Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God. Luke 3

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2 DECEMBER 9, 2018 Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God. Luke 3 Dear Parishioners and Friends, On this second Sunday of Advent, we hear from the Gospel of Luke about John the Baptist. John proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as was reflected in the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Let us heed the words of John the Baptist as we prepare our homes and hearts for Jesus. This Wednesday, December 12th, on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we will host an evening Advent Penance Service in Church at 7:00pm. If it has been awhile since you have celebrated the Sacrament, don t worry, nothing needs to be memorized and we will guide you through everything. This is a Sacrament meant to be an anxiety-free experience of God s mercy and grace. Bring the whole family and join us! Our neighboring parish at St. Paul's is also offering a Penance Service on Thursday, December 13th at 7pm. Be sure to check the inside of today's bulletin for many more Advent activities and prayer opportunities! May God bless you! Fr. Gonyo LECTORS LEADERS EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS USHERS and ALTAR SERVERS!! We Need You! If you are able to serve at any of our Holy Day, Christmas or New Year s Masses please sign up on the bulletin board in the greeting area! USHERS ARE NEEDED for Christmas and New Year's Masses Men, women and teens are invited to join our usher ministry for the extra holiday liturgies of Christmas & New Year's (and beyond, if you like!) A lot of supervision is needed to keep our parishioners and visitors safe and comfortable at these liturgies. If you can help at the Mass you will be attending, sign-up sheets are located on the usher table in the back of Church or in the Sacristy. Thank You! CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE Christmas Eve ~ Monday, December 24 3:00 pm ~ 5:00 pm ~ 10:00 pm Christmas Day ~ Tuesday, December 25 9:00 am and 10:30 am THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY ~ A Holy Day of Obligation ~ New Year s Eve ~ Monday, December 31 at 5:00 pm New Year s Day ~ Tuesday, January 1 at 9:00 am OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION PENANCE SERVICE with Individual Reconciliation Wednesday, December 12 at 7:00 pm Other times for Individual Confession: Saturdays from 3:30-4:30 pm and Wednesdays at 8:45am (after morning Mass) EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Will be held on Tuesdays: December 11 and December 18 from 1:00-3:00pm in Church Advent is a joyful season as we await the celebration of the Lord s coming among us. Take some quiet time to spend with our Lord. Sign Up to LIGHT THE ADVENT WREATH Anyone wishing to light the Advent wreath at any of the weekend Masses should sign up on the bulletin board in the greeting area. Families, couples, singles and friends are all welcome to sign up!

3 EUCHARIST INTENTIONS Among the intentions for those who gather for the Eucharist this week will be MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, :15AM EDMUND BRAUN The Bell Family TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, :15AM RICHARD SEMENTELLI Sementelli Family 1:00-3:00 PM EUCHARISTIC ADORATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, :15AM BARRY HEDDON Wife Bonnie 9:15AM FUNERAL FOR ARTHUR HAMELINCK 11:00AM MASS AT BAYWINDE Sage Harbor THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, :15AM JEAN CRISTANTELLO Friends FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, :15AM FOR THE PEOPLE OF ST. RITA PARISH 11:15AM FUNERAL FOR MAUREEN MCNAMARA SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, :00PM KENNETH SPOLETA Phil & Lisa Casale SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, :30AM FOR THE PEOPLE OF ST. RITA PARISH 9:00AM ANTHONY NAPOLI Lorraine Holla 10:30AM SHIRLEY ISAAC Dan & Jackie Milgate * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * This week our Tabernacle Light will burn in loving memory of Frank & Ann Matroniano * * * * * * * * Will You Be Away this Winter? If you are heading south this winter and wish to have parish mailings and/or your envelopes put on hold please call the parish office ( ) or send an e- mail to: karen.geer@dor.org and let us know the dates will be away and when you will return. We wish you safe travels and send some warm sunshine our way! * * * * * * * * COMPANIONS IN GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Thursday, December 20 at 7:00pm in Room 1 Join us for this time together before the holiday! If have experienced the loss of a friend or loved one through death we invite to attend. All are most welcome! ST. RITA SCHOOL Spirit of Learning Corner Here's What's Happening... + The beginning of Advent brings many wonderful and exciting projects to St. Rita School. Monday marked the start of the Advent Service Project entitled Light the Candle. Students are asked to bring in gently used or new winter clothes, boots, snow pants, coats, and water proof gloves to donate to the families of Rochester Early Childhood Education Center, some of the poorest students in Rochester. Donations will be accepted until Monday, December 17. Please consider giving to this cause. Donations may be dropped off at St. Rita School Monday through Friday 8:00am to 3:30pm. Thank you. + Wednesday was the school s Monthly Liturgy. Mrs. Farley s 4th Grade class led this beautiful Mass. Many parents and family members were in attendance to celebrate our gift of faith with the school community. + Thursday was St. Nicholas Day. Fifth Graders worked hard to write scripts and perform a short skit for the underclass students. Boots were left in the hallway during performances and filled with treats from St. Nicholas and helpers. + Wax on. Wax off. GEM Martial Arts began their after school program on Thursday. Eleven students began learning the art of Isshinryu Karate. This program focuses on helping the students with self-esteem and self-discipline. + Kindergarten students were able to spend some quality time with fathers on Friday morning as they celebrated Donuts with Dad. This much anticipated event allowed for students to share stories with their fathers or another important person in their lives, and share some specially made pieces just for them. + Friday was St. Rita School s Annual Barnes & Noble Night. It was a fun evening with book readings by St. Rita School Staff and Santa Claus. Fifteen percent (15%) of all sales goes directly back to St. Rita School. You can still shop now until December 12 with the code , in store or online, to support the school! St. Rita School Christmas Play All are invited to share the true meaning of Christmas! Our St. Rita School Kindergarten, First and Second Graders present The Unfriendly Beasts Thursday, December 13 th at 1:00 pm Friday, December 14 th at 10:00am and 7:00pm All are invited to see this entertaining performance. This is our school s special gift to their families, and to our St. Rita Community. Please join us! We hope that all will be truly inspired with the real spirit of the season.

4 PLANS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 9, 2018 SUNDAY 12/9 8:30-11:00am Breakfast Gym NOON Christmas Angel Gifts are due by Noon MONDAY 12/10 4:30-5:45pm 6:15-7:30pm 6:15pm 6:30pm FAITH FORMATION CLASSES FAITH FORMATION CLASSES Confirmation Group A Barn Men s Faith Group See Article TUESDAY 12/11 9:00-10:00am WEROC Women s Group Rm 3 1:00-3:00pm EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 4:30-5:15pm Children s Choir Rehearsal Rm 3 6:30pm Finance Council Parish Office 8:30-10:00pm Women s Basketball Gym WEDNESDAY 12/12 8:45am Pray the Rosary Church 8:45am Reconciliation Available in Church 2:30-3:15pm SRS Children Choir Rehearsal Rm 3 7:00pm PENANCE SERVICE Church 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal Rm 3 THURSDAY 12/13 9:00-10:30am WEROC Group Rm 1 1:00pm Christmas Play Gym FRIDAY 12/14 10:00am Christmas Play Gym 6:30-8:30pm Drop Off Gift Wrapping Room 1 7:00pm Christmas Play Gym SATURDAY 12/15 8:15-8:45am 3:30-4:30pm Pray the Rosary Church Reconciliation Available in Church SUNDAY 12/16 8:30-11:00am Breakfast Club Gym After 9:00 & 10:30 Masses VISIT with SANTA Gym 2:00pm LESSONS & CAROLS Church * * * * * * * * PARISH SUPPORT For Last Weekend ~ December 1 & 2 Total Budget Variance $20,119 $15,695 + $4,424 Year to Date Year to Date Budget Variance $318,261 $322,850 - $4,589 (Our fiscal year is 7/1/18 6/30/19) THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! We all grow spiritually when we share. BIBLE READINGS: 9 Sun Second Sunday of Advent Bar 5:1-9 Ps 126:1-6 Phil 1:4-6,8-11 Lk 3: Mon Is 35:1-10 Ps 85:9-14 Lk 5: Tues St. Damasus I Is 40:1-11 Ps 96:1-3,10-13 Mt 18: Wed Our Lady of Guadalupe Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a;12:1-6a,10ab Jdt 13:18-19 Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1: Thu St. Lucy Is 41:13-20 Ps 145:1,9-13 Mt 11: Fri St. John of the Cross Is 48:17-19 Ps 1:1-4,6 Mt 11: Sat Sir 48:1-4,9-11 Ps 80:2-3,15-16,18-19 Mt 17: 9a, Sun Third Sunday of Advent Zep 3:14-18a Is 12:2-6 Phil 4:4-7 Lk 3:10-18 * * * * * * * * ALTAR SERVERS SCHEDULED NEXT Weekend ~ December 15 & 16 Saturday, 5:00pm: Julia Collins, Brianna Andrews, Nora Curry, McKenna Curry Sunday, 7:30am: Justin Coumou, Help Needed Sunday, 9:00am: Olivia Mabe, Gabrielle Thompson, John Burrows, Mary Burrows Sunday, 10:30am: Julia Spagnola, Emma Spagnola, Anna Spagnola, Stephen Widor * * * * * * * * JOIN US FOR BREAKFAST!! All are Welcome to join us each Sunday morning from 8:30-11:00am in the Parish Center for a warm delicious breakfast! Order off our full menu offering eggs (anyway), bacon, sausage, pancakes, etc. So sit back and let our Breakfast Volunteers serve you on Sunday mornings September through May! NEXT SUNDAY (December 16 th ): Team 3 s special is: Eggs Benedict served with a bottomless cup of coffee. This ministry accepts donations only which are greatly appreciated! * * * * * * * * CARE FOR GOD S HOUSE: Week of December 9 LINENS: Week of December 16 Dawn Clark Linda Erck FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS Our Parish Health Ministry Committee will be offering free Blood Pressure Screenings after all Masses next weekend in Room 1

5 ALL ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR A VISIT FROM SANTA! Next Sunday, December 16 After BOTH the 9:00am and 10:30am Masses Stop down to the Parish Center to visit Santa! ENJOY SOME TRULY TASTY TREATS! Bring the whole family! (Our Regular Sunday Breakfast will be still serving from 8:30-11:00am as usual if you would like to come for a complete breakfast!) ADVENT SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS Sunday, December 16 at 2:00pm in Church All of our music groups and choirs participate! This service shares short scripture readings from the old and new testaments, which tell the prophecy and events leading up to Christ s birth with our adult choir, children s choir, contemporary group, lite choir, and soloists. The highlight of the service is all the wonderful seasonal music that helps to enlighten the stories. The songs are classical, traditional, and contemporary. There are Advent and Christmas texts, arranged with joyful rhythms and melodies. Why not take out a little time this season to listen to the story again in word and song. Many have said, I look forward to this every year, and This is my Christmas gift to myself. Come and enjoy with your friends and family! Refreshments will be served. St. Rita s Church Children s Choir will be singing at Mass on Christmas Eve, December 24 th at 3:00pm Your child in grades 2 through 5, is most welcome to come and sing with us for Christmas! Rehearsals times are: Tuesday, December 11 4:30pm-5:30 pm Room 3 Tuesday, December 18 4:30pm-5:30 pm Room 3 Saturday, December 22 10:00am-11:30 am Church We ask that the children arrive at 2:15pm on Christmas Eve for the 3:00pm Mass. Please have children wear their festive Christmas Outfits! Please contact June Frosino, June.frosino@dor.org to sign your child up and for more information or to ask questions! * * * * * * * * St. Rita School... Where Faith and Knowledge Meet! Save the Date for our PROSPECTIVE FAMILY INFORMATION NIGHT Wednesday, January 16 Meet in Church starting at 7:00 pm. Tours will be given Babysitting will be provided. St. Rita School is committed to fostering the God-given gifts of each child. In an atmosphere where faith and knowledge meet, our goal is to shepherd the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth of our students. St. Rita School offers grades PK3 & PK4 (half & full day options) as well as Kindergarten through Grade 5. INSTRUMENTALISTS WELCOME! St. Rita s Music Ministry invites instrumentalists to join our program. We are looking for experienced brass, woodwind, string players, and more! Please contact June Frosino at June.frosino@dor.org if you are interested in sharing your talent with our parish! We offer a Before School Care Program which is available beginning at 7:00am and an After School Care Program which is available until 6:00pm. We follow the New York State Education Standards and are Middle States Accredited. Check out our Website:

6 Men s Faith Group December Meeting Please join us! This Monday December 10 Time: 6:30pm 8:00pm For our December gathering instead of meeting at St. Rita we will be meeting at a member s home instead. Even if you haven t been a regular or ever attended we d love to have you join us! This is a great opportunity to hang with a bunch of guys that are working on being better. Feel free to invite other men too. All are welcome! Please contact James Elliott for the address and further details at (585) or him at jwelliott71@gmail.com HOLY CHILDHOOD ORNAMENTS Ceramic angels and wooden crosses made and packaged by the School of the Holy Childhood are available for $8.00. Each year there is a new angel to add to your collection. The proceeds are donated to St. Damien Pediatric Hospital (Haiti s only pediatric free hospital). They are available now at St. Rita s Parish Office during the week. SAVE AROUND ROCHESTER COUPON BOOKS Good for use now through We just received a limited supply here at St. Rita Parish Office, but we can request more if needed. Proceeds from this sale also benefit St. Damien Pediatric Hospital in Haiti. WPCC PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY NEWS! Cold and Flu season is upon us and it is spreading rapidly. If you have symptoms of the flu such as coughing, sneezing, and running a fever it is advised that you stay at home and take care of yourself. Try to limit your exposure to others. If you have not had your flu shot yet, it s not too late - please get one as soon as possible! KATE S GIFT SHOP AT MERCY CENTER Inside the Sisters of Mercy Center 1437 Blossom Road Check out the wide variety of gifts! Many items for Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. We also have bibles, cards, spirituality books, beautiful candles, religious Christmas cards, and many gifts under $ Our December hours are: Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Bring in this bulletin article for a 20% discount on ONE item! All proceeds benefit the ministries of the Sisters of Mercy. Holiday Gift Wrapping! Friday, December 14 Too busy to wrap? Get tangled up in ribbons? Let our holiday elves help for free! Drop off your unwrapped presents in Room 1 between 5:30and 7:00pm along with a roll of wrapping paper (any design is fine we can mix and match) and recipient tags (extras will be available). Wrapped presents must be picked up by 8:30pm. Just a thought Drop your gifts off in Room 1 and then stay to enjoy our School Christmas Play at 7:00pm in the Parish Center. Picked up your wrapped gifts when the play is over! Want to help with the wrapping? Call the parish ofice at A wrapping tutorial will be held at 5:30pm. DAILY MASS PARTICIPANTS! For your safety - If you see on TV that Webster Central Schools are closed due to inclement weather our 8:15am morning Mass will be cancelled as well MARCH FOR LIFE FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 We are now taking reservations for the 2019 March for Life Bus Trip to Washington, DC. The bus leaves on Thursday, January 17 th at 9:00pm from Holy Spirit Church. All are welcome! If you would like to attend please fill out a reservation request form on our website at The cost is $40.00 per person. Financial assistance is available. For more information, visit the web site, or call Gerry Sander at or committeeforlife@yahoo.com. Catholic Courier's Online Advent Calendar! Opening the windows or doors of Advent calendars is a long-standing tradition for many families. Start a new tradition with your children, grandchildren or students with the Catholic Courier's online Advent Calendar! Filled with multimedia treats, the calendar is designed to help families and individuals prepare for the birth of Christ. Visit each day beginning December 2 at

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