Sunday, September 9, 2012

MASS TIMES
SUNDAYS: Sat. 5:30 pm (Vigil), 7:30 am, 10 am & 12 N WEEKDAYS: Mon., Tues., Fri, and Sat. 8 am (Wed. & Thurs. 8 am Communion Service) HOLY DAYS: (eve of) 5:30 pm; (day of) 8 am & 6:30 pm

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
(Confession) Saturdays 4-5 pm or by appointment DEVOTIONS Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Saturday 7:50 am ADORATION First Friday 8:30 am5 pm, Rectory Oratory

Msgr. Richard Krekelberg, V.F.Pastor Deacon Manuel Valencia Deacon John Hull 318 North Baldwin Avenue, Sierra Madre Mailing Address: 50 East Alegria Avenue, Sierra Madre, CA 91024 Phone: 626/355-1292 FAX: 626/355-2290 www.st-rita.org

23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMESEPTEMBER 9, 2012

Msgr. Richard Krekelberg, V. F.Pastor
626.355.1292 x. 228 revkrek@st-rita.org Dcn. Manuel & Chela Valencia deaconmanuelvalencia@gmail.com 626.355.1292 Dcn. John Hulljohnhull65@gmail.com 626.355.1292 Weekend Presiders: 10 am MassFr. Chris Thiel, OFM Capuchin 12 Noon MassRev. Msgr. John Morales

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Parish Ministries and Organizations

Liturgy & Worship
Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers: David & Jill Muhs 355.9810 em@st-rita.org Altar Servers, Youth: Kathy Ganino: 626.398.9302 Altar Servers, Adult: Bill Cosso Eucharistic Adoration: Marylyn Barnes Rosary Prayer Group: Marylyn Barnes Sacristans: Sat. Vigil: Gary Fidone/Bill & Patti Huber Sunday Masses: 7:30-Bill Cosso/David Banis; 10:00-David Muhs; 12N-Bernie Grace Weekdays: John Bigley, Margaret Duran Porter: (Evening Church Lockup) Sheila Palazzolo Environment: Barbara LeVeque /Gil Lazo 355.1292

How to Contact Us
Parish Office/Mailing Address 50 East Alegria Ave., Sierra Madre, CA 91024 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am to 6pm; Sat. 9 am to 1 pm. Office Email: ParishAdmin@st-rita.org Director of Administration
Mary Lou Butler: mlbutler@st-rita.org 355.1292

Ministries & Organizations

Bereavement Ministry: Call Parish Office: 355.1292 Christian Family: Terri Cummings 355.8895 Greeters & Ushers: Erny Henry: 626.289.3504; 626.446.6715 Mens Club: Nick Sotis: 358-2495 nick.sotis@pro-sites.net New Members/Welcome: Contact the Parish Office St. Rita Guild: Patty Sullivan : 355.3707 sullivan514@gmail.com Senior Ministry: Marilyn McKernan, marilyn@st-rita.org Shawl Ministry: Mary Taillac 355.3179 Marilyn Delgatto 355.8717

Pastoral Council Vice Chair

George Landis: 626.792.0445

Finance Council Chair

Bill Sullivan: 355.3707

St. Rita SchoolOffice: 626.355.6114

Principal: Joanne Harabedian jharabedian@st-rita.org

Other Contacts
Archivist: Marilyn McKernan, marilyn@st-rita.org Bulletin Submissions: bulletin@st-rita.org or drop off at Office Public Relations: ParishAdmin@st-rita.org Registration Information: rc@st-rita.org 355.1292 Webmaster: Ralph Seymour: seymour@seymourmedia.com

Director of Liturgy & Music Paul Puccinelli: mm@st-rita.org Director of Religious Education Cristina Cullen: 355.3841 dre@st-rita.org Director of Youth Ministry/Confirmation Theresa Bui Costanzo: 626.590.8828 ym@st-rita.org RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Team: Deacon Manuel and Chela Valencia; Susan Blakeslee: rcia@st-rita.org

Let Saint Rita Be There For You . . .

Communion for Sick and Homebound Parishioners
St. Rita ministers provide Communion home visits. Contact the Parish Office (355.1292) or Jill Muhs 355.9810 em@st-rita.org.

For Information about the

Sacrament of Baptism
Baptismal Preparation for parents and godparents: 7 8:30 pm the last Monday of the month. Call for Reservations. Baptisms are usually the first Sunday of the month. Preparation for children who have attained the age of reason (usually during 2nd grade) is arranged either through the Office of Religious Education or St. Rita Elementary School.

Anointing of the Sick

Please notify us (355.1292) as early as possible for the Anointing of the Sick, the sacrament intended for the seriously ill or dying. It is Our Lords special presence and companionship in serious time of need. Anointing may take place in the home, at the hospital or elsewhere and as often as once a month. If someone should die without anointing, remember that the desire to receive is sufficient and the Lord cares!

Sacraments of Reconciliation and first Eucharist

If You Should Experience the Loss of a Loved One

Please call us at 355.1292 If you feel you will be in need, or your loved one has passed, we will assist in making arrangements with your chosen funeral directors; refer you to our liturgy and music directors; and offer you helpful guidelines and a book that will aid in the selection of readings for the Mass or Memorial Service. Areas we can help you with prior to the passing may help in the planning of funeral services. We know that this can be a tough time and we want you to know that your parish is there for you. PLEASE UNDERSTAND we only have one resident priest, sometimes arrangements for another priest may be needed.

Sacrament of Matrimony
Contact the Parish Office upon engagement; at least six months is needed for preparation of this joyous sacrament!

Sacrament of Confirmation

A two-year program for freshman/sophomore age teens. Apply through the Office of Religious Education.

NOTE: Adult applicants for the sacraments should contact the Parish Office.

Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

See adjoining column.

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

Dear Parishioners, The conclusion of this Sundays gospel passage proclaims:

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It is this proclamation that became the basis of the Ephphatha prayer during Baptism, which asks God to bless our ears that we may hear Gods Word and to bless our mouths that we may give praise to Gods Holy Name. The context of these words in the Gospel is of course the healing by Jesus of a deaf man with a speech impediment. All of this is meant for us to understand in a spiritual application that we might be saved from our deafness to the voice of the Lord revealing his will for us, and to be saved from the consequences of our silence in the absence of Gods truth and wisdom. It is important for us that the notion of Ephphatha not remain too lofty, too filled with piety and lacking in practical application for our daily lives. So lets land on it and bring it home! When we pray the Ephphatha over a baby and touch its ears and mouth, it is really a prayer of blessing for the parents who will hear and speak for the childa prayer that they and the godparents of the child will hear Gods Word in their own lives and then speak the teachings of Jesus Christ to the children in their most formative years. This is a great challenge to parents and teachers as we begin the school yearto be clear about what Jesus requires of us to be his followers and strong in speech when a lesson needs to be learned. Ephphetha is also a prayer for our youth and young adults, that now their ears may be opened to Gods voice in their lives and that their mouths might be made to speak even better, to articulatetheir faith in the midst of all peer pressure and peer influence. And for those who have flown the nest to colleges and careers, a prayer that their lives might give honor to the faith and religion shared with them at the time of Baptism. Finally, we must realize in moments of doubt about what we have tried to instill and to share, that people of the Gospel came to Jesus and so we must also come to him even later in life, because it is HIS Ephphatha, not ours. Jesus has power that transcends time and space to open deaf ears and to heal mouths that have become mute to the proclamation of faith. What happened at Baptism and the example we give over years can have its effect beyond our own years. To everything, then, that confounds us along Msgr. Richard lifes path let us say with JesusEphphetha!BE OPENED! PASTORS NEWSNOTES Im having visions!!! (No, not those kind!)Visions for the future of our parish life and ministry. Today I want to express thanks and gratitude to the members of our Vision Committee, which just completed its charge to survey and interview all of our parish leadership and to compile a summary of what the leadership and the members of our parish groups and organizations perceive to be the best move forward for our St. Rita faith community. The Committee members are: Colleen McKernan (Chair), Jeff Allen, David Chambers, Bill Hardy, Jennifer McFaul, and Melissa Stutenroth. Thank you indeed! Along with these who gave so much time and dedication to St. Rita in their endeavors, we also need to say THANK YOU to all of the leaders, coordinators, heads, and administrators of our institutions, groups, and organizations for filling out the surveys and for meeting personally to provide the input for the final Vision Committee Report. Now we must honor all their hard work by communicating well and by widely distributing the results of the report. To that end, Mary Lou Butler, our Director of Administration, and I will provide copies of the committees findings to all staff, leadership, and members of the Parish Council and Finance Council. The parish annual report will also include this information for all parishioners and Mary Lou will be using this very valuable information as she guides us through to St. Rita Msgr. Richard Parish STEWARDSHIP.

He does all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.

8:00 AM 5:30 PM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Thomas Cotter RIP Rosemarie Gorman RIP

7:30 AM For All Parishioners 10:00 AM Robert Eustace RIP 12 NOON Brandon Krock RIP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
8:00 AM 8:00 AM

8:00 AM Rev. Bruno de Santi, CSJ RIP Greg Moore RIP

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 5:30 PM

Communion Service

FRIDAY, S EPTEMBER 14

Communion Service

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Lee Tomasello RIP Albert & Rita Reyes RIP Louise Laub INT

7:30 AM Bob Eustace RIP 10:00 AM For All Parishioners 12 NOON Dr. Vincent Bonfiglio RIP

FEAST DAYS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
The Most Holy Name of Mary

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
St. John Chrysostom

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Our Lady of Sorrows

TODAYS READINGS
First ReadingBe strong, fear not! Here is your God (Isaiah 35:4-7a). PsalmPraise the Lord, my soul! Second ReadingShow no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ (James 2:1-5). GospelJesus makes the deaf hear and the mute speak
(Mark 7:31-37). (Psalm 146).

23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMESEPTEMBER 9, 2012

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth
Tuesday, September 11RCIA Class Begins Orientation meeting 7:30 pm in the Parish Office Meeting Room. Classes every Tuesday, 7:30-9:00 pm. For more information, please contact Deacon Manuel Valencia. deaconmanuelvalencia@gmail.com Wednesday, September 12Evening Prayer Begins Experience the quiet and calm of ending a busy day with a prayer break! Deacon John Hull invites you to attend this one-hour weekly service in the Rectory Oratory. 5:30 pmMusic & Silent Meditation 6:00 pmCommunal Prayer

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This SundayHospitality Sunday

When I was a stranger, you welcomed me. (Mt. 25:3)

Jesus teaches that whenever we welcome one of the least of our brothers and sisters, we welcome Christ Himself. As parishioners at St. Rita Parish we are called to see the face of Christ in one another. This Sunday will be a special opportunity to live this call. Enjoy a cup of coffee, a donut, and our new tablesand be an ambassador for our parish by extending a welcome to someone you dont know.
PARISHIONERS WHO REQUEST OUR PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND RETURN TO GOOD HEALTH

Try ityou might like it!

Thursday, September 20Bible Study Resumes Learn more about Scripture. Bring your Bible and prepare to be spiritually recharged. Meets weekly at 7:30 pm in the Parish Office Meeting Room. Questions? Contact Deacon Manuel Valencia

Opportunities to Become Involved

Tuesday, Sept. 11Mens Club Meeting, 7 pm All men of the parish are welcome! Join us for a premeeting barbecue in the parking lot area in front of OMalley Hall. Info? Nick Sotis 358-2495 nick.sotis@pro-sites.net Tuesday, Sept. 18Catholic Prayer Breakfast at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels This annual event at the Cathedral is an opportunity to pray the Rosary as a parish group, attend Mass as a parish group, and have breakfast as a parish group. Tickets required. Bus leaves St. Rita at 5:15 am for the Cathedral. For ticket and/or bus info: Paula 355-1292 Sunday, September 23St. Rita Ministry Fair Plan to attend and learn about opportunities for becoming more involved in parish organizations and ministries. Displays, handouts, raffle, coffee & donuts! Sunday, Sept. 30Guild Communion Breakfast The St. Rita Guild invites all women and girls of our parish to attend our Annual Communion Breakfast. The event begins with Mass at 10 am followed by a catered gourmet breakfast in OMalley Hall. Our speaker is Theresa Costanzo, St. Rita Director of Youth Ministry, who will speak on Practical Ways for Parents to Share Faith at Home. Cost is $15/person; reservation deadline is September 25. Questions/Reservations? Patty Sullivan 355-3707 sullivan514@gmail.com

Tonyja Blakeslee, Addie Marshall, Alice Feeney, Joanna Singleton, Jackie Bagnuolo, Ann Shier, Mary Ellen Isoard, Tim Stanley, Antoinette Wassef, Theresa Morcos, Aspet Herapetian, Tony Comaianni, David Molina, Rose Mary Taquino, Selma Tuffs, Sonia Kosker, David Duran, Paul Viger, Julie Meyer, Zdenka Czerny, Debra Ann Williamson, Cliff Hancuff, Wendy Wolf Fadel, Dorothy Van Gordon, Rosanne Kenny, Hal Finney, Louise Bigley, Christa Owen, Ailey Gardner-Ybarra, Cathy Hundshamer, Eva Bernejo, Laurie Larkin Masella, Rudy Wunderlin, Edith Olah, Matteo Begnoche, Lancelot Loera, Fred Mycroft, Clare Marquardt, Brian Eck, Alex Arranaga, Anna Mary Hession, Mildred Vocelka, Ann Twedell, Joseph Moore, Effie DeGroot, Ned Vento.

Ian Blakeslee Katherine Lass

Catholic Community & Local Events

Avila Gardens Open HouseSaturday, Sept. 15 Catholic Senior Living. Tour, coffee, cake, and concert. RSVP: 626/599-2214 www.avilagardens.com Fingerprinting, Wed., Sept. 26Nativity, El Monte For appointment call 626/448-8895 Annual College FairThursday, Sept. 27, 6:30-8:30 pm St. Francis High School Courtyard, 200 Foothill Blvd., LaCanada. Representatives from colleges, universities, and military academies will answer questions and provide publications/applications. Info? 818/790-0325 Bereavement Support GroupBegins Thurs., Sept. 27 An eight week support program; 7-9 PM. $10 for workbook. St. Luke Church, 5605 Cloverly, Temple City. Info/reservations: Sherrie 626/291-5900 or 287-8504 St. Francis Alumni Golf ClassicMonday, Oct. 1 Brookside Golf Course. Proceeds for student financial aid. Info / Registration: www.sfhs.net Bulletin articles. Submit information 10 days before the desired Sunday of publication. bulletin@st-rita.org

After All the Masses, Gara Hall

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

Saturday, Sept. 155:30 pm Vigil Mass Sunday, Sept. 1610 am Mass On Catechetical Sunday we commission and acknowledge all those who prepare our children in their faith formation. Thank you to our St. Rita School teachers; the volunteer teachers of Religious Education classes; the team leaders of our Youth Ministry and Confirmation Preparation classesand a special thank you to Joanne Harabedian, St. Rita School Principal, Cristina Cullen, Director of Religious Education, and Theresa Costanzo, Director of Youth Ministry for their coordination and oversight of religious education for our St. Rita youth. Please pray for these teachers and volunteers who give of their time to share their Catholic faith. YOUTH MINISTRY & CONFIRMATION ATTENTION ALL CONFIRMED TEENS: Are you interested in being a peer leader helping out with EDGE, Confirmation or Youth Nites? If curious or interested, please come to our NEW PEER LEADERS ORIENTATION this Sunday, September 9, from 11:15 am to 4:00 pm. Lunch and snacks included. Meet in Gara Hall after the 10 am Mass. YOUTH NITESfellowship nights for all high school teensare on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month, 7:00-8:30 pm in Gara Hall. Join us on the 12th & 26th! CONFIRMATION YEAR 1 PARENT/TEEN ORIENTATION on Saturday, September 15 at 3:30 pm, OMalley Hall: If you are entering the Confirmation preparation program this year, please come with at least one parent to this important orientation to learn what this year is all about. All new Confirmation candidates and parents are invited to sit in the front pews at the Youth Mass following orientation. BACK-TO-SCHOOL PIZZA SOCIAL after the Youth Mass on Saturday, September 15 at 6:30 pm in Gara Hall. All teens are invited. EDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY: If you are in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade at a non-Catholic school, please come to the first EDGE Session, Monday, September 17, 4:00-5:15 pm in Gara Hall. Parents, if you havent registered your son/ daughter yet, registration forms are available in the Parish Office (50 East Alegria Ave., SM 91024). Registration will also be accepted on 9/17. Got questions? Please contact: Theresa Costanzo ym@st-rita 590-8828

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Meetings, Ministry & Special Events

This Week at St. Rita

This SundayHospitality Sunday
After All the Masses See page 4 for information.

Tuesday, September 11RCIA Begins

7:30 pm, Rectory Meeting Room See page 4 for information.

Tuesday, September 11Mens Club

7 pm, OMalley Hall See page 4 for information.

Wednesday, September 12Evening Prayer

5:30 pmMusic & Meditation 6 pmGroup Prayer Rectory Oratory See page 4 for information.

Save the Date

September 15 & 16Food Drive
After All the Masses For the benefit of St. Anthony Center

Tuesday, September 18No 8 AM Mass at St. Rita Tuesday, September 18Catholic Prayer Breakfast
At the Cathedral See page 4 for more information.

Learn about your parishministries & opportunities. See page 4 for more information.

Sunday, September 23Ministry Fair

Sunday, September 23Bundle Sunday

8:30 am until 2 pm St. Vincent de Paul truck will be in the lower parking lot.

Sunday, September 30Guild Communion Breakfast

See page 4 for more information.

Sunday, September 30 Catholicism, A Series About the Catholic Faith

4 pm, OMalley Hall Watch future Bulletins for more information.