A Catholic Faith Community Since 1908 February 16, 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

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEFEBRUARY 16, 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
If you are a parishioner interested in baptizing your child, please contact the Parish Office for further information on the Baptism process and requirements.

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,
In this Sundays gospel passage from Matthew, Jesus counters familiar commandments with his own challenge; for example, You shall not kill becomes You shall not even be angry; You shall not commit adultery becomes You shall not even think about looking! and You shall not take a false oath becomes You shall not swear at all! Whats going on here? The answer is contained in the first couple of lines: I have not come to abolish [the law or the prophets], but to fulfill them. You see, I think we get ourselves into a lot of trouble trying to keep Jesus in the Old Testament. He not only came with a New TestamentHe IS the New Testament. I have met people who think that an Eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth is still the norm to followafter all, Its in the Bible! Im shocked when I hear someone say something like that, because it totally ignores Jesus teaching to turn the other cheek and to give not only your shirt, but your cloak as well. Here, in his new and improved way of living, Jesus is taking us beyond low-life vengeance to the generous New Testament spirit of healing and reconciliation. More than once, I have been approached by zealots who would like me to post (usually to set in granite) the Ten Commandments in front of the Church. Each time, I have responded with Not unless we also post Jesus Two Great Commandments, his Eight Beatitudes, and his Great Commandment: Love one another as I have loved youand even then it would have to be taken up with our Pastoral Council. (No one has ever returned to pursue the proposal.) Do you see where I am coming from on this? I take it as a solemn duty, as pastor, to keep us in the New Testament! If we only stayed with the famous Ten, we would be doing the absolute minimum: dont lie, dont killHELLO! St. Paul tried to teach us what it means to live Jesus fulfillment of the old law and the prophets when he preached living the Spirit and rising above the law. In other words, beyond not killing, we actually go out of our way to promote lifebeyond not lying, we actually promote the embrace of truth. Heres the formula appliedOLD TESTAMENT: Arrest the killer(s). NEW TESTAMENT: Work for restorative justice that educates and heals, so the killing wouldnt have happened in the first place. OLD TESTAMENT PSALM: Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord. NEW TESTAMENT VERSION: Blessed are they who follow the Lord JESUShis new way, his truth and his life. I could never stress it enough, a true disciple knows the Old Testamentbut lives in and for the NEW Testament. I have no time, let alone the desire, to cultivate and form run-amuck Sadducees and Pharisees. They are so 2000 years ago!

Most Sincerely, Msgr. Richard

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEFEBRUARY 16, 2014

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16

8:00 AM William Balber RIP 5:30 PM Joseph Antoun RIP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17
8:05 AM 8:05 AM

7:30 AM For All Parishioners 10:00 AM Robert Barile RIP 12 NOON Oberto Vejar RIP Nicolas Mark Tavoukjian INT Lucy Stock RIP

Montserrat Marti, Jordan Alabart, Linda Milligan, Susan Skousen, Brooke Manning, Jacque Daust, Arthur Contreras, Jr., Robert Quinonez, Richard Krier, Patsy Starkey, Margaret & David Duran, Jean Mansour, Jacob Bigley, Gerald Krekelberg, Dorothy Van Gorden, Maria Carmen Marti, Dennis & Clare Marquardt, Kathleen Ramsey, Tonyja Blakeslee, Addie Marshall, Jackie Bagnuolo, Mary Ellen Isoard, Rose Mary Taquino, Paul Viger, Zdenka Czerny, Hal Finney, Ailey Gardner-Ybarra, Cathy Hundshamer, Eva Bernejo, Edith Olah, Lancelot Loera, Fred Mycroft, Brian Eck, Alex Arranaga, Anna Mary Hession, Joseph Moore.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 FRIDAY, F EBRUARY 21

8:05 AM

Wendy Wolf Fadel (daughter of Bob & Ann Wolf) David Leming (husband of Anna Leming)

8:05 AM Communion Service 8:05 AM Communion Service Bob Alcorn RIP

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) 7:30 pm Parish Office Meeting Room Liturgy of the Hours Evening Prayer Thursday, February 20 5 pm Music & Meditation 5:30 pm Prayer Oratory in the Parish Office Bible Study Thursday, February 20 7 pm Parish Office Meeting Room

8:00 AM Jimmy Murphy RIP 5:30 PM Patrick Stanley, Jr. RIP

Tuesday, February 18

7:30 AM George Turner RIP 10:00 AM For All Parishioners 12 NOON Bob Barile RIP

FEAST DAYS
Monday, February 17 The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order Friday, February 21 St. Peter Damian Saturday, February 22 The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle

Los Angeles Religious Education (RE) Congress March 14-16Attend one day or all three!
Have you ever been to an RE Congress? This event is not just for teachers or studentsbut for all adultsinterested in learning more about their faith. Held at the Anaheim Convention Center, the Keynote Speaker on Saturday morning is Father Robert Barron, who many of you may recognize as the writer/host of the Catholicism series. There are many sessions 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

TODAYS READINGS
First ReadingGod allows us to make choices, but we are not to choose injustice or sinfulness (Sirach 15:15-20). PsalmBlessed are they who follow the law of the Lord! (Psalm 119). Second ReadingGods wisdom is mysterious and hidden (1 Corinthians 2:6-10). GospelJesus has come not to abolish but to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17-37
[20-22a, 27-28, 33-34a, 37]).

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

&
No Edge Session on February 17, Presidents Day Next session: Monday, February 24, 4 pm, Gara Y2 Confirmation Session for Parents Wednesday, February 19, 7 pm Gara Youth NiteGuest Speaker (see box below) High ExpectationsLets Talk About Weed Wednesday, Feb. 26, 78:30 pm, OMalley All parents and youth, 6th12th grade, are invited to hear our Special Guest, national expert and speaker Ray Lozano, who will present up-todate facts on marijuana in such a fun way that you might just forget that youre learning the toxic truth about weed. Youth Day at Religious Education Congress Come with us on Thursday, March 13 to the Anaheim Convention Center. Rally, workshops, and Mass celebrated with Archbishop Gomez. To register please contact me ASAP. Theresa Costanzo ym@st-rita.org
91 Years of Faith, Excellence, and Stewardship

St. Rita Catholic School

Father Daughter Dance Boot Scootin Hoedown on Saturday, March 29, from 7-9:30 pm. Tickets on sale
in the School Office beginning February 24.

St. Rita School is now accepting applications for Junior Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Contact the School Office for more information.

School Office 355-6114

Interested in becoming an Altar Server?
All boys and girls, in 5th grade and upthis is the time to sign up. Training will be held this month and also in March. Pick up an application in the Vestibule, from the Parish Office, or please contact Kathy Ganino katganino@charter.net 626/398-9302

St. Rita Girl Scouts

Preschool Sunday School. All children, 3-5 years of age, are invited to join us each week for Sunday School during the 10 am Mass. We are located in the St. Rita School Library, upstairs in Gara Hall. The children experience friendship, eat a snack, and participate in a simple lesson. There is no registration required. We do ask that participating families sign up to help with snack and supervision on one Sunday.
Questions? Cristina Cullen dre@st-rita.org NOTE: No Sunday School or Religious Ed on this holiday weekend, February 16 & 17. Hard to believe but its almost cookie time! The Girl Scouts will be selling those delicious cookies before and after all the week-end Masses from March 1-23. Please support our Troop by buying a box or two. Still $4/box and only available once each year. Thank you!

St. Rita Mens Annual Retreat Weekend March 28-30

Once each year its good to slow down, step back from the daily clamor and take a fresh look at life. You may find yourself opening up to the healing voice of God. Join us at the Mens Retreat. Questions? Information? Want to make a Reservation? Contact one of the men listed below
Bill Cosso 355-5656 bill@cosso.net Dave Muhs 355-9810 Duncan MacGillivray 355-0762 Gary Miller 355-6440 Pat Wickhem 416-8824 Rich McCoppin 355-2871 Rudy Van Cleef 355-8169

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.

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEFEBRUARY 16, 2014

This Week at St. Rita

Monday, February 17Presidents Day Parish Office Closed
Reopen at 9 am Tuesday

Next Sunday, February 23 7:30 pm in the Church

Making the Lenten Journey: The Stories and Scriptures of Lent

Join us as Bob Hurdworld-renowned composer, performer, liturgist, theologian AND St. Rita parishionertakes us on a tour of Jesus final journey to Jerusalem, using reflection, icons, artwork, and music. The St. Rita Choir will assist Bob as he explores stories and scriptures of the Lenten season. The Lenten season is filled with some of the Gospels most profound and beautiful stories. When proclaimed at Sunday liturgy, Christ speaks to each of us here and now through them: the Temptation in the Wilderness; the Transfiguration; Jesus meeting with the Woman at the Well; the Cure of the Man Born Blind; the raising of Lazarus. We enter into these stories in two waysby seeing ourselves in the characters Jesus encounters, and by seeing ourselves in Jesus Himself as He goes about doing the will of God. The event is open to the public. Donations gratefully accepted. Reception to follow in OMalley Hall. A wonderful way to prepare for Lent! (Ash Wednesday is March 5.)

Tuesday, February 18Bible Study

See page 4 for more information. See page 4 for more information.

Thursday, February 20Evening Prayer Thursday, February 20Liturgy of the Hours

See page 4 for more information.

Save the Date

Sunday, February 23Journey Through Lent
In the Church 7:30 pm See adjoining column for information.

Monday, February 24Baptism Preparation Class

7 pm Parish Office Meeting Room For Baptisms on March 2

Catholic Community & Local Events

Wednesday, February 26 High Expectations: Lets Talk About Weed

Guest Speaker: Ray Lozano 7 pm OMalley Hall See page 5 for more information. Catholic Singles Event at The Peppertree Grill in Sierra MadreSunday, February 23, 5-10 pm. A great way to meet new people. Appetizers included in $20 cost. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, just East of Lima. Information: Jeanette 626/437-7905
Fingerprinting

March 28-30St. Rita Mens Annual Retreat

See page 5 for more information.

Saturday, March 29St. Rita School Father-Daughter Dance

See page 5 for more information.

Saturday, April 12St. Rita School PTO Wine Social

Watch for more information in future Bulletins.

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 St. Lucys Benedictine Guild Ash Wednesday RetreatWed., March 5, 9 am - 1:30 pm. No reservations necessary. Bring a sack lunch; beverages are provided. Free will donation. St. Lucys Priory, 19045 W. Sierra Madre Ave., Glendora Ellen Carlson 909/624-2058 La Salle High School Alumni Association Taste of La SalleSaturday, March 22. A food and beverage tasting event, featuring over 30 food, beer, wine, and tequila vendors. Opportunity Drawing. $40 in advance or $50 at the door. For reservations/more information: La Salle High School 626/696-4362

ST. RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

Maintenance & RepairsJanuary
Total Expenses (includes utilities, repairs, replacement Total Income Shortfall
parts, etc.) $ 8,432 $ 7,342 < $ 1,090 >

We are happy to report we have not exceeded the water usage rates established by the Cityhowever, our water bills for the usage period of December and January were still in excess of $1190. Some may not realize that we do not receive any break from any of the utility companiesgas, water, electric, telephone. Can you help make our operating expenses be in the black in February and in future months?

We hope you check the ads in our Bulletin when youre looking for help (its tax seasonneed an accountant? need a lawyer?), looking for a doctor, or looking for a meal out? Please patronize those who help us provide our Bulletin at no cost to the Parishand dont forget to tell them I saw your ad in the St. Rita Sunday Bulletin. Thanks to all who advertiseand to those who support them.

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

contributed to this fund last month. We ask you to consider donating each month by using the special blue envelope in your packetor just indicate Maintenance Only on your check or any envelope. All donations remain at St. Rita.

We appreciate the support of the 183 families (about 14% of registered parishioners) who

Thank you for supporting this monthly special collection.

Please print neatlythank you!