MASS TIMES SUNDAYS: Sat. 5:30 pm (Vigil), 7:30 am, 10 am & 12 noon

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 — 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

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

OCTOBER 23, 2016

THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — OCTOBER 23, 2016 2

Msgr. Richard Krekelberg, Pastor 626.355.1292 x 223 • revkrek@st-rita.org

Dcn. Manuel & Chela Valencia deaconmanuelvalencia@gmail.com • 355.1292

Dcn. John & Marylee Hull johnhull65@gmail.com • 355.1292

Fr. Chris Thiel, OFM Cap. (10 am Sunday Mass presider)

Parish Office/Church Mailing Address 50 East Alegria Ave., Sierra Madre, CA 91024 Mon.-Fri. 9:15 am to 6pm; Sat. 9 am to 1 pm

ParishAdmin@st-rita.org • 355.1292

Director of Administration Mary Lou Butler: mlbutler@st-rita.org • 355.1292 x 222 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: 355.1292 • 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 Dcn. Manuel & Chela Valencia, Gary Fidone, and Susan Blakeslee: 355.1292 • 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 Adult—Bill Cosso: 355.5656 Eucharistic Adoration: Kathy Ganino: 626.398.9302 • katganino@charter.net Immaculate Heart of Mary Prayer Group: Susan Day: 355-3835 Sacristans: Sat. 5:30 pm: Gary Fidone Sun. 7:30 am: Bill Cosso/David Banis; Sun. 10:00 am: David Muhs/Paula Garavaglia/Terri Eliassen; Sun. 12:00 pm: Bernie Grace Weekdays: John Bigley Porter (Evening Church Lockup): Sheila Palazzolo; Tim O’Connor Environment: Mara Chimenti • 355.1292 x232

Ministries & Organizations

Bereavement Ministry: 355.1292 • bereave@st-rita.org Christian Family: Diana Snyder • 824.0125 • missladydi@yahoo.com Greeters & Ushers: Erny Henry 289.3504 • 327.9480 Men’s Club: Ed Driscoll • driscomic@aol.com New Members/Welcome: Contact the Parish Office St. Rita Guild: Joan Crow 355.3621 • rbcrow64@yahoo.com Senior Ministry: Marilyn McKernan • marilyn@st-rita.org Shawl Ministry: Mary Taillac 355.3179 • Marilyn Delgatto 355.8717 Cub Scout Troop 110: Missy Augustyn 644.1404 • thealist@sbcglobal.net

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 here for you. PLEASE UNDERSTAND we only have one resident priest; sometimes arrangements for another priest may be needed.

For Information Regarding These 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.

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

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

PASTOR’S CORNER

While some might not put the word humble in the same sentence with the title “tax collector,” suffice it to say that Jesus did. And it is noteworthy that he did so because he got beyond the stereotype and simply loved the person. This is in direct contrast to the Pharisees who first labeled the individual and then judged him harshly. Jesus is teaching here that humility is the most effective attitude to have in prayer—humble like a tax collector who would enter the temple and pray, “Have mercy on me, a sinner!” In praising the humble tax collector, Jesus exalts him. Last week it was Moses holding up his hands on the mountain in time of battle (Exodus) and the widow pleading her cause before a judge (the Gospel) that Jesus held up for us as examples of how to pray, “without becoming weary.” This week it is the humble tax collector, who admits that he is a sinner who needs God’s mercy. [I will forego here

making reference to the IRS. I made that mistake once before. Let me be clear: all the IRS workers in St. Rita Parish are the good humble ones! –but I digress.] Jesus points out by contrast that the Pharisees are all wrapped up in themselves, egotistically bragging about their own righteousness before God—proclaiming their self-righteousness. This becomes for them a block to the movement of grace and conversion. On the other hand, humility provides capacity for grace and renders a person ready for conversion. Reflecting, then, on persons whose prayers are heard, consider the list provided today in the reading from The Book of Sirach: the weak, the oppressed, the orphan, the widow, and the lowly . To these , interestingly, the writer points out that the “God of justice knows no favorites” and is “not unduly partial.” So the list is not exclusive; it simply underscores that the humble will get a quicker hearing.

Even in the Holy Eucharist that we celebrate together today, Jesus is modeling excellent—perfect—prayer. He looks up to his heavenly Father and gives thanks; he uses simple bread and common wine; at the same meal he washes the feet of his disciples; and to all he says, “Do THIS in memory of me.” After all, what’s not humble about the last supper or, for that matter, about later praying on a rock in the garden of Gethsemane?” Jesus models for us the ultimate in humble prayer and thereby receives the grace to accomplish forgiveness for all of our sins and the opening of the gates of heaven. Perhaps the best starter prayer for all of us is, “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours”–a humble heart so that my prayers may be like yours. With you in humble prayer,

—Msgr. Richard

Let’s hear it for the humble tax collector!

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO REQUEST OUR PRAYERS — Ernest & Mary Lou Kopka, Mary Kay Lee, Jane Rowland, Juanita Rojas, John Centeno, Jim Crilly, Trini Marti, Rosie Vidaurri, Joann Little, Brittany Rhyne, Leslie Lemus, Luz Arriaga, Lynn Snetsinger, Randy Graff, Paul Viger, Isabel Rosas Curci, José Zuniga, Joseph J. Gruppie, Ron Jones, John Collins, Doug Peterson, Sandra Osborne, Linda Theriault, Guia Canizales, Margie Schubert, Evelyn Tres, Gerald Drean, Toni Navarro, Clare Marquardt, Tonyja Blakeslee, Addie Marshall, Jackie Bagnuolo, Mary Ellen Isoard, Edith Olah, Fred Mycroft, Joseph Moore.

THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — OCTOBER 23, 2016 4

MASS INTENTIONS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 8:00 AM Nicky Micozzi RIP 5:30 PM For all parishioners SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23 7:30 AM Leslie & Matt Marks INT 10:00 AM Fred Jochheim RIP 12 NOON Douglas Smith RIP MONDAY, OCTOBER 24 8:00 AM Molly Lynch INT TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25 8:00 AM Rev. Msgr. Joseph Cosgrove RIP WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26 8:00 AM Communion Service THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27 8:00 AM Communion Service FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 8:00 AM Al Kirkwood INT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 8:00 AM Eric & Elise LeClair INT 5:30 PM Guy DeMarco RIP SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 7:30 AM For all parishioners 10:00 AM Eileen Schmidt INT 12 NOON Jerry Lauricella RIP

FEAST DAYS & OBSERVANCES Monday: St. Anthony Mary Claret Friday: Sts. Simon & Jude

Today’s Readings

First Reading — The LORD is a God of justice who hears the cry of the oppressed, the orphan, the widow, the lowly (Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18).

Psalm — The Lord hears the cry of the poor (Psalm 34).

Second Reading — The crown of righteousness awaits me (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18).

Gospel — The tax collector stood at a distance, beat his breast, and prayed, "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner" (Luke 18:9-14).

UPCOMING: Month of Holy Souls

We invite all parishioners to participate in our beautiful St. Rita tradition of honoring those who have gone before us during the Month of Holy Souls. You are welcome to bring in a small, framed photo of your deceased loved ones for display in anticipation of the Feast of All Souls (November 2) and throughout the entire month of November. If you would like the photo back, please make sure you label i t with your contact information: name, address, and daytime phone number. You may bring photos to the parish office until October 31, or leave them at the display in the sanctuary beginning November 1.

The Rosary & the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy are recited as a group at 7:20 am before the weekday Masses.

Interested in a Catholic Education for your child?

St. Rita School is now accepting applications! Weekly school tours begin in October. Don’t delay,

classes fill quickly.

For more information: Sara Landis

(626) 355-6114 landis@st-ritaschool.org

Proposition 62 This election season, the California bishops have chosen Proposition 62 as their top priority. A YES vote for Proposition 62 will abolish the death penalty in California and in its place, give a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. Pope St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis have all stated there is no need for the death penalty in our community. Now is the time for our state to join the growing number of states who have abolished capital punishment. We ask you to prayerfully consider joining the efforts to end the death penalty.

For more information, please visit: LAFaithfulCitizen.org

REST IN PEACE

May L. McCormac

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH 5

Youth Ministry

Religious Education

Young Adult Ministry

Bulletin Deadlines

High School Youth Nites 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, throughout the year. Join us for faith, fun, and fellowship! Upcoming:

10/26, 7:00–8:30 pm St. Rita Meadow

EDGE Middle School Registration The Registration Packet for 2016-17 school year is available in the Parish Office. To receive registration forms by email, please contact Theresa Costanzo.

Confirmation Program All high school youth who would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation are required to complete a two-year preparation program in their home parish. Registration packets for new candidates are available in the Parish Office. Questions or info? Please contact Theresa.

Theresa Costanzo • ym@st-rita.org

Registration for Classes All children in grades 1-5 are welcome to join our Program at St. Rita. Registration materials are available in the Parish Office, on our website, or via email. The fee for the class is $65/per child. Be sure to include a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate. Classes meet every Monday from 4-5:15 pm.

For more information: Cristina Cullen • dre@st-rita.org

Please contact us for more information on this Ministry for adults between 18 and 39, single or married. Priya Tharayil • trosep84@yahoo.com

Ten days before desired publication date. Bulletin@st-rita.org • 355-1292 x226

WOMEN’S RETREAT WEEKEND at MATER DOLOROSA

“The Crucified One Is No Stranger”

St. Rita’s retreat for women will be held at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center on the weekend of November 4—6, 2016. Join your fellow parishioners for this weekend of spiritual enrichment and growth. The Passionist retreat team offers inspirational talks on the theme, as well as time for quiet prayer, Mass, Confessions, and Stations of the Cross.

For information and reservations: Ana Ptasinski, retreat captain

(626) 355-3146

ST. RITA GUILD INFO

SAVE THE DATE! Annual Communion Breakfast

Please come to the 10:00 Mass next Sunday, October 30, which will then be followed by a gourmet breakfast in the newly-renovated Msgr. Gara Hall. Our keynote speaker is Sr. Kathleen Bryant, RSC, who will be speaking on the topic of human trafficking. The cost is $20/person and reservations are a must.

For more information and reservations: Jeanne Peterson (626) 355-1302

Do you have good organizational skills and an eye for decorating? Are you available on Saturdays? Help co-chairing St. Rita’s Art & Environment Ministry is needed! Consider lending your talents to help enhance our worship space.

For more information: Mara Chimenti

(626) 355-1292 x232

Saint Rita School, mindful of its mission to be a witness to the love of Christ for all, admits students regardless of race, color, or national and/or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, sex, or national and/or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies and practices, scholarship programs.

The Corporal Works of Mercy

Feed the hungry Give drink to the thirsty

Clothe the naked Shelter the homeless

Visit the sick Visit the imprisoned

Bury the dead

The Spiritual Works of Mercy

Admonish the sinner Instruct the ignorant Counsel the doubtful

Comfort the sorrowful Bear wrongs patiently

Forgive all injuries Pray for the living and the dead

For ideas on how to implement the Works of

Mercy in your daily life, visit: www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-

teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/jubilee-of-mercy/

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS

RITE OF ENROLLMENT Sunday, October 30 at 10:00 AM

The Rite of Enrollment ceremony marks the beginning of a “journey of faith” for children and their parents who are starting the sacramental formation process. It is also a sign to the larger community that all of us have a role in the formation of anyone in the parish. Likewise, it shows children and their families that they are part of the larger faith community. Please join us next Sunday in providing prayer and support for the children, their families and their catechists this year.

THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — OCTOBER 23, 2016 6

Interfaith Homeless Memorial Service — Wednesday, October 26. The East San Gabriel Valley Coalition for the Homeless will remember the lives of 472 homeless persons who died in Los Angeles County between November 2015 and August 2016. Bishop David O’Connell will lead the memorial service, alongside other religious leaders from the San Gabriel Valley. 7:15 PM at Sacred Heart Church, 344 Workman St., Covina, 91723.

Information: (626) 333-7204 esgvch@aol.com

St. Lucy’s Shadow Day — Thursday, October 27. 8th grade students are invited to spend a partial day at St. Lucy’s to learn more about what it’s like to become a St. Lucy’s Regent. 12:00 PM—3:00 PM. St. Lucy’s Priory High School, 655 W. Sierra Madre Ave., Glendora, 91741.

Information: Katie Rossi ● krossi@stlucys.com www.stlucys.com ● (626) 963-0017

The Splendor of the Saints and Mercy — Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6. An exposition and veneration of more than 60 relics of various saints. Saturday 9:00 AM—7:00 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM—4:00 PM. Eugene Sullivan Hall, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, 1015 Lagoon Ave., Wilmington, 90744.

Information: (310) 834-5215 sppc@sbcglobal.net

Catholic Community & Local Events

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

TODAY, Sunday October 23 World Mission Sunday

Monday, October 24—Baptism Preparation Class

7—8 pm ● Parish Office Meeting Room Please pick up registration forms from the Parish Office prior to Class.

Sunday, October 30—Guild Communion Breakfast

11:00 am ● Msgr. Gara Hall See page 5 for more information.

Save the DateSave the DateSave the Date

Monday, October 31—Halloween on Alegria! See page 7 for more information.

Tuesday, November 1—Solemnity of All Saints

Holy Day of Obligation Vigil Mass: Monday, October 31 at 5:30 pm

Masses at 8:00 am and 6:30 pm on Tuesday, November 1

Wednesday, November 2—Solemnity of All Souls Masses at 8:00 am and 6:30 pm

November 4 through 6—Women’s Weekend Retreat

Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center See page 5 for more information.

Tuesday, November 8—Men’s Club Meeting 6:30 pm Social, 7:00 pm Meeting ● O’Malley Hall

Friday, November 11—St. Rita Guild Meeting

9:00 am ● Parish Office Meeting Room

Q&A Capital Campaign

A big thank you to the Bax family who provided a $2,500 matching donation

to our Capital Campaign at the St. Rita School Harvest Festival this past weekend.

We appreciate your generosity!

Halloween on Alegria

It’s that time of year again!

We’re going to have lots of ghouls and goblins coming to the Parish Office

asking for treats on Halloween — can you help us keep them happy by

donating a bag or two of individually wrapped candy?

Please leave your donations in the box located in the vestibule

or bring them to the Parish Office during regular hours.

THANK YOU!

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH 7