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: Tim Lopez 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: 355.1852, 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!

Mass Times

Sunday, January 8, 2012

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION A two-year program for freshman/sophomore age teens. Apply through the Office of Religious Education.

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)

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THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORDJANUARY 8, 2012

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PASTORS CORNER
Dear Parishioners, I offer you this Reflection by Stefanie Weisgram, OSB, for your consideration this Epiphany Sunday. Msgr. Richard Think of the last time you watched the stars in the dark sky above you. Perhaps you saw a shooting star or tried to follow a satellite or a plane. This is something mysterious about watching the stars. They seem so far away and we feel so small and insignificant. Gods creation is mysterious, amazing. As we watch the stars, it even becomes easier to imagine the magi fixed on following that star to Bethlehem so long ago. Todays feast of the Epiphany is both mystery and revelation. Isaiah is a good preparation. He is excited as he urges Jerusalem to rise up in splendor, to see the glory of the Lord shining on the people. When we think of those magi and the gifts they brought Jesus, it sounds like a grand celebration. But if we stop to think about it, was it all that grand when they came? Herod wanted no rival to his power, and the magi, warned in a dream, went home by another way. Paul explains this revelation. [T]he mystery was made known to me by revelation. It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. And what is this mystery? Paul puts it very directly: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Pauls words are strong words and perhaps even difficult words for us at times. Yet they should give us courage. Put simply, all people share in the same inheritance, are members of the same body, and share in the same promise in Christ Jesus. God has been manifested to all of us, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Mormon. God does love us all. How do you feel about that? Isnt it amazing what God expects of us? Today we are those magi when we are people of goodwill who want to know Jesus. Where will we find him? In the hungry, in prisons and jails, in the sick, in the poor, in the unhappy, in our families, in our neighborhoods, perhaps even in our mirrors if we have the courage to look. The Epiphany, Gods wonderful manifestation of love for all people, is a remarkable feast to celebrate. We need to stretch ourselves, to leave our comfort zone and realize life isnt all about me. Life is about us, about our shared inheritance, our membership in the same body and the same promise in Christ Jesus. God has been manifested to all. We need to open our hearts and out eyes.

TODAYS READINGS First ReadingYou shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow (Isaiah 60:1-6). Psalm Lord, every nation on earth will adore you (Psalm 72). Second ReadingThe Gentiles are copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel (Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6). Gospel The magi were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother (Matthew 2:1-12).

SATURDAY 4:00 PM 10:30 PM 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

JANUARY 7 Gloria Thor RIP William J. Sullivan RIP JANUARY 8 Frances Cosso RIP Pat Jewitt RIP For All Parishioners JANUARY 9 BAPTISM OF THE LORD Rev. Ralph J. Murphy, SDB RIP JANUARY 10 Elizabeth Mazaros JANUARY 11 Communion Service JANUARY 12 Communion Service J ANUARY 13 S T . H ILARY Gil Lazo INT JANUARY 14 William J. Sullivan RIP Rev. John A. Morgan RIP JANUARY 15 For All Parishioners Pat Jewitt RIP John Viola INT

PASTORS NEWS NOTES

THANKS TO ONE AND ALL!who worked so hard to make our Advent and Christmas time at Saint Rita such a graced timea time that has tripled in outreach and aiding the poor and homeless. On behalf of all of us, I would like to thank Rosemary Hagerott for her coordination of our Advent Giving Tree and Adopt-A-Family program. She, in turn, would like to thank profoundly all our staff and volunteers for teaming up with her to receive and deliver the mountain of generosity that came from all of you who participated. The Christmas Eve Family Mass at 4 pm resulted in another deluge of gifts for the St. Francis Centerthe ushers and volunteers were challenged to find enough bags to gather the gifts. Verbally and in writing, I have received an overflow of compliments and expressions of thanks for the beautiful programs and liturgies. It really is all about YOU who are Saint Rita Parish. I feel most blessed to be your pastor and I am really looking forward to 2012, especially as we embrace a Master Plan to grow St. Rita for a strong and bright future! Thanks toofor all your cards and gifts!!! Overwhelmingbut very affirming and wonderful. A real affirmation of this pastor who wishes to forge a lasting and enduring faith community with you. And now, he rests! I will be on vacation from January 8-14. Please welcome Friar Santo Cricchio, O.F.M., a Conventual Franciscan Friar, who will serve you in my absence. -Msgr. Richard

Stewardship and todays scriptures

The three wise men who came from the East to pay homage to the Infant Jesus brought Him rich gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh as part of their worship. What gifts have I brought to this celebration to offer to the newborn Savior?

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THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD JANUARY 8, 2012

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JANUARY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Maintenance and RepairsThis collection is for ongoing costs and repairs required to keep our facilities in good condition. All monies from this collection stay at St. Rita. Support of our Parish SchoolThis annual collection augments the yearly subsidy the parish provides to the school.

Catholic Community & Local Events

Study of the Old TestamentJoin the Carmelite Sisters every Tuesday night from 7-8:30 pm, beginning January 10. St. Joseph Campus, 507 N. Granada Ave, Alhambra 91801. There is no cost to attend. RSVP 626/289-1353 x302.. Avila Gardens Tea, Talk & Tour!Sunday, January 22, 1-3 pm. Speaker: Sr. Rosario Therese, OCD; a free Mary Kay Pampering Session; Afternoon Tea; Door Prizes and More! Avila Gardens, 1171 Encanto Pkwy, Duarte. www.avilagardens.com Articles from the Archdiocese are on our website: st-rita.org; select Publications, then Safeguard the Children. Bulletin Articlesmust be submitted 10 days before the 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.
PARISHIONERS WHO REQUEST OUR PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND RETURN TO GOOD HEALTH

ST. RITA MENS CLUB

The next meeting will be held this Tuesday, January 10 at 7 p.m. in OMalley Hall. All men of the parish are welcome! All are welcome even if this is your first time attending! Join us this Thursday, January 12 at 7 pm in the Parish Office.

BIBLE STUDY RESUMES

SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN

ST. RITA PTOWINTER WINE FEST

This annual event will take place on Saturday, January 14, at the Alverno Villa. Admission is $10 + one bottle of good wine. Tickets may be purchased in the School Office after January 5th. Information: Hoffman@stritaschool.org St. Rita Christian Family invites you to stop in for donuts and a beverage after all the Masses on Sunday, January 15. Renew old friendships and make new ones while enjoying a tasty snack and good fellowship.

HOW TO CONTACT US

DONUT SUNDAYJANUARY 15

ST. RITA GUILD ANNUAL CARD & GAME PARTY

Gather your friends and join us at our annual Card & Game Party on Friday, January 26 at 10 am in OMalley Hall. Lunch will be served. The cost is $20. Reservations may be made by contacting: Betty Mackie 355-9858 or Patty Sullivan 355-3707 Thank you to all who participated in donating individual gifts for our Advent Giving Treeyour response was incredible! We collected over 470 items plus 16 bags of canned food and $350 in gift cards. The families at St. Anthony were well gifted: 18 dozen socks; 80 adult clothing items; 55 child clothing items; 43 scarves and hats; 98 toys; 74 books and puzzles; 44 sports balls, 37 lotions/toiletries; 9 throws and/or decorative items. Many thanks also to those school parents who volunteered to deliver the giftswe filled their SUVs with your generous donations. You made a difference in the lives of many people this Christmastime. And a very special thank you to the St. Rita Guild for the gift tags for the Giving Tree! We are seeking men or women who are willing to respond to our occasional need for extra help in the Parish Office between the weekday hours of 10-4. You may be asked to stuff envelopes or Bulletins, fold letters, sort offering envelopes, fill pews with special envelopes, etc. When we call we hope you will be available but if the timing is not correct, we will try you another time. Please send an email to rc@st-rita.org or call the Parish Office 3551292 to leave your name for a call-back. We will be happy to speak with you to determine your days/times of availability. Thank you!

Lucile Flanders, Aksel Pedersen, Katherine Lass, Lewis Cenicola,Wendy Wolf Fadel, Gil Lazo, Dorothy Van Gordon, John McCoy, Rosanne Kenny, Lisa Levesque, Hal Finney, Mary Elizabeth Nealey, Brent McGinley, Lois Patt, Sadaaki Matsutani, Kathleen Ramsey, Louise Bigley, Winnie McQuiggan, 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.

Marie Pedersen Ben Schmidt

ON-CALL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

If you are a registered parishioner you may request a letter to acknowledge your total 2011 donations to St. Rita for tax purposes. PLEASE NOTE: Registered parishioners are those who have filled out a Registration Form and have been assigned an ID number. You may request a letter by sending your full name, address, and parish ID number (if known) to rc@st-rita.orgor fill out the form below and drop it in the Sunday Offering or mail to the Parish Office, Attn: RC. NO Requests will be taken over the telephone. Request for 2011 Donations for Tax Purposes ID# Full Name Address

2011 TAX DONATION ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

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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.

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SAINT RITA CHURCH

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Meetings, Ministry & Special Events

This Week at St. Rita

This SundayBlood Drive
8:30-2:30 pm, OMalley Hall Walk-ins are welcome!

This SundayBaptisms
In the Church, 1:30 pm

Tuesday, January 10St. Rita Mens Club

7 pm, OMalley Hall See page 3 for information.

Thursday, January 12Bible Study Resumes

7 pm in the Parish Office. All are welcome!

Thursday, January 12Liturgy of the Hours

5:30, Music and silent meditation. 6 pmPrayers

Saturday, January 14Winter Wine Fest

Sponsored by the St. Rita PTO See page 3 for information.

Save the Date

Sunday, January 15Donut Sunday
See page 3 for information.

Friday, January 27St. Rita Guild Annual Card & Game Party
See page 3 for information.