An Introduction to
Sunday's Scripture ReadingsIn the hope that you will enter more fully into the Mass
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"REJOICE WITH JERUSALEM AND BE GLAD" In our readings this Sunday, we find Joy in the redemptive love of God and in the Gospel of Christ through the cross. In our first reading (Isaiah 66:10-14), God speaks through the prophet Isaiah as the Israelites return to rebuild their city after years of captivity in Babylon. God presents their beloved city Jerusalem as a a nursing mother, caring for her child. "Thus says the LORD: Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her, all you who love her; exult, exult with her, all you who were mourning over her! Oh, that you may suck fully of the milk of her comfort, that you may nurse with delight at her abundant breasts! For thus says the LORD: Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent. As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms, and fondled in her lap; as a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort." In our Gospel reading (Luke 10:1-12, 17-20), we hear of Jesus sending seventy two disciples out to the towns and countryside to preach the Good News. He gave them detailed instructions, and they returned overjoyed at the wonders they were able to do in the name of Jesus. "At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, 'The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.' If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God is at hand for you.' "The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said, 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.' Jesus said, 'I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power to 'tread upon serpents' and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.'"
In our Epistle reading (Galatians 6:14-18), we hear the conclusion of St. Paul's letter to the Galatians. In it, he reminds his community once again that it is through the cross of Jesus that we are saved, and worldly issues like circumcision are of no import. His boast is in the cross.
"Brothers and sisters: May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision, but only a new creation. Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God. From now on, let no one make troubles for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen." For the Israelites, restoration to their homeland was a joyous and wondrous thing. For we Christians, restoration to our "new creation" in Christ is even more joyous and wondrous. May we reflect that joy as we live out our redemption.
- Click Here to read, reflect and pray on the full readings for Sunday, July 3, 2016
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Pastor's Message
"Lord let us see your kindness and grant us your salvation." Psalm 85
Summer days are upon us! I hope everyone is able to enjoy them. Though it may be summer, many parish and school projects and improvements are in progress as well as program planning for the fall.
Helping children grow in their understanding of their Catholic faith is a very important task. Parents have a special obligation to ensure that their children attend Saturday/Sunday Mass, participate in faith formation classes, and receive the Sacraments needed for their grade level.
Registration is underway for our Fall St. Rita Faith Formation and Sacramental programs. We are in need of parents and teachers for Faith Formation. If you are able to help, please contact Anita Wagner at the parish office for more information.
Be sure to sign up for our annual St. Rita Vacation Bible School to be held July 25-29. Morning, afternoon, and all-day sessions are available. Register online at www.saintritawebster.org/vbs.html Adult and teen volunteers are needed to help. Contact Elizabeth today: ekwiatkowski@dor.org or 671-1100 x 14 - remember All Are Welcome!
Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of our St. Rita Roof Campaign. We hope to begin the parish center roof in the later part of summer. Please prayerfully consider making a donation to this much needed project to ensure the viability of our church buildings for years to come.
Finally, next weekend (July 9 & 10) after all Masses you will have the opportunity to wish Mary Jo DiNoto "Farewell" as she prepares to begin her new position at Holy Cross Church in Charlotte. We are grateful for her many gifts and kindness to so many at St. Rita through the years!
Have a Great Week!
Fr. Gonyo
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 FOOD COLLECTION - THIS WEEKEND
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 next weekend.
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St. Rita School
Spirit of Learning Corner
Did You Know . . . .
The teachers are packed up for the summer
and many school facility projects are well underway!
It's not too late to register for the fall!
St. Rita School offers full day and half day PreK 3 & PreK 4 Programs, and Kindergarten through Grade 5. Before School Care and After School Care Programs are available for all grades. All are welcome to come and tour school or call 671-3132 for more information.
Please share our GOOD NEWS!
St. Rita School ~ Where Faith & Knowledge Meet!
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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
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: ekwiatkowski@dor.org or 671-1100 x14
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 New Altar Server Training
Any boy or girl who will be entering 4th grade or above in the fall and have made First Communion and Reconciliation is ready to be trained as an altar server! Regular attendance at church, an ability to make a commitment, and valuing worshipping together are all important characteristics of a successful server. Please contact Elizabeth today at ekwiatkowski@dor.org or 671-1100 x14 to schedule your training session.
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 KICKBALL TUESDAYS and other outdoor games! JOIN US ON TUESDAYS! (July 5 - mid August) from 6:00-8:00pm Everyone is invited to come play kickball (or other outdoor games) on Tuesday evenings from 6-8 pm on the soccer field at St. Rita, starting July 5 and continuing until mid-August. This is a free event for all ages - families, teens, young adults. Those younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult or older sibling. Bring a water bottle with your name on it. Feel free to bring additional sports equipment (soccer ball, Frisbee, etc.) -- just make sure it is labeled if you want it back. This is an outdoor-only event; it will be cancelled in case of heavy rain or thunder. All skill levels welcome! No RSVP Needed! For more information contact Elizabeth at ekwiatkowski@dor.org or 671-1100 ext. 14. --------------------------------------------------
Seeking Young Adults ages 18-35 Are you a college student home for the summer? A recent graduate? Do you know someone looking for a group of people to try out some FUN new activities? Send your name, email address, and ideas to Elizabeth at ekwiatkowski@dor.org. Let's get together! |
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FAITH FORMATION
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 and pay for Faith Formation and Sacraments on-line, at our website, www.saintritawebster.org. Enrollment Forms for new students are available online and in Church.
A choice of two sessions will be offered weekly:
- Session 1: Mondays: 4:30 - 5:45 pm (Grades K-6)
- Session 2: Mondays: 6:15 - 7:30 pm (Grades 1-7)
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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 AWagner@dor.org
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 Confirmation Registration
Registration for Confirmation is open to any youth in 8th Grade or above who has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Reconciliation. He or she is invited to start preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is a two year program. The first Parent/Youth Information Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, September, 25 at 6:15pm in Church. All parents and youth who are in their first or second year of preparation are expected to attend. Please contact Marie Marton at 671-1100 x 17 if you have any questions. Registration forms are found on-line on our website www.saintritawebster.org
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 WE NEED YOU! Do you have experience with marketing, sales, or publicity?Do you have connections to local businesses? Do you enjoy sharing creative ideas? Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity to become more involved in your community? If your answer is 'Yes!' please contact Elizabeth at ekwiatkowski@dor.org or 671-1100 x14 today! |
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Looking for
Fiesta Feedback!
Did you enjoy th e Fiesta this year? Please take a few minutes to go online to www.saintritawebster.org and fill out a survey to provide the planning committee with some valuable feedback.
We want to hear your thoughts!
Fiesta T-Shirts Still Available
Volunteer shirts and Race shirts from this year's Fiesta are available at the Parish Office. Please consider making a small donation and be sure to wear some advertisement all year round for our biggest event .
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 "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 $215,000
Number of Gifts 297
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2nd Annual Meg's Gift Golf Tournament
with Silent Auction and Dinner
Saturday, August 13 at Shadow Lake and Greystone Golf Clubs
Last year we raised $60,000 for St. Joseph Neighborhood Center to help those suffering from mental illness and to provide assistance to those with inadequate health care coverage. These results exceeded our expectations, most likely because we have an angel in heaven working as she always did by serving those most in need.
It has been 27 months since our beautiful daughter, Meg, lost her battle with depression. The pain of her loss is ever present to us and to so many others who knew and loved her. We have chosen not to dwell on that loss or that pain. Instead we recall her loving and generous spirit and want to carry it on through MEG's Gift. MEG's Gift is her legacy. Please join us in fostering this legacy. For a bird's eye view of our angel, visit our website at
http://www.megsgift.org/
This year we chose the Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) as our main beneficiary.
The VOC has worked hard to provide comprehensive resources and services to current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, many of whom suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and substance abuse.
Slots fill up fast so register online for the tournament or just come for dinner. You can also make a donation to Meg's Gift, Inc. or become a Sponsor (see our brochure on our website). The Silent Auction will feature many items from sports, to dining, to overnight stays, and salons. Music this year will be provided by Chris Wilson whose pure and soft style is as refreshing as his values. If you need help please contact Deacon Ray at Holy Spirit Church (585) 671-5520, rgarbach@dor.org or Kathy at (585) 671-7988. Please pray for those who suffer from mental illness and related problems. With blessings and warm regards to all, Deacon Ray and Kathy Garbach
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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. |
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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.
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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!
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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
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 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!
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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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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.
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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!
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Food Collection
Collection THIS WEEKEND
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.
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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.
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COMPANIONS IN GRIEF
SUPPORT GROUP
For more information, please call Bev at 872-2933 or Margie at 671-4913.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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