Parish Organizations

A parish is a network of people who are gathered by a common faith, worship in a common tradition, and share a history, common interests, and a vision for the future. The network is strengthened every time the people get to know each other more, a step by step process furthered by a nod of the head, a smile, or a phone call.

This handy directory contains the names of the most interesting people you would ever want to meet. The diversity is what we all claim to value. Finding the common interests of that diversity is what the parish is about. We try to get people to know each other around vital projects, happy occasions, and sacred rituals. Everyone is asked to take an interest in the others and thereby become who we really are.

This directory can facilitate the communication. One third of the registered parishioners live outside the parish boundaries. This development is part of how Catholics gather now. This reality makes the directory even more valuable. Each new parishioner is helped to understand the parish better by the guide book which describes the various elements within the parish.

Parish Council
The Parish Council works with the pastor to help St. Gertrude Parish live out its mission as a place where faith in Jesus is practiced within the context of our parish and the larger community.

Contact: Janine Denomme – (773) 761-5943
Meetings: Ten times per year, and as needed.

Spiritual Life

Included in this category are ministries and organizations that assist people in prayer, liturgy and worship, spiritual reflection, and evangelization.

Spirituality & Liturgy Committee
Building upon our diversity as a Parish and using both devotion and liturgy, our mission is to support an environment that encourages the spiritual growth of those who are seeking to deepen their relationship to God and others.

Our committee has two primary focuses 1) Liturgy and Worship and 2) Prayer, Spiritual Reflection and Evangelization. The Liturgy and Worship group looks at how we as a parish come together in Eucharistic celebration. The Prayer, Spiritual Reflection and Evangelization group helps organize times of reflection and prayer outside of the regular Mass schedule.

Meetings Monthly: 3rd Saturday at the rectory at 9:30 a.m.
Contact: Kevin Chears – (773) 764-4343

Liturgy and Worship

Altar Servers
These boys and girls assist in the celebration of the liturgy. Through their participation, they make the Mass more meaningful for everyone.

Meetings: Annual training; additional sessions scheduled as needed.
Contact: Steven Monti – (773) 275-3969

Art and Environment
This committeedecorates the church space according to specific liturgical themes and seasons. Using flowers, fabrics, statuary, art, etc., we strive to contribute to a church environment that gives glory to God through its beauty and reverence and serves God’s people with a climate of hospitality and prayerfulness.

Meetings: Seasonal
Contact: Annie Sweeney – (773) 465-8565 and Connie Engelmohr – (773) 761-6814

Dance Troupe
The liturgical dancers use movement and gesture to pray and to expand our community experience of prayer.

Meetings: Rehearsals are called per event.
Contact: Amy Zajakowski-Uhll – (773) 465-2179

Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers administer Holy Communion at all of the Masses. All adult and high school aged,, confirmed parish members are eligible for this ministry. Call for details.

Meetings: Periodic training sessions.
Contact: Rectory – (773) 764-3621

Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Word of God through their reading of sacred scripture at all of the Masses. This spiritually satisfying role helps our community to more fully experience the celebration of Mass. Participation open to high school age and older. Training is provided.

Meetings: Training sessions scheduled as needed. Training takes place in the church.
Contact: Rectory – (773) 764-3621

Music Ministry
Please consider joining in one of the many music ministries
Church Choir – The choir sings at the 10am Mass Each Sunday and the major celebrations of Christmas, the Triduum and Easter
Cantors are needed to lead the congregation in song at the Sunday Masses
Musicians (any instruments) are frequently incorporated as an adjunct to our Sunday music, weddings, funerals, Taizé and special events.
Small Group Singers & Musicians are needed for occasional events such as Taizé Prayer, special Masses or other celebrations.
Children’s Choir – see Youth Choir under Education and Formation

Meetings: Rehearsals for the Church Choir is 7pm every Thursday. All other Musicians rehearsals are as needed.
Contact: Mary Herbin-Horan (773) 764-3621, ext. 22

Sacristans
This ministry maintains the beauty and reverence of the Church environment by preparing the altar for Mass, arranging flowers for various liturgies, and caring for the vestments.

Meetings: Periodically
Contact: Rectory – (773) 764-3621

St. Gertrude East
In the intimate setting of the foyer of Sacred Heart School’s gymnasium, Sunday Mass is celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Carol Beatty is choir director and accompanist and provides a wonderful mix of familiar hymns and classical church music to enhance the prayerful participation of all. Some people come early to chat, and on the fourth Sunday of the month, remain for coffee and other delights provided by their friends.

Meetings: Mass is celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday in the Campbell Building, 6230 N. Sheridan Rd.
Contact: Marty Hegarty – (773) 274-4559

10:30 a.m. Gym Mass
The hallmark of 10:30 a.m. Mass is the communal homily, whereby people share from their own experiences of living the Gospel. Art, drama, music, and liturgical dance also engage participants in a fresh look at the central symbols of our faith. Plan for a longer Mass (about 1 hour).

Meetings: Sundays, 10:30 a.m., in the gym, September to June.
Contact: Mark & Michelle Hanafee – (773) 381-0561

Ushers
These teams help to seat worshipers at Mass and take up the collection of offerings.

Meetings: Periodically
Contact: Ray Seitz – (773) 764-5134

Prayer, Spiritual Reflection, and Evangelization

Evangelization Committee
This group helps organize seasonal faith sharing groups and otherwise aids our parish efforts to “announce the Good News of God’s presence among us.”

Meetings: As agreed upon by members.
Contact: Allen Stryczek – (773) 973-3637

Friday Men’s Faith Group
Men gather for scripture reading, faith sharing, prayer and breakfast. All men are welcome to participate.

Meetings: 6:15 a.m.-7:30 a.m. every Friday in the rectory.
Contact: Mike Tobin – (773) 743-8451

Legion of Mary
Mary, Mother of Our Savior Praesidium
The goal of this group is the personal sanctification of its members, the spread of devotion to Mary by encouraging the recitation of the Rosary, and performance of apostolic works. Our Praesidium visits residents at nursing homes in the parish and does other corporal works of mercy. We distribute rosaries, religious articles, and reading materials at the homes and assist in their Masses. Members should be 18 years or older and Catholic for active membership in our Praesidium.

Meetings: Ministry Center, every Saturday at 8:45 a.m.
Contact: Pat Conway – (773) 764-1018

Ministers of Care
These specially trained parishioners bring Communion, as well as the thoughts and prayers of our parish, to those who are unable to attend Mass on a regular basis, in particular, those who are sick or homebound. Those who receive Communion are reminded that they do indeed belong to the Body of Christ.

Meetings: Quarterly on a Saturday morning in the rectory.
Contact: Peter Buttitta – (773) 764-3621

Ministers of Praise
This ministry invites those who are unable to otherwise participate in the life of our community to contribute their gift of prayer for the intentions of the parish. Ministers of Praise offer their prayers in their own homes, using written guide sheets prepared by the coordinator on a monthly basis.

Contact: Sr. Kathryn Stimac – (773) 764-7325

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)
The R.C.I.A. is the process by which adults prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation and through which we welcome them into the Catholic Church. It is a gathering of adults in a supportive, friendly atmosphere to share our personal faith stories, to discuss the rich tradition of the Roman Catholic Church, and to engage in prayer and reflection on the Scripture.

Meetings: Sunday mornings and a weekday evening from September until May.
Contact: Bob Backis – (773) 262-0492

Rosary Group
We pray the Rosary. All are welcome.

Meetings: Weekdays and Saturday, 8:45 a.m. in Church.
Contact: Pat Conway – (773) 764-1018

Spiritual Direction/Companionship
Spiritual direction/companionship is a process that helps a person of faith clarify or discern where and how God is acting in his/her life. With a trained Director/Companion a person is invited to reflect more deeply on his/her relationship with God and on how God is present in the events of our lives.

Individual meetings by appointment in the Ministry Center.
Contact: Bob Backis, Marilyn Gehant, or Janine Denomme -
(773) 764-8884

Women’s Scripture Study
This is a scripture study designed for women to grow spiritually in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ, and to realize that one of the ways God speaks to us through His word.

Meetings: Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 1244 West Granville Ave.
Contact: Suzanne Stryczek – (773) 973-3637

Women’s Spirituality Group
Women gather to explore life themes, drawing upon insights found in books, prayer, ritual, and especially one another. Participants commit themselves to regular attendance and openness to the group.

Meetings: Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. in the Ministry Center. Childcare is available for a minimal fee.
Contact: Julie O’Donaghue- (773) 338-8733

Social Justice & Human Concerns

The groups and programs listed here reflect our parish response to people and social structures in need of healing.

Social Justice and Human Concerns Committee
The Social Justice Human Concerns committee seeks to facilitate educational opportunities and parishioner involvement in social justice issues and actions and to build partnerships among the various social justice and human concerns groups in and outside the parish.

Contacts: Sandy Bowen (773) 381-1721 and Jim Manzardo
(773) 743-4632.

Blood Drive
Six blood drives are conducted each year in conjunction with LifeSource of Chicago. Participants are helping to solve the ongoing blood shortage in this area.

Meetings: Sundays six times per year in the Social Hall.
Contact: Jack Degnan – (773) 777-0014 or Ken Ziganto – (773) 784-5047

Organization of the NorthEast (O.N.E.)
St. Gertrude Parish is a member of O.N.E., a community organization in Edgewater and Uptown. Through our participation with O.N.E., we have the opportunity to act powerfully with other institutions in the community on issues of social justice like housing, education, jobs and economic development, and youth and family concerns. Through O.N.E., St. Gertrude also participates in United Power for Action & Justice which works on social justice issues in the larger metropolitan area.

Meetings: There are various ways to become involved in our parish work with O.N.E.
Contact: Nick Brunick – (773) 989-1592

Giving Tree
The Giving Tree is an Advent Season event through which parishioners are invited to share gifts with people from our neighborhood who are in need. Volunteers deliver these gifts through our local shelters and Care For Real.

Meetings: One or two meetings during Advent for volunteers.
Contact: Gail Smith – (773) 286-5897

Heart-to-Heart
This parish ministry evolved into an award winning program serving the elderly, 60 years of age and older, living in the Edgewater community. Volunteers provide services such as grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments phone outreach and friendly visiting. Orientation and training provided for all volunteers.

Contact: Mary Ann Collins – (773) 973-5464

Helping Hands Ministry
Volunteers provide their time and donations of food items to make soup and sandwiches for a neighborhood homeless shelter from October through May. Those providing sandwiches currently meet each Monday evening, 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to make and deliver sandwiches. Soup makers provide soup on the first and second Wednesday of each month.

Contact: Brenda Arreola – (773) 973-5464

Pax Christi
This national organization with numerous local groups seeks to bring the idea of Christian non-violence into our personal lives and into the structures of society. We offer community, understanding, and support to people who are active in working for peace, or who would like to make a commitment to peace.

Meetings: First Saturday of every month at 9:00 a.m. in the Ministry Center.
Contact: Jim Manzardo – (773) 743-4632

Respect Life Committee
This group plans educational and group activities focused on moral issues relating to the dignity and vulnerability of life.

Meetings: As members agree.
Contact: Allen and Suzanne Stryczek – (773) 973-3637

St. Vincent de Paul Society
Practicing the deep compassion for the poor of its namesake, the
St. Vincent de Paul Society helps individuals and families in need. Each act of helping is accompanied by the search for the face of Christ in the recipient, so that this ministry offers a mutual benefit for giver and receiver.

Meetings: First and third Wednesday of the month in the Ministry Center.
Contact: Don Gehant – (773) 764-9674

Education and Formation

These groups promote both adult faith formation and young people’s religious education through the following organizations and ministries.

Growing in Faith
The Growing in Faith committee is responsible for adult education programs in the parish. This involves organizing, implementing and supporting the Wednesday Institute in which parishioners study a variety of subjects together several times a year. It also involves overseeing the portion of the parish bulletin devoted to adult education with articles assigned by the committee or by other parish groups.

Contact: Pat Reardon – (773) 743-2209

Good Books
We meet monthly and discuss good books. Each year’s book list is prepared from the group’s suggestions. We average 8-15 people at each discussion. New participants are welcome.

Meetings: 7:30 p.m., 2nd Monday of every month in the rectory. Runs from January to December.
Contact: Mary Grover – (773) 338-3564

Northside Catholic Academy School Board
The School Board members of our parish school work with the pastors and principals to ensure that our parish can continue to offer quality education to the young people of our community. Parents and parishioners are encouraged to participate as parish reps to the board, or as members of Board committees (Finance, Long Range Planning, Technology, Development, Marketing, Fund Raising).

Board Meetings: Usually 4th Tuesday of the month, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Committee Meetings: Days vary, generally once per month.
Contact: Jim Zajakowski-Uhll – (773465-2179

Northside Catholic Academy Parent Organization
This group plans “fun-raisers” for the school community, such as family dances, the Halloween party, and other seasonal events. This group also publishes the family directory. Each campus has reps that encourage broader connections among all parents.

Meetings: Announced through school newsletter and school web site, occur in relation to events and activities of the association.
Contact: Leigh Holzman NCA – (773) 743-6277

SPRED
Special Religion Education – small faith community welcoming people with special needs. Our SPRED group gives adults with special needs, (age 22 and older) a one on one relationship in faith with a helper catechist. Each helper and friend come together with others to share faith and prayer and experience the sacraments.

Meetings: November to June
Contact: Diana Miller – (773) 764-3859

Children Faith Formation
C.C.D. (Children’s Religious Education)
This program provides a faith community for school-aged children in grades 1-8 and their families. Teachers recruited from the parish share their Catholic faith with these children through stories, songs, discussions, and arts and crafts, supplemented by textbooks, the Bible, and workbooks. Sacramental preparation is also provided.

Meetings: Classes take place on Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the school building during the school year.
Contact: Ann O’Connor – (773) 764-3621

KidsWord
KidsWord is our Children’s Liturgy of the Word that is offered every Sunday during the 10:00 a.m. Mass (except during the month of August and Labor Day weekend). Before the first reading, children K – 5th grade are dismissed to the rectory to listen to and reflect upon the Sunday Gospel. Through our questions, which draw on experience and feelings, not facts, we strive to help children see that these are not simply stories from 2,000 years ago, but that they can help us know how to live today.

Contact: Ann O’Connor – (773) 764-3621

Preschool Religion
This program, for children ages 3 yrs. – 5 yrs. (including kindergarten), is designed to provide opportunities to learn about God and the world around us through play, song, prayer, and art.

Meetings: Sundays, September to May, in the school cafeteria, during the 10:00 a.m. Mass.
Contact: Ann O’Connor – (773) 764-3621

New Act Theatre for Young People
Children in 4th grade and older are invited to participate in this new drama program, called A New Act. They first performed at the St. Gertrude’s Summerfest 2005. They will meet periodically during the winter and spring quarters.

Contact person: Molly Burns – (773) 262-8957

Youth Choir
Singing is a universal expression of praise and worship. We wish to assist our youngest community members in their expression of this ministry, and increase their sense of contribution to our liturgies. The choir is open to children ages 7-10 years. Practices are twice monthly beginning in October and continuing through June. The choir sings at holiday liturgies.

Contact person: Justine Aten – (773) 262-2432

Youth and Teen Program
Walk on Water (WOW) is St. Gertrude’s youth and teen program. They meet in small groups twice monthly to reflect on the intersection of faith and their personal stories. There are also larger group events, social gatherings, and liturgies scheduled periodically. This program will continue to develop throughout the year.

Contact person: Mary McCormick – (773) 465-6421

Parish Social Life

The spirit and vitality of the parish are enhanced by the activities of these groups and organizations.

Adoptive and Foster families of St. Gertrude
Families meet to socialize and share the joys and challenges of creating family The group organize adoptions blessings for those expecting through adoption. .

Contact: Ruth Giles Ott – (773) 465-5717

Adult Co-Ed Volleyball (21 and over)
This activity is open to men and women in the community following the rules of the game in a friendly, though moderately competitive manner.

Meetings: Tuesday nights, 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Contact: David Garcia – (773) 784-1448

Adult Basketball
Men keep fit and enjoy each others’ (odoriferous) company.
· Sundays, 5pm: GeriBall, over 35 years old.
· Mondays, 8:30pm: College age and older.
· Thursday, 8:30pm: Thirty-somethings.

Contact: David Fisk (773) 465-1982 or Pat Reardon (773) 743-2209

Alumni Association
Members retain ties to friends, family, teachers, and others who had an influence in their lives and continue to support NCA.

Contact: Leigh Holzman – (773) 743-6277

Brownie/Girl Scouts
Girls ages 5 through 13 are served in Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Troops. Scouting seeks to help girls reach their full potential while being aware of and sensitive to the world around them. Girls have fun and make new friends while being taught new skills and independence. Intrinsic to scouting is belief in God and serving God’s people.

Meetings: Once a week during the school year.
Contact: Marie Vargas – (773) 274-6859

e-Grapevine On-Line Group
Parishioners’ email network. Share news, freely discuss any and all topics.

Contact: e-grapevine-owner@yahoogroups.com

First Friday Coffee
A social gathering at the ministry center after the 9:00 a.m. Mass the first Friday of each month. All are welcome.

Contact: Joe Donnelly – (773) 728-8622

Market Day
This food co-op offers wholesome food at reasonable prices to shoppers and financial support to our parish and school.

Meetings: Orders are picked up on one Saturday a month in the school cafeteria.
Contact: Eileen Jasper – (773) 973-3004

Marriage Encounter
Marriage Encounter encourages married couples to enhance their communication. With the support of a continuing group, couples deepen their commitment to a strong and healthy marriage while reinforcing traditional family values.

Meetings: Second Saturday of each month, rotating location among the homes of the group members.
Contact: Suzanne and Allen Stryczek – (773) 973-3637

Parish Play ~ “St. Gertrude Presents”
“St. Gertrude Presents” produces plays. In the production of a play, participants share the experience of working with and appreciating individuals of different temperaments, different occupations, and different talents. In this way we come to actualize Jesus’ teaching that we are many parts, but one body.

Meetings: Rehearsals begin six weeks before a production.
Contact: Therese Schreiner – (773) 763-5664

Pilates
Open to all, wear comfortable clothing and bring a matt. Classes are $5 if you drop in or $23 if you sign up for 8 classes.

Meetings: Monday nights, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Donna Harnett (773) 764-7836

The Senior Connection
Parishioners age 50 and older meet for friendship, growth, and enjoyment. Activities include speakers, and many opportunities for socialization and parish or community service. Members develop a sense of belonging and self-worth while meeting new friends and enjoying the life God has given us.

Meetings: Seven times a year on the second Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in the Social Hall.
Contact: Jean Swoboda – (773) 465-6719

St. Gertude Gay and Lesbian Group
This group organizes activities for gay and lesbian Catholic members of St. Gertrude Parish. The group strives to find a common ground for gay and lesbian Catholics to socialize and organize events. Members seek ways for gays and lesbians to worship God more fully in the Catholic Church.

Meetings: Announced in the bulletin and on church web site.
Contact: Bob Dwyer – (773) 919-5557

Social Life Board
The Social Life Board organizes and presents non-liturgical events that bring parishioners together for the purpose of community entertainment and parish fundraising. Activities include the St. Nick’s Christmas Bazaar, St. Joseph’s table, Simple Suppers, and other seasonal events.

Meetings: First Wednesday of the month, 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.
Contact: Joe Glueckert – (773) 743-1475