Saint Rita Church and School

The Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 31, 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

Luke 12:13-21
BE RICH IN WHAT MATTERS TO GOD!
    The readings for this Sunday warn us of the folly of placing our worship in material goods.
    Our first reading (Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23) could have been the basis for Dickens' "A Christmas Carrol". One could imagine it coming out of the mouth of Jacob Marley.  It is a dire warning that the riches we toil for in this life are left for others to enjoy. 
    "Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity! Here is one who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill, and yet to another who has not labored over it, he must leave property. This also is vanity and a great misfortune. For what profit comes to man from all the toil and anxiety of heart with which he has labored under the sun? All his days sorrow and grief are his occupation; even at night his mind is not at rest. This also is vanity."
    Our Gospel reading (Luke 12:13-21) builds on this theme with the parable of the Rich Fool. First, Jesus refuses to intervene in a property squabble among two brothers and then follows up with the parable to drive home the point. 
    "Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, 'Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.' He replied to him, 'Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?' Then he said to the crowd, 'Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions.'
   "Then he told them a parable. 'There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, 'What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?' And he said, 'This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, 'Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!''  But God said to him, 'You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?' Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.'"
    In our Epistle reading (Colossians 3:1-5; 9-11), St. Paul tells us what really matters to God and how we are to rightly order our lives.
    "Brothers and sisters: If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory. Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry. Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all."
    It is often said that "you can't take it with you", referring to money, fame and possessions. But there is one thing that we can take with us beyond the grave, Grace. Grace is the currency of God; it is what matters to God and we accumulate it by following the advice of St. Paul in today's Epistle, by seeking what is above, where Christ is. 
  • Click Here to read, reflect and pray on the full readings for Sunday, July 31, 2016
Pastor's Message

July 31, 2016   
 
"Fill us at daybreak with your kindness that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours; Prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands!" Psalm 90
 
A successful Vacation Bible School program was enjoyed by all last week. Thank you to all the teen and parent volunteers and to our leader Elizabeth Kwiatkowski for making the week fun and inspirational for our younger children and adults alike!

We are happy to welcome Julie Cohn as our new Pastoral Minister at St. Rita Church. Julie has taught at both the former Holy Trinity School in Webster and, for the past 15 years, here at St. Rita School. She has also consistently provided support to our teachers and principal.

Those who know Julie can attest to her gifts, talents, and gentle and kind presence.
You can read more from Julie below. We welcome Julie to our St. Rita parish staff!
 
May God bless you this week! 
Fr. Gonyo 

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

Dear Friends in Christ:
 
I am honored and excited to join the wonderful staff of St. Rita Church, and to serve you, the people, of St. Rita Parish as Pastoral Minister. I know many of you already as I am no stranger to St. Rita Parish. My husband and I have attended St. Rita Church for over 15 years, and I have been blessed to be a teacher at St. Rita School for the past 12 years.
 
My family belonged to St. Patrick Parish in Seneca Falls for three generations, and I began my education at St. Patrick School. While in high school, I taught first grade religious education classes. This is when I knew God was calling me to teaching as a career. I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Keuka College and a Master's of Science Degree from SUNY @ Brockport. My first teaching job was in 1986 at Holy Trinity School here in Webster. I taught there for 12 years, then moved on to Good Shepherd School in Henrietta for 6 years, and finally came to St. Rita School where I have been for 12 years. St. Rita is truly home for me.
 
In 1992, my husband, Joseph, and I were married. After 14 years of marriage, God called us to become medical needs foster parents. In August of 2006 we met the love of our lives, Jya. She has been our little girl ever since. We officially adopted Jya in 2009.  She is developmentally disabled, nonverbal, quadriplegic, has a seizure disorder, is trached and on a ventilator 24 hours a day. Every day with her is a true gift from God!
 
I've learned over the years that when you surrender to God's will in your life, He will take you places you never dreamed of. With that surrender you will have peace and joy beyond all understanding. God surprised me again with this new opportunity that I never dreamed of. I am so very excited and ready to begin.
 
Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family and I look forward to getting to know more of you personally as time goes on.
 
With warm regards,
     Julie Cohn
 
Help Our Music Program
Linen Ministry

Did you know that we have a Linen Ministry team that washes the small white hand towels and washes and irons the small altar cloths used by the Priests, Deacon and Communion Ministers at our liturgies? At this time we are looking for some extra helpers! The time commitment is only twice per year - done at home. For more information and if you would like to be part of this rewarding way to help out, please call Mary Ann at 671-7469.
 
The 2nd Annual Field of Honor�
Again Pays Tribute
 
Friday, September 9 through
Sunday, September 11
 
The Field of Honor will be held on Patriot's Weekend and open to the public
from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day at Mercy Center (1437 Blossom Rd. Brighton)

    Across the country, Fields of Honor� are created to provide families and friends an opportunity to honor current Military personnel and Veterans, Fire Department Personnel, Law Enforcement Personnel, and First Responders. The FOH is set up with symmetrical rows of 3 x 5 flags, on 8 ft. poles, with each flag bearing a Tribute Tag displaying the name of the honoree and information about his/her service to his/her country or community. Last year's Field of Honor�, at the Mercy Center, included tribute flags for: Firemen from various local districts, military who served in both World Wars, loved ones who served in Korea, Vietnam, those who are serving in the Middle East, and anyone who served during the Cold War and/or post-war situations.
    During this three-day event, visitors come to walk the Field, read the tags, reflect, and appreciate the sacrifices made by those for whom the flags fly. The flags fly for 72 continuous hours. There will be an Opening Ceremony on Friday, September 9, at 10:00am and a Closing Ceremony on Sunday, September 11 at 2:00 pm.
The Field of Honor� will be open to the public during the 3-day event; and the flags will be illuminated and guarded until dawn.
    Last year's event was described by one volunteer as: "... such an extraordinary experience and one we would truly like to participate in again. There was such a sacredness present."
    If you, or someone you know, would like to purchase a Tribute Flag to honor a loved one or an entire service group, order forms and tribute tag forms are available from Natalie Depew at Mercy Bridges, 585-288-2710 x 121. A tribute flag can be purchased for $25 (previously flown) or $40 for a flag you can take home at the end of the event. The deadline for Tribute Flag orders is Monday, August 22. We would, also love to send a letter to your honoree upon your request.
A walk through the Field will be peaceful, inspiring and educational.
For more information, please contact Linda Almeter, the Volunteer Chairperson at: [email protected].  

Notre Dame Retreat Center
SAVE THE DATE!
 
ST. RITA'S WOMEN'S RETREAT WEEKEND
 
Friday, September 16 - Sunday, September 18
 
To be held at the Notre Dame Retreat House
overlooking beautiful Canandaigua Lake
 
The theme for the Women's retreat is "Our American Catholic Heritage, Past, Present, and Future".
 
Conferences will focus on:
  • How Catholicism came to America
  • How Catholicism has evolved, shaped and influenced us as a nation and individually over the years.
  • The importance of Catholicism for us now and in the future
 Come away for a weekend with the Lord. The weekend is sure to be a special one! For reservations or more information please call Darlene at 787-0983 or Jane at 734-6061.
 
"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                    $266,883
Number of Gifts                       389

Thanksgiving Food Collection
FOOD COLLECTION
NEXT WEEKEND (Aug. 6 & 7)
 
On the first Sunday of each month, parishioners are asked to bring in non-perishable food and paper supplies for the needy in our area. These donations 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. Our August donations will be delivered to: Sts. Peter & Paul Soup Kitchen

From the Desk of Marie Marton . . .
 
How to Vote
 
      In November, 2015, the American Bishops met to revise a prior document which helped Catholics to properly frame their vote. This new document was intended to deal with the "Francis Factor." As we know, even just from the Pope Francis's visit last Fall, we are to consider a very large range of issues to properly cast our vote in accordance with our conscience.
 
I have a copy of the 42 page document available in the Parish Office. However, I am going to include the final portion of the document which defines the issues to consider this November:
  • "Address the preeminent requirement to protect the weakest in our midst-innocent unborn children by restricting and bringing to an end abortion and providing women in crisis pregnancies the support needed to make a decision for life.
  • "Keep our nation from turning to violence to address fundamental problems ... abortions ... euthanasia and assisted suicide ... destruction of human embryos in the name of research ... death penalty ... and imprudent resort to war.
Read the full article . . .
 
FAITH FORMATION
 
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 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)
Don't forget to return your enrollment forms, or enroll on-line as soon as possible!

-----------------------------------------------------------
FIRST EUCHARIST
and
FIRST RECONCILIATION
 
 First Eucharist candidates must be in Grade 2 or higher and be enrolled in either the Faith Formation Program or attend a Catholic school. Children enrolled in the First Eucharist Program will also be preparing for and making their First Reconciliation.
 
All children entering Grade 3 and higher who have made their First Eucharist but not their First Reconciliation should be enrolled in the First Reconciliation Program. Enrollment Forms are available in the Greeting Area, and on the Parish Website, www.saintritawebster.org.
 
If you would like more information about Faith Formation, First Eucharist or First Reconciliation Preparation please contact Anita Wagner at 671-2079, or at [email protected]

Confirmation
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.

Confirmation questions may be directed to Marie Marton at 671-1100 x 17 or [email protected].

Registration forms are found on-line on our website www.saintritawebster.org

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.
 
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.

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: [email protected] or 585.314.6096
Details and registration at: www.exultrochester.org
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.

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, [email protected] 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

 
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
  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
 
.
 
 
Join Our Newsletter Mailing List
St. Rita is now on Facebook and a
fantastic page it is!

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

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

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

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

Food Collection

Next Weekend: 
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.
 

 

Life Can Be Hard
Stephen Ministers Can Help

   

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

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

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

Grief Support Group
 COMPANIONS IN GRIEF
SUPPORT GROUP
   
For more information, please call Bev at 872-2933 or Margie at 671-4913.
 
 

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.
 
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.
  
St. Rita School Banner

St. Rita School Welcomes You   

 

Where Faith and Knowledge Meet

Like us on Facebook