November 18, 2012 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

How to Contact Us

33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME—NOVEMBER 18, 2012 P-2

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: Marylyn Barnes Rosary Prayer Group: Marylyn Barnes 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

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 Men’s 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

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 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) as early as possible for the Anointing of the Sick, the sacrament intended for the seriously ill or dying. It is 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 and the Lord cares!

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.

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 Hull—johnhull65@gmail.com • 626.355.1292

Weekend Presiders: 10 am Mass—Fr. Chris Thiel, OFM Capuchin

12 Noon Mass—Rev. Msgr. John Morales

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 Vice Chair George Landis: 626.792.0445 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: 355.3841 • 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

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.

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.

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.

Parish Ministries and Organizations

Dear Parishioners, Jesus speaks in today’s gospel passage about the infamous “END OF TIME.” What do you make of that? And does it bother you as much as it does me that Mark’s Gospel has Jesus reporting that not even he, the Son, knows “the day or the hour”? I thought Jesus was supposed to know everything!

What is more, the first reading from The Book of the Prophet Daniel only seems to add to the wonderment and confusion over “the end of time.” The author of this book is writing about 600 years before Jesus’ birth and yet is already speaking of a final reckoning, judgment, resurrection of the dead, and everlasting triumph of “the wise.” What’s taking so long?

With all of the “doom and gloom” signs that surround us—from wars without and division within—it is very tempting to read the signs of the times as warnings that THE END may be near. But if I were you I wouldn’t purchase a ticket on the next available commercial space tour to watch the end of the world—just yet.

A little bit of research reveals that what Daniel and Mark are referring to as “signs” and “the end” are to be understood as apocalyptic. That is to say, these scriptures refer to a typical prophetical view that recognizes God as “The Lord of History”—all and everyone’s history for all times! In this manner of speaking and understanding one could be referring to “the end of history” as it is perceived at the time or the end of all history. At any rate, this is the END which Mark the Evangelist is referring to that “even the Son” does not know. (In other words, our present Trinitarian theology had not been worked out at the time of Mark’s writing; he is not referring to an all-knowing second person of the Blessed Trinity.) When prophets speak of “the end” they are almost always doing so to simply undercut and put emphasis on a far more significant message:

—BE VIGILANT! —BE PREPARED!

I think it is easy to grasp that “I know not the day or the hour” and “our/my end is coming” means something different to a soldier in harms way and someone who has lived to see his or her picture on a centenarian Smucker’s jam jar. So after we have observed that today’s gospel passage is not to be misinterpreted superstitiously, we must nevertheless tap the reality factor and admit that “I do not know the day or the hour of my own reckoning,” it may just come as “a thief in the night,” so I absolutely should be prepared and vigilant. I should shape up. There you have it. —Msgr. Richard

PASTOR’S NEWSNOTES

Thanksgiving —This Thursday I look forward to celebrating the Holy Eucharist, the perfect act of thanksgiving, with those of you who can make it to the 8 a.m. Mass. I find myself this Thanksgiving first and foremost thankful for you and for my wonderful parish of St. Rita. [Note: I originally wrote these words in a 2004 bulletin. I still mean them eight years later!] —Msgr. Richard

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

PASTOR’S CORNER

► Relief for Those Affected By Hurricane Sandy ◄

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy the needs are many. The Archdiocese would like to offer a suggestion as to where you may want to direct your monetary donations.

Catholic Charities USA is at the forefront of coordinating in times of disaster and has rightly earned a reputation for fast and continuing aid—with very little overhead costs.

Online giving: catholiccharitiesusa.org/sslpage.aspx?=2692 Mailing address: Catholic Charities USA, PO Box 17066, Baltimore, MD 21297-1066 —Please pray for all the victims and all the responders.—

—Spiritual Growth—

† Tuesday, November 20, RCIA 7:30 PM, Parish office meeting room Contact Deacon Manuel for information. † Wednesday, November 28, Evening Prayer 5:30 pm Meditation • 6 pm Prayer • Rectory Oratory

† November 25, “Catholicism” 4 pm until 5:30 pm • O’Malley Hall Plan to attend the 5th episode in this 10-part series. It doesn’t matter if you’ve missed some/all of the

previous episodes; it will still make sense! We encourage you to take the time to learn more about your Catholic faith—and to stay afterwards for a brief discussion of your impressions or questions about the presentation.

Join us for fellowship and food. Babysitting available. This session’s facilitator is Paul Puccinelli.

PARISHIONERS WHO REQUEST OUR PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND RETURN TO GOOD HEALTH— JoAnn E. Douglass, Kathleen Ramsey, Tonyja Blakeslee, Addie Marshall, Alice Feeney, 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, Rosanne Kenny, Hal Finney, Louise Bigley, Christa Owen, Ailey Gardner-Ybarra, Cathy Hundshamer, Eva Bernejo, Laurie Larkin Masella, Rudy Wunderlin, Edith Olah, Matteo Begnoche, Lancelot Loera, Fred Mycroft, Clare Marquardt, Brian Eck, Alex Arranaga, Anna Mary Hession, Mildred Vocelka, Ann Twedell, Joseph Moore, Effie DeGroot, Ned Vento.

33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME—NOVEMBER 18, 2012 P-4

SATURDAY,NOVEMBER 17 8:00 AM Tony Commaianni RIP 5:30 PM Maria Alarcon RIP SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18 7:30 AM Neil Murphy RIP 10:00 AM Vera Raya Alvarado RIP 12 NOON For All Parishioners MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19 8:00 AM Tony Commaianni RIP TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 8:00 AM Vivian Scoville RIP WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 8:00 AM Communion Service THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22—THANKSGIVING 8:00 AM Conrad M. Gonzalez RIP FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23 8:00 AM Patricia Go RIP SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24 8:00 AM Richard Strobel RIP 5:30 PM For All Parishioners SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25 7:30 AM Neil Murphy RIP 10:00 AM Roland “Bud” Brennan RIP 12 NOON Christian Siemantel INT FEAST DAYS

Wednesday, November 21

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Thursday, November 22

St. Cecilia Friday, November 23

St. Clement I; St. Columban

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading—Those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever (Daniel 12:1-3). Psalm—You are my inheritance, O Lord! (Psalm 16). Second Reading—Where there is forgiveness, there is no longer offering for sin (Hebrews 10:11-14, 18). Gospel—Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away (Mark 13:24-32).

AND

►Deadline for bulletin articles is Thursday, ten days before desired publication date.

bulletin@st-rita.org or bring to the Parish Office.

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH P-5

►Youth Nite—Wednesday, November 28, 7 pm, Gara ►Edge —Monday, November 19, 4 PM, Gara ►Year 1 Confirmation—Saturday, Dec. 1, 4 pm, Gara ►Youth Mass—Saturday, December 1, 5:30 pm ►Union Station—Sunday, December 2, 7:30 - 10 am.

For more information on any of the above:

Theresa Costanza • ym@st-rita.org • 590-8828

►Pre-School Sunday School News Did you know that St. Rita offers Sunday School for children ages 3-5? Please have your children join us upstairs above Gara Hall in the School Library during the 10 am Mass. No registration necessary! It is a wonderful program and we would love to have you join us. Please note: No class on Nov. 25 due to the Thanksgiving Holiday. ►Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) We are excited to announce CLOW is coming to St. Rita! On Sunday, December 2, during the 10 am Mass, all children in 1st-3rd grades are invited to participate. The children will be dismissed from Mass after the Opening Prayer to go to Gara Hall where they will have the opportunity to listen to the Sunday Readings at an age-appropriate level. They will return to Mass at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist to remain with their families for the remainder of the Mass. We will need 5-10 volunteers to help. If you are VIRTUS-certified and can help, please let me know. Questions? Information?

Cristina Cullen• dre@st-rita.org

St. Rita School News

—Thursday, November 21, Thanksgiving Morning 8 am, 6th Annual Dad’s Turkey Bowl Played at Sierra Madre Elementary School Field, corner of Grandview and Hermosa. Cheer your team on to victory! Flag football. Cleats are recommended. $20 to play; proceeds benefit the St. Rita Athletic Department. If you want to play/more information:

Patmck3@gmail.com

—Thursday, November 29, 3-4:30 pm St. Rita School Kindergarten Play Day For preschoolers and parents. Meet our teachers, parents, and students. Learn more about our school.

st-ritaschool.org • School Office 355-6114

—Support our Annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser We’ve teamed with the Sierra Madre Tree Company for a promotion on 6-7’ Noble firs. The trees are delivered fresh from Oregon.

Normal cost is $80—the St. Rita price is just $65!

Vouchers are available until November 30 For more information: School Office • 355-6114

NOTE: The Sierra Madre Tree Company lot is located in the vacant lot just east of Arnold’s Hardware on Sierra Madre Blvd. Trees are available for selection beginning December 1 and must be picked up by December 14.

Did you know St. Rita School has a garden? Last April I created a "pumpkin plan" for our garden. The goal was to start with seeds instead of buying nursery plants so we could grow some unusual varieties. Special seeds were ordered and then germinated in our recycled K-cups. When the seeds began to sprout, the students planted them in the garden before summer vacation. As we all know it was a long, hot summer but the pumpkins thrived and we had a beautiful crop, which we then sold at our Harvest Festival. Though the pumpkins have been harvested and cured our vines keep producing. Traditional orange pumpkins are always a treasured classic but our striped and sage green varieties were an exciting new addition this year!

—Gina Cloer

No Room at the Inn—December 1 & 2

We need your help! Exhibitors—Sign-up sheets available in the Vestibule. Workers—Nov. 30 - to help with checking in exhibitors, decorating, set-up; Dec. 1&2 - greeting table, “floor walkers”, servers, clean-up. Bakers—to donate cookies or breakfast breads. YOU—to support and attend!

Information/sign-up:

Cheryl & Rosemary • 355-1292 • rc@st-rita.org

► Job Opportunity ◄

The parish is looking for a part-time maintenance person to work Friday, Saturday and Sunday to set up halls, handle emergencies and handle basic maintenance needs. Knowledge of tools and basic repairs is required, willingness to do some cleaning when needed, ability to speak and understand English.

Please call Mary Lou Butler:

626/355-1292 x 222 • mlbutler@st-rita.org

Meetings, Ministry & Special Events

This Week at St. Rita

►This Weekend at St. Rita◄

—Senior Ministry Holiday Boutique— Saturday & Sunday • After all the Masses • Gara Hall

—Thanksgiving Food Drive—

Saturday & Sunday • After all the Masses For benefit of St. Anthony & Catholic Charities

—Welcome Event for New Parishioners—

Sunday • 2 - 4:30 pm • O’Malley Hall For all those registered at our Parish in the last year!

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

(See page 4 for more information.)

† Tuesday, November 20, RCIA Class 7:30 pm • Parish Office Meeting Room

† Wednesday, November 28, Evening Prayer 5:30 pm Meditation • 6 pm Prayer • Rectory Oratory

† Pray the Rosary Weekday mornings after the 8 am Mass

Wednesday, November 21—Parish Office Holiday Hours Closed at noon • Reopen Monday, November 26, 9 am

† Thursday, November 22—8 am Thanksgiving Mass

See information in adjacent column

Save the Date

† Sunday, November 25—Catholicism 4 pm • O’Malley Hall

See page 4 for more information

Monday, November 26—Baptism Class 7 pm, Parish Office Meeting Room

For January 6 Baptisms

Weekend of December 1 & 2—“No Room at the Inn” After all the Masses • See page 5 for more information.

Sunday, December 9—Redlands Chorus Christmas Concert

4 pm • In the Church Free Will Offering

►Sunday, December 2—Immaculate Heart High School Open House. 1 pm. 5515 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles 90028. Questions? 323/461-3651 x237 • immaculateheart.org ►Sunday, December 2—Mayfield Senior School Open House. 12 - 4 pm. 500 Bellefontaine, Pasadena. Questions? 626/799-9121 x287 • mayfieldsenior.org ►Wednesday, December 5—Deck the Halls Holiday Boutique. 9 - 5 pm, Mayfield Senior School, 500 Bellefontaine, Pasadena. Gifts, specialty items.

Information? development@mayfieldsenior.org ►Friday-Saturday, Dec. 7-8—Special Advent Retreat for Women. Sacred Heart Retreat House, 507 N. Granada Ave., Alhambra. Cost is $135/lodging & meals.

Info/Reservations: 626/289-1353 x 302 ►Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 27-30—Sacred Heart Leadership Retreat. Open to young women in their junior year in high school. Location: Big Bear. Cost: $75.

Information/Reservations: 909/866-5696

Catholic Community & Local Events

33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME—NOVEMBER 18, 2012 P-6

Join us for— Thanksgiving Day Mass

Thursday, November 22 • 8 am

Plan to start your day off right—giving thanks and honor to God for the many blessings you have received. Offertory donations received at this Mass will be used for the poor and needy. Before the Final Dismissal, Monsignor Krekelberg will bless a food item you bring—bread, rolls, pies, a bottle of wine—to serve at your holiday table.

Give thanks in all

circumstances, for this is God’s will for you

in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:18

Traveling with kids during the holidays can be a challenge. Prior to leaving, remind children about your family safety procedures for dealing with strangers and what to do if they get lost. Keep a recent photo of your children with you. Also have a photocopy of your passport and other travel documents in a safe place or with someone who can fax them to you in case of loss. Label your children’s clothing on the inside so strangers are not able to learn your child’s name.

For particular help, you may call: Assistance Ministry 213/637-7650

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH P-7

—Coming Holiday Events at St. Rita—

Time to mark your calendars! December 1 & 2—No Room at the Inn A special exhibit of parishioners’ crèche sets. We welcome all exhibitors—and encourage everyone to attend. Hours: Saturday: 4 - 7:30 pm. Sunday: 8:30 am-3 pm. O’Malley Hall For more information: Cheryl or Rosemary • 355-1292 • rc@st-rita.org

December 9—Redlands Community Chorus Christmas Concert 4 pm - 6 pm. In the Church. Free Will Offering. If you haven’t been to this event in the past, you’ve missed a very beautiful and spiritual experience! Plan to attend and bring guests. Our Church acoustics are superb and the musicianship is excellent!

Sunday, December 16—Breakfast with Santa This annual Men’s Club event is a hit every year—watch for more information in future Bulletins!

December 23—Candlelight Walk to Place the Baby Jesus in the Manger Meet in front of St. Rita Church to process with lighted candles to Kersting Court OR wait in Kersting Court for the procession to reach you! This community event, sponsored by all churches in Sierra Madre, features Carols and Readings. Watch for more information in future Bulletins.