Saint Rita Church and School

The Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - June 5, 2016  
 
 
Welcome to the e-Vangelism Newsletter of Saint Rita Church and School. This newsletter gives you a weekly introduction to the upcoming Sunday's Scripture readings as well as current information on our parish activities, news and notes from our pastor and / or pastoral staff, and educational / catechetical information to help you better understand and live your Catholic faith.


 
An Introduction to
Sunday's Scripture Readings

In the hope that you will enter more fully into the Mass

 
Jesus Raises the Widow's Son (Luke 7) 
YOUNG MAN, I TELL YOU, ARISE!
    This Sunday's readings are all about God's awesome power and mercy. We here the story of two widows who both lose their only son (one old Testament and one New Testament). The stories are similar and the results and the reaction of the people are the same; but there is one key difference between these two events,
    In our first reading (1 Kings 17:17-24), Elijah cries out to God three times to raise the widow's son to life, and in God's mercy, the young man is restored to life. 
    "Elijah went to Zarephath of Sidon to the house of a widow. The son of the mistress of the house fell sick, and his sickness grew more severe until he stopped breathing. So she said to Elijah, 'Why have you done this to me, O man of God? Have you come to me to call attention to my guilt and to kill my son?' Elijah said to her, 'Give me your son.' Taking him from her lap, he carried the son to the upper room where he was staying, and put him on his bed. Elijah called out to the LORD: 'O LORD, my God, will you afflict even the widow with whom I am staying by killing her son?' Then he stretched himself out upon the child three times and called out to the LORD: 'O LORD, my God, let the life breath return to the body of this child.' The LORD heard the prayer of Elijah; the life breath returned to the child's body and he revived. Taking the child, Elijah brought him down into the house from the upper room and gave him to his mother. Elijah said to her, 'See! Your son is alive.' The woman replied to Elijah, 'Now indeed I know that you are a man of God. The word of the LORD comes truly from your mouth.'" 
    In our Gospel reading (Luke 7:11-17), Jesus encountered a widow about to bury her only son. He saw her plight and intervened. Jesus did not "call out to the Lord" as Elijah did. Jesus had within himself the authority and power to raise the young man to life.  
    "Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, 'Do not weep.' He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, 'Young man, I tell you, arise!' The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, crying out 'A great prophet has arisen in our midst, ' and 'God has visited his people.' This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region." 
    In our Epistle, (Galatians 1:11-19), St. Paul was defending himself against accusations that his preaching was not in keeping with the Apostles. In his writing, he reminded his listeners that the Gospel he preached was "not of human origin" but was directly from Jesus Christ.. 
    "I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it, and progressed in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my race. But when God, who from my mother's womb had set me apart was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him to the Gentiles, I went into Arabia and then returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to talk with Cephas and remained with him for fifteen days. But I did not see any other of the Apostles, only James the brother of the Lord."
    So we are reminded of the awesome love, power and mercy of God and that all good things come from God. We also see Jesus acting with the authority and power of God, because he is God. 
 
Click Here to read, reflect and pray on the full readings for Sunday, June 5, 2016 
Pastor's Message

June 5, 2016, 2016

"Go and teach all nations, says the Lord;
I am with you always, until the end of the world."   Luke 3:4,6

What a great Fiesta weekend!
Many thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers who spent countless hours planning and preparing for the many varied events that went on this weekend and also to help run our 62nd annual Fiesta and 10K/5K Run this year!
 
I am grateful to the over 400 adult and youth volunteers who generously donated their time to make this event the talk of the town and thanks also to everyone who came out to support this wonderful family friendly event!  
 
We couldn't have offered such great musical entertainment under the cover of the large tents without the support of our generous Fiesta Sponsors! Please see the full page in this bulletin and support our sponsors.
 
With 62 years of history, the Fiesta speaks volumes about the people of St. Rita Parish. The St. Rita Parish and School community is alive and well because of the kindness of so many!
 
I am delighted to share that two of our St. Rita parishioners, Diane Cocilova and Elaine King will be making their covenants as Associates of the Sisters of Mercy this Sunday, at the Motherhouse of the Sisters. They join two other current Associates, our parishioners, Judy Hynes and Kathy Foster, who promise to engage in the works of the Sisters in service to the poor, sick and uneducated, especially women and children.
 
Congratulations Elaine and Diane and pray for our associates and vocations to the Sisters of Mercy
Have a Great Week!
Fr. Gonyo
St. Rita Catholic School
St. Rita School 
Spirit of Learning Corner

Did You Know . . . .  
 
+  Have you been in the St. Rita School library lately?  It's a beautiful place, and every St. Rita's student will be there this week.  All library books are due, which doesn't sound very exciting, but means that this priceless resource will close to the students until fall, once all of the books are returned.

 Our school library has wonderful volunteers that help check books in and out for the students each week during the school year.  This is all coordinated by our librarian and technology teacher.  New books are purchased each year through the money raised at our two Scholastic Book Fairs held in the fall and spring.   
 
The students are starting to get antsy! The end of school is near!

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Don't Forget our School Open House 
Thursday, June 9 from 11 am to 1 pm. 
Come see what all the buzz is about 
"Protecting Our Future"
Saint Rita Roof Campaign ~ Information Sessions
 
Ongoing maintenance is a reality for anyone who owns property, and after an architectural review of our buildings it has been determined that our 30-year-old Church and our 22-year-old Parish Center are in need of major repairs.  
 
We ask you to prayerfully consider how best you are able to support this capital campaign and we hope you would consider a donation (that can be made payable over two years). Your support in this effort is most appreciated and we hope you will do what you can to help sustain the future of our facilities for years to come.
 
Roof Campaign Information packets and pledge cards are available in the back of church or at the parish office.
 
You can donate online using your credit card or through your bank. Please go to www.saintritawebster.org and select the yellow Roof Campaign tab. Thank you for your prayers and support!
 
Roof Campaign Goal               $350,000
Pledges received                     $154,100
(as of June 1, 2016)

From the Desk of Father Shatzel . .  .
 
An Official Note ~
The Gospel of Luke rides again! Yes, this is Year "C". We began these readings in January (after Epiphany) with Luke chapters 4 and 5. Then came the special readings for Lent, Easter, and Pentecost . . . today, with the resumption of green vestments and Ordinary Time, the Gospel of Luke also resumes being read (today with chapter 7 - the widow of Naim) and then continuing on throughout the rest of Luke's Gospel for the next 6 months. For the next few weeks I'd like to repeat some of the background and themes to help us re-focus on what to look for as we hear Luke's Gospel read and preached.
 
A Personal Note ~
Next weekend (June 11-12), I have been asked by the present pastor, Father William Moorby, to substitute for him at my former parish of Good Shepherd. Thus, I will not be here, but will be celebrating Masses in Union Springs, Moravia, and King Ferry next weekend. I also thank Father Gonyo for giving me leave and for celebrating all the Masses next weekend.

Congratulations to the Newest Members
of Our Parish Pastoral Council

Women: Catherine Lesio and Princess Fame
Men: Bob Ehmann and Ryan Scherer
Youth: Sofia Bosco, Mary Dudinski, Jack Kehoe

They join the current members of our council: Frank DiBiase, Karen DiSalvo (Secretary), Josh Formella, Sheila Korol, Pam Kunzer (Chairperson), John Matina, Anne Marie Matina, Ray Recchia (Vice-Chair)

We pray that these women, youth and men who serve on our Parish Pastoral Council may find unity and strength in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Special thanks to our outgoing members for giving so generously of their time over the past three years. Thanks to Mike Cunningham, Laura Formella, Rita Johnson and Tom O'Brien and our youth who served one year, Bridget Deveney and Theresa Piersall.
 
St. Rita School Pre-K
Book Nook and Music Hour
 
Bring any 2� to 4 year old (accompanied by parent or caregiver) to our PreK Book Nook & Music Hour.
 
Join us next Thursday from 1:00-2:00pm in the PreK classroom for a fun filled time of books, crafts and songs.        

 

    June 9 - Sea, Sun & Sand

 

Please register by calling the school office at 671-3132. There is no fee to attend. You do not need to be a parishioner - All are welcome!

Class of 2016 HIGH SCHOOL
OR COLLEGE GRADUATES
 
Photos wanted for our "Class of 2016" photo display in the greeting area in June. Please send your formal, informal or "service in action" photos to the Parish Office, attn.: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski. Any size is fine! Congratulations!
 
FAITH FORMATION
 
It's
Easy
To
Register
For Kindergarten thru Grade Seven

Enrollment for Faith Formation classes for the 2016-2017 school year is underway. Students in Grades K-7, who do not attend a Catholic school, are strongly encouraged to be enrolled in the Faith Formation Program.


You may enroll in and pay for Faith Formation and Sacraments on-line,
at the parish website, www.saintritawebster.org .
 
Enrollment Forms for new students are available in the
Greeting Area and on the Parish Website
 
A choice of two sessions will be offered weekly
      • Session 1: Mondays:   4:30 pm - 5:45 pm (Grades K-6)
      • Session 2: Mondays:   6:15 pm - 7:30 pm (Grades 1-7)
 
Parents of Returning Students
Enrollment Forms were mailed home.
Don't forget to return your enrollment forms, or enroll on-line by July 13, 2016.
 
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FIRST EUCHARIST
and
FIRST RECONCILIATION
 
 
First Eucharist candidates must be in Grade 2 or higher and be enrolled in either the Faith Formation Program or attend a Catholic school. Children enrolled in the First Eucharist Program will also be preparing for and making their First Reconciliation.
 
All children entering Grade 3 and higher who have made their First Eucharist but not their First Reconciliation should be enrolled in the First Reconciliation Program. Enrollment Forms are available in the Greeting Area, and on the Parish Website, www.saintritawebster.org.
 
If you would like more information about
Faith Formation, First Eucharist or First Reconciliation Preparation
please contact Anita Wagner at 671-2079, or at [email protected]
 
----------------------------------------------------
 
CONFIRMATION PREPARATION
 
Grade 8 and Above

PreparConfirmationation for the Sacrament of Confirmation will continue to be a two year program and will be available to candidates in Grade 8 and above. Registration will be held later this summer. Please watch the bulletin for more information.
 
Questions may be directed to Marie Marton at 671-1100 x 17 or [email protected]

St. Rita Vacation Bible School
July 25-29, 2016
 
Register online at www.saintritawebster.org/vbs.html    
Adult and teen volunteers needed to help. Contact Elizabeth today: [email protected] or 671-1100 x14
 
Are you on TEAM JESUS?
 
Get your body and spirit in shape this summer! Join us for a week of activities aimed at keeping faith strong within our families. Participate in physical and spiritual exercises with family and friends. This year, we will have afternoon options and evening family events, in addition to morning sessions.
 
Registration is now open!
 
Register as a family or a volunteer online at www.stritawebster.org/vacationbibleschool or pick up a form in the greeting area. Ready to get involved now? Adult and teen volunteers needed to help plan and run a successful week. Please contact Elizabeth today: [email protected] or 671-1100 x14

Thank You  
to our  
2016 Sponsors
 
 
OUR TITLE SPONSORS

Issac's Logo Vision Auto Group Logo  
 
Gold Level
 
Admar Supply Co.               Lawley Insurance
Dunkin' Donuts                    Nolan's Rentals
Jan Cunningham Design     Vital Signs
       
Silver Level
 
AP Property Services
Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women 
TAK Leasing
   
Bronze Level
 
Camp Stella Maris                            Larijames Salon & Spa
Craftworks Custom Cabinetry           Law Office of Thomas J. DiSalvo
Father Richard Shatzel                     Maplewood Nursing Home       
Felluca Overhead Door Inc.              Pamela Decker Agency 
Guadagnino Family                           Toshiba Business Solutions
Hegedorns Market                             Visionary Eye Associates

Copper Level

 
Have ideas or want to be involved in future events at St. Rita?
Contact a committee member today at [email protected]!
 
Year of Mercy Mass
Wednesday, June 22 at 6:30 pm 

You are invited to attend a special Year of Mercy Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park, to be celebrated by Bishop Matano.
 
Wednesday, June 22, at 6:30 pm: The Feast of Saint John Fisher, the patron saint of the Diocese of Rochester, with Mass seeking his continued intercession for our Diocese.
 
Pope Francis has declared that passing through the Holy Door of Mercy, located in our Diocese at the inside center entrance of the Cathedral, will offer the possibility of obtaining a Plenary Indulgence, a remission of the temporal punishment due to sins, by participating in the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Eucharist, praying for the Holy Father's personal intentions, and praying the Profession of Faith (the Creed).
 
For more information and a complete schedule of the special Masses at the Cathedral, visit www.dor.org

Benefit for Catholic Schools
 
Diocese of Rochester
20th Anniversary Golf Classic
Monday, June 27 at Greystone Golf Club
 
Register online at: www.dor.org  There is a special rate of $500 (St. Rita School Sponsor) includes greens fees for 4, carts, BBQ lunch, 2 drink tickets per person, and the Anniversary Gala Dinner Event. Be sure to indicate you are registering under St. Rita School to receive the special pricing. The annual Golf Classic is held to raise funds for tuition assistance in exceptional hardship cases for students in any of the 19 schools in the DOR 12-county Diocese.

Please Join Us . . .  

Every Saturday morning at 8:15 am in the Chapel,  we gather to pray the Rosary for persecuted Christians around the world, especially in the Middle East and especially by ISIS and Boko Horam. God knows they need our prayers.

We also pray for whatever other intentions the group may have.


DID YOU KNOW?   Some of our newer parishioners may wonder why we kneel after the recessional hymn at the end of Mass. It is a tradition at St. Rita Church to take a moment to say three Hail Mary's for the next person from our parish who will join the Lord in heaven.
ARE YOU NEW TO OUR PARISH?
 
To St. Rita Parish Community!
 
We are delighted that you have chosen to worship with us and hope that your time with us will be prayerful. Here at St. Rita we encourage everyone to participate as fully as possible in our Liturgical celebrations as well as in the ministries of our parish.

If you would like more information about St. Rita Church please go to our website at www.saintritawebster.org. If you would like to register with us please stop at the parish office and pick up a Welcome Packet.

Feel free to call the parish office 671-1100 at any time if you have questions. We are happy to have you with us!
 
Electronic Giving!
 
St Rita Church is pleased to announce our new electronic option for making regular offerings. Contributions can be debited automatically from your checking or savings account or processed using your credit or debit card. Our new electronic giving program offers convenience for you and much-needed donation consistency for our congregation. You can set up your donations on our website or if you'd rather, stop by the parish office for an authorization form.
 
To set up your electronic donation on our website:
 
1)       Go to http://www.saintritawebster.org/
2)       Click on the button
3)       Click on the "Create Profile" button, then 
4)       Follow the onscreen instructions to create an online profile and to schedule your recurring contributions.
 
  Or Scan here to contribute from your mobile device
PARISH FAMILY CENSUS

Family dynamics change and people relocate so in an effort to keep our family database current we have been conducting a Parish Family Census.

Please be sure to return a yellow census form to church or the parish office OR you can go online and complete the form at: www.saintritawebster.org. Yellow forms are also available in the greeting area in Church. If you are new to the parish ~ Welcome! We invite you to register with us!! Thank you for your help!
 
  Visit Our Website
 
 Check out our newly re-designed parish website at www.saintritawebster.org for up-to-date information about what is happening in the parish, school, and wider faith community. Find ministry contacts, download youth program registration forms, or catch up on a bulletin you may have missed. Is there something else you want to see on the website? Let us know!  Like your news in a shorter format? Follow our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/stritawebster
 
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Join Our Newsletter Mailing List
St. Rita is now on Facebook and a
fantastic page it is!

Check us out and receive updates and inspirational commentary directly to your Facebook.

Like us on Facebook
 
Breakfast Club News
Breakfast Club after Mass on Sundays
 
Served Sundays 
8:30-11:00 am
In the Parish Center
September thru May
 
Join us for breakfast Sunday mornings from 8:30-11:00 am in the Parish Center. We offer a "Special" each Sunday as well as a traditional menu.

Thank you to all the volunteer cooks, servers and helpers who gave so generously of their time on Sunday mornings so we can all enjoy a great meal with new and old friends!   Thank you also to all the patrons who enjoyed breakfast and donated to help defray the cost of the upkeep to our parish center kitchen.  

Please join us in the Fall on Sunday, September 11 when we begin serving again!
 
Thanksgiving Food Collection

Food Collection
Next Collection- July 2 & 3  
 
     On the first Sunday of each month, parishioners are asked to bring in food for the needy in our area. Food may be left in the greeting area of Church. Also needed are paper towels, toilet paper, pan spray and condiments.
   
    Please remember to bring your nonperishable foods to church with you.
 

 

Life Can Be Hard
Stephen Ministers Can Help

   

   Life can be very hard when we lose the things we love and need, when we get lonely, or when a loved one dies.   

   If you already have someone bringing the Lord's compassion to you, thank God for that person.  If you don't, please know that a Stephen Minister is ready and waiting to be a trusted, compassionate friend.   

   Please consider that a Stephen Minister could be part of God's plan for you.  If you want to talk about that possibility, please call 586-0674 ext. 130.

Grief Support Group
 COMPANIONS IN GRIEF
SUPPORT GROUP  
 
For more information, please call

Marge Klehr (671-4913) or Bev Geier (872-2933)   
 

Visiting the Sick

Parish Visitation

 

Do you have a loved one at home, in a nursing home, or in the hospital that is in need of a visit?  Our pastoral staff is here for you.  Please call Mary Jo DiNoto at 671-1100 ext. 13 if you have a visitation need.

St. Rita's Prayer Line

 

Did you know that we have a very active Prayer Line here at St. Rita Parish? Your request of any kind can be passed along to over 100 people who will remember your need in their daily prayer. If you would like to have a special intention remembered in prayer through our Prayer Line, please call Mary Jo DiNoto at 671-1100 Ext. 13. 

 

Pray The Rosary Together

 

All are welcome to join in praying the rosary every Wednesday morning that school is in session at 8:45am. We meet in the chapel following the 8:15am Daily Mass.

 

Also, Saturdays at 8:15 am

We gather in the Chapel to pray the Rosary for persecuted Christians, especially in Africa and the Middle East.

 

Our Prayer Shawl Ministry is Here for You! 

  

Prayer Shawls are given to anyone we hear of who is in need including those facing serious illness, major surgery, or extended treatments. It can be someone who has suffered a significant loss in their lives or those who are just going through a hard time.   Father has blessed the shawls and there is a prayer included with a reminder of God's love for them. It serves as their connection with St. Rita's parish even though they're not able to be with us physically. If you or someone you know is in need of a prayer shawl please contact Mary Jo at 671-1100 ext. 13.   

 

Our prayer shawl group meets each month to gather and make blankets for those who need to feel the loving presence of God and the love of our parish family.

 

DID YOU KNOW?
 
Some of our newer parishioners may wonder why we kneel after the recessional hymn at the end of Mass. It is a tradition at St. Rita Church to take a moment to say three Hail Mary's for the next person from our parish who will join the Lord in heaven.
 
Parish Life Links
Other Quick Links
 
Parish Support 
 
Thank You For Your Generosity! 
We all grow spiritually
when we share.

CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL STATUS:
 
Goal: $147,317
 
Pledges Received to Date:  $143,112

Balance: $4,205
 
# of Donors: 694 Households
 
ACT Now ~Automatic Contribution Transfer
 
It is easy to make your financial contribution to St. Rita Church by automatic withdrawal directly from your bank account - with no charge to you! Please sign up at the parish office or for more information call Lisa at the parish office at 671-1100 x 12.
 
You can also initiate "Direct Bill Payment" through your own electronic banking account by directing your bank to mail your monthly/weekly contribution to St. Rita Church at 1008 Maple Dr., Webster, NY 14580.
  
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