MARCH 10, 2019

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46 Our Diocesan Day of Penance is this Wednesday, March 13, from 12:30pm to 7:00pm. St. Rita Church will be open for prayer and Eucharistic Adoration during that time. Come, rest and reconnect with the Lord! Guides to confession will be provided for a stress-free experience.

This weekend we celebrate the First Sunday of Lent. It arrives during the season of winter, which brings its own challenges mirroring the many other hardships and sufferings we, or others we know, may have.

Suffering can come from a variety of circumstances, persons, or experiences that can leave us feeling dark, cold and alone. But the good news is that Lent does not end with winter, or as one could say, with despair, because God always reaches out to us with an invitation of His divine love. The good news is that we are never truly alone or without purpose in our suffering.

Lent gives us the opportunity to allow Jesus to transform our sufferings from despair into hope, from darkness into light. By virtue of his cross and resurrection we can be led from sin into forgiveness, from darkness into light, from Lent to Easter, from winter into spring, and from death into eternal life. Let us open our hearts and let God’s mercy fill us! There are many wonderful opportunities at St. Rita to participate in making Lent a great time to renew your connection to God. We have Eucharistic Adoration, a new Bible Study, Wednesday morning and Saturday afternoon Reconciliation, our Friday Fish Dinners in the parish center followed by Stations of the Cross in Church, and as mentioned earlier, our annual Diocesan Day of Penance. Please check the bulletin or our website at www.saintritawebster.org for more details.

May God bless you this Lent! Fr. Gonyo

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STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Fridays during Lent

at 7:00pm in Church

March 8, 15, 22, 29

April 5, 12, 19

Spend some time with Jesus and follow Mary’s path this Lent by experiencing the Stations of the Cross through reflections, music, and presentations. Join us after the Fish Dinner!

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FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS

Our Parish Health Ministry Committee will be offering free Blood Pressure Screenings

after all Masses next weekend in Room 1

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FRIDAY - LENTEN FISH DINNERS

Served during Lent on Fridays

Beginning March 8 through April 12

5:00-7:00pm in the Parish Center

Fried or Baked Haddock are available as well as Cheese Pizza and Macaroni and Cheese for those who do not care for fish! Adult Fish dinners include fish, seasoned potato wedges, coleslaw and a roll for $12. Seniors are $11 and Children’s portions are $6.00. Soft Drinks, Milk, Coffee and Tea are $1 and Desserts are available to purchase - Dine in or Take Out is available.

DIOCESAN DAY OF PENANCE

Wednesday, March 13 12:30 - 7:00 pm

All Diocesan churches will be open this day

This is an opportunity to unburden ourselves of the separation we may find in our relationship with God. Why carry a heavy load when we can begin anew and experience the grace of Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Wednesdays at 8:45 am (following morning Mass)

Saturdays from 3:30 - 4:30 pm

GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 19 12:00 - 2:30 pm

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LOW GLUTEN HOSTS ARE AVAILABLE

Did you know that we have low gluten hosts available at all Masses? Please come up to the priest or deacon in the center at the beginning of Communion time and let him know you would like a low gluten host. If you have any questions please talk to the priest or deacon before Mass and they will be happy to help.

EUCHARIST INTENTIONS

Among the intentions for those who gather for the

Eucharist this week will be

MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2019 8:15AM KIM O’BRIEN – The O’Brien Family

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2019 8:15AM RAYMOND COLPOYS – Family

1:00-3:00PM EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 8:15AM PAT KAUFMAN – Family

12:30-7:00PM DIOCESAN DAY OF PENANCE

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2019 8:15AM FRANK FERLAND – Bob & Mary Ann Beikirch

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019 8:15AM STEPHEN MAYER – Pat & Sharron Trimaldi

SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2019 5:00PM AMBROSE J. RYAN – Wife & Family

SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2019 7:30AM LOUIS & OLIMPIA GILYARDI – Family 9:00AM JOAN GENESKY – Children 10:30AM MARGARET CHITTENDEN – Sheila & Joe Mamo

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This week our Tabernacle Light will burn

in loving memory of Joseph Cianciotto

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OPERATION RICE BOWL

As part of our parish’s Lenten observance, we will again participate in Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten program, Operation Rice Bowl.

Operation Rice Bowl has inspired Catholics in the United States to Pray, Fast, Learn and Give as we increase our understanding of our global community. Please pick up a Rice Bowl folder box found in the greeting area in church. We encourage you to participate in Operation Rice Bowl at home.

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St. Rita Men’s Faith Group

Meets again this Monday, March 11 6:30-8:00pm in Room 1

This group meets monthly to support one another in our faith and to discuss topics that explore our faith and the challenges we face each day. All men are welcome, no matter where you are in your faith journey. For more information please contact James Elliott at jwelliott71@gmail.com We hope to see you there!

ST. RITA SCHOOL

Spirit of Learning Corner

Here’s What’s Happening:

+ Congratulations goes out to Anna Spagnola for

representing St. Rita School in the Second Annual Oratorical Competition sponsored by St. Francis/St. Stephen School in Geneva. All Diocesan Catholic Elementary/Middle Schools were invited to participate. The students’ speeches had to be 2-3 minutes on the theme “How can our families keep their Catholic Faith in Action?” Anna made St. Rita’s very proud with her First Place win in the Grades 5-6 category.

+ On Wednesday, Mrs. Sutley’s Fifth Grade class led

the school in a beautiful, reverent, Ash Wednesday Liturgy to mark the beginning of Lent. Students at all grade levels have been focusing on the importance of Lent and how they can be part of this time of reflection and fasting, even as younger members of the Church.

+ On Thursday and Friday the Fifth Grade students

performed the lively and humorous play entitled “Juke Box Time Machine”. This was their final performance at our school and it was a wonderful play to end their St. Rita’s theatrical career.

+ Students, parents, and siblings had an opportunity to

shop for books at our Bi-Annual Scholastic Book Fair. Popular books this year were Dog Man, Elephant and Piggy, Pokemon, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and the I Survived Book Series as well as books based on Augmented Reality. Students had an opportunity to win baskets with books, pens, posters, and other special prizes. The Book Fair was open on Friday evening to allow parishioners who attended the Fish Fry an opportunity to buy great books at discounted prices.

+ Speaking of the St. Rita Fish Fry, this very special

crew is celebrating their 20th year! What once started as a school fundraiser long ago still continues today to support our amazing school, even though this group’s children graduated years ago. Our most heartfelt thanks to each and every one of them. In case you missed it, the St. Rita Fish Fry made the D & C list of the “Top 20 Fish Fry Dinners in Rochester!” Congratulations!!!

+ Our God Drops are growing by leaps and bounds this

year. Friday our students were able to do some shopping at the Used Uniform Sale to replace the high water pants and shorter skorts they have been squeezing into. Most items went for $2 or less and there was a huge selection to choose from.

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COMPANIONS IN GRIEF

SUPPORT GROUP

Thursday, March 21

at 7:00pm in Room 1

All who have experienced the loss of a friend or loved

one through death are invited to attend. All are welcome!

PLANS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 10, 2019

SUNDAY 3/10 8:30-11:00am Breakfast in the Parish Center Gym 9:00am Mass First Eucharist Enrollment – Church 1:00pm Christ Life – Church

MONDAY 3/11 4:30-5:45pm FAITH FORMATION CLASSES 6:15-7:30pm FAITH FORMATION CLASSES 6:15pm Confirmation Group B – Barn 6:30-8:00pm Men’s Faith Group – Rm 1

TUESDAY 3/12 1:00-3:00pm EUCHARISTIC ADORATION – Church 4:30-5:15pm Children’s Choir Rehearsal – Rm 3 6:30pm Finance Council – Parish Office 8:30-10:00pm Women’s Basketball – Gym

WEDNESDAY 3/13 8:45am Pray the Rosary – Room 1 8:45am Reconciliation Available in Church 12:30-7:00pm DIOCESAN DAY OF PENANCE 2:30-3:15pm SRS Children Choir Rehearsal – Rm 3 7:00pm Choir Rehearsal – Rm 3 7:00pm Bible Study – Rm 1

THURSDAY 3/14 9:00-10:30am WEROC – Rm 1 7:00pm Bible Study – Rm 1 9:00-10:30pm Men’s Basketball – Gym

FRIDAY 3/15 5:00-7:00pm FISH DINNER – Gym 7:00pm STATIONS OF THE CROSS – Church

SATURDAY 3/16 8:15-8:45am Pray the Rosary – Church 3:30-4:30pm Reconciliation Available in Church After Mass Free Blood Pressure Checks – Rm 1 6:00pm St. Joseph’s Table – Gym

PARISH SUPPORT

For the Weekend of March 2 & 3

Total Budget Variance $ 15,775 $ 15,695 + $ 80

Year to Date Year to Date Budget Variance

$ 497,618 $ 504,754 - $ 7,136

(Our fiscal year is 7/1/17 – 6/30/18)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

We all grow spiritually when we share.

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CARE FOR GOD’S HOUSE: Week of March 10 Dawn Clark

LINENS: Week of March 17 Jackie Volo

BIBLE READINGS:

10 Sun First Sunday of Lent Dt 26:4-10 Ps 91:1-2, 10-15 Rom 10:8-13 Lk 4:1-13 11 Mon Lv 19:1-2,11-18 Ps 19:8-10,15 Mt 25:31-46 12 Tues Is 55:10-11 Ps 34:4-7,16-19 Mt 6:7-15 13 Wed Jon 3:1-10 Ps 51:3-4,12-13,18-19 Lk 11:29-32 14 Thu Est C: 12,14-16,23-25 Ps 138:1-3,7-8 Mt 7:7-12 15 Fri Ez 18:21-28 Ps 130:1-8 Mt 5:20-26 16 Sat Dt 26:16-19 Ps 119:1-2,4-5,7-8 Mt 5:43-48

17 Sun Second Sunday of Lent Gn 15:5-12,17-18 Ps 27:1,7-9,13-14 Phil 3:17–4:1 Lk 9:28b-36

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ALTAR SERVERS SCHEDULED NEXT Weekend ~ March 16 & 17

Saturday, 5:00pm: Makenna Curry, Nora Curry, Elizabeth Schillaci

Sunday, 7:30am: Lauren and Brennan Quatela, Hunter and Lucas Wahl

Sunday, 9:00am: Nicholas and Matthew Frontuto, John and Mary Burrows

Sunday, 10:30am: Adrianna Atmosfera, Agostino Bosco, Nathan Chamberlain, Stephen Widor

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JOIN US FOR BREAKFAST !!

All are Welcome to join us each Sunday morning from 8:30-11:00am in the Parish Center for a warm delicious breakfast!

Order off our full menu offering eggs (any way you like them), bacon, sausage, pancakes, etc. So sit back and let our Breakfast Volunteers serve you on Sunday mornings September through May!

NEXT SUNDAY (March 17) Team 3’s special is: Ham & Cheese Omelet served with Hash Browns and a bottomless cup of coffee. This ministry accepts donations only which are greatly appreciated!

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Save the dates!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Theme: ROAR! LIFE IS WILD

GOD IS GOOD!

Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 2

From 9:00am to Noon For Children ages 4-10

Volunteers ages 11+ are needed!

Register online Now! www.saintritawebster.org

ST. JOSEPH’S TABLE

Next Saturday, March 16

after the 5:00pm Mass in the Parish Center

We invite you to join us as we celebrate St. Joseph. The Table is meant to offer a taste of God’s goodness and to honor St. Joseph. The tradition of the St. Joseph’s Day Table began in Sicily in 1324 in thanksgiving for favors received from God through the intercession of St. Joseph.

Today we offer the Table as a way to express our thankfulness for the blessings that God has bestowed on us, our parish, and for the great example of St. Joseph who cared so compassionately for his family – Mary and Jesus. We invite you and your family to join us for this delicious celebration of our blessings!

If you are able to bring a meatless dish or dessert, please call Felice Armignacco at 671-5177. Donations of food may be delivered on Saturday, March 16 after 12:00 Noon to the kitchen in the parish center.

Our St. Joseph’s Table will be blessed by Father Gonyo following the 5:00pm Mass.

If you are able to help in any way with set up, clean up or serving please contact Elaine King at 671-4930.

~ BEGINNING NEXT WEEKEND ~

EASTER CANDY SALE

6oz Chocolate Bunnies $5.00 6oz Mint Melt-Aways $5.00

Our St. Rita Society is holding their annual Easter candy sale after all Masses for the next four weekends. Candy is also available at the Parish Office. Proceeds are used for various parish and Society Outreach Projects.

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From the Committee for Life of Webster/Penfield

On the evening of January 17, Deacon Ray Garbach from Church of the Holy Spirit presided over a special faith filled ceremony asking our blessed Lord to protect the pro-life travelers who were making the long journey to Washington, D.C. participating in the annual March for Life. Two full buses left our parking lot around 10:15PM with over 100 pilgrims who felt the need to be part of this peaceful, prayerful demonstration helping to protect all unborn children, now and in the future. Youngsters mingled with twenty and thirty-year olds along with senior citizens. Some were there for the first time while others make the trip each year. No matter, they are all there seeking reparation for the lives of unborn babies. Every year when this occasion comes to a close, hundreds of thousands have spoken, to put an end to abortion. The Committee for Life of Webster/Penfield is grateful to our very generous benefactors who make this necessary journey possible. We thank you!

We Need Cooks!

On Tuesdays, March 19, March 26, April 2, and April 9, we are offering a Soup Supper followed by a great selection of Lenten presentations.

We know there are many excellent cooks in our parish. Would you be willing to volunteer to bring a crock pot of soup, chili, or stew for one of our soup suppers?

We also need cookie bakers (or buyers), and bread.

If you would be willing to help by making soup, donating cookies or bread, please go to our Website at www.saintritawebster.org and click on the link at the top of the page.

OR use the link below to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0449ada623a6fe3-lenten1

You may also call Julie Cohn at the Parish Office at 671-1100 ext. 13. Please plan to drop your crock pot, cookies or bread off in meeting Room 1 at church between 5:15-5:30pm and stay for fellowship and the presentation. Bring your whole family for a delicious meal. All ages are welcome.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

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St. Rita School – Blue & Gold Shindig!

Saturday, March 23 from 6:30pm - 10:30pm

at Glendoveer’s - 2328 Old Browncroft Blvd.

This casual adult event is open to the public so invite your family and friends. The cost is $40 per person, $75 per couple, and includes one drink ticket a FULL dinner buffet and an ice cream bar. Tickets can be purchased through our Website at http://stritawebster.org/school/ and click on the Online Giving tab.

Join us for a fun evening and help support our school! Proceeds will go toward Math & Reading programs to reinforce/enhance skills in these subjects as well as ChromeBooks and additional broadband speed.

Please contact the school office at 671-3132 for more information or if you have any questions. Please join us for a fun evening and help support our school!

Please join us this year as we honor Sandy Catallo and Karen Kleinhammer Geer who be inducted into the “St. Rita School Hall of Fame” at this event.

JOIN US FOR OUR LENTEN SERIES SOUP- ER TUESDAYS!

6:00-6:45pm Soup and Fellowship in Room 1

6:45-7:30pm Presentations, Music and Reflections in Church

TUESDAY, MARCH 19

1:00-3:00pm - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 6:00-6:45pm SOUP & BREAD SUPPER

6:45-7:30pm PRESENTATION: by Fr. Dennis Billy Retreat Team Leader at the Notre Dame Retreat House.

Theme: “Changing our Hearts: The Season of the Lenten Cross”

TUESDAY, MARCH 26

1:00-3:00pm - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 6:00-6:45pm SOUP & BREAD SUPPER

6:45-7:30pm TAIZE PRAYER

Join us for this beautiful evening of quiet prayer and meditative music in our candlelit church.

TUESDAY, APRIL 2

1:00-3:00pm - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 6:00-6:45pm SOUP & BREAD SUPPER

6:45-7:30pm PRESENTATION: by Deacon Jim Fien An Evening of Contemplative Prayer Theme: “Be Still and Know that I am God.”

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

1:00-3:00pm - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 6:00-6:45pm SOUP & BREAD SUPPER

6:45-7:30pm MUSICAL LENTEN REFLECTION:

This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the music and readings of our Lenten season led by vocal ensembles, musicians and members of our choirs.