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 2, 2026

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Religious Education Registration Opens August 1

Registration for St. Gertrude's 2026–2027 Religious Education program opens in August! We warmly invite children and families to join us as we grow together in faith through prayer, learning, and community. Our Religious Education program helps children deepen their relationship with God while learning about the Catholic faith in a welcoming and engaging environment.

Classes meet on Sundays from 9:15–10:15 am on the St. Gertrude campus and begin in September, making it easy for families to participate before our 10:30 am Mass. Throughout the year, students will explore Scripture, Catholic traditions, the sacraments, and ways to live out their faith through service and compassion.

Tuition for the 2026–2027 school year is $230 for the first child and $40 for each additional child from the same family. Families registering a child who was baptized at another church are asked to provide a copy of the child's baptismal certificate.

Registration may be completed online or in person by appointment. Families can also find the Religious Education calendar, parent handbook, registration form, and tuition payment information in English and Spanish on our website at stgertrudechicago.org/religious-education.

If you have questions or would like more information about the program, please contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org. We look forward to welcoming both returning and new families for another wonderful year of learning, faith, and fellowship at St. Gertrude Parish!

Interested in Becoming Catholic or Completing Your Sacraments?

Registration for the 2026–2027 Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) process opens in August.

OCIA (formerly known as RCIA) is the process through which adults learn about the Catholic faith and discern whether they are called to become members of the Catholic Church.

Many participants are people who have never been baptized or who were baptized in another Christian tradition and are interested in exploring the Catholic faith. Others are baptized Catholics who have not yet received the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation, or who simply want to deepen their understanding of their faith.

The OCIA journey is one of prayer, learning, reflection, and community. Through weekly gatherings, participants explore Scripture, share their faith stories, learn about Catholic beliefs and traditions, and participate in the life of the parish. Those who are ready to enter the Catholic Church receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Classes will begin in September.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about OCIA at St. Gertrude, contact Eloy Escamilla by calling the Rectory at 773.764.3621 or emailing eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.

Care for Real Collection is 

August 1-2

Please support our neighbors in need by bringing nonperishable food and other essential items to our Care for Real Collection before and after all Masses on August 1-2.

Our Care for Real collections takes place on the first and fourth weekend of each month. We hope you’ll consider taking part again. 

For the most up-to-date list of needed items and links to Care for Real's social media pages, visit linktr.ee/cfrchicago. 

Thank you for your generosity! 

Wednesday Mornings: Resting in God’s Presence

Take time each Wednesday to pause, pray, and reflect. Our contemplative prayer group meets at 9:00 am in the Ministry Center Chapel (6214 N. Glenwood Ave.) for silent prayer, Scripture reflection, and spiritual reading.

Whether you're new to contemplative prayer or have years of experience, all are welcome.

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!

August Book Club Info

Join the St. Gertrude Book Club on Tuesday, August 11, 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.

Friendship Club is Thursday, August 13

The St. Gertrude Women's Friendship Club meets on the second Thursday of each month in the Ministry Center, 6214 N. Glenwood Ave. Gatherings begin at 11:30 am, and participants are invited to bring a brown-bag lunch.

Join us for fellowship, conversation, and friendship!

Courtyard Conversation: What is My Relationship with God? Corrected Date: Wednesday, August 12

We invite you to join us on Wednesday, August 12, for a thoughtful, reflective conversation as we 

reflect upon God's presence and, perhaps, God's absence in our lives. Please note the date for this event has been corrected. 

Am I satisfied with my relationship with God? Have there been times when that relationship has been a source of comfort and peace? Have there been times when God has seemed absent?

Am I always doing the talking/asking or do I take time to be still and quiet, to listen to what God is saying to me? What ways have I found to deepen my relationship with God?

Each of us has their own answer to these and to similar questions. Come and share your insights, your struggles, and your hopes as we listen and learn from one another.

We will gather in the courtyard between the church and Ministry Center on Tuesday, August 18 from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. If you are able, please bring your own chair. (Rain location: Ministry Center Chapel)

~ Sponsored by the Adult Spirituality and Formation Committee

Growing in Faith

In today’s Gospel, the disciples almost miss a chance to feed five thousand people because they don’t think they have what it takes. Believing that they lack the resources, they want Jesus to send the hungry people home. In response, he tells his disciples, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” So they bring Jesus the few loaves and fishes that they have, which he blesses and has them distribute to the crowd. Against all expectations, they are able to satisfy the need—with leftovers.

A friend recently passed on to me this odd, but strangely wise, advice: "Anything worth doing is worth doing badly." Not risking action because I fear that I may not do it well, or because others could probably do it better, leads to a lot of missed opportunities. When it comes to doing something useful, I’m trying not to let self-doubt erect unnecessary barriers.

I love that Jesus says, “Give them some food yourselves.” He is saying to the disciples (and to us), "You can do it." Responding to others’ needs, a little can go a long way. Even if I may not know exactly the right thing to say or do, it is almost always worth risking an act of generosity. It may be just enough to fill a need that otherwise would be left unmet.

~ Bob Raccuglia 

2027 Mass Intentions Book Now Open

The 2027 Mass Intentions book is now open. If you would like to request a Mass intention for a loved one, please contact the Rectory office. If you would like to request a Mass intention for a loved one, please call, email (jcarrillo@stgertrudechicago.org), or come to the office (1420 W. Granville) during regular business hours.  

A suggested donation of $10 per Mass intention is requested. To provide as many families as possible the opportunity to schedule intentions, requests are limited to 10 Mass intentions per household each year.

Music for Mass This Summer

This graphic outlines the Mass parts we will be using throughout the summer to help everyone participate with confidence.

The opening, offertory, communion, and closing hymns will continue to be posted on the hymn board before Mass and announced as the liturgy begins. Thank you for joining in prayer and song as we worship together each week.

Liturgical Ministry Training This September

Share your gifts and become more involved in the celebration of the Mass by serving in one of our liturgical ministries.

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.

Altar Server training will take place on Monday, 

September 28, at 6:30 pm in the church. Students in 4th grade and older are welcome.

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

Scholarships Available at Northside Catholic Academy

NCA is still enrolling students in Pre-K through 8th grade! New scholarship opportunities funded by the Archdiocese of Chicago can help make an NCA education more affordable:

• Transfer Scholarships are available to students entering grades 1–8 who are transferring from a public school. Awards are need-based and renewable.
• Welcome Scholarships are available for up to two years (up to $3,500) for students entering Kindergarten–8 who are transferring from any school. Awards are not based on financial need.
• 

Learn more, schedule a tour, or begin your application at northsidecatholic.org.

Wildcat Street Fest



Celebrate with the NCA community at the Wildcat Street Fest on Saturday, September 12 from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at 6216 N. Glenwood Ave. Enjoy food, drinks, games, entertainment and family-friendly fun while supporting Northside Catholic Academy. Learn more at https://www.northsidecatholic.org/support-nca/street-fest.cfm

NCA Cornhole Classic

Join us Saturday, September 12 at 11:00 a.m. for NCA’s annual Cornhole Classic during the Wildcat Street Fest! Players of all skill levels are welcome.

Registration is $50 per person or $100 per team, with proceeds supporting NCA Athletics and youth sports programs. Parishioners, alumni, neighbors, and all skill levels are welcome to join this entertaining event. Learn more and register at https://www.northsidecatholic.org/parents.

NCA Is Hiring: Part-Time PreK Spanish Instructor



Northside Catholic Academy is seeking a native or fully fluent Spanish speaker to provide engaging Spanish instruction to PreK students for 60 minutes each school day, preferably in the morning. This 10-month position also includes one paid training session each month.

No teaching experience is required. Paid training, curriculum, and materials are provided. Candidates with Latino heritage and cultural knowledge who are excited to share their language and culture with young learners are especially encouraged to apply.

Compensation is $22 per hour. Contact Principal Terese Black at tblack@ncaschools.com for more information.

New Parishioners

• Ruth Groff
• Lynn Miller

Baptisms

• Eric Antonio Telio Hernandez, son of Pedro Telio Rios & Edna Maria Hernandez Caballero
• Ivry Carter-Cy Morgan, son of Ashante R. Walker-Morgan & Miranda D. Cox

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, August 1 at 5:00 pm - Patrick T. Reardon, Arthur Lyons
• Sunday, August 2 at 8:00 am - Hallie Burhoe, Rob Sierzega
• Sunday, August 2 at 10:30 am - Robert Backis, Rose Karasti

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, August 1 at 5:00 pm - Tim Harrington
• Sunday, August 2 at 8:00 am - Anthony Myers
• Sunday, August 2 at 10:30 am - Michael Kowalsky, Michelle Kuehlhorn, Maria Luisa Ugarte

Altar Servers

• Saturday, August 1 at 5:00 pm - cross bearer: Bradley Phelps; acolyte: Raiden Cruz
• Sunday, August 2 at 10:30 am - cross bearer: Kora Cunningham; acolyte: Daniel Cunningham, Angel Garcia

Upcoming Mass Intentions


Monday, August 3: 7:30 am - Communion Service

Tuesday, August 4: 7:30 am 

Wednesday, August 5: 7:30 am - Greg Wall+

Thursday, August 6: 7:30 am

Friday, August 7: 7:30 am - 7:30 am - Michael McGuire+

Saturday, August 8: 5:00 pm

Sunday, August 9: 8:00 am; 10:30 am - Jack Degnan+ Jim Corbett+ Kevin Corbett+

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.