A Catholic Faith Community Since 1908 March 23, 2014 Third Sunday of Lent

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

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENTMARCH 23, 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,

A woman of Samaria came to draw water,

and from that point on her life, her world, was turned upside down. As we continue our Lenten walk with the Lord (19 down and 21 days remaining) we should pray for such a complete conversion such as this Samaritan woman experienced at Jacobs well. For the woman at the well, in a way, this was how her Lenten experience and encounter with the Lord rolled out: Jesus slowly but surely made his way into her heart in spite of the fact that by cultural mors he shouldnt even have been speaking to her; she was stunned by the complete and intimate knowledge Jesus had of her; she was at first incredulous of Jesus claim to offer living water, but then became exhilarated at the promise of eternal life; she felt compelled to go out and tell the good news to all whom she met and to invite them to come and see; and, finally, she was moved to ask herself and others, Could he be the Christ? (In other words, she had a crash course in Disciple School.) If I were giving a retreat to a bunch of incredulous people orworsea bunch of lukewarm and reluctant followers, I could not hope for a better movement of the heart, enlightenment of the mind, or a better outcome of desire to go forth and proclaim the reign of God. Please, Lord, that my own Lent 2014 will have even a meager portion of the Samaritan womans encounter with the Savior! Has any experience in your life with Jesus been comparable to the Samaritan womans experiencesuch a complete winning over, such a turning-your-world-upside-down encounter? If so, have you unbelievably lost sight of it or do you still draw from it? Are you perhaps still waiting for it to happen for the first time? One thing is for sure: for such a complete Lenten conversion experience, figuratively, we have to first decide to go to the well and THEN, it wouldnt hurt if we were very thirsty upon arrival.

Msgr. Richard

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENTMARCH 23, 2014

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 22 SUNDAY, MARCH 23

8:00 AM David Leming RIP 5:30 PM Diane Scalzo INT

MONDAY, MARCH 24
8:05 AM 8:05 AM 8:05 AM

7:30 AM Joseph Antoun RIP 10:00 AM For All Parishioners 12 NOON Florence Smith RIP Bill Davila RIP Beatrice Pondo RIP Communion Service

Gerry Krekelberg, Leah Greteman, Raymond Payne, Peter Delgatto, Jr., 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, 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 GardnerYbarra, Cathy Hundshamer, Eva Bernejo, Edith Olah, Lancelot Loera, Fred Mycroft, Brian Eck, Alex Arranaga, Anna Mary Hession, Joseph Moore.

Former Long-Time Parishioner

Richard (Dick) Judge Tom Krekelberg

TUESDAY, MARCH 25

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 THURSDAY, MARCH 27 FRIDAY, M ARCH 28

8:05 AM

Uncle of Msgr. Richard & Fr. Bill

8:05 AM Communion Service Joseph Ganino RIP

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

Lenten Weekly Bible Study Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center 10 am & again at 7 pm Leader: Jean Bowler, a graduate of the Catholic Bible Institute Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) 7:30 pm Parish Office Meeting Room Catholicism Series Thursday, March 27 Parish Office Meeting Room 2-3:15 pm Liturgy of the Hours Evening Prayer Thursday, March 27 5 pm Music & Meditation 5:30 pm Prayer Oratory in the Parish Office St. Rita Thursday Bible Study
Will resume in mid-May

SATURDAY, MARCH 29 SUNDAY, MARCH 30

8:00 AM David Bone RIP 5:30 PM Thomas Courtney, Sr. RIP

Monday, March 24

7:30 AM Beatrice Pondo RIP 10:00 AM Debra Williamson RIP 12 NOON For All Parishioners

Tuesday, March 25

FEAST DAYS
Tuesday, March 25 The Annunciation of The Lord

TODAYS READINGS
First ReadingWhen the people grumbled to Moses for water in the desert, the Lord heard and brought forth water from the rock for all to drink (Exodus 17:3-7). PsalmIf today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts (Psalm 95). Second ReadingGods love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit
(Romans 5:1-2, 5-8).

Stations of the Cross & Soup Kitchen

Sponsored this week by Youth Ministry The devotion of the Stations of the Cross is held at St. Rita during Lent. Stations begin at 6:15 pm, Friday, March 28. After Stations, join us in Gara Hall for the Soup Kitchena time to eat a simple meal & visit with fellow parishioners. By having a simple meal in place of our regular mealand donating the proceeds to charitywe fast and we give to those in need. Please plan to join us!

GospelAsk, and you will be given living water so that you will never thirst again
(John 4:5-42 [5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42]).

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

&
Edge Monday, March 24, 4 pm, Gara Youth NiteThis Wednesday, March 26 God is Not DeadMovie night at the Arcadia AMC Theresa Costanzo ym@st-rita.org
91 Years of Faith, Excellence, and Stewardship

St. Rita Catholic School

A Catholic Education is an Advantage for Life

St. Rita School Open House Friday, March 28 6:00 - 7:30 pm Join our parents during this annual event featuring the academic, spiritual, and creative art exhibits of all students in TK-8. 5-Week Adventure Camp at St. Rita School Held from June 23 through August 1 Each weekly session has a theme and varied activities. Please contact the School Office for more information.

St. Rita Mens Club

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 pm in OMalley Hall. We welcome those who want to come by just to see what were all about. We just sponsored our Annual Fun-Run and, despite the heat, it was an enjoyable time for runners and those who were cheering them on. The St. Patrick/St. Joseph Dinner was well attended (it was sold out!) and the food was excellent. Thank you to the Old Spaghetti Factory for their donation, the members of our Youth Ministry for helping to serve while also providing an ice cream build-your-own sundae bar, and all those working behind the scenes helping to make the event a success. The Cleary Irish Dancers, which include some members from St. Rita, once again entertained us with good dancing, beautiful costumes, and broad smiles! We will be sponsoring the Soup Kitchen on Friday, April 11, after Stations of the Cross, in Gara Hall.
Nick Sotis 358-2495 nicksotis@pro-sites.net

School Office 355-6114

St. Rita Mens Annual Retreat March 28-30

Theres still time to join us! Please 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

Lenten Almsgiving
Special Collection for Catholic Relief Services
Weekend of March 29 & 30. This annual collection is to assist those around the world who need emergency help.

St. Vincent de Paul Bundle SundayApril 6.

Interested in becoming an Altar Server?

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

All contributions help in serving the needy. Please bring useable clothing, shoes, small appliances, household items, etc. They are in great need of all types of furniture and large appliances. For larger items, please phone 323/244-6280 for a special, free pick-up at your home. Start taking advantage of special sales in the markets now to help feed the needy at St. Anthonys Parish. Also check your cupboards for extra foodbut, please, no expired dates, no glass containers.

Canned Food DriveSaturday & Sunday, April 5 & 6.

Articles for the Bulletin should be submitted to bulletin@st-rita or to the Parish Office.

Support your ParishFor those who are not giving at all, please consider your obligation as a member of our Faith
Community and give something each weekits not the amount you give, but that you give. For those who are givingthank youand perhaps consider increasing your weekly donation during Lent as an act of Stewardship.

Deadline for publication is 10 days before the

desired weekend.

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENTMARCH 23, 2014

This Week at St. Rita

Monday, March 24Bible Study at Mater Dolorosa
See page 4 for more information. See page 4 for more information. Parish Office Meeting Room 2 pm See page 4 for more information.

Can you smile?

Tuesday, March 25RCIA

If you can smile and give a warm hello, you possess the main requirement for joining our Ushers/Greeters ministry. Men, Women, trained ushers, new-bies and anyone who wants information about this important ministry are all invited to this informational evening. Monday, March 31 7:00 pm OMalley Hall Did you know that lasting impressions are made in the first four minutes of an encounter? When we think of someone entering St. Rita for the first time, we want to be sure that the first people they see greet them warmly and make them feel welcome. And it is an usher or greeter who is likely to be that very first person newcomers meet face to face. A smile, handshake or simply a kind word may be the sign that guests need to see the joy of being part of our Catholic Faith Community. WHY WELCOMING MATTERS We may underestimate the value of welcoming as part of our Sunday Mass. If we recognize the value of a smile and a friendly hello, we will be more likely to communicate the love of Christ in a compelling way that better reaches strangers. In fact, Gods love experienced through our actions/welcome may be just whats needed to bring first-time visitors back or to make occasional Mass attendees come back regularly. All women and men are invited to join us March 31st to learn more about this ministry; and by how being an usher/greeter you may also become special evangelizers and disciples of Christ!

Thursday, March 27Catholicism Series Thursday, March 27Evening Prayer See page 4 for more information.

Friday, March 28Stations of the Cross and Soup Kitchen

See page 4 for more information.

March 28-30St. Rita Mens Annual Retreat

See page 5 for more information.

Save the Date

Monday, March 31Baptism Preparation Class
Parish Office Meeting Room 7 pm No Baptisms in April; Class is for May Baptisms

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

Tickets on sale in the School Office 355-6113

Sunday, April 6Bundle Sunday

Start cleaning your closets for the St. Vincent de Paul truck. See page 5 for more information.

Catholic Community & Local Events

St. Lucys Bash 2014Saturday, March 29, 6 pm.

Tuesday, April 8Mens Club Meeting

See page 5 for more information.

Saturday, April 12St. Rita School PTO Wine Social

See flyer insert in this weeks bulletin.

Dinner and raffle. St. Lucys High School Gymnasium, 655 W. Sierra Madre Ave., Glendora 91741 Info: stlucys.com/bash 626/963-0017 Cloistered Carmelite Nuns Auxiliary Shower of RosesWednesday, April 9, Noon. Social Hour begins at 10:30. $65/each. San Gabriel Country, Club, 350 E. Hermosa Dr., San Gabriel. RSVP by April 4. Charlene Seley 626799-0379 jseley@sbcglobal.net Charismatic Mass & Healing ServiceFri., April 11. Praise & Worship at 7 pm; Mass at 7:45 pm. Conducted by Fr. Pat Crowley, SS.CC., MAS, retreat director/conference speaker, who brings a holistic approach to the healing ministry. St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 1879 N. Lake Avenue, Altadena 91001. Info: 797-1167 saintelizabethchurch.org

ST. RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

February Maintenance & Repairs

Expenses (utilities, minor repairs, etc.) $5,849 Income (blue envelopes & directed donations) Excess above expenses
Number of parishioners donating $6,590 $ 741 190

LOST AND FOUNDMISSING SOMETHING? If you think you left something in the Church, please check first with any Usher. Then please contact the Parish Office, 355-1292or stop byto see if we have your missing item. Our collection is growingare you missing any clothing items or jewelry? After six months in our cupboards, any unclaimed items are donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Thank you for donating to this monthly collection. You may use the blue envelope in your packetor any envelope or a checkand just write For Maintenance only. All funds stay at St. Rita. Together in Mission Status Report

As of March 17, 2014

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 Parish ID

Our assessed goal: Number of repeat donors (100): Amount pledged/donated: Number of new donors (16): Amount pledged/donated: TOTAL RECEIVED TO DATE:

$59,922.12 $26,050.00 $ 2,275.00 $28,325.00 9% 47%

Number of parish families (1266) PERCENTAGE OF PARTICIPATION: PERCENTAGE OF GOAL:

Phone

Please print neatlythank you!