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: 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

Sunday, February 26, 2012

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

1ST SUNDAY OF LENTFEBRUARY 26, 2012

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PASTORS CORNER
Dear Parishioners, Remember Man and Woman that you are dust and to dust you shall return! Repent and Believe in the Good News! And so we have begun Lent 2012. In the spirit of todays Gospel, the forty days of Lent mean that we accompany Jesus into the desertto converse with our Heavenly Father, face our tempters, and be ministered to by angels. What I have found helpful over the years, as foundational to a Lent well observed, is to recall the spiritual life as outlined by the mastersthe saints. Common to all of them are the classic elements of the conversion process: the PURGATIVE, ILLUMINATIVE, and the UNITIVE WAYS. To be in a purgative mode is to be in the process of ridding oneself of excesses, abusive and/or addictive behavior, and our bad habits in general. It is the turning from sin or repentance part of Repent and believe in the good news! Purgation typically includes fasting, prayer, and almsgiving; that is, it includes holding back from the excesses of eating, drinking, and any form of substance abuseit includes quality time for prayerand includes letting go of accumulated wealth and goods in favor of the poor. To purge oneself spiritually and in fact is to arrive at the Christian virtues of temperance and detachment. It is living all things in moderation. Once freed of sins, those thoughts and actions that separate us from Christ, we are ready for illumination. To be in the illuminative way means to be in a mode of awakening to the Good News. It is the believing part of Repent and believe in the Good News! Whereas our sins made us deaf to Jesus teachings and blind to his truth and salvation, now by illumination we can hear him again and see him again. The illuminative way in the spiritual life is good old spiritual reading, praying with the scriptures, making the Stations of the Cross, and going on retreat. (By the way, attending the Religious Education Congress could be a mega illumination by way of inspiration and thoughtful study www.RECongress.org .) Finally one is in the most desired Unitive Way of the spiritual life when, after purgation and illumination, one simply experiences ABIDING IN CHRIST. It is that moment when, for instance, in prayer or meditation that all ceases to exist (even the prayers and meditation) and there is only God. One evidence of having experienced this type of union with God is the fact that it is almost impossible to satisfactorily describe it to anyone. For those of us less practiced in the unitive way, it is the lightness or airiness we might feel after a good confession; it is the feeling of abiding in Christ at the end of a good retreat that we wish would never endthe feeling that makes us wonder why we dont make more retreats. While youth may find these ways or steps to be in more measured succession, those of us older may find the various parts of our

First ReadingGods covenant with Noah when he was delivered from the flood (Genesis 9: 8-15). PsalmYour ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant (Psalm 25). Second ReadingThe water of the flood prefigured baptism, which saves you now (1 Peter 3:18-22). Gospel This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand (Mark 1:12-15). SATURDAY

TODAYS READINGS

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

FEBRUARY 25 Rev. Isidoro C. Garcia RIP Rafael & Milacel Suyat RIP FEBRUARY 26 Arno Grether INT Clara Cassara RIP For All Parishioners FEBRUARY 27 Nneoma E. Ume RIP FEBRUARY 28 Alice Martinez INT FEBRUARY 29 Communion Service MARCH 1 Communion Service M ARCH 2 W ORLD D AY OF P RAYER Andrew J. Anguiano RIP MARCH 3 ST. KATHARINE DREXEL Frances Driscoll RIP For All Parishioners MARCH 4 Harry & Betty Keogh INT Fr. Charles Keogh INT Joseph Cannon RIP

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lives to be more or less in any of the ways and at various stages. For instance during our participation at mass and holy communion we may more often sense our union with God; while exploring the scriptures or reading a good article we might feel the need for deeper understanding and illumination; while dealing with any form of excess or addiction we might feel the need for the practices of purgation. Bottom line: we are all works in progress. Anyway, how appropriate. Its LENT! Msgr. Richard

Stewardship and Todays Scriptures

The waters of Baptism make us part of the new covenant in Christ. But the Bishops pastoral letter on stewardship reminds us that there is a fundamental obligation arising from the Sacrament of Baptism that people place their gifts, their resourcestheir selvesat Gods service in and through the Church.

LENTEN FAST AND ABSTINENCE OBLIGATIONS

Abstinence: Those 14 years of age and older must abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent. Fish and shellfish are allowed. Fasting: Requires those from the 18th birthday to the 59th birthday to reduce the amount of food eaten from normal. The Church defines this as one meal a day, and two smaller meals which do not exceed the main meal in quantity. Fasting is obligatory on Ash

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Wednesday and Good Friday.

SAINT RITA CHURCH

1ST SUNDAY OF LENT FEBRUARY 26, 2012

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YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth NitesWednesdays at 7 pm in Gara. Year 2 ConfirmationFebruary 26, 11:15 am, Gara Parent Meeting, 11:15 am, OMalley Hall Year 1 ConfirmationMarch 3, 4 pm, Gara Youth MassMarch 3, 5:30 pm EDGE Session: February 27, 4 pm Gara. The Mens Club is once again preparing a tasty Italian dinner to celebrate the Feasts of these two great saints. Sunday, March 11 from 4:30-7:30 pm in OMalley Hall. Cost is $10. Reservations are highly recommended. For info/reservations: Tim OConnor 355-5053

Catholic Community & Local Events

Come and See DaySaturday, March 3, 10-4. Sacred Heart Sisters invite young women ages 16-28, Sacred Heart Novitiate, Chatsworth, for inquiry about vocations. Info: 818/831-9710 or sdshnov7@juno.com

ST. PATRICK/ST. JOSEPH SPAGHETTI DINNER

SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN

Helping victims of abuseThe first obligation of the Church with regard to victims is for healing and reconciliation. The Archdiocese continues to reach out to every person who has been a victim of sexual abuse as a minor by anyone in Church service, whether that abuse is recent or occurred in the past. The Archdioceses Victims Assistance Ministry helps victims/survivors. The Victim Assistance Coordinator, Suzanne Healy, is available to help make a formal complaint of abuse to the Archdiocese, and to obtain support for the needs of the individual and families. Ms. Healy can be reached by calling (213) 637-7650. Additional 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 GUILDMARCH MEETING

The Guilds next meeting is Friday, March 2 at 3 pm in Gara Hall. After the meeting, we will stay to prepare the meal for the Soup Kitchen which opens at 6 pm. If you have any questions or would like to sign up to help cook or serve, please call: Kathy Coyne 355-4873.

GIRL SCOUTS SABBATH MASS

Saturday, March 10, 5:30 pm Friends and family, Girl Scouts past and present, are invited to attend this special Mass to honor Ana Uyemura in recognition of her life-long commitment to the Girl Scouts of St. Rita. Plaque dedication following the Mass in Gara Hall.

HOW TO CONTACT US

FATHERDAUGHTER DANCE
Saturday, March 10 from 7-9:30 pm in OMalley Hall. Price of $35 includes fathers, guardians, or special persons along with their daughter(s). Please contact the School Office 355-6114 for more information. Deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, March 7. A Passionist preached silent retreat is a personal encounter with God through a balance of inspirational talks, Sacraments, silence and solitude. For more information or to reserve a room:

ST. RITA MENS RETREATMARCH 23-25

Bill Cosso 355-5656 Dave Muhs 355-9810 Pat Wickhem 416-8824

FRIDAYS IN LENT AT ST. RITA

Stations of the CrossPlease take advantage of this opportunity for spiritual growth during Lent. Each Friday at 5 pm in the Church. Soup KitchenAfter Stations, please walk across to Gara Hall for a simple but tasty meal. An opportunity to meet and greet friends and soon-to-be friends. Free will offering for the poor.

Sonia Kosker, David Duran, Rosemarie Gorman, Paul Viger, Julie Meyer, Zdenka Czerny, Rosemary Duncan, Debra Ann Williamson, Cliff Hancuff, Lucile Flanders, 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.

2011 TAX DONATION ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

If you are a registered parishioner you may request a letter to acknowledge your total 2011 donations to St. Rita for tax purposes. 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 over the telephone please. Request for 2011 Donations for Tax Purposes ID/Envelope # Full Name Address

TOGETHER IN MISSION 2012

Thank you to those who have responded to this years appeal. Thank you especially to the 15 families who gave to this collection for the first time. If you havent contributed yet, please return your pledge card (available in the Vestibule if you didnt receive one in the mail) either in the Sunday Offering Basket or to the Parish Office. Reminder: Please make your check payable to Together in Mission. Credit cards also accepted.

FEBRUARY 26, 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.

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SAINT RITA CHURCH

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Meetings, Ministry & Special Events

This Week at St. Rita

After all the Masses Sponsored by the Girl Scouts

This weekendCanned food drive

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

Thursday, March 1Liturgy of the Hours
5:30, Music and silent meditation. 6 pmPrayers

Thursday, March 1Bible Study

7 pm in the Parish Office. All are welcome!

Friday, March 2Adoration

8:30 am5 pm, Rectory Oratory

Friday, March 2Stations of the Cross

In the church, 5 pm Soup Kitchen immediately after in Gara Hall This week: Sponsored by the St. Rita Guild

Save the Date

Saturday, March 10Girl Scout Sabbath Mass
5:30 pm Followed by dedication of plaque honoring Ana Uyemura. See page 3 for more information.

Saturday, March 10Father Daughter Dance

7-9:30 pm, OMalley Hall See page 3 for more information.

Sunday, March 11Mens Club St. Joseph/St. Patrick Event

4:30-7:30 pm, OMalley Hall See page 3 for more information.

Week-end of March 23-25 St. Rita Mens Annual Retreat

Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center See page 3 for more information.

Sunday, April 1Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Choral and Scriptural Presentation 7 pm, in the Church