can provide a child's education, support a catechist serving remote villages, help a seminarian discern his vocation, or bring the Gospel to communities that hunger for hope.

Your support is not merely a donation; it is a partnership in the mission of Christ. Through your prayers and generosity, you become part of the Church's work among some of the poorest and most faith-filled communities in India.

May God bless you abundantly for your generosity, and may Our Lady continue to watch over your families.

Fr. Gudime Jesudas

Diocese of Kadapa, India

Associate Pastor, St. Mary of the Woods Parish, Chicago, IL 60646

Share What You Can: Care for Real Collection Planned for September 5-6

Our community has an ongoing opportunity to put compassion into action. Next weekend, please bring nonperishable food and other essential items to the Care for Real Collection before or after any Mass at St. Gertrude.

Throughout the year, St. Gertrude partners with Care for Real by holding collections on the first and fourth weekends of each month. These regular collections allow us to respond to changing needs in our neighborhood and ensure that families and individuals have access to basic necessities.

Not sure what to bring? For Care for Real’s current wish list and links to its social media pages, visit linktr.ee/cfrchicago.

Thank you for sharing what you can. Every donation, large or small, is a reminder to our neighbors that they are cared for and not alone.

Rectory Office Closed on Labor Day

The Rectory office will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. A Communion Service will be held at 7:30 am.

September Book Club

Join the St. Gertrude Book Club on Tuesday, September 8, at 6:30 pm in the Ministry Center, 6214 N. Glenwood Ave., as we discuss Mercy Street by Jennifer Haigh.

New members are always welcome, and we would love to hear your perspectives! For more information, contact Lea Cloninger at 773.213.0509.

Religious Education Classes Begin Next Sunday, September 13 - Parent Meeting Also Planned

Religious Education classes begin next Sunday, September 13, at 9:15 am at St. Gertrude. At the same time, all parents and guardians are required to attend a parent meeting as we begin the 2026–2027 Religious Education year.

We look forward to welcoming our children and families back for another year of faith, learning, prayer, and community. Through age-appropriate lessons and opportunities to grow in faith, our Religious Education program helps children deepen their relationship with God while families journey alongside them.

If you have not yet registered your child, registration information—including the calendar, parent handbook, online registration forms, and tuition information—is available in both English and Spanish at stgertrudechicago.org/religious-education. In-person registration is also available by appointment.

We look forward to seeing our Religious Education families next Sunday!

Questions? Contact Pastoral Associate Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.

Commonweal Action Letter Writing Campaign - Wednesday, September 16

On Wednesday, September 16, Commonweal Action will host a letter-writing session in the Ministry Center. We will be writing to the Prairieland Defendants, a loosely affiliated group of people who are being prosecuted by the Justice Department for their participation in a noise protest outside an ICE detention center in Texas. Most of them are currently imprisoned and have been for over a year as they appeal their cases.

As they have been separated from their homes and loved ones, we intend to offer them the comfort of a friendly voice and the dignity of genuine conversation. Our goal is to establish regular correspondence with them so they know, as they go through these difficult times, that they are not alone. We sent letters as a group in July, and several of us have already received responses.

If you would like to attend, writing materials, envelopes, and stamps will be provided. We encourage you to bring anything that would help you write more comfortably (such as a favorite pen) and any books or articles from which you might like to transcribe a passage.

If you would prefer to participate from home, or if you have any questions, feel free to email Aidan Coyle at packrat386@gmail.com.

Gym Mass Returns September 20

The Gym Mass is returning this fall! Join us on Sunday, September 20, at 10:30 am for our first Gym Mass of the season at 1401 W. Granville Ave.

Gym Mass offers a welcoming opportunity for our parish community to gather, worship, and celebrate together in a relaxed setting. We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming everyone back for another season of Sunday worship in the gym.

We hope you’ll join us!

Brewed at St. Gertrude Social Gathering Planned for September 20

Make plans to stay after the 10:30 am Mass on Sunday, September 20 for “Brewed at St. Gertrude,” our monthly gathering for coffee and community in the Social Hall. It’s a wonderful chance to slow down, connect, and enjoy some time together.

We’ll have a selection of pastries along with coffee, tea, and hot cocoa. Everyone is welcome—whether you’ve been part of the parish for years or are just getting to know the community, we’d love to have you join us!

An Invitation to Join Poetry Pilgrims - Next Online Meeting is Monday, September 21

St. Gertrude Parish Poetry Pilgrims meets monthly to read, reflect upon, and discuss poetry. If you’ve ever had a passion for, or even a curiosity about, poetry and how this particularly rich form of language can impact your life, please join us.

No literary expertise is necessary. We learn from the poets and poems selected for each session, as well as from one another’s observations and insights.

We meet for about an hour and a half on the third Monday of each month at 7:30 pm. Since the pandemic, our sessions have been held on Zoom, so distance and weather conditions should not deter anyone from considering becoming part of the group.

For more information, please contact Rose Marie Anichini at irma71@aol.com.

Share Your Gifts: Lectors & Eucharistic Ministers Training Offered September 21

Would you like to become more involved in the celebration of Mass? Consider serving as a lector or Eucharistic minister at St. Gertrude!

Training for Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers will be held on Monday, September 21, at 6:30 pm in the church. Youth and adults are invited to attend.

Whether you are interested in proclaiming the Word of God as a Lector or assisting in the distribution of Holy Communion as a Eucharistic Minister, this is a wonderful opportunity to share your gifts with our parish community.

To learn more, contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.

Serve at the Altar: Altar Server Training on September 28

Share your gifts and become more involved in the celebration of Mass by serving as an altar server!

Altar server training will be held on Monday, September 28, at 6:30 pm in the church. Students in 4th grade and older are invited to attend and learn more about this important ministry.

Altar servers play an important role in supporting the priest and assisting with the celebration of Mass. No previous experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn and serve!

To learn more, contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.

Loyola Students Serve at Heart to Heart

St. Gertrude was grateful to welcome a wonderful group of Loyola University Chicago freshmen participating in Community Service and Action’s Saturday of Service. The students volunteered at our Heart to Heart Medical Lending Closet, lending their time and energy to help serve our community.

Thank you to this fabulous crew, who came to Loyola from communities all across the country, for choosing to spend part of their first days on campus in service to others. We’re so glad to have you as part of our neighborhood!

Growing in Faith: Love is the Answer!

Taking moral responsibility does not always come easily to us. It demands courage when we may prefer to look the other way. We want to avoid confrontation. In today’s Scripture readings, God reminds us once more of the cost of discipleship.

Blatant disregard for truth is rampant in our highest leadership, including our government, institutions, corporations, and media. “Alternative” truth threatens the life of our very planet and its civilization. We feel the anger and disappointment of being deceived, but none of us are innocent of our own participation in hurting others.

Our Scriptures today are clear about the commission to love, and love requires face to face honesty. Jesus in his humanity knows the complexity of what that means to us, and he gives us some explicit instructions for resolving disputes. These are requirements:

• Person to person reconciliation,
• Involvement and discernment within community,
• Church wisdom.

I am most struck by Jesus’s final resort to an incorrigible person: “If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.” Isn’t the way Jesus himself treated a number of Gentiles and tax collectors his example for us? He treated them with honesty, hospitality, and great love. Love is the answer!

Nancy Bujnowski

Explore the Catholic Faith Through OCIA: Classes Begin Next Sunday

Registration is now open for the 2026–2027 Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) at St. Gertrude. If you or someone you know has questions about the Catholic faith or is wondering whether the Catholic Church might be calling you, OCIA offers a welcoming place to learn, reflect, and explore.

OCIA, formerly known as RCIA, is for adults at various points in their faith journey. Participants may be preparing to become Catholic, exploring the faith after being baptized in another Christian tradition, or seeking the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation. Others may simply want to learn more about Catholic beliefs and deepen their relationship with God.

Through weekly gatherings beginning September 6, participants will pray together, explore Scripture and Catholic teaching, share their experiences, and become more connected to the life of the parish. Each person is encouraged to take the time needed to discern their own faith journey. Those who choose to enter the Catholic Church celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Curious? Come explore. For more information about OCIA at St. Gertrude, contact Eloy Escamilla at the Rectory at 773.764.3621 or eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.

Catholic Lawyers Guild to Host Forum: AI and Other Challenges to the Future of Workers' Rights on September 9

Join the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago for “Workers Rights Forum III 2026,” a timely program examining current developments in the law and federal policies affecting workers. The Forum will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Carpenters Hall, 12 East Erie in Chicago. The Forum seeks to educate lawyers and other members of the public about Catholic social teaching on worker justice, with particular attention to federal workers, immigrants, and detained people.

The keynote presentation will be provided by Professor Joseph Vukov, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Loyola University Chicago. He will explain Magnifica Humanitas, the recently released encyclical by Pope Leo exploring the challenges artificial intelligence poses to our essential humanity. The audience will have an opportunity to discuss how to respond to current developments and trends, including the impact of AI on workers.

Please register here: https://www.clgchicago.org/events/workersforum/

Misericordia Family Fest – Next Sunday, September 13

Join Misericordia for Family Fest on Sunday, September 13, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Misericordia campus, 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago. This fun-filled event features food, drinks, live entertainment, games, bingo, raffles, shopping and more.

Family Fest brings together thousands of friends and supporters while raising funds for Misericordia’s programs and services for more than 650 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Buy tickets, volunteer, or purchase raffle chances here



New Parishioners

• Nancy Goldberg

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, September 5 at 5:00 pm - Joe McMahon, Millie Slane
• Sunday, September 6 at 8:00 am - Hallie Burhoe, Kathryn Stimac
• Sunday, September 6 at 10:30 am - Troy McMillan, Anthony Myers

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, September 5 at 5:00 pm - Christine Lincoln
• Sunday, September 6 at 8:00 am - Lisa Schneider
• Sunday, September 6 at 10:30 am - Robert Backis, Tim Love, Ellen Pierce

Altar Servers

• Saturday, September 5 at 5:00 pm - cross bearer: Ethan Craft; acolyte: Raiden Cruz
• Sunday, September 6 at 10:30 am - cross bearer: Viviana Love; acolytes: Kora Cunningham, Daniel Cunningham

Upcoming Mass Intentions


Monday, September 7: 7:30 am - Communion Service

Tuesday, September 8: 7:30 am - Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Loudmila Silva Ferreira de Souza 

Wednesday, September 9: 7:30 am - Cutintia Maria de Aldina+

Thursday, September 10: 7:30 am

Friday, September 11: 7:30 am - Maria E. Figenia Souza

Saturday, September 12: 5:00 pm - Deceased members of the Edward and Mathilda Groeninger family

Sunday, September 13: 8:00 am; 10:30 am

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.