My God, My God, Why have abandoned me?

you

Palm Sunday of the Passion The Lord of

Psalm 22

A Catholic Faith Community Since 1908 April 13, 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

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORDAPRIL 13, 2014 2

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
If you are a parishioner interested in baptizing your child, please contact the Parish Office for further information on the Baptism process and requirements.

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

The following will be the Observance of Holy Week 2014 at Saint Rita Parish. I am looking forward to celebrating it with you! Msgr. Richard

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord 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 Jerusalemonly minutes later to 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. Monday of Holy Week (No morning Mass at St. Rita.) The principle celebration of today is The Mass of the Holy Chrism at 7 pm, to be celebrated by Archbishop Gomez, in the Mother Church, Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral. Here all of our auxiliary bishops, hundreds of religious and parishioners from all over the Archdiocese, and over 600 priests and deacons will witness Archbishop Jose Gomez as he consecrates 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 laywill renew vows and promises. Anyone is welcome to attend this most impressive celebration of the Eucharist. Tuesday of Holy Week (Mass and Penance Service) (Regular 8 am Mass.) Our Lenten Penance Service, with Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, will be held here at St. Rita at 7 pm. The Liturgy of the Word opens the Service, followed by opportunity for individual confession (8 12 priests will be hearing confessions). Wednesday of Holy WeekCommunion Service. Holy Thursday of the Lords Supper (There is no morning Mass.) The Beginning of The Triduum7:30 pm, Solemn Mass of the Lords Supper. Sometimes referred to as the anniversary of all priests, 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. The Holy Eucharist will remain for adoration until 11:00 pm. Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord (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 Great 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, The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night (There is no morning Mass; there are no Confessions.) The church remains empty and silent throughout the day. [Those cleaning and preparing the church should do so quietly, using only whispered tones.] At 7:30 pm, the Solemn Liturgical RitesLighting of the New Fire and Blessing of the Paschal Candle (outside of Church); 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 the Sacraments of Initiation, with the Blessing of Water and the Renewal of Baptismal Promises; and completion of the First Mass of Easter. Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the LordMass at 7:30 am, 10 am, and Noon.

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORDAPRIL 13, 2014

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

SUNDAY, APRIL 13PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD

7:30 AM For All Parishioners 10:00 AM Michael Loftus RIP 12 NOON Rosalie Sreih & Toufic Aboujaoude RIP Chrism Mass at the Cathedral Bill Davila RIP

8:00 AM Brian Eck INT 5:30 PM Beatrice Pondo RIP

Gerald Drean, Charlotte Bollman Fuchs, Gerry Krekelberg, Leah Greteman, Raymond Payne, Peter Delgatto, Jr., Montserrat Marti, Jordan Alabart, Linda Milligan, Susan Skousen, Brooke Manning, Jacque Daust, Arthur Contreras, Jr., Robert Quinonez, Richard Krier, Patsy Starkey, Margaret & David Duran, Jean Mansour, Jacob Bigley, Dorothy Van Gorden, Maria Carmen Marti, Dennis & Clare Marquardt, Kathleen Ramsey, Tonyja Blakeslee, Addie Marshall, Jackie Bagnuolo, Mary Ellen Isoard, Rose Mary Taquino, Paul Viger, Zdenka Czerny, Hal Finney, Ailey Gardner-Ybarra, Cathy Hundshamer, Eva Bernejo, Edith Olah, Lancelot Loera, Fred Mycroft, Brian Eck, Alex Arranaga, Anna Mary Hession, Joseph Moore.

MONDAY, APRIL 14NO MASS AT ST. RITA

7:00 PM

AND

TUESDAY, APRIL 15
8:05 AM 8:05 AM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16

THURSDAY, APRIL 17HOLY THURSDAY No morning Mass FRIDAY, A PRIL 18G OOD F RIDAY No Mass permitted
1:30
PM

Communion Service

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

Lenten Penance Service
See page 6 for more information.

7:30 PM

Sue Viola RIP

7:30 PM

SATURDAY, APRIL 19HOLY SATURDAY No morning Mass SUNDAY, APRIL 20EASTER SUNDAY
7:30 AM Gerry Conroy INT 10:00 AM For All Parishioners 12 NOON Florence Smith RIP Bill Davila RIP

Liturgy, Adoration & Holy Communion

Tuesday, April 15

Liturgy of the Hours Evening Prayer 5 pm Music & Meditation 5:30 pm Prayer Oratory in the Parish Office

Thursday, April 24

TODAYS READINGS
Gospel at the Procession with PalmsJesus entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11). First ReadingIn spite of my sufferings I am not disgraced. I am not put to shame
(Isaiah 50:4-7).

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

Most Christians today receive a palm frond to carry in procession and to bear home in blessing. Some even offer a palm branch as a gesture of peace to those they have offended. The desire is to make a clean sweep of your spiritual house before the Easter feast. Accepting the branch is a token of the bearers willingness to journey with the Church through a grateful remembrance of Jesus Christs passion, death, and lifegiving resurrection. Traditionally, the plants associated with todays feast are planted in cemeteries as a sign of Christs victory over death and the promise of new life. The joy of this days opening procession soon gives way to a solemn reading of the Passion. The ritual is meant not only to strengthen us to hear this account, but to stir us up to accompany the Church on this journey through Holy Week. It also prepares us for next Sundays joyful renewal of our baptismal vows.

PsalmMy God, my God, why have you abandoned me? (Psalm 22). Second ReadingChrist emptied himself, and God filled this emptiness with exaltation
(Philippians 2:6-11).

GospelThe account of Christs passion according to Matthew

(Matthew 26:14 27:66 [27:11-54]).

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

&
EdgeNo Edge on April 14 or April 21 Next SessionMonday, April 28, 4 pm, Gara Youth NiteNo Youth Nite on April 23 Theresa Costanzo ym@st-rita.org
91 Years of Faith, Excellence, and Stewardship

St. Rita Catholic School

A Catholic Education is an Advantage for Life

5-Week Adventure Camp at St. Rita School Held from June 23 through August 1 Each weekly session has a theme and varied activities. Please contact the School Office for more information. Support our School by Using Scrip & Purchasing Gift Cards We sell scrip for most of the local markets. We also sell gift cards for gas stations, groceries, fast food, and dinner outplus many, many more. Stop by and see what we can offer!

United States has made care for minors a key priority, with safe environment programs established in every diocese. Through these programs more than five million minors have already been educated on how to protect themselves from harm, and nearly two million adults have undergone background screening and training on appropriate relationships with youth in their care. To find out how you can help keep children safe, please call the Parish Office or the Archdiocesan Safeguard the Children Office 213/627-7227. For particular help, you may call the Victims Assistance Ministry 213/637-7650. jvienna@la-archdiocese.org

Did You Know? The Catholic Church in the

School Office 355-6114

Calling St. Rita Class of 1974 Alums

Yes, thats right, its our 40th Anniversary this year and were planning a Reunion on Saturday, June 28 in OMalley Hall Spread the word! Get on the mailing list. Sue Behrens sierra madresue@yahoo.com

RCIA at St. Rita

The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) Team has prepared another group of adults to receive the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil Service. Additionally, some adults will also be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday, May 18. Thank you to our Team for their devotion in spreading the Word of Godtrue Evangelists for our Catholic Faith. Thank you to our Team Susan Blakeslee Gary Fidone Jonathan Blakeslee Chela Valencia Deacon Manuel Valencia

Together in Mission (TIM) Report

Status as of March 30, 2014

Amount of Assessed Goal:

Number of repeat donors (121)

$59, 922.12 $29,115.00

Amount pledged/donated
Number of new donors (18)

Amount pledged/donated $ 3, 065.00 TOTAL PAID TO DATE: $32,180.00

Number of parish families (1266)

Percentage participating: Percentage of goal:

11% 54%

Articles for the Bulletin should be submitted to bulletin@st-rita or to the Parish Office. Ask for or leave a message for Rosemary, 355-1292 x226. Deadline is 10 days before the desired weekend. Space is limited so the earlier submissions take priority. Thanks for helping.

Please consider this Appeal that helps our poorer parishes and schools remain open. Will you/can you give $20 or more? And thank you to all those who have already made their pledge or donation. Envelopes available in the Vestibule; please make checks payable to TIM.

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORDAPRIL 13, 2014

Holy Week 2014

This Week at St. Rita

.

Monday, April 14Chrism Mass 7 pm Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels (No morning Mass at St. Rita.) Tuesday, April 15 Morning Mass 8 am (with Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish) 7 pm At St. Rita Church WednesdayApril 16 Communion Service

Monday, April 14Bible Study at Mater Dolorosa

See page 4 for more information.

Communal Penance Service

Tuesday, April 15Communal Penance Service

See information on Page 3 and in adjoining column.

Holy WeekParish Office Hours

Closed at noon on Holy ThursdayApril 17 Closed all day Good FridayApril 18 Open on Holy SaturdayApril 19 9 am until 1 pm

Friday, April 18Good Friday Fast and Abstinence

Everyone over the age of 14 must abstain from eating meat. Requires those from the 18th birthday to the 59th birthday to reduce the amount of food eaten. The Church defines this as one meal a day, and two smaller meals which do not exceed the main meal in quantity.

April 17Holy Thursday of the (No morning Mass.) 7:30 pm Liturgy and Mass Followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Lords Supper

A Welcoming Community
So often we hear people talk about St. Rita as being a warm and welcoming community. Holy Week and Easter are particularly good times to make that spirit come to life! Many guests and visitors will be worshipping with us. Why not take this opportunity to say hello to someone you dont know, to greet the stranger, to welcome back someone you havent seen in awhile. Lets let the hymn, All are Welcome! be our theme song this Easter. Its also a great time to invite someone to attend with you. There may be a family member or a neighbor who has just been waiting to be invited again. Share information about what our services will be at St. Rita and then gently say, I would be happy if you would come with me. You may be surprised at who says yes!

St. Rita Parish

April 18Good Friday of 1:30 pm Liturgy, Adoration of the Cross and Holy Communion April 19The Easter Vigil 7:30 pm Saturday Vigil Mass

the Passion of the Lord (No Mass permitted.)

in the Holy Night

Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of The Lord
Masses at 7:30 am, 10 am, and Noon April 20

ST. RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

Catholic Community & Local Events
Grief Support ProgramBegins Thurs., April 24. St. Luke Parish will be offering an eight-week support program for those who have lost someone dear. The program is open to all faiths, non-threatening, loving and caring. The 2-hour sessions begin on Thurs., April 24 at 7 pm and continue for the next seven weeks. The only cost involved is $12 for the workbook. St. Luke Parish Resource Center (located in the Rectory), 5605 Cloverly Avenue, Temple City. Info: Sherrie 626/287-8504 Resource Center 291-5900 Car Show & Craft FairSun., May 4, 9 am-2:30 pm. Plan to attend to check out the cars and handmade crafts. Food is available. (Parking Lot) Pomona Catholic High School, 533 W. Holt Blvd., Pomona 91767 Raul Herrera 626/277-1512 LA Youth Rally RosaryWednesday, May 7. Holy Cross Family Ministries and the Archdiocese of LA invite you to join us at a Rosary Rally. The day begins at 9am with a talk by Archbishop Gomez at 10 am, followed by Benediction and Rosary Procession at 10:45. Luncheon will be served and there are several speakers, ending at 1:30 pm. RSVP before April 22 to Beth Mahoney 508/982-1059 bmahoney@hcfm.org

Are you a registered Member at St. Rita? Would you like to join us?
Registering in a parish is a declaration of your desire to be part of a Catholic community. Being a registered parishioner is a requirement for infant baptism, school registration, weddings, when asked to be a baptismal or confirmation sponsor, and even funerals. Additionally, if you are not registered, a yearly tax receipt cannot be issued since you have no unique ID number in our database. in the Vestibule on our website: st-rita.org or please contact the Parish Office 355-1292

Registration forms available

Request for Donations for Tax Year 2013

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!