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)

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

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

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 1908A Catholic Faith Community Since 1908A Catholic Faith Community Since 1908

OCTOBER 30, 2016

THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — OCTOBER 30, 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

Today I want to share with you the thoughts and reflections of Fr. J.P. Earls, O.S.B. Sometimes the Gospel records for us someone who has an encounter with Our Lord and in every case it is an opportunity for us to desire that we have our own encounter with him. Think of “the woman at the well” or Peter, James, and John. In this case it is the diminutive Zacchaeus [yes, another tax collector—and in this case, a very blessed and lucky tax collector!]. I recommend paying special attention to Fr. Earls’ questioning about “what would we do?” if Jesus were coming down our street.

—Msgr. Richard

Zacchaeus is short of stature but long on enthusiasm. He is a tax collector, an occupation that put him outside the pale of salvation for the religious Jew. Jesus, by reaching out in love to Zacchaeus, assures us that even if we are tax collectors, and highly successful ones at that (read, we’ve been taking kickbacks like crazy), we can still be confident of God’s love in Jesus Christ—if we really want it.

Yes, I know, you’re going to say “Oh, sure, Zacchaeus was so eager he climbed up in the tree to get a good look at Jesus,

but it’s not his enthusiasm that saves him, it’s giving up his evil ways. The bottom line is always the same: if you want to get on Jesus’ good side, you have to give up your sinful practices, so Zacchaeus makes restitution for all of the double-ledger accounts he’s been handing in to the Romans, and gives half of his wealth to the poor.”

But here, I suggest, is the difference, Zacchaeus didn’t do all these things, and then Jesus says, “Now I can stay at your house.” Jesus looks up at this little guy hanging in the sycamore tree, and sees that it was a hunger for something completely new in his life, something completely different, that sent Zacchaeus scurrying up that tree, and, moreover, Jesus knows that He can fill that hungry spot in Zacchaeus’ heart. With what joy Jesus calls us to him, “Zacchaeus, come on down! I want to stay at your house.” It is Jesus who sends out this huge wave of love to Zacchaeus, and Zacchaeus who responds to it. Maybe it is the first time in his life that he feels love accepting him, caressing his inmost soul, blessing the dark corners of his heart with a gentle but persistent light.

So today’s readings encourage us to depend on the generosity of God in Jesus

Christ to straighten out our lives. If you’re not feeling the presence of Jesus in your hearts today, you might ask yourself, if Jesus were scheduled to come down your street at one o’clock this afternoon, would you be there to see him? Would you climb up a tree to get a better view? What would you do if He asked to come visit with you? Is He someone you could pour your heart out to? Would you fear condemnation from Him, or joyfully anticipate forgiveness? Would you still fear giving up what you sense to be sinful in your life, or would you know, to the joyful depths of your God-beloved and Jesus-forgiven heart, that the love is more than enough for you?

Well, let me tell you, He’s already here. He wants to accept you as He accepted Zacchaeus. When you approach the altar to share in Jesus’ own hospitality meal, know that Zacchaeus was no closer to Jesus when he came down out of that tree than you will be when you take part in that meal. Come join the party. It’s going to last forever.

J.P. Earls, a monk and priest of

St. John’s Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota

{I’m Msgr. Richard Krekelberg and I approve this message!}

What Would You Do?

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO REQUEST OUR PRAYERS — 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.

THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — OCTOBER 30, 2016 4

MASS INTENTIONS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 8:00 AM Eric & Elise LeClair INT 5:30 PM Guy DeMarco RIP SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 7:30 AM For All Parishioners 10:00 AM Eileen Schmidt INT 12 NOON Jerry Lauricella RIP MONDAY, OCTOBER 31— 8:00 AM Rev. Ernesto Espina, C.M. RIP 5:30 PM—Vigil of All Saints Gerald Twedell RIP TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1—ALL SAINTS DAY 8:00 AM Ann Twedell RIP 6:30 PM Serafina Osune RIP WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2—ALL SOULS DAY 8:00 AM Rev. Vincent Hughes, O.F.M. RIP 6:30 PM For All Souls in Purgatory THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3 8:00 AM Communion Service FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4 8:00 AM Michael & Amber Lynch INT SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 8:00 AM Al Kirkwood INT 5:30 PM Tom Savage RIP SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 7:30 AM Montserrat Marti RIP 10:00 AM For All Parishioners 12 NOON Theresa Armstrong INT

FEAST DAYS & OBSERVANCES

Tuesday: All Saints Wednesday: All Souls’ Day Thursday: St. Martin de Porres Friday: St. Charles Borromeo; First Friday

Today’s Readings

First Reading—LORD, you love all things that exist (Wisdom 11:22 — 12:2). Psalm—I will praise your name forever, my king and my God (Psalm 145). Second Reading—May the name of Christ be glorified in you and you in him (2 Thessalonians 1:11 — 2:2). Gospel—Zacchaeus, a tax collector, considered to be a sinner, is converted to the Lord (Luke 19:1-10).

Month of Holy Souls We invite all parishioners to participate in our beautiful St. Rita tradition of honoring those who have gone before us during the Month of Holy Souls. You are welcome to bring in a small, framed photo of your deceased loved ones for display in anticipation of the Feast of All Souls (November 2) and throughout the entire month of November. If you would like the photo back, please make sure you label i t with your contact information: name, address, and daytime phone number. You may bring photos to the parish office until October 31, or leave them at the display in the sanctuary beginning November 1.

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

Proposition 62

The California bishops have chosen Proposition 62 as their top priority. A YES vote for Proposition 62 will abolish the death penalty in California and in its place, give a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. Pope St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis have all stated there is no need for the death penalty in our community. Now is the time for our state to join the growing number of states who have abolished capital punishment. We ask you to prayerfully consider joining the efforts to end the death penalty.

For more information, please visit: LAFaithfulCitizen.org

REST IN PEACE

Mary Ellen Isoard Long-time parishioner

All Souls Day Mass Remembrances

Be sure to fill out the special envelope (in your Monthly Packet and also in the Vestibule) with the names of all those you want remembered during the month of November. These envelopes will be placed on the Altar and remain there throughout the month.

A donation is appreciated but not required. Please put your envelope in the Offering Basket as soon as possible or bring it to the Parish Office.

Note: Names on the Sick List are published for 30 days unless otherwise requested. To

add or remove a name, please contact Bulletin@St.-Rita.org or the Parish Office 355-1292.

This Sunday is Priesthood Sunday.

Let us pray for and remember all priests —both living and deceased—who have served not only at St. Rita but at all Churches throughout the world.

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH 5

Youth Ministry

Religious Education

Young Adult Ministry

Bulletin Deadlines

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

November 9, 7:00–8:30 pm St. Rita Meadow

EDGE Middle School Registration The Registration Packet for 2016-17 school year is available in the Parish Office. To receive registration forms by email, please contact Theresa Costanzo.

Confirmation Program All high school youth who would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation are required to complete a two-year preparation program in their home parish. Registration packets for new candidates are available in the Parish Office. Questions or info? Please contact Theresa.

Theresa Costanzo • ym@st-rita.org

Registration for Classes All children in grades 1-5 are welcome to join our Program at St. Rita. Registration materials are available in the Parish Office, on our website, or via email. Classes meet every Monday from 4-5:15 pm.

For more information: Cristina Cullen • dre@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

Ten days before desired publication date. Be sure to send us some pictures (jpeg format) from your events! Bulletin@st-rita.org • 355-1292 x226

WOMEN’S RETREAT WEEKEND at MATER DOLOROSA

“The Crucified One Is No Stranger”

St. Rita’s Retreat for Women will be at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center the weekend of November 4-6. Join your fellow parishioners for th i s weekend of sp i r i tua l enrichment and growth. The Passionist retreat team offers inspirational talks, as well as time for quiet prayer, Mass, Confessions, and Stations of the Cross.

For information and reservations: Ana Ptasinski, Retreat Captain

(626) 355-3146

Do you have good organizational skills and an eye for decorating? Are you available on Saturdays? Help co-chairing St. Rita’s Art & Environment Ministry is needed! Consider lending your talents to help enhance our worship space.

For more information: Mara Chimenti

(626) 355-1292 x232

Interested in a Catholic Education for your child?

St. Rita School is now accepting applications!

Weekly school tours are underway. Don’t delay, classes fill quickly.

Saint Rita School, mindful of its mission to be a witness to the love of Christ for all, admits students regardless of race, color, or national and/or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, sex, or national and/or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies and practices, scholarship programs.

For more information: Sara Landis

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

A note of Thanks…

I would like to express my extreme gratitude to Msgr. Richard and all the St. Rita Parishioners for their prayers and condolences for the Eternal Rest of my sister Montserrat Marti. Montse’s husband, Eduard, and her whole family are also very appreciative of your support.

Thank you with all my heart, Ana Ptasinski

Looking to connect? Want to help others?

Attend a St. Rita Guild or St. Rita Men’s Club Meeting

and see what could happen…

► St. Rita Men’s Club Next Meeting

Tuesday, November 8 6:30 pm Social, 7 pm Meeting

O’Malley Hall

We are an active group always looking for new members. We sponsor many fund-raising events throughout the year, as well as some events just for fun (for example, a ride on the Gold Line and attendance at a Dodger Game in July).

Ed Driscoll • driscomic@aol.com

► St. Rita Guild Next Meeting

Friday, November 11 9 am • Gara Hall

All ladies are welcome! We need and appreciate your involvement. We’ll be reviewing our recent sponsored events—Communion Breakfast and Retreat—and planning our next activities. Please join us!

Joan Crow 355.3621 • rbcrow64@yahoo.com

THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — OCTOBER 30, 2016 6

Saturday, November 5—Journey in Grief Through the Holidays. Come consider and reflect on ways of participating in the coming holidays while honoring the memory of a departed loved one. Cost $50. Mary and Joseph Retreat Center, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.

Info or registration: Marlene Velazquez 310/377-4867 x234

The Splendor of the Saints and Mercy—Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6. An exposition and veneration of more than 60 relics of various saints. Saturday 9:00 AM—7:00 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM—4:00 PM. Eugene Sullivan Hall, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, 1015 Lagoon Ave., Wilmington, 90744.

Information: 310/834-5215 ● sppc@sbcglobal.net

Sunday, November 5—Home for the Holidays Christmas Boutique. 10 am until 3 pm. St. Lucy’s Priory High School, 655 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Glendora 91741. Holiday décor, gift baskets, live plants, baked good, and more.

Information: 626/963-0017 ● parmus@stlucys.com

Free Couples Therapy—Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Fuller Seminary School of Psychology is offering 15 free sessions of couples therapy. Sessions began earlier this month but there is still room available. For more information:

Migum Gweon, LMFT 626/584-5523 ● migumgweon@fuller.edu

Catholic Community & Local Events

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

This Sunday, October 30—

Guild Communion Breakfast 11:00 am ● Msgr. Gara Hall

► No Hospitality this Sunday

because of the Communion breakfast. See page 7 for more information.

Monday, October 31—Halloween on Alegria!

Thanks to all who have donated candy to satisfy our hobgoblins!

Friday, November 4—Adoration After the 8 am Mass until 5 pm ● Parish Office Oratory

November 4 through 6—Women’s Weekend Retreat

Pray for the women of our parish as they pray for you!

Saturday, November 5—

Set your clocks back before you go to bed! Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday at 2 AM

Save the DateSave the DateSave the Date

Sunday, November 6—Baptisms In the Church ● 1:30 pm ● Deacon Manuel

Tuesday, November 8—Men’s Club Meeting 6:30 pm Social, 7:00 pm Meeting ● O’Malley Hall

See page 5 for more information.

Friday, November 11—Veteran’s Day ► Parish Office Closed

Friday, November 11—St. Rita Guild Meeting

9:00 am ● Gara Hall ► Note location change. See page 5 for more information.

Tuesday, November 1—Solemnity of All Saints ► Holy Day of Obligation

Vigil Mass: Monday, October 31 at 5:30 pm Masses at 8:00 am and 6:30 pm on Tuesday, November 1

Wednesday, November 2—Solemnity of All Souls Masses at 8:00 am and 6:30 pm

See page 5 for information.

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA CHURCH 7

NOVEMBER SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

If you receive Sunday Offering envelopes, these are all included in your November packet. Or check the Vestibule for envelopes for the Archdiocesan and National special collections.

Tuesday, November 1—All Saints Day

Wednesday, November 2—All Souls Day (envelopes to be placed on the Altar during the month of November). See page 4 for more information.

Sunday, November 6—Military Services Collection. This Archdiocesan collection is for the benefit of those who have served and continue to serve our country.

Sunday, November 13—Maintenance & Repairs. This monthly collection remains at St. Rita for expenses incurred for the upkeep of our parish facilities. Use the blue envelope or simply indicate “Maintenance” on your check or any envelope.

Sunday, November 20—Catholic Campaign for Human Development. This collection is for the benefit of those needing assistance in Central and South America.

Thursday, November 24—Thanksgiving. This collection remains at St. Rita and is used for outreach to the poor throughout the year.

~ We appreciate your generosity and support ~

Hospitality Sundays— Coffee, donuts, fellowship!

We hope you have been coming over to Gara Hall after the Sunday Masses to have some refreshments and meet/greet friends, new and old.

Thank you to the Altar Servers, Lectors, and Eucharistic Ministers who hosted Hospitality last Sunday. The “generous buffet” of baked goods was impressive!

Come appreciate the beautiful new Gara Hall—spacious, comfortable, lots of tables and chairs, air conditioning, and convenient new restrooms! Come and take a look!

Cash donations to defray costs are appreciated.