The Rev. Rich Prendergast, pastor of St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Chicago, shared in the Aug.23 bulletin some information about current events and conditions in the church.

Fr. Prendergast thanked his Parish Renew My Church Team for their help at Parish Session I, in which they outlined the Renew My Church initiative. He also asked that parishioners attend Session II (which was held Aug. 30).

“The presented scenarios are neither final nor exhaustive,” Prendergast said. "This session is your opportunity to participate In the Renew My Church initiative and offer your own thoughts.”

The pastor provided some updates on the church’s operations, noting that the church has been able to continue without many financial obstacles even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Like so many individuals and businesses, we know we have to make some cuts," Prendergast said. Because there really isn’t any “fat” in the parish budget, this will entail some cutbacks on some staff positions, and possibly even some hours the office is open.” 

Cautionary measures and limited finances mean the church will have to make some changes to its normal calendar of events and celebrations.

‘We know that events many have enjoyed in the past cannot happen this year— such as the All Are Welcome Concert, the International Dinner and the Christmas Bazaar," Prendergast said. "We hope to be able to have the Christmas trees and greenery sale again this year. Kids Word will be a regular event again as it had evolved before July— that is, by doing it virtually."

The pastor also noted that as life is not returning to normal at this time, it is important to provide everyone the chance to mourn the losses of what life was not so long ago.

“So I again want to encourage everyone to be gentle with themselves as we continue to move forward in this unchartered territory," Fr. Prendergast said. "Times of sadness and loss need to be honored.”