St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville,

Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, May 24, 2026

Pentecost

News from St. Gertrude  

Pentecost is often called the “birthday of the Church,” but it is also something deeply personal: the moment when fearful hearts were transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the days after Jesus’ Ascension, the disciples were gathered behind closed doors, uncertain and afraid. Then came the sound of a mighty wind, tongues of fire rested upon them, and everything changed. They were no longer hiding—they were sent.

Pentecost reminds us that God does not leave people alone. The same Holy Spirit who descended upon the apostles continues to move in our lives today. We may not see tongues of fire, but we experience the Spirit in quieter ways: in courage when we feel weak, in peace during difficult times, in wisdom when we face uncertainty, and in love that calls us beyond ourselves.

The Spirit also unites. At Pentecost, people from many nations heard the apostles speaking in their own languages. What could have been division became understanding. In a world often marked by polarization, anger, and isolation, Pentecost challenges us to become people who listen, heal, and build bridges. The Holy Spirit does not erase our differences; the Spirit transforms them into opportunities for communion.

Pentecost is not just a historical event—it is an invitation. The Spirit still calls each of us to step out of fear and into mission. We are sent to bring Christ’s love into our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities. Sometimes that mission looks dramatic, but more often it appears in ordinary acts of kindness, forgiveness, patience, and compassion.

As we celebrate Pentecost, we can ask ourselves: Where is the Holy Spirit calling me to grow? What fears are keeping me behind closed doors? How can I become a witness to Christ in my daily life?

May we pray with open hearts:

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love.”

Lending Closet Closed Until June 2

The Heart to Heart Lending Closet is temporarily closed through Monday, June 1 and will reopen on Tuesday, June 2.

During this time, donations and equipment requests will be paused as volunteers complete organization, inventory, and maintenance of the ministry’s supplies.

We are grateful for the continued generosity and support of our parish and community, which help make this ministry possible for individuals and families in need throughout Chicagoland.

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 mass. Please consider joining us in church—we would love to have you!

Care for Real Collection is This Weekend

St. Gertrude will host a collection drive for Care for Real on May 23-24. Our Care for Real collections takes place on the first and fourth weekend of each month.

SNAP is one of the most effective ways to address food insecurity in the United States. However, as eligibility requirements change, many of our neighbors—especially seniors and others without exemptions—are at risk of losing their benefits. New requirements to work or volunteer 80 hours per month and report this to the state can be difficult to meet, increasing the risk of food insecurity.

As a result, Care for Real anticipates a growing need for their services. For more information, including current needs and ways to give, please visit https://linktr.ee/cfrchicago or follow their Facebook and Instagram pages.

We are grateful for your continued generosity in supporting Care for Real as they provide food and essential supplies to neighbors in need.

Gym Mass Schedule: Combined Mass in Church on May 24 (No Gym Mass)

On Sunday, May 24, there is no Gym Mass. Please join us for our 10:30 am mass in church.

The final Gym Mass of the school year will be held on Father's Day, Sunday, June 21.

Office Closed on Monday, May 25

Memorial Day is next weekend! Please note, the office will be closed on Monday, May 25.

A communion service will be held at 7:30 am.

Please keep in your prayers the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, and all the loved ones who continue to carry their memory in their hearts.

Upcoming Youth Group Activities: Car Wash on May 30 and a Hot Dog Sale During the Edgewater Yard & Garden Sale on June 6

The parish youth group has two upcoming events: a car wash and a hot dog sale. All proceeds will go towards youth group activities.

The car wash is planned for Saturday, May 30. Teens will be available to wash cars from 10:00 am-1:00 pm in the parish parking lot at the northwest corner of Thome and Glenwood. The cost is $15 per vehicle.

The Edgewater Yard and Sidewalk Sale is Saturday, June 6 from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Our parish youth group will sell pop and hot dogs to attendees in the parish parking lot from 11:00 am-2:00 pm.

If your teen in grades six and up is interested in joining our youth group, please contact Eloy Escamilla at eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org.

Brewed at St. Gertrude Planned for May 31 

Make plans to stay after the 10:30 am Mass on Sunday, May 31 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!

Contemplative Prayer Group Forming

Would you like to deepen your prayer life? Do you already have a regular prayer practice but would like to pray and reflect on spiritual readings and scripture in a group? A new contemplative prayer group at St. Gertrude will be forming soon.

Contemplative prayer is silent prayer that opens up us up to awareness of God’s presence by stilling our bodies and our minds. If you haven’t prayed contemplatively before (Centering Prayer, Christian meditation, etc.), we will offer guidance.

Starting Wednesday, June 3 at 9:00 am, we’ll meet weekly in the chapel of the Ministry Center. Come as you are and as you are able.

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

An Afternoon of Music featuring Piano and Saxophone

Mark your calendars! On June 14 at 1:00 pm, shortly after the 10:30 am Mass, our Music Director, Jonathan Hannau, will present a concert of music for piano and saxophone alongside his longtime collaborator and friend, Richard Brasseale.

The program will feature original compositions by both Jonathan and Richard, a piece by legendary Chicago-based composer George Flynn, and a dazzling, virtuosic sonata by Japanese composer Takashi Yoshimatsu.

The concert is free, though donations to the artists are welcome! 

Growing in Faith

A year ago, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore noted in his Pentecost homily that, at this moment in history, it can feel like we’re hunkered down in the upper room, like the disciples, confused and fearful. But he said, “Above all, we remember that the Risen Jesus does not leave us behind locked doors. He enters, even now, with a word of peace and a command to go out.”

And, when we go out into the turbulent world — “filled with the Holy Spirit” — we find, like the disciples, a marvelous diversity of people, hungry for good news. Those who heard the disciples preach asked themselves: 

“How does each of us hear them in his native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God."

Today, as we go out, “bold in hope,” as Archbishop Lori says, we find people from Nicaragua and Venezuela, from Iran and Nigeria, from Poland and China and Israel and Saudi Arabia and both Koreas, Black and White and Brown, straight and gay, people from every corner of the political spectrum and every corner of the nation.

And we, coming out of the upper room, are marked by tongues of fire, and each of us is called to bring the Holy Spirit to the world in our own individual way for, as Paul writes, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit.” And Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” It’s time to go out “bold in hope.”

~ Patrick T. Reardon

Easter Flower Offering Envelopes

• In Memory of Jacqueline Elwood from Andrew and Jane Elwood
• In Honor of Alonzo Martin
• For Marilou, Carmelita, and Zanita Velasquez from Joel and Edith Velasquez
• In Memory of John Staggs II from Mary Clare Barker
• In Memory of Sheila Ward from Leon Ward
• In Memory of Feliza and Mylene Velasquez and Enriqueta Vendiola from Joel and Edith Velasquez
• In Memory of The Strubbe & Galoney Families from Marie Galoney
• In Honor and Memory of Sr. Maggie McGinn B.V.M. from Marilyn Klein
• In Memory of Lilder and Albert Sherrod from Pamela Sherrod Anderson
• In Memory of Jon Anderson from Pamela Sherrod Anderson
• In Memory of Billy Tobin from Dorothea and Mike Tobin
• In Memory of Ricardo Binalber
• In Memory of Maria José Fereira de Souza from Ana Ward
• In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. A. Escara
• In Memory of Warren Meintz from Jacalyn Meier
• In Memory of Jeanette Cordero from Cristina Cordero

Parish Directory Update & Orders — Available Until May 31

We are finalizing our parish directory! If you did not have your photo taken, we invite you to update your household information to ensure your details are included.

Forms are available at the back of the church, or you may submit your information using the QR code or at https://bit.ly/StGertsDirectoryUpdateForm.

If you had your photo taken, a complimentary directory will be provided. For those who did not have a photo taken, you may still purchase a copy of the directory using the same form or online options.



Thank you for helping us create an accurate and complete parish directory!

Summer Camp at NCA



Looking for an affordable, fun, and enriching summer for your child? Northside Catholic Academy’s Summer Camp offers engaging weekly themes, outdoor play, creative activities, and time with friends.

Open to children ages 3+, our camp is led by caring staff who help each child grow, explore, and have fun. You do not have to be an NCA student to attend! Flexible scheduling and sibling discounts are available.

Learn more and register at https://www.northsidecatholic.org/student-life/summer-camp.cfm.

Rest in Peace

• Linda Roeske, wife of Keith Roeske. Memorial Mass scheduled for Saturday, June 20 at 11:00 am.

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, May 23 at 8:00 pm - Millie Slane, Joseph McMahon
• Sunday, May 24 at 8:00 am - Kathryn Stimac, Rob Sierzega
• Sunday, May 24 at 10:30 am - Steven Monti, Bob Backis

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, May 23 at 8:00 pm - Kathy Wall
• Sunday, May 24 at 8:00 am - Hallie Burhoe
• Sunday, May 24 at 10:30 am - Mary Clare Barker, Lisa Schneider, Troy McMillan

Altar Servers

• Saturday, May 23 at 8:00 pm - cross bearer: Wyatt Dant; acolyte: Danna Salinas
• Sunday, May 24 at 10:30 am - cross bearer: Mathios Paulos; acolyte: Angel Garcia

Upcoming Mass Intentions


• Monday, May 25: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Tuesday, May 26: 7:30 am - The Rocktoff Family
• Wednesday, May 27: 7:30 am
• Thursday, May 28: 7:30 am - Woldeyesus Nor+
• Friday, May 29: 7:30 am - Jim McGuire+
• Saturday, May 30: 5:00 pm - Woldeyesus Nor+
• Sunday, May 31: 8:00 am; 10:30 am - Ramon Romo+; 10:30 am Gym - For the people

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.