MASS TIMES SUNDAYS: Sat. 5:30 pm (Vigil), 7:30 am, 10 am & 12 noon

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 — 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 CasciaSt. Rita of CasciaSt. Rita of Cascia A Catholic Faith Community Since 1908

APRIL 29, 2018 5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER — APRIL 29, 2018 2

Msgr. Richard Krekelberg, Pastor 626.355.1292 x 223 • revkrek@st-rita.org

Dcn. Manuel & Chela Valencia deaconmanuelvalencia@gmail.com • 355.1292

Dcn. John & Marylee Hull johnhull65@gmail.com • 355.1292

Fr. Chris Thiel, OFM Cap. (10 am Sunday Mass presider)

Parish Office/Church Mailing Address 50 East Alegria Ave., Sierra Madre, CA 91024 Mon.-Fri. 9:15 am to 6pm; Sat. 9 am to 1 pm

ParishAdmin@st-rita.org • 355.1292

Director of Administration Charlene Henkelmann: charlene@st-rita.org • 355.1292 x 222 Pastoral Council Parish Office: 355.1292 Finance Council Chair Bill Sullivan: 355.3707 St. Rita School Office: 626.355.6114 Principal: Joanne Harabedian • harabedian@st-ritaschool.org Director of Liturgy & Music Paul Puccinelli: 355.1292 • mm@st-rita.org Director of Religious Education Cristina Cullen: 355.1292 • 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 Dcn. Manuel & Chela Valencia, Gary Fidone, and Susan Blakeslee: 355.1292 • rcia@st-rita.org

How to Contact Us PARISH MINISTRIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Liturgy & Worship

Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers: David & Jill Muhs: 355.9810 • em@st-rita.org Altar Servers: Youth—Kathy Ganino: 626.398.9302 • katganino@charter.net Adult—Bill Cosso: 355.5656 Eucharistic Adoration: Kathy Ganino: 626.398.9302 • katganino@charter.net Immaculate Heart of Mary Prayer Group: Susan Day: 355-3835 Sacristans: Sat. 5:30 pm: Gary Fidone Sun. 7:30 am: Bill Cosso/David Banis; Sun. 10:00 am: David Muhs/Paula Garavaglia/Terri Eliassen; Sun. 12:00 pm: Bernie Grace Porter (Evening Church Lockup): Sheila Palazzolo; Tim O’Connor Environment: Parish Office • 355.1292

Ministries & Organizations

Bereavement Ministry: 355.1292 • bereave@st-rita.org Christian Family: Ana Ptasinski 355.3146 Greeters & Ushers: Erny Henry • 446.6715 Men’s Club: Dave Loera • 355.3382 St. Rita Filipino American Group: Noel Wychico • 960.2623 St. Rita Guild: Margaret Fullinwider 355.3647 • Leonore Crilly 355.0631 Senior Ministry: Marilyn McKernan • marilyn@st-rita.org Shawl Ministry: Mary Taillac 355.3179 • Marilyn Delgatto 355.8717 Cub Scout Troop 110: Missy Augustyn 644.1404 • thealist@sbcglobal.net Knit & Crochet Ministry: Ana Ptasinski 355.3146 • Ann Wolf 355.7445 Amazing Grace Prayer Ministry: Tom Tharayil • 348.9003 Knights of Columbus Council 5137: Dave Loera • 355.3382 St. Rita Bible Study: Jim & Alice Cobbin • biblestudy@st-rita.org

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

Let Saint Rita Be There For You . . . Communion for Sick and Homebound Parishioners St. Rita Eucharistic 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) for the Anointing of the Sick, the sacrament intended for the seriously ill or dying and 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.

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 director; refer you to our Bereavement Ministry and Music Ministry; and offer you helpful guidelines that will aid in the selection of readings for a Mass or Memorial Service. We know this can be a tough time and we want you to know that your parish is here for you. PLEASE UNDERSTAND we only have one resident priest; sometimes arrangements for another priest may be needed.

For Information Regarding These Sacraments Baptism—Please contact the Parish Office for further information on the Baptism process and requirements.

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.

Matrimony—Contact the Parish Office upon engagement; at least six months is needed for preparation of this joyous sacrament!

Confirmation—A two-year program for freshman/sophomore age teens. Apply through the Office of Youth Ministry.

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH 3

It is no accident or coincidence that Baptisms, Confirmations, and First Holy Communions happen during the Easter Season. For a Christian this is a springtime of faith and new hope in the Risen One. As a faith community we enjoy seeing our faith shared and our life in Christ embraced by our children and youth. Last Sunday we spoke of how sacramental life is the principle way that The Good Shepherd continues to tend his flock. This Sunday we reflect on how we are vitally linked as branches to Christ, the vine.

We accept Jesus as “the vine” and we know that “we are the branches.” But we pray that those being baptized, those entering into Holy Communion, those being marked with the Holy Spirit in Confirmation, and those celebrating graduations will come to the conviction that it is so important—so vital—for the Church and for the world that they see and perceive themselves as branches stemming from Christ in order to bear fruit. Indeed, we need all of them to realize that their lives will only have meaning if they respond to God’s voice and live their lives as vocations—vocations to BE CHURCH!

I asked some eighth graders once what was on their minds and in their hearts.

They responded with wonderments about how to speak about faith and belonging to the Catholic Church to people who perhaps have no connection, or even opposing views. They asked about how to pray effectively for someone facing life-threatening illness. They observed that young people do not see themselves being fulfilled in ordained or vowed life when having a family is not going to be part of the picture. They wondered if Fr. Richard would get married if they changed the rules. (Well, for that question, let’s say, it’s sort of late in the game. Very complicated.) The point is that our youth do want to know what it means to carry on being “the branches.” Thank God they want to know! We must pray that the Easter Season and living “the risen life” of faith, hope, and love gives all of us what we need to support them on their quests—on their journey with Jesus to the Father. We must also allow them space enough to grow. In order to really choose Jesus 2000+ years after he walked the Earth requires knowing enough and having enough information to make a comparison. None of us gets to escape the apostle Thomas’ doubts, nor the apostle Peter’s need to finally arrive at the conclusion that it is only Jesus who offers the words of eternal life.

While scary for adults (especially parents) the challenge of accompanying the young on their journey should still be a cause for joy. It should definitely be an opportunity for deepening our own faith, of living it by giving best example, and of honing our skills in the area of articulating why we believe what we believe.

A very important way to evangelize children and youth is for adults,

especially parents, to share how celebrating the Eucharist regularly enables them in daily life to be the branches of Christ—The Vine— in their own lives. Most especially we model “being the branches” by regularly attending Mass with them and communicating that it is a priority for making day-to-day life holy and a path to Heaven. At the same time we have good reason not to get discouraged. After all, “the Father is the grower!” The Holy Trinity has this whole evangelization thing worked out. What is really required of us is that we provide fertile ground and then to cultivate that ground. May I say humbly that it is indeed a blessing—a gift that keeps on giving—for this pastor to accompany you along the way.

—Msgr. Richard

“I AM THE VINE. YOU ARE THE BRANCHES.”

My Very Dear Parishioners,

To say the least, these final weeks I have remaining at St. Rita, as pastor, are so precious; I find myself trying to milk every hour of extra minutes that just are not there. This past week I have received so many urgings to “come by the house” - “we need to get you over before you leave” and “we’ll call Paula and get you on the calendar.” Folks, I just can’t. Simple truth, I feel overwhelmed; I want to say ‘yes’ to everyone, but it is just impossible. YOU ARE ALL VERY SPECIAL TO ME. Also, my “TO DO LIST” before leaving, is already subject to purging and I feel very bad about everything that I have to say ‘no’ to. So I hope and pray you understand. I would like to do my very best on the activities, projects, and obligations that are already demanding time and preparation. No kidding, health is an issue here and I may not ignore that if I want to “finish strong.” I love you and thank you for your understanding. Hope you can join in on June 2nd! —Fr. Richard

P P F T R O P — Richard Forcione, Mary Kathryn Genzlinger, Laura Mitchell, Joyce Unamuno, Heidi & Terry Kelly, Joe & Toni Baiunco, Jacquie Marshall Martin, Teresa D’Agostaro, Carol Cerrina, Carmen Ruiz, Art Contreras, Mario De La Torre, Grace De La Torre, Maria Blust, Rosemarie Casalicchio, Glen Blaser, Barbara Blaser, Daisy Walters, Leslie Lemus, Salvatore Termini, Cathy Hundshamer, Mary Rodriguez, Tessa Milward, Wayne Steven Dow, Pete & Daisy Olson, Gil Lazo, Tim Jebbia, Margaret Fala, Hannah Waken, Robert & Clare Greteman, Lalo Arriaga, Jim Crilly, Trini Marti, Joann Little, Luz Arriaga, Doug Peterson, Sandra Osborne, Evelyn Tres, Gerald Drean, Toni Navarro, Clare Marquardt, Tonyja Blakeslee, Jackie Bagnuolo, Edith Olah, Fred Mycroft, Joseph Moore.

5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER — APRIL 29, 2018 4 M I SATURDAY, APRIL 28 8:00 AM Rev. John Gutting RIP 5:30 PM Mark Strople RIP

SUNDAY, APRIL 29 7:30 AM Padraig & Maura Moran INT 10:00 AM Gerald Boyle RIP 12 NOON For all parishioners

MONDAY, APRIL 30 8:00 AM Peggy Hagerott RIP

TUESDAY, MAY 1 8:00 AM Christa Owen RIP

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2 8:00 AM Communion Service

THURSDAY, MAY 3 8:00 AM Communion Service

FRIDAY, MAY 4 8:00 AM Margaret Aucott RIP

SATURDAY, MAY 5 8:00 AM Lovelle Barela RIP 5:30 PM For all parishioners RIP

SUNDAY, MAY 6 7:30 AM Doris Behrens RIP 10:00 AM Eileen Dinan RIP 12 NOON Sheila Verbiscar RIP

F D O

Monday: St. Pius V

Tuesday: St. Joseph the Worker

Wednesday: St. Athanasius Thursday: Sts. Philip & James

Today’s Readings

First Reading — The church was being built up, and grew in numbers (Acts 9:26-31).

Psalm — I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people (Psalm 22).

Second Reading — Let us love not in word or speech, but in deed and truth (1 John 3:18-24).

Gospel — Remain in me, as I remain in you. I am the vine, you are the branches (John 15:1-8).

Please note: names on the Sick List are published for thirty days unless otherwise requested. To add or remove a name, please email:

bulletin@st-rita.org

The Rosary & the Chaplet of Divine Mercy are recited as a group at 7:20 am

before the weekday Masses.

No ce Something New?

The Sacramental Wine that St. Rita has used for years has been discontinued.

After a process of discernment, we have chosen a wonderful new Sacramental Wine. We are grateful to San Antonio Winery and the Riboli family for carefully and prayerfully offering the fruit of the earth, the work of their hands, that will become the Blood of Christ for our Eucharistic celebrations.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Congratulations to all our students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last weekend:

PATRICK “FRANCIS” AGUILAR COLLETTE “SEBASTIAN” ALLEN

CHRISSHIR “VERONICA” BANZUELA CATHERINE “CATHERINE” BAUER

NATALIE “FRANCIS” BAX LINDSEY “ANASTASIA” BECK

GABRIEL “ISIDORE” BOHANEC GENEVIEVE “RITA” BURDA

OLIVIA “FRANCIS” CALLAWAY CHARLES “MACARIUS” CEPIELIK

ALESSANDRA “CHRISTINA” CICERO LILY “SOPHIA” CIMINO

BRANDON “FELIX” CLARIZIO SOPHIA “ROSE” DAVIS

TIMOTHY “TIMOTHY” DE LA MORA EMMA “ELIZABETH” DILLION BRENDAN “THOMAS” DURFEE

JAMES “JUNIPERO SERRA” FEMINO GIANA “BERNADETTE” FROIO

TERESA “AGNES” FUNDTER CHRISTOPHER “PHILIP” GALA

GEORGE “GABRIEL” GARDNER SARAH “ELIZABETH” GUTIERREZ FREDERICK “SEBASTIAN” HARPER HILLARY “CATHERINE” HOWARD

SOFIA “TERESA” IBBOTSON JULIA “RITA” KELEJIAN

CLAIRE “VERONICA” LEWIS LEA “CATHERINE” LOPEZ

CATHERINE “JOAN” MANSOUR JASON “JOHN PAUL” MAUCHER

KAYLA “ELIZABETH” MENA JOSEPH “FRANCIS” MOORE

COLIN “AUGUSTINE” NOBLE NICOLE “VALENTINE” NORIEGA

SIMON “PETER” OFFSTEIN ERIN “ANTHONY” SIMONE JAKE “ANTHONY” SMITH

JOSEPH “LONGINUS” SAVO ERIN “ANASTASIA” STUTENROTH

NICHOLAS “NICHOLAS” TAN FERNANDO “LUIGI” URTEAGA NICOLE “CECILIA” WALLIUS

Thank you to all the ministers, catechists and peer leaders who have accompanied our Confirmandi on their faith formation journeys!

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH 5

Youth Ministry

Children’s Ministries

Young Adult Ministry

Elementary Religious Education This program for children in Grades 1 - 5 begins with Sacrament Preparation and continues to invite children into a personal relationship with God through prayer, the Bible, liturgy, and church history. Classes meet on Monday afternoons during the school year.

Preschool Sunday School Our Sunday School program provides Bible stories, art projects and various activities while creating a safe environment for your preschool– and kindergarten–aged child (ages 3-5) during the Sunday 10 a.m. Mass. Come join us upstairs in Gara Hall!

Children’s Liturgy of the Word Children in 1st grade and older are invited to be dismissed from Sunday 10 a.m. Mass after the Opening Prayer and go to Gara Hall where they will have the opportunity to listen to the Sunday readings at an age-appropriate level. Children return just before the Liturgy of the Eucharist to continue to participate in Mass.

Cristina Cullen • dre@st-rita.org

High School Youth Nites 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, throughout the year. Join us for faith, fun, and fellowship! Upcoming:

5/9 • 7:00–8:30 p.m. • Gara Hall

EDGE Middle School • Monday Fun Day: 5/7

Confirmation Program Meetings • Year 1 Meeting & Mass:

Saturday, 5/5 • 4:00 p.m.

Theresa Costanzo • ym@st-rita.org

Please contact us for more information on this Ministry for adults between 18 and 39, single or married.

Biceps & Bibles Upcoming Meeting: • Saturday, May 19 at 3:00 p.m.

Priya Tharayil • trosep84@yahoo.com

Bulletin Deadline

Ten days before desired publication date.

bulletin@st-rita.org • 355-1292 x226

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS

Mark your calendars for Children’s Liturgy of the Word!

May 13th See left column for more information.

Feast Day Volunteers Needed!

We are in need of golf carts and experienced drivers for the St. Rita Feast Day on May 22. Since our handicapped parking spaces are very limited, drivers are needed to take pilgrims with accessibility issues to and from our lower lot and the church. Busiest times are expected to be between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

For more information: Mara Chimenti

(626) 355-1292 x232

Last week we began our run-up to St. Rita’s Feast Day (May 22) with a biography of her life. This week, read ten things that St. Pope John Paul II said about her on the 100th anniversary of her canonization:

1. In her example of total abandonment to God, in her transparent simplicity and in her unflinching fidelity to the Gospel, we too can find sound direction for being authentic Christian witnesses.

2. Humility and obedience were the path that Rita took to be ever more perfectly conformed to the Crucified One.

3. Following the spirituality of St Augustine, she became a disciple of the Crucified One and an “expert in suffering”;

she learned to understand the sorrows of the human heart.

4. Rita thus became the advocate of the poor and the despairing, obtaining countless graces of consolation and comfort for those who called upon her in the most varied situations.

5. (Quoting Pope Leo XIII, who canonized her:) “She pleased Christ so much that he chose to imprint upon her the seal of his charity and his passion.”

6. (Again quoting Leo:) “This privilege was granted to her for her exceptional humility, her interior detachment from earthly desires and the admirable penitential spirit which accompanied her at every moment of her life.”

7. I am pleased to offer her again as a sign of hope, especially to families. Dear Christian families, by imitating her example, may you also know how to find in your fidelity to Christ the strength to fulfill your mission of service to the civilization of love!

8. If we ask St. Rita for the secret to this extraordinary work of social and spiritual renewal, she replies: fidelity to the Love that was crucified.

9. Rita, with Christ and like Christ, goes to the Cross always and only through love.

10. Rita well interpreted the “feminine genius” by living it intensely in both physical and spiritual motherhood.

5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER — APRIL 29, 2018 6

This Week at St. RitaThis Week at St. RitaThis Week at St. Rita

This Sunday, April 29 — Hospitality

Gara Hall ● After all the Masses Join us for coffee and donuts, sponsored by the

Filipino American Ministry.

Monday, April 30 — Baptism Class 7:00 p.m. ● Parish Office Meeting Room

Registration is required. Please call the parish office to register.

Wednesday, May 2 — Bible Study 7:00 p.m. ● Parish Office Meeting Room

All are welcome!

Friday, May 4 — First Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

8:30 a.m.—5:00 p.m. ● Parish Office Oratory Take some time during the Year of the Eucharist!

See next column for more information.

Save the DateSave the DateSave the Date

Tuesday, May 8 — St. Rita Men’s Club Meeting

6:30 p.m. ● The Bottle Shop, Sierra Madre Join us for our annual installation of new officers!

Friday, May 11 — St. Rita Guild Meeting 9:00 a.m. ● Parish Office Meeting Room

Tuesday, May 22 — St. Rita Feast Day

Celebrate our Patroness with festivities throughout the day, including morning Mass, Blessings with the Relic of St. Rita,

and evening Adoration & Benediction. Watch future bulletins for more information and complete schedule.

Saturday, June 2 at 5:30 p.m. Msgr. Richard’s Farewell Mass See next page for details, and watch future bulletins for more information.

Each small task of everyday life is part of the total harmony

of the universe.

—St. Thérèse of Lisieux

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

This Friday, 8:30 AM—5:00 PM St. Rita Parish Oratory

Sit with Christ. Know His presence; share in His suffering; receive the promises of His Sacred Heart.

YOU CAN LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY TO ST. RITA’S!

We are so grateful for each and every one of our supporters through the years! You can create a bigger impact than you may have ever thought possible simply by thinking ahead and making a commitment to provide long-term support to St. Rita’s Church.

As you create or refine a plan to protect and provide for your family, please remember that you can include a gift to St. Rita’s that will continue to be a spiritual home for your family for years to come, and carry on a lasting legacy of your values.

Making a gift is easier than you may think. Depending on the gift arrangement that you choose, you can:

∗ Feel secure about the future of your loved ones. ∗ Maintain control of your assets for life. ∗ Receive tax benefits. ∗ Give more than you ever thought possible.

You can make sure St. Rita continues to receive the support needed far into the future. If you are interested in exploring a planned gift, please contact Mara Chimenti, in the Parish office at (626) 355-1292 x232. If, in the course of your planning, you have already honored St. Rita through a planned gift, we would appreciate hearing from you.

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH 7

Save the Date! Mark your calendars for:

Msgr. Richard’s Farewell Mass

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2018 5:30 P.M.

(On the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ)

Come to this Eucharistic Celebration and join Msgr. Richard afterwards

for a reception to thank him for his lifetime of service as he prepares for retirement on July 1.

All are welcome!