Saint Rita Church and School

The Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - August 28, 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

Humility
EVERYONE WHO EXALTS HIMSELF WILL BE HUMBLED
    The readings for this Sunday focus on humility and service to those who have no ability to repay.
    Our first reading is from the Book of Sirach (3:17-28, 20, 28-29). Sirach is a book of wisdom, maxims and moral teachings. No doubt, Jesus would have been schooled in its teachings as a young boy.  
    "My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not. The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the joy of the wise. Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins."
    Our Gospel reading (Luke 14:1, 7-14) is a parable on humility and service. Jesus could very well have been thinking of Sirach's lesson on humility when he told it. 
    "On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. 'When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, 'Give your place to this man,' and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place.
    "Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, 'My friend, move up to a higher position.' Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.' Then he said to the host who invited him, 'When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.'"

    Our Epistle reading (Hebrews:12:18-19, 22-24) is a lesson in contrast between the Old  Covenant. based on the fear of God and the New Covenant, based on the love of God, with Jesus as our mediator. 
    "Brothers and sisters: You have not approached that which could be touched and a blazing fire and gloomy darkness and storm and a trumpet blast and a voice speaking words such that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them.
    "No, you have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels in festal gathering, and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven, and God the judge of all, and the spirits of the just made perfect, and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel."

   The opposite of pride is humility. It is a state Jesus calls us to. It is in humility that we may find Jesus. 
  • Click Here to read, reflect and pray on the full readings for Sunday, August 28, 2016
Pastor's Message

August 28, 2016   

"A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance; you restored the land when it languished; your flock settled in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy." -- Psalm 68 
    
As summer vacations start to wrap up for the season, lots of activity has been evident at St. Rita parish and school. Teachers have been returning to their classrooms during the day to start setting up for classes while volunteers have been helping to reconnect computer equipment and move furniture. Registrations for Faith Formation, Sacraments and the new Diocesan Confirmation program have been coming in at a rapid clip as parents register children for the fall. Parish committee leaders have been busy merging calendar entries with parish calendars. Our office staff has been busy behind the scenes with diocesan/parish computer upgrades, while planning fall activities and welcoming those new to Webster. Our Landscape committee volunteers have been trimming, raking and tidying up flowerbeds and shrubbery to keep everything looking its best while watering to keep everything alive and green. Thanks to the Burrows Brothers Inc., our 5 old septic tanks are all now filled in and the new sewer line is operational. This was a big accomplishment!

I am so grateful for the generosity I have witnessed during these past few months from parishioners who have donated so generously to the St. Rita Capital Campaign, and for those who have extended themselves for the benefit of helping with parish needs. We also have many business owners who have gone out of their way to help the parish in various tasks, consultation, and even provided equipment and materials. I am so grateful and humbled, for such efforts and generosity.
 
We are blessed here at St. Rita parish and school.
  
May God bless you this week! 
Fr. Gonyo   
REGISTER NOW FOR
FAITH FORMATION
 
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 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)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
 
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 [email protected]

Confirmation
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 [email protected]
 
Thanksgiving Food Collection
FOOD COLLECTION ~ NEXT WEEKEND
(Sept. 3 & 4)

 Reminder - 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. Donations may be left in Church. Our September donations will be delivered to St. Peter's Soup Kitchen.

Do you Knit or Crochet?
Do you want to help others?
 
Join our prayer shawl ministry
 
We come together each month in prayer and create Prayer Shawls and Lap Blankets which are blessed by Father. These items are given to members of our parish, or those we hear of who are going through hard times in their life medically or emotionally. It provides them with a reminder of our love and support. All are welcome!
 
Please join us on Tuesday, September 6 in Room 1 from 10:30 am - 12:00 Noon
 

From the Desk of Marie Marton . . .
 
     Not that long ago, I attended a workshop led by Anita Wagner, our Director of Children's Faith Formation. The children were preparing to receive their First Communion. At one point, Mrs. Wagner asked for a volunteer. The children were practically levitating as they all - every single one - eagerly raised and waived their hands to volunteer for the activity. I couldn't help but wonder - what happens over time so that we change from eagerly raising our hands at every opportunity to contribute, into people who tend to lower their heads and hide away when the same question is posed? What would happen if I asked for a volunteer to assist in faith formation at the end of any single Mass? Would I get the same response as the children provided or would everyone suddenly find something that needed attention on their lap or in their purse?
 
     If you read the Book of Acts, it is clear that the early Christians were much more like the little children. Early in Acts, Luke tells us that the first Christians "devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers" and that "every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes." It was in their day-to-day living out of their faith that they grew close and developed a common mind. Holding fast to prayer and fellowship, they discovered that their lives were no longer ordinary: "Awe came upon everyone and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles."
 
     Imagine what would happen if just a few of us were to try to follow the apostles' example a bit more closely. Perhaps people would be changed from church-goers to church-sharers. People might no longer think of themselves as individuals, but as brothers and sisters. Some might even reach out to the broader community in love, and lives would be changed. Why? Because love that is animated by the Spirit is contagious. It attracts people and inspires them to seek the Lord for their own lives.
 
     Does this sound too idealistic? It doesn't have to be. All it takes is a few people who are willing to devote time to daily prayer, to sharing their faith with each other, and to listening for the Sprit's voice. Their love will be contagious. And just as it happened in the early church, the numbers will grow. As a result the whole parish's light will shine!
 
     All it takes is someone who will pray daily and share their faith; to serve as an inspiration whose faith is contagious. All it takes is following the lead of the children of our own parish. All it takes is . . . YOU!
 
LADIES ~ PLEASE JOIN US
AS WE BEGIN A NEW BOOK STUDY
 
"Created to Relate - God's Design for Peace & Joy"
 By Kelly M. Wahlquist
 
Are you ready to get back into a routine now that summer is winding down? Ready to take some time for you? Do you desire the keys to building a life that is radically relational, one that teems with joy, fulfillment, and the peace that surpasses all understanding then this book study is for you!
 
We will explore the natural gift we have as women for building and maintaining life-giving relationships. We will also learn practical tips to stay focused in the midst of distractions and responsibilities that can lead to superficial connections!
 
This is a great opportunity to connect with some amazing women and to fill your cup and soul! You will love the "Women Enjoying Rediscovering Our Catholicism"!
  •      WHEN:     Tuesday's September 13 - November 1
  •      TIME:        9:00 am - 10:00 am
  •      WHERE:   St. Rita's Church Meeting Room
For more information or to reserve your spot please contact: Terezeja Lemieux at [email protected] or call 703-606-6794 or Darlene Piersall at [email protected] or call 585-787-0983. Open to all parishes - All are welcome!
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
Notre Dame Retreat Center
Annual Women's and Men's Retreat Days
 
At the Notre Dame Retreat House
overlooking Canandaigua Lake
 
 The theme for the Men's and Women's retreat this year 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; the importance of Catholicism for us now and in the future.
 
WOMEN'S RETREAT WEEKEND is coming soon!
Friday, September 16 - Sunday, September 18
For reservations or more information please call
Darlene Piersall at 787-0983 or Jane Murray at 734-6061.
 
MEN'S RETREAT WEEKEND will be held
Friday, October 28 - Sunday October 30
For reservations or more information please call
Jim Lajoie at 236-5716 or Nancy Lynch
at Notre Dame 585-394-5700.

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 [email protected] so we will know how many people from St. Rita will be attending. Thanks and enjoy the game!
 
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     $286,453
  • Number of Gifts:                            412

Children's Liturgy
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 [email protected]. No experience is necessary and all the materials and training are provided. This a great way to share your faith with our young ones!

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 1� 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!

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].  

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).
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.

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
 
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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.

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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 Sep. 3&4) 
 
     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 Julie Cohn, Pastoral Minister 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 Julie Cohn, Pastoral Minister at 671-1100 Ext. 13 or email at [email protected]
 
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 Julie Cohn, Pastoral Minister at 671-1100 ext. 13 or email at [email protected].   
 
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.
  
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