Msgr. Richard Krekelberg, V. F.

—Pastor
626.355.1292 x. 228 revkrek@st-rita.org
Dcn. Manuel & Chela Valencia—Deacon Couple
626.355.1292 deacon.manuel@yahoo.com
Sheila Palazzolo, Admin. Assist.— x 222 or sheila@st-rita.org
Parish Office/Mailing:
50 East Alegria Ave., Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am to 7:00pm; Sat. 9am-2pm
Office Phone: 626.355.1292
Pastoral Council Vice Chair
Mr. George Landis: pcvc@st-rita.org
Finance Council Chair
Mr. Bill Sullivan: 626.355.3707

Religious Education and Formation

Director of Religious Education (DRE)
Mrs. Cristina Cullen: 626.355.3841, dreC@st-rita.org
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
Team: Deacon Manuel and Chela Valencia;
Susan Blakeslee: rcia@st-rita.org

St. Rita Elementary School

626.355.6114
Principal: Mrs. Joanne Harabedian: jharabedian@st-rita.org
PTO President: Mrs. Monique Howard: 626.355.6114

SAINT RITA MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS

(See Inside Flap, page four)

Mass Times
SUNDAYS: Sat. 5:30 pm; Sunday 7:30 am; 10 am; & 12 N
WEEKDAYS: Mon., Tues., Fri., and Sat. 8:00 am
(Wed. & Thurs. 8 am Communion Services)
HOLY DAYS: (eve of) 5:30 pm; (day of) 8 am & 6:30 pm.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (Confessions)
Saturdays 4-5 pm or by appointment
DEVOTIONS
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Devotions: Saturdays 7:50 am
Adoration: First Fridays 8:30 am – 6:30 pm, Rectory Oratory.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Baptismal Preparation for parents and godparents
7 – 8:30 pm the last Monday of the month.
Please call for a reservation to attend.
Baptisms are usually the first Sunday of the month.
SACRAMENTS OF RECONCILIATION &
FIRST EUCHARIST
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.

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.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Apply through the Office of Religious Education.
NOTE: Adult applicants for the above sacraments should inquire at the
Rectory Offices: 50 E. Alegria Ave. or call 626.355.1292
SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK
(See Inside Flap, page four)
 SAINT RITA CHURCH 25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME—SEPTEMBER 19, 2010 P-2

PASTOR’S CORNER TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading — The Lord never forgets the sins of those who
Dear Parishioners, take advantage of the poor (Amos 8:4-7).
“No Servant can serve two masters.” Psalm — Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor (Psalm 113).
Second Reading —Pray to the Lord, who wants everyone to be
As can happen in the case of a divorce, a little boy was once asked saved (1 Timothy 2:1-8).
by a judge which parent he preferred to live with. He became Gospel — Be trustworthy in all things. Serve God, the only
visibly shaken and upset; sobbing he replied, “I’m only one kid.” master, not mammon (Luke 16:1-13 [10-13]).
This incident was related to me some thirty years ago in my first
parish by a man who had once been that little boy. Even though M A S S S C H E D U L E
he had become a fully grown adult, you could easily hear the pain
in that man’s voice and see the hurt in his facial expression as he SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18
recalled that moment of decision to go off with one or the other 5:30 PM For All Parishioners
of his parents. It strikes me that it is inherent in each and every SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 19
one of us human beings to remain whole and not to be torn apart 7:30 AM Maria Morales INT
inside. But when we try to serve two masters, both God and 10:00 AM Ganino Family INT
“mammon,” that is exactly what happens—we become torn apart. 12:00 NOON Guadalupe Figueroa RIP
And a person “torn” is not going to be a good anyone—not a MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20
good child, not a good parent, not a good student, not a good 8:00 AM Rev. Msgr. Michael P. Collins RIP
teacher, not a good priest, not a good manager or administrator… TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 21
and so on. 8:00 AM No Mass or Communion Service
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 22
At some time, of course, life is bound to 8:00 AM Communion Service
pull us in two or more directions at the THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 23
same time. In today’s world 8:00 AM Communion Service
“multitasking” is considered a skill FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24
worthy of listing on one’s résumé. 8:00 AM Benjamin Go RIP
Truth be told, however, isn’t life just a SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25
little bit more sane when we can 8:00 AM James Hawkes RIP
concentrate on doing just one thing at a 5:30 PM Hagerott Family INT
time and probably doing it better? This SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 26
Sunday why not think on how Jesus’ observation about serving 7:30 AM Robert Lemire RIP
two masters has played out, or is currently playing out, in our 10:00 AM For All Parishioners
lives? 12:00 NOON Rita Tagmeyer RIP
Jesus’ introduction of the god Mammon adds another challenge to
our reflections—that perhaps one or more of our tasks in life has SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
emerged as a demanding master, or a false god requiring our Sunday: Catechetical Sunday
worship, or worse, our addiction. For us as Christians, only Jesus Monday: Ss. Andrew Kim Taegŏn and Paul Chŏng
is Lord and God. Everything else becomes subservient to him Hasang and Their Companions
and “in service of the Kingdom.” Can we perceive that Tuesday: St. Matthew
multitasking, then, could actually be okay, as long as it is seen as Thursday: St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio);
part of our overall vocation as a single disciple, a parent, a teacher, Sukkot (Jewish celebration)
a priest or a civil servant? Living “all things in Christ” provides Saturday: Blessed Virgin Mary
the integration we need and the framework within which we may
set priorities. There can be many activities in any given day— Tuesday, September 21—Communion Prayer Breakfast
there just has to be only one Master. And why wouldn’t we want At the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Jesus to master our lives, since he said that he wants to save us Bus leaves our parking lot at 5:45 am; Reservations required
and, one day, to make our joy complete? Contact Parish Office for information.
—Msgr. Richard
————————————————————————————
PASTOR’S NEWS NOTES
Continued from bottom of previous column
“A Taste of Sierra Madre,” by all accounts, was a wonderful
success. Thanks and congratulations to all of our St. Rita The New Translation of the English Sacramentary
organizers, their collaborators and volunteers, (as Mother Teresa (or The Roman Missal) is slated for implementation in Advent of
would say) for “doing something beautiful for God.” Thanks 2011. Most Clergy and liturgical leadership have already attended
too for the participation of so many St. Rita parishioners of all workshops on the new translation. Beginning with this coming
ages! On a weekend recalling the 911 tragedy and loss, this was a Advent 2010, here at St. Rita we will be offering opportunities for
great antidote and will be the gift that keeps on giving locally and all of our parishioners to receive education and formation in this
internationally. Wonderful! God’s grace was most evident. historical moment and advance in our Catholic liturgy and
Continued at bottom of next column worship.
SAINT RITA CHURCH 25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME—SEPTEMBER 19, 2010
THE FOLLOWING PARISHIONERS ASK FOR OUR PRAYERS FOR A
SPEEDY RECOVERY AND THEIR RETURN TO HEALTH:
Arvena Rios, Kathleen Ramsey, Teresa Kostov, Anne Marie Torre, Mary
Ann Slivka, Maria Blust, Roger Renner, Cliff Hancuff, Lori Little, Marie
Larson, Ailey Gardner-Ybarra, Alex Gould, Hal Finney, Jeffrey Dunagan,
Matthew Hatfield, Shirley Seiler, Rudy Wunderlin, Helen Mary
Woodcook, Stacy Hinds-Reed, Annette Collins, Kenneth Wise, Matteo
Begnoche, Lancelot Loera, Edith Olah, Anne Campbell, John Nese,
Claudia Valencia, Fred Mycroft, Clare Marquardt, Bea Hutchinson, Mary
Ann Tellez, Brian Eck, Judy Howard, Charles Day, Alex Arranaga, Marie
Venegoni, Robert McCarraher, Anna Mary Hession, Betty & Tom
Concidine, Mildred Vocelka, Alicia Holt, Jonie Rose Hall, Ann Twedell,
John McCoy, Valentina Tibor, Joseph Moore, Norma West, Effie
DeGroot, Thomas Remillard, Ned Vento.
WE PRAY GOD WILL GRANT ETERNAL REST TO
Shirley Seiler
†††
CALL FOR LECTORS AND EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
The parish is asking you to consider serving
God as a Eucharistic minister or lector at St.
Rita. Join our community of ministers and serve
twice a month at your usual Saturday evening or
Sunday morning liturgy. Scheduling is flexible
and accommodating if you already have a busy
calendar. Our group of ministers represents a diverse range of
ages and faith journeys. All we ask of potential ministers is they be
of confirmed faith and willing hearts. Training sessions will be
offered this month, and new ministers will then be commissioned
for service by Msgr. Krekelberg. We also train ministers to serve
Communion to our homebound parishioners on a weekly basis.
To learn more please contact David or Jill Muhs at 626/355-9810
or em@st-rita.org.
WEEKLY EVENING PRAYER SERVICE
Weekly prayer service this Thursday, using the Liturgy of the
Hours. Starting at 5:30 pm in the Rectory Oratory Chapel;
communal prayer begins at 6 pm. All are welcome.
SCHOOL MAGAZINE DRIVE—THIS MONTH
St. Rita School is having their annual magazine drive. To renew or
purchase new subscriptions, contact one of our students or come
to the School Office and ask for Mrs. Landis. Or you can access
the QSP Magazine Drive link at st-rita.org. St. Rita receives 50%
of every dollar. Thank you for your help.
COFFEE, TEA, & SCRIPTURE
THURSDAYS, BEGINNING OCTOBER 7 AT 7 PM
Enjoy informal Bible study, fellowship while
discussing and reflecting on Sunday’s Gospel
readings. Bring your Bible; we’ll bring the coffee
and tea! Location: St. Rita Parish Office. For
more information call Dn. Manuel Valencia at
626/355-8322.
ST. RITA PARISH RETREAT FOR WOMEN
At the Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, November 5-7. The
retreat, preached by the Passionist staff, begins Friday evening and
concludes early Sunday afternoon. Call Joann Ruggles
355-4903 or Terri Cummings 355-8895 for reservations/info.
P-3
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL BUNDLE SUNDAY
The St. Vincent de Paul truck will be in our lower parking lot next
Sunday, September 26, from 8 am until 1:30 pm. Bring usable
clothing, shoes, household items, etc. For large items, such as
furniture and appliances, please call 323/224-6280 for a pickup at
your home. All gently-used items are greatly appreciated!
ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL—ANNUAL COLLEGE FAIR
The 34th Annual College Fair will be Wednesday, September 22,
from 7-9 pm in the High School Courtyard. Representatives from
many colleges, universities, community colleges, and military
academies will be available to answer questions and provide
applications. Call 818/790-0325 for more information.
AUTHORS OF INTEREST
Saturday, Oct 2, Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy
Industries, will speak at 3 pm at the Duarte Festival of Authors
and will sign copies of his book Tattoos on the Heart.
Westminster Gardens, 1420 Santo Domingo Ave., Duarte
626/359-6413.
Father Ken Deasy, our recent homilist on Missionary Sunday,
has authored Get Off the Cross— Someone Else Needs the Wood. If
interested in purchasing, go to www.kendeasy.com or Amazon.
The cost is $24.95. Fr. Ken has offered to autograph copies. This
would make a great Christmas gift!
HARVEST ON THE HILL—SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3
MATER DOLOROSA PASSIONIST RETREAT CENTER
Join the Passionists and other friends for Mass, dinner and a
silent auction for one-of-a-kind items and raffle. It will be a
Roman Harvest Festival of fun while supporting our local retreat
center. Contact the Development Office at 355-7188 or go to
www. materdolorosa.org to register. Cost $80/person.
PAYABLE TO: ST. RITA CHURCH
Thank you for your ongoing support of special
collections. All donations are tallied in the Parish
Office and a parish check is issued to the
beneficiary. Therefore, please make your
check payable to St. Rita Church so we can
deposit your check to our bank account. The only exception is
Together in Mission (TIM) checks, which should be made payable
to TIM. Thank you so much for your cooperation.
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please email announcements to bulletin@st-rita.org as early as
possible. Announcements are due by 10 am Thursday, 10 days
before the Sunday publication. Thank you.
****************************************************
NOTICE FOR PARISH OFFICE STAFF
(cut out and drop in collection basket)
_________________________________________________________
Name (please print)
_____ Please add the above name to sick list.
_____ Please REMOVE above name from sick list.
_____ The above name would like to receive Communion at home.
Contact: phone #_________________________________________
SEPTEMBER 19, 2010 SAINT RITA CHURCH P-4

Directory of Ministries and Organizations

Liturgy & Worship
Music: Mr. Paul Puccinelli: mm@st-rita.org
Mrs. Mary Bigley Cronin: 626.445.8306
Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers: David & Jill Muhs
626.355.9810 em@st-rita.org
Altar Servers, Youth: Mrs. Kathy Ganino: 626.398.9302
Altar Servers, Adult: Mr. Bill Cosso
Eucharistic Adoration: Mrs. Marylyn Barnes
Rosary Prayer Group: Mrs. Marylyn Barnes
Sacristans: Sat. Vigil: Gary Fidone/Bill & Patti Huber
Sunday Masses: 7:30-Bill Cosso/David Banis;
10:00-David Muhs; 12N-Virgil Archambault
Weekdays: John Bigley, Virgil Archambault, Margaret Duran
Porter: (Evening Church Lockup) Sheila Palazzolo
Environment: Mrs. Barbara LeVeque /Mr. Gil Lazo 626.355.1292
Hospitality
Greeters & Ushers: Mr. Erny Henry: 626.289.3504; 626.446.6715
New Members/Welcome: Dick & Chris Bertrand pr@st-rita.org
Youth Minister
John Perez: ym@st-rita.org Youth Office Phone: 626.355.1852
Bereavement Team Ministry
St. Rita Parish Office: 626.355.1292 (Sheila Palazzolo)
Organizations
Christian Family : Mary Grace Shinnick 626.355.0764
Men’s Club: Tim O’Connor: 355-5053 the4oconnors@yahoo.com
St. Rita Guild: Ms. Kathy Coyne: 355.4873, kdcoyne@aol.com
Senior Ministry (in formation): Contact Parish Office
Shawl Ministry: Mary Taillac 626/355-3179 or Ann Wolf 355-7445.
Other Contacts
Archivist: Mrs. Marilyn McKernan, contact Parish Office
Bulletin Submissions: bulletin@st-rita.org or drop off at Office
Public Relations: Mrs. Chris Bertrand: pr@st-rita.org
Registration Information: rc@st-rita.org; 626.355.1292
Webmaster: Ralph Seymour: seymour@seymourmedia.com
Let Saint Rita Be There For You . . .
Communion for Sick and Homebound Parishioners
St. Rita ministers provide Communion home visits. Contact the
Parish office or Jill Muhs, 626.355.9810, em@st-rita.org.
If Someone In Your Family Becomes Seriously Ill
Please notify us (626.355.1292) as early as possible for the
Anointing of the Sick, the sacrament intended for the seriously ill
or dying. It is Our Lord’s 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!
If You Should Experience the Loss of a Loved One
Please call us at 626.355.1292
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 that since we only have one resident
priest, sometimes arrangements for another priest may be needed.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2010 SAINT RITA CHURCH P-5

Happenings At St. Rita…

Meetings, Ministry & Special Events

► This Week & Ongoing ◄

Sunday, September 19—

Catechetical Sunday
Commissioning of catechists—school
faculty and Religious Education
10 am Mass

Religious Education Preschool Ages 3-5 years

Begins this Sunday, September 19th
During the 10 am Mass

Religious Education Classes Grades 1-5

Begins this Monday, September 20th
4 pm—5:15 pm

Wednesday, September 22—

Benefitting St. Rita Music Ministry
Matt Denny’s Ale House, Arcadia
11 am-9 pm
See Flyer insert in this week’s bulletin.

Save the Date

Sunday, Sept. 26th—Bundle Sunday
8 am-2 pm
St. Vincent de Paul truck in Church lower parking lot.
See page 3 for more information.

Friday, October 1—St. Rita Women’s Guild Meeting

9 am in Gara Hall.
More information in next week’s Bulletin.

Begins Thursday, October 7—Coffee, Tea & Scripture

7 pm in the Parish Office.
See page 3 for information.

►St. Rita Annual Woman’s Retreat◄

November 5, 6, 7—Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center
See page 3 for information.