Msgr. Richard Krekelberg, V. F.

Pastor
626.355.1292 x. 228 revkrek@st-rita.org Dcn. Manuel & Chela ValenciaDeacon Couple deaconmanuelvalencia@gmail.com 626.355.1292 Dcn. John Hulljohnhull65@gmail.com 626.355.1292 Weekend Presiders: Fr. Chris Thiel, OFM Cap. Rev. Msgr. John Morales Parish Operations Manager: 626.355.1292 Office Email: ParishAdmin@st-rita.org

Parish Office/Mailing Address: 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: 626.355.1292 Finance Council Chair Mr. Bill Sullivan: 626.355.3707 Director of Liturgy & Music Mr. Paul Puccinelli: mm@st-rita.org Director of Religious Education Mrs. Cristina Cullen: 355.3841, dre@st-rita.org Director of Youth Ministry/Confirmation Mrs. Theresa Bui Costanzo: 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 St. Rita SchoolOffice: 626.355.6114 Principal: Mrs. Joanne Harabedian: jharabedian@st-rita.org SAINT RITA MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS
(See Inside Flap, page four)

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. Call for Reservations. 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. Apply through the Office of Religious Education.

Mass Times

NOTE: Adult applicants for the above sacraments should inquire at the
Parish Office: 50 E. Alegria Ave. or call 626.355.1292. SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK (See Inside Flap, page four)

SAINT RITA CHURCH

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORDMAY 20, 2012 TODAYS READINGS

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PASTORS CORNER
Dear Parishioners, Why are you standing there looking up at the sky? GET TO WORK! The sense of urgency with which the apostles took up the banner for Christ after his ascension is a source of amazement and inspiration. Perhaps the advisement of the angel, Just as he has left, he will return! helped them to take their eyes off the sky and take the first steps towards missiona mission to make disciples of all nations. Like the apostles in their early fervor and excitement about the Good News and the Reign of God we should be deliberate, determined, and intent on spreading the Gospel messageon wanting others to know our joy. The apostles and the whole Christian community of the Acts of the Apostles were definitely taken over by such a Holy Spirit. Engage the world they did! Even at the cost of their very lives. These days, about the closest I can come to such an experience of gospel mission is perhaps the desire and hope I see in the eyes of parents nearing the day of their daughters and sons First Holy Communion or their Confirmation. There IS excitement for the Kingdom there, but it doesnt seem to go much furthercertainly not enough energy and determination to make disciples of all the nations. But we must do everything possible to rekindle within ourselves a sense of the Gospel imperative,the Love Christ urges us! Today we might look up at the great sculpture of Christ above our main altar and call it The Ascension of the Lord. At the same time we might imagine ourselves to be those disciples who received his blessing as he was taken up into heaven. But now what? The original disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy to be found later, continually in the temple praising God. Well I dare say we will be found these days continually in the temple, but more likely there to attend first sacraments and graduations. All of these events of the Easter Season are opportunities that should not be lost on us. To live the risen life of deeper faith, more hope, and the courage to love as Jesus loves, is everyones vocation and should not let any day be less than new and filled with excitement for the Kingdom. Msgr. Richard

First ReadingJesus tells the disciples that they will be witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:1-11). PsalmGod mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord (Psalm 47). Second ReadingGod seated Jesus at his right hand in the heavens (Ephesians 1:17-23) GospelThe Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven. (Mark 16:15-20).
SATURDAY

SUNDAY 7:30 AM 10:00 AM 12 NOON MONDAY 8:00 AM TUESDAY 8:00 AM WEDNESDAY 8:00 AM THURSDAY 8:00 AM FRIDAY 8:00 AM SATURDAY 8:00 AM 5:30 PM SUNDAY 7:30 AM 10:00 AM 12 NOON

8:00 AM 5:30 PM

MAY 19 Tom Lynch RIP Theresa Coppi RIP MAY 20ASCENSION OF THE LORD For All Parishioners Tom Johnson RIP Dr. Vincent Bonfiglio RIP MAY 21ST. CHRISTOPHER MAGALLANES Karin Lynch RIP MAY 22ST. RITA OF CASCIA Michael Delgatto RIP MAY 23 Communion Service MAY 24 Communion Service M AY 25 S T . B EDE THE V ENERABLE Stacy Hinds Reed RIP MAY 26ST. PHILIP NERI Sr. Mary McCarthy RIP Molly Lynch INT MAY 27PENTECOST SUNDAY Madalena Diaz RIP For All Parishioners Whitney Houston RIP

WELCOME TO OUR ARCHBISHOP

St. Rita is blessed to have Archbishop Gomez confer the Sacrament of Confirmation to our youth and RCIA adults. Our youth voluntarily decided to complete this sacramental initiation into their Catholic Faith! Congratulations to the catechists, the parents, and the sponsors for all they have done to support and help our Confirmandi to attain their goal!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FIRST COMMUNICANTS

Thank you to the religious education teachers, the parents, and all who helped prepare our Religious Education children for reception of their First Holy Communion on May 12:
Carter Anastasia Gabriella Anich Fiona Baxter Darla Burnett Luisa Farroni Adrianna Fernandez Addison Gagnier Sean Gowen Matthew Hixson Zachary Huerta Nikolas Iwankiw Jordyn Jamora Matthew Lavin Alex Lew William Ludecke Miguel Marcelo Emma Mathewson Elizabeth Mazaros Rachel Moore Jessica Mysza Shane ONeill Aaron Petersen Curtis Schurer Nate Smotrys Meghan Sorcabal Alex Tandoc Chase Walker Justine Walker

Ascension of the Lord A key moment for grasping what life in Christ is all aboutnot about departure, but rather a plan for presence.

SAINT RITA CHURCH

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORDMAY 20, 2012

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YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth NiteMay 23 at 7 pm, Gara EDGE(final session) May 21 at 4 pm, Gara

Catholic Community & Local Events

Mater Dolorosa Golf ClassicThursday, May 24. Join Fr. Pat at Brookside Golf Course for a fun day of golf and more! Prizes, hosted social and awards banquet. Pat Wickhem 626/416-8824 Mater Dolorosa Office 355-7188 Kindred Spirits of Holy FamilySaturday, June 2. An invitation to Catholic single adults, over the age of 40, to expand your network of friends. Vigil Mass each first Saturday of the month at 5 pm followed by going to a restaurant for conversation and food. For more information: kindredspirits@holyfamily.org. Camp Mariastella, WrightwoodSummer camp season is approaching. Call for information for 7-15 year old girls who want to attend camp. Also needed are young women 17 and older to work as camp counselors. And, nurses who can volunteer for one week are needed. Please call Camp Office for information. 818/285-1555 campmariastella.com

Families participating to date = 150 = 13% Can you help those who are unable to provide sufficient financial support for their parish church and/or school? Envelopes for TIM are available in the Vestibule. Reminder: Please make your check payable to Together in Mission. Credit cards also accepted. Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 3! Plan to attend this party in honor of Monsignor Richards birthday. The festivities begin after the Noon Mass and continue until about 3:30 pm. Refreshments, music, and, of course birthday cake!

TOGETHER IN MISSION (TIM)

It is not what you give, but that you give.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

AND
Monsignor Richard wants to share his birthday celebration to also honor Dick and Chris Bertrand, very active and involved parishioners, who are relocating to Northern California. Join us in showing them our gratitude for the love they have shown for our St. Rita faith community and wishing them many blessings in their new home and new parish.

WE SAY FAREWELL & THANKS TO THE BERTRANDS

HOW TO CONTACT US
Bulletin Articlesmust be submitted 10 days before the desired Sunday of publication. Email: bulletin@st-rita.org or drop off information at the Parish Office. Parish OfficeParishAdmin@st-rita.org Ministry to the Sick or HomeboundPlease contact the Parish Office if you, or someone you know, would like to receive Communion at home or would like to be added to the Prayer List.

SAFEGUARD THE CHLDREN

Whats Your Plan in the Event of an Emergency? Did you know that every Catholic school in the Archdiocese is required to have a written plan for emergencies to include provisions for fire, earthquake, disaster and evacuation drills and other procedures that conform to local, state and county requirements. Each schools plan must be updated annually, and made available to parents. City and County disaster preparedness agencies are a good resource to use for making your own emergency plan. For help, you may call Assistance Ministry at (213) 637-7650. Articles from the Archdiocese are on our website: st-rita.org (select Publications, then Safeguard the Children).
PARISHIONERS WHO REQUEST OUR PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND RETURN TO GOOD HEALTH

PACIFIC ISLANDERS AT ST. RITA THIS SUNDAY, MAY 20, NOON MASS
We are blessed to have the People of Guam and other Pacific islands affirm their deep devotion to our patroness. Welcome to St. Rita and thank you for sharing your devotion.

HELPERS STILL NEEDEDST. RITA FEAST DAY

The St. Rita Guild needs volunteers to work at our Shrine on St. Rita of Cascia Feast Day, this Tuesday, May 22. To volunteer, please contact Joan Crow 355-3621.

ST. RITA FEAST DAYTHIS TUESDAY, MAY 22

Have you ever visited our Shrine on St. Ritas Feast Day? If not, you have missed experiencing the heartfelt devotion to our patroness demonstrated by a diverse group of pilgrims from throughout the San Gabriel Valley and other parts of Los Angeles. It is customary for these pilgrims to bring flowers to the shrine, leave them, and take away flowers left by others. You will be proud to be a part of St. Rita Parish when you witness the devotion of so many to our namesake.

St. Rita Shrine Church Vestibule Hours 9 am7 pm

Aspet Herapetian, Tony Comaianni, Beatrice Da Re, Ian Blakeslee, David Molina, Rose Mary Taquino, Mary Ellen Isoard, Selma Tuffs, Sonia Kosker, David Duran, Rosemarie Gorman, Paul Viger, Julie Meyer, Zdenka Czerny, Debra Ann Williamson, Cliff Hancuff, Wendy Wolf Fadel, Dorothy Van Gordon, Rosanne Kenny, Lisa Levesque, Hal Finney, Mary Elizabeth Nealey, Kathleen Ramsey, 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.

MAY 20, 2012

SAINT RITA CHURCH

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Directory of Ministries and Organizations

Liturgy & Worship
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-Bernie Grace Weekdays: John Bigley, Margaret Duran Porter: (Evening Church Lockup) Sheila Palazzolo Environment: Mrs. Barbara LeVeque /Mr. Gil Lazo 626.355.1292 Bereavement Ministry: Call Parish Office: 626.355.1292 Christian Family: Terri Cummings 626.355.8895 Greeters & Ushers: Mr. Erny Henry: 626.289.3504; 626.446.6715 Mens Club: Tim OConnor: 355.5053 the4oconnors@yahoo.com New Members/Welcome: Dick & Chris Bertrand pr@st-rita.org St. Rita Guild: Ms. Kathy Coyne: 355.4873, kdcoyne@aol.com Senior Ministry: Marilyn McKernan, marilyn@st-rita.org Shawl Ministry: Mary Taillac 355.3179 or Marilyn Delgatto 355.8717

Parish Ministries & Organizations

Other Contacts
Archivist: Mrs. Marilyn McKernan, marilyn@st-rita.org 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

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.

Let Saint Rita Be There For You . . .

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 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!

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 we only have one resident priest, sometimes arrangements for another priest may be needed.

MAY 20, 2012

SAINT RITA CHURCH

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Feast of St. Rita of Cascia

Tuesday, May 22

Devotions to St. Rita

This Sunday, May 20Noon Mass
Pacific Islanders celebration

This Tuesday, May 22Visits to our Shrine

Come witness the devotion of many. Perhaps bring a rose from your garden to participate in the tradition of bringing and sharing roses in her honor.