Saint Rita Church and School

The Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - June 12, 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 Pardons the Sinful Woman (Luke 7)

YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN
The readings for this Sunday are about what happens when we sinners turn to the Lord in sorrow and true repentance. We are forgiven, freely and with joy in the heart of God.

In our first reading (2 Samuel 12:7-10,13), we hear of King David's heartfelt confession for his grave sin against God. And yet, despite the gravity of his sin, God forgave David..

"Nathan said to David: 'Thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'I anointed you king of Israel. I rescued you from the hand of Saul. I gave you your lord's house and your lord's wives for your own. I gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were not enough, I could count up for you still more. Why have you rejected the LORD and done evil in his sight?

"'You have cut down Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you took his wife as your own, and him you killed with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have looked down on me and have taken the wife of Uriah to be your wife.'' Then David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the LORD.' Nathan answered David: 'The LORD on his part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die.'"

Our Gospel passage (Luke 7:36-8:3) tells of the forgiving heart of Jesus. Jesus was criticized by Simon, the Pharisee, for allowing a sinful, yet tearful and sorrowful woman to wash his feet. In response, Jesus taught Simon about the great love and mercy of God.

"A Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, 'If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.' Jesus said to him in reply, 'Simon, I have something to say to you.' 'Tell me, teacher,' he said. 'Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred day's wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?' Simon said in reply, 'The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.' He said to him, 'You have judged rightly.'

"Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, 'Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven because she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.' He said to her, 'Your sins are forgiven.' The others at table said to themselves, 'Who is this who even forgives sins?' But he said to the woman, 'Your faith has saved you; go in peace.'"

In our Epistle reading (Galatians 2:16, 19-21), St. Paul reminds us that good works alone will not merit salvation, but faith in Jesus Christ.

"Brothers and sisters: We who know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. For through the law I died to the law, that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me. I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing."
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is such a wonderful gift from God. We come to him in heartfelt repentance and in true faith to hear those soul-lifting words of the priest, "God the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of your son, you have reconciled the world to yourself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins. Through the ministry of the church, may God grant you pardon and peace. And I absolve you of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." God invites you -- Saturdays 3:30 - 4:30 pm and Wednesdays at 8:45 am or by appointment.

Click Here to read, reflect and pray on the full readings for Sunday, June 12, 2016

Pastor's Message

June 12, 2016, 2016

"God loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10

I want to thank everyone who was involved with our Fiesta last weekend. It was a "spectacular" event with really perfect weather, great company, food, music, and for our younger folks, lots of games, prizes and activities. Our planning committee put together a great lineup of events including a 5K and 10K run, garage sale, plant sale, book sale, car raffle...Thank you again to our huge team of volunteers and to our patrons and very generous sponsors who made it all possible!

Our next big events involve our St. Rita school students as they celebrate "moving up" and "graduation" ceremonies. You can already sense the growing excitement in the school as summer vacation draws near. A special 'Thank You' and gratitude for our dedicated teachers and supportive parents and grandparents too!

Finally, please see below a note from Mary Jo DiNoto as she prepares to relocate from St. Rita to Holy Cross Church as pastoral associate. I personally, and we, will all miss her many gifts, talents and most of all, her kindness to so many at St. Rita. This is an exciting time for her and we will have the opportunity to wish her well before she leaves in July.

Have a Great Week!

Fr. Gonyo
---------------------------------------------------------

From the Desk of Mary Jo DiNoto . . .

To all my Friends and Fellow Parishioners at St. Rita's,

It is with a sad and happy heart that I let you know I will be saying "Good Bye" as your Pastoral Associate.

Please know that I love what I do here at St. Rita's. My job has been extremely fulfilling and working with many ministries has brought so much joy to my life. A pastoral associate position recently opened up at Holy Cross Church in Charlotte and it caught my attention. After much prayer and discernment I felt called to pursue this opportunity and I have accepted this position at Holy Cross Church. My last day here will be Friday, July 15.

I have prayed long and hard over what this job change would mean and if it is the right move for me.

The "happy" of this good bye is that this will be a wonderful opportunity for me to grow in my faith and be exposed to new experiences in ministry. I felt a strong calling that it was time for me to make a change in my life to grow, so I accepted this change openly, trusting in the Holy Spirit to lead me in God's will. Since recently moving to the city, it also helps that Holy Cross Church is only six minutes from my house.

The "sad" of this good bye is that I love being part of St. Rita Parish family. I have been a parishioner here for 35 years and am blessed to have made so many good friends and work with an amazing staff that is like family to me. I have worked with many wonderful ministries - Youth Group, Prayer Shawl, Bereavement, Outreach, as well as, Parish Council and Liturgy; assisting couples getting married and with families planning funerals.

I have so many memories that I will take with me and cherish for the rest of my life.

I say 'Thank You' all those who have touched my life and to everyone for being so supportive of my decision. I ask for your continued prayers as I venture forward on this new journey. I will keep you all in my prayers as we all continue on our faith journey.

God's peace to all of you!

Mary Jo

St. Rita School

Spirit of Learning Corner

Did You Know . . . .

+ Thirty-six girls, in grades 4-6, have been training with the Girls on the Run (GOTR) program for the last three months. They have been building relationships, strengthening character and creating healthy habits while also running twice a week. Last weekend was the county-wide GOTR 5K at MCC. Over 500 girls ran that 5K and St. Rita's was well represented. Great job girls!

+ This week field trips were at the top of the agenda for the Kindergarten as they visited Springdale Farms. The Second graders met their pen pals at Ontario Beach Pak on Thursday. They have been writing to these new friends from St. Joseph's school all year long and met up to play games and enjoy the time together. They topped the day off with an Abbott's ice cream cone.

+ The Fifth and Sixth graders celebrated the end of the year and their upcoming graduations with a roller skating party in the gym on Friday. Remember how much fun roller skating was?

From the Desk of Father Shatzel . . .

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

As mentioned last week, now that we are back in Ordinary Time with green vestments for the next 6 months, the Church reads the Gospel of Luke each Sunday:

1) LUKE HIMSELF - a Gentile by birth - an early convert to Christ - joined Paul during his 2nd missionary journey - tradition has him a physician - his Greek is the best of the Gospels in syntax and grammar.

2) SOURCES OF HIS GOSPEL - (written about 80-85 AD as the first part of Acts): Luke uses: a) the Gospel of Mark b) a collection of sayings and sermons by Jesus, also shared by Matthew, known as "Q" c) Luke's own exclusive collection of deeds and sayings d) the Infancy Narratives (chapters 1 and 2)

3) BASIC DIVISION OF HIS GOSPEL - Jesus is doing His ministry of preaching and miracles throughout Galilee (chapters 4 through 9) - then comes the PIVOTAL VERSE of his Gospel (chapter 9:51, which says "He firmly resolved to proceed toward Jerusalem") thus, Jesus leaves Galilee in the north and heads for Jerusalem in the south, with many things happening along the way for the next 10 chapters - scholars call this the Long Journey to Jerusalem (where Jesus dies and rises - the climax of the Gospel) . . .

(to be continued next week)

St. Rita School will celebrate their God Speed Ceremony

and Reception this Friday night (June 17)

CONGRATULATIONS AND

God Speed to OUR St. Rita School

Class of 2016

"Protecting Our Future"

Saint Rita Roof Campaign ~ Information Sessions

Our 30-year-old Church roof and 22-year-old Parish Center roof are in need of major repairs. Please prayerfully consider supporting this project. 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 $179,330

(as of June 8, 2016)

POT LUCK PICNIC SUPPER!

Thursday, June 30 at 6:00pm

In the Parish Center

We will do a helium balloon release after our shared meal. All who have experienced the loss of a loved one through death are invited to attend this wonderful gathering of love and support. PLEASE RSVP and for details call Bev at 872-2933 or Margie at 671-4913.

STRAWBERRY SOCIAL

and ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Tuesday, June 21 at 1:00 pm

We will start at 1:00 pm in Church for prayers and Anointing of the Sick. Anyone facing illness or significant life challenges can be anointed. Then we will head over to the Parish Center for dessert and social. For reservations or if you need a ride please call the Parish Office at 671-1100. Volunteers are needed to help. For more information please call Kathy Foster at 671-4347. All are welcome!

St. Rita Vacation Bible School

July 25-29, 2016

Morning and/or Afternoon sessions!

Register online at www.saintritawebster.org/vbs.html

Adult and teen volunteers needed to help. Contact Elizabeth today: ekwiatkowski@dor.org or 671-1100 x14

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.

Thank You

to our

2016 Sponsors

OUR TITLE SPONSORS

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 fiesta@stritawebster.org!

FAITH FORMATION

It's

Easy

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.

----------------------------------------------------

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 AWagner@dor.org

----------------------------------------------------

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION

Grade 8 and Above

Prepar

ation 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 MMarton@dor.org

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

Check Out our Weekly Bulletin

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.

Breakfast Club News

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!

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.

COMPANIONS IN GRIEF

SUPPORT GROUP

POT LUCK PICNIC SUPPER!

Thursday, June 30 at 6:00pm

In the Parish Center

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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