Combined Bulletin for
Sunday, July 24 & Sunday, July 31
15th & 16th Sundays in Ordinary Time
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The Rectory office will temporarily close at 4:30 pm on weekdays. Weekend office hours may be limited. | |
From Fr. Rich
Reflection for Sunday, July 24
The readings on Sunday, July 17 are all about hospitality and its importance in our everyday lives and in our spiritual development. The first reading on Sunday, July 24 is from the Book of Genesis, telling the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. This is perhaps the most misunderstood story in all the Bible!
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For some years a groups of people with a homophobic outlook and punitive agenda have insisted Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed due to homosexuality. Which would be humorous if it weren’t so damaging and wrong-headed.
In fact, the great sin of Sodom and Gomorrah had little to do with any sexual sins, EXCEPT insofar as those sins were but one more aspect of the great sin of being inhospitable in those communities. To be certain, if you read the whole story, it is quite clear that some of the people of those infamous cities did sexually assault some of those who were traveling through. But the shock and outrage wasn’t primarily about the sexual assault, but about the horrible mistreatment of anyone seeking shelter in a strange place.
Hospitality has been a virtue of enormous significance in the Judeo-Christian tradition for thousands of years. This reflects not only the graciousness with which God has welcomed us into Creation, but also the life-or-death necessity of treating strangers with gracious hospitality because most people could barely afford to feed and clothe themselves, and paying for an inn was well beyond their means. And in many, many locations, there was no inn so any traveler was literally dependent upon the kindness of strangers to find food and shelter overnight.
My own suspicion on how we got the misinterpretation that Sodom and Gomorrah was about gay sex instead of the violations of hospitality is because everyone is called to practice hospitality. But that requires making space and time and using resources to help strangers. And we know, right down to this present moment, it is always easier to target some minority group than to do the actual, responsible work of caring for others -- including (especially!) strangers.
If you are uncertain how this is being played out today, you might want to spend some time examining the antics of a certain governor of Florida who has played the “blame the gays” card to the hilt in order to lock in his right-wing followers. I don’t know if that kind of hate-politics will lead him to the White House, but I do know that it is wrong, evil, and contrary to everything our sacred scriptures have called us to live.
(By the way, just another factual item worth noting - always be suspicious whenever anyone tells you that anywhere in the Bible homosexuality is condemned. The reality is that word didn’t even exist until a few centuries ago. And previous generations simply assumed a much more fluid sexuality than our “black and white” notions that are popular today.)
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Fr. Rich's Reflection for Sunday, July 31 | |
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Greed! One of the seven deadly sins. In the Gospel passage on Sunday, July 24, Jesus speaks strongly and clearly about the damage it can do. But all three of the readings are about how we can become ensnared in the category of what we might call “personal” sin, as opposed to “societal” or “communal” sins. These readings discuss vanity, all sorts of immorality and evil desires, and other sins.
Regardless of which of the named sins we might spend some time reflecting upon, they all pretty much operate the same way in their destructive behavior. That is, we cut off our
focus on ourselves within the context of and as responsible members of a broader community. And we focus only on ourselves and our wants. None of these named sins in the three readings are about normal, everyday human needs. All of those basic needs -- for food and drink, for clothing and shelter, for employment and leisure time, for respect and justice, for love and affection -- all of them are the foundation for all the social justice efforts of any believing person. We all need these things and we should always be tireless in working to be sure every human person also has access to those foundation blocks of a healthy life.
But that is the opposite of what these personal sins are. These sins are about demanding I get treated differently and better than you, that I get more of what I desire -- regardless of its effect on you or the broader community.
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In a word, all personal sin is built upon selfishness. And as soon as we engage any of these sins -- greed, envy, impurity, vanity, etc. -- we immediately begin to distort and eventually destroy the person I truly am. Or, as Jesus put it so well elsewhere, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Matthew 6:24) All sins finally come down to the selfish statement, “I am more important than my relationship to you or God or anyone else.”
So why do we get these readings in the middle of summer? Because they provide us with time and ease to be able to reflect on such important parts of our lives. As we’ve seen, while each of the Sunday readings are a unit in themselves, it is also clear that, just as we are experiencing again this week, the readings spread over a larger number of Sundays offer us a chance for a more directed, serious examination of my life and how I am doing personally, in my relationship with others and God and myself, and what might I do to -- in the words of our Ash Wednesday blessing, “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the
Gospel.”
A good starting point for any of these sins is always to ask the most basic question, “How much do I actually need -- of money, food, clothing, work, leisure, affection, etc.?” And then to honestly look at myself and ponder what good might be accomplished if I only held on to what I actually need, and let what is beyond that go to help others?
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Growing in Faith
July 25th is the Feast of St. James. Recently, I had the opportunity to hike part of the Camino de Santiago, the Way of St. James, in Spain. This pilgrimage has been called one the three greatest pilgrimages of Christianity. Over 200,000 pilgrims set foot on the Camino each year. Many walk the Camino for various reasons. The scenery is breathtaking, and it is a chance to meet people from all over the world, doing a common thing - walking and willing to share their faith and why they are walking.
For me, walking the Camino has not only been breathtaking, but given me a very deep value, a personal transformation. The Camino calls me to reflect on areas of my life that need attention and/or change. It is in this time of solitude that I have a chance to be nearer to God than ever. I have been on the Camino three times, and each time I have been reminded just how much God loves me. Each day reminded me no matter what happens that day, tomorrow would bring a fresh start. That love is farther than my eyes can see, or my feet can walk. The Camino has called me to be honest with myself, to check on my patience, perseverance, tolerance, acceptance, and gratitude.
Of course, you don’t have to walk the Camino to experience this. We can do this around our neighborhood or homes, any place that we can find some peace and solitude, with little or no distractions. It has been a privilege for me to walk the Camino. Join me whether you are able to ever do the Camino or do a pilgrimage anywhere. Walk this beautiful journey of knowing God loves you.
~ Father Mike Gabriel
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Meet Our New Heart to Heart Director
Hi, my name is Patricia Sullivan, and I received a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies in May 2022, from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. My business background includes database and office management experience in a mid-sized patent and trademark law firm.
Working as a volunteer this past year at the Archdiocese of Chicago Kolbe House Jail Ministry has allowed me to do in jail service, as well as accompanying men released after incarceration. I am an active participant in other organizations like the Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition, the Catholic Mobilizing Network, and Restore Justice Illinois.
I joined St. Gertrude during COVID and felt privileged to be a companion on the RCIA journey this past year, as well as a participant in the Peace and Justice Ministry. I look forward to the new challenge of guiding St. Gertrude’s long-standing Heart to Heart Ministry, servicing the Edgewater/Rogers Park communities.
For me growing in faith is a lifelong process moving us to continual and constant development, advancing in spirituality, coming up against social justice issues, and taking action towards improving conditions in our society.
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Commonweal Dialogue Forum on Tuesday, July 26
Commonweal Dialogue of St. Gertrude will host a special discussion among parishioners and guests concerning the recent Supreme Court ruling, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade.
Please join us on Tuesday, July 26 starting at 7:00 pm in the chapel of the Ministry Center, 6214 N. Glenwood Ave.
Whatever one’s views on this ruling and on other recent Supreme Court decisions, we are already seeing an increase in discord and polarization around the issues of abortion law and related public policies.
Commonweal Dialogue wants to provide a forum in which we can freely air our views and sort out our feelings on this issue in a safe and supportive space. As Catholics, we seek to respond to abortion, an issue involving both personal morality and public policy, in a way that will be faithful, civil, practical and compassionate.
Light snacks and lemonade will be served.
Any questions may be directed to Denise DeBelle at 312.305.5499 or Verna Foster at vfoster@luc.edu. We ask that you RSVP to ddebelle@gmail.com, but we welcome your attendance in any case.
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Ignatian Volunteer Corps Morning of Reflection Planned for Thursday, July 28
In celebration of the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Ignatian Volunteer Corps will host their annual Morning of Reflection. It will be held at the Church of the Holy Family, 1080 W. Roosevelt, from 9:00-1:00 pm. There is a $35 fee.
This year’s presenter is Joseph Simmons, SJ, who will discuss "But Few Things Are Needed: From
Distraction to Dedication". The day will also include time for reflection and discussion, Mass, and lunch at St. Ignatius College Prep in Tully Hall.
To register for the event and to read more about the presentation, visit https://bit.ly/IVCMorning2022.
Contact Jackie Fitzgerald at jfitzgerald@ivcusa.org or 312.961.6206 with questions.
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St. Gertrude Blood Drive - Sunday, July 31
The next parish blood drive will be held on Sunday, July 31 from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. The Vitalant Bloodmobile will be located on
Glenwood Avenue in front of the entrance to St. Gertrude Church.
To sign up, visit https://Vitalant.org and click on Donate Now. Use group code: ORD00591 when searching by group code for St. Gertrude’s blood drive to select your appointment time. You can also search by the blood drive date.
Walk-ins are welcomed. Masks are highly recommended but not mandatory. To thank participants for taking time to donate during the summer blood shortage, all blood, platelet or plasma donors who come to donate will receive a $5 prepaid gift card redeemable by email. Donors may select gift cards from a wide variety of retailers, restaurants, movie theaters, and grocery stores.
For more information, contact Pat Knowles at pknowles2@gmail.com.
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Hidden Mercy - First of Three Summer Book Discussions Planned for Sunday, August 7
Everyone is invited to join in a Summer Book Read. We will be reading Michael O'Loughlin’s, Hidden Mercy: AIDS, Catholics and the Untold Stories of Compassion in the Face of Fear.
The book discussion group will meet on three Sunday afternoons: August 7, August 21, and September 4. We will gather in the Ministry Center at 12:00 pm. Each meeting will last about 90 minutes and we will use a discussion guide provided by the publisher.
Then, St. Gertrude parish will jointly host a one-time event with The Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage at Loyola University for an evening with the author in the fall. We are still narrowing down a date -- but it will probably be held on a Tuesday in late September or mid-October.
If you are interested in joining this book group, we have a limited number of copies of the book - which lists for $28.99 - available for $20.00! (First- come, first-served!)
Books can be purchased at the Rectory office. If you are paying by check, please make out the check to St. Gertrude Parish. The book is also available on Amazon and at area book stores.
Click to read a synopsis of the book
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Youth Group Outing to Waterpark Planned
Join the St. Gertrude Youth Group for food, friends, fun, and faith! Teens in 7th grade and older are invited to Raging Waves Water Park on Saturday, August 20.
Tickets are $35 and payment will be required in
advance.
For more information and to register, contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org by August 10.
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Parish Potluck Planned
All are welcome to attend a parish potluck, planned for Sunday, September 11 from 11:30 am-3:00 pm in the church parking lot.
Bring your favorite side, salads, and desserts to share!
Additional information and an RSVP link will be shared in future bulletins.
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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
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Summer Bulletin Schedule & Deadlines
This is our final every other week bulletin! We will resume weekly bulletins on August 7.
The deadlines to submit information for the August 7 bulletin is Friday, July 22 by 9:00 am. Info for the August 14 bulletin must be sent by 9:00 am on Friday, August 5.
Please send information to stgertbulletin@yahoo.com.
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New Parish Email Marketing Platform - Join our Mailing List
Beginning this week, the parish e-blast platform switched from MailChimp to Constant Contact.
To join our email communications list (or if you unsubscribed in the past, and now wish to receive emails), text STGERTS to 22828. You'll be prompted to enter your email address and will receive our e-reflections and e-bulletins. Additionally, if you prefer to just receive the weekly bulletin, typically emailed on Thursday afternoons, send an email to news@stgertrudechicago.org and your email will be manually added to a separate, e-bulletin-only list.
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Meet the Pastoral Parish Counsel
The PPC is a unique, collaborative body made up of faith-filled men and women who try to lead the parish into becoming what a community of baptized people is supposed to be. They work with the pastor in determining the matters that affect the life of the faith community.
We will feature all of the lay members of the PPC in the next few bulletin. Below are some information about our two co-chairs, Bob Backis and Michelle Nickerson.
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Ellen Buttitta
I am a life-long member of St. Gertrude Parish, beginning with my baptism in 1994. I attended Northside Catholic Academy from preschool to 8th grade and have continued attending the 10:30 am Gym Mass since then. It has been a pleasure to sing with the talented musicians of the Gert's community, as well as work with the youth of the parish through Religious Education this year.
As my son grows in his faith and asks the hard questions, I look forward to asking those questions with my fellow community members: who are we? what do we stand for? and how do we get there?
Thank you for the opportunity to learn from, grow, and collaborate with the St. Gertrude's community!
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Denise Goodman
I'm originally from Upstate New York, the Finger Lakes region, but I've been a member of St. Gertrude for over 20 years now.
I have been continuously nourished by its people, its liturgy, its openness, and its vision. I've been involved in the music ministry, Refugee and Immigrant Committee, Parish Pastoral Council, and Growing in Faith. I have met wonderful people and feel this is a true faith family.
I work as a pediatrician at Lurie Children’s.
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Interested in Becoming Catholic? | |
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The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process by which adults learn more about the Catholic Church. This free program begins in the fall 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/RCIACalendar.
~ Eloy Escamilla, Pastoral Associate
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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
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Art & Environment Volunteers Needed
Want to get involved in something? We are looking for parishioners who are interested in being part of an Art and Environment Committee. The team's goal is to create an environment inside and outside the church that enhances prayer and worship according to the liturgical times and seasons.
A variety of talents are needed. Having a background in art and interior design, woodworking, lighting, sewing, and floral arrangements would be good, but not necessary!
The team meets as needed to plan and/or prepare. To get involved, contact Fr. Mike at mgabriel@stgertudechicago.org.
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Tax Credit Scholarship Program
Looking for a way to decrease your Illinois state income tax liability? What if you could decrease what you owe to the state and potentially increase your state tax refund, while also helping fund scholarships for low-income students to attend the Catholic school of their choice?
More than 30 children are on the waitlist for Northside Catholic Academy. Help fund a child's future and donate to the Archdiocese Tax Credit Scholarship Program.
Every contribution to the Tax Credit Scholarship Program is eligible for a 75 percent credit on your state income taxes. Help a child attend NCA today!
Learn more here
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Schedule for Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Cantors, and Musicians | |
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Ministers of the Word
Saturday, July 23 at 5:00 pm - Kathleen Dawson
Sunday, July 24 at 8:00 am - Hallie Burhoe
Sunday, July 24 at 10:30 am - Patrick Reardon
Saturday, July 30 at 5:00 pm - Millie Slane
Sunday, July 31 at 8:00 am - David Sullivan
Sunday, July 31 at 10:30 am - Victoria Healy
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Eucharistic Ministers
Saturday, July 23 at 5:00 pm - Tim Harrington
Sunday, July 24 at 8:00 am - Barb Daly
Sunday, July 24 at 10:30 am - Carlos Barragan, Debra Novak, Steve Monti
Saturday, July 30 at 5:00 pm - Kathy Wall
Sunday, July 31 at 8:00 am - Marty McDermott
Sunday, July 31 at 10:30 am - Carlos Barragan, Bob Backis, Rafael Melendez
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Cantors & Musicians
Saturday, July 23 at 5:00 pm - Bernie O'Connor
Sunday, July 24 at 8:00 am - Denise Goodman
Sunday, July 24 at 10:30 am - Rob Schroeder
Saturday, July 30 at 5:00 pm - Bernie O'Connor
Sunday, July 31 at 8:00 am - TBA
Sunday, July 31 at 10:30 am - Michael Callahan
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Wanted: Ushers, Greeters, Eucharistic Ministers, and Ministers of the Word
We are in need of additional volunteers to assist at Masses, including ushers, greeters, Eucharistic ministers, and ministers of the word. If you are interested, please email Eloy Escamilla, Pastoral Associate, at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.
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Rest in Peace
- Samir Aliev
- Frank Hogan (St. Ignatius)
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New Parishioners
- Anne Comeau
- Kyle Kresge and Cheryl Amado-Kresge
- Jan Pasek
- Jorge Martinez and Veronica Meza
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Baptisms
- Angelo Wesley Sandoval, child of Ricardo and Rosa Sandoval
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Leave Your Legacy Through a Bequest
Please consider including a gift to our parish in your will or trust to support our faith community well into the future.
Consult an attorney and financial advisor when drafting your will or trust.
For more information, please contact Eduardo Soto at esoto@stgertrudechicago.org or visit https://myimpact.archchicago.org.
If you have any questions, contact Karen Whitehead, Archdiocese of Chicago at 312.534.7461 or kwhitehead@archchicago.org.
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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.
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Monday, July 25: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Society
Tuesday, July 26: 7:30 am - Sheila Ingram +
Wednesday, July 27: 7:30 am - Living and deceased Torreano family members
Thursday, July 28: 7:30 am - Communion Service
Friday, July 29: 7:30 am - Living and deceased parents of St. Gertrude parishioners
Saturday, July 30: 7:30 am - James Hand +; 5:00 pm - Eileen McGuire +
Sunday, July 31: 8:00 am - Living and deceased Torreano family members; 10:30 am - Parishioners of St. Gertrude
Monday, August 1: 7:30 am - Peter & Mary Tunney +
Tuesday, August 2: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Society
Wednesday, August 3: 7:30 am - Living and deceased parents of St. Gertrude
parishioners
Thursday, August 4: 7:30 am - Communion Service
Friday, August 5: 7:30 am - Greg Wall +
Saturday, August 6: 7:30 am - Living and deceased Torreano family members; 5:00 pm - Augusto Batungbakal +
Sunday, August 7: 8:00 am - World Peace; 10:30 am - Lt. Victor H. Strubbe, CFD +
(+ indicates the person is deceased)
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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, July 25: 2 Cor 4:7-15/Mt 20:20-28
Tuesday, July 26: Jer 14:17-22/Mt 13:36-43
Wednesday, July 27: Jer 14:17-22/Mt 13:36-43
Thursday, July 28: Jer 18:1-6/Mt 13:47-53
Friday, July 29: Jer 26:1-9 (405)/Jn 11:19-27 or Lk 10:38-42
Saturday, July 30: Jer 26:11-16, 24/Mt 14:1-12
Sunday, July 31: Eccl 1:2; 2:21-23/Col 3:1-5, 9-11/Lk 12:13-21
Monday, August 1: Jer 28:1-17/Mt 14:13-21
Tuesday, August 2: Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22/Mt 14:22-36 or Mt 15:1-2, 10-14
Wednesday, August 3: Jer 31:1-7/Mt 15:21-28
Thursday, August 4: Jer 31:31-34/Mt 16:13-23
Friday, August 5: Na 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7/Mt 16:24-28
Saturday, August 6: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14/2 Pt 1:16-19/Lk 9:28b-36
Sunday, August 7: Wis 18:6-9/Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12/Lk 12:32-48 or 12:35-40
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Please Pray for our Parishioners and Friends | |
- Pamela Sherrod Anderson
- Helen Banta
- Tomas Bissonnette
- Zara Bradley
- Sharon Brown
- Connie Bueck
- 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
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- Patricia Irwin
- Bernice Kiedysz
- Marilyn Klein
- Roy Lipscomb
- Sheila McGuire
- Dean Mattoni
- Larry McCauley
- Molly Morris
- Karey Myers
- Tina Piemonte
- Richard Seitz
- Peggy Stoffel
- The Sullivan family
- Elinora E. Tolentino
- Manuel & Norma Viray
- Leon Ward
- Ken & Vyes Yoza
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