MASS TIMES SUNDAYS: Sat. 5:30 pm (Vigil), 7:30 am, 10 am & 12 N WEEKDAYS: Mon., Tues., Fri, and Sat. 8 am (Wed. & Thurs. 8 am Communion Service) HOLY DAYS: (eve of) 5:30 pm; (day of) 8 am & 6:30 pm

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (Confession) Saturdays 4-5 pm or by appointment

DEVOTIONS Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Saturday 7:50 am

ADORATION First Friday 8:30 am—5 pm, Rectory Oratory

Msgr. Richard Krekelberg, V.F.—Pastor Deacon Manuel Valencia • Deacon John Hull

318 North Baldwin Avenue, Sierra Madre Mailing Address: 50 East Alegria Avenue, Sierra Madre, CA 91024 Phone: 626/355-1292 • FAX: 626/355-2290 • www.st-rita.org

St. Rita of Cascia A Catholic Faith Community Since 1908

December 16, 2012

The

Lord

Is

Near

Gaudete Sunday

How to Contact Us

3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT—DECEMBER 16, 2012 P-2

Liturgy & Worship Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers: David & Jill Muhs 355.9810 • em@st-rita.org Altar Servers, Youth: Kathy Ganino: 626.398.9302 Altar Servers, Adult: Bill Cosso Eucharistic Adoration: Marylyn Barnes Rosary Prayer Group: Susan Day: 355-3835 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: Barbara LeVeque /Gil Lazo 355.1292

Ministries & Organizations

Bereavement Ministry: Call Parish Office: 355.1292 Christian Family: Sheila Pierce 355.8332 Greeters & Ushers: Erny Henry: 626.289.3504; 626.446.6715 Men’s Club: Nick Sotis: 358-2495 • nick.sotis@pro-sites.net New Members/Welcome: Contact the Parish Office St. Rita Guild: Patty Sullivan: 355.3707 • psullivan514@gmail.com Senior Ministry: Marilyn McKernan, marilyn@st-rita.org Shawl Ministry: Mary Taillac 355.3179 • Marilyn Delgatto 355.8717

Other Contacts

Archivist: Marilyn McKernan, marilyn@st-rita.org Bulletin Submissions: bulletin@st-rita.org or drop off at Office Public Relations: ParishAdmin@st-rita.org Registration Information: rc@st-rita.org • 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 (355.1292) or Jill Muhs • 355.9810 • em@st-rita.org.

Anointing of the Sick Please notify us (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 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.

Msgr. Richard Krekelberg, V. F.—Pastor 626.355.1292 x. 228 • revkrek@st-rita.org

Dcn. Manuel & Chela Valencia— deaconmanuelvalencia@gmail.com • 626.355.1292 Dcn. John Hull—johnhull65@gmail.com • 626.355.1292

Weekend Presiders: 10 am Mass—Fr. Chris Thiel, OFM Capuchin

12 Noon Mass—Rev. Msgr. John Morales

Parish Office/Mailing Address 50 East Alegria Ave., Sierra Madre, CA 91024 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am to 6pm; Sat. 9 am to 1 pm. Office Email: ParishAdmin@st-rita.org Director of Administration Mary Lou Butler: mlbutler@st-rita.org • 355.1292 Pastoral Council Vice Chair George Landis: 626.792.0445 Finance Council Chair Bill Sullivan: 355.3707 St. Rita School—Office: 626.355.6114 Principal: Joanne Harabedian • jharabedian@st-rita.org

Director of Liturgy & Music Paul Puccinelli: mm@st-rita.org Director of Religious Education Cristina Cullen: 355.3841 • dre@st-rita.org Director of Youth Ministry/Confirmation Theresa Bui Costanzo: 626.590.8828 • ym@st-rita.org RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Team: Deacon Manuel and Chela Valencia;

Susan Blakeslee: rcia@st-rita.org

For Information about the— 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 and 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 sacraments should contact the Parish Office.

Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick See adjoining column.

Parish Ministries and Organizations

Ah, yes, “La Vie en Rose”!

(Literally translated: “Life in the Pink!”)

Dear Parishioners,

This Sunday is Gaudete Sunday, and our responsorial antiphon beautifully expresses the theme and the mood:

Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

It is in Luke’s Gospel today that John The Baptist gives us the cause of our joy and gladness as he declares: One mightier than I is coming…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. And in answer to those who asked The Baptist, “So what should we do?” he gives a list of “To Do’s” that inspires his listeners to wonder if he is the Christ:

Share your cloak with one who has none. Whoever has food, do likewise. Stop collecting more than is wise. Do not practice extortion. Do not falsely accuse anyone. Be satisfied with your wages.

Well, where is the joy and gladness in all of that? The answer is in the freedom that comes from Christian detachment. It is the rush of wellbeing and inner peace (the “high” if you will) that accompanies “loving the other as other unconditionally.” It is the rejoicing a person experiences in simply knowing that he or she has been the instrument of God’s love. And great satisfaction is found in one’s own redemption and salvation, knowing truly that our investment has been made in “the things of heaven” rather than the things of earth. This is what St. Paul is speaking of (2nd reading), when he says, “Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” So let us continue together our final days of journey to Bethlehem. And as we sense the joy of nearing the birthday of all birthdays, we should keep in mind that such joy and gladness found in us—and then shared—can be the most powerful form of evangelization.

—Msgr. Richard

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH P-3 REV. MSGR. RICHARD KREKELBERG

PASTOR’S CORNER

Adopt-a-Family Information

Do you know of someone who could use a helping hand this holiday season? We are looking for families in St. Rita Parish or Sierra Madre that would welcome gifts for their children and/or food for their holiday meal. All referrals are kept confidential. We encourage you to help us in this Outreach—and you are welcome to apply on behalf of your own family.

Please return the slip below to the Parish Office • 355-1292 by Monday, December 17.

Name of Family Phone Contact Referred by Phone Contact email

Thank you for helping!

—Spiritual Growth—

† Tuesday, December 18, Penance Service 7 pm • Assumption of the BVM Church

Opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation with many priests available.

† Tuesday, December 18, RCIA 7:30 pm • Parish Office Meeting Room Contact Deacon Manuel for information.

† Wednesday, December 19, Evening Prayer 5:30 pm Meditation • 6 pm Prayer • Rectory Oratory

Contact Deacon John Hull for information

PARISHIONERS WHO REQUEST OUR PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND RETURN TO GOOD HEALTH— John J. McCoy, Andy Heller, JoAnn E. Douglass, Kathleen Ramsey, Tonyja Blakeslee, Addie Marshall, Alice Feeney, Joanna Singleton, Jackie Bagnuolo, Mary Ellen Isoard, Tim Stanley, Antoinette Wassef, Theresa Morcos, Aspet Herapetian, Rose Mary Taquino, Selma Tuffs, David Duran, Paul Viger, Julie Meyer, Zdenka Czerny, Cliff Hancuff, Wendy Wolf Fadel, Dorothy Van Gordon, Rosanne Kenny, Hal Finney, Louise Bigley, Christa Owen, Ailey Gardner-Ybarra, Cathy Hundshamer, Eva Bernejo, Laurie Larkin Masella, Edith Olah, Matteo Begnoche, Lancelot Loera, Fred Mycroft, Clare Marquardt, Brian Eck, Alex Arranaga, Anna Mary Hession, Mildred Vocelka, Joseph Moore, Effie DeGroot, Ned Vento.

3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT—DECEMBER 16, 2012 P-4

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 8:00 AM Beatriz Valencia RIP 5:30 PM William Prendiz INT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 7:30 AM Neil Murphy RIP 10:00 AM Bill Gleason INT 12 NOON For All Parishioners MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 8:00 AM Thomas Shea RIP TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 8:00 am Nancy Klein INT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 8:00 AM Communion Service THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 8:00 AM Communion Service FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 8:00 AM Warren Parker RIP SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 8:00 AM Teresa Maria Arana Uzategui RIP 5:30 PM For All Parishioners SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23 7:30 AM Debra Ann Williamson RIP 10:00 AM Roland “Bud” Brennan RIP 12 Noon Luis E. Escalante RIP

FEAST DAYS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16

Las Posadas begins

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 St. Peter Canisius

TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Your God will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals (Zephaniah 3:14-18a). Psalm—Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 12:6). Second Reading—Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! (Philippians 4:4-7). Gospel—Whoever who has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. Whoever who has food should do likewise (Luke 3:10-18).

AND

►Deadline for Bulletin articles is normally on Thursday, 10 days before desired publication date. The deadline for the January 1-2 bulletin is Tuesday, December 18.

bulletin@st-rita.org or bring to the Parish Office.

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH P-5

►Youth Nite—Next Youth Nite—January 9 ►Edge —Monday, December 17, 4 PM, Gara ►Year 1 Confirmation—Saturday, Jan. 5, 4 pm, Gara ►Youth Mass—Saturday, January 5, 5:30 pm

Theresa Costanza • ym@st-rita.org • 590-8828

►Children’s Liturgy of the Word—During the Sunday 10 am Mass, all children in 1st-3rd grades are invited to participate. The children are dismissed from Mass after the Opening Prayer and go to Gara Hall where they have the opportunity to listen to the Sunday Readings at an age-appropriate level. They return to Mass at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist to remain with their families for the remainder of the Mass. We need volunteers to help. If you are VIRTUS-certified and willing to help, please let Cristina know.

Cristina Cullen• dre@st-rita.org

Did You Know? Shopping mall safety tips. It’s easy for kids to get sidetracked with all the sights, sounds, and smells surrounding us at holiday time. It is especially

important to monitor your children when taking them through the mall during the Christmas season. If children become separated from you, teach them to look for a “safe stranger” who can help them. For example, a mom with kids or the cash register person can help a child who is lost. Avoid telling children to go to the “manager.” Any adult in a suit, who looks important, can look like the manager to a child. Children must be told never to leave the mall or store to go looking for you in the parking lot. Let them know that you would never go outside or leave until you are reunited— no matter what anyone else tells them.

For particular help, you may call Assistance Ministry • 213/ 637-7650

St. Rita Women’s Retreat The annual retreat was held at Mater Dolorosa the weekend of November 2-4. The theme this year was the gift of “Memoria Passionis”, the memory of the passion of Jesus Christ—a call to remember and experience the life-giving embrace of the compassion of Christ. The attendees from St. Rita, 23 in number, were renewed by the prayerful week-end. All women of the parish are members of the St. Rita Guild. We invite you—and encourage you—to become an active member!

Contact: Patty Sullivan • 355-3707 • psullivan514@gmail.com

Welcome to our new Parishioners who joined St. Rita Faith Community in October & November—

Brian, Catherine, Joseph, Sarah, Gabrielle, Jacob, & Nathan Anderson Michelle Brown

Michael, Megan, Ryan, Lindsay, & Kevin Browne Thomas, Mary Rose, Lauren, Hannah, Jacob, & Claire Courtney

Dexter, Cindy, Damien, Logan, & Ryan DeMesa Giny Edakkunnathu

Kevin Fiedler Susan Hubert

Mourad Kabanjian Jay, Emily, & Zoe Lee

Hani Malti & Sally Armanious George, Davinder, & Govind O’Campo

Corey, Jamie, Taylor, Emma (Dillion), & Lyla Pekerol Michael, Mylena, Mylena Y., & David Ramirez

Tony & Madonna Reese Will, Monica, Janelle, & Cassie Shima

Thomas Twedell Yancey, Katerina, & Maria Wade

Save-a-Life Sunday Sunday, January 6, 2013

8:30 am - 2:30 pm, O’Malley Hall Will you help someone who needs blood by being a donor?

You may make an appointment by contacting:

Marilyn McKernan • Marilyn@st-rita.org • 355-1292 —or—

Www.redcrossblood.org (enter the Sponsor Code: strita)

Meetings, Ministry & Special Events

This Week at St. Rita

►This Sunday—Breakfast with Santa

8 am - Noon • O’Malley Hall

►Tuesday, December 18—Advent Penance Service 7 pm • Assumption of the BVM, Pasadena

See page 4 for more information.

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

(See page 4 for more information.)

† Tuesday, December 18 RCIA Class 7:30 pm • Parish Office Meeting Room

† Wednesday, December 19, Evening Prayer 5:30 pm Meditation • 6 pm Prayer • Rectory Oratory

† Pray the Rosary Weekday mornings after the 8 am Mass

† Thursday, January 17, Bible Study Resumes 7 - 8:30 pm • Parish Office Meeting Room

Save the Date

Friday, December 21—Parish Office Closes Close at 11:30 am ; re-open Wednesday, January 2, 9 am

Sunday, December 23—Candlelight Walk

6:30 pm, Brass Ensemble 7 pm Walk Begins

Mass Schedule for Christmas

Monday, December 24—Christmas Eve Masses Note: No morning Mass

4:00 pm—Nativity Family Mass 10:00 pm—pre-Mass Concert

10:30 pm—Solemn Vigil Mass of the Nativity

Tuesday, December 25—Christmas Day Masses 8:30 am—Christmas Mass at Dawn

Noon—Christmas Day Mass Note: No 10:00 am Mass

3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT—DECEMBER 16, 2012 P-6

►Saturday, January 12—St. Francis High School Open House. Noon-3 PM. Campus tour, meet students, teachers, and coaches, etc.

Info? 818-790-0325 • www.sfhs.net ►Saturday, January 12—Damien High School Open House. Campus tour, meet students, teachers and coaches.

Info? (909) 956-1946 • outreach@damien-hs.edu

Catholic Community & Local Events

Advent Giving Tree Our Giving Tree benefits St. Rita and St. Anthony families who need us to help them experience a “little bit of Christmas.” Please take a gift tag or two, from the tree in the Vestibule, purchase the listed items,

and then return them UNWRAPPED to the tree. We are not wrapping Christmas donations this year. We will use some donations to assemble Christmas baskets for St. Rita or Sierra Madre families (see page 4). All other donations will be given to St. Anthony so that parents there may have an opportunity to select and wrap presents for their children.

We encourage everyone to donate to this very worthy St. Rita tradition. If you would like to donate a check (made payable to St. Rita) or cash, please drop your donation in an envelope in the Sunday Offering basket. We need all donations—whether toys, clothing, gift cards, or cash—at the Parish Office on/before Wednesday, Dec. 19th.

For more information, please contact the Parish Office • 355-1292

Vigil Mass Christmas Eve

As in past years, we encourage you to have your children or grandchildren bring an unwrapped gift or toy to this Mass. Your donations will be picked up by St. Francis Center in downtown Los Angeles at the conclusion of the Mass and distributed to needy families who reside near Skid Row.

Thank you for your continuing support & generosity!

November

Repairs & Maintenance Report

Special Monthly Collection (Blue Envelopes) Total Income—$7103.50

November Expenses for the Church & Rectory/Office * Total Expenses—$9239.84 Repairs & Maintenance Income Shortfall —<$2136.34>

Total Expenses includes utilities, paint & paint supplies, plumbing repairs & supplies, electrical repairs, etc. Thank you to the 181 families who donated to this special collection during the month of November. We encourage everyone to help by contributing to this very necessary “extra” collection. Simply indicate “for Maintenance” on your check and/or envelope.

All funds stay at St. Rita—thank you!

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH P-7

Year End Giving

Thank you to those who have already returned their “Year-End Giving” donation.

We are blessed to have such generous donors at St. Rita Parish. Although we continue to try to be good stewards with our parish resources and with our facilities, our plant is aging and, therefore, maintenance and repair continue to take an ever larger toll on our budget. The additional income from the Year-End Giving program allows us to support our ministries and those programs that enrich our parish’s spiritual growth.

If you have not yet returned your Year-End Giving envelope, you may do so by placing it in the collection on Sunday or dropping it off at the Parish Office during the week.

—Mary Lou Butler, Director of Administration

Thank you for your support of our parish!