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: 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: 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 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 5:00 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, June 24, 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 NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTISTJUNE 24, 2012

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PASTORS CORNER
Dear Parishioners, I offer for your consideration this Reflection on this great Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Msgr. Richard God tells Jeremiah: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you. But Jeremiah resists, Ah, Lord God!I am too young. Jeremiahs hesitation causes us to remember John the Baptist, who was very busy about his tasks even before his birth! In Lukes account of the visitation, we are told that John leapt in Elizabeths womb when Mary greeted her. Johns evangelical task was begun in the womb. The refrain from todays Responsorial Psalm instructs us that we, too, are the beloved of Godwatched over, prompted and encouraged at every step. We who are the beloved of God are reminded that though we have not seen Christ in the flesh, we rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy as we seek to attain the goal of faith, the salvation of our souls. Jeremiah and John the Baptist and all those in our prophetic tradition have served us so that the Good News might be preached to us today through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels longed to look. Our place in these tasks of proclaiming the kingdom of God might cause us to tremble as we consider the consequences, the challenges, and the changes in our routine that will be necessary if we truly wish to imitate John in preparing the way for the Messiah. Todays Mass suggest how seeking to follow John as he follows Jesus will shape our lives. He alone of all the prophets pointed out the Lamb of redemption. Johns act of vigilance and faith in pointing out Jesus is celebrated each time we prepare for communion as the priest, showing the host and the chalice to the people, says Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who takes away the sins of the world. The Preface of todays Mass reminds us of another sacred moment, And to make holy the flowing waters, he [John] baptized the very author of Baptism and was privileged to bear him supreme witness by the shedding of his blood. Let us pray today that we, each of us, may be as successful in our missions and vocations as John was in his!
William C. Graham, a priest of the Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota, is professor of historical theology and director of the Braegelman Program in Catholic Studies at the College of St. Scholastica.

TODAYS READINGS First ReadingI will make you a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:1-6). PsalmI praise you for I am wonderfully made (Psalm 139). Second ReadingJohn heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance (Acts 13:22-26). GospelJohn is his name (Luke 1:57-66, 80).
SATURDAY

8:00 AM 5:30 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

JUNE 23 Edward Bradley RIP Rev. Msgr. Charles OGorman RIP JUNE 24 Giovana Sergi RIP For All Parishioners Mary Natale RIP JUNE 25 Frances Sau Bui RIP JUNE 26 Roland Brennan & Angela Brennan RIP JUNE 27ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA Communion Service JUNE 28ST. IRENAEUS Communion Service J UNE 29 S S . P ETER & P AUL Ashley Faire INT JUNE 30 Rev. Paul Caporali, S.D.B. RIP Ana Uyemura RIP JULY 1 Juana Jasso RIP Mildred Lehmann RIP For All Parishioners

PASTORS NEWS NOTES

St. Ritas Parish Director of AdministrationIt is my pleasure to announce to our St. Rita Parish Family that Mary Lou Butler has accepted our offer to fill the position of Parish Director of Administration (PDA). This new position will replace the previous position of Parish Operations Manager to align with a position more commonly in use by Catholic parishes. Some of you will immediately recognize Mary Lou as the former Administrator/ Development Director at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center. She indeed comes to us with a rich background in church related administration, financial management, and capital campaign coordination. Best of all, Mary Lou comes to us a woman of deep faith and with great desire to build the Kingdom of God on earth. Her start date is July 1, 2012, and we will be introducing her in person to our parishioners at parish masses and group meetings throughout the summer. Please join me in expressing thanks to Deacon Manuel Valencia (Chair) and the members of the search committee: Joanne Harabedian, Billy Sullivan, Paula Guettler, and Rosemary Hagerott. Their hours were many and it was very difficult to choose the several top applicants. We are very grateful, as well, to the applicants who chose to apply. Each demonstrated zeal for parish life and ministry and presented most impressive resumes. Msgr. Richard

Nativity of John the Baptist

Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet. Acts 13:25

SAINT RITA CHURCH

THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTISTJUNE 24, 2012

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SPECIAL COLLECTIONTHIS SUNDAY

Peters PenceThis annual appeal assists our Pontiff with funding those throughout the Church who need help. JUNE 21JULY 4 Today begins the two-week observance for Catholics nationwide to emphasize the importance of religious liberty in our country. Please refer to the insert from last weeks bulletin or visit the websites la-archdiocese.org or fortnight4freedom.org for more information.

ATTENTION YOUNG ADULTS

The Theology on Tap series starts in July. Info: La-archdiocese.org/org/ore/yam/Pages/tot.aspx Each of the seven sites offers a great speaker and a great evening of fun/community.

FORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOM

Catholic Community & Local Events FOR THOSE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED A LOSS
Grief Support GroupMeets on Thursdays, 3-4:30 pm at the Pasadena Senior Center, Community Room, 85 E. Holly Street, Pasadena. RSVP: Jodi Casserly, VITAS Social Worker, 626/918-2273. Journey Through GriefMeets Fridays from 1:30-3pm at the Arcadia Community Center, 365 Campus Drive, Arcadia. Series in progress, continues until July 20. Info and RSVP: 626/974-2045. Cancer Support CommunityOpen to all who have experienced the death of a spouse, parent, sibling, or child due to cancer. Ongoing bereavement group, meditation and yoga classes, and other classes. Free. 200 E. Del Mar Blvd., Suite 118, Pasadena. For more information: 626/796-1083

NEXT FOOD DRIVEWEEKEND OF JULY 14-15

This is our only food drive of the summer and St. Anthony Parish is relying on us to help them meet their needs. Take advantage of salescanned goods, cereals, peanut butter, tuna, pastas, baby food, and other non-perishables. You may also contribute cash or checks (payable to St. Anthony). This drive is sponsored by the St. Rita Senior Ministry and the Mens Club. Thank you for your help!

BACKPACK AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE

Help send a deserving child back to school in style! We are again sponsoring this drive for the St. Francis Center in downtown Los Angeles. The drive will be from July 21 through July 29. More details and a list of needed items will be provided in a future bulletin.

HOW TO CONTACT US
Bulletin Articlesmust be submitted 10 days before the desired 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.

SIERRA MADRE 4TH OF JULY PARADE

Plan to join Monsignor Richard and your fellow parishioners as part of the paradewhether walking, cycling, or scooter-ing your way down the parade route. More information to follow.

SAFEGUARD THE CHLDREN

What to Know Before Your Child Boards the AirplaneEvery airline has slightly different policies on how they accommodate unaccompanied children. General information and insights concerning airline policies are available at: AirSafe.com Select Airline Rules for Unaccompanied Children. For particular help, you may call the Archdiocesan Assistance Ministry, 213/637-7650.
PARISHIONERS WHO REQUEST OUR PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND RETURN TO GOOD HEALTH

VACATION TIME!
Monsignor Richard leaves for his well-earned vacation in early July and will be gone for the month. Have a good rest, Monsignor, and dont think about us too often! Father Roberto Ike arrives at St. Rita on July 4welcome! Were happy you have chosen to be with us once again during our pastors absence.

BLOOD DRIVESUNDAY, JULY 8

Join with fellow Parishioners in donating the gift of life. The drive will be held from 8:30-2:30 in OMalley Hall. To schedule an appointment, contact Marilyn McKernan 355-1292 marilyn@st-rita.org

TOGETHER IN MISSION (TIM)

We need your help to meet our assessed goal! A donation of $25 or more, multiplied by the 900+ St. Rita Parish families that have not yet participated, will help us achieve our goal. TIM envelopes are available in the Vestibule. Please make your check payable to Together in Mission and drop your envelope in the Sunday Offering basket or deliver it to the Parish Office. Credit cards may also be used. Thank you for being a contributing member to the St. Rita Parish TIM Appeal.

Jackie Bagnuolo, Ann Shier, Mary Ellen Isoard, Tim Stanley, Antoinette Wassef, Theresa Morcos, Aspet Herapetian, Tony Comaianni, Beatrice Da Re, Ian Blakeslee, David Molina, Rose Mary Taquino, Mary Ellen Isoard, Selma Tuffs, Sonia Kosker, David Duran, Rosemarie Gorman, Paul Viger, Julie Meyer, Zdenka Czerny, Debra Ann Williamson, Cliff Hancuff, Wendy Wolf Fadel, Dorothy Van Gordon, Rosanne Kenny, Lisa Levesque, Hal Finney, Mary Elizabeth Nealey, Kathleen Ramsey, Louise Bigley, 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.

Danny Staggs

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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: Nick Sotis: 358-2495 nick.sotis@pro-sites.net New Members/Welcome: Dick & Chris Bertrand pr@st-rita.org St. Rita Guild: Patty Sullivan : 355.3707, psullivan514@gmail.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: 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

June 21 thru July 4Fortnight for Freedom
See page 3 for more information. Monday, June 25Baptismal Preparation Class (For July 8 Baptisms) 7 pm, Parish Rectory Office

Save the Date

Wednesday, 4th of July Join us in the Parade!
See page 3 for more information.

Sunday, July 8Blood Drive 8:30-2:30, OMalley Hall See page 3 for more information.

Sunday, July 8Baptisms Note: Change of Date 1:30 pm in the Church Wednesday, July 11Youth Nite 7:00 pm, Gara Hall

Weekend of July 14 & 15Food Drive

See page 3 for more information.

July 21 thru July 29Backpack & School Supplies Drive

Please see page 3 for more information.