Lord, let us see your kindness

and grant us your salvation

Psalm 85

St. Rita of Cascia

A Faith Community Since 1908
December 7, 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

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

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENTDECEMBER 7, 2014

Parish Ministries and Organizations

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
Mary Lou Butler: mlbutler@st-rita.org 355.1292

Pastoral Council
Parish Office: 355.1292

Finance Council Chair

Bill Sullivan: 355.3707

St. Rita SchoolOffice: 626.355.6114

Principal: Joanne Harabedian jharabedian@st-rita.org

Director of Liturgy & Music

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: 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

Paul Puccinelli: mm@st-rita.org

Other Contacts

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

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 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.

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

BaptismPlease contact the Parish Office for further information on the Baptism process and requirements.
Reconciliation and First EucharistPreparation 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.

MatrimonyContact the Parish Office upon engagement; at least six months is needed for preparation of this joyous sacrament!
ConfirmationA two-year program for freshman/sophomore age teens. Apply through the Office of Youth Ministry.

SAINT RITA

OF

CASCIA CHURCH

REV. MSGR. RICHARD KREKELBERG

Dear Parishioners,

Prepare the Way of The Lord

On this Second Sunday of our
Advent journey, perhaps Isaiahs
words differently translated might
speak to us more effectively.
A voice cries out in the desert how
could this have happened here?
PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD!
In the wasteland of absent
leadership, shepherd ing and
parenting,
MAKE STRAIGHT A HIGHWAY
FOR THE LORD!
There are many ways that we might
make straight the path of the Lord,
but two very important ways are
stressed in todays readings: working
for JUSTICE and being a catalyst for
HARMONY.
A long time ago, Pope Paul VI
proclaimed, If you want peace, work
for justice. It only makes sense. We
know that justice happens and justice

exists when each receives his or her

due, when there is equality and fair
treatment, and when basic human
rights are respected. As there is a
very serious and proven global
imbalance in the distribution of
resources and goods, is it such a
wonder that there is not world
peace? When people stricken with
enduring hunger and poverty a world
away are allowed to see the lives of
the rich and famous almost flaunted
in their faces on beaten up televisions
atop a pile of rubbleno wonder the
hate, no wonder the lashing out.
Jesus IS the reason for the season
and amidst all of the ubiquitous bad
news we must find hope in Gods
Good News; as the psalmist
proclaims, The Lord has done
great things for us! The Lord has
given us all that we needall that we
need to find our way and to make

straight his paths. But do we believe

it? Remember how Thomas once
protested: How can you say we
know the way? We do NOT know
the way or where you are going! To
which Jesus responds: You DO
know the way, Thomas. I am the
way, the truth, and the life! It
would be very easy to dismiss Jesus
response, just because we have heard
it to the point of ho, hum
probably followed by a yawn. But
there it is.
We need to spend Advent in a way
that allows us to experience Jesus as
the way that can lead to wolves
lying down with lambs, the truth of
ourselves and of the world that can
set us free from the prisons we
ourselves create; and the life that
consoles us in the knowledge of life
everlasting.

Msgr. Richard

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENTDECEMBER 7, 2014

MASS INTENTIONS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

8:00 AM Rev. William Caffrey RIP

5:30 PM For All Parishioners

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

7:30 AM Mary Kay Hollinger RIP

10:00 AM Steven Purner RIP
12 NOON Luis E. Escalante RIP

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8FEAST OF THE

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
8:00 AM Denis Keegan RIP
6:30 PM Rev. Dominick Bebek RIP

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9

8:00 AM Elvira Natale & Arturo Spano RIP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
8:00 AM

Communion Service

8:00 AM

Communion Service

8:00

Karen Keegan INT

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
FRIDAY, D ECEMBER 12
AM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13

8:00 AM Daniel Mullen RIP

5:30 PM Kyle Tanis RIP

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14

7:30 AM For All Parishioners

10:00 AM Samantha Perez-Boiles RIP
12 NOON Luis E. Escalante RIP

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK

TuesdaySt. Juan Diego
ThursdaySt. Damasus I
FridayOur Lady of Guadalupe
SaturdaySt. Lucy

TODAYS READINGS
First ReadingThe rugged land shall
be made a plain; the rough country, a
broad valley (Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11).
PsalmLord, let us see your kindness,
and grant us your salvation (Psalm 85).
Second ReadingConduct yourselves
in holiness, hastening the coming of the
day of God (2 Peter 3:8-14).
GospelI have baptized you with
water; he will baptize you with the Holy
Spirit (Mark 1:1-8).

PLEASE PRAY FOR

THOSE WHO
HAVE REQUESTED
OUR PRAYERS
Vera Delgatto, JF Mahoney, Kelly
Solomon, Linda Theriault, Antoinette
Serafin, Janeen Wetzel, Heather Hagan,
Mike Wolf, Jean Wood, Jos 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, Linda Milligan, 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, Brian
Eck, Alex Arranaga, Joseph Moore.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF

THE RECENTLY DEPARTED

Peter Catanese
Husband of Gloria

Brian Eck
Son of Sheila Pierce

Gerald L. Gallagher
Father of Matt (Eleni) Gallagher
Gerald (Gerry) Krekelberg
Brother of Msgr. Richard

Feasts of the Week

The Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
A feast called the Conception of Mary
arose in the Eastern Church in the
seventh century. In the 11th century it
received its present name, the
Immaculate Conception. In the 18th
century it became a feast of the universal
Church and is now recognized as a
solemnity.
In 1854, Pius IX solemnly
proclaimed: The most Blessed Virgin
Mary, in the first instant of her
conception, by a singular grace and
privilege granted by almighty God, in
view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the
savior of the human race, was preserved
free from all stain of original sin.
Our Blessed Mother under her Feast of
the Immaculate Conception is the
Patronal Saint of the United States.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

In the 16th century, a poor Indian was
baptized and given the name Juan
Diego. He lived in a small village near
Mexico City. On December 9, 1531, he
was on his way to a nearby barrio to
attend Mass in honor of Our Lady.
He was walking by a hill called Tepeyac
when he heard music like the warbling of
birds. A radiant cloud appeared and
within it stood a young Native American
maiden dressed like an Aztec princess.
The lady spoke to him in his own
language and sent him to the bishop of
Mexico to tell him to build a chapel in
the place where the lady appeared.
The bishop told Juan Diego to ask the
lady to give him a sign. About this
same time Juan Diegos uncle became
seriously ill. The lady assured Diego
that his uncle would recover and
provided roses for Juan to carry to the
bishop in his cape or tilma. When Juan
Diego opened his tilma, the roses fell
to the ground and the bishop sank to
his knees. On the tilma appeared an
image of Mary exactly as she had
appeared at the hill of Tepeyac. It was
December 12, 1531.

AmericanCatholic.org

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

Youth Ministry
Youth Nite
Wed., Dec. 10, 7-8:30 pm, OMalley

EDGE Fellowship
Monday, December 8, 4-5:30 pm, Gara
St. Rita School students also invited.

EDGE Middle School Ministry

Monday, Dec. 8, 4-5:30 pm, Gara

Theresa Costanzo ym@st-rita.org

Hospitality after
Sunday Masses

St. Rita School

Looking for Christmas gifts
or stocking stuffers? The
School has a supply of gift cards for
markets, for fast food and restaurants,
gas stations, and other merchants.

This Sunday, the Youth Altar Servers

and the Ushers and Greeters Ministry
will sponsor hospitality. Andbesides
foodthey will be offering you the
opportunity to learn more about them
and their role in parish life.

Do your shopping the easy way while

helping the school!

Take a few extra minutes to enjoy a

snack and camaraderie.

School Office 355-6114

Your offering to help defray costs for food and

beverages is much appreciated.

Religious Education
Classes for 1st-5th Graders

Any excess funds will be used by the sponsoring

Ministry(s) to further their work.

Our Christmas Giving Tree

Monday, December 8, 4-5:30 pm, Gara

Please take a tagor two

from the Tree in the
Preschool Sunday School
Vestibule and help fill
some wishes for families
All 3-5 year old children are invited to
join us for Preschool Sunday School who need our help to provide a joyful
Christmas for their children.
every Sunday during the
10 am Mass. Parents, attend Mass
People asked us last year: Why
while your child is learning the Sunday
unwrapped gifts? At both St. Francis
Gospel in a fun, age-appropriate way.
Center and St. Anthony Parish, the
No registration required. We meet
parents are invited to shop for their
above Gara Hall in the TK Classroom.
children and then wrap the presents. This
Cristina Cullen dre@st-rita.org approach makes it so much more
meaningful for all.

Prayers for Advent

We have a limited number of Ronald
Rolheisers booklet Light for the
World, a daily Advent reflection
and prayer guide, available in the
Vestibule.
Please take a free copy as you
prepare yourself for the coming of
The Lord.

Please no used itemssave those for

the Youth Ministry Fill the Goodwill
Truck fundraiser in January.
Thank you for your help!

Concert 2013

Candlelight Walk 7 pm
Sunday, December 21
Meet in front of
the Church about
6:30. The Christian
Family group will
be serving hot
apple cider and
cookies before the walk begins.
Paul Puccinelli and other members
of a brass group will accompany
the procession while walking to
Kersting Court. Be sure to bring a
candle to carryLED candles
work especially well!

The Community Chorus of Redlands

presents

A Concert of Anthems, Readings,

and Carols of the Season
Sunday, December 14 - 4:00 pm

Advent Penance Service

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7 pm
Assumption of the BVM Church
Take this opportunity to prepare for
Christmas. We will gather as a group
for a short prayer service before
Confessions. There will be about 10
priests on hand to hear individual
confessions. Confessions should be
available until about 9 pm.

Once again, St. Rita is blessed to have Jeffrey

H. Rickard, founder-director of The
Community Chorus of Redlands, gift us with an evening of music, both choral
and instrumental; with readings from a variety of sacred and secular sources;
and with familiar carols for audience and choir.
If you have not attended this Concert in previous years, make an effort to
attend so you may receive this very special gift of seasonal joy.
Your free-will offering in support of the Community Chorus and the expenses
incurred in their presentation is appreciated.

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENTDECEMBER 7, 2014

This Week at St. Rita

Stop by after Mass to meet members
of the Youth Altar Servers and the
Ushers and Greeters Ministry who
are sponsoring our food and
fellowship this Sunday.
This WeekendCollection for Flowers
and Altar Enhancements
If you receive envelope packets, you have an envelope for this
special collection. Or please take an envelope from the Vestibule.
This once-a-year appeal helps us keep our church decorated
throughout the coming Liturgical Year.

Monday, December 8Feast of the

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
A Holy Day of Obligation

Mass times: 8 am & 6:30 pm NO Mass on Sunday Evening

Thursday, December 11Liturgy of the Hours
5 pm Meditation 5:30 pm Prayer
Oratory in the Parish Office

Save the Date

Sunday, December 14Community Chorus of Redlands
In the Church 4-6 pm See page 5 for more information.
Tuesday, December 15Advent Penance Service
7 pm At Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish

St. Rita
Capital Campaign
Q: Who are the members of the Capital
Campaign Cabinet and what is their role?
A. The members of the Cabinet are parishioners who

are committed to successfully guiding the Campaign to

the achievement of our Campaign goals. They have
expressed their support of the Campaign by making a
major donation and giving generously of their time
and energy. The Cabinets role has to do with the
many decisions and elements of the Campaign itself,
not with decisions regarding the building projects.
Meeting twice each month for more than a year, they
have considered and advised on the various facets of
the Campaign.
St. Rita Parish owes much gratitude to these men and
women for their faithful support and trustworthy
counsel, and rely on their wise guidance in the months
ahead.
Charles and Caroline Norman, Honorary Chairs
Tom McKernan, Chair
Dr. Richard Gray
John and Joanne Harabedian
Frank and Patricia Hall
Dave and Jill Muhs
Tom and Ellen Radle
Tom and Margie Romano
Margie Schubert
Jeff and Angel Throop

Catholic Community

See page 4 for more information.

Wednesday, December 17Brass Concert

of Christmas Songs
In the Church 2:30 - 3 pm

All St. Rita School children will attendyou are welcome too!
Sunday, December 21Candlelight Walk
From St. Rita to Kersting Court.
See page 5 for more information.

Friday, December 12Advent Luncheon. Join Avila

Gardens at this Annual Luncheon to prepare our hearts for
the coming of Christ. $5/donation. Avila Gardens, 1171
Encanto Parkway, Duarte, 91010.
RSVP: Avilagardens.com 626/599-2214
Sunday, December 14Advent Day of Reflection,
2:30-4:30 pm. For persons ages 20 through 40.
Embrace JesusSpread the Joy. Mater Dolorosa Retreat
Center, Sierra Madre.
626/355-7188 x101
Saturday, January 10St. Francis High School
Open House, 11am-2pm. Take a campus tour;

interact with students teachers, and coaches; view

demonstrations; and participate in panel discussions.
200 Foothill Blvd., La Caada 91011.
For more information:
818/790-0325

ST. RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH

Ready to dig in!

Ready for the next
batch of pancakes
and customers!

Thanks for a special breakfast

at a very special pricefree!

The pancake chef

and his secret to
making those
designer pancakes!

Dish Duty

Pancake BreakfastNovember 23

Busy in the kitchen