A Catholic Faith Community Since 1908 A Catholic Faith Community Since 1908 A Catholic Faith Community Since 1908

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

My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God!
Psalm 63
TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEAUGUST 31, 2014 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 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
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
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

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) 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 2
nd
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 3

REV. MSGR. RICHARD KREKELBERG
PASTORS CORNER
Really nowis a Gucci Bag, an
Armani suit, a pair of GAP retro
distressed jeans, or for that matter,
a particular type of chocolate
cookie recipeTO DIE FOR?
One would hope not. But then,
what is?

In todays first reading Jeremiah
struggles with what he might be
asked to die for. Angry with God,
in lamentation and desperation, he
cries out that he will no longer
even mention him [God] or
speak in his name. Then
Jeremiah confesses that his
message of prophecy and that for
which his very life will be required,
becomes like fire burning in his
heart making him so weary that
he cannot keep it in. This is the
spirit of a true and truly holy
martyr to the right cause.

In the Gospel Jesus foretells his
own martyrdom and his being
delivered upeven to death on a
crossfor the sake and the cause
of the reign of God and the
salvation of all humankind. It is
the cause of all causes and he is
the Martyr of martyrs. Peters
calling out for God to forbid such
a requirement of Jesus for the sake
of the kingdom invites Jesus
direct and bitter command to
Peter, Get behind me, Satan!
After all, Peter has called upon God
to halt the very mission that Jesus
has been sent to carry out for the
forgiveness of sins and the
reopening of the gates of heaven.
Peter hears death in the message,
but Jesus knows that it is not about
death, but about life and love: God
so loved the world that he sent his
only Son into the worldnot to
condemn, but to save.

So who among Christians is called
TO DI E FOR t he c a us e ?
Historically not the majority of
Christians and, from among his
closest followers, not John the
Apostle (the disciple whom Jesus
loved), and of course not his own
mother, Mary. But Jesus declares
nevertheless that anyone who wishes to
follow him must deny his very self and
take up his cross. The life of a true
Christian in this world is bound to
include a little or a lot of gradual
martyrdom and, for some, the actual
sacrifice of ones own life. It should
certainly go without saying that the
martyrdom we speak of here has
absolutely nothing to do with the
demented planned suicide of a terrorist
reported daily in the media. We must
take care that our children and youth
know well the difference.
As a youth myself I was so impressed
with the heroic example and lives of
the pope martyrs and bishop martyrs,
virgin martyrs, and missionary
martyrs. I was also terrified that
martyrdom might be required of me; I
didnt think I could or would have
such courage. But in reality through
life we die a thousand deaths to that
which simply cannot be allowed or
tolerated for a true Christian. Good
parents, teachers, youth, and, indeed,
all responsible Christians make the
sacrifice and die to that which
presents itself as an obstacle to
Christ and his reignthat is to say,
anything that stands in the way of the
commandments, especially Jesus new
commandment to love as he loves.

Like Peter, however, from time to
time, by our sins, we become that
obstacle to Jesus mission by what
we have done and what we have failed
to do; and that point we also risk
hearing from Jesus, Get behind me,
Satan! We take heart, however,
because in a few minutes we will hear
Jesus say to us once again, This is the
chalice of my blood, which is poured
out for you, for the forgiveness of
sins.
To Die For?
Dear Parishioners,
Msgr. Richard
MASS INTENTIONS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
8:00 AM Elaine Sorich RIP
5:30 PM Cowles Family INT
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
7:30 AM Eduardo Perez RIP
10:00 AM For All Parishioners
12 NOON Florence Smith RIP
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1LABOR DAY
8:00 AM For Workers & Those
Seeking Work
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
8:00 AM Jack & Signe Lynch INT
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
8:00 AM Communion Service
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
8:00 AM Communion Service
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
8:00 AM Carol Caputo RIP
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
8:00 AM Eileen Walsh RIP
5:30 PM Marie Elvia de Piedrahita INT
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
7:30 AM Mandy & Gigi Paggao INT
10:00 AM Norma Pontello RIP
12 NOON For All Parishioners

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK

WednesdaySt. Gregory the Great
FridayFirst Friday

TODAYS READINGS

First ReadingThe name of the
LORD has become like fire burning in
Jeremiahs heart (Jeremiah 20:7-9).
PsalmMy soul is thirsting for you, O
Lord my God (Psalm 63).
Second ReadingBe transformed;
renew your mind; discern what is good
(Romans 12:1-2).
GospelThose who lose their lives for
Jesus sake will find them
(Matthew 16:21-27).











TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEAUGUST 31, 2014 4

PLEASE PRAY FOR
THOSE WHO
HAVE REQUESTED
OUR PRAYERS

Madeleine Loera, Randy Graff, Toni
Navarro, Susan Watson, Molly Lynch,
Juanito & Marilou Pe, Willard Bochte,
Joann Ruggles, Margaret Duran, Eric
Gilmore, 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,
Gerry Krekelberg, Leah Greteman,
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.


This Weeks
Featured Saint
St. Gregory the Great
Gregory was the prefect
of Rome before he was
30. After five years in
office he resigned, founded six
monasteries on his Sicilian estate and
became a Benedictine monk in his own
home at Rome.

Ordained a priest, he became one of
the Pope's seven deacons, and also
served six years in the East as Papal
Representative in Constantinople. At
the age of 50, he was elected Pope.

Pope Gregory was direct and firm. He
removed unworthy priests from office,
forbade taking money for many
services, emptied the papal treasury to
ransom prisoners and to care for
persecuted Jews and the victims of
plague and famine. He was very
concerned about the conversion of
England, sending 40 monks from his
own monastery. He is known for his
reform of the liturgy, for strengthening
respect for doctrine. Whether he was
largely responsible for the revision of
"Gregorian" chant is disputed.

Gregory lived in a time of perpetual
strife. An Anglican historian wrote: "It
is impossible to conceive what would
have been the confusion, the
lawlessness, the chaotic state of the
Middle Ages without the medieval
papacy; and of the medieval papacy, the
real father is Gregory the Great."

His book, Pastoral Care, on the duties
and qualities of a bishop, was read for
centuries after his death. He described
bishops mainly as physicians whose
main duties were preaching and the
enforcement of discipline. In his own
down-to-earth preaching, Gregory was
skilled at applying the daily gospel to
the needs of his listeners. Called "the
Great," Gregory has been given a place
with Augustine, Ambrose and Jerome
as one of the four key doctors of the
Western Church.
Americancatholic.org


Grief Support Groups

The St. Rita Bereavement Ministry
helps families both during and after a
time of bereavement. We encourage
you to consider attending one of the
Support Groups listed below.

Deacon John Hull
355-1292 bereave@st-rita.org

Bereavement Support GroupBegins
Thursday, Sept. 11, 7 - 9 pm. An eight-week
program for those who have lost someone
dear. St. Luke Parish, Parish Resource Center
(located in the Rectory), 5605 Cloverly Ave.,
Temple City . Cost: $12 for a workbook.
Parish Resource Center 626/291-5900
Sherrie 626/287-8504
Good Grief, Bereavement Support
GroupBegins Wednesday, Sept. 17,
7 - 8:30 pm. A six-week support group
continuing until October 22. Facilitated by
Gloria Lee, LMFT. St. Bede the Venerable
Church, 215 Foothill Blvd., La Caada 91011.
Registration/Info:
818/679-1841 or 818/949-4300
gloria@gleecounseling.com

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH 5

Youth Ministry

Youth Nites, 7- 8:30 pm, OMalley
Next Youth NiteWed., Sept. 10
Meets year-round, on the second and
fourth Wednesdays of each month.
Youth Nites are for all teens and we
encourage our teens to invite their
friends to join in the fellowship.

EDGE Middle School Ministry
Monday, September 15, 4 - 5:15 pm
All 6th to 8th grade youth, including St.
Rita School students, are invited to the
EDGE Fellowship Meetings, the first
Monday of each month in Gara Hall.
Registration packet is due by Sept. 15:
st-rita.org/edge-registration-packet.

Confirmation ProgramYear 1
Saturday, September 20, 3:30 - 5:30
Year 1 parents and teens are invited to
attend an important Orientation
Meeting in OMalley Hall with Youth
Mass following at 5:30. To register for
Year 1, please download the
Registration Packet form at
st-rita.org/category/sacraments.

Confirmation ProgramYear 2
Registration due by August 31.
The first Year 2 Session is October 4.
Registration packets are available at the
Parish Office or online:
st-rita.org/confirmation-year-2-
registration-packet-2014.

Theresa Costanzo ym@st-rita.org

Religious Education

Classes for 1st-5th graders begin
Monday, Sept. 15 from 4 5:15 pm.
Forms are available in the Parish
Office. Registration fee is $55 for the
year.

Cristina Cullen dre@st-rita.org

Articles for the Bulletin

Please submit to bulletin@st-rita.org
or to the Parish Office. Ask for or
leave a message for Rosemary,
355-1292 x226. Deadline is 10 days
before the desired weekend.

St. Rita Womens Retreat
October 31-November 2

Its not too early to make your
reservation! (Last year we were not
able to accommodate all who wanted
to attend.) A $50 deposit will hold your
spot. The theme this year is Holy
Waitingin a world that cant wait!

Joan Crow 355-3621



St. Rita Womens Retreat 2012
Interested in becoming Catholic,
or simply want to learn more about the Faith?

Begins September 9 and continues each Tuesday evening.
7:30 pm Parish Office Meeting Room (50 E. Alegria, SM)

RCIAthe Rita of Christian Initiation for Adultsis the formal
way in which anyone interested in becoming Catholic can learn about the faith,
its teachings, Mass and the sacraments. The classes are also open to those
Catholics who want to enrich their understanding of Catholicism.

All you need is a Bible, a notebook and a pen! We provide the rest, including
refreshments. Classes are held generally from September through the Easter
Vigil (April 4, 2015) with holiday breaks. If youre not sure if this is for you,
come to find outyou may be surprised by what you discover!

For more information:
Deacon Manuel Valencia deaconmanuelvalencia@gmail.com
St. Rita Guild Meeting
Friday, September 5 9 am Parish Office Meeting Room

Soon it starts all over againschool, schedules, appointments, andAH! the
Womens Guild! If you have been thinking of becoming active, this is a perfect
time to start. New people with new ideas are needed to help make plans for the
coming year. Come see what were all about!

Patty Sullivan 355-3707 psullivan514@gmail.com
An Evening of Song & Prayer
With Bob Hurd & Anawin
Friday, September 12 7:30 pm
In the Church

Donations accepted at the door to
benefit the Saint Camillus Center for
Spiritual Care. This ministry provides
chaplains who serve at LAC+USC
Medical Center and Keck Medical
Center of USC.

For more information about the concert:
Paul Puccinelli mm@st-rita.org
For more information about the Ministry:
Fr. Chris Ponnet 323/225-4461 x211
Rock the Night Away
Saturday, Sept. 6 6:30 - 10:30 pm

Tickets are going fast! $25 for an
evening of dancing to a live band; light
refreshments; door prizes and more.

Marilyn@st-rita.org 355-1292 x233

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


Monday, September 1Labor Day
Parish Office Closed


Friday, September 5Adoration
After the 8 am Mass until 5 pm
Oratory in the Parish Office

Friday, September 5St. Rita Guild Meeting
9 am Parish Office Meeting Room
See page 5 for more information.

Saturday, September 6Rock the Night Away
See page 5 for more information.


Save the Date Save the Date Save the Date


Sunday, September 7Baptisms
In the Church 1:30 pm Deacon John

Tuesday, September 9RCIA Begins
See page 5 for information

Tuesday, September 9Mens Club Meeting
7 pm OMalley Hall
More information in next weeks Bulletin.

Thursday, September 11Liturgy of the Hours resumes
See next weeks Bulletin for more information.

Friday, September 12An Evening of Song and Prayer
With Bob Hurd and Anawim
St. Rita Church 7:30 pm
See page 5 for more information.

Monday, September 15Cool 2b Catholic
800/838-1356 lacatholicpb.org
Theresa Costanzo ym@st-rita.org

Tuesday, September 16Prayer Breakfast
Paula Guettler 355-1292 x223 paula@st-rita.org

September 27-28Ministry Fair
After all the Masses

October 31-November 2St. Rita Womens Retreat
Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center
See page 5 for more information.
TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEAUGUST 31, 2014 6
Capital CampaignQuestions & Answers

Q: Who are decision makers, that is, who is making all
the decisions about the Campaign and about plans for
St. Rita Parish:

A: Msgr. Richard, as Pastor, and by Canon Law, is the
decision maker in most circumstances in the parish.
However, there are many voices of wisdom that are
heard before decisions are made on any parish issue.
This is required or recommended in Canon Law with
Canon 537 requiring parishes to have a Finance Council
and Canon 536 recommending a Pastoral Council. In
addition Canon 519 states: Moreover, he [the pastor] is
to endeavour to ensure that the faithful are concerned
for the community of the parish, that they feel
themselves to be members both of the diocese and of
the universal Church, and that they take part in and
sustain works which promote this community.

As regards the Campaign and the projects that the
Campaign will address, the following groups act as
advisors to the Pastor: The Finance Council, The
Pastoral Council, The Design Commission, The
Campaign Cabinet, the School Consultative Board. As
in all matters of importance, parish and school leaders
of ministries and organizations are consulted. Most
recently, Msgr. Richard and the Councils have received
advisement and opinion by means of the Feasibility
Study, School Survey and faculty interviews. Additional
town hall meetings will be offered; and final approval
for design must be obtained by the Regional Vicar, the
Archdiocese and the City.
New members of St. Rita Parish




Ted, Donna & Evan Armstrong
Angela Cochran & son Jake
Rosalie Curry
Anthony DeGravina, Jr. and children
Camille & Anthony DeGravina III
John, Sara & Susanne Dietler
Jeff, Christina, Sofia & Chase Fisher
Jaime, Stella, Bailey (Fallon), Sebastian &
Fabian Guzman
Patrick, Elisa, Amanda & Nathan Hadadian
Tom, Doreen, James, Joseph & Mary Harmon
Patrick, Elsa, Samantha & Bailey McKiernan
Joanne Meraz
James, Cynthia, Nora & Sheamus OReilly
Ron, Maria (Palmieri), Sebastian & Anthony Broy
George, Christine & Sarah Tutundjian
Andrew, Carolyn & Audrey Tuba
ST. RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH 7


Catholic Community
& Local Events


Fingerprinting for VIRTUS
Wednesday, September 3rd, 12-3:40 pm & 5:00-7:20 pm. Holy Family Parish, 1501 Fremont Ave. South Pasadena.
Must call for appointment: 626/403-6106.
Tuesday, September 16th, 12-3:40 pm & 5:00-7:20 pm. All Souls Parish, 1500 W Main St. Alhambra.
Must call for appointment: 626/281-0466

Thursday, September 11L.I.F.E. Breakfast and Lecture Downsizing for Seniors. Speaker is Mikki Porreta, Director of
Senior Services for Dilbeck Realtors. Doors open at 8 for registration; buffet breakfast served at 8:30; Speaker at 10 am. Cost $5/
includes raffle prizes. Santa Teresita, 819 Buena Vista St., Duarte 91010.
Information/Reservations: Laura Magallanes 626/408-7825 or 626/256-3059 santa-teresita.org

Friday, September 19, 7:30 pmBach to Broadway Concert. Benefitting the Restoration of St. Andrew Church. Featuring
the Los Angeles Childrens Chorus and other groups. Tickets presale: $50/adult; $30/12 & under. St. Andrew Church, Pasadena.
Information/tickets: standrewpasadena.org

Saturday, September 20, 9 am - 4pmBack to Basics: Apologetics Conference. Speaker: Trent Horn Cost: $35/ person
or whatever you can pay; includes breakfast and lunch. St. Joseph Campus of Sacred Heart Retreat House, 507 N. Granada Avenue,
Alhambra.
RSVP/Info: 626/289-1353 x200

Saturday, September 20, 1 - 3 pmSounds of the Soul. Enjoy inspiring music, tours, gifts and more! Avila Gardens, 1171
Encanto Parkway, Duarte 91010.
Info/reservations: 626/599-2214 avilagardens.com