Second Sunday of Lent

A Catholic Faith Community Since 1908

St. Rita of Cascia

February 24, 2013

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

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

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENTFEBRUARY 24, 2013

Msgr. Richard Krekelberg, V. F.Pastor
626.355.1292 x. 228 revkrek@st-rita.org Dcn. Manuel & Chela Valencia deaconmanuelvalencia@gmail.com 626.355.1292 Dcn. John Hulljohnhull65@gmail.com 626.355.1292 Weekend Presiders: 10 am MassFr. Chris Thiel, OFM Capuchin 12 Noon MassRev. Msgr. John Morales

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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 Altar Servers, Adult: Bill Cosso Eucharistic Adoration: Kathy Ganino: 626.398.9302 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: Barbara LeVeque /Gil Lazo 355.1292

How to Contact Us
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
Mary Lou Butler: mlbutler@st-rita.org 355.1292

Ministries & Organizations

Bereavement Ministry: Call Parish Office: 355.1292 Christian Family: Sheila Pierce 355.8332 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

Pastoral Council Vice Chair

George Landis: 626.792.0445

Finance Council Chair

Bill Sullivan: 355.3707

St. Rita SchoolOffice: 626.355.6114

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 Liturgy & Music Paul Puccinelli: mm@st-rita.org 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

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.

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!

Sacraments of 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.

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.

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.

NOTE: Adult applicants for the sacraments should contact the Parish Office.

Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

See adjoining column.

SAINT RITA
REV. MSGR. RICHARD KREKELBERG

OF

CASCIA CHURCH

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PASTORS CORNER

Dear Parishioners,

Master, it is good that we are here

These are Peters words to Jesus in reaction and response to his experience of his Master transfigured. It would be appropriate to make Peters words our own this 2nd Sunday in Lent, because if Lent is anything, it should be a time of Christ being transfigured for us as well. The first transfiguration was transforming for Peter, James and John; they were forever changed by the experience and would never be able to look at things the same from then on. Lent is meant to change us as well and, if our Lenten journey is successful, we too should never see things exactly the same for the rest of our lives. The fruit of our Lenten observance can be (IF we surrender enough), a deeper faith, more trust in the Lord, and confidence of his loving care and companionship through all of lifes experiences. No doubt, this Lent 2013 will be an easier one to recall, simply because it will have lead to the election of a new Successor to St. Peter! The effort that we make individually and personally during Lent is not a selfish business. Whatever we commit ourselves to in terms of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer is meant to convert us, help us to become better people, and encourage us to become instruments of Gods kingdom now, at this time, and on this Earth. This could only benefit and bless the people we live with, work with, and journey to the Father with. When your child is obviously enjoying you more or you are experiencing better communication and understanding with your teenager, or when loneliness becomes blessed solitude the Lenten brand of selfishness will only be cause for gratitude and celebration. Peter also beseeches the Lord, Let us build three tents in hopes of holding on to the moment; something of the Transfiguration was so prized and precious to him that he did not want to let go of it or to lose it. For us that should also be the outcome of a Lent well spentwe should be so lifted up that we would want to bottle it and sell it. But in fact, Peter, James, and John were not allowed to order a Blu-ray online of the Transfiguration for a keepsake. They were left with the experience only and with the challenge to live the remainder of life banking on the faith they had gained. Just so we will be expected to rely on the deepening of our faith after Lent 2013, so we should make the absolute best of it. Dont you think? God thinks so: THIS IS MY CHOSEN SON; LISTEN TO HIM! Msgr. Richard

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENTFEBRUARY 24, 2013

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8:00 AM 5:30 PM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Orlando & Victoria Clarizio RIP Francisco Alabart RIP

7:30 AM Rosina Padilla RIP 10:00 AM Carmine Iovine RIP 12 NOON For All Parishioners

PARISHIONERS WHO REQUEST OUR PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND RETURN TO GOOD HEALTH Rosemary Fryzm, Andy Pulley, Katherine Haderlein, John J. McCoy, Andy Heller, JoAnn E. Douglass, Kathleen Ramsey, Tonyja Blakeslee, Addie Marshall, Joanna Singleton, 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, Dorothy Van Gordon, Hal Finney, Louise Bigley, Christa Owen, Ailey Gardner-Ybarra, Cathy Hundshamer, Eva Bernejo, Laurie Larkin Masella, Edith Olah, Matteo Begnoche, Lancelot Loera, Fred Mycroft, Clare Marquardt, Brian Eck, Alex Arranaga, Anna Mary Hession, Mildred Vocelka, Joseph Moore, Effie DeGroot, Ned Vento.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25
8:00 AM

Alice Feeney (daughter of parishioner Maria Feeney)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26
8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 5:30 PM

Rev. William J. Bonner RIP

Spiritual Growth
Tuesday, February 26, RCIA
7:30 pm Parish Office Meeting Room Contact Deacon Manuel for information.

8:00 AM Rudy Wunderlin RIP

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 FRIDAY, M ARCH 1

Communion Service Communion Service

SATURDAY, MARCH 2 SUNDAY, MARCH 3

Ruben Balagtas, Sr. RIP James Hegarty RIP For All Parishioners

Wednesday, February 27, Evening Prayer

5:30 pm Meditation 6 pm Prayer Rectory Oratory Contact Deacon John for more information.

7:30 AM Sister Christine of Mary O.C. D. RIP 10:00 AM Most Reverend Joseph Sartoris INT 12 NOON Madeline Moloney RIP

Thursday, February 28, Bible Study

7 - 8:30 pm Parish Office Meeting Room

Friday, March 1Adoration

SPECIAL OBSERVANCES

After the 8 am Mass until 5 pm Rectory Oratory

Friday, March 1

~Outreach~
We get letters From Knit for KidsThank you for the beautiful sweaters you made for children in our country and around the world. Our most recent shipments have gone to Appalachia and Northwest U.S. programs, as well as many other countries such as Armenia, Burundi, Chile, and Zambia. Blessings to youKnit for Kids, World Vision, Sewickley, PA. We send letters To St. Rose of Lima Parish, Newtown, CTI pray this letter from our faith community of St. Rita of Cascia is only part of a profound outpouring of prayers, care and support from across the country and around the worldI shared your Christmas Message (on your website), with my parishioners on The Solemnity of the Holy FamilyPlease find enclosed a small gift to your parish in support of any outreach to alleviate suffering. I am also enclosing an original composition The Light of Your Holy Face by our Liturgy and Worship Director Paul Puccinelli With prayers, Rev. Msgr. Richard Krekelberg.

TODAYS READINGS
First ReadingThe LORD made a covenant with Abram (Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18) PsalmThe Lord is my light and my salvation
(Psalm 27).

Second ReadingOur citizenship is in heaven

(Philippians 3:17 -- 4:1 [3:20 -- 4:1]).

GospelAtop a mountain, Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John
(Luke 9:28b-36).

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

St. Rita School
Edge Monday, Feb. 25, Penance Service 4 pm, in the Church. Youth NiteWednesday, Feb. 27, 7 pm, OMalley Year 1 ConfirmationSat., March 2, 4 pm, Gara Youth MassSaturday, March 2, 5:30 pm Year 2 ConfirmationSat., March 16, 4 pm, OMalley Monthly Service OpportunityThe Youth Ministry takes teens and chaperones every third Saturday of the month to help distribute food and serve lunch to families in need at the St. Francis Center in downtown Los Angeles. All teens are welcome to join us! For information on any of the above Theresa Costanza ym@st-rita.org 590-8828

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National Catholic Schools Week (January 27- February 2) gave us an opportunity to reflect on the positive impact Catholic schools have for students and families in our communities. Our Penny Crusades pitted the West Campus boys versus the girlswith the girls winning with a margin of about 2000+ pennies. A check in the amount of $1000 was presented to Father Ken Deasy for the LeMont Orphanage in Haiti. Our student Art Fair filled Gara Hall with the output of many talented students. Mark your calendar Fri., March 8Hooping It Up! St. Rita students will be shooting hoops to raise money to install an electronic security system on both campuses. Do you know a St. Rita Student? Would you like to sponsor themor call the school and well give you a namefor 25 cents/more per shot? Every hoop made earns your pledged amount! Thanks for your support! Sat., March 16Father/Daughter Dance St. Rita School Office 355-6114

St. Rita Guild

Please join us this Friday, March 1, at 9 am in Gara Hall for our regular monthly meeting. All women of the parish are invited! Guild Card Party. Dice were rolled and cards were shuffled and dealt at our well-attended annual fundraiser. Amidst the fun and games, a delicious luncheon was served. Homemade bundt cakes were part of the table centerpiecesand also served as dessert! Many thanks to our donors, workers, and participants who made this a very successful event.

St. Rita Mens Retreat

Weekend of March 22-24

Those who attend the Mens Retreatand the Womens Retreat in Novemberknow the good it brings them and their families. Space for the Retreat is filling up, so why not make your reservation now? For more information, please call: Bill Cosso 355-5656 Dave Muhs 355-9810 Rich McCoppin 355-2871 Gary Miller 355-6440 Duncan MacGillivray 355-0762 Pat Wickhem 416-8824 Rudy Van Cleef 355-8169

Stations of the Cross & Soup Kitchen Friday, March 1

Enter into a deeper Lenten observance by participating in the Stations of the Cross in the Church at 6 pm. The Soup Kitchen follows (@6:45 pm) in Gara Hall. Share a simple meal and enjoy the fellowship of your fellow parishioners. This Fridays meatless meal will be hosted and prepared by the St. Rita Scouts. A guest speaker or video presentation on a Lenten theme will be at @7:30 pm. All donations for the simple meal served are given to feed the hungry and to help the poor.

Pictures from top left to bottom Greeters Betty Mackie, Patty Sullivan & Juana OConnor; Bridge players; Sylvia Sotis selling tickets for the money hat; the winner of the hat Andrea Bertollini; bundt cake centerpieces.

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENTFEBRUARY 24, 2013

Meetings, Ministry & Special Events

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February Baptisms at St. Rita

Welcome newest members of our faith community!

This Week at St. Rita

10 am Mass

This Sunday, February 24Mass of Anointing Monday, February 25Baptism Preparation Class Friday, March 1St. Rita Guild Meeting
9 am Gara Hall

For April 7 Baptisms Parish Office Meeting Room 7 pm

Friday, March 1Stations of the Cross & Lenten Soup Kitchen

See page 5 for information.

Chase Wilson Cole Son of Britt & Deanne Cole Michael Joseph Gruppie Guy Robert Gruppie, Jr. Sons of Guy & Lisa Gruppie Oliva Marie Hagen Daughter of Ryan & Dyana Hagen Jacob James Mottola Son of Matt & Julie Mottola Miles Christopher Rivard Son of Mark & Christiane Rivard Isabella Maria Selby Daughter of Rick & Donna Selby Did you receive a recent email from Father Richard about the Popes announcement? If you did, its because we have your current email on file. If you did not receive an email and you would like to be included on future distributions please note, these will be sent sparingly and only for matters of pressing importance send an email to rc@st-rita.org and well add you to our list.

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

(See page 4 for times/locations.) Pray the RosaryAfter weekday 8 am Mass Tuesday, February 26, RCIA Class Wednesday, February 27, Evening Prayer Thursday, February 28, Bible Study Friday, March 1Adoration

Save the Date

Sunday, March 3St. Vincent De Paul Bundle Sunday
Lower Church Parking Lot 8 am-1:30 pm The truck will be in our parking lot to receive your donations.

Catholic Community & Local Events

Right to Life League TrainingFriday, March 1, 10 am - 4 pm. We invite you to become a volunteer by attending this training session. St. Bede the Venerable, 215 Foothill Blvd., LaCaada 91011. $60 fee. 626/398-6100 or register online: rtllsc.org Marriage EncounterWeekend of March 1-3. The love of your spouse is a gift from God. Give each other the gift that will keep your loving growing and closer. Sarah & Jacob Flores 562/923-7335 ilovemyspouse.net 3rd Annual Teen Career FairSaturday, March 16 from 1:30-4pm. Motivational speakers; meet and obtain free advice from professionals of a variety of career fields; meet new friends and enjoy live music. Learn how to prepare a resume, interview and more! Admission is free! Madonna Hall, Santa Teresita, 819 Buena Vista, Duarte 91010. RSVP: 626/408-7826 outreach@santa-teresita.org Bereavement Support GroupBegins Wed., April 10, 7 pm. Meets for an additional five evenings April 24, May 1-22. Facilitated by Gloria Leff, LMFT. St. Bede the Venerable Church, 215 Foothill Blvd., LaCaada 91011. Registration/information: 818/679-1841 or 949-4300.

For large items please call 323/224-6280 for a free pickup at your home. Friday, March 8Hoop it Up! See page 5 (St. Rita School News) for information. Saturday, March 9St. Rita Girl Scouts Sabbath Mass
5:30 pm Prepared by the Mens Club 4:30-7:30 pm Tickets/info: Alan Leahy 355-9783 Nick Sotis 358-2495

Sunday, March 10Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Weekend of March 22-24Mens Retreat

See page 5 for information.

Sunday, March 24Journey to the Cross

Scripture, readings and choral presentation. 6:30 pm In the Church

Tuesday, March 26Lenten Reconciliation Service

With Assumption of the BVM parish At St. Rita 7 pm

ST. RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

Year End Appeal Thank You ! ! !
Although we are well into the 2013 calendar year , we wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation to all who contributed to our 2012 Year End Appeal. Thank you to each and every one of the over 200 households whose donations totaled over $100,000! Those funds designated by donors to benefit specific ministries will be a help to grow and support the designated ministries. Those donations marked where most needed will help us in meeting our budget and ending our fiscal year in the black. St. Rita Parish is blessed to have such generous donors! Mary Lou Butler

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2012 Tax Donation Acknowledgments

If you are a registered parishioner you may request a letter to acknowledge your total 2012 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/envelope number. You may request a letter by sending your full name, address, and parish ID/envelope number (if known) to rc@st-rita.org

or 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.

St. Rita WebsiteTake a Look!

Youll find the Lenten schedule; information for organizations and ministries; monthly calendars for events, Youth Ministry and altar servers; the current Bulletinand much more.

Request for 2012 Donations for Tax Purposes Envelope ID# Full Name Address

www.st-rita.org