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

DECEMBER 4, 2016

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT — DECEMBER 4, 2016 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 Mary Lou Butler: mlbutler@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 • jharabedian@st-rita.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 Weekdays: John Bigley Porter (Evening Church Lockup): Sheila Palazzolo; Tim O’Connor Environment: Mara Chimenti • 355.1292 x232

Ministries & Organizations

Bereavement Ministry: 355.1292 • bereave@st-rita.org Christian Family: Diana Snyder • 824.0125 • missladydi@yahoo.com Greeters & Ushers: Erny Henry 289.3504 • 327.9480 Men’s Club: Ed Driscoll • driscomic@aol.com New Members/Welcome: Contact the Parish Office St. Rita Guild: Joan Crow 355.3621 • rbcrow64@yahoo.com 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

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 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

REV. MSGR. RICHARD KREKELBERG

PASTOR’S CORNER

This Second Sunday of Advent we make the words of the gospel our common vocation:

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD

AND MAKE STRAIGHT HIS PATHS!

There are many ways that we might make straight the path of the Lord, but two very important ways are stressed in today’s readings:

working for JUSTICE and being a catalyst for HARMONY.

A long time ago, Pope Paul VI proclaimed, “If you want peace, work for justice.” It only makes sense. We know that justice happens and justice exists when each receives his or her due, when there is equality and fair treatment, and when basic human rights are respected. As there is a very serious and proven global imbalance in the distribution of resources and goods, is it such a wonder that there is not world peace? When people stricken with enduring hunger and poverty a world away are none the less allowed to see the lives of the rich and famous almost flaunted in their faces on beaten up televisions atop a pile of rubble (or even a smart phone these days)—no wonder the hate, no wonder the lashing out.

Jesus IS “the reason for the season” and amidst all of the ubiquitous bad news we must find hope in God’s Good News; as the psalmist proclaims, Justice shall flourish in his time and fullness of peace forever. “In HIS time” may be understood as any time that we are doing justice in His name and also as the day of perfect justice when we will see God in God’s heaven—this, then, is our inspiration and our motivation “to make straight his paths.” But do we believe it? Remember how Thomas once protested: “How can you say ‘we know the way’? We do NOT know the way or where you are going!” To which Jesus responds: “You DO know the way, Thomas. I am the way, the truth, and the life!”

It would be very easy to dismiss our common vocation to prepare the way of the Lord, just because we have heard it to the point of ‘ho, hum’—probably followed by a yawn. (Seems like we’ve heard that gospel a million times.) But, there it is. We need to “spend” Advent in a way that allows us to experience Jesus as the way that can lead to “wolves lying down with lambs,” the truth of ourselves and of a world that can set us free from the prisons we ourselves create; and the life that consoles us in the knowledge of life everlasting. Advent blessings to you!

— Msgr. Richard

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO REQUEST OUR PRAYERS — Lalo Arriaga, Ernest & Mary Lou Kopka, Mary Kay Lee, Jane Rowland, Juanita Rojas, John Centeno, Jim Crilly, Trini Marti, Rosie Vidaurri, Joann Little, Brittany Rhyne, Leslie Lemus, Luz Arriaga, Lynn Snetsinger, Randy Graff, Paul Viger, Isabel Rosas Curci, José Zuniga, Joseph J. Gruppie, Ron Jones, John Collins, Doug Peterson, Sandra Osborne, Linda Theriault, Guia Canizales, Margie Schubert, Evelyn Tres, Gerald Drean, Toni Navarro, Clare Marquardt, Tonyja Blakeslee, Addie Marshall, Jackie Bagnuolo, Edith Olah, Fred Mycroft, Joseph Moore.

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT — DECEMBER 4, 2016 4

MASS INTENTIONS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 8:00 AM Fr. Warren Drinkwater INT 5:30 PM Megan Sterling RIP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 7:30 AM Montserrat Marti RIP 10:00 AM For all parishioners 12 NOON Jerry Lauricella RIP MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 8:00 AM Shelby Huddleston RIP TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 8:00 AM Robert Romo RIP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 8:00 AM Communion Service 5:30 PM Msgr. Thomas O’Malley RIP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 8:00 AM Nora Romo RIP 6:30 PM Msgr. Robert Gara RIP FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 8:00 AM Virginia Johnson INT SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 8:00 AM Marianne Cogbill INT 5:30 PM Jorge Alabart RIP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 7:30 AM Montserrat Marti RIP 10:00 AM Adelina Caiazza RIP 12 NOON For all parishioners

FEAST DAYS & OBSERVANCES

Tuesday: St. Nicholas Wednesday: St. Ambrose Thursday: Immaculate Conception

of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Friday: St. Juan Diego

Today’s Readings

First Reading — He shall bring justice for the afflicted; the earth shall overflow with the knowledge of the LORD (Isaiah 11:1-10).

Psalm — Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever (Psalm 72).

Second Reading — Glorify God by living in harmony with one another, welcoming each other as Christ welcomed you (Romans 15:4-9).

Gospel — Produce good fruit worthy of your baptism; repent, for the reign of God is near (Matthew 3:1-12).

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

before the weekday Masses.

Bulletin Deadlines

Please note: names on the Sick List are published for thirty days unless otherwise

requested. To add or remove a name, please contact the parish office or email:

bulletin@st-rita.org

Ten days before desired publication date.

bulletin@st-rita.org • 355-1292 x226

Interested in a Catholic Education for your child?

St. Rita School is now accepting applications! We are giving weekly

school tours for prospective students. Don’t delay, classes fill quickly!

For more information: Sara Landis

(626) 355-6114 landis@st-ritaschool.org

November Memorial Altar

Apologies to those who attended Mass on Thanksgiving expecting to visit the memorial altar and their loved ones pictures. The first Sunday of Advent came early this year and in order to put up environment for Advent, it was necessary to remove the Memorial Altar. Please know that we continued to offer special prayers for all our deceased throughout the month of November. Pictures and photos can be picked up in the parish office during regular office hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

St. Anthony Food Drive Report There was wonderful parish participation with three tables full of food transported to St. Anthony’s. The uniformed St. Rita schoolchildren that ass is ted were exce l lent ambassadors . They col lected $1,089.00 in checks and cash. Thank you to all who helped, and many thanks for the generosity of those that donated food items and money.

Advent Giving Tree

In the Vestibule Until December 18 As in the past, our Giving Tree is used to supply clothing, gift cards, and toys to St. Anthony Parish (San Gabriel) and St. Francis Center (downtown LA). Please take a tag—or two—from the Tree and then bring your gift back to place in the collection boxes near the Tree.

Thanks again for your support of our Annual Giving Tree!

For more information: Rosemary Hagerott

355-1292 x226 ● rc@st-rita.org

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:

12/14, 7:00–8:30 p.m. Gara Hall

EDGE Middle School Events 12/5: “First Fun Day Monday” Fellowship 12/12: Session on “Liturgy” 12/19: Advent Prayer Service

Confirmation Program Meetings • Corporal Works of Mercy at St.

Francis Center: 12/10, 9:30 a.m.— 12:30 p.m.

• Year 1 Session and Mass: 12/17, 4:00 p.m. in Gara Hall

Theresa Costanzo • ym@st-rita.org

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

Priya Tharayil • trosep84@yahoo.com

Girl Scout Troop 5361 Silver Award Project Update

Despite the rain and chilly weather last weekend, the Girl Scouts collected plenty of dog and cat food, blankets, gently used sweat shirts, donations and a cat litter pan to benefit the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society. One parishioner donated 6 large bags of cat and dog food. The Girl Scouts are very appreciative of everyone’s generosity and kindness. Thank you!

Men’s Club Pancake Breakfast

This Sunday, December 4 8:00 a.m.—1:30 p.m.

Msgr. Gara Hall

Please join us for pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage after all the Masses. Cost is $5. Kids 6 and under eat free!

For more information: Ed Driscoll

driscomic@aol.com

The Great Missal Changeover Thanks to those who volunteered and interrupted their holiday weekend to help. A few people stayed after the 8 a.m. Mass to help and more people arrived at 9 so we were able to remove all the old books, insert the new books, and bundle up the used books for recycling. Thank you everyone!

St. Rita Religious Items For Sale

St. Rita statues, medals, rosaries, etc. will be for sale in Gara Hall after all the Masses next weekend,

December 10 & 11. Get your Christmas shopping done early! Proceeds benefit the St. Rita Shrine Fund.

Offertory Income Weekend of November 27 and 28:

Collections: $10,084.75

Maintenance: $1,060.00

Choral Concert

St. Rita welcomes back the Community Chorus of Redlands for a free program of music for the Advent and Christmas seasons next Sunday afternoon, December 11, at 4:00 pm in the church.

This festive afternoon features a wide variety of music both choral and instrumental, and includes readings as well as familiar carols for audience and choir.

The Community Chorus of Redlands is an auditioned choral ensemble of over 70 voices from throughout the greater Inland Empire and Orange County. They are directed by their founder, Jeffrey H. Rickard, Professor Emeritus of Sacred Music from the University of Redlands.

For more information: St. Rita Parish Office

(626) 355–1292

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT — DECEMBER 4, 2016 6

Sunday, December 4 through Wednesday, December 21— “The Flight into Egypt”: 10th Annual Nativity Exhibit. Celebrate the journey of the Holy Family and those who helped them on their way. Hours vary; please call. Mary & Joseph Retreat Center, 5300 Crest Rd., Ranchos Palos Verdes, 90275.

Information: Sydne Jongbloed ● (310) 377-4867 x258 sjongbloed@maryjoseph.org Sunday, December 11—St Lucy’s Priory High School Open House. 11:00 a.m. —2:00 p.m. Tour the St. Lucy’s campus and meet faculty & students. St. Lucy’s Priory High School, 655 W. Sierra Madre Ave., Glendora, 91741.

Information: Emily Contreras ● (626) 253-9388 www.stlucys.com

Catholic Community & Local Events

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

This weekend: Sunday, December 4 Men’s Club Pancake Breakfast

See page 5 for more information.

Thursday, December 8 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Holy Day of Obligation Wednesday, December 7: Vigil Mass 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 8: Masses at 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Save the DateSave the DateSave the Date

Next Weekend, December 10 & 11 St. Rita Religious Items for Sale Gara Hall ● after all the Masses

See page 5 for more information.

Next Sunday, December 11 Redlands Community Chorus Concert

4:00 p.m. ● in the Church See page 5 for more information.

Tuesday, December 13 — Advent Penance Service

7:00 p.m. ● Assumption BVM Parish, Pasadena

Tuesday, December 13 — Men’s Club Holiday Party 7:00 p.m. ● Home of Bill Sullivan

Sunday, December 18

Sierra Madre Candlelight Walk 7:00 p.m. ● in front of the Church

Join us at 6:15 to hear Christmas Carols performed by a brass quintet, and enjoy light refreshments of apple cider and treats hosted by our

Christian Service Group.

Q&A Capital Campaign

Q: We received our End of Year appeal letter in the

mail this week. Can we designate our End of Year gift to the Capital Campaign?

A: We are always happy to accept donations and pledges

to the Capital Campaign. The generosity of our St. Rita parishioners is an important sign of our vitality and our sense of Stewardship and appreciation for all our God given gifts. However, the End of Year Appeal is designated for operating expenses and these donations are part of our planned budget. Whether given to an individual ministry or marked “wherever most needed,” the funds are used for our regular expenses. When Msgr. Richard pays the bills, he knows that the End of the Year donations will help him make ends meet. Of course, he and all the staff are deeply grateful for every donation and for the sacrifices that St. Rita parishioners make for our parish. Whether you are making a campaign pledge or a donation to the Year End Appeal, thank you!

Mary Lou Butler ● (626) 355-1292 x 222

Happy Birthday! Longtime parishioner Joann Ruggles celebrated her 90th birthday at the 12:00 noon Mass last weekend. Her son, Fr. Chris Ruggles (St. Rita School, Class of 1965), presided at the Mass, which was attended by J o a n n ’ s c h i l d r e n a n d grandchildren. Blessings and best wishes for many more!

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH 7

DECEMBER SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

If you do not receive an envelope packet in the mail, special envelopes are available in the Vestibule for these collections.

December 3 & 4—Flowers & Altar Enhancement.

This is our one collection each year to help provide décor and flowers for the Church throughout the coming Liturgical Year.

December 8—Feast of the Immaculate Conception. All donations remain at St. Rita.

December 11—Retirement Fund for Religious. Aging religious need our help; Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests have offered their lives in

service to others. Your gift helps to furnish medication, nursing care, and other necessities. Please give generously.

December 11—Maintenance & Repairs (blue envelope). This monthly collection is used to defray our ongoing ordinary expenses, including utility bills. Mark your check

or any envelope “Maintenance.” All donations remain at St. Rita.

December 25—Christmas. Remember to give your Parish a Christmas gift too.

Thank you for your generosity.