Visited St Gertrude's in Madeira today. It's a pretty church with stained glass windows and it has a more modern feel to it. There was a policeman directing traffic before and after church. The entire church was filled for Sunday mass. In the beginning, we were disappointed because it was difficult to understand what was being said via the microphone & speaker system. At first I thought it was me, but all four of us thought the same thing. Apparently we aren't the only ones as there was an announcement today that there is to be a new sound system put in. Good move on their part as I really liked what I could hear well.
Was really shocked to see that there were 10 altar servers! I've never seen more than 4. It was nice to see so many youths wanting to participate during mass. The priest tried to make the homily a little more relatable; while discussing "Judge not, lest ye be judged" he used the popular vernacular of "don't judge me, bro". There is a lot of activity going on at St Gertrudes. Next week-end is the Pancake Breakfast, Children's Choir, Adult's Choir, Bible Study, Ladies of Charity, Marriage Enrichment Seminar, Scouts, Prayer Group, etc. There is a residency for Dominican Friars there and that is a wonderful blessing for the church and parishioners. Also, St Gertrudes has Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration! No wonder people are willing to drive a distance to come here. read more