An Introduction to
Sunday's Scripture ReadingsIn the hope that you will enter more fully into the Mass
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| | The Narrow Door to Salvation (Luke 13) |
BEHOLD, SOME ARE LAST WHO WILL BE FIRST. This Sunday's scripture readings paint a picture of salvation where God's mercy and the invitation to salvation is extended to "all your brothers and sisters from all the nations" (Gentiles). Our first reading (Isaiah: 66-18-21) was a lesson to the Jews returning from exile in Babylon that God's mercy and salvation will reach the ends of the earth. "Thus says the LORD: I know their works and their thoughts, and I come to gather nations of every language; they shall come and see my glory. I will set a sign among them; from them I will send fugitives to the nations: to Tarshish, Put and Lud, Mosoch, Tubal and Javan, to the distant coastlands that have never heard of my fame, or seen my glory; and they shall proclaim my glory among the nations. They shall bring all your brothers and sisters from all the nations as an offering to the LORD, on horses and in chariots, in carts, upon mules and dromedaries, to Jerusalem, my holy mountain, says the LORD, just as the Israelites bring their offering to the house of the LORD in clean vessels. Some of these I will take as priests and Levites, says the LORD." In our Gospel reading (Luke 13:22-30), Jesus taught a stern message to his followers - those who do not accept God's mercy will, by their own actions, be denied entry into the Kingdom, while those from afar who do accept it will be welcomed to the table of the Master. "Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, 'Lord, will only a few people be saved?' He answered them, 'Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, 'Lord, open the door for us.' He will say to you in reply, 'I do not know where you are from. And you will say, 'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.' "Then he will say to you, 'I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!' And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.'" Our Epistle reading (Letter to the Hebrews 17:5-7, 11-13) offers encouragement and strength to those suffering the "discipline" of the trials of discipleship. "Brothers and sisters, You have forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children: 'My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges.' Endure your trials as 'discipline'; God treats you as sons. For what 'son' is there whom his father does not discipline? At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it. So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be disjointed but healed." The gate is narrow, the road is hard; the rewards are beyond comprehension.
- Click Here to read, reflect and pray on the full readings for Sunday, August 21, 2016
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Pastor's Message
"I am the way, the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, except through me." John 14
Now that we are past the half-way mark for August, summer is zipping by and school days are not far away!
With all the busy tasks of parenting and getting ready for school, don't forget to register your child in our Sacramental and Faith Formation programs at St. Rita. For more information about First Reconciliation/Penance, First Eucharist, and the Sacrament of Confirmation, be sure to contact the Parish Office by phone or email.
One of the three major repairs identified for our St. Rita Capital Campaign included rerouting the sewage system for the School, Barn and Convent from their own separate septic tanks and connecting them into the one single pumping station that is currently being used by the newer Parish Center building. In the interest of repairing the Parish Center roof first, I was planning on waiting another year before addressing this septic tank project. But three weeks ago, during an annual maintenance pumping of the septic tanks, the contractor discovered that one of the large sixty year old tanks near the School was in very poor condition and not structurally safe. The supporting structure and tank is made of wood, (yes wood!) with a concrete lathe. A large piece of the supporting structure was found missing, due to rot.
As you might guess, in the interest of safety, the new sewer line project is now underway and will be finished before school begins.
I want to personally thank everyone who has already contributed or has made pledges to the St. Rita Roof Capital fund. You are making these repairs possible! We are also finalizing plans, materials and the time-line for the Parish Center roof project and the Church roof and we hope to start very soon.New donations are still needed and most greatly appreciated.
May God bless you this week!
Fr. Gonyo
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FAITH FORMATION
For Kindergarten thru Grade Seven
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 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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Faith Formation Catechists Needed!
Our Faith Formation students will be returning in September and are in need of teachers to share their love of their faith by guiding and teaching them about our beautiful Catholic Church. The following classrooms are awaiting teachers:
Mondays at 4:30-5:45 Kindergarten
Grade 4 (2 teachers needed)
If you are interested in sharing faith with our young friends or 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 Preparation
Registration for Confirmation is open to any youth in 8th Grade or above who has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Reconciliation. This is a two year program. The first Parent/Youth Information Meeting will be
Sunday, September, 25 at 6:15 pm in Church. All parents and youth who are in their first or second year of preparation are expected to attend. Registration forms are on our website at www.saintritawebster.org Questions may be directed to Marie Marton at 671-1100 x 17 or MMarton@dor.org |
 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! |
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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'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. |
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Rochester Rhinos Faith & Family Night
Saturday, September 10 at 5:05 pm
vs. New York Red Bulls II
Tickets are $15 each for Midfield or Premium seats (regularly priced $24 / $22)
To order tickets, call Joe Scofero at (585) 454-3000 x 148 and say you are from St. Rita Church. To order online, visit www.rhinossoccer.com and use promo code FAITH to receive the discounted offer. If you are purchasing online, add your name to the list in the greeting area in church or send an email to ekwiatkowski@dor.org so we will know how many people from St. Rita will be attending. Thanks and enjoy the game!
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 Saint Rita Roof Campaign "Protecting Our Future" Ongoing maintenance of our property is a reality, and after an architectural review of our buildings, it has been determined that our 30-year-old Church and our 22-year-old Parish Center are in need of major repairs. Please prayerfully consider supporting our much needed Roof 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 continued prayers and support! - Roof Campaign Goal $350,000
- Pledges/Donations received $278,883
- Number of Gifts: 411
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 CHILDREN'S LITRUGY OF THE WORD This is offered September through June during the 9:00am Sunday Mass for our young children. If you would like to participate in this program as a leader please contact Teri Bucks at tbucks@rochester.rr.com. No experience is necessary and all the materials and training are provided. This a great way to share your faith with our young ones!
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 You're Invited: Upcoming celebrations at the
Holy Door of Mercy at Sacred Heart Cathedral
Friday September 2: 6:30 pm First Friday Mass followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession until 8pm. Friday October 7: 6:30 pm First Friday Mass followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession until 8pm. Homily: "Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, our hope." Bishop Matano, celebrant. Wednesday November 2: 6:30 pm All Souls Day Mass followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions until 8pm. Homily: "Through the Mercy of God, may they rest in peace." Bishop Matano, celebrant. Friday November 4: 6:30 pm First Friday Mass followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession until 8pm. Sunday. November 20: Closing of the Holy Door of Mercy at the 5:00 pm Mass. Bishop Matano, celebrant. Pope Francis has declared that passing through the Holy Door of Mercy, located in our Diocese at the inside center entrance of the Cathedral, will offer the possibility of obtaining a Plenary Indulgence, a remission of the temporal punishment due to sins, by participating in the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Eucharist, praying for the Holy Father's personal intentions, and praying the Profession of Faith (the Creed). |
 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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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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 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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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
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!
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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