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

SundaySundaySunday———February 15, 2015February 15, 2015February 15, 2015 AshWednesdayAshWednesdayAshWednesday———February 18, 2015February 18, 2015February 18, 2015

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

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME—FEBRUARY 15, 2015 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 Immaculate Heart of Mary 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

Are you a fraud? Have you betrayed someone you vowed to love? Have you been the perpetrator of any abuse? Yes? —Well then, take your clothes off, put on only a gunnysack with holes for your head and arms, go to the corner of Sierra Madre Boulevard and Baldwin and, while wearing a large sign hanging around your neck announcing the same, shout out for all to hear,

“UNCLEAN! UNCLEAN! UNCLEAN!”

Ah, let’s hear it for good old public shame. In some world cultures it is still expected and in recent years some of our own judges have resurrected it from the bench. “And besides three months of public service removing graffiti, you will wear a sign to school that says “I am a tagger, vandal, and a thief.” I suppose that when the Book of Leviticus called for the priests of the temple to declare lepers “unclean” and have them announce the fact, there was a societal motive of

protectionism involved. At the same time there was intended shame and disgrace attached because certainly the leper had committed some grave sin to warrant such an awful disease. But The Old Testament gave way to the New and Jesus became the fulfillment and the answer to the prayer of the responsorial psalm: “I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.” What joy the former leper must have felt when Jesus made him clean again, and no wonder he could not remain still about it. Some monastic communities, especially those that maintain a contemplative and cloistered environment, still hold some modified form of what is known as a “chapter of faults.” This is the practice of willingly standing up in front of the other members of your community and telling your sins out loud. (How embarrassing!) The masters of the religious life have

always known that maintaining community is greatly aided when the members of the community retain an ongoing attitude of humility. Actually, at the beginning of Mass, our recalling and admitting that we have sinned is a form of public confession—“good for the soul” as they say.

But Jesus heals (even touches and embraces), lepers. At the heart of the consecration of the Holy Eucharist that we celebrate today, Jesus will declare once again, “This is my body given for you. This is my blood …poured out for you—so that sins may be forgiven.” And then he adds the formula for acknowledging our deepest and most profound gratitude for our own forgiveness and healing: “Do this in memory of me.”

Got lepers? Do we have anyone in our lives that we have labeled “outcast” and/or undesirable? They might as well have leprosy as far as we are concerned. —What to do. What to do.

Dear Parishioners,

—Msgr. Richard

Jesus heals…

“I turn to you Lord in time of trouble…” —Psalm 32

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE REQUESTED OUR PRAYERS —

Lisa Bowman, Theresa Morcos, Ernest Kopka, Vera Delgatto, JF Mahoney, Kelly Solomon, Linda Theriault, 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, Raymond Payne, Peter Delgatto, Jr., Montserrat Marti, Jordan Alabart, 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, Alex Arranaga, Joseph Moore.

MASS INTENTIONS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 8:00 AM Brian Eliassen INT 5:30 PM Alberto Vejar RIP SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 7:30 AM Phil Huddleston RIP 10:00 AM For All Parishioners 12 NOON Janeen Wetzel RIP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16 8:00 AM Camilla Lynch RIP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 8:00 AM Frank Artukovich RIP ASH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 8:00 AM Ernie Nosari RIP 12 NOON Communion Service 6:30 PM Sr. Mary McCarthy, RIP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 8:00 AM Communion Service FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 8:00 AM Linda Milligan RIP SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 8:00 AM Bob Alcorn RIP 5:30 PM Tom Lynch RIP SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22 7:30 AM Karin Lynch RIP 10:00 AM Edward Beaumont & Del Rodriguez 12 NOON For All Parishioners

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK Tuesday—The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order; Shrove Tuesday Ash Wednesday—Fast & Abstinence Saturday—St. Peter Damian

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading—The leper will dwell apart, making an abode outside the camp (Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46). Psalm—I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation (Psalm 32). Second Reading—Do everything for the glory of God; be imitators of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:31 — 11:1). Gospel—The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean (Mark 1:40-45).

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME—FEBRUARY 15, 2015 4

Lent, the Church’s annual pre‑baptismal retreat, prepares us to gather around the Easter font, renew our baptismal vows, and receive new life from the water as the elect are plunged into Christ’s death and resurrection. This core meaning is more or less available, depending on whether we journey with catechumens in the parish and on the vigor of our liturgical celebration of the Triduum.

Some persist in seeing Lent as a lonely journey in the wilderness; yet this week we enter the Lenten fast in solidarity with one another. The smudged foreheads you will spy throughout Ash Wednesday on buses, street corners, and supermarket aisles remind you that you are hardly alone in your desire to enact a spring cleaning regime for your spiritual life.

Long ago, this kind of repentance was available to Christians only once. Ashes and sackcloth were not raiment for a day, but permanent habits for public sinners. Fasting became a way of life, and if they sinned severely again, there was no hope of restored communion. Happily, this system did not endure. It produced reluctant Christians who even held back from baptism, like St. Augustine did, out of fear. Today we have recovered an ancient tradition that conversion and repentance are constant themes on life’s journey, and that Lent is an annual opportunity to revive our baptismal identity, both as individuals and communities.

—Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Fast & Abstinence Guidelines

Fasting—Requires those who have celebrated their 18th birthday and have not yet celebrated their 59th birthday to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Abstinence—Requires those 14 years of age and older to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH 5

Bulletin Submissions

Deadline is Thursday 10 days before the desired publication date.

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

Questions? Rosemary • 355-1292 x226

Youth Ministry

EDGE Middle School Ministry Monday, February 16, 4-5:15 pm, Gara

Next Youth Nite Wed., February 25, 7-8:30 pm, O’Malley

Confirmation Year 1 Saturday, February 21, 4-5:30 pm, Gara

Confirmation Year 2 Saturday, March 7, 4-5:30 pm, Gara Theresa Costanzo • ym@st-rita.org

Religious Education

Classes for 1st-5th Graders Monday, February 16, 4-5:15 pm

Preschool Sunday School During the 10 am Mass every Sunday for children ages 3-5. Above Gara Hall in the Pre-K Classroom. No registration is necessary.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word February 22 during the 10 AM Mass Ideal for 1st-3rd graders. The children leave the Mass for their special, age-appropriate scripture readings and discussion. They return to the Church at the Offertory to sit with their families.

Cristina Cullen • dre@st-rita.org

Annual St. Rita Men’s Retreat Friday-Sunday, March 27-29

Once a year it’s good to slow down, step back from the daily clamor, and take a fresh look at life. You may find yourself opening up to the healing voice of God. The Passionist Retreat Team offers inspirational talks, as well as time for quiet prayer, Mass, Confession, and Stations of the Cross.

For more information Bill Cosso 355-5656 • Dave Muhs 355-9810

Dave Banis 355-2012 • Gary Miller 355-6440 Duncan MacGillivray 355-0762

Rich McCoppin 355-2871 Rudy Van Cleef 355-8169 Pat Wickhem 416-8824

St. Rita Guild Card and Game Party! Saturday, February 28, 10 to 3.

Come and join the bridge brigade, or bring your favorite game—along with your favorite players. $20, includes lunch.

Patty Sullivan • 355-3707 psullivan514@gmail.com

St. Rita Music Ministry

Our choir needs men, women, and teenagers—why not talk to our Music Minister to see if your voice might be a “fit.” Rehearsal is held on Thursday evenings, from 7 until 9 pm in the Church. Currently we need more voices for both the 5:30 pm Saturday Vigil and the 10 am Sunday Mass.

Information Paul Puccinelli • 355-1292 x231

mm@st-rita.org

Belated Thank You

Mea culpa—We neglected to mention Douglas & Zook Mortuary for their generous donation of poinsettias for the Church during the Christmas Season.

Thank You!

Together in Mission (TIM) Annual Appeal—2015

This Archdiocese of Los Angeles Annual Appeal is unique in the United States in that donations are used only for the support of parishes and parish schools. All collected funds are administered through the separate Catholic Education Foundation and cannot be used for any other purpose.

Please take a moment to read the TIM flyer distributed this weekend—it provides information about the givers, the recipients, and the need. And there is much more detail provided on the website

OurMissionLA.org The assessed goal for St. Rita this year is $59,200. Pledge cards were mailed to all those who have given in the past. If you would like to join in this very needed and worthwhile Appeal, please take an envelope from the Vestibule.

You can also donate electronically on the OurMissionLA.org website.

Thank you for your consideration.

Many assume that children at risk for victimization are neglected or from dysfunctional homes. However, all children, even

those from supportive families, may be at risk of victimization. Encourage your child to come to you immediately if anyone makes him or her feel uncomfortable online or makes overtures to meet in person.

For more information visit: Netsmartz.org/ChildrenAsVictims or

Safeguard Program Office 213/637-7227

Catholic Community & Local Events

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME—FEBRUARY 15, 2015 6

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

Hospitality after all the Masses Hosted by: The Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts

Girl Scouts Cookies Sales After all the Masses • Thank you for your support !

Tuesday, February 17—RCIA

7:30 pm • Parish Office Meeting Room

February 18— Day of Fast & Abstinence

See Guidelines on page 4. 8 am—School Mass and Distribution of Ashes

Noon—Communion Service and Distribution of Ashes 6:30 pm—Mass and Distribution of Ashes

Thursday, February 19—Liturgy of the Hours

Evening Prayer 5 pm Meditation • 5:30 Prayers • In the Parish Office Oratory

Friday, February 20

—Day of Abstinence • See Guidelines on page 4.

—Stations of the Cross & Soup Kitchen Stations • 6 pm ; followed by the Soup Kitchen in Gara Hall

Soup Kitchen hosted this week by: The Men’s Club & The Senior Ministry

Save the DateSave the DateSave the Date

Saturday, February 28—St. Rita Guild

Card & Game Party See page 5 for information.

Sunday, March 15—St. Patrick/St. Joseph

Annual Dinner Watch for more information in future Bulletins.

Weekend of March 27-29—Men’s Retreat

See page 5 for information.

St. Rita

Capital Campaign

Q: I wasn’t able to attend the last week’s presentation by the Design Commission. How can I find out about the plans for St. Rita Parish and School?

A: We have had three presentations: one for the Parish & School Councils, one for all parishioners and one for neighbors. All in all, about 200 people have heard and seen the presentation. The responses have been overwhelmingly positive and supportive. Thank you to all who have attended and who have shared their comments and suggestions. If you were not able to attend one of the presentations, be assured that there will be another opportunity in the near future. Watch the bulletin for date and time!

►Ash Wednesday, February 18—St. Lucy’s Benedictine Guild Retreat. 9 am until 1:30 pm. Bring a sack lunch; beverages are provided. Free will offering. St. Lucy’s Priory, 19045 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Glendora 91741.

Ellen Carlson • 909/624-2058 ►Weekend of March 6-8—Ramona Convent Alumnae Weekend. Mixer, Mass, Homecoming Luncheon, Saturday Seminar. 1701 W. Ramona Road, Alhambra 91803.

Info: 626/282-4151 • jhuntley@ramonaconvent.org

►Weekend of March 13-15—Worldwide Marriage Encounter. A great time to rekindle communication and enjoy a weekend away. Hilton Garden Inn, Monrovia.

David & Teri Muse • 626/644-1775 • sacramentallove.org

St. Rita School Now’s the time to register for the 2015-2016 School Year!

Applications are now being accepted for Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten. Registration packets are available in the School Office. Sara Landis • landis@st-ritaschool.org • 355-6114

ST. RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH 7

Hospitality Sunday, February 8—Thank you, Men’s Club!

Your “burrito bonanza” was an unexpected and tasty treat! Thank you for all the hard work—the crowds attested to the success of your efforts!

We appreciate your service and generosity.

Each week Hospitality is hosted by a different Parish Ministry or Group. We hope you have been stopping after Mass to enjoy the company, to learn more about the host organization, and to have a snack. All food, including juices and milk, is provided by the hosting group. Coffee and paper products are supplied by the Parish. Your donations help defray our costs.