AUGUST 13, 2017 "Peter said to him in reply, Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water. He said, Come. Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me! Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt? After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, Truly, you are the Son of God. Matthew 14 Dear Parishioners and Friends, This weekend we welcome Joseph Kwiatkowski as our new organist, pianist, music and choir director. Music is such an important part of our parish and school community. Joe brings with him a variety of musical experience that he hopes to share with us. See his article below as an introduction. Welcome Joe! My gratitude to all who supported our annual Vacation Bible School program which was held throughout last week. We especially thank our 40+ teen and adult volunteers who assisted us with helping our 90+ children have a prayer-filled and fun time together. Next Tuesday, August 15 th is the Feast of the Assumption, a Holy Day of Obligation. We will have masses at 8:15am and 7:00pm. Many of our college students are heading back to school over these next few weeks. Your parish community will miss you! We wish you our very best. If you, as the student, or your parents, leave your college address at the parish office by phone or e-mail, we will send you a "care package" from the parish. Yes, you read this correctly! The date will be a surprise but your care package will find its way from us to you! May God bless you this week! Fr. Gonyo * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dear Friends, I am very pleased to be starting at St. Rita s as Music Director. I will be providing music for the church liturgies and services as well as being in the school providing instrumental music lessons and working on developing the band program. Having grown up in Albion, I ve been back and forth between Western New York and Vermont for the last ten years and consider myself very blessed and fortunate to have been hired for this position. It allows me to be considerably closer to my family. (One of those family members is not Elizabeth) I have played both piano and brass since childhood. For piano, I have studied classically, played with jazz ensembles, and I have played organ since high school. For brass, I played tuba primarily, but also played trumpet and trombone in jazz bands. If you have ever heard of the Hitmen Brass Band out of Rochester (they wear brightly colored zoot suits at the Lilac Festival) I used to be their tuba player. I hope to bring my absolute hodgepodge of musical styles to both the church and school and make your music experience enjoyable. I look forward to meeting all of you, although it will take me a while to address you by name. My memory for names not so good. Thank you for bearing with me. All my best! Joe Kwiatkowski (again not related to Elizabeth) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SUMMER MISSION SPEAKER This weekend we welcome Fr. Geejo George V.C., a Vincentian Missionary priest from E. Africa who is with us on behalf of the Vincentian Missions as part of our Missionary Cooperative Plan through the Diocese of Rochester. This annual mission appeal helps us to be aware of the needs of our global church community. The Vincentian Congregation, founded in Kerala, India is modeled after the Mission founded by St. Vincent de Paul. These missionaries need our prayers and financial help to carry out their many educational and charitable activities, especially the training of young men studying for the priesthood. We will have a second collection this weekend to help the Vincentian Missions. If you re not prepared today, you can send in your donation to the parish office marked Missions. St. Rita Men s Group The St. Rita Men s Group meets monthly to support one another in our faith and to discuss topics that explore our faith and the challenges we face day to day. We hope that by supporting one another, all members will each deepen his relationship with Jesus. All are welcome, no matter where you are in your faith journey. Come to as few or as many meetings as you desire. If you have any questions at all, please feel free reach out to John Matina at jmatina@rochester.rr.com Our next gathering will be Monday, August 14 NEW - Meet at 6:30pm at Holy Spirit Church for Adoration then go to St. Rita Church to meet from 7:00-8:00pm in Room 1. We hope to see you there!
EUCHARIST INTENTIONS Among the intentions for those who gather for the Eucharist this week will be MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 2017 8:15AM JANE KUNZOG Jim & Kathy Foster TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2017 Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8:15AM JOHN & MAE MURRAY Eileen Murray 7:00PM MICHAEL LEDTKE Gretchen Koch WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 8:15AM SHARON FUCHS Nancy & Justin Tubiolo THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2017 8:15AM MARION PLYTER Judy & Bob Tannascoli FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 8:15AM DONALD & PAUL HOSENFELD Mary Hosenfeld SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2017 5:00PM SR. ROBERTA RODENHOUSE, RSM 60 th ANNIVERSARY with the SISTERS OF MERCY SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 2017 7:30AM LORETTA BRUNETTE- The Brunette Family 9:00AM BETTY IACONA Anthony & Ann Marie Lipari 10:30AM RICHARD HAGLUND & DAN MCDONALD Tim Haglund * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * This week the Tabernacle Light will burn for Sr. Roberta Rodenhouse, RSM on her 60 th Anniversary with the Sisters of Mercy * * PARISH VISITATION Do you have a loved one or a friend 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 our Pastoral Minister at 671-1100 ext. 13. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Congratulations Sr. Roberta! We congratulate Sr. Roberta Rodenhouse, RSM as she celebrates her 60 th Anniversary of religious life with the Sisters of Mercy. As many of you know Sr. Roberta lives in the convent here at St. Rita and shares her time as a lector at daily mass and on the weekends. Next Saturday s 5:00pm Mass will be offered for Sr. Roberta, who with her fellow Sisters of Mercy, will have the opportunity to renew their vows. We thank her for her dedicated service to our parish, our diocesan community and to the Lord! ST. RITA SCHOOL Spirit of Learning Corner WHAT S HAPPENING? + St. Rita School has an abundant support staff to assist students academically. They have a RTI (Response to Intervention) team that meets weekly to discuss concerns regarding students and how to best serve these students needs. St. Rita s also has an AIS (Academic Intervention Service) teacher that will work within the classrooms or one on one with students who need extra help in certain areas. Some of our retired teachers and staff volunteer their time and offer extra support for students as well. The Webster School District provides our school with Speech teachers, a School Psychologist, a School Nurse, and other consultants which provide excellent care for our God Drops. + Want to save some money on school uniforms? You re in luck! St. Rita s School is having a Used Uniform Sale on Wednesday, August 16 from 4:00-6:00pm in the hallway near the library entrance. Most items will be $2.00. Cash or check only please. Credit Cards will not be accepted. From a School Parent... Q: Why did your family choose St. Rita s School? A: We came to Saint Rita's because, at the time, Webster Schools only had half a day of Kindergarten. Once we got there, we fell in love with the school and the phenomenal staff! We also made amazing friends who have become like family to us. This year marks the sixth year at SRS for us and we couldn't be more pleased with our decision to stay! Saint Rita School offers our children an excellent education, a loving and nurturing environment, and a faith filled experience. The quality of our daughters' education is evident in their daily lives, and we are very proud of the caring and intelligent young ladies that Saint Rita's has helped us raise. Jennifer and Rodney Moses Parents to Juliana & Sophia Twin daughters in 5th grade at SRS Can you guess the St. Rita s School Staff member? My favorite saint is St. Josaphat, first one I ever knew being Ukrainian. I grew up in Irondequoit and enjoy mountain biking. My favorite children s book is Frog and Toad. I have a fish named Lilac Hydrangea. Cheeseburgers are my favorite food. Who am I? Last week s answer: Mrs. McEnearny our 2016-2017 3 rd Grade Teacher... My favorite saint is St. Nicholas. My favorite children s book is Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey. I enjoy watching basketball but not playing it. I went to catholic school my entire life (K-12 th grade) and my appendix ruptured on my 18 th birthday. Who am I?
PLANS FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 13, 2017 MONDAY 8/14 6:30pm Men s Group at Holy Spirit for Adoration 7:00-8:00pm Men s Group Meet at St. Rita s Rm 1 TUESDAY 8/15 Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary WEDNESDAY 8/16 8:45am 8:45am 4:00-6:00pm SATURDAY 8/19 8:15-8:45am 3:30-4:30pm Pray the Rosary Church Reconciliation Available in Church School Used Uniform Sale Pray the Rosary Church Reconciliation Available in Church PARISH SUPPORT For Last Weekend ~ August 5 & 6 Last Week Budget Variance $ 17,488 $ 15,402 + $ 2,086 Year to Date Year to Date Budget Variance $ 81,532 $ 83,884 - $ 2,352 (Our fiscal year is 7/1/17 6/30/18) THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! We all grow spiritually when we share. Have you been away? If you are able to make up your donation for time you have been away we would greatly appreciate it! Enjoy the rest of the summer! CARE FOR GOD S HOUSE: Week of August 13 Dawn Clark LINENS: Next week August 20 Debbie Whitehair ALTAR SERVERS SCHEDULED NEXT Weekend ~ August 19 & 20 Saturday, 5:00pm: Servers schedule for Sr. Roberta s Anniversary Mass Sunday, 7:30am: Ian Avery, Hunter Wahl, Emmitt Wahl Sunday, 9:00am: Emily & Luke Tytler, Nicholas & Matthew Frontuto Sunday, 10:30am: Natalie & Grace Colpoys, Olivia Momot, Michael Peirsall TRAVELING THIS SUMMER? Nationwide Mass times & locations for traveling Catholics: Call 1-800 MassTim(es) or Go online to www.masstimes.com We welcome the newest members of our parish family who were baptized this weekend: Josephina Elizabeth Watters Weston Robert Blakely Harper Grace Blakley Chase James Blakley BIBLE READINGS: 13 Sun 19 th Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a Ps 85:9-14 Rom 9:1-5 Mt 14:22-23 14 Mon St. Maximilian Kolbe Dt 10:12-22 Ps 147: 12-15,19-20 Mt 17:22-27 15 Tue The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Rv 11;19a; 12;1-6a,10ab Ps 45:10-12,16 1 Cor 15:20-27 Lk 1:39-56 16 Wed St. Stephen of Hungary Dt 34:1-12 Ps 66: 1-3,5,8,16-17 Mt 18:15-20 17 Thu Jos 3:7-10a,11,13,17 Ps 114:1-6 Mt 18: 21-19:1 18 Fri Jos 24:1-13 Ps 136:1-3,16-18,21-22,24 Mt 19:3-12 19 Sat St. John Eudes Jos 24:14-29 Ps 16:1-2,5, 7-8,11 Mt 19:13-15 20 Sun 20 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 56:1,6-7 Ps 67:2-3,5-6,8 Rom 11:13-15,29-32 Mt 15:21-28 BREAKFAST CLUB WORKERS NEEDED! Breakfast Club is a volunteer ministry that provides a gathering place for fellowship after Mass along with a delicious meal! This is a great ministry for families to do together, teens needing community service, or anyone looking to help out and meet new people! Our Breakfast Club Teams work one Sunday morning each month from September - May. If you or your family are interested in helping out with cooking, setting tables, serving, or clean-up in a friendly and fun environment, your help would be greatly appreciated! Please call the Parish Office at 671-1100. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * COMPANIONS IN GRIEF GROUP Tuesday, August 22 7:30pm at Holy Spirit Church (1355 Hatch Rd / Corner of Plank Rd) The Theme is: Survival Presented by Deacon Ray and Kathy Garbach whose daughter Megan lost her battle with depression a few years ago. All who have experienced the loss of a loved one through death are invited to attend. All are welcome!
Below is the continuation of Bishop Matano's Pastoral Letter declaring this year THE HOLY YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST. It will be run in segments over the next several weeks. The full version of his letter may be found online at www.dor.org The Continuation of a Pastoral Letter from The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Rochester OUR RESPONSIBILITIES Our belief in the Real Presence of Christ, body, blood, soul and divinity, the very One Whom we receive in Holy Communion is, therefore, what truly identifies us as Catholics, Christians firmly believing in Christ, uniting us with our ancestors in the faith who first celebrated the Eucharist in the very shadow of Christ s earthly ministry. This rich inheritance of faith and Eucharistic identification with Christ places upon us certain demands and responsibilities. What then are these responsibilities entrusted to the Catholic community in its worship of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament? First and foremost, it means faithfully attending Holy Mass every weekend: Jesus personally desires and asks for our presence not just twice, three times a month, or on special occasions, but every weekend; not only when religious education classes are conducted during the academic year, but throughout the entire year. The Catechism of the Catholic Church clearly instructs us: The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. (Cf. Code of Canon Law, canon 1245). Those who deliberately fail this obligation commit a grave sin. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2181). Why would we ever ignore the personal invitation of Jesus to become one with Him, to unite our very person with His person in Holy Communion? If we can say no to Jesus, how easy it becomes to say no to any person or institution and to break or dishonor any commitment. All that we do as Catholics stems from our attachment to, and is directed back toward, the Eucharist. That one so easily misses Holy Mass reflects a lack of understanding of the Eucharistic sacrifice established by Christ Himself by His death upon the Cross. However, we cannot be critical of those who have not been taught or instructed about the Eucharist, or have not been given the best possible example of fidelity to the Eucharist. This is a moment for all of us to examine our consciences as to how we have or have not fostered devotion to the Eucharist according to our particular vocations in life. As the Diocesan Bishop, daily I must ask how I may have failed to introduce God s children to the Most Holy Eucharist and beg the Lord s forgiveness for any lack in fulfilling this grave responsibility. Our own lives of faith are the best witness of Whom we love and in Whom we trust. Our churches are not museums or mere testimonies to the past, nor are they multipurpose facilities for a wide spectrum of activities. They are the Houses of the Lord where the Holy Mass is offered, the Sacraments are celebrated and where Christ dwells in the tabernacles. If they are to remain open and vibrant, the love for Christ present in the Eucharist must be manifested by those believers who fill the pews of these churches and with their prayers lifted up to the Lord become a true sign of hope, a sign of the active presence of Christ among His people. The success of any parish depends upon the support of its members and their fidelity and devotion to the Holy Eucharist. We all know that no one is attracted to failure! While noting real demographic changes in our landscape, it still is quite discouraging to see in populated places halfempty churches that once were filled. These occurrences should upset us all and cause us to renew our parishes through genuine and profound attachment to the Holy Eucharist demonstrated by weekly attendance at Holy Mass. In his Apostolic Letter, Dies Domini ( The Lord s Day ), of May 31, 1998, Saint John Paul II teaches: Since the Eucharist is the very heart of Sunday, it is clear why, from the earliest centuries, the Pastors of the Church have not ceased to remind the faithful of the need to take part in the liturgical assembly. Leave everything on the Lord s Day, urges the third century text known as the Didascalia, and run diligently to your assembly, because it is your praise of God. Otherwise, what excuse will they make to God, those who do not come together on the Lord s Day to hear the word of life and feed on the divine nourishment which lasts forever? (Dies Domini, no. 46). To Be Continued... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * REGISTER NOW FOR CYO SOCCER Boys and Girls from St. Rita Parish in Grades 3-6 may sign up for this league, which will play in September and October. Please register and you can pay online at www.saintritawebster.org/cyosoccer. The fees for this year are: $60 for 3 rd & 4 th Grade players and $80 for 5 th & 6 th Grade players. There is a $140 family maximum. Deadline to register is Monday, August 14. PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY NEWS! No Blood Pressure Screenings for August Our Parish Health Ministry Team will not be providing Blood Pressure Screenings during August here at St. Rita's. If you need to have your blood pressure checked you can call Felice at 671-5177 to set up an appointment.
Back to School Supply Collection In order to assist those in need in our area, we are having a school supply collection until September. You can help with your donation of pens, pencils, crayons, highlighters, 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, colored folders, 3-5 subject spiral notebooks, dividers and book bags. There is a bin for these items in our greeting area in church. Thank you! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * FAITH FORMATION REGISTRATION Kindergarten thru Grade Seven Students in Grades K-7, who do not attend a Catholic school, are strongly encouraged to be enrolled in our parish Faith Formation Program. You may enroll and pay for Faith Formation and Sacraments on-line at our parish website: www.saintritawebster.org A choice of two sessions are offered weekly: Session 1: Mondays: 4:30-5:45 pm (Grades K-6) Session 2: Mondays: 6:15-7:30 pm (Grades 1-7) ST. RITA S WOMEN S RETREAT WEEKEND Friday, September 15 Sunday, September 17 To be held at the Notre Dame Retreat House overlooking beautiful Canandaigua Lake This year s theme is God is talking... Are you listening? This year s retreat centers on prayer. The retreat schedule and format is in a completely different format that you will definitely enjoy! Please join us as we offer an opportunity for women to enhance individual their prayer life. All are Welcome! Single: One Twin/Shared Bathroom $150 Shared Double: Two Twin/Full Bath $120 each Double Alone: Two Twin/Full Bath $200 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 jpiersal@rochester.rr.com - For more information regarding the retreat house, check out their website: www.notredameretreat.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CONFIRMATION PREPARATION Registration for Confirmation is open to any youth in 8 th 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 is scheduled for Sunday, September, 24 at 6:15pm in Church. All parents and youth who are in their first or second year of preparation are expected to attend. Registration forms are found on our website at www.saintritawebster.org - Questions may be directed to Marie Marton at 671-1100 x 17 or Marie.Marton@dor.org FAITH FORMATION CATECHISTS ARE 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 4:30-5:45pm Grade 2 Grade 5 Grade 3 (2 teachers needed) Grade 6 Grade 4 (2 teachers needed) Mondays 6:15-7:30pm Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 If you are interested in sharing your faith, or would like more information about Faith Formation, please contact Anita Wagner at 671-2079 or anita.wagner@dor.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ST. RITA SCHOOL ~ PRE-K3 AND 4 PROGRAMS! St. Rita s is still accepting applications for Pre-K 3 and 4 year olds. Our program is unique in that our Pre-K students attend physical education, music class, technology class, and art class directly with our specials teachers. The Pre-K teachers are very friendly, warm, and nurturing. Classrooms are located in the school building which assists in forging a bond with the upper class students and teachers. Fifth Graders are lunch buddies for the extended day pre-school children; and, before and after care is an option as well for the Pre-K 4 students. If you are interested in this program or any of our other grade levels please call our school at 671-3132 for more information and to set up a tour. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * COLLEGE BOUND STUDENTS! Many of our college students are heading back to school over these next few weeks. Your parish community will miss you! We wish you our very best. If you, as the student, or parent, leave your college address (even if you are staying local) at the parish office by phone or e- mail, we will send you a "care package" from the parish. The date will be a surprise but your care package will find its way from us to you!