St. Gertrude Catholic Parish

Dear St. Gertrude,

I had a great week, how about you?

First of all, it was Catholic Schools Week. I am a big Catholic schools fan. Of course I went to them all my student life and I read the statistics from Fr. Andrew Greeley about how formative the schools are, and I know that we put a good percentage of our collection into Northside Catholic Academy and I know that many of the parents of the school children are very involved in the parish — so all of that makes me a fan. I also know that Catholic schools in the city have a high tuition, sinking enrollment, and a tough time paying the bills. The schools, besides the high tuition, do a lot of fund raising and written appeals to alumni and others who do not have children in the school. So it is a constant struggle. But isn’t everything worthwhile a constant struggle? So, a letter was sent to all parishioners telling us about the needs of the school as well as all the good stuff that NCA does. One more request, but I think this is a very important one.

Last week we had a gathering for those asked to serve on a committee to bring about a parish synod. Twenty-three were invited, twenty showed up. (We have a great parish!). It is a tricky assignment. They need more information. We will meet again in a week.

Barbara Smith’s Mass last Saturday was really wonderful. Many from the parish helped with the luncheon. The family of this delightful lady, who died at 102, was very grateful. In the eulogies we learned the secret for a long life: Manhattans at 4:00 p.m.

Last Sunday, the Cardinal and Fr. Lou Cameli spoke about a serious question: “”How can the Catholic Church regain her moral voice?”" What is the way to bring back an important authoritative, discredited (in the mind of the public) viewpoint on moral and ethical decisions?

Monday evening there was a Mass for survivors of cancer. I am in that select group now as are many in the parish. At Resurrection Hospital they have an unusual Mass for the survivors. I have presided at the Mass for the last two years. Jim Croegaert is the chaplain there. He comes to our church and writes beautiful hymns to which we dance. He sang and played his own hymns that night. Delle Chatman, another survivor, wrote the best prayers of the faithful you have ever heard. She prayed them that night with a chapel-full of people with hope. It was all very uplifting.

There were some other wonderful encounters with parishioners during the week. We have such an interesting collection of characters; my one big dream is that everyone in the parish would know everyone else in the parish. There is such a variety and range of skills, talents and resources — so broad that it seems (in the word of e.e. cummings) illimitable. And so it is.

Keep truckin’

WK

Filed under: Dear Saint Gertrude