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

Rev. Thomas Baker — Pastor Deacon Manuel Valencia • Deacon John Hull (retired)

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

AUGUST 5, 2018 18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

2 CONTACT INFORMATION PASTORAL STAFF Rev. Thomas Baker, Pastor frtombaker@st-rita.org ● 355-1292 x223 Deacon Manuel & Chela Valencia, Permanent Deacon Couple deaconmanuelvalencia@gmail.com ● 355-1292 Deacon John & Marylee Hull, Retired Deacon Couple johnhull65@gmail.com ● 355-1292 Chuck & Linda McDaniels, Deacon Couple-in-training chuckmcdaniels@gmail.com ● 355-1292 Fr. Chris Thiel, OFM Cap., 10 a.m. Sunday Mass Presider

ADMINISTRATIVE & MINISTRY STAFF Director of Administration 355.1292 x222 Charlene Henkelmann charlene@st-rita.org Director of Liturgy & Music 355-1292 x231 Paul Puccinelli mm@st-rita.org Parish Secretary 355-1292 x223 Paula Guettler paula@st-rita.org Facilities Manager 355-1292 x232 Mara Chimenti mara@st-rita.org Receptionists reception@st-rita.org Registration Coordinator 355-1292 x230 Sheila Palazzolo Database Administrator 355-1292 x226 Jennifer Bowen rc@st-rita.org Archivist 355-1292 x233 Marilyn McKernan marilyn@st-rita.org Webmaster 355-1292 Ralph Seymour seymour@seymourmedia.com Bulletin Submissions 355-1292 x226 Jennifer Bowen bulletin@st-rita.org

EDUCATION & FAITH FORMATION St. Rita School Principal 355-6114 Joanne Harabedian harabedian@st-ritaschool.org St. Rita School Secretary 355-6114 x102 Sara Landis landis@st-ritaschool.org Director of Religious Education 355-1292 x228 Cristina Cullen dre@st-rita.org Director of Youth Ministry 590-8828 Theresa Costanzo ym@st-rita.org RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) 355-1292 Dcn. Manuel Valencia / Susan Blakeslee / rcia@st-rita.org Gary Fidone

PARISH LIFE & MINISTRY Altar Servers Kathy Ganino (youth) 398-9302 Bill Cosso (adult) 355-5656 Amazing Grace Prayer Ministry Tom Tharayil 348-9003 Art & Environment Director Moira Love 355-1292 Bereavement Ministry Sheila Palazzolo bereave@st-rita.org Catholic Bible Study Jim & Alice Cobbin biblestudy@st-rita.org Christian Family Ana Ptasinski 355-3146 Cub Scout Troup 110 Missy Augustyn 644-1404 Eucharistic Adoration Kathy Ganino 398-9302 Finance Council Chair Bill Sullivan 355-3707 Immaculate Heart of Mary Prayer Group Susan Day 355-3835 Knights of Columbus, Council 5137 Dave Loera 355-3382 Knit & Crochet Ministry Ann Wolf 355-7445 Lectors & Eucharistic Ministers David & Jill Muhs em@st-rita.org Porters Sheila Palazzolo/Tim O’Connor Sacristan Coordinator David Muhs em@st-rita.org St. Rita Filipino American Group Noel Wychico 960-2623 St. Rita Guild Margaret Fullinwider 355-3647 St. Rita Men’s Club Justin Smith 993-8754 Senior Ministry Marilyn McKernan marilyn@st.rita-org Prayer Shawl & Lap Blanket Ministry Mary Taillac 355-3179 Ushers & Greeters Erny Henry 446-6715 Volunteer Coordinator Sheila Palazzolo volunteer@st-rita.org

Baptisms First Sunday of the month after the Noon Mass. Registration and Catechesis are prerequisites. Please contact the Parish Office.

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

Reconciliation and First Eucharist Preparation for children who have attained the age of reason (usually during 2nd grade) is arranged either through the Religious Education Program or St. Rita Elementary School.

Confirmation A two-year program for freshman/sophomore age teens. Please apply through the Youth Ministry Program.

Communion for the Sick and Homebound St. Rita Eucharistic Ministers provide Communion home visits. Contact the Parish Office.

Anointing of the Sick and Funeral Liturgies Please notify us for the Anointing of the Sick, the sacrament intended for the seriously ill or dying which brings Our Lord’s special presence and companionship in serious time of need. If someone should die without anointing, remember that the desire to receive is sufficient.

If 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.

SACRAMENTS

ST. RITA CATHOLIC FAITH COMMUNITY 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time • August 5, 2018

PASTOR’S CORNER 3

Dear Parishioners and Visitors:

In today’s first reading the Israelites receive the gift of manna, a special bread from heaven to sustain them in the journey through the desert. In the gospel Jesus states that He is the needed food for the journey when He says: “I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” More than manna for a desert journey, Jesus, our God, becomes nourishment for our lives. No matter how often I partake of this special sacrament, nor how often I celebrate Mass, I still feel extremely privileged that the creator and Lord of life chooses to come to me in the form of bread. As an athlete, training for and participating in triathlons require proper nutrition to assure good results and quick recovery. This means adequate intake during exercise as well as good meals and nutrition before and after the work outs and competitions. For me, this is a wonderful analogy for the spiritual life. We need proper nourishment for the life of faith. If we don’t pay attention to our intake and fail to nourish ourselves with healthy, life-giving food, we will lack the proper strength to continue and blossom in the spiritual life. I hope you recognize the wonderful gift we have in the Eucharist and regularly partake of this Godly food, the bread of life. Blessings.

—Fr. Tom

The Bread of Life

ST. RITA CATHOLIC FAITH COMMUNITY 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time • August 5, 2018

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO REQUEST OUR PRAYERS: Pat Hrstich, Mary Ellen Young, Charlotte Meyer, Audrey Newell, Richard Forcione, Mary Kathryn Genzlinger, Heidi & Terry Kelly, Toni Baiunco, Jacquie Marshall Martin, Teresa D’Agostaro, Carol Cerrina, Carmen Ruiz, Maria Blust, Rosemarie Casalicchio, Glen Blaser, Barbara Blaser, Daisy Walters, Leslie Lemus, Salvatore Termini, Mary Rodriguez, Pete & Daisy Olson, Gil Lazo, 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.

MASS INTENTIONS SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 8:00 AM Betty Jean Henry RIP 5:30 PM Marguerite Nowakowski RIP

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5 7:30 AM For all parishioners 10:00 AM Stephen Vukelich RIP 12 NOON Louise Bigley RIP

MONDAY, AUGUST 6 8:00 AM Rosa Maria Juárez RIP

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7 8:00 AM Mimi Tracy RIP

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8 8:00 AM Communion Service

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 8:00 AM Communion Service

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 8:00 AM Rev. Fernando Iglesias RIP

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 8:00 AM Ms. Salazar RIP 5:30 PM Mary Siegler RIP

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 7:30 AM Osan Zeitounessian RIP 10:00 AM For all parishioners 12 NOON Anthony Nieto RIP

FEAST DAYS & OBSERVANCES

Monday: The Transfiguration of

the Lord Tuesday: St. Sixtus II &

Companions; St. Cajetan Wednesday: St. Dominic Thursday: St. Teresa Benedicta Friday: St. Lawrence Saturday: St. Clare

TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading — I will rain down bread from heaven for you (Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15).

Psalm — The Lord gave them bread from heaven (Psalm 78).

Second Reading — Put on the new self that has been created in God’s way (Ephesians 4:17, 20-24).

Gospel — Whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst (John 6:24-35).

REST IN PEACE

Marguerite Nowakowski Mother of Paul NovakJoyce Unamuno

Mother of Lisa & Lily James Rasmussen Husband of Cecilia;

Friend of Gary Fidone

4 LITURGY, WORSHIP, AND COMMUNITY

PARKING REMINDER

The entire upper parking lot north of the church is

reserved for parishioners with limited mobility for all Masses and celebrations. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and courtesy by respecting this policy!

“A Catholic Education is an Advantage for Life”

Schedule a personal tour and learn of the many opportunities we offer students. For more information, please contact Sara Landis in the School Office:

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

DID YOU KNOW? Get Ready for

Back to School!

It’s that time of year again to pack up your

children’s backpacks and send them off to make new friends and learn new things. Before the first day of school, parents should take steps to ensure their child’s safety while they’re in the care of teachers and school staff. Meet all the teachers and adults that your children will see regularly. Talk to your kids about basic ground rules for safety, privacy and security. For young children, shared bathrooms are new, and they should know what to expect. Brush up on the school’s plans for security too. For a copy of the complete VIRTUS® article “Three Things that Simply Must Be Done,” visit: http://www.la-archdiocese.org/org/protect ing/Pages/VIRTUS-Current-Online-Articles.aspx.

ST. RITA CATHOLIC FAITH COMMUNITY 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time • August 5, 2018

Youth Ministry

Children’s Ministries

Young Adult Ministry

Elementary Religious Education has concluded for the school year and classes will resume in the fall. That means it’s time to register for next year!

• Classes are held Mondays from 4:00—5:15 p.m.

• Dates are September 10, 2018 through May 20, 2018.

• Cost is $65 per child by June 30. Cost increases to $75 per child after July 1.

• A copy of a baptismal certificate is needed if the child is new.

You may pick up a registration packet in the Parish Office or contact Cristina Cullen for more information.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word and Preschool Sunday School will also resume in the fall. See you then!

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:

8/8 ● 7:00–8:30 p.m. ● Gara Hall

EDGE Middle School • Resumes in the fall. See you then!

Confirmation Program Meetings • Resumes in the fall. See you then!

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, August 18 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

Send us information (including JPG format pictures) of your recent Ministry events!

MINISTRY NEWS & UPDATES 5

BIBLE STUDY MINISTRY

Wednesdays 7:00—8:30 p.m. Parish Office Meeting Room

Join with us as we open the scriptures in order to continue in this journey of faith. We open the books of scripture one at a time, from beginning to end, and leave nothing out. All are welcome!

For more information: Jim & Alice Cobbin

biblestudy@st-rita.org

REGISTER

Now!

Elementary Religious Educa on Registration materials are now available in the Parish Office. We are excited to have your family join our program! See left column for details.

For more information: Cristina Cullen

Director of Religious Education dre@st-rita.org

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY There is a death in your family today; where do you turn to first?

Many would say, “My church, of course!” The caring persons at St. Rita Parish that help to get you through the days of “How are we going to do this? I don’t know what to do! I don’t know what is needed for a funeral. Who do I let know the special things I would like to happen at the funeral?” are special people with special gifts graced by God. Are you empathetic? Do you care about others when they are hurting? Do you like detailed projects? Do you have an hour or so now and then to de-vote to a family in need within St. Rita’s? Our parish needs you! Please think and pray about how you can use your abilities and love to help lift up, soothe and give strength to our fellow parishioners and their families. We have a complete training program and times available to fit your schedule. Stand tall, come for-ward, inquire at: bereave@st-rita.org.

Annual Backpack & School Supply Drive for St. Francis Center (SFC)

Again this year, we are collecting NEW BACKPACKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES. Our Drive concludes

today, August 5. Last-minute donations of backpacks and school supplies may be dropped off at the Parish Office by noon tomorrow.

Thank you to all who have already donated these very necessary items for the inner-city children SFC serves. Our St. Rita Youth Ministry will be assisting in the delivery of the donations this week. Watch future bulletins for a final update!

Thank you for your generosity!

Fight all error, but do it with good humor, patience, kindness, and love.

Harshness will damage your own soul and spoil the best cause.

—St. John Kanty

ST. RITA CATHOLIC FAITH COMMUNITY 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time • August 5, 2018

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

This Sunday, August 5

St. Francis Center Backpack & School Supply Drive Concludes today! Get your last-minute donations

in to the Parish Offices by noon tomorrow. See Page 5 for further details.

Wednesday, August 8—Bible Study

7:00 p.m. ● Parish Office Dining Room Drop-ins are welcome!

Friday, August 10—Tai Chi

11:00 a.m. ● O’Malley Hall ● $5 per class

Save the DateSave the DateSave the Date

Wednesday, August 15 Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Holy Day of Obligation) Mass Schedule

Tuesday Evening (Vigil): 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Weekend of September 8—9

St. Rita Ministry Fair Watch future bulletins for more information!

Thank You! Our sincere thank you to all of the donors of “The Monsignor Richard G. Krekelberg Fund - Passionate about Saint Rita’s Future”. In addition to the major renewal of pledges totaling $500k to the fund, an additional $264k in matching donations have been pledged! Monsignor Richard expresses his deep gratitude and thanks to each and every one of you for your generous contributions in his honor. Please note that pledge cards are located in the vestibule. Your gift can be paid monthly, quarterly or annually. All checks should be made payable to the Saint Rita Capital Campaign, with the notation of the special fund in the memo section. Pledge renewals are gladly accepted. For further information about the Capital Campaign, please contact Mara Chimenti at (626) 355-1292, x232, or via email at mara@st-rita.org.

Marriage Encounter Weekend—August 24-26. Couples will learn five tools for better communication so they regain and retain the joy and intimacy that first brought them together. They will also be reminded of the precious gift their sacrament of marriage is to each other and to the community.

Information: Mike & Veronica Sasaki ● (626) 765-4305 Ronnie & Dorene Flores ● (626) 334-5574

“Good Grief” Bereavement Support Group—begins September 18. Join Gloria Lee, LMFT for a 6-week series for those grieving the loss of a loved one through death. Meets Tuesday evenings from September 18 through October 23. (After the 2nd session, this will be a closed group.) 6:30-8:00 p.m., St. Bede the Venerable Church, 215 Foothill Blvd., La Canada 91011.

Information: Gloria Lee, LMFT ● (818) 679-1841 St. Bede Parish Center ● (818) 949-4300

Catholic Community & Local Events

6 DATES, EVENTS, AND STEWARDSHIP

ST. RITA OF CASCIA CATHOLIC FAITH COMMUNITY 7