St. Rita of Cascia St. Rita of Cascia St. Rita of Cascia A Faith Community Since 1908A Faith Community Since 1908A Faith Community Since 1908

November 30, 2014November 30, 2014November 30, 2014 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 am - 5 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

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FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT—NOVEMBER 30, 2014 2

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 Hull—johnhull65@gmail.com • 355.1292

Weekend Presider: 10 am Mass—Fr. 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 Mary Lou Butler: mlbutler@st-rita.org • 355.1292 Pastoral Council Parish Office: 355.1292 Finance Council Chair Bill Sullivan: 355.3707

St. Rita School—Office: 626.355.6114 Principal: Joanne Harabedian • jharabedian@st-rita.org

Director of Liturgy & Music Paul Puccinelli: mm@st-rita.org Director of Religious Education Cristina Cullen: 355.1292 • 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; and

Susan Blakeslee: rcia@st-rita.org

How to Contact Us 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 Men’s Club: Dave Loera • d.loera@verizon.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

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

Let Saint Rita Be There For You . . . Communion for Sick and Homebound Parishioners St. Rita Eucharistic Ministers provide Communion home visits. Contact the Parish Office • 355.1292 or Jill Muhs • 355.9810 • em@st-rita.org

Anointing of the Sick Please notify us (355.1292) for the Anointing of the Sick, the sacrament intended for the seriously ill or dying and Our Lord’s 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.

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 director; refer you to our Bereavement Ministry and Music Ministry; and offer you helpful guidelines that will aid in the selection of readings for a Mass or Memorial Service. We know 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.

For Information about the Sacraments— Baptism—Please contact the Parish Office for further information on the Baptism process and requirements.

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—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 Youth Ministry.

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH 3 REV. MSGR. RICHARD KREKELBERG

STAY AWAKE! PREPARE THE WAY OF THE

LORD— AND MAKE STRAIGHT HIS

PATH! CALL HIM EMMANUEL—

GOD WITH US.

These are some of the gospel themes for the Sundays of Advent.

Advent is a time of cleaning the house of our mortal souls, tidying up our spiritual lives so that the Son of Justice may enter, and so that nothing might distract us from the obvious—

“Jesus IS the reason for the season!”

As your pastor, I urge our faith community of St. Rita to take our Advent Themes to heart and mind. Let us not allow Christmas Eve to arrive by surprise. As families, observing Advent could just be the most rewarding stocking stuffer. Lighting the candles of an Advent wreath in the home of a senior living alone could be

the assurance that Jesus continues to be light for the journey. The Christmas lights in our neighborhoods can be a reminder of Christ’s light that dispels darkness and gives joy—especially if we have also done something to bring joy to those who have no home to decorate! Decorating homes and the planning of parties can still be Advent awakening and awareness when the Christ child and the Holy Family are frequently mentioned as the reason why. The wrapping and giving of gifts can be done with a prayer of thanksgiving that each gift be a reminder of the greatest gift when “God so loved the world…”

As we know, our current Holy Father chose the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, who is the saint credited with starting the tradition of displaying the Nativity Scene, (also referred to as a crèche or “manger scene”). Like St Francis before him (way before him in 1223), Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of our living each day, The Incarnation—The

Word Made Flesh dwelling among us. So this Advent, let us especially remember that Our Holy Father has inaugurated a special, year-long Synod on the Family and, as we light each Advent candle remember to add a prayer that the Holy Spirit will guide the synod process that wants to proclaim The Word Made Flesh in the life of every family—the family of humankind, the family of the Universal Church, the family of The Archdiocese of Our Lady of the Angels, the family of our St. Rita Parish, and our own personal families. May this holy synod of the Church strengthen our families so as to bear Christ to the world—incarnation—in our own time and in our own generations.

In this new liturgical year throughout the Universal Church, then, may the Lord fashion himself a people! May we find new courage and strength to keep all the commandments of the Lord and to live his beatitudes as we center our lives in celebrating and living the Most Holy Eucharist!

Dear Parishioners,

Emmanuel—God With Us

—Msgr. Richard

We are the work of your hands.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE REQUESTED OUR PRAYERS —

Vera Delgatto, JF Mahoney, Kelly Solomon, Linda Theriault, Antoinette Serafin, Janeen Wetzel, Heather Hagan, Mike Wolf, Jean Wood, José Colayco, Mario de la Torre, Barbara Vanni, Freya Sheasby Bailey, Anna Schube, Aubrey Randolph, Joseph Malvin, Madeleine Loera, Randy Graff, Toni Navarro, Susan Watson, Molly Lynch, Juanito & Marilou Pe, Willard Bochte, Joann Ruggles, Margaret Duran, Lori Ann Little, Guia Canizales, Anne Frealy, Eva Shammon, Margie Schubert, Mary Zuckerburg, Emily Young, JoAnn Douglass, Mary McColl, Evelyn Tres, Barbara Hester, Phil Huddleston, Gerald Drean, Charlotte Bollman Fuchs, Gerry Krekelberg, Raymond Payne, Peter Delgatto, Jr., Montserrat Marti, Jordan Alabart, Linda Milligan, Susan Skousen, Brooke Manning, Arthur Contreras, Jr., Robert Quinonez, Richard Krier, Patsy Starkey, Jean Mansour, Jacob Bigley, Maria Carmen Marti, Clare Marquardt, Kathleen Ramsey, Tonyja Blakeslee, Addie Marshall, Jackie Bagnuolo, Mary Ellen Isoard, Rose Mary Taquino, Paul Viger, Hal Finney, Ailey Gardner-Ybarra, Eva Bernejo, Edith Olah, Lancelot Loera, Fred Mycroft, Brian Eck, Alex Arranaga, Joseph Moore.

MASS INTENTIONS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29 8:00 AM Genevieve Leverone RIP 5:30 PM Michael O’Sullivan INT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30 7:30 AM Michael Wolf INT 10:00 AM Jerry Lauricella RIP 12 NOON For All Parishioners MONDAY, DECEMBER 1 8:00 AM Doug Peterson INT TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 8:00 AM Jack Walters RIP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3 8:00 AM Communion Service THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 8:00 AM Communion Service FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 8:00 AM Greg Petek RIP SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 8:00 AM Rev. William Caffrey RIP 5:30 PM For All Parishioners SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 7:30 AM Mary Kay Hollinger RIP 10:00 AM Stephen Purner RIP 12 NOON Luis E. Escalante RIP FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK

Wednesday—St. Francis Xavier Thursday—St. John Damascene Saturday—St. Nicolas TODAY’S READINGS First Reading—We are the clay and you, O Lord, are the potter; we are the work of your hands (Isaiah 63: 16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7). Psalm—Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved (Psalm 80). Second Reading—God is faithful; by God you were called to fellowship with the Son (1 Corinthians 1:3-9). Gospel—Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come (Mark 13:33-37).

Louis Cortez

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT-NOVEMBER 30, 2014 4

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Procession & Mass

Sunday, December 7

For times and locations: archla.org/Guadalupe

Saint of the Week— St. Nicolas

The absence of the “hard facts” of h i s tory i s not

necessarily an obstacle to the popularity of saints, as the devotion to St. Nicholas shows. Both the Eastern and Western Churches honor him, and it is claimed that after the Blessed Virgin, he is the saint most pictured by Christian artists. And yet, historically, we can pinpoint only the fact that Nicholas was the fourth-century bishop of Myra, a city in Lycia, a province of Asia Minor.

As with many of the saints, however, we are able to capture the relationship which Nicholas had with God through the admiration which Christians have had for him—an admiration expressed in the colorful stories which have been told and retold through the centuries.

Perhaps the best-known story about Nicholas concerns his charity toward a poor man who was unable to provide dowries for his three daughters of marriageable age. Rather than see them forced into prostitution, Nicholas secretly tossed a bag of gold through the poor man’s window on three separate occasions, thus enabling the daughters to be married. Over the centuries, this particular legend evolved into the custom of gift-giving on the saint’s feast. In the English-speaking countries, St. Nicholas became, by a twist of the tongue, Santa Claus—further expanding the example of generosity portrayed by this holy bishop.

Perhaps we can utilize the lesson taught by his legendary charity, look deeper at our approach to material goods in the Christmas season and seek ways to extend our sharing to those in real need.

—AmericanCatholic.org

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH 5

Youth Ministry

Youth Nite Wed., Dec. 10, 7-8:30 pm, O’Malley

EDGE Fellowship Monday, December 1, 4-5:30 pm, Gara ► St. Rita School students also invited.

EDGE Middle School Ministry Monday, Dec. 8, 4-5:30 pm, Gara

Year 2 Confirmation Saturday, December 6, 4 - 5:30 pm, Gara Youth Mass follows at 5:30 pm

Theresa Costanzo • ym@st-rita.org

Religious Education

Classes for 1st-5th Graders Monday, December 1, 4-5:30 pm, Gara

Preschool Sunday School

All 3-5 year old children are invited to join us for Preschool Sunday School every Sunday during the 10 am Mass. Parents, attend Mass while your child is learning the Sunday Gospel in a fun, age-appropriate way. No registration required. We meet above Gara Hall in the TK Classroom.

Cristina Cullen • dre@st-rita.org

Holiday Bulletin Submissions

Deadline is Tuesday, December 9 for the December 21 (Christmas) Bulletin.

Please email: bulletin@st-rita.org Or bring the written information to the Parish Office, ATTN: Rosemary

Church Environment

Artificial Christmas trees are needed for our Church decorations. Can you help by donating a tree? Or perhaps money towards the purchase of one?

Gil Lazo or Denise Villalovos gil@st-rita.org • 355-1292

The Community Chorus of Redlands presents

A Concert of Anthems, Readings, and Carols of the Season

Sunday, December 14 - 4:00 pm Once again, St. Rita is blessed to have Jeffrey H. Rickard, founder-director of The

Community Chorus of Redlands, gift us with an evening of music, both choral and instrumental; with readings from a variety of sacred and secular sources; and with familiar carols for audience and choir.

If you have not attended this Concert in previous years, make an effort to attend so you may receive this very special gift of seasonal joy.

Your free-will offering in support of the Community Chorus and the expenses incurred in their presentation is appreciated.

Concert 2013

St. Rita School Looking for Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers? The School has a supply of gift cards for markets, for fast food and restaurants, gas stations, and other merchants.

Do your shopping the easy way while helping the school!

School Office • 355-6114

Traveling during the holidays?

Visit Masstimes.org to find a church wherever you are.

And don’t forget to support St. Rita Parish by donating your weekly offerings either prior to or subsequent to your vacation.

Thank you for donating food or money to the recent Food Drive for St. Anthony Parish—your

generosity helped supply food for the holidays for many families.

Thank you!

Please continue to pray daily for all Catholics and Christians who are suffering, even to martyrdom, for their faith in Iraq, Syria, and Africa.

Hospitality after Sunday Masses

This weekend we begin an expansion of our fellowship time after Mass. Each Sunday, a different parish ministry or organization will sponsor hospitality. And—besides food—they will be offering you the opportunity to learn more about them and their role in parish life.

Take a few extra minutes to enjoy a snack and camaraderie.

Your offering to help defray costs for food and beverages is much appreciated.

Watch for the Giving Tree in the Vestibule—your unwrapped presents of new toys or new clothing will be given to St. Francis Center and St. Anthony Parish.

This Week at St. RitaThis Week at St. RitaThis Week at St. Rita

Thursday, December 4—Liturgy of the Hours 5 pm Meditation • 5:30 pm Prayer

Oratory in the Parish Office

Friday, December 5—Adoration After the 8 am Mass until 5 pm • Oratory in the Parish Office

Save the DateSave the DateSave the Date

Monday, December 8—Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

► A Holy Day of Obligation Mass times: 8 am & 6:30 pm • NO Mass on Sunday Evening

Sunday, December 14—Community Chorus of Redlands

In the Church • 4-6 pm • See page 5 for more information.

Wednesday, December 17—Brass Concert of Christmas Songs

In the Church • 2:30 - 3 pm All St. Rita School children will attend—you are welcome too!

Sunday, December 21—Candlelight Walk

From St. Rita to Kersting Court. Watch for more details in future Bulletins.

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT—NOVEMBER 30, 2014 6

St. Rita Capital Campaign

Some commonly asked questions about Capital Campaign Donations—

Q: Are pledges to the Campaign tax deductible? A. St. Rita Parish is a 501 c3 and therefore all donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Pledges are a promise to make a donation. They are only deductible when the actual gift is made. So if you make a pledge for $3,000 to be paid over three years, you can only list the deduction when the yearly $1,000 payment is made.

Q. I want to make my pledge now, but can’t begin payments until next year, is this okay? A. Pledges are honored and counted toward the Campaign goal when they are received, but you can make payments when it is convenient for you and on any schedule that works best for you.

Q. I want my donations to help pay for a Reconciliation Room in the Church; can I make this designation? A. Donations can be designated for a Reconciliation Room or any project of the Campaign. Your designation will be honored and we will set the amount aside to be used as you have requested.

Q. I received the Year End request for a donation. Will any of this income be used for the Capital Campaign? A. The Year End gifts to the parish are used for maintenance and operating expenses and, when so indicated, for particular ministries. None of the money from the Year End gifts will go toward the Capital Campaign.

The First Sunday of Advent begins the new liturgical year—

The Year of the Gospel of Mark (Discipleship).

While the Gospel of Mark is the story of Jesus, it is also the story of the disciples and apostles responses to the call of Jesus. We will be challenged many times throughout this year to respond to that same call.

—Harper’s Bible Commentary

Jesus, may we use this Advent to prepare our hearts for your Call.

ST. RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH 7

►Weekend of December 5-7—Worldwide Marriage Encounter. Give each other the Christmas gift of attend-ing this Weekend. Hilton Garden Inn, Arcadia 91007.

Registration online: sacramentallove.org Information: David/Teri Muse 626/644-1775

►Friday, December 12—Advent Luncheon. Join Avila Gardens at this Annual Luncheon to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. $5/donation. Avila Gardens, 1171 Encanto Parkway, Duarte, 91010.

RSVP: Avilagardens.com • 626/599-2214

Catholic Community

High School Open Houses

Wednesday, December 3—St. Monica Academy, 7 pm. Come find out more about this unique co-ed high school, recently named to the national Catholic High School Honor Roll. 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena Information: joseph freymann • freymannj@stmonicaacademy.com

Sunday, December 7—Mayfield Senior School, 12-3pm. An opportunity to learn about Mayfield’s programs, facility, and faculty. Guided tours available. No pre-registration required. 500 Bellefontaine, Pasadena 91105. For more information:

Clemmie Philips • 626/799-9121 x287 • mayfieldsenior.org

Saturday, January 10—St. Francis High School, 11am-2pm. Take a campus tour; interact with students teachers, and coaches; view demonstrations; and participate in panel discussions. 200 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada 91011.

For more information: 818/790-0325

Sunday, January 11—Pomona Catholic, 9 am - 12 pm. Mass at 9 am, followed by a pancake breakfast and Open House presentations.

Information or RSVP: Patricia Vandenberg 909/623-5297 x22 • pvandenberg@pomonacatholic.org

Music Scholarship Audition Mount St. Mary’s College

Chalon Road Campus Saturday, January 24 from 9 am - 4 pm

Application requirements can be found at: Msmc.la.edu/undergraduate-bachelor-programs/music/

music-scholarship-audtions.asp

Information: Dr. Therese Fassnacht, Department Chair tfassnacht@msmc.la.edu