St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville,

Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, August 30, 2026

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

News About Pastor Emeritus Fr. Dominic Grassi



Dear St. Gertrude parishioners,

You most likely have already heard the sad news of the passing of St. Gertrude’s Pastor Emeritus, Fr. Dominic Grassi. I know many of you remember him from his time here. And many of you also kept in touch with him after he entered retirement. I wish to express to you my deepest sympathies on your loss. Fr. Dom, as he was well known, was an exemplary priest and a dedicated pastor who touched many lives.

I first met Fr. Dom when I was 14 years old and preparing to enter high school at Quigley Preparatory Seminary South. He was the first person on faculty I met there, about a month before the first day of class. I went to Quigley South every day for two weeks to try out for the soccer team. Fr. Dom was the coach who made us do a whole lot of running while he rode along in a golf cart. I have never been a runner. Needless to say, my first impressions of Fr. Dom were not the best.

Once the school year began, though, my impression of Fr. Dom changed. He had a larger-than-life presence about him. He was jovial, but stern when a student stepped out of line. But what I remember the most about him was how he expanded my view of God. I had grown up in a traditional Catholic parish and school where we were taught to fear God. Fr. Dom, along with other priests and lay people on the faculty, quickly opened my eyes to the presence of a loving God. I have no doubt that he did the same for many others in all of his parish assignments, but most especially here at St. Gertrude.

r. Dom also influenced me in another way that has continued to be a guiding principle in my life, and which many of you have noticed. I often hear the feedback that parishioners enjoy my sermons, especially when I include stories. They find that approach to be relatable to their own lives. As I reflect on my earliest memories of Fr. Dom, I would have to acknowledge that I first experienced that style of preaching with him in high school. He was a dynamic preacher who effectively used stories to open up the Scriptures for us. At the time, of course, I was not aware that Fr. Dom was doing this, or that my priesthood and preaching would be so profoundly influenced by him. But I do know now. And for that, I am thankful for God putting him in my life.

As I write this reflection, we do not have any news of funeral arrangements. Perhaps, by the time you’re reading this article, those arrangements have already been made and have been well publicized. Please join me in prayer for the repose of his soul. Please also pray for his family who mourn his loss. And let us all give thanks to God for allowing Fr. Dom to be a part of all of our lives. All of us have been touched and changed for the better because of him.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Sergio

St. Gertrude's Hymnal Fundraiser

Dear Parishioners, 

From the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you to each and everyone one of you who donated to St. Gertrude’s communal hymnals this past season. Those who made donations with tributes to loved ones can most certainly find their commemorations, but will have to look hard because we have many books and they do move around! 

I am thrilled that this resource will provide for us years to come, especially as we continue building on our sustainability efforts and making a greener church. Parishioners are always welcome to make a donation to have a hymnal dedicated to someone at any time moving forward.

Thank you again, and I hope you are enjoying these new books as much as I am as we worship every Sunday. 

Your Music Director,

Jonathan Hannau

Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL) Meeting is Saturday, August 29

St. Gertrude is a member of the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL), a Chicago-based organization that brings Catholic social teaching to life by encouraging people of faith to work together for justice and the common good.

Our parish CSPL team provides an opportunity for parishioners to learn more about local social justice issues, connect with others who share a commitment to service, and discover ways to put our faith into action.

The St. Gertrude CSPL Team will meet on Saturday, August 29, from 1:30–3:00 pm in the Ministry Center. Come meet fellow parishioners, learn more about CSPL, and explore how you can become involved in our parish's social justice efforts. All are welcome!

For more information, contact Jeanne Rattenbury at jeanne.rattenbury@gmail.com.

Register Online for Religious Education Classes

A new year of faith, learning, and community is about to begin at St. Gertrude! Registration is now open for the 2026–2027 Religious Education program, with classes beginning in September.

Through age-appropriate lessons, prayer, and opportunities to build community, children are invited to grow in their relationship with God while families journey alongside them.

Registration details—including the calendar, parent handbook, online registration forms, and tuition information—are available in English and Spanish at stgertrudechicago.org/religious-education. In-person registration is also available by appointment.

We look forward to welcoming both new and returning families for another year of growing in faith together!

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

Wednesday Mornings: A Midweek Moment of Prayer

In the midst of a busy week, take a little time to slow down, be still, and listen. Our Contemplative Prayer Group gathers each Wednesday at 9:00 am in the Ministry Center Chapel (6214 N. Glenwood Ave.) for a quiet time of silent prayer, Scripture reflection, and spiritual reading.

Whether contemplative prayer is new to you or already a familiar part of your spiritual life, you are warmly welcome. Come as you are and make space for prayer and reflection in community.

For more information, contact Karen Spear at kspear@marian.edu.

Join Us for the Rosary at St. Gerts 

Guadalupanos Rosary Group (Grupo del Rosario de Guadalupanos) on Friday Evenings 

All are welcome to attend the bilingual weekly Rosary group held on Friday evenings at 7:00 pm in the dining room of the Ministry Center, located at 6214 North Glenwood Avenue.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary after 7:30 am Mass

Additionally, the Rosary is said every Monday through Friday in the church right after the 7:30 am Masses/Communion services. Please consider joining us in church—we would love to have you!

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.

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.

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 in September

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 Available

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.

Growing in Faith

The readings today are a tough one. Jeremiah is distressed at his role of prophet. Paul asks us to give up our bodies and minds to the Lord; then Jesus lays it all out after rebuking Peter. 

I identify with Jeremiah in some ways. There have been times I have been ridiculed for my Faith. Friends indignantly asking how I could still maintain my Faith as a queer Catholic. How could they know the joy of being a Catholic when all they see are the news stories and the loud, flagrant voices that people have come to associate with being followers of Christ. But there my faith is, burning in me even when it makes my bones weary. Jeremiah could not be quiet, and neither can I. Being a part of St. Gertrudes has made me bolder in my Faith. It has helped me realize that if we do not represent the Church we know and love, then who will? And while readings like today are a stark reminder of just how much we are called to sacrifice, I know we are equipped to do so even when it feels so hard sometimes. Paul says, “be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Our minds are continually renewed by our Faith. That is powerful.

If you need to be reminded of that power, please know that this congregation has given more to me in 10 years than the other 35 years spent spiritually wandering. You, and I mean you the person reading this, are a part of that.

~ Brianna DeBiasi

Explore the Catholic Faith Through OCIA

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 in September, 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



Rest in Peace

• Oscar Grande



• Fr. Dominic Grassi

New Parishioners

• Mikaila Chamblee-Barbaza and Roland Barbaza

Baptisms

• Cora Isra Ali, daughter of Mohammad H. Ali & Meredith E. Ali

• Nathan Herbert Armenakis, son of Paul J. Armenakis & Ruth E. Armenakis

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, August 29 at 5:00 pm - Millie Slane, Steven Monti
• Sunday, August 30 at 8:00 am - Patrick T. Reardon, Joseph Tomasello
• Sunday, August 30 at 10:30 am - Patrick Robinson, Troy McMillan

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, August 29 at 5:00 pm - Christine Lincoln
• Sunday, August 30 at 8:00 am - Mary Clare Barker
• Sunday, August 30 at 10:30 am - Robert Backis, Michael Kowalsky, Michelle Kuehlhorn

Altar Servers

• Saturday, August 29 at 5:00 pm - cross bearer: Carter Dant; acolytes: Wyatt Dant, Raiden Cruz
• Sunday, August 30 at 8:00 am - cross bearer: Bradley Phelps
• Sunday, August 30 at 10:30 am - cross bearer: Adaobi Okoli; acolytes: Jayson Ameyaw, Angel Garcia

Upcoming Mass Intentions


Monday, August 31: 7:30 am - Communion Service

Tuesday, September 1: 7:30 am - Peter Tunney+

Wednesday, September 2: 7:30 am - Patty Sullivan+

Thursday, September 3: 7:30 am - Charlotte Sullivan+

Friday, September 4: 7:30 am - Rosalia Veronica, Ferreira de Souza

Saturday, September 5: 5:00 pm - for the Marriage of Steve Salvius & Olivia

Sunday, September 1: 8:00 am - Donovan Family+; 10:30 am - Robert Nelson+

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.