An Introduction to
Sunday's Scripture ReadingsIn the hope that you will enter more fully into the Mass
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| | Martha and Mary's Hospitality (Luke 10) |
This Sunday's readings are all about hospitality. First, we hear of Abraham greeting three divine visitors and then in the Gospel, Martha and Mary attend to their visitor Jesus, albeit in different ways. Their story highlights two important aspects of hospitality. In our first reading (Genesis 18:1-10), Abraham goes overboard in hosting his visitors, but also takes time to listen and be attentive to his visitors. His reward is the promise of a son in his and his wife Sarah's old age. "The LORD appeared to Abraham by the terebinth of Mamre, as he sat in the entrance of his tent, while the day was growing hot. Looking up, Abraham saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them; and bowing to the ground, he said: 'Sir, if I may ask you this favor, please do not go on past your servant. Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet, and then rest yourselves under the tree. Now that you have come this close to your servant, let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves; and afterward you may go on your way.' The men replied, 'Very well, do as you have said.' "Abraham hastened into the tent and told Sarah, 'Quick, three measures of fine flour! Knead it and make rolls.' He ran to the herd, picked out a tender, choice steer, and gave it to a servant, who quickly prepared it. Then Abraham got some curds and milk, as well as the steer that had been prepared, and set these before the three men; and he waited on them under the tree while they ate. They asked Abraham, 'Where is your wife Sarah?' He replied, 'There in the tent.' One of them said, 'I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son.'" In our Gospel reading (Luke 10:38-42), Jesus seemingly rebukes Martha for her fretting about preparing the meal and complaining about Mary's attentiveness to Jesus. Both are important, but the latter more so. Discipleship calls us to listen and be attentive to the word of God. "Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.' The Lord said to her in reply, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.'" In our Epistle reading (Colossians 1:24-28), St. Paul writes to his beloved community as he languishes in prison and tells how he "rejoices in my sufferings for your sake" as he unites his suffering with Christ and calls us to do the same. Odd as it may seem, we are closest to Jesus when we rejoice in our sufferings and unite them with his. "Brothers and sisters: Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God's stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past. But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ."
- Click Here to read, reflect and pray on the full readings for Sunday, July 17, 2016
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Pastor's Message
"Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance." Luke 8
On this 16th Sunday in Ordinary time we read about the theme of hospitality in both today's first reading from Genesis and the Gospel of Luke.
The three visitors that are about to pass by the house of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis are invited to stop and refresh themselves from the dusty roads and the midday heat. Abraham does not know who these guests are but, nonetheless, goes all out to treat them well, even providing them with the finest meal he could provide. Before they leave, these guests inform Abraham that he and Sarah will be cradling a newborn son, something that Abraham thought no longer possible because of his age. These guests were obviously sent by God. An act of hospitality results in the promise of a son and a future filled with God's blessing!
Another powerful story about hospitality comes from the Gospel of Luke. Jesus visits the home of Lazarus in the house of Mary and her sister Martha. It is Martha that goes all out in preparing the best meal she can for Jesus. Martha is upset that Mary is not assisting her in this task and asks Jesus to do something about it. At first glance we might think that Jesus response to Martha was a bit unkind. But if we look more closely to the story and how Jesus preached and reached out to those in need, we begin to better understand the Martha and Mary story. Hospitality was, in fact, the lesson Jesus wanted to impart to his Apostles at the Last Supper. Jesus himself would don an apron to wash his disciple's feet and command his disciples to do the same for each other. To be followers of Jesus, we must also be willing to be people of hospitality. We are baptized in Christ Jesus and also the children of Abraham.
Have a Great Week!
Fr. Gonyo
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St. Rita School
Spirit of Learning Corner
DID YOU KNOW?
We're so proud of school, Featured in a Juily 3rd Editorial
in the Democrat and Chronicle
Click HERE to read ------------------------------------------------------- We're also so proud our alumni! Two of our former students from St. Rita Class of 2010 ~ Ava Esquier (Mercy High School) and Alyssa Aughenbaugh
(Webster Thomas) were speakers at their respective graduation ceremonies this spring!!
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 The Kim Mastrangelo Memorial Scholarship (Established August 2014)
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To Fr. Gonyo, Fr. Shatzel, St. Rita Staff, St. Rita Society and St. Rita Parish Family, I am truly blessed to have received such blessings and well wishes this past weekend. I am grateful to St. Rita Society for hosting such a lovely reception all weekend long. To Fr. Gonyo and Fr. Shatzel, I thank you for such kind words and blessings at each mass. To my fellow co-workers, thank you so much for the most enjoyable 12 years. You have enriched my life and walked with me every day on this journey of faith. To St. Rita Parishioners, thank you for all your well wishes, kind words and prayers. I will miss all of you! I ask for your continued prayers as I go forward and please know, I will prayer for all of you. In God's Peace, Mary Jo DiNoto
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St. Rita Vacation Bible School
July 25-29, 2016
There's still time to register
Go online at www.saintritawebster.org/vbs.html
Are you on TEAM JESUS?
Anyone can help support this year's program by donating a snack item. Please see the display in the greeting area for specific items, including pretzels, goldfish, animal crackers, popcorn, granola bars, and Ziploc bags.
TEAM JESUS is all about SERVICE
As part of this year's Vacation Bible School, our students will be collecting items to put together care packages for doctors and patients who are part of the HUGS Foundation mission. There will be a box in the greeting area to drop off the items listed below from now until July 27. We are also looking for new or used soccer balls to send to children overseas. Travel-sized items such as tissues, soap, hand sanitizer, gum, Band-aids, Nail polish, Fuzzy socks, Coloring books and crayons, small cans of play dough, matchbox cars and Fisher Price cars/trucks, bubbles, stickers, and loom bands.
Thank you for your generosity
and your prayers for a successful week!
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Bishop Matano
is requesting prayers
for victims and an end to violence
Bishop Matano has asked that prayers continue to be offered for an end to the violence now plaguing our country and our world. While renewing our prayers for the victims of the horrific violent tragedy in Orlando and Dallas and unite in prayer with the families of all who mourn their loss, we also pray for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Istanbul, Bangladesh and Baghdad, and throughout the world where the family of God is being torn apart because we do not acknowledge that all life is sacred and we are all God's children.
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 CYO SOCCER REGISTRATION CYO soccer registration for the upcoming fall season has begun! Children from St. Rita Parish in grades 3-6 may sign up for this league, which will play in September and October. Register and pay online at www.saintritawebster.org/cyosoccer. The fees are $60 for 3/4 grade and $80 for 5/6 grade players ($140 family maximum). Deadline is August 17, 2016. |
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Save the Date!
Rochester Catholic Men's Conference
Saturday October 1st, 2016
"Strengthen Your Brothers"
8:00am - 4:00pm at St. Jude the Apostle
Featuring EWTN's Fr. Mitch Pacwa, "The Dynamic Deacon" Harold Burke-Sivers, and Patrick Coffin - host of "Catholic Answers Live"
Early-bird discount before September 1st
is $45 per person - Students are only $25
Contact John Matina with any questions: jmatina@rochester.rr.com or 585.314.6096
Details and registration at: www.exultrochester.org
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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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 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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Theology on Tap - Summer Four Pack
Date: Monday Nights, August 1, 8, 15 and 22
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: The Beale New Orleans Grille & Bar
689 South Ave Rochester, NY 14620
Cost: None - FREE!
Theology on Tap is an opportunity for young adults to gather to discuss and reflect on issues of faith. We meet in the back room to learn about topics relevant to our lives and faith. Come early to save a seat and meet other young adults in the area.
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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 $245,088
Number of Gifts 360
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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.
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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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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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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
Weekend of:
August 6 & 7
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.
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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