Msgr. Richard Krekelberg, V. F.

Pastor
626.355.1292 x. 228 revkrek@st-rita.org Dcn. Manuel & Chela ValenciaDeacon Couple deaconmanuelvalencia@gmail.com 626.355.1292 Dcn. John Hulljohnhull65@gmail.com 626.355.1292 Weekend Presiders: Fr. Chris Thiel, OFM Cap. Rev. Msgr. John Morales Parish Operations Manager: Tim Lopez 626.355.1292 Office Email: ParishAdmin@st-rita.org

Parish Office/Mailing Address: 50 East Alegria Ave., Sierra Madre, CA 91024 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am to 7:00pm; Sat. 9am-2pm Office Phone: 626.355.1292
Pastoral Council Vice Chair Mr. George Landis: 626.355.1292 Finance Council Chair Mr. Bill Sullivan: 626.355.3707 Director of Liturgy & Music Mr. Paul Puccinelli: mm@st-rita.org Director of Religious Education Mrs. Cristina Cullen: 355.3841, dre@st-rita.org Director of Youth Ministry/Confirmation Mrs. Theresa Bui Costanzo: 355.1852, ym@st-rita.org RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Team: Deacon Manuel and Chela Valencia; Susan Blakeslee: rcia@st-rita.org St. Rita SchoolOffice: 626.355.6114 Principal: Mrs. Joanne Harabedian: jharabedian@st-rita.org SAINT RITA MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS
(See Inside Flap, page four)

SUNDAYS: Sat. 5:30 pm; Sunday 7:30 am; 10 am; & 12 N WEEKDAYS: Mon., Tues., Fri., and Sat. 8:00 am (Wed. & Thurs. 8 am Communion Services) HOLY DAYS: (eve of) 5:30 pm; (day of) 8 am & 6:30 pm. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (Confessions) Saturdays 4-5 pm or by appointment DEVOTIONS Our Lady of Perpetual Help Devotions: Saturdays 7:50 am Adoration: First Fridays 8:30 am 6:30 pm, Rectory Oratory. 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 & 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.

Mass Times

Sunday, January 1, 2012

NOTE: Adult applicants for the above sacraments should inquire at the
Parish Office: 50 E. Alegria Ave. or call 626.355.1292. SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK (See Inside Flap, page four)

SAINT RITA CHURCH

THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GODJANUARY 1, 2012

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PASTORS CORNER
Dear Parishioners, 2012 is upon us! And to start the New Year off on the right foot, the Church offers us THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD. Some people have a hard time wrapping their minds around the concept of Mother of God. How could God be Godwithout beginning or endif God had a mother? But, of course, a Christian should immediately reflect back on another phrase, before getting all scholastic: Only begotten of the Father (consubstantial with him, no less), should put us in the right frame of mind and heart. Not only should we give Mary the title of Mother of God, but we should all understand that we have the same calling: TO BEAR CHRIST TO THE WORLD. In profound humility, we realize that we are all potentially mothers and fathers of God in so far as we are made instruments of the Divine Presence. God abiding in us visits the sick and brings glad tiding to the poor. Of course Marys mothering is different in that she physically bore Jesus Christ our Savior. Nevertheless, our calling is to be with her a theotokos (a God bearer). This is the reason why Marys promotion at the first of the year, then, is so appropriate. What a wonderful testimony she is to deeper faith, abiding hope, and the call to love in 2012. Let us imitate Mary, Gods Mother and Our Blessed Mother, in the way we live our lives this new year. Her more practical title for us is First Disciple of Our Lord. As pastor, I suggest we spend little time with those predicting 2012 as the end of the world (No one knows the day nor the hournot even the Mayans!)and spend much more time dedicating ourselves to bettering our families, all of our relationships, and this world we live in, by keeping The Commandments of the Lord and Jesus Beatitudes. With this it will be a banner New Yearno matter what all else may transpire. Blessed New Year to one and all! Msgr. Richard

TODAYS READINGS
First Reading The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! (Numbers 6:22-27). Psalm May God bless us in his mercy (Psalm 67). Second Reading God sent the Spirit of the Son into our hearts, crying out, Abba, Father! So you are no longer a slave but an heir, through God (Galatians 4:4-7). Gospel The shepherds glorified and praised God for all they had heard and seen (Luke 2:16-21). SATURDAY 4:00 PM 10:30 PM SUNDAY 7:30 AM 10:00 AM 12 NOON MONDAY 8:00 am TUESDAY 8:00 am WEDNESDAY 8:00 AM THURSDAY 8:00 AM FRIDAY 8:00 AM SATURDAY 8:00 am 5:30 pm SUNDAY 7:30 am 10:00 am 12 Noon DECEMBER 31NEW YEARS EVE William J. Sullivan RIP For All Parishioners JANUARY 1NEW YEARS DAY Tom McGuire RIP Grace Kaiser RIP William J. Sullivan RIP JANUARY 2 SS. BASIL THE GREAT & Jeanne Nutt INT GREGORY NAZIANZEN JANUARY 3 THE MOST HOLY NAME Rev. Patrick A. Meskill RIP OF JESUS JANUARY 4 ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON Communion Service JANUARY 5 ST. JOHN NEUMANN Communion Service J ANUARY 6 F IRST F RIDAY William Cosso RIP JANUARY 7 Gloria Thor RIP William J. Sullivan RIP JANUARY 8EPIPHANY OF THE LORD Frances Cosso RIP Pat Jewitt RIP For All Parishioners

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT THE PRIESTHOOD?

Maybe you have unanswered questions, or would like some information. A discernment group for those interested in the priesthood meets at: Assumption BVM Church, 2640 E. Orange Grove Blvd.. on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 pm. If you are a single man interested in the ordained ministry, why not call Fr. Gerard OBrien, pastor, at 626/792-1343. Come see what the Lord has to offer you. Visit the Assumption parish website for more information: abvmpasadena.org

STEWARDSHIP AND TODAYS SCRIPTURES

The first reading today recalls Gods special blessing upon the Israelites. The Lord has been gracious to us as well, pouring into our hearts that spirit which knows Him as Father and makes us His children. May we, like Mary, treasure these things in our hearts and live gratefully!

PASTORS NEWS NOTES

The annual Candlelight Walk to Kersting Court was very well attended this yearthank you Lord for the good weather! Paul Puccinelli and his brass group were a beautiful addition playing while the walkers were gathering. Deacon John Hull welcomed all of the participants, many from other congregations and cities. The Adopt-A-Family program supplied 30 families with gifts an article of clothing for each adult & child along with toys or gift cards. The Giving Tree supplied another bountiful assortment of individual gifts for St. Anthony to distribute. There were 4 deliveries to St. Anthony using 8 sleighs to transport the gifts. Your generosity and loving kindness will be remembered for many years by many families!

Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

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THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GODJANUARY 1, 2012

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WE WELCOME YOU TO ST. RITA PARISH

Whether you are visiting from out of town or from just around the corner, welcome to St. Rita. We are glad that you are worshipping with us during this Christmas Season. If you are from just around the corner, we hope that you think about joining us every Sunday and becoming a member of our worship community.

SENIOR MINISTRY
Thank you to all who helped with the Senior Ministry Boutique! Despite the windstorm and short notice, the event was a great success. What a team! Thank you again. Marilyn McKernan

Catholic Community & Local Events

Open Houses for incoming students at local High Schools: St. Francis High School: Saturday, January 7, Noon to 3 pm. For more information: 818/790-1325. Damien High School: Saturday, January 7 beginning at 11 am. For information: outreach@damien-hs.edu or 909/596-1940. Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy: Sunday January 8 beginning at 12 noon. Admissions Office: 626/685-8333. Study of the Old TestamentJoin the Carmelite Sisters every Tuesday night from 7-8:30 pm, beginning January 10. St. Joseph Campus, 507 N. Granada Ave, Alhambra 91801. There is no cost to attend. RSVP 626/289-1353 x302.. Bereavement Program, St. Lukes ParishAn eight-week support group for those who have lost someone dear. The 2hour sessions begin Thursday, January 12 at 7 p.m. Please call 626/291-5900 or Sherrie 626/287-8504 for more information. Avila Gardens Tea, Talk & Tour!Sunday, January 22, 1-3 pm. Speaker: Sr. Rosario Therese, OCD; a free Mary Kay Pampering Session; Afternoon Tea; Door Prizes and More! Avila Gardens, 1171 Encanto Pkwy, Duarte. www.avilagardens.com

YOUR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS OFFERINGS

Are your gift beyond the weekly offering. These special offerings represent a good percentage of our working budget and allow for many expenses that cannot be anticipated. Your weekly offering is your ongoing support of YOUR church. We ask that you contribute to the Sunday offerings as you do each week and make special Christmas and New Years Offerings. Thank You! The next Guild Meeting will be Friday, January 6 at 9 a.m. in OMalley Hall. All the women of the parish are invited to attend as we plan for our Annual Card Party. If you have any questions, please call Kathy Coyne at 355-4873.

ST. RITA LADIES GUILD

ST. RITA MENS CLUB

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 10 at 7 p.m. in OMalley Hall. All men of the parish are welcome! This annual event will take place on Saturday, January 14, at the Alverno Vila. Admission is $10 + one bottle of good wine. Tickets may be purchased in the School Office after January 5th. Information: Hoffman@stritaschool.org As long as your check is dated December 31 AND your envelope is placed in the Offertory this weekend OR your mailed envelope was postmarked December 31, we will be able to credit your donation for income tax purposes to the 2011 calendar year.

ST. RITA PTOWINTER WINE FEST

SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN

Articles from the Archdiocese are on our website: st-rita.org; select Publications, then Safeguard the Children.

HOW TO CONTACT US
Bulletin Articlesmust be submitted 10 days before the Sunday of publication. Email: bulletin@st-rita.org or drop off information at the Parish Office. Parish OfficeParishAdmin@st-rita.org Ministry to the Sick or HomeboundPlease contact the Parish Office if you, or someone you know, would like to receive Communion at home or would like to be added to the Prayer List.

YEAR END APPEAL2011

All are welcome even if this is your first time attending! Join us on Thursday, January 12 at 7 pm in the Parish Office.

BIBLE STUDY RESUMES

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

Candidates are expected to attend both the Class and the Mass. Please sit in the front pews of the Church.

in OMalley, followed by the Youth Mass at 5:30 pm. Year 2 Confirmation Class Sunday, January 8 following the 10 a.m. Mass (from @11:15-12:45).

YOUTH MINISTRYCONFIRMATION Year 1 Confirmation Class Saturday, January 7 at 4 pm

Katherine Lass, Lewis Cenicola,Wendy Wolf Fadel, Gil Lazo, Dorothy Van Gordon, John McCoy, Rosanne Kenny, Lisa Levesque, Hal Finney, Mary Elizabeth Nealey, Brent McGinley, Lois Patt, Sadaaki Matsutani, Kathleen Ramsey, Louise Bigley, Winnie McQuiggan, Christa Owen, Ailey Gardner-Ybarra, Cathy Hundshamer, Eva Bernejo, Laurie Larkin Masella, Rudy Wunderlin, Edith Olah, Matteo Begnoche, Lancelot Loera, Fred Mycroft, Clare Marquardt, Brian Eck, Alex Arranaga, Anna Mary Hession, Mildred Vocelka, Ann Twedell, Joseph Moore, Effie DeGroot, Ned Vento.

Catherine Haas

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SAINT RITA CHURCH

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Directory of Ministries and Organizations

Liturgy & Worship
Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers: David & Jill Muhs 626.355.9810 em@st-rita.org Altar Servers, Youth: Mrs. Kathy Ganino: 626.398.9302 Altar Servers, Adult: Mr. Bill Cosso Eucharistic Adoration: Mrs. Marylyn Barnes Rosary Prayer Group: Mrs. Marylyn Barnes 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: Mrs. Barbara LeVeque /Mr. Gil Lazo 626.355.1292 Bereavement Ministry: Call Parish Office: 626.355.1292 Christian Family: Terri Cummings 626.355.8895 Greeters & Ushers: Mr. Erny Henry: 626.289.3504; 626.446.6715 Mens Club: Tim OConnor: 355.5053 the4oconnors@yahoo.com New Members/Welcome: Dick & Chris Bertrand pr@st-rita.org St. Rita Guild: Ms. Kathy Coyne: 355.4873, kdcoyne@aol.com Senior Ministry: Marilyn McKernan, marilyn@st-rita.org Shawl Ministry: Mary Taillac 355.3179 or Marilyn Delgatto 355.8717

Parish Ministries & Organizations

Other Contacts
Archivist: Mrs. Marilyn McKernan, marilyn@st-rita.org Bulletin Submissions: bulletin@st-rita.org or drop off at Office Public Relations: Mrs. Chris Bertrand: pr@st-rita.org Registration Information: rc@st-rita.org; 626.355.1292 Webmaster: Ralph Seymour: seymour@seymourmedia.com

Communion for Sick and Homebound Parishioners

St. Rita ministers provide Communion home visits. Contact the Parish office or Jill Muhs, 626.355.9810, em@st-rita.org.

Let Saint Rita Be There For You . . .

If Someone In Your Family Becomes Seriously Ill

Please notify us (626.355.1292) 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!

If You Should Experience the Loss of a Loved One

Please call us at 626.355.1292 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.

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SAINT RITA CHURCH

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Meetings, Ministry & Special Events

This Week at St. Rita

New Years DayJanuary 1, 2012

Regular Sunday Mass Schedule

Parish Office Reopens

Tuesday, January 3rd, 9 am

Thursday, January 5Liturgy of the Hours

Resumes after the holiday break. 5:30, Music and silent meditation. 6 pmPrayers

Friday, January 6Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Parish Office Oratory after 8 am Mass until 5 pm

Friday, January 6St. Rita Guild Meeting

9 am, OMalley Hall See page 3 for information.

Saturday, January 7Youth Mass

5:30 pm

Sunday, January 8Baptisms

In the Church, 1:30 pm

Sunday, January 8Blood Drive

8:30-2:30 pm, OMalley Hall

Save the Date

Tuesday, January 10St. Rita Mens Club
7 pm, OMalley Hall See page 3 for information.

Thursday, January 12Bible Study Resumes

7 pm in the Parish Office. All are welcome!

Saturday, January 14Winter Wine Fest

Sponsored by the St. Rita PTO See page 3 for information.