APRIL 2, 2017

“I am the resurrection and life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me will never die”

John 11

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Today we celebrate the 5th Sunday of Lent. In the Gospel of John we read about Lazarus who was from Bethany, the village of his sisters, Mary and Martha. We hear that Jesus knew and loved Mary and Martha and Lazarus. But Lazarus had fallen gravely ill. Out of concern for their brother, the sisters sent word to Jesus. Not until two days later, did Jesus decide the time had come to go to Judea. The disciples had immediate concerns about this. “Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and you want to go back there?” But Jesus tells them of his purpose, and that he must go to “awaken” Lazarus. They thought that Jesus meant Lazarus was asleep, but in fact he had died. By the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to the outskirts of the village to meet him while Mary stayed at home. The words of the Gospel express the depths of the loss and pain of Martha, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died! But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Upon Martha’s faith, Jesus prepares her for a miracle beyond any she could have imagined. Jesus tells her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes” says Martha, “I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”

The Gospel account of Lazarus begins with the grief of Mary and Martha, and the grief of Jesus too, who weeps at the tomb of Lazarus. No one expected that Jesus would give the command to unroll the stone sealed against the tomb, let alone the subsequent command he would give to the body of Lazarus still in the tomb… “Lazarus, come out!” To the astonishment of all present, Lazarus comes out of the tomb, still completely tied in burial bands with his face wrapped in a cloth. “Untie him!” says Jesus, “and let him go!” Next weekend, April 9th, is Palm Sunday. We will begin Holy Week and the journey with Jesus’ own passion and death, and ultimately His resurrection. Like Lazarus, the time will come in the distant, but certain future in which Jesus will call forth our own bodies to emerge from the tomb. Jesus will be our final judge, but also command us to rise from the dead so that we will die no more. God will make for us a new reality that will cause us to rise bodily to eternal life, never to die again. Let us continue our Lenten Journey! On a final note, and as many of you already know, our organist, pianist and choral director, Chrisanne Gates will be retiring this summer after 16 years here at St. Rita. She will be greatly missed. Her musical abilities and talents have enriched countless liturgies and Eucharistic celebrations. Her gift of music leadership has made possible a broad range of musical singers, musicians and prospective choir members that would have never considered singing, were it not for her gentle encouragement and skilled guidance. We will be planning a farewell reception when her departure comes. In the meantime, we begin our search for the best candidate.

May God bless you! Fr. Gonyo

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Stations of the Cross

Spend some time with Jesus this Lent by experiencing the Stations of the Cross through reflections, music, or living presentation by our youth. Join us on these upcoming Fridays:

April 7 and Good Friday, April 14 at 7:00 pm in Church

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NO CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD on Palm Sunday or Easter Sunday

Due to the anticipated large crowds, we will not be having Children’s Liturgy next weekend on Palm Sunday or on Easter Sunday. We apologize for any inconvenience.

JOIN US FOR THE LAST OF OUR LENTEN SOUP SUPPER SERIES

6:00-6:45pm Soup Supper in Room 1

6:45-7:30pm Music and Reflection in Church

TUESDAY, APRIL 4 Hosted by the St. Rita Society

12:00-3:00pm Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction

6:00-6:45pm SOUP & BREAD SUPPER 6:45-7:30pm TAIZE PRAYER

Join us for this popular evening of prayer and meditative music in our candlelit church.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WHAT TO DO WITH LAST YEAR’S PALMS?

Do you know that you can dispose of your palms from last year? They need to be burned (in a fireplace or grill for example) or bury them in the ground.

EUCHARIST INTENTIONS

Among the intentions for those who gather for the

Eucharist this week will be MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017 8:15AM PAT LABUE JENKINS – John & Julie Odenbach

TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2017 8:15AM CLARA ALWARD – Judy & Dan McGowan

12:00-3:00PM Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017 8:15AM ANGELA CASALE – Frank Rallo Family

9:15AM ST. RITA SCHOOL MASS - All are Welcome! MARIA CATERINA COSTA - St. Rita Family

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 8:15AM BRIAN BUCHMAN – Halina Humeniuk FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2017

8:15AM MARY CURATALO – Marie & Don Sirianni SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017 5:00PM MARY BILLONE – The Billone Family PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 9, 2017 7:30AM FOR THE PEOPLE OF ST. RITA PARISH 9:00AM JOHN RICHARD HUDY – Verna & Phil Mendola 10:30AM JAMES KANE – Jennie Guy

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This week the Tabernacle Light will burn for the intentions of Len Genesky

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Wedding Banns

I

Laura Casper & Erik Bolzner

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

COMPANIONS IN GRIEF GROUP

Wednesday, April 5

at 7:00pm

at Holy Trinity Church

We will meet in the Gathering Space

Judith Kiehl, former Pastoral Associate at Holy Trinity Church will be our guest speaker.

Her presentation will be:

“The Road to Emmaus: Walking On In Love”

All are welcome to attend.

ST. RITA SCHOOL

Spirit of Learning Corner

HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING!

+ Our students worked hard this week! Third, Fourth,

and Fifth Graders took the New York State English Language Arts (ELA) test on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

+ The students have been focusing so hard on their

studies these last few days that they earned a break. Unfortunately, they did not have one because of the four weather related days off we had in previous weeks. We had to change Friday from an early dismissal half day to a FULL DAY! They were troopers though! They continued their journey of academic excellence until the afternoon bell rang at 2:30!

+ Do you know how many opportunities the Faculty,

Staff, and Students have to pray at SRS? The answer is countless occasions! Here are a few examples: We pray at the start of the school day, before eating lunch, and at the end of the school day. Each classroom prepares and leads a monthly Mass or Prayer Service. We pray the Rosary to honor Mary. Lenten practices include special church visits for the Stations of the Cross and the Exposition of the Eucharist. We pray with the entire school when disasters or tragedies occur. Our weekly God Drop Assemblies always begin with prayer and CYO sporting events start and finish with prayer.

NEXT Sunday, April 9 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm

This is a great event for the whole family!

Take a journey back in time along the Road to Resurrection. Follow Jesus’ footsteps through the week leading up to his death and resurrection by visiting different stations and collecting items that bring the Easter story to life for us today.

This event includes snacks and the opportunity to decorate Easter eggs.

Bring a friend! Bring Grandma! Bring the neighbors!

RSVP IS NEEDED – you can sign up on the bulletin board in the greeting area in church, call the parish office or go online (see the link on the home page).

ST. RITA VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL NEWS!

Adult and teen volunteers are needed to run this program! Please contact Elizabeth Kwiatkowski at ekwiatkowski@dor.org or 671-1100 x14 if you are able to help so we can begin planning for this wonderful faith opportunity for our kids!

PLANS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 2, 2017

SUNDAY 4/2 8:30-11:00am Breakfast Club – Gym 11:30-1:30 Marshmallow Peep Creation – Rm 1

MONDAY 4/3 10:00-11:30am Bible Study – Rm 1 4:30-5:45pm FAITH FORMATION CLASSES 6:15-7:30pm FAITH FORMATION CLASSES 7:00-8:30pm Parish Pastoral Council – Rm 1

TUESDAY 4/4 9:00-10:00am WEROC Women’s Group – Rm 3 10:30-Noon Prayer Shawl Gathering - Parish Office 12:00-3:00pm Eucharistic Adoration – Church 6:00-6:45pm Soup Supper – Rm 1 6:45-7:30pm Lenten Reflection – Church

WEDNESDAY 4/5 8:45am Pray the Rosary – Church 8:45am Reconciliation Available – Church 6:30pm First Eucharist Candidate Session – Church 7:00pm Bible Study – Rm 1 8:00pm Women’s Basketball – Gym

THURSDAY 4/6 7:00pm Bible Study – Rm 1 7:00pm Introduction to Bible Study – Rm 3 9:00-10:30pm Men’s Basketball – Gym

FRIDAY 4/7 5:00-7:00pm (Last One) FISH DINNER – Gym 7:00pm STATIONS OF THE CROSS – Church

SATURDAY 4/8 8:15-8:45am Pray the Rosary – Church 3:30-4:30pm Reconciliation Available – Church

PALM SUNDAY 4/9 8:30-11:00am Breakfast Club – Gym 1:00-3:00pm ROAD TO RESURRECTION – Church

PARISH SUPPORT

For Last Weekend ~ March 25 & 26

Last Week Budget Variance $ 13,257 $ 13,102 + $ 155

Year to Date Year to Date Budget Variance

$ 535,186 $ 545,169 - $ 9,983

(Our fiscal year is 7/1/16 – 6/30/17)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

We all grow spiritually when we share.

CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL UPDATE:

Catholic Ministries Appeal Goal $155,109

Pledges Received to Date $140,321 ________________________________________

Balance $ 14,788

BIBLE READINGS:

2 Sun Fifth Sunday of Lent Ez 37:12-14 Ps 130: 1-8 Rom 8:8-11 Jn 11:1-45 3 Mon Dn 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62 Ps 23:1-6 Jn 8:1-11 4 Tue St. Isidore Nm 21:4-9 Ps 102:2-3,16-21 Jn 8:21-30 5 Wed St. Vincent Ferrer Dn 3:14-20,91-92,95 Dn 3:52-56 Jn 8:31-42 6 Thu Gn 17:3-9 Ps 105:4-9 Jn 8:51-59 7 Fri St. John Baptist de la Salle Jer 20:10-13 Ps 18:2-7 Jn 10:31-42 8 Sat Ez 37:21-28 Jer 31:10-13 Jn 11:45-56

9 Sun Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion Mt 21: 1-11 (Procession) Is 50:4-7 Ps 22:8-9,17-20 23-24 Phil 2:6-11 Mt 26:14-27:66

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

CARE FOR GOD’S HOUSE: April 2 Dawn Clark

LINENS: Next week April 9 Carol Seitz

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

BREAKFAST CLUB NEWS

Join us for breakfast Sunday mornings from 8:30-11:00am in the Parish Center. We offer a “Special” as well as our complete traditional menu.

Next Week - Team 2’s Special is Cinnamon Swirl French Toast served with your choice of bacon or sausage and a bottomless cup of coffee. Our ministry runs on donations only which are greatly appreciated.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ALTAR SERVERS SCHEDULED NEXT Weekend ~ April 8 & 9

Saturday, 5:00pm: Annika VanDamme, Avery VanDamme, Sofia Bosco

Sunday, 7:30am: Lauren Quatela, Brennan Quatela, Ian Avery

Sunday, 9:00am: Olivia Mabe, Sophie Mathis, Emma Mathis

Sunday, 10:30am: Grace Colpoys, Natalie Colpoys, Adrianna Atmosfera, Arielle Atmosfera

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

FRIDAY LENTEN FISH DINNERS

Next Friday April 7 is the Last! (not serving on Good Friday)

5:00-7:00pm in the Parish Center

Fried or Baked Haddock are available as well as Cheese Pizza and Macaroni and Cheese for those who do not care for fish! Adult Fish dinners include fish, seasoned potato wedges, coleslaw and a roll for $11. Seniors are $10 and Children’s portions are $6.00. Soft Drinks, Milk, Coffee and Tea are $1 and Desserts are available to purchase - Dine in or Take Out is available.

Notes of Thanks!

Our St. Rita Society wishes to thank everyone who cooked, brought food, and volunteered at our ST. JOSEPH TABLE on March 18. It was a wonderful celebration and tribute to St. Joseph. Through your generous donations, $350 was given to HOPE ministry to help those in need in our Webster area.

Thank You . . . The Community Supper Committee

would like to thank all who helped support our Community Supper last month. We greatly appreciate all of the donations (including the many beautiful handmade items), the children and adult volunteers, the amazing music of the band, Open G, and all of the thoughts and prayers that made the Supper possible. We served about 40 people that evening. It was very humbling to hear some of our guests express how much their meal was needed and how helpful Community Supper Programs are in easing burdens for some people. The children volunteers did most of the order taking and meal serving and they did an outstanding job!

Because of your generous support, we were able to donate over 25 large, reusable shopping bags filled to capacity with food, baby and personal care items AND even more bags of gently used and new clothing along with some books and toys too. Most of the donations went to the HOPE House who provides for those in need in our area. We had several pans of lasagna left over and HOPE House and the Ronald McDonald House gratefully accepted them all.

Thank you again for your support and generosity. May the kindness you show others be returned to you!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

EASTER CANDY SALE

6oz Chocolate Bunnies $5.00 6oz Mint Melt-Aways $5.00

Our St. Rita Society is holding their annual Easter candy sale after all Masses this

weekend. Candy will still be available at the Parish Office up until Easter! Proceeds are used for various parish and Society Outreach Projects.

From the Desk of Father Shatzel . . .

The Passion According to Matthew

Next Sunday, Passion (Palm Sunday), the Church always reads the inspiring story of Our Lord’s suffering and death. This year (being Year “A”), we will hear The Passion According to Matthew. While ALL the Gospels tell the same basic story, each Gospel has its own special additions and exclusive details. Here are some of Matthew’s “exclusive extras” that the other 3 Gospels do not have:

Suicide of Judas 27:3-10 Pilate’s wife’s dream about Jesus 27:19 Pilate washes his hands 27:24 Earthquake at the death of Jesus 27:52 Security guards posted at Jesus’ tomb 27:62-66

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WE NEED YOU!

To be part of our weekend liturgy!

Lent is a good time to take a moment to think about how you can take an active part

in our Eucharistic Celebrations!

Maybe you are you currently in another ministry and would like to try something new.

We welcome new ministers to participate in our weekend liturgies.

Are you interested in being a LECTOR? By proclaiming God’s word at our weekend liturgies. Maybe you are a former altar server who would like to share in this new ministry?

Are you interested in being a LEADER or EUCHARISTIC MINISTER?

We invite anyone who has been confirmed to serve as a Eucharistic Minister, sharing the Body and Blood of Christ. All are welcome to be a Leader. They are responsible for reading the announcements before Mass and also reading the Prayers of the Faithful.

Are you interested in being a SACRISTAN? Sacristans help coordinate ministers before one weekend Mass and set up before that Mass.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE AN ALTAR SERVER?

Boys and Girls in 3rd grade or above who have received First Communion and made Reconciliation are invited to

be ALTAR SERVERS!

Please contact Elizabeth at ekwiatkowski@dor.org or 671-1100 x14 if you have any questions or would like to learn more about any of these wonderful opportunities to serve. Thank you for your prayerful consideration!

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SCHEDULE!

PALM SUNDAY, April 9 EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATIONS: 5:00pm (on Saturday) 7:30am, 9:00am and 10:30am

TUESDAY, April 11 7:00pm CHRISM MASS at Sacred Heart Cathedral

This beautiful Mass includes the blessing of our Holy Oils by Bishop Matano that we will use for our sacraments and anointings during the coming year. All are welcome! HOLY THURSDAY, April 13 1:00pm STATIONS OF THE CROSS by the St. Rita School Children

7:00pm MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER GOOD FRIDAY, April 14 3:00pm LITURGY OF THE LORD'S PASSION

7:00pm STATIONS OF THE CROSS HOLY SATURDAY, April 15 11:00am BLESSING OF EASTER FOOD

7:00pm EASTER VIGIL (No 5:00pm Mass)

EASTER SUNDAY, April 16 EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATIONS: 7:30am, 9:00am and 10:30am

BLESSING OF EASTER FOOD

(and Easter baskets)

Saturday, April 15 at 11:00 am in Church

Come and be part of this wonderful Easter tradition. Children are invited to bring their Easter baskets.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Help create a display for the 2nd Annual “Marshmallow Peep” Show

THIS Sunday, April 2 in Room 1

Come any time between 11:30am and 1:00pm

All youth in grades 6 -12 and their families are invited to help create a display out of candy for the Annual Marshmallow Peep Show to be held at the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday, April 8 and Sunday, April 9. Clean out those candy drawers - any type of candy is acceptable for this project. (The display is not for eating - there will be snacks!) If you can't make it next Sunday, you can put together a display at home and bring it over before Saturday, April 8. Please let Elizabeth Kwiatkowski (ekwiatkowski@dor.org) know if you will be coming or if you have any questions.

ST. RITA SCHOOL HALL OF FAME - 2017

St. Rita School will be inducting its newest members on Saturday, May 6 at our

Blue & Gold Kentucky Derby Event

Nominations are needed for individuals to be considered for this award. Please visit the school website - www.stritawebster.org/school and look for all the nomination information needed under the ST. RITA HALL OF FAME quick link on the left side of the home page. Nominations are due by April 3, 2017.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SAVE THE DATE ~ YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS IT!

St. Rita School presents

Blue & Gold Kentucky Derby Event

Saturday, May 6 from 5:00-8:00pm at Shamrock Jack's Irish Pub

Some of the fun will include:

Dress in your coolest blue or gold Derby wear (hats are encouraged) Prizes awarded for Best Dressed - both Blue and Gold Prizes awarded for Best Hat - both Blue and Gold Prizes awarded for Best Redneck Infield Attire - both Blue and Gold Kentucky-inspired food and drinks Silent auction and Live auction Great fun with past and present St. Rita Thoroughbreds!

MANY MORE DETAILS TO COME!!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ST. RITA SCHOOL

BOOK NOOK & MUSIC HOUR

Calling all 2 ½ to 4-year-olds!

Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon of books, crafts, and songs!

Who: Children ages 2½ to 4 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Date: Thursdays: April 6 & 27 ~ May 4,11,18

Time: 1:00-2:00pm

Where: St. Rita School’s Pre-K4 Room in School

Check Out Our Week Themes!

April 6: It’s Egg Time April 27: Rain, Rain, Rain May 4: Blow Wind Blow May 11: I Love my Mama May 18: Going on a Picnic

Please register for any of the weeks by calling the School Office (671-3132) or by visit the school website at www.stritawebster.org/school/ If you have any questions, please call the school or by e-mail to sritadcs@dor.org