A Catholic Faith Community Since 1908 November 3, 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

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

31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMENOVEMBER 3, 2013

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: 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

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
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!

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,
Today I want to share with you the thoughts and reflections of Fr. J.P. Earls, O.S.B. Sometimes the Gospel records for us someone who has an encounter with Our Lord and in every case it is an opportunity for us to desire that we have our own encounter with him. Think of the woman at the well or Peter, James, and John. In this case it is the diminutive Zacchaeus [yes, another tax collectorbut in this case, a very blessed and lucky tax collector!]. I recommend paying special attention to Fr. Earls questioning about what would we do? if Jesus were coming down our street. Msgr. Richard Zacchaeus is short of stature but long on enthusiasm. He is a tax collector, an occupation that put him outside the pale of salvation for the religious Jew. Jesus, by reaching out in love to Zacchaeus, assures us that even if we are tax collectors, and highly successful ones at that (read, weve been taking kickbacks like crazy), we can still be confident of Gods love in Jesus Christif we really want it. Yes, I know, youre going to say Oh, sure, Zacchaeus was so eager he climbed up in the tree to get a good look at Jesus, but its not his enthusiasm that saves him, its giving up his evil ways. The bottom line is always the same: if you want to get on Jesus good side, you have to give up your sinful practices, so Zacchaeus makes restitution for all of the doubleledger accounts hes been handing in to the Romans, and gives half of his wealth to the poor. But here, I suggest, is the difference, Zacchaeus didnt do all these things, and then Jesus says, Now I can stay at your house. Jesus looks up at this little guy hanging in the sycamore tree, and sees that it was a hunger for something completely new in his life, something completely different, that sent Zacchaeus scurrying up that tree, and, moreover, Jesus knows that He can fill that hungry spot in Zacchaeus heart. With what joy Jesus calls us to him, Zacchaeus, come on down! I want to stay at your house. It is Jesus who sends out this huge wave of love to Zacchaeus, and Zacchaeus who responds to it. Maybe it is the first time in his life that he feels love accepting him, caressing his inmost soul, blessing the dark corners of his heart with a gentle but persistent light. So todays readings encourage us to depend on the generosity of God in Jesus Christ to straighten out our lives. If youre not feeling the presence of Jesus in your hearts today, you might ask yourself, if Jesus were scheduled to come down your street at one oclock this afternoon, would you be there to see him? Would you climb up a tree to get a better view? What would you do if He asked to come visit with you? Is He someone you could pour your heart out to? Would you fear condemnation from Him, or joyfully anticipate forgiveness.? Would you still fear giving up what you sense to be sinful in your life, or would you know, to the joyful depths of your God-beloved and Jesus-forgiven heart, that the love is more than enough for you? Well, let me tell you, Hes already here. He wants to accept you as He accepted Zacchaeus. When you approach the altar to share in Jesus own hospitality meal, know that Zacchaeus was no closer to Jesus when he came down out of that tree than you will be when you take part in that meal. Come join the party. Its going to last forever. J.P. Earls, a monk and priest of St. Johns Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota

31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMENOVEMBER 3, 2013

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

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3

8:00 AM 5:30 PM

For Souls in Purgatory Ivan Mercado RIP

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4
8:05 AM 8:05 am

7:30 AM For Souls in Purgatory 10:00 AM For All Parishioners 12 NOON Fernando Carbajal INT For Souls in Purgatory

Patti Eddy, Isabel L. Lopez, Arthur Contreras, Jr., Robert Quinonez, Richard Krier, Leah Greteman, Patrick Cronin, Patsy Starkey, Margaret Duran, Zhou Le, Mu Song, Jody Williams, Gabriella Reyes, Ashley Biely, Jean Mansour, Celia Merritt, Denis Keegan, Jacob Bigley, Gerald Krekelberg, Cathy Fiore, Madelyn Shaull, Dorothy Van Gorden, John J. McCoy, Diane Ridley, Richard Forcione, Maria Carmen Marti, Dennis & Clare Marquardt, Rosemary Fryzm, JoAnn E. Douglass, Kathleen Ramsey, Tonyja Blakeslee, Addie Marshall, 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, Hal Finney, Ailey Gardner-Ybarra, Cathy Hundshamer, Eva Bernejo, Laurie Larkin Masella, Edith Olah, Matteo Begnoche, Lancelot Loera, Fred Mycroft, Brian Eck, Alex Arranaga, Anna Mary Hession, Joseph Moore.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 FRIDAY, N OVEMBER 8

8:05 AM 8:00 AM 5:30 PM

For Souls in Purgatory

8:05 AM Communion Service 8:05 AM Communion Service Tage Anderson RIP Bruce Crow RIP Larry McGinn RIP

Laeticia Ike Mother of Fr. Roberto Lorraine Pikul

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

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

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10

7:30 AM Urial Quintana INT 10:00 AM John Starkey RIP 12 NOON For All Parishioners

Please Note: For the next three months, Monday thru Friday Masses and Communion Services will begin at 8:05 AM.

FEAST DAYS
Monday, November 4
St. Charles Borromeo

Eucharistic Ministers
The Carmelite Sisters from Avila Gardens invite all Eucharistic Ministers to a special luncheon

TODAYS READINGS
First ReadingLord, you love all things that exist (Wisdom 11:22 12:2). PsalmI will praise you name for ever, my king and my God (Psalm 145). Second ReadingMay the name of Christ be glorified in you and you in him
(2 Thessalonians 1:11 2:2).

In Thanksgiving
for the loving service you bestow on those who desire to receive The Lord. When: Thursday, November 14, 11:30 am until 1:00 pm. Where: Avila Gardens, 1171 Encanto Parkway, Duarte 91010 Please RSVP: by November 10 to Sr. Stephanie, OCD 626/599-2214

GospelToday salvation has come to the tax collector Zacchaeus house (Luke 19:1-10).

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

St. Rita Catholic School

91 Years of Faith, Excellence, and Stewardship

High School Youth Ministry

For All High School Teens

Year 1 Confirmation, Sat., Nov. 9, 4 pm, OMalley Session with Sponsorsthere will be a Ritual of Promise for the Confirmandi and their Sponsors at the Youth Mass following the Session. Youth Mass, Sat., Nov. 9, 5:30 pm Youth NiteWed., Nov. 13, 7 - 8:30 pm, OMalley. Youth Nite is every 2nd and 4th Wednesday night. Come and have lots of fun and fellowship.

Harvest Festival ReportA special thank you to our donors! We were thrilled by the tremendous response of those who contributed monetarily toward the events and by those who donated items toward food and beverage, the general store, game and prize booths, plant and bake sales and the hugely successful Silent and Live auction!
The Harvest Festival weekend is our biggest fundraiser of the year and it simply could not happen without those who selflessly give of their time and hard work. Thank you all of our wonderful volunteers! We are grateful to Mrs. Harabedian and Monsignor Richard for their continual support and promotion throughout the school and parish, and to the many valued families, parents, parishioners and friends of St. Rita Parish and School! St. Rita School PTO Board

Edge FellowshipNovember 4, 4 - 5:15 pm, Gara. All middle school youth are invited. Bring a friend! No Edge Session, Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day Theresa Costanzo ym@st-rita.org

Kindergarten Play Day

Thursday, November 14, from 3-4:30 pm. Fun activities for

Calling all singers

The St. Rita Choir is in need of voices, young and old, to worship with song at the Sunday 10 am Mass. Practices are held on Thursday evenings at 7 pm in the Church. Why not give us a try? You dont have to be a trained vocalist, you dont have to be a budding Boccelli you only have to be someone who wants to give their gift of voice and time to our St. Rita Choir. You will meet new people, make new friends, and learn more about how to read music and how to sing! For more information:

children entering Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten in Fall 2014 while parents learn about St. Ritas high quality education and all of the enrichment programs available for their children. Meet our teachers, parents of current students, and students. Enrollment packets will be available.

Learn more about our school at Please RSVP to our School Office.

st-rita.school.org

School Office 355-6114

Paul Puccinelli mm@st-rita.org

St. Rita Mens Club

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, November 12 at 7 pm in OMalley. All men of the Parish are invited.

Deadline for Bulletin articles is Thursday, 10 days before desired publication date. bulletin@st-rita.org or bring to the Parish Office. Do you know someone who has moved from our Parish or is unable to attend Mass here anymore? Let them know they can read our Bulletin online at st-rita.org

Celebrate the opening of the Holiday Season with a gourmet breakfast with fellow parishioners. $8/adults; $5/children; kiddies under six eat free. Watch for more information in coming bulletins. Nick Sotis 359-2495 nick.sotis@pro-sites.net

Save the Date: Sunday, November 24.

31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMENOVEMBER 3, 2013

This Week at St. Rita

Sunday, November 3 Daylight Savings Time Ends

Please remember in your prayers Laeticia Ike, the mother of Fr. Roberto, who died unexpectedly this past week. Fr. Roberto will be traveling to Nigeria for the funeral services so please keep him in your prayers for a safe journey.

IN MEMORIAM
Sunday, November 3Baptisms
1:30 pm In the Church

May the angels lead them home to heaven and may their souls and the souls of all of the faithful departed rest in peace.

Thursday, November 7Liturgy of the Hours Evening Prayer 5 pm Music & Meditation 5:30 Group Prayer
In the Parish Office Oratory

Thursday, November 7Bible Study

7 pm Parish Office Meeting Room

As in past years, there is a display board in the Church for photos of your family members who are with The Lord. You may add the photo to the board or bring it to the Parish Office. Please be sure to put your name, address and phone number on the back of the photo so it can be returned to you at the end of the month. Additionally, you will find All Souls envelopes in the Vestibule to list the names of those you wish to be remembered. Please drop the envelope in the Offertory basket and it will be placed on the Altar during the month of November.

Save the Date

Monday, November 11Veterans Day
Parish Office will be closed.

Tuesday, November 12Mens Club Meeting

See page 5 for more information.

Catholic Community & Local Events

FingerprintingNovember Opportunities Tuesday, Nov. 5San Gabriel Mission, 428 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel. From noon-3:40 pm and 5:20-7:20 pm. Must call for appointment 626/457-3035 Holy Family Support Group, Thurs., Nov. 14, 7 pm. This support group is for those couples dealing with primary or secondary infertility, miscarriage, adoption or foster care. Meets at the Church Offices at St. Therese in Alhambra. Contact Katrina Crow jkcroswsnest@hotmail.com 626/292-1906 Italian Catholic Federation Annual Christmas Boutique, Sunday, November 17, 8 am-3 pm. Large assortment of gift items, homemade baked goods, plus sausage and meatball sandwiches. All are welcome. Holy Angels Church, Arcadia. Info: Karen Berardi 626-358-3073 Gift of Life Gala, Thursday, November 21, 6-10 pm. Hosted by the Pregnancy Help Center of San Gabriel Valley. Cocktails and silent auction at 6, dinner at 7. Proceeds benefit the Pregnancy Help Center, which served over 1,500 clients last year with free services, baby items, and classes for parents. Tickets are $75 each. Auction items and donations for advertising and underwriting are also needed. Info: Jean Bowler 793-8953 Or visit: www.pregnancyhelpsgv.org

Thursday, November 14 St. Rita School Kindergarten Play Day

See page 5 for information.

Sunday, November 24Mens Club Family Breakfast See page 5 for information Monday, November 25Baptism Preparation Class
7 pm Parish Office Meeting Room For January 5, 2014 Baptisms

ST. RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

Together in Mission (TIM)

Welcome to those who joined our Faith Community in September and October
Suzanne Brown Nathan, Melissa & Emily Cash Marie DeMarco-Grotewiel Laura Goode Jeneane & David Grotewiel Octavio Lopez, Ana Valencia, Natalie Valencia & Noah Lopez Abeth, Marisonia, Theresa & Alexandria Magkawas Timothy, Jennifer, Matthew & Mason Moore John, Sharon, Matthew & Jason Patterson Ronald, Lisa, Joseph, Lucy, Allison, & Gianna Sandoval Philip, Ethan & Tiara Schmid Christina Seanez & Monet Hernandez

As you may already know, each year the Archdiocese assesses every Parish to help provide support for those parishes and parish schools that are unable to meet their total financial responsibilities. St. Rita 2013 Assessment $57,138.50 $39,819.00 $ 220.00 $17,099.50 1227 133

To Date (October 31, 2013)

Amount Pledged/Paid Outstanding Pledges Due Amount Still Needed

Total Number of St. Rita Parish Families St. Rita Parish Families Contributing

Percentage of Parish Donors

10.8%

We strongly urge you to consider making a donation to the TIM Appeal as part of your Stewardship commitment. Envelopes are available in the Church Vestibule for your check or credit card contribution, or you may use any envelope. Please make your check payable to Together in Mission and drop your offering in the Offertory basket. Thank you!