A Catholic Faith Community Since 1908 January 26, 2014

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

St. Rita of Cascia

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

3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEJANUARY 26, 2014

How to Contact Us
Msgr. Richard Krekelberg, V. F.Pastor
626.355.1292 x. 228 revkrek@st-rita.org Dcn. Manuel & Chela Valencia deaconmanuelvalencia@gmail.com 355.1292 Dcn. John Hulljohnhull65@gmail.com 355.1292 Weekend Presider: 10 am MassFr. Chris Thiel, OFM Capuchin 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 Pastoral Council
Parish Office: 355.1292 Mary Lou Butler: mlbutler@st-rita.org 355.1292

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 katganino@charter.net Altar Servers, Adult: Bill Cosso 355.5656 Eucharistic Adoration: Kathy Ganino 626.398.9302 katganino@charter.net Rosary Prayer Group: Susan Day 355-3835 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: Denise Villalovos/Gil Lazo gil@st-rita.org 355.1292

Ministries & Organizations

Bereavement Ministry: 355.1292 bereave@st-rita.org Christian Family: Ana Ptasinski 355.3146 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 psullivan514@gmail.com Senior Ministry: Marilyn McKernan, marilyn@st-rita.org Shawl Ministry: Mary Taillac 355.3179 Marilyn Delgatto 355.8717

Finance Council Chair

Bill Sullivan: 355.3707

St. Rita SchoolOffice: 626.355.6114 Director of Liturgy & Music

Paul Puccinelli: mm@st-rita.org

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 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 Sacraments

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.

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!

Reconciliation and 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.

Matrimony

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.

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

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.

Anointing of the Sick See adjoining column.

SAINT RITA
REV. MSGR. RICHARD KREKELBERG

OF

CASCIA CHURCH

PASTORS CORNER

Dear Parishioners,
The Gospel of Matthew today quotes the words of Isaiah that we heard proclaimed in the First Reading:

the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.
Jesus of course is The Light, and the light that dispels the darkness is the light of his Good News and of his kingdoma kingdom of justice, mercy, goodness and enduring peace. Following upon last Sundays theme of being CALLED AND SENT, we take Jesus declaration that he will make his apostles and disciples fishers of men a further assurance of The Light continuedeven to our own day. How could we not understand the great outpouring of our own parishioners and of the world in response to the victims of one disaster after another, one shooting after another, as continuance of our participation in Jesus Light and Good News active and effective. For those dwelling in lands overshadowed by death, light has arisen in the form of helping hands, wide-scale personal sacrifice, and generous response to the cries of the poor. Any form of dispelling darkness in our own lives and in the lives of others is certainly a sign of Jesus kingdom alive and well. But St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians adds a further challenge: the maintenance of Christian Unity; that is, living Jesus Holy Communion. Paul goes even to the point of claiming that lack of Christian unity empties the cross of Christ of its meaning. Imagine that! Our good works void of the accompaniment of good will, unity, and peace renders Jesus sacrifice on the cross as meaningless. Paul specifies to the Corinthians that it is their division-causing rivalries, jealousy, and pride that rob their own personal sacrifices and good works (as individuals and as a community) of meaning and of salvific merit. I believe that the current moment for St. Rita Parish is the development of our parish as a faithful people, as disciples in holy communion with the Lord and with each other. Our 2007 Pastoral Plan (now in its 8th year) serves as our map for growth in community and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And, starting today, CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK is a celebration of formal education and formation in Christ for our younger members. As we continue prayerfully and liturgically to grow in our understanding of what it means to be baptized and to be called and sent, let us not forget to add this crucial and vital ingredient of responding to Jesus call to unity and communion, lest we wander and wind up emptying the cross of Christ of its meaning.

Msgr. Richard

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Psalm 27

3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEJANUARY 26, 2014

PARISHIONERS WHO REQUEST OUR PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND RETURN TO GOOD HEALTH

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

8:00 AM Doreen Moore INT 5:30 PM Brooke Manning INT

MONDAY, JANUARY 27
8:05 AM 8:05 AM

7:30 AM Alvero Jasso RIP 10:00 AM For All Parishioners 12 NOON Horst Lechler RIP Rev. Genaro Zavala, M.S.P. RIP Bob & Ann Wolf Family INT

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28

Linda Milligan, David Leming, Mary Lou Kopka, Susan Skousen, Brooke Manning, Jacque Daust, Patti Eddy, Isabel L. Lopez, Arthur Contreras, Jr., Robert Quinonez, Richard Krier, Leah Greteman, Patsy Starkey, Margaret Duran, Jody Williams, Gabriella Reyes, Ashley Biely, Jean Mansour, Denis Keegan, Jacob Bigley, Gerald Krekelberg, Cathy Fiore, Madelyn Shaull, Dorothy Van Gorden, John J. McCoy, Diane Ridley, Richard Forcione, Maria Carmen Marti, Dennis & Clare Marquardt, Rosemary Fryzm, JoAnn E. Douglass, Kathleen Ramsey, Tonyja Blakeslee, Addie Marshall, Jackie Bagnuolo, Mary Ellen Isoard, Tim Stanley, Antoinette Wassef, Theresa Morcos, Aspet Herapetian, Rose Mary Taquino, Selma Tuffs, David Duran, Paul Viger, Julie Meyer, Zdenka Czerny, Cliff Hancuff, Wendy Wolf Fadel, Hal Finney, Ailey Gardner-Ybarra, Cathy Hundshamer, Eva Bernejo, Laurie Larkin Masella, Edith Olah, Matteo Begnoche, Lancelot Loera, Fred Mycroft, Brian Eck, Alex Arranaga, Anna Mary Hession, Joseph Moore.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 FRIDAY, J ANUARY 31

8:05 AM

Vernon Bigler
(father of parishioners Karen, Kelly, & Kristopher [Chun-ai] Bigler)

8:05 AM Communion Service 8:05 AM Communion Service Therese McAlister RIP

Florence Fraley
(mother of parishioners Patrick (Linda) Fraley

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

8:00 AM Don Brice RIP 5:30 PM Sr. Dephna RIP

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) 7:30 pm Parish Office Meeting Room Liturgy of the Hours Evening Prayer Thursday, January 30 5 pm Music & Meditation 5:30 pm Prayer Oratory in the Parish Office Bible Study Thursday, January 30 7 pm Parish Office Meeting Room

7:30 AM John Moffett RIP 10:00 AM Rosina Padilla RIP 12 NOON For All Parishioners

Tuesday, January 28

FEAST DAYS
Monday, January 27St. Angela Merici Tuesday, January 28St. Thomas Aquinas Friday, January 31St. John Bosco

TODAYS READINGS
First ReadingGod has restored the land, and brought great joy to the people.
(Isaiah 8:23 9:3).

Womens Carmelite Retreat

Join the women of Assumption Parish on Retreat the weekend of February 21-23. The Carmelite Sacred Heart Retreat house is just 8 miles away and offers a quiet, grace-filled weekend with The Lord, group conference with priest-retreat master, walking rosary, confession, Eucharistic Adoration and Mass. The Retreat begins Friday with dinner at 6 pm and concludes Sunday at 12:30. Semi-private (shared bath) and double rooms are available. Commuters, Saturday-only, also are welcome. Flyers available in the Vestibule. Have more questions? Retreat Co-CaptainCheryl Harlow cherylharlow@mac.com 626/794-7813

PsalmThe Lord is my light and my salvation

(Psalm 27).

Second ReadingPaul exhorts the believers at Corinth: As there is one Christ, so too must there be no divisions among you.
(1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17).

GospelAfter calling his first disciples, Jesus goes throughout Galilee (Matthew 4:12-23 [12-17]).

In prayer, it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.
John Bunyan

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

&
Edge SessionMonday, January 27, 4 pm, Gara Youth NiteWed., Jan. 29, 7 pm, OMalley. Y2 Confirmation SessionSat., Feb. 1, 4 pm, Gara Youth MassSat., Feb 1 & Sat., Feb 8, 5:30 pm Y1 Confirmation SessionSat., Feb 8, 4 pm, Gara Youth Day at the Religious Education Congress Thursday, March 13 A day-long event for high school youth. If youre interested in attending this informative event and to experience the energy of a Youth Day Mass & Rally, please check out: recongress.org/yd/youthday.htm or contact Theresa Costanzo ym@st-rita.org
91 Years of Faith, Excellence, and Stewardship

St. Rita Catholic School

St. Rita School is hosting an Open House for new parents this Sunday after the 10 am Mass. We hope you will come by to learn more about our school and perhaps pick up an application.

Support St. Rita School Scrip and Rebate Program

Register online and designate St. Rita School as the recipient for the awards programs at: Ralphs Market www.ralphs.com Vons Market www.escrip.com Target www.target.com Also, did you know you can buy scrip and/or gift cards for markets, stores, restaurants, and much more?

Contact the School Office for more information.

St. Rita Mens Annual Retreat Weekend

Plan to reserve the dates of March 28-30 for our Annual St. Rita Mens Retreat at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center. Make sure you dont miss this spiritually rewarding time of peace and renewal. For more information: Bill Cosso 355-5656 bill@cosso.net Another successful Blood Drive Thank you to the 34 people who gave blood to help others live. 34 pints (units) of blood were collected; our goal was 19 units so we achieved 179% of our goal! Wow! Each unit of blood saves up to three lives which translates to 102 lives helped by your generosity! Thank you to Marilyn McKernan for her dedication in organizing the Blood Drives at St. Rita. And thank you to all who help by volunteering to publicize and to staff the check-in table.

School Office 355-6114

Los Angeles Religious Education (RE) Congress March 14-16
just for teachers or studentsbut for all adults
interested in learning more about their faith. Have you ever been to an RE Congress? This event is not

RE Congress is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the world and is held at the Anaheim Convention Center. Keynote Speaker is Father Robert Barron, who many of you may recognize as the writer/host of the Catholicism series. There are many sessions addressing specific topics you can choose to attend, and you can also visit the Exhibit Hall showcasing liturgical art to music to publishing houses to education institutions. Information or to register: recongress.org

St. Rita Guild Annual Party

Cards & Bunco & More Men are welcome too! Make your reservations for Saturday, February 8 for this annual card party. In addition to uninterrupted time to play bridge-or bunko-or mah jong-or a game you might bring, a tasty lunch will be served. The card party is our major fundraiser for the Guild, which uses proceeds to finance many gifts to the Parish and to various needy organizations in the Archdiocese.
Patty Sullivan 355-3707 psullivan514@gmail.com

Next drive: July 2014

If you have something you would like to see in the Bulletin, submit your input to bulletin@st-rita or call Rosemary Parish Office 355-1292 x 226.

Deadline for publication is 10 days before the desired weekend. Submit info to bulletin@st-rita or leave at the Parish Office.

3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEJANUARY 26, 2014

Help Wantedand Appreciated!

This Week at St. Rita

Were expanding our list of people to call on for occasional help. We may call you to help stuff bulletins; resupply the offering envelopes in the pews; set up or clean up for an event; or similar activities. We will contact you when we need helpand, dont worry, if youre not available when we ask, well ask again for another date/time. A very happy bonus of giving your time is that you meet and work with the nicest people! rc@st-rita.org 355-1292 x 226

This Weekend Annual Collection to Support our St. Rita School Please be generous in your giving so that our school may continue to grow and flourish. Please make your check payable to St. Rita; we will forward one check to the School.

And More Help Wantedand Appreciated!

Ever wonder how decoration of our Church for the different holydays and seasons happens? It isnt magicits the hard work of a very few dedicated volunteers. Can you iron? Can you sort display items? Can you be a go-fer when were getting supplies from one of our storage areas to the Church? We need help throughout the Lenten season and right into Easter and thereafter. Try ityou might like it! Environment Committee: Denise Villalovos & Gil Lazo gil@st-rita.org 355-1292 Parish Office

Thank you!

This SundaySt. Rita School Open House

Following the 10 am Mass For New Families

Monday, January 27Baptism Preparation

7 pm Parish Office Meeting Room For February 9 Baptisms

Tuesday, January 28Bible Study

See page 4 for more information.

Thursday, January 30Evening Prayer

See page 4 for more information.

Catholic Community & Local Events

Fingerprinting

Thursday, January 30Liturgy of the Hours

See page 4 for more information. Wednesday, Jan. 29, Sacred Heart, Noon-3:40 pm & 5:20-7:20 pm, 2889 Lincoln Ave., Altadena Must call for appointment: 626/794-2046 Friday, February 14, St. Elizabeth, Noon-3:40 pm & 5:20-7:20 pm, 1879 N. Lake, Altadena Must call for appointment: 626/797-1167 Friday, February 28, St. Rita School, Noon-3:40 pm & 5:20-7:20 pm, 322 N. Baldwin, Sierra Madre Must call for appointment: 355-6114 Don Bosco Technical Institute Open House Sunday, February 9, Noon to 3 pm. Application fee waived this day only, food available, free parking. For more information: 626/940-2000 boscotech.edu Pregnancy Help Center Luncheon Celebrating ChildrenMonday, February 10. Family fashion show, Social Hour at 11, Luncheon at noon. $45/person. San Gabriel Country Club. Info: tcjohansing@hotmail.com Catholic Singles Event at The Peppertree Grill in Sierra MadreSunday, February 23. Dancing, mingling, and fun for alla great way to meet new people. 5-10 pm. Appetizers included in $20 cost. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, just East of Lima. Information: Jeanette 626/437-7905

Save the Date

Saturday, February 8St. Rita Guild Card Party
See page 5 for more information.

Sunday, February 23Journey Through Lent

A spiritual and musical evening with Bob Hurd In the Church About 7 pm (exact time TBD)

March 28-30St. Rita Mens Annual Retreat

See page 5 for more information.

Saturday, April 12St. Rita School PTO Wine Social

More information in future Bulletins.

ST. RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

God Bless You!
During this cold and flu season, germs abound and multiply. Please feel free to offer a simple greeting during the Sign of Peace and do not be offended if someone does not wish to shake your hand. A smile, a simple nod, and a verbal Peace Be With You is sufficient. Support of your parish is a treasure part of Stewardship. If you are not currently receiving weekly offering envelopes, you may request them below; then drop the request in the Sunday Offering. Thank you!

Please add my name to the mailing list for Sunday envelopes. Parish ID number (if known) Name Mailing Address

How to Request a Mass at St. Rita

If you would like to have a Mass celebrated for a special intention, a special occasion (anniversary, birthday, wedding) or in memory of a loved one, please contact the Parish Office for more information and to secure a date. You may pick up a card, which will note the date and time of the Mass, to give to the person or family being remembered. A stipend is appreciated but not mandatory. Parish Office 355-1292 x221

Request for Donations for Tax Year 2013

Please fill out the form below & drop it in the Offering basket or mail to the Parish Office, 50 E. Alegria, SM 91024. Oremail to rc@st-rita.org NOTE: No telephone requests will be accepted.
Name Address Phone Parish ID

Please print neatlythank you!