An Introduction to
Sunday's Scripture ReadingsIn the hope that you will enter more fully into the Mass
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| | Jesus: A Cause Of Division |
THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP! All three readings this Sunday explore the cost of being a disciple of the Lord. In the Gospel reading, Jesus prepares his disciples for division. In our first reading, we hear the cost visited upon Jeremiah for speaking the truth to power. And in our Epistle, we hear just how we are to live out this Gospel. In our first reading (Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10), we hear the story of how King Zedehiah sent Jeremiah to a certain death; and then at the urging of the court eunuch Ebed-melech, reversed himself and rescued Jeremiah. "In those days, the princes said to the king: 'Jeremiah ought to be put to death; he is demoralizing the soldiers who are left in this city, and all the people, by speaking such things to them; he is not interested in the welfare of our people, but in their ruin.' King Zedekiah answered: 'He is in your power'; for the king could do nothing with them. And so they took Jeremiah and threw him into the cistern of Prince Malchiah, which was in the quarters of the guard, letting him down with ropes. There was no water in the cistern, only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud. "Ebed-melech, a court official, went there from the palace and said to him: 'My lord king, these men have been at fault in all they have done to the prophet Jeremiah, casting him into the cistern. He will die of famine on the spot, for there is no more food in the city.' Then the king ordered Ebed-melech the Cushite to take three men along with him, and draw the prophet Jeremiah out of the cistern before he should die." In our Gospel passage (Luke 12:49-53), Jesus made clear to his followers that many will turn away from the Word of God and there will be division, even within families. "Jesus said to his disciples: 'I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.'" In our Epistle reading (Hebrews 12:1-4), the author teaches us how to live and how to respond to this division. "Brothers and sisters: Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God. Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood." The way of the disciple of Jesus is not an easy one. We are called to speak truth when the world seeks darkness. We are called to live this truth regardless of how others receive it. We are called to be witnesses by our actions as well as our words.
- Click Here to read, reflect and pray on the full readings for Sunday, August 14, 2016
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 Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Monday, August 15 at 8:15 am Mass
This Monday, August 15, is the Feast of the Assumption. This is normally a Holy Day of Obligation, but because it falls on a Monday, attendance is not mandatory. It is, however an important celebration of our faith and we are all encouraged to attend if possible.
- Click HERE to learn more about the Assumption of Mary
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Pastor's Message
"The LORD heard my cry. He drew me out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud of the swamp; he set my feet upon a crag; he made firm my steps."
Psalm 40
We are busy at the parish and school offices getting things ready for fall. Major capital projects are underway as well as school, faith formation and pastoral planning.
Registration for our Faith Formation and Sacrament programs are well underway - as well as our new two-year Confirmation program. Please be sure to register as soon as possible. For more information check out our website www.saintritawebster.org
We are in need of parents to help out as teachers for Faith Formation. No experience necessary - just a love for your faith and helping children! This is a wonderful opportunity to share your faith! If you are able to help, please contact Anita Wagner at 671-2079.
Our annual Summer Mission Appeal takes place this weekend at all Masses. Our guest presider is Fr. Robert Bradler who is also our Diocesan Director of Mission Outreach through the Propagation of the Faith. This annual mission appeal helps us to be aware of the needs of our global church community.
May God bless you this week!
Fr. Gonyo
------------------------------------------------ HANDS TOGETHER
We welcome Fr. Robert Bradler this weekend as our Summer Mission Speaker! He is a faithful volunteer for Hands Together making service trips to Haiti.
Hands Together runs free schools, medical clinics, and nutrition programs in Cite Soleil, Haiti providing 25,000 daily school meals and helping thousands of people who struggle to survive. Their work among the violence and poverty is founded upon the Catholic social teachings of the dignity of human life and care for the poor. Hands Together embraces the clear Catholic teaching that proclaims God's infinite and absolute love for us. About one-third of Hands Together's mission work directly supports educational, health, charity, and developmental projects in the Dioceses of Gonaives and Cap Haitien where more than 1 million live in abject poverty.
Thank you for your generosity in today's special second collection. If you were not prepared to donate today, you may send in a check made payable to St. Rita Church - and note in the Memo: Hands Together Mission
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 HOPE Ministry Needs School Supplies HOPE Ministry will be having a back to school night before school begins for low income children in Webster. Children will come to HOPE House to select new school supplies. We will also be open for families to pick out clothing for their children.
School supplies have become an expensive necessity. We are in need of: highlighters, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, dry erase markers, colored pencils, pencil cases, composition notebooks, binders in 1½ inch, 2 inch and 3 inch, filler paper in regular and college lines, folders, 3-5 subject spiral notebooks, dividers and book bags. We do not need 1 subject notebooks this year. We also would like to request children's and teen's underwear and socks. There is a bin for these items in the greeting area in church. Thank you!
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 Companions in Grief Group Wednesday, August 24 7:30 pm at Holy Spirit Church (1355 Hatch Rd / Corner of Plank Rd) All who have experienced the loss of a loved one through death are invited to attend. All are welcome! |
 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. |
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!
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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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 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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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: lindashw@frontiernet.net.
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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. Confirmation questions may be directed to Marie Marton at 671-1100 x 17 or MMarton@dor.org. Registration forms are found on-line on our website www.saintritawebster.org
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 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.
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Theology on Tap - Summer Four Pack
Date: Monday Nights, August 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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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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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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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
7:30 pm at Holy Spirit Church
(1355 Hatch Rd / Corner of Plank Rd)
All who have experienced the loss of a loved one through death are invited to attend. All are welcome!
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 Julie Cohn, Pastoral Minister 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 Julie Cohn, Pastoral Minister at 671-1100 Ext. 13 or email at jcohn@dor.org.
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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 Julie Cohn, Pastoral Minister at 671-1100 ext. 13 or email at jcohn@dor.org.
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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