An Introduction to
Sunday's Scripture ReadingsIn the hope that you will enter more fully into the Mass
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| | Luke 11:1-13 |
LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY This Sunday's readings teach us not only what to pray, but how to pray - with persistence and hope. In our Gospel passage (Luke 11:1-13), the disciples ask Jesus how to pray. His response is the Lord's Prayer, but then follows it with instruction on persistence and the willing mercy of God. "Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, 'Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.' He said to them, 'When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.' And he said to them, 'Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,' and he says in reply from within, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.' I tell you, if he does not get up to give the visitor the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence. "'And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?'" Our first reading (Genesis 18:20-32) is another example of both persistence in prayer and God's willing mercy. Abraham learns that the three divine visitors (from last week's Gospel) plan on carrying out God's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness. Abraham implores God with persistence, to "spare the whole place" for the sake of the few innocents. God grants his request. "In those days, the LORD said: 'The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great, and their sin so grave, that I must go down and see whether or not their actions fully correspond to the cry against them that comes to me. I mean to find out.' While Abraham's visitors walked on farther toward Sodom, the LORD remained standing before Abraham. Then Abraham drew nearer and said: 'Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty? Suppose there were fifty innocent people in the city; would you wipe out the place, rather than spare it for the sake of the fifty innocent people within it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to make the innocent die with the guilty so that the innocent and the guilty would be treated alike! Should not the judge of all the world act with justice?' The LORD replied, 'If I find fifty innocent people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.' "Abraham spoke up again: 'See how I am presuming to speak to my Lord, though I am but dust and ashes! What if there are five less than fifty innocent people? Will you destroy the whole city because of those five?' He answered, 'I will not destroy it, if I find forty-five there.' But Abraham persisted, saying 'What if only forty are found there?' He replied, 'I will forbear doing it for the sake of the forty.' Then Abraham said, 'Let not my Lord grow impatient if I go on. What if only thirty are found there?' He replied, 'I will forbear doing it if I can find but thirty there.' Still Abraham went on, 'Since I have thus dared to speak to my Lord, what if there are no more than twenty?' The LORD answered, 'I will not destroy it, for the sake of the twenty.' But he still persisted: 'Please, let not my Lord grow angry if I speak up this last time. What if there are at least ten there?' He replied, 'For the sake of those ten, I will not destroy it.'" In our Epistle reading (Colossians 2:12-14), St. Paul explains how God, in his infinite love and mercy, has rescued us, despite our bondage of sin; and has forgiven our sins, nailing them to the cross. "You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. And even when you were dead in transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he brought you to life along with him, having forgiven us all our transgressions; obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims, which was opposed to us, he also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross." God rewards persistence.
- Click Here to read, reflect and pray on the full readings for Sunday, July 24, 2016
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Pastor's Message
"I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name." Psalm 138
This week our gym will be a busy place. Vacation Bible School starts Monday morning with lots of exciting activities for our young people. Thanks to all of our teen and parent volunteers for making this event possible. Be sure to check the bulletin for additional activities and events at St. Rita including a weekly family kickball game on Tuesday evenings and, this Wednesday only, a fire pit sing-along and toasted marshmallows in our soccer field. Everyone is welcome, just bring a lawn chair.
May God bless you this week!
Fr. Gonyo
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Is All About Service
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As part of this year's Vacation Bible School, our students are 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. Thanks for your generosity! 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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 "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 $264,008
Number of Gifts 377
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All are welcome to join us!
Family Fun Nights
at St. Rita
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Monday at the Movies
Monday, July 25
7:30 pm on the soccer field
Everyone is invited to join us for a family-friendly movie outside by the soccer field. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. The main feature will begin at 8:00 pm. Vote for your favorite movie at www.stritawebster.org/family-fun.html
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 Tuesdays are
Kickball Night!
All ages are welcome
to play from 6-8 pm
on our soccer field
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 Songs and S'mores
Wednesday, July 27
7:00 pm on the soccer field
The whole family is invited for a fun evening outdoors. Bring an instrument and a chair to sit around the fire and sing or play some popular songs. There will be games and activities for all ages. Everyone is welcome! Sign up to bring a s'mores ingredient at
www.stritawebster.org/family-fun.html
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Mini Olympics
Friday, July 29
6:30 pm on the soccer field
 Challenge your family members to a series of Olympic-style events outdoors on our soccer field. Dress for fun and games in your favorite country's colors. Refreshments will be provided. Bring the whole family...and the neighbors! Sign up as your country at www.stritawebster.org/family-fun.html
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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. |
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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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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 St. Rita School Spirit of Learning Corner
DID YOU KNOW?
The Kim Mastrangelo Memorial Scholarship
(Established August 2014)
Kim Mastrangelo (1967-2014) cared so much about St. Rita School, volunteering her time over a decade of her life, even as she battled cancer.
This scholarship was created to continue Kim's efforts to sustain and develop St. Rita School for decades more students to enjoy. She never doubted the faculty, staff, and families that make our school such a vibrant community. However, Kim was concerned about St. Rita having enough funding to provide financial assistance, especially as parents faced the costs of sending their children to multiple Catholic schools (elementary, middle school, and high school) at the same time. The primary goal for the Kim Mastrangelo Memorial Scholarship is to provide financial assistance for families who need help providing a Catholic education for their children in multiple Diocese of Rochester Catholic schools.
Eligibility: Parents (guardians) of children enrolled in grades K-5 at St. Rita School are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Awards can be based on the applicant meeting some or all of the following criteria:
- Other child(ren) enrolled in grades 6-12 in a Diocese of Rochester Catholic school
- Demonstrated financial need
- Registered and supporting member of a parish in the Diocese of Rochester
- Participation in parish life
- Regularly celebrate the liturgy and sacraments
Award Amount: The amount awarded is contingent on the degree that the eligibility criteria are met and on the total amount available in the Kim Mastrangelo Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Who makes the determination?
All applications are strictly confidential. In order to ensure a fair and impartial analysis, applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee for evaluation and recommended for approval by its Chair. Thereafter, the Scholarship Committee will review all scholarship amounts awarded to ensure that the applicant remains in compliance with the eligibility requirements. The applicant will be notified in advance if a reduction or cessation in tuition assistance is necessary.
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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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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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