St. Gertrude Catholic Parish

So how is Lent going with you? I’m glad we made it to March. They call March, April and May meteorological spring. That sounds as phony as wind-chill factor. And besides that, did you know that Tom Skilling lives within our parish? And what’s more, I think our sacristan Dorothy, doesn’t like Mike Kaplan, the substitute weather man on Channel 7, one bit. So who says talking about the weather isn’t all that interesting?The next big thing on the Church’s calendar is Confirmation. Bishop Joseph Perry is coming next Sunday to St. Gertrude Parish. We combine with St. Ignatius and we have the ceremony in our church every other year. Otherwise, it is at St. Ignatius. That sounds a little more complicated than it really is. Anyway we are very proud of this class. There will be about 45 all together.

• Meanwhile the Parish Play rehearsals are going on regularly and it looks like another smash hit. I can’t wait for April 8 and 9.
• The RCIA is going through “the scrutinies.”Their big day is the Easter Vigil on March 26. It has been an extraordinary year for these extraordinary candidates. You can see their pictures in the back of Church.
• The children of NCA have been magnificent in the way they have handled our restructuring for next year. As you know, the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades - our middle school - will be at St. Ita’s campus next year along with a pre-school. At St. Gertrude campus we will have pre-school through fifth. This will provide a closer-knit feel in the school as well as an economic savings of some $200,000. We appreciate everyone’s effort to make people feel at home. Change is always difficult especially for those who have grown attached to a place and a routine. I especially appreciate those who have been asked to adjust more than others. I hope all raise their hospitality flag as high as can be.

Filed under: Dear Saint Gertrude