St. Gertrude Chicago

All are Welcome

1420 W. Granville,

Chicago, IL 60660

773.764.3621

stgertrude1420@stgertrudechicago.org

www.stgertrudechicago.org

Bulletin for Sunday, November 16, 2025

33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time/Feast of St. Gertrude

The Latest News at St. Gertrude

Celebrate the Feast of St. Gertrude at our "Brewed at St. Gertrude" This Sunday, November 16 

Join us on this Sunday, November 16 as we celebrate the Feast of St. Gertrude! Like any family gathering, we’ll come together to share food, connect with one another, and look with hope toward the future.

After the 10:30 am mass in church , all are invited to our monthly “Brewed at St. Gertrude” hospitality event in the Social Hall, featuring pastries, coffee, tea, and hot cocoa. All are welcome—new and long-time parishioners, families, and visitors!

Please note, there is no Gym mass.

More about who St. Gertrude was and a link to our parish's history is below!

A Huge Thank You From Heart to Heart

Many thanks to all who attended Nazareth Revelation, the parish play benefitting Heart to Heart Ministry on the evening of Saturday, November 8.

Laurie and Sr. Susan – along with all those who receive Heart to Heart services – are so grateful for the effort, time, and generosity of cast and crew, not to mention Mike Tobin, playwright and producer extraordinaire.

A total of $5,952 was raised in ticket sales and donations, and most importantly, a good time was had by all.

If you’d like to keep the good feelings going, please think about volunteering as a Heart to Heart driver or “receptionist.” Intrigued? Call 872-296-2537 to find out more. 

More information about Heart to Heart's Ministry is further down in the bulletin.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development: Working on the Margins - Second Collection November 22-23

The annual Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) collection will take place the weekend before Thanksgiving. For more than 50 years, CCHD has partnered with community organizations to address the root causes of poverty in the United States.

By supporting groups that help people help themselves, CCHD works to break the cycle of poverty—an effort that lies at the very heart of our faith. Through CCHD grants, community members come together to create jobs, improve neighborhoods, keep schools safe and enriching for children, and raise up future leaders right here in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The Next Care for Real Collection is November 22 and 23: SNAP Benefits and Food Pantries 

Our Care for Real collection drive is November 22 and November 23 before and after masses. 

Please note, our food-insecure neighbors, and Care for Real, are in urgent need of support. As of the

bulletin’s publication date, the Trump Administration has not complied with court orders to provide full funding for November SNAP benefits.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, this means that recipients will only receive about 50% of their usual monthly benefits in November, and it may be delayed. In Illinois alone, this impacts 1.9 million residents and food pantries like Care for Real are now facing an overwhelming surge in demand. Feeding America notes that for every one meal provided by food pantries, SNAP provides nine, underscoring that pantries alone cannot fill the gap. 

Please 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.  

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.

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. 

ECRA Interfaith Thanksgiving Service - Sunday, November 23 at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church

The Edgewater Community Religious Association (ECRA) is an interfaith association of religious organizations who work toward fostering friendships and understanding of other faiths, nurture a thriving and just neighborhood, and create solutions to local problems.

ECRA hosts an annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service benefiting Care for Real that bring together Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, as well as our friends from the Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu faith.

All are invited to this year's service on Sunday, November 23 from 3:00 pm, hosted this year at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, located at 5649 N. Sheridan Rd. There will be a reception afterwards with light refreshments and baked goods.

If you are able, please bring canned goods or a cash donated to share with our local food pantry, Care for Real.

Thanksgiving Weekend Office Closures

The Rectory office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, as well as Friday, November 28. Mass will be held at 10:00 am.

The Heart to Heart office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day too.

Order Your Trees, Garland, and Wreaths from St. Gert’s Annual Greenery Sale! 

St. Gertrude is once again hosting our annual Christmas greenery sale, with a limited number of balsam pine trees, wreaths, and garland available for purchase. Our Christmas greenery sale is a great opportunity for parishioners to get ready for the holidays while supporting St. Gertrude ministries. 

Each 6’ Christmas tree is $55. Three different sized wreaths are available—the 18” wreath is $25, the 24” is $27, and the 36” is $35. Garland is also available for $40 per 5’ length. 

In-Person Sales

Greenery will also be sold at the playlot on the west side of the Social Hall, 1401 W. Granville Avenue, on November 30, December 7, December 14, and December 21 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Only cash and checks will be accepted for in-person purchases.

Online Orders and Paper Forms

The option to purchase greenery online or via paper forms will be available soon.

Deliveries

Deliveries will be offered for a $6 fee. They will take place on Sunday, December 7 and Sunday, December 14 from noon - 4:00 pm. The greenery team will do their best to accommodate your preferred delivery date and will reach out to notify you when to expect your order. 

Please note, the boundaries for deliveries are north to Oakton, south to Irving Park, and east of the North Shore Channel.

Questions? Contact St. Gertrude Business Manager Eduardo Soto at esoto@stgertrudechicago.org or call the Rectory at 773.764.3621.

An Ignatian Retreat in Daily Life at St. Gertrude

An “Ignatian Retreat in Daily Life” will begin this coming January and end in June. The retreat follows the basic themes of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, but will take

place in the midst of daily life rather than at a retreat center.

Participants commit to praying on themes from Scripture which will be selected for each day of the retreat. Small groups of retreatants will meet once a week to share their prayer experiences and receive guidance on the next week’s themes.

The director of the retreat will be Jim Neafsey, a parishioner at St. Gertrude’s who has

given Ignatian retreats for 50 years.

There will be a basic orientation to the retreat offered in December. Information

sessions will last 45 minutes. Information sessions will take place in the Ministry Center

on the following dates:

• Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00 pm
• Sunday, December 7 at 11:30 am (after Mass) 
• Saturday, December 13 at 9:00 am 

Each session will cover the same content, so you only need to come to one session.

They are intended to help clarify what the retreat entails and whether it fits with your

desires and pattern of life at this time. If you are interested, but cannot make any of

these meetings, please call or text Jim Neafsey at 773.580.5212.



This series is sponsored by the Adult Spirituality and Faith Formation Committee.

Advent at St. Gertrude: A Journey in Hope

“The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before. It is not possible to keep it from coming because it will. That’s just how Advent works. What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you.

So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. For now, stay. Wait. Something is on the horizon.”

~ Text © Jan Richardson from Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas. janrichardson.com. (used with permission)

As Jan Richardson reminds us, Advent calls us to slow down—to watch, wait, and open ourselves to the mystery that is already unfolding in our midst. It is a season of quiet anticipation and spiritual renewal, inviting us to notice what is coming to birth within us and within our community.

This Advent, the Adult Spirituality and Formation Committee invites you to join a special three-part series designed to deepen that journey of awareness and hope. Each session offers a unique way to encounter the sacred—through prayer, art, and reflection—as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.

All sessions will take place from 7:00–8:30 p.m. in the Ministry Center Chapel. You are welcome to attend any or all.

All sessions will take place from 7:00–8:30 pm in the Ministry Center Chapel. You are welcome to attend any or all.

• Session One: Wednesday, December 3: Pondering in Our Hearts: Lectio Divina and the Virtue of Hope – with Patricia Sullivan and Karen Spear
• Session Two: Wednesday, December 10: A Pre-Instagram Birth: The Nativity of Jesus Told Through Art – with Fr. Sergio Romo
• Session Three: Wednesday, December 17: Encountering the Mystery of God’s Presence Through Sacred Art – with Jim Neafsey

Please consider being part of this Advent journey. While all are welcome to “drop in,” we ask that you let us know if you plan to attend so we can prepare sufficient seating.

To register, email Mary Ann O’Connor at maryann.oconnor@rcn.com and indicate which session or sessions you will attend.

Come, stay, and wait with us this Advent season. Something beautiful is on the horizon.

Parish Photo Directory: Sign Up to Get Your Family Portrait Taken!



It’s time for a new St. Gertrude photo directory!

Photography sessions will take place December 18–20. Every participating household will receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait and a free parish directory.

You’ll be able to view your photos immediately and have the option to purchase additional portraits—perfect for keepsakes or holiday gifts.

Appointments can be made after Mass or online at schedule.ucdir.com (Church code: IL 457, Password: photos).

Questions? Email Jen Reyes at stgertrudeparishcouncil@gmail.com.

7th & 8th Grade Students: Essay Contest Entries Due December 22

Students in the 7th and 8th grade are invited to take part in our annual essay contest. Participants should write an essay based on this prompt: What is the impact of Christianity on human rights?

Entries should be 500-550 words. Spelling and grammar count!

The top three winners will receive gift cards and have their essays published online and in the bulletin.

Entries must be submitted online or postmarked by Monday, December 22, 2025. Email essays (preferred method) to eescamilla@stgertrudechicago.org or mail them to Eloy Escamilla, 1420 W. Granville, Chicago, IL 60660. 

Who was St. Gertrude the Great?

St. Gertrude the Great, also known as St. Gertrude of Helfta, was born on January 6, 1256, in Germany. At just four years old, she entered the monastery school at Helfta, where she was cared for by St. Mechtilde and educated in Scripture, theology, and the writings of the Church Fathers. She later joined the Benedictine Order, dedicating her life to study and prayer.

At age 25, Gertrude began receiving visions that deepened her devotion and inspired her to write for the spiritual benefit of others. One of her most well-known visions came when she rested her head near Christ’s wounded side and heard the beating of His Sacred Heart—a symbol of divine love for all humanity.

A 13th-century mystic and theologian, St. Gertrude remains a model of contemplative love, learning, and compassion, inspiring devotion to the Sacred Heart and a deeper love for God.

Interested in our parish's history? Longtime parishioner, author, and former Tribune columnist Patrick Reardon wrote a beautiful blog post about our parish history here.

Growing in Faith

Sometimes, to keep myself from losing it, so to speak, about the times we are living in—the violence, oppression, genocide, injustices, racism, the complete devaluing of the humanity of individual persons and whole communities, the rampant abuse of and disregard for our Holy Mother Earth, without whom none of us would be here—I tell myself: none of this is new.

What we are witnessing today has been happening around the world for most of human history. The only difference for us today is that technology makes it possible for us to know about much more of it—if we allow ourselves to know.

How do I—how does anyone—keep from losing it? Well, some do lose it, and that hurts. It cuts us deeply, because when one from our human family breaks, we are all left broken. Some of us, having been broken, find it difficult to put ourselves in harm’s way—to speak up against injustice, to advocate for the oppressed, to confront the kings and governors and others who persecute. Or we simply stop believing that real, substantial change is possible—that speaking up and speaking out will actually make any difference at all.

I personally have had to fight that urge—or better, that inertia, that lack of hope and belief in the power of persevering in doing each day what is good, right, compassionate, kind, and honest—essentially, in giving testimony to how Jesus asks us to live, wherever and with whomever we are. Keep on walking forward.

~ Jim Manzardo

Spotlight on St. Gertrude's Heart to Heart Ministry

Heart to Heart is a ministry of St. Gertrude that serves a critical and growing need in our community. As our population ages, more seniors are seeking the support necessary to remain safe, independent, and connected in their homes. Heart to Heart meets this need by assisting some of Edgewater’s most vulnerable residents—our senior citizens.

Led by Director Sr. Susan Quaintance, OSB, and Lending Closet Manager Laurie Hasbrook, the ministry helps older adults who need minimal assistance by completing assessments and connecting them with community services and agencies that provide financial, medical, and home care support.

Equally important as meeting practical needs is the human connection Heart to Heart provides. This ministry embodies faith in action—offering compassion through a listening ear, a kind word, or a helping hand.

Heart to Heart also operates a Medical Lending Closet, which has become an invaluable resource across Chicagoland. With demand higher than ever, the Lending Closet provides essential medical equipment—such as walkers, wheelchairs, and shower chairs—free of charge to those in need.

You can support Heart to Heart by volunteering or making a donation in church, at the Rectory, or online at givecentral.org/location/8/event/606. Checks may be made payable to St. Gertrude Parish with Heart to Heart in the memo line.

Thank you for helping us care for our neighbors with love, dignity, and faith.

Help Needed on our Sandwich Making Team

Our St. Gertrude Sandwich-Making Team is looking for an additional member to help prepare 35 bag lunches for our neighborhood Epworth Homeless Shelter. The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month, October through May, at 10:00 am in the Ministry Center.

Each group member purchases one item—bread, cheese, lunch meat, fruit, or chips—and brings it to the meeting, where the lunches are assembled. The item you are responsible for rotates monthly. Each session takes less than an hour.

If you are interested in helping on a regular basis, please contact Cecie Murphy at 773-338-3165 (h) or cmurphy@luc.edu.

How to Get Announcements in the Bulletin, in E-Blasts, at Church, and Posted on St. Gert's Social Media

We’ve recently received a few questions about how information about parish events, updates, and neighborhood or Archdiocesan activities is shared. Here’s a quick overview:

Bulletins and Daily Reflections/Updates

Almost all of our information is gathered from our bulletins. Information is sent to stgertbulletin@yahoo.com, and should arrive about 10 days before the Sunday you’d like your announcement to appear. Early submissions are appreciated, as bulletin size can vary week to week, and both a print and e-bulletin are produced.

If you’ve signed up for our daily reflections, we include upcoming parish events or activities right after the prayers.

Announcements at Mass

We typically limit in-church announcements to three upcoming events, giving priority to parish-run activities happening over the next week. These are kept brief, as details such as times and locations can be found in the bulletin.

Social Media

We've been more active on social media, posting about everything on the bulletin and sharing some of our partners' posts too. Please consider following us on Instagram(@stgertrudeinchicago) or Facebook(@stgertrudechicago).

Altar of Remembrance

To honor a deceased loved one in November, all are invited to bring a photo to the Altar of Remembrance, located at the front of the church.

Photos, with a contact number phone on the back, may be placed on the tables at any time and should be picked up Thanksgiving weekend. 

Playdates at NCA Every Monday and Friday Through December 19

Bring your little ones (ages 0-5) and join us for fun-filled playdate! Held at Northside Catholic Academy, 6216 N. Glenwood, on Monday and Friday mornings from 9:30 - 10:30 am through December 19, the hour is filled with activities for kids, a chance to meet neighborhood families, and learn more about NCA.

Please scan the QR code in the graphic to RSVP!

NCA Open House on Tuesday, November 18

Are you looking for a quality education for your preschool, kindergarten, elementary, or middle school student? We're accepting in all grades!

Join us for our next Open House on Tuesday, November 18 at 9:30 am and see what makes Northside Catholic Academy such a special place for students and their families. 

Please RSVP to the event by scanning the QR code in the image or by visiting northsidecatholic.org. 

Living with Grief Workshop on Saturday November 22

How do you anticipate and want to move through winter and the holidays in a way that honors both your grieving and your loved one? Where presently do you find strength, understanding, and encouragement as you experience the many feelings your loved one’s absence has awakened within you?

Join others who are also grieving the death of their loved one in a safe, understanding, non-judgmental space. Connect and share stories, explore ways of living with and without your loved one, and find ways to honor them.

An in-person grief workshop is being offered by parishioner Jim Mandardo, Board Certified Hospital Chaplain and licensed professional counselor (LPC). The program is Saturday, November 22 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at the Center for Grief Recovery and Therapeutic Services, 1261 W. Loyola Ave.

The entrance is close to the Loyola Red Line stop. Street parking is available in the neighborhood and a $5 parking garage is available on Arthur.

The cost is $25 and is limited to 20 participants. Coffee, bagels, and fruit will be provided.

Please RSVP to Jim Manzardo at 773.274.4600 or j.manzardo@griefcounselor.org.

Ministers of the Word

• Saturday, November 15 at 5:00 pm - Art Lyons, Martin Waide
• Sunday, November 16 at 8:00 am - Jennifer Kiedaisch, Mary Clare Barker
• Sunday, November 16 at 10:30 am - Eric Ameyaw, Edie Sheridan

Eucharistic Ministers

• Saturday, November 15 at 5:00 pm - Tim Harrington
• Sunday, November 16 at 8:00 am - Rob Sierzega
• Sunday, November 16 at 10:30 am - Sarah Millar, Michael Kowalsky, Steven Monti

Upcoming Mass Intentions

• Monday, November 17: 7:30 am - Communion Service
• Tuesday, November 18: 7:30 am - The Carrillo family
• Wednesday, November 19: 7:30 am - Michael J. Cronin+
• Thursday, November 20: 7:30 am - Nancy Quinn Jaskowiak+
• Friday, November 21: 7:30 am - Nathan, Joseph+, Libby+, Noreen Waters+
• Saturday, November 22: 7:30 am - Phyllis Raine+; 5:00 pm - Alanna McKee+
• Sunday, November 23: 8:00 am - Isabelle and Michael Laczkowski+; 10:30 am - Grace V. Carera+; 10:30 am Gym - Jake Wons+

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.