The Presentation of The Lord

A Catholic Faith Community Since 1908 February 2, 2014

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

St. Rita of Cascia

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 am5 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

THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORDFEBRUARY 2, 2014

How to Contact Us
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 Hulljohnhull65@gmail.com 355.1292 Weekend Presider: 10 am MassFr. 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 Pastoral Council
Parish Office: 355.1292 Mary Lou Butler: mlbutler@st-rita.org 355.1292

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 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: 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 Mens 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

Finance Council Chair

Bill Sullivan: 355.3707

St. Rita SchoolOffice: 626.355.6114 Director of Liturgy & Music

Paul Puccinelli: mm@st-rita.org

Principal: Joanne Harabedian jharabedian@st-rita.org

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

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

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.

For Information about the Sacraments

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.

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 Lords 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!

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

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.

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 Religious Education.

NOTE: Adult applicants for the sacraments should contact the Parish Office.

Anointing of the Sick See adjoining column.

SAINT RITA
REV. MSGR. RICHARD KREKELBERG

OF

CASCIA CHURCH

PASTORS CORNER

Dear Parishioners,
This week I present the following Reflection for your consideration.

Msgr. Richard
Can you remember any of the gifts you received this past Christmas? I would imagine that most of us can call to mind one or another of the gifts we were given. Can you recall your reaction to the gifts you received? How did you respond? I suppose it depends on the gifthow significant, surprising or personal it might have been. Throughout much of the Churchs life, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord has been deeply connected to the Feast of the Nativity, as the concluding celebration of the season of Christmas, the culmination of the Epiphany mystery. Thus the connection with reflecting about Christmas gifts. The Christmas gift of Christ born for us is given its response by Mary and Joseph in the presentation of their firstborn son in the temple in obedience to the law. And so Christmas is the feast of the gift given. Todays feast is the feast of the gift acknowledged. So how do we respond to the gift given at Christmas? It ultimately depends on the type and source of the gift. Some surprise us, some are so thoughtful, so beautiful, that they bring tears to our eyes and demand the time and effort to write a note expressing our gratitude. The gift of Christmas, however, is different. It is the gift of God himself to us. God, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, becomes human, shares our life-journeys, and ultimately gives his life fully for us on the cross. This is why Mary and Joseph today are the perfect example for us as they took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to The Lord. The gift of life given to us calls forth from us in gratitude a life dedicated to the giver. When everything has been given, gratitude, also, must be total. In this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, we come to the heart of Christian life. We are a people who have encountered God not simply as Creator and Lord but even more as a gift given to us in love. Just as God, Creator and Lord, deserves our obedience as gift given, our God deserves our lives presented and dedicated as gift in return. Where do we give that gift of ourselves to God? We come week by week to this Church, to the Mass, to join our lives again and again, renewing our baptismal dedication to the Lord by being ever more joined to the life of Jesus given in gift at the Eucharist. And then, like Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, who returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth, we go into our homes, our world, and grow in the life of wisdom that is life lived as a gift to God and neighbor in loving charity. Rev. Anthony Oelrich Father Oelrich is pastor of Christ Church Newman Center, the Church of St. Augustine, and rector of St. Marys Cathedral in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He also serves as Director of Continuing Education for clergy in the St. Cloud Diocese and is the author of books and a frequent contributor to Give Us This Day.

THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORDFEBRUARY 2, 2014

PARISHIONERS WHO REQUEST OUR PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND RETURN TO GOOD HEALTH

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

8:00 AM Don Brice RIP 5:30 PM Sr. Dephna RIP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3
8:05 AM 8:05 AM

7:30 AM John Moffett RIP 10:00 AM Rosina Padilla RIP 12 NOON For All Parishioners Lorena Wynne RIP Norma West RIP

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Montserrat Marti, Jordan Alabart, Linda Milligan, David Leming, Mary Lou Kopka, Susan Skousen, Brooke Manning, Jacque Daust, Patti Eddy, Isabel L. Lopez, Arthur Contreras, Jr., Robert Quinonez, Richard Krier, Leah Greteman, Patsy Starkey, Margaret Duran, Jody Williams, Gabriella Reyes, Ashley Biely, Jean Mansour, Denis Keegan, Jacob Bigley, Gerald Krekelberg, Cathy Fiore, Madelyn Shaull, Dorothy Van Gorden, John J. McCoy, Diane Ridley, Richard Forcione, Maria Carmen Marti, Dennis & Clare Marquardt, Rosemary Fryzm, JoAnn E. Douglass, Kathleen Ramsey, Tonyja Blakeslee, Addie Marshall, 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, Hal Finney, 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, Joseph Moore.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 FRIDAY, F EBRUARY 7

8:05 AM

8:05 AM Communion Service 8:05 AM Communion Service Katie Burke RIP

Florence Smith
(mother of parishioner Justin [Denise Reiser] Smith)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9

8:00 AM Kevin Bohannon RIP 5:30 PM For All Parishioners

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) 7:30 pm Parish Office Meeting Room Liturgy of the Hours Evening Prayer Thursday, February 6 5 pm Music & Meditation 5:30 pm Prayer Oratory in the Parish Office Bible Study Thursday, February 6 7 pm Parish Office Meeting Room First Friday Adoration Friday, February 7 After the 8 am Mass until 5 pm Parish Office Oratory

7:30 AM Rosina Padilla RIP 10:00 AM Martin Haderlein RIP 12 NOON Norma West RIP

Tuesday, February 4

FEAST DAYS
Monday, February 3 St. Blaise; St. Ansgar Wednesday, February 5 St. Agatha Thursday, February 6 St. Paul Miki and Companions Friday, February 7 St. Jerome Emiliani; St. Josephine Bakhita

TODAYS READINGS
First ReadingThere will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek (Malachi 3:1-4). PsalmWho is this king of glory? It is the Lord! (Psalm 24). Second ReadingJesus had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way to help the descendants of Abraham (Hebrews 2:14-18). GospelThe just and pious Simeon proclaims the infant Jesus to be a revealing light to the Gentiles, the glory of the people Israel
(Luke 2:22-40 [22-32]).

Los Angeles Religious Education (RE) Congress March 14-16Attend one day or all three!
Have you ever been to an RE Congress? This event is not just for teachers or studentsbut for all adultsinterested in learning more about their faith. Held at the Anaheim Convention Center, the Keynote Speaker on Saturday morning is Father Robert Barron, who many of you may recognize as the writer/host of the Catholicism series. There are many sessions you can choose to attend, and you can also visit the Exhibit Hall showcasing liturgical art to music to publishing houses to education institutions. Information or to register: recongress.org

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

&
Edge SessionMonday, February 3, 4 pm, Gara Y1 Confirmation SessionSat., Feb 8, 4 pm, Gara Youth MassSat., Feb 8, 5:30 pm Youth NiteWed., Feb. 12, 7 pm, OMalley Youth Day at the Religious Education Congress Thursday, March 13 For high school youth. If youre interested in attending this informative event and experiencing the energy of a Youth Day Mass & Rally, please check out: recongress.org/yd/youthday.htm or contact Theresa Costanzo ym@st-rita.org
91 Years of Faith, Excellence, and Stewardship

St. Rita Catholic School

Boot Scootin Hoedown

Sat., March 29, 7-9:30 pm Tickets Available at the School Office after February 24

Father Daughter Dance

Valentines Weekend Retreat for Married Couples Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center February 14-16
Presented by Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P., The Many Languages of LoveHow to use themHow to receive them. Information/Reservations: Cathy Hainley 355-7188

Support St. Rita School Did you know you can buy scrip and/or gift cards for markets, stores, restaurants, and much more?
Contact the School Office for more information.

School Office 355-6114

Making the Lenten Journey: The Stories and Scriptures of Lent
Sunday, February 23 7:30 pm in the Church

St. Rita Mens Annual Retreat Weekend

Beginning March 28during the 3rd week of Lentmen of all ages are welcome for a Retreat at nearby Mater Dolorosa, in a comfortable and inspiring setting. Through guidance from the Passionist Team, return home with a new outlook on life. Questions? Information? Want to make a Reservation? Contact one of the men listed below
Bill Cosso 355-5656 bill@cosso.net Dave Muhs 355-9810 Duncan MacGillivray 355-0762 Gary Miller 355-6440 Pat Wickhem 416-8824 Rich McCoppin 355-2871 Rudy Van Cleef 355-8169

Join us as Bob Hurd takes us on a tour of Jesus final journey to Jerusalem, using reflection, icons, artwork, and music. The Lenten season is filled with some of the Gospels most profound and beautiful stories. When proclaimed at Sunday liturgy, Christ speaks to each of us here and now through them. We enter into these stories in two waysby seeing ourselves in the characters Jesus encounters, and by seeing ourselves in Jesus Himself as He goes about doing the will of God. An inspiring evening to prepare spiritually for Lent, which begins on March 5 (Ash Wednesday).

St. Rita Guild Annual Party

Cards & Bunco & More Men are welcome too! Make your reservations for Saturday, February 8 for this annual party. Play bridge-or bunko-or mah jong-or a game you bring. A tasty lunch will be served. The party is our major fundraiser for the Guild, which uses proceeds to finance many gifts to the Parish and to various needy organizations in the Archdiocese.
Patty Sullivan 355-3707 psullivan514@gmail.com

If you have something you would like to see in the Bulletin, submit your input to bulletin@st-rita or call Rosemary Parish Office 355-1292 x 226.

Deadline for publication is 10 days before the

desired weekend. Submit info to bulletin@st-rita or leave at the Parish Office.

THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORDFEBRUARY 2, 2014

This Week at St. Rita

Tuesday, February 4Bible Study
See page 4 for more information.

Have you checked out our Pamphlet Display in the Vestibule? Whether you are looking for answers for a specific problem or question, or just want some spiritual fast food, check out whats available. There are pamphlets dealing with grieving, aging, cancer, caregiving, job loss, as well as resource reading for teens and children. Watch for the Lenten books soon! Booklets are provided as a resource for parishioners we ask for a small donation to cover the costs so we may continue the Ministry. You will find donation envelopes at the Displaydrop the envelope in the Poor Box or in the Sunday Offering. Thanks! Martha Traeger is the person to contact with questions, or if there are booklets on a specific topic you would like added to our display. To leave a message for Martha, please call the Parish Office 355-1292

Thursday, February 6Evening Prayer

See page 4 for more information.

Thursday, February 6Liturgy of the Hours

See page 4 for more information.

Friday, February 7Adoration

See page 4 for more information.

Saturday, February 8St. Rita Guild Card Party

See page 5 for more information.

Save the Date

Sunday, February 910 am Mass Childrens Liturgy of the Word
Children, ages 5 & up, are dismissed to go to Gara Hall to hear the Readings and then return to Church for the remainder of the Liturgy.

Catholic Community & Local Events

Fingerprinting

Sunday, February 9Baptism

1:30 pm In the Church Deacon John Hull

Weekend of February 14-16Valentines Retreat

For married couples Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center See page 5 for more information. In the Church 7:30 pm See page 5 for more information.

Sunday, February 23Journey Through Lent

March 28-30St. Rita Mens Annual Retreat

See page 5 for more information.

Saturday, March 29St. Rita School Father-Daughter Dance

See page 5 for more information.

Saturday, April 12St. Rita School PTO Wine Social

More information in future Bulletins.

This SundayFebruary 2

For God and Country

Friday, February 14, St. Elizabeth, Noon-3:40 pm & 5:20-7:20 pm, 1879 N. Lake, Altadena Must call for appointment: 626/797-1167 Friday, February 28, St. Rita School, Noon-3:40 pm & 5:20-7:20 pm, 322 N. Baldwin, Sierra Madre Must call for appointment: 355-6114 Pregnancy Help Center Luncheon Celebrating ChildrenMonday, February 10. Family fashion show, Social Hour at 11, Luncheon at noon. $45/person. San Gabriel Country Club. Info: tcjohansing@hotmail.com Antique Road Show at Santa TeresitaThursday, February 13. Registration & breakfast at 8:30; $4.50/ seniors over 55$5.50 all others. Presentation begins at 9. Presented by Mikki Porretta & Rudd Rudluff, Antique Valuation Specialist. Limit: bring one item to assess. Madonna Hall, Santa Teresita, 819 Buena Vista, Duarte. 626/256-3059 santa-teresita.org Knights of Columbus, Valentine Dinner/Dance Saturday, February 15, 6:30-11 pm. Dinner, babysitting provided, dancing. Casual dress.$15/adults; $5/children. NO tickets will be sold at the door. St. Luke Parish Hall, 5605 Cloverly Avenue, Temple City. Fred Ortiz 626/833-6020 Rudy Russ 626/833-6958 Catholic Singles Event at The Peppertree Grill in Sierra MadreSunday, February 23, 5-10 pm. A great way to meet new people. Appetizers included in $20 cost. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, just East of Lima. Information: Jeanette 626/437-7905

ST. RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

Thank you for your generosity for recent Special Parish Collections Flowers for the Liturgical YearThis collection provides for the dcor and environment of the Church throughout the year. To date, 105 families have Support of St. Rita SchoolThis collection is our parish support of the school. To date, 78 families You may still donate to either or both of these special collectionsjust indicate on your check, or on any envelope, the purpose of your donation. Thank you!

St. Rita WebsiteTake a Look!

Did you knowyou can read the Bulletin online? Did you knowyou can find information about ministries and upcoming events? Did you knowyou can find Mass schedules for Sundays and holydays? Did you knowyou can read The Tidings online via a link on our website? Did you knowtheres a link to make your Sunday Offering
donation using your credit card?

donated $3,030.

have donated $3,024.

st-rita.org

Request for Donations for Tax Year 2013 God Bless You!
During this cold and flu season, germs abound and multiply. Please feel free to offer a simple greeting during the Sign of Peaceand do not be offended if someone does not wish to shake your hand. A smile, a simple nod, and a verbal Peace Be With You is sufficient. Please fill out the form below & drop it in the Offering basket or mail to the Parish Office, 50 E. Alegria, SM 91024. Oremail to rc@st-rita.org NOTE: No telephone requests will be accepted.
Name Address Phone Parish ID

Please print neatlythank you!