Msgr. Richard Krekelberg, V. F.

—Pastor
626.355.1292 x. 228 revkrek@st-rita.org
Dcn. Manuel & Chela Valencia—Deacon Couple
626.355.1292 deacon.manuel@yahoo.com
Sheila Palazzolo, Admin. Assist.— x 222 or sheila@st-rita.org
Parish Office/Mailing:
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: pcvc@st-rita.org
Finance Council Chair
Mr. Bill Sullivan: 626.355.3707

Religious Education and Formation

Director of Religious Education (DRE)
Mrs. Cristina Cullen: 626.355.3841, dreC@st-rita.org
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
Team: Deacon Manuel and Chela Valencia;
Susan Blakeslee: rcia@st-rita.org

St. Rita Elementary School

626.355.6114
Principal: Mrs. Joanne Harabedian: jharabedian@st-rita.org
PTO President: Mrs. Monique Howard: 626.355.6114

SAINT RITA MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS

(See Inside Flap, page four)

Mass Times
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.
Please call for a reservation to attend.
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.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Apply through the Office of Religious Education.
NOTE: Adult applicants for the above sacraments should inquire at the
Rectory Offices: 50 E. Alegria Ave. or call 626.355.1292
SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK
(See Inside Flap, page four)
 SAINT RITA CHURCH ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY—AUGUST 15, 2010 P-2

PASTOR’S CORNER TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading — The vision concerning the woman clothed with
Dear Parishioners, the sun (Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab).
Psalm — The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold
If I were to ask, “What is Jesus’ prayer?” I think many if not most (Psalm 45).
would respond, “The Our Father,” or, of course, “The Lord’s Second Reading — Christ, the first fruits; then those who
Prayer.” If I were to ask, then, “What is Mary’s prayer?” I believe belong to him (1 Corinthians 15:20-27).
many would respond, “The Hail Mary.” And that answer would Gospel — Mary praises God in the Magnificat (Luke 1:39-56).
be an understandable mistake; Mary’s prayer is The Magnificat,
which she borrowed in part from Hannah of the Old Testament M A S S S C H E D U L E
(1 Sam 2: 1-10). The Magnificat is Luke’s gift to us. It is a precious
window into the person and character of Mary. That being said, SATURDAY AUGUST 14
how, might we ask, is the claim that “all generations will call me 5:30 PM For All Parishioners
blessed” not a prideful statement? The answer to that question is a SUNDAY AUGUST 15
very important key to being a whole and healthy disciple. 7:30 AM Douglas Logan RIP
10:00 AM Rev. Gregorio Raymundo RIP
Far from being a brag, Mary’s declaration that she will be called 12:00 NOON Buddy Hutson RIP
“blessed” by generations to come is a witness to God’s goodness. MONDAY AUGUST 16
The way one writer, Wilfred Theisen, OSB, puts it, “Were Mary to 8:00 AM Jerome T. Cornelius RIP
be asked, ‘What do you have that you have not received?’ she TUESDAY AUGUST 17
would respond, ‘Nothing.’ (Because) 8:00 AM Victoria Davalos RIP
“Denying her greatness would not be WEDNESDAY AUGUST 18
true humility; it would be denial of 8:00 AM Communion Service
God’s goodness and greatness.” Mary’s THURSDAY AUGUST 19
humility is genuine—the only humility 8:00 AM Communion Service
worthy of a true Christian. Perfect FRIDAY AUGUST 20
humility is an emptying of oneself— 8:00 AM Rev. Angel Sagardoy RIP
emptying in the way that Jesus “emptied SATURDAY AUGUST 21
himself for our sakes even to the point 8:00 AM Henry Delgado RIP
of death—death on a cross.” Mary 5:30 PM Elizabeth Smith RIP
stands empty and ready to receive so that she might be filled with SUNDAY AUGUST 22
God’s grace. Therefore when we allow such emptiness in 7:30 AM Mario DaRe RIP
ourselves, we dispose ourselves to receive the grace we need to 10:00 AM For All Parishioners
carry out the greatest challenges in life. We receive what we need 12:00 NOON Viola Hutson RIP
to do God’s will and say with Mary, whole heartedly, “Be it done
to me according to your will.” SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On the great Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Monday: Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Mary into heaven, let us pray to one day be worthy of our own St. Stephen of Hungary
entrance into God’s glory, for surely and only by God’s grace will Thursday: St. John Eudes
that be accomplished. Let our prayer be that we may be found Friday: St. Bernard
humble before the Lord in all things. In this case it is correct to Saturday: St. Pius X
put ourselves first, because by receiving the grace of true humility,
we will be in the best position to be God’s instruments of his GIVING BACK
mercy and forgiveness, his rendering of justice and of his The Virgin received salvation so that she may give it back to the
peacemaking—of his LOVE. centuries. —Peter Chrysologus
—Msgr. Richard

PASTOR’S NOTES
This week Msgr. Richard has been called for Jury duty. Please take
The Assumption of the
this into consideration in your trying to make contact with him
Blessed Virgin Mary
this week. Thank you!
August 15th
OUR PRAYERS FOR BLESSING AND ABUNDANT
GRACE GO OUT TODAY TO OUR NEIGHBORING Blessed are you among women,
PARISH OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED
VIRGIN MARY ON THEIR PATRONAL FEAST DAY! We And blessed is the fruit of your womb.
give thanks to Almighty God for Fr. Gerard O’Brien’s good —Luke 1: 42
shepherding and for the pastoral life and ministry sustained and
lived by all at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish.
SAINT RITA CHURCH ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY— AUGUST 15, 2010
THE FOLLOWING PARISHIONERS ASK FOR OUR PRAYERS FOR A
SPEEDY RECOVERY AND THEIR RETURN TO HEALTH:
Anne Marie Torre, Mary Ann Slivka, Maria Blust, Roger Renner, Cliff
Hancuff, Lori Little, Marie Larson, Ailey Gardner-Ybarra, Alex Gould,
Hal Finney, Jeffrey Dunagan, Matthew Hatfield, Shirley Seiler, Rudy
Wunderlin, Helen Mary Woodcook, Stacy Hinds-Reed, Annette Collins,
Kenneth Wise, Matteo Begnoche, Lancelot Loera, Edith Olah, Anne
Campbell, John Nese, Claudia Valencia, Fred Mycroft, Clare Marquardt,
Bea Hutchinson, Mary Ann Tellez, Brian Eck, Judy Howard, Charles
Day, Alex Arranaga, Marie Venegoni, Robert McCarraher, Anna Mary
Hession, Betty & Tom Concidine, Mildred Vocelka, Alicia Holt, Jonie
Rose Hall, Ann Twedell, John McCoy, Valentina Tibor, Joseph Moore,
Norma West, Effie DeGroot, Thomas Remillard, Ned Vento.
WE PRAY GOD WILL GRANT ETERNAL REST TO
Robert Albertson
†††
SPECIAL COLLECTION-MISSION SUNDAY
August 21-22
Fr. Ken Deasy will speak at all the Masses on behalf of the Mercy
Centre Hospice for Woman & Children in Bangkok, Thailand.
Please see the insert in this Bulletin for more details about the
Centre. Envelopes are in the pews for this special offering.
Please make checks payable to “St. Rita”.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Attention Families!
Registration is currently underway for the
following programs:
Pre-School Sunday School for 3, 4, and 5 years
old, and Monday Religious Education for
grades 1-5. Forms are available in the parish
office. Please include a copy of your child’s
baptismal certificate and $50 fee per child. We
cannot wait to have you join us this Fall!
Information for grades 6-8 and Confirmation coming soon.
► Teacher Needed ◄
We need a teacher volunteer for the Religious Education Program
for 3rd grade. All curriculum and planning is done for you, and
this experience is one that is truly rewarding.
Questions—contact Cristina Cullen at dre@st-rita.org or
626/294-9616.
RCIA CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 14
Are you interested in becoming a Catholic? Perhaps
you’re not sure and simply want to inquire about
the Faith. Or are you a Catholic who wants to gain
enrichment in your faith?
Then come to orientation on the Rite of Christian
Initiation for Adults (RCIA), Tuesday, September
14, at 7:30 pm in the St. Rita Rectory. The RCIA team of Deacon
Manuel and Chela Valencia and Susan Blakeslee will lead classes
every Tuesday from 7:30-9 pm, with classes concluding during
Holy Week 2011.
To register for RCIA, just come to the first class. For more
information, please call Deacon Manuel at 662/355-8322.
Enjoy the fellowship. Learn about the Catholic Faith in a relaxed
and informal environment. Join us on this exciting spiritual
journey!
P-3
ATTENTION 6TH, 7TH, AND 8TH GRADERS
Now forming a teen choir to sing at the 5:30 Saturday Mass
beginning in September. Contact our Music Minister, Paul, at
mm@st-rita.org or 626/201-1588.
ST. RITA SENIOR MINISTRY
Thank you to all who have completed the Senior Ministry
Questionnaire. We will start combining the information in
September. It’s not too late to complete a survey!
CLEANING YOUR CLOSETS FOR THE FALL?
The St. Vincent de Paul truck will be here on Sunday, Sept. 26th.
More info in future bulletins.
ST. RITA ANNUAL WOMAN’S RETREAT
November 5, 6, 7
Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center
Reservations or information, please contact
Retreat Captain Joann Ruggles 355-3904 or
Co-Captains Terry Cummings 355-8895 or
Ana Ptasinksi 355-3146.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Save Saturday Sept. 11 for 2 events that our parish is involved in:
Sierra Madre Family Preparedness Festival
Memorial Park 9-3
A Taste of Sierra Madre
Kersting Court 9-4:30
See flyers in Vestibule.
INTERNET SAFETY
One of the main reasons that children do not report
the inappropriate content they find online is fear of
punishment from parents. If you let them know that
it is not their fault if they come across an
inappropriate site, they will be more willing to come
to you when it happens. If your children ever show
you a site that contains illegal behavior, such as
pornographic images of children, contact your Internet Service
Provider and the Cyber Tipline at www.cybertipline.com
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please email announcements to bulletin@st-rita.org as early as
possible. Announcements are due by 10 am Thursday, 10 days
before the Sunday publication. Publication priority will depend
on the date of the event and/or space available. Thank you for
your understanding and cooperation.
****************************************************
NOTICE FOR PARISH OFFICE STAFF
(cut out and drop in collection basket)
_________________________________________________________
Name (please print)
_____ Please add the above name to sick list.
_____ Please REMOVE above name from sick list.
_____ The above name would like to receive Communion at home.
Contact: phone #_________________________________________
AUGUST 15, 2010 SAINT RITA CHURCH P-4

Directory of Ministries and Organizations

Liturgy & Worship
Music: Mr. Paul Puccinelli: mm@st-rita.org
Mrs. Mary Bigley Cronin: 626.445.8306
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-Virgil Archambault
Weekdays: John Bigley, Virgil Archambault, Margaret Duran
Porter: (Evening Church Lockup) Sheila Palazzolo
Environment: Mrs. Barbara LeVeque /Mr. Gil Lazo 626.355.1292
Hospitality
Greeters & Ushers: Mr. Erny Henry: 626.289.3504; 626.446.6715
New Members/Welcome: Dick & Chris Bertrand pr@st-rita.org
Youth Minister
John Perez: ym@st-rita.org Youth Office Phone: 626.355.1852
Bereavement Team Ministry
St. Rita Parish Office: 626.355.1292 (Sheila Palazzolo)
Organizations
Christian Family : Mary Grace Shinnick 626.355.0764
Men’s Club: Tim O’Connor: 355-5053 the4oconnors@yahoo.com
St. Rita Guild: Ms. Kathy Coyne: 355.4873, kdcoyne@aol.com
Senior Ministry (in formation): Contact Parish Office
Shawl Ministry: Mary Taillac 626/355-3179 or Ann Wolf 355-7445.
Other Contacts
Archivist: Mrs. Marilyn McKernan, contact Parish Office
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
Let Saint Rita Be There For You . . .
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.
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 Lord’s 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 that since we only have one resident
priest, sometimes arrangements for another priest may be needed.
AUGUST 15, 2010 SAINT RITA CHURCH P-5

Happenings At St. Rita…

Meetings, Ministry & Special Events

► This Week & Ongoing ◄

Sat. Aug. 21 and Sun. Aug. 22—Missionary Appeal

Fr. Ken Deasy speaking at all the Masses.
Coffee and donuts after the Sunday Masses.

Religious Education Registration

See page 3 for information.

Teen Choir Forming—Now!

See page 3 for more information.

The Book—Ongoing Sales

Available in the Parish Office
$55/cash or check
Weekday Hours—9 to 7 Saturday—9 to 2

Save the Date

Tuesday, September 14—RCIA Classes begin

See page 3 for information.

Sunday, September 19th—Preschool Program Begins

During the 10 am Mass
Ages 3—5 years old

Monday, Sept. 20th—Religious Ed Classes Begin

4 pm—5:15 pm
Grades 1-5

Sunday, Sept. 26th—Bundle Sunday

St. Vincent de Paul truck will be here for your donations.

November 5, 6, 7—Women’s Annual Retreat

Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center
See page 3 for more information.