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

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

March 24, 2013March 24, 2013March 24, 2013

Palm Palm Palm

SundaySundaySunday of theof theof the

Passion ofPassion ofPassion of The LordThe LordThe Lord

How to Contact Us

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD—MARCH 24, 2013 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: Kathy Ganino: 626.398.9302 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: 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

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

PASTOR’S CORNER

Dear Parishioners,

BEARING PALM BRANCHES IS A COMMITMENT TO KEEP HOLY WEEK HOLY.

Observance of Holy Week 2013 at Saint Rita Parish. I am looking forward to celebrating it with you. Msgr. Richard

PASSION (PALM) SUNDAY*— A Christian should not let the holy irony of Passion Sunday escape him or her: We begin (as did those first followers of Jesus) singing “Hosannah in the highest to the Son of David!” marking Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem—but only minutes later we will proclaim the Passion which marks almost complete abandonment of Jesus in face of the Cross. Such is our life of faithfulness and sin even today. Each Mass will have its own blessing of palms; the 10 AM Mass will be preceded be a solemn procession beginning on the South East corner of Baldwin and Alegria. *NOTE: Processions, readings of the Passion, or other parts of the liturgies may be long—feel free to remain in the church or be seated whenever this would be more comfortable or wiser to do.

Monday of Holy Week—No Mass at St. Rita The principle celebration of today will be The Mass of the Holy Chrism to be celebrated by Archbishop José Horacio Gomez in the Mother Church, Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral (7:00 PM). Here all of our auxiliary bishops, hundreds of religious and parishioners from all over the Archdiocese, and well over 600 priests and deacons will witness Archbishop Gomez’ consecration of the Holy Chrism, The Oil of Catechumens, and the Oil of the Sick. The Chrism and Oils will then be distributed throughout the Archdiocese for use in the sacraments. All in attendance clergy, religious, and lay will renew vows and promises. Any and all are welcome to attend this most impressive celebration of the Eucharist. (If you plan to attend, get there at least one hour ahead!)

Tuesday of Holy Week—Regular 8 am Mass (SCHOOL MASS) —7 pm Penitential Service (see page 4 for more information.)

Wednesday of Holy Week—8 am, Communion Service

The Easter Triduum HOLY THURSDAY— [MORNING SCHOOL PRAYER SERVICE] 7:30 PM, Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper. This celebration of the Eucharist will include: the Solemn Reception of the Chrism and Holy Oils for use at St. Rita, the Commemoration for Jesus’ Washing of the Feet (What I have done you also must do!”), and after Mass the Procession of the Holy Eucharist to the Altar of Repose in the Msgr. Gara Parish Center. The Holy Eucharist will remain for adoration until 11:30 PM.

GOOD FRIDAY— No Masses are allowed to be celebrated on Good Friday, nor will there be the presence of the Holy Eucharist in the church. At 1:30 PM we will observe the Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday. This will include: the Proclamation of the Passion of Jesus Christ; the Singing of the General Intercessions; the Solemn Entrance of The Cross followed by Veneration of the Cross; and Holy Communion. Any remaining Eucharist will be once again removed from the church, recalling Jesus’ time in the tomb.

HOLY SATURDAY / EASTER VIGIL— The church remains empty and silent throughout the day. [Those cleaning and preparing the church should do so quietly, using only whispered tones.] 7:30 PM, the Solemn Liturgical Rites—Lighting of the New Fire and Blessing of the Paschal Candle (outside the side doors, just south of our St. Rita Shrine); The Easter Proclamation (Exsultet); the Liturgy of the Word with three Old Testament Readings, Gloria and Opening Prayer, the Epistle, First Alleluia of Easter, and the Gospel—Celebration of Baptism, with the Blessing of Water and the Renewal of Baptismal Promises; and completion of the First Mass of Easter. EASTER SUNDAY— The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at the regular Sunday Mass hours of 7:30 AM, 10 AM, and at Noon.

—Spiritual Growth—

† Tuesday, March 26, RCIA 7:30 pm • Parish Office Meeting Room Contact Deacon Manuel for information.

† Wednesday, March 27, Evening Prayer 5:30 pm Meditation • 6 pm Prayer • Rectory Oratory

Contact Deacon John for more information.

† Thursday Bible Study Resumes on May 2

PARISHIONERS WHO REQUEST OUR PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND RETURN TO GOOD HEALTH— Dennis & Clare Marquardt, Rosemary Fryzm, Andy Pulley, Katherine Haderlein, John J. McCoy, Andy Heller, JoAnn E. Douglass, Kathleen Ramsey, Tonyja Blakeslee, Addie Marshall, 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, Hal Finney, Christa Owen, Ailey Gardner-Ybarra, Cathy Hundshamer, Eva Bernejo, Laurie Larkin Masella, Edith Olah, Matteo Begnoche, Lancelot Loera, Fred Mycroft, Brian Eck, Alex Arranaga, Anna Mary Hession, Mildred Vocelka, Joseph Moore, Effie DeGroot, Ned Vento.

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD—MARCH 24, 2013 P-4

Carmen T. Tisher Carmen Walters

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 8:00 AM Dave Joseph RIP 5:30 PM William Young RIP SUNDAY, MARCH 24 7:30 James M. Allaire RIP 10:00 AM Marija & Rozika Piskur RIP 12 NOON For All Parishioners MONDAY, MARCH 25 (NO MASS) Chrism Mass at Cathedral TUESDAY, MARCH 26 8:00 AM Philip Petek RIP WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 8:00 AM Communion Service HOLY THURSDAY, MARCH 28 7:30 PM James Wisner RIP GOOD FRIDAY, MARCH 29 (NO MASS) 1:30 PM Liturgy, Veneration, & Communion HOLY SATURDAY, MARCH 30—EASTER VIGIL 7:30 PM For All Parishioners EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 31 7:30 AM Tony Lombardi RIP 10:00 AM John Droege RIP 12 NOON Joan Tisdale RIP

TODAY’S READINGS Gospel at the Procession with Palms—Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-40). First Reading—In spite of my sufferings I am not disgraced. I am not put to shame (Isaiah 50:4-7). Psalm—My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? (Psalm 22). Second Reading—Christ emptied himself, and God filled this emptiness with exaltation (Philippians 2:6-11). Gospel—The account of Christ’s passion according to Luke (Luke 22:14 — 23:56 [23:1-49]).

Lenten Penitential Service

Tuesday, March 26 7 pm • In the Church

This year St. Rita is hosting this Service with our sister parish, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in our church. The Service begins with opening prayers, a brief homily, and then the opportunity for individual confession. There will be a total of nine priests hearing confessions.

We encourage all adults to attend and take advantage of this opportunity during this Holy Season of Lent.

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH P-5

►Edge —No meetings on March 25 or April 1 ►Youth Nite—Next meeting date is Wed., April 24 ►Year 2 Confirmation Weekend Retreat— Friday, April 12 through Sunday April 14.

Theresa Costanzo • ym@st-rita.org

Good Friday Stations of the Cross At Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center

The Passionists welcome the public to join in devotion of the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, March 29, 2013 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Led by the Passionists and volunteers, visitors join in prayer and meditation. The path is the same distance walked by Jesus on the road to Calvary.

►The Retreat Center grounds are open 9:00 am to noon for individuals to come for silent stations meditation. The Retreat Center Grounds are closed at noon and reopen at 4:30 pm for the guided stations.

Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center 700 N. Sunnyside Avenue, Sierra Madre • 626-355-7188

St. Rita School

►Holy Thursday, March 28—Living Stations of the Cross, 11 am in the Church. Re-visit the Passion of Christ through this re-enactment by the St. Rita students. ►Sat., April 13—Wine Social, 6:30-9:30 pm, La Salle High School Courtyard. Featuring J. Lohr wine and appetizers. $20 advance registration, available at School Office, includes souvenir wine tasting glass. $25 at the door. ►Monday, May 6—Catholic Charities Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello. Join us at this special event recognizing and honoring our St. Rita School Campus Ministry. Archbishop Jose H. Gomez will be the guest speaker. All parishioners are welcome. Contact the School Office for ticket information.

St. Rita School Office • 355-6114

Journey to the Cross Palm Sunday Evening, March 24

6:30 pm in the Church

Plan to join us for this deeply spiritual event. Experience Jesus’ journey to Calvary through prayer and song. Hear beautiful,

profound music featuring the choirs and musicians of St Rita, with special guests.

Please invite your neighbors and friends—Catholic or not—to this Lenten experience. Free will donations are gratefully accepted. Reception following in O’Malley Hall.

►Note: No Religious Ed classes on Mar. 25 or Apr. 1.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word—This Sunday, March 24 during the 10 am Mass. All children in grades 1-3 are encouraged to participate. The children will be dismissed after the Opening Prayer and go to Gara Hall for the opportunity to listen to the Sunday Readings at an age-appropriate level. The children return to Church for the remainder of the Mass.

Cristina Cullen • dre@st-rita.org

The Men’s Club’s Annual Spaghetti Dinner was a huge success!

The food was outstanding, the Irish Dancers were spectacular, and it was a standing-room only crowd. Well done, Men’s Club!

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD—MARCH 24, 2013 P-6

Meetings, Ministry & Special EventsMeetings, Ministry & Special EventsMeetings, Ministry & Special Events

This Sunday, March 24—Journey to the Cross See page 5 for information.

Monday, March 25—Chrism Mass

7 pm • Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral

Tuesday, March 26—Lenten Reconciliation Service At St. Rita with Assumption of the BVM parish • 7 pm

See page 4 for information.

Thursday, March 28—Parish Office is Closed Closes at Noon; Reopens on Monday, April 1 at 9 am

Thursday, March 28—School Vacation Week

Begins at Noon; Reopens on Monday, April 8

►Good Friday, March 29—Day of Fast & Abstinence◄

Fasting is obligatory on Good Friday for those who have celebrated their 18th birthday and have not yet celebrated their 59th birthday.

Fasting—Fasting requires eating one main meal a day, and two smaller meals which do not exceed the main meal in quantity.

Abstinence—Requires those 14 years of age and older to abstain from eating meat on and all Fridays during Lent. Fish and shellfish are permitted.

Opportunities for Spiritual GrowthOpportunities for Spiritual GrowthOpportunities for Spiritual Growth

(See page 4 for times/locations.)

† Pray the Rosary—After weekday 8 am Mass

† Tuesday, March 26, RCIA Class

† Wednesday, March 27, Evening Prayer

† Thursday Bible Study Note: Class resumes May 2.

Save the DateSave the DateSave the Date

Sunday, April 7—“Catholicism” Series resumes • 4 pm • O’Malley Hall

Sunday, April 14—“One With the Risen Lord”

An evening of Prayer with world-renowned composer, liturgist, theologian—and now a St. Rita Parishioner!—Bob Hurd

Watch for more information.

Friday, May 17—Senior Citizen of the Year The City of Sierra Madre honors our parishioner Joan Crow!

More information in future Bulletin.

Holy Week at St. RitaHoly Week at St. RitaHoly Week at St. Rita Please see Page 3 for complete information

about each service.

This Sunday, March 24 Journey to the Cross 6 pm • In the Church See page 5 for information.

Monday, March 25

No 8 am Mass 7 pm • Chrism Mass at the Cathedral

Tuesday, March 26

8 am Mass Lenten Reconciliation Service

7 pm • In the Church See page 4 for more information.

Wednesday, March 27

8 am Communion Service

Easter Triduum BeginsEaster Triduum BeginsEaster Triduum Begins

Thursday, March 28—7:30 pm No morning Mass

Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper

Friday, March 29—1:30 pm No Mass

Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord Liturgy, Veneration of the Cross, and Communion

Saturday, March 30—7:30 pm

No morning Mass Easter Vigil in the Holy Night

Easter Sunday, March 31

Regular Mass schedule: 7:30 am, 10 am, Noon

ST. RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH P-7

2012 Tax Donation Acknowledgments

If you are a registered parishioner you may request a letter to acknowledge your total 2012 donations to St. Rita for tax purposes. PLEASE NOTE: Registered parishioners are those who have filled out a Registration Form and have been assigned an ID/envelope number.

You may request a letter by sending your full name, address, and parish ID/envelope number (if known) to

rc@st-rita.org

or fill out the form below and drop it in the Sunday Offering or mail to the Parish Office, Attn: RC.

NO requests will be taken over the telephone.

Request for 2012 Donations for Tax Purposes

Envelope ID# Full Name Address

Neighbors and Visitors!

We are happy to have you join us during this Holy Week of Lent! We

hope you will find here the peace and love that Jesus had for all His followers. If you are a neighbor from “down the road”—or a parishioner “returning home”—please consider joining us every Sunday and becoming a member of our worship community. You will find here many opportunities to help your faith grow in Christ.

St. Rita Website—Take a Look!

Our website has descriptions and contact

information for parish organizations and ministries; plus monthly calendars for events, Youth Ministry and altar servers; pictures of parish event—and so much more. The current Sunday Bulletin is posted online every Monday.

www.st-rita.org