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: 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 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.

Mass Times

Sunday, April 1, 2012

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.

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)

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PASSION SUNDAYAPRIL 1, 2012

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BEARING PALM BRANCHES IS A COMMITMENT TO KEEP HOLY WEEK HOLY

The following will be the Observance of Holy Week 2012 at Saint Rita Parish. I am looking forward to celebrating it with you! Msgr. Richard
Passion (Palm) SundayApril 1 A Christian should not let the holy irony of Passion Sunday escape him or her: We begin (as did those first followers of Jesus) singing Hosannah in the highest to the Son of David! marking Jesus triumphant entrance into Jerusalemonly minutes later to proclaim the Passion which marks almost complete abandonment of Jesus in face of the Cross. Such is our life of faithfulness and sin even today. Monday of Holy WeekApril 2 The principle celebration of today will be The Mass of the Holy Chrism to be celebrated by Archbishop Jos Gomez in the Mother Church, Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral (7:00 pm). Here all of our auxiliary bishops, hundreds of religious and parishioners from all over the archdiocese, and well over 600 priests and deacons will witness as the Archbishop consecrates the Holy Chrism, The Oil of Catechumens, and the Oil of the Sick. The Chrism and Oils will then be distributed throughout the archdiocese for use in the sacraments. All in attendanceclergy, religious, and laywill renew vows and promises. Anyone is welcome to attend this most impressive celebration of the Eucharist. Tuesday of Holy WeekApril 3 Regular 8 am Mass, with confessions available at our Lenten Penance Service at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish7 pm, Liturgy of the Word, followed by opportunity for individual confession (8 12 priests will be hearing confessions). Wednesday of Holy WeekApril 4 Regular 8 am Communion Service. Holy ThursdayApril 5 The Beginning of The Triduum. 7:30 pm, Solemn Mass of the Lords Supper. Sometimes referred to as the anniversary of all priests, this celebration of the Eucharist will include: the Solemn Reception of the Chrism and Holy Oils for use at St. Rita, the Commemoration for Jesus Washing of the Feet (What I have done you also must do!), and, after Mass, the Procession of the Holy Eucharist to the Altar of Repose. The Holy Eucharist will remain for adoration until 11:00 pm. Good FridayApril 6 No Masses are allowed to be celebrated on Good Friday; nor will there be the presence of the Holy Eucharist in the church. At 1:30 pm, we will observe the Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday. This will include: the Proclamation of the Passion of Jesus Christ; the Singing of the Great General Intercessions; the Solemn Entrance of The Cross followed by Veneration of The Cross; and Holy Communion. Any remaining Eucharist will be once again removed from the church, recalling Jesus time in the tomb.

TODAYS READINGS First ReadingIn spite of my sufferings I am not disgraced. I am not put to shame (Isaiah 50:4-7). PsalmMy God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
(Psalm 22).

Second ReadingChrist emptied himself, and God filled this emptiness with exaltation (Philippians 2:6-11). Gospel The account of Christs passion according to Mark
(Mark 14:115:47). SATURDAY

8:00 AM 5:30 PM SUNDAY 7:30 AM 10:00 AM 12 NOON MONDAY NO MASS TUESDAY 8:00 AM WEDNESDAY 8:00 AM THURSDAY 7:30 PM FRIDAY 1:30 PM SATURDAY 7:30 PM SUNDAY 7:30 AM 10:00 AM 12 NOON

MARCH 31 Liam Courtney RIP For All Parishioners APRIL 1 Michael Delgatto RIP Amelia Moreno RIP Jos Gatchalian RIP APRIL 2 Chrism Mass at Cathedral, 7 pm APRIL 3 Lewis Cenicola RIP APRIL 4 Communion Service APRIL 5MASS OF THE LORDS SUPPER Angela Brennan RIP A PRIL 6G OOD F RIDAY S ERVICES Liturgy, Communion & Veneration APRIL 7SOLEMN VIGIL OF EASTER For All Parishioners APRIL 8EASTER SUNDAY Michael Delgatto RIP McNair Family INT Candace Laue RIP

continued from bottom of previous column

Holy SaturdayApril 7 The church remains empty and silent throughout the day. [Those cleaning and preparing the church should do so quietly, using only whispered tones.] 7:30 pm, the Solemn Liturgical RitesLighting of the New Fire and Blessing of the Paschal Candle (outside the Church); The Easter Proclamation (Exsultet); the Liturgy of the Word with 3 Old Testament Readings, Gloria and Opening Prayer, the Epistle, First Alleluia of Easter, and the Gospel; Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, with the Blessing of Water and the Renewal of Baptismal Promises; and completion of the First Mass of Easter.

Continued at bottom of next column

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord [Christ Jesus] humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point Philippians 2:8 of death, even death on a cross.

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PASSION SUNDAYAPRIL 1, 2012

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JOURNEY TO THE CROSS

This Sunday evening in the Church at 7 pm. Experience Jesus journey to Calvary through prayer and song. Featuring the choir of St. Rita along with choir members of 4 other area churches. Reception to follow in OMalley Hall. Free will offering. Thank you to Youth Ministry for the very moving presentation of the Living Stations this past Friday. A very special thank you to Gil Lazo and Kathy Ganino who helped our Youth Minister, Theresa Costanzo, with the costuming for the participants. And a hearty thank-you to the Youth Ministry parents who provided the final Soup Kitchen of the 2012 Lenten Season at St. Rita.

Catholic Community & Local Events

Living in Faith EverydayThursday, April 12, 8:30 am. This months speaker, Dr. Vincent Fortanasce, M.D., will talk about his experience when he was summoned in August 2002 to tend to Pope John Paul II. $4.50 for seniors. Madonna Hall, Santa Teresita, 819 Buena Vista, Duarte. Info/Reservations: 626/256-3059 Catholic Singles NetworkSaturday, April 14, 7pm-1am. Jazz, food, desserts, coffee station. $20. Robanos Italian Restaurant, 10057 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, 91602. Info/RSVP: Jeanette 626/437-7905 Sacred Heart Womens RetreatApril 27-29 or May 4-6. At the Sacred Heart Retreat Camp, Big Bear Lake. Come and be refreshed! Donation $90. Info/Reservations: 909/866-5696

STATIONS OF THE CROSS AT ST. RITA

GOOD FRIDAY STATIONS OF THE CROSS

The Passionists welcome you to Mater Dolorosa on Good Friday, April 6. Come to prayerfully experience the outdoor Stations, walking the same distance walked by Jesus on the road to Calvary. The grounds are open 9-noon for individuals who want to prayerfully meditate. The grounds then close at noon and reopen at 4:30 for guided, group Stations until 8 pm.

SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN

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

YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth NitesApril 4, 7pm, Gara. Year 2 ConfirmationApril 15 at 11:15, Gara EDGE Session: No sessions on April 2 & 9

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.
PARISHIONERS WHO REQUEST OUR PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND RETURN TO GOOD HEALTHSelma Puffs, Sonia Kosker, David

ST. RITA GUILD MEETING

St. Rita Guild will hold their next meeting, Friday, April 13, at 9 am in the Parish office. At this meeting, we will be planning St. Rita Day activities. If you can volunteer to help on the Feast Day, please contact Joan Crow, 355-3621. Info/questions: Kathy Coyne 355-4873

TOGETHER IN MISSION (TIM)

Assessed Goal: $59,712.68 Parish Families: 1181 144 Families Participating: 12% Please help us reach our parish goal by returning your pledge card (available in the Vestibule) either in the Sunday Offering Basket or to the Parish Office. Reminder: Please make your check payable to Together in Mission. Credit cards also accepted.

Duran, Rosemarie Gorman, Paul Viger, Julie Meyer, Zdenka Czerny, Debra Ann Williamson, Cliff Hancuff, Lucile Flanders, Wendy Wolf Fadel, Gil Lazo, Dorothy Van Gordon, Rosanne Kenny, Lisa Levesque, Hal Finney, Mary Elizabeth Nealey, 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.

APRIL SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

(All Holy Week envelopes were included in your packets and are also available in the pews and the Vestibule.) Holy ThursdayThis collection is restricted to help the needy. Good FridayA Pontifical collection for the support of Christians in the Holy Land. Holy Saturday/Easter SundayPlease be generous in your support of our Parish during this Holy Week. Repairs & Maintenance, April 8This restricted collection is to help with the monthly expenses of operating our Parish facilities.

2011 TAX DONATION ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A registered parishioner may request a letter to acknowledge 2011 donations to St. Rita for tax purposes. Please send your full name, address, and parish ID number (if known) to rc@st-rita.orgor fill out the form below and drop it in the Sunday Offering or mail to the Parish Office, Attn: RC. NO Requests over the telephone please.

Please note: All requests must be submitted no later than Monday, April 9th, to allow volunteers adequate time to prepare your report.
Request for 2011 Donations for Tax Purposes ID/Envelope # Full Name Address

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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

This SundayJourney to the Cross
Accompany Jesus through prayer and song. 7 pm, in the Church; see page 3 for more information.

Tuesday, April 3Lenten Penance Service at ABVM

Please see page 2 for more information. Holy Thursday: Open from 9-Noon then Closed until Monday, April 9 at 9 am

Holy WeekParish Office Hours

Thursday, April 5Weekly Thursday Meetings

Bible StudyNo class this week; resumes April 19. Liturgy of the HoursNo gathering this week; resumes April 12.

Good Friday, April 6 Stations at Mater Dolorosa

Please see page 3 for more information.

Holy Week Schedule at St. Rita

Monday, April 2No Morning Mass (Chrism Mass, 7 pm Cathedral). Tuesday, April 3 8 am, Morning Mass 7 pm, Lenten Penance Service (ABVM).

Note: No morning Mass Holy Thursday or Holy Saturday. No Mass on Good Friday. No Confessions on Holy Saturday.
Wednesday, April 4Communion Service, 8 am Thursday, April 5Mass of the Lords Supper, 7:30 pm Friday, April 6Liturgy, Communion, and Veneration, 1:30 pm Saturday, April 7Solemn Vigil of Easter, 7:30 pm Sunday, April 8Easter Masses, 7:30 & 10 am, Noon