St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville,

Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, January 25, 2026

The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Light of Christ

Times of turmoil have a way of testing not only our patience, but our faith. When uncertainty presses in—through personal struggles or wider unrest—we may feel tempted to withdraw, harden our hearts, or search for control. Yet the Gospel reminds us that Jesus meets us precisely in these moments, inviting us to respond not with fear, but with faith, guided by the light of Christ.

To lean on Jesus during difficult times is not to ignore pain or pretend everything is fine. Rather, it is to allow His example to shape how we respond. Throughout His ministry, Jesus meets suffering with mercy, division with love, and uncertainty with unwavering trust in God. His teachings call us to choose forgiveness over resentment, service over self-protection, and prayer over despair—choices that transform turmoil into moments of grace.

When we live this way, we begin to embody Christ’s peace in a restless world. Even small acts of patience, kindness, and compassion become powerful witnesses to the Gospel. By grounding our words and actions in Jesus’ teachings, we resist the pull of anger and hopelessness and instead become signs of God’s presence for those around us.

As members of the Church, we do not walk this path alone. Through Scripture, the sacraments, and our shared life as a parish community, Christ continues to strengthen and guide us. When we lean on Jesus and shape our lives by His teachings, we discover that even in the midst of turmoil, our faith becomes an anchor—steady, sustaining, and filled with hope.

Morning Mass Canceled on Friday

Due to the dangerously cold weather expected on Friday, the 7:30 am Mass has been canceled. The rectory office will be open.

Support the Church in Latin America: Second Collection Scheduled for This Weekend, January 24-25

For over 50 years, Catholic dioceses in the United States have participated in the bishops’ special annual collection for the Church in Latin America as a sign of solidarity and unity with Catholics in Central and South America and the islands of the Caribbean. For many living in Latin America and the Caribbean, a rising secular culture, difficult rural terrain, and a shortage of ministers make it difficult for people to practice the faith.

Parishioner donations to this collection have supported pastoral ministries like evangelization and catechesis, family ministries, lay ministry training, and the education and formation of priests, deacons, and religious brothers and sisters.

A second collection for the Church in Latin America will take place this weekend, Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25. It is a chance to share the faith with our brothers and sisters in Latin America. You can give at Mass or online HERE.

Collection Drive for Care for Real is This Weekend; Next Collection is February 7-8

St. Gertrude has its monthly collection drive for our neighbors in need this weekend! Please place nonperishable items in the bins at the back of church.

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, which is February 7-8.

Visit https://linktr.ee/cfrchicago for information about donating and links to their Facebook and Instagram pages to see what they are specifically looking for at this time.  

We are so grateful for your help supporting Care for Real as they work to provide food and much-needed supplies to our neighbors who are struggling. 

Reconciliation for First Communion Candidates is Wednesday, January 28

Please keep the young students of our parish in their prayers as they prepare for their First Reconciliation on Wednesday, January 28 at 6:30 pm in church.

Contact Eloy Escamilla, our Pastoral Associate for Religious Education and Youth Ministry, at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org if you have questions.

Training to Become an Lector is Thursday, January 30; Altar Server Training is Thursday, February 6  

Would you like to play a more active role in our parish liturgy? Over the next two weeks, we are offering training for two important ministries. 

Lector training will be held on Thursday, January 30 at 6:30 pm in the church open to youth and adults who wish to proclaim God’s Word. 

Altar server training will follow on Thursday, February 6 at 6:30 pm in the church and is open to students in grades 5 and up. 

Both roles are a meaningful way to grow in faith and serve our parish community.

Youth Group Bowling Outing

All youth in 7th grade and up are invited to join us for a fun bowling outing on Saturday, January 31. We will depart from St. Gertrude at 11:00 am.

Come enjoy a great day of fellowship, friendly competition, and fun with friends. The cost is $10 per person, and space is limited.

To reserve a spot or for more information, please email Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.

Commonweal Action Healthcare Forum Planned for Sunday, February 1

Commonwealth Action of St. Gertrude’s Parish, Chicago will host a healthcare forum at noon on Sunday, February 1, following the 10:30 am mass. The event will be held in the Social Hall, located on the lower/basement level of 1401 W. Granville.

Speakers will include three local medical practitioners/ parishioners, as well as a representative from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s office. They will discuss what you need to know regarding the Trump Administration’s changes to Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and Federal vaccination policies.

The program will last approximately 60 to 90 minutes and will include time for questions and discussion.

Coffee and snacks will be available from 11:45 am. (If you would like to contribute additional snacks to share, they will be most welcome.)  

Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL) Meeting Planned for Saturday, February 7

St. Gertrude is a member of CSPL, the faith-based organization that organized the recent People’s Mass and Eucharistic Procession to the Broadview Detention Center.

Come together with other parishioners on Saturday, February 7, from 1:30-3:00 pm in the Ministry Center to build community and discuss how to help advance our parish's commitments to social justice, human concerns and faith formation through our participation in CSPL. Learn more about CSPL. 

All are welcome! 

Midwest Workers Association Super Bowl Tamale Benefit - Tamales Orders Still Being Accepted!

Volunteers from the Midwest Workers Association (MWA) are still taking tamale orders for their annual Super Bowl Tamale Benefit via phone!

Tamales will be delivered on Sunday, February 8, after the 8:00 am and 10:30 am Masses. Those who attend Saturday Mass are asked to come on Sunday to pick up their tamales.

This tamale benefit supports MWA’s Winter Survival Campaign, which provides critical assistance to families during the cold months. The campaign includes door-to-door membership canvassing, utility-bill advocacy to prevent shutoffs and restore service, winter-watch phone calls, warm-clothing distribution, emergency food support so families don’t have to choose between heating and eating, and use of MWA’s office as a warming station throughout the season.

To place an order, call their office at (773) 285-0485. Tamales are available by the half dozen in:

• Chicken in green sauce
• Cheese and jalapeño (vegetarian)
• Black bean and cactus (vegan)

There is a suggested donation of$10 per half dozen or $20 per dozen.

MWA also urgently needs volunteers to help make tamales from February 2–7, as well as to assist with membership canvassing and utility-benefit advocacy. Speak with an MWA volunteer at the above number to learn how you can be part of the Winter Survival Campaign.

Book Club is Tuesday, February 10

Join us for a discussion of 10:04 by Ben Lerner on Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30 pm at the Ministry Center, 6214 W. Glenwood. New participants are always welcome!

For questions, contact Lea Cloninger (773.213.0509) or Sue Benjamin (773.551.8401).

Women's Friendship Club is Thursday, February 12

St. Gertrude Women's Friendship Club meets monthly on the second Thursday of every month in the Ministry Center. The gathering begins at 11:30 am, attendees should bring their own (brown bag) lunch. Dessert is provided!

Their next gathering is Thursday, February 12. Consider yourself invited!

Growing in Faith

“The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light.” ~ Isaiah 9:2

“The Lord is my light and my salvation.” ~ Psalm 27

Today’s first reading from Isaiah and our beautiful Psalm response have taken me down a memory path I’d like to share with you.

I was driving my young children from Chicago to their summer camp at Circle Pines in Delton, Michigan—by way of Cleveland. My dad had recently died; my mother was not doing well, and there was a family wedding.

We had a happy family reunion in Ohio, but I left the wedding dinner later than planned. And it was starting to get dark. My children quickly fell asleep in the back seat. The five-hour drive ahead was on unfamiliar, unlit, winding country roads of central Michigan.

After a while, the light rain developed into a fierce and blinding storm. The dark road was now also slippery. I was pretty much freaking out. Prayer helped me download a simple, calming realization: the headlights cut through the darkness in a way that only allowed me to see the next few feet, but I could see enough. Focusing on a few feet at a time, we slowly found our way to Circle Pines safely.

In today’s troubling times, we’re driving down an unknown road, in a storm, in the dark, with headlights that only dimly show the way. Besides the political trauma, we also have the issues and struggles of our personal lives and those of our family and friends to deal with. We may not see the way forward clearly or wholly, but we see enough to move into the light of the next few feet.

Let us pray: Lord, bless us as we step into the small, lighted space in front of us.

~ Maggie Roche

Join Our Choir!

Do you enjoy singing? Are you still looking for a New Year’s resolution? Do you see yourself leading the congregation in song—or perhaps joining a choir that is fun, engaging, and sings in four parts?

I warmly encourage you to consider joining the St. Gertrude Music Program! Our choir rehearses regularly on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm and sings weekly at the 10:30 am Mass. No prior choir experience is necessary; however, singers should be able to hold a melody. Whether you read music or learn by ear, you are welcome to join us.

If you are interested in serving as a Cantor and leading the congregation in song, an audition is required, and training will be provided.

If singing isn’t your thing but you play an instrument, I invite you to consider joining our ensemble—we are always happy to welcome additional instrumentalists.

Music is essential to the life of the Church, and this parish’s rich musical tradition is deeply near and dear to me. If you have questions or would like to learn more, please feel free to speak with me after Mass or email me at jhannau@stgertrudechicago.org.

~ Jonathan Hannau, Music Director

Volunteers Needed to Help with Live-Streaming Sunday Masses

We are looking for assistance with live-streaming our 10:30 am Sunday masses. The process is simple, you do not have to have a technical background, a special camera or phone, just a willingness to help. 

Contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org for more information.

Catechists Needed

We are looking for catechists to help with our parish’s Religious Ed program and Kids Word! Catechists don't have to be professional teachers. Most are parents and parishioners who enjoy kids and are willing to help them grow in a personal relationship with God, participate in the sacraments, and develop a mature conscience, and integrate faith in all areas of their lives.

Please consider offering your time and talents to help our young people learn about and grow in their faith. If you have any questions, please reach out to Eloy Escamilla, Pastoral Associate, Religious Education and Youth Ministry, at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or call 773.764.3621. 

Student Essay Contest Winner Matteo Nafe

Recently, students preparing for Confirmation were asked to take part in an essay contest about the importance of forgiving others.

Matteo Nafe is one of our two winners. His thoughtful submission can be read below.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is accepting an apology from someone else for their past wrongdoings such as hurting someone you love or someone breaking your things. Forgiveness helps relieve guilt off your shoulders and helps your mood because you don't have to fight with that other person.

Forgiveness to me is accepting that we feel that something is wrong then we try to fix it or find the common ground between the two different perspectives. It is not always easy to forgive or be forgiven because some people hold grudges which can last a lifetime while others forgive more easily.

Forgiveness is important because if you hold a grudge with someone it could affect the relationship, and people are hesitant to continue to communicate feelings or thoughts with you. It is harder to be close to someone or build a relationship with them if they have hurt you and not apologized. By forgiving others it also helps you feel better and if the person is truly sorry you should forgive them.

You must really think why the hurt happened to begin with. Many different things like misunderstanding, accident, bad circumstances or disagreements can be the reason. We can begin to forgive by keeping ourselves calm and trying to see from the other person's perspective. Asking to meet and discuss the problems and being a good listener so you can understand the other person and what motivated them.

if you are truly sorry for something that you did wrong to someone such as harming them are stealing from them, then it will be forgiven by God but in the end it is up to the person to decide if they want to forgive you or not. Some people are more hesitant to forgive because they have been hurt by people. The bigger wrongdoing or misunderstanding the harder it is to forgive, because it affected you so much and some people think that if you forgive that it feels like it just didn't happen or that it is ok that they hurt you. It is also hard to ask for forgiveness because some believe it is showing weakness and is embarrassing so they just ignore it rather than deal with it.

When you forgive it strengthens bonds between the people you forgave and yourself as well as other people within the community that may have the same beliefs. When you forgive someone, it encourages others to forgive people as well and will lead to everyone being in an overall better mood. With forgiveness our community becomes more understanding and thoughtful.

Growing up with many friends who were into sports waste I preferred to read books always led to a lot of conflict. Occasionally they would get more aggressive and push or wrestle with me, which was not the nicest and made me feel not welcome and not safe. As we grew, they became more understanding of who I was, and I forgave them for not treating me well. The result is that our friendship is much better, and I no longer hold a grudge against him for doing that.

Walk with the Ignatian Spirituality Project - Chicago Winter Walk Planned for February 8

Join the Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP) at the Chicago Winter Walk on Sunday, February 8 at Humboldt Park at 9:15 am — a citywide event raising awareness and funds to end homelessness.

ISP walks alongside people rebuilding their lives after homelessness and addiction. Through retreats and spiritual companionship, participants encounter God’s love, find supportive community, and discover that their stories are sacred and their lives have purpose.

Together, we help provide the spiritual and relational foundation that makes lasting recovery possible.

Please register for the event at qrco.de/ww26-isp. Once registered, please go to your dashboard and click “Join, Create or Claim a Team,” then choose “Join a team.” Search for “Jesuit Friends and Family” and click “Join.”

Walk with us — in hope, in community, in God’s love.

Catholic LGBTQ+ Retreat Scheduled for March 6-8 in Racine, Wisconsin

"Walking Together, Walking With Christ" is a weekend-retreat which focuses on the roles of LGBTQ+ people in a synodal church. The facilitator is Brian Flanagan, Ph.D., the John Cardinal Cody Chair of Catholic Theology at Loyola University Chicago. The program will be held from Friday to Sunday, March 6-8, 2026, at the Siena Retreat Center, 5637 Erie Street, Racine, Wisconsin.

The retreat is sponsored by New Ways Ministry, a 49-year old Catholic group which promotes ministry, justice, and reconciliation with LGBTQ+ people. The program is designed for LGBTQ+ people, family members, friends, and pastoral ministers. All are welcome. 

For more information and to register, click here.

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, January 24 at 5:00 pm - Christine Lincoln, Joseph McMahon
• Sunday, January 25 at 8:00 am - Kevin Kodowaki
• Sunday, January 25 at 10:30 am - Bob Backis, Edie Sheridan

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, January 24 at 5:00 pm - Kathy Wall
• Sunday, January 25 at 8:00 am - Kathryn Stimac
• Sunday, January 25 at 10:30 am - Tim Love, Michael Kowalsky, Sarah Millar

Altar Servers

• Saturday, January 24 at 5:00 pm - cross bearer: Carter Dant; acolyte: Wyatt Dant, Ethan Craft
• Sunday, January 25 at 10:30 am - cross bearer: Diarmuid McKeown; acolytes: Adaobi Okoli, Viviana Love

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Monday, January 26: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Tuesday, January 27: 7:30 am - Arsenia Tumaliuan+
• Wednesday, January 28: 7:30 am - Living and deceased parents of St. Gertrude parishioners
• Thursday, January 29: 7:30 am - People of God
• Friday, January 30: 7:30 am - Purgatorial Society 
• Saturday, January 31: 5:00 pm - Kathy Mega+
• Sunday, February 1: 8:00 am - Marie Kawula+; 10:30 am - Della Thomas+; 10:30 am Gym - Cheryl Stanton+

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.