DECEMBER 14, 2014 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God. Isaiah 6 Dear Parishioners and Friends, This weekend we celebrate Gaudate or Joy-Filled Sunday. The third pink colored candle will be lit on our Advent wreath. My gratitude to the Boy Scouts who will be assisting in setting up all our Christmas decorations and giant trees on Monday evening. Join us for the St. Rita Advent Penance Service with individual Reconciliation, this Wednesday, December 17 th at 7:00pm here in Church. If it has been awhile since you have celebrated the Sacrament, don t worry, we will have materials available to guide you through everything. It will be an anxiety-free experience of God s mercy and grace. Bring the whole family and the kids too! We all need the opportunity to experience the blessings of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Breakfast with Santa will be next Sunday after the 9:00am and 10:30am Masses. Come down to the parish center for some tasty treats and visit with Santa. Also, be sure to join us in the Gym next Sunday from 2:00-4:00pm for Las Posadas a Family Fun Event! This is a re-enactment of the journey that Joseph and Mary took to find shelter before the birth of their child, Jesus. There will be activities, crafts, and a piñata filled with candy and toys. We will also share a meal of Mexican food. Please see the article with all the details in today s bulletin. Bring the whole family for a wonderful celebration. Our Parish Census is underway so don t forget to turn in your yellow census card. Extra census cards are in the greeting area if needed. Be sure to take one if you did not receive an information Advent/Christmas packet in the mail last week. Completed census cards can be put into the donation slot by the glass doors in the front greeting area, dropped in the collection, or mailed/dropped off at the parish office. Updating your census can also be done securely on our parish website at: www.saintritawebster.org May God bless you this week! Fr. Gonyo CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES Wednesday, December 24 3:00pm ~ 5:00pm and 10:00pm (Carols begin at 9:30pm) CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES Thursday, December 25 9:00am and 10:30am JOIN US FOR OUR ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE with Individual Reconciliation Wednesday, December 17 at 7:00 pm Reconciliation is also available every Saturday from 3:30 4:30 pm in Church (or by appointment with Fr. Gonyo or Fr. Shatzel)
EUCHARIST INTENTIONS Among the intentions for those who gather for the Eucharist this week will be MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2014 8:15AM ROSE ANGELINI Marge Sharick 9:15AM FUNERAL MASS FOR THERESA GUCK TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2014 8:15AM JEANNE VAINASK The Avery Family WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014 8:15AM MICHAEL JAMES CUCCHIARA Family THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014 8:15AM GRACE SENGILLA Gary & Liz Staszak FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014 8:15AM NORMA SCHWAB Thelma Benwitz SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2014 5:00PM JANE MC COY Sharon Brennan SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2014 7:30AM NICOLE RANALLETTA Family 9:00AM ELLENMARIE SMITH Family 10:30AM JOSEPH PULICI Wife, Catherine * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * This week the Tabernacle Light will burn for the intentions of Fr. Jim Connolly * * * COMPANIONS IN GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Thursday, December 18 at 7:30pm in Room 1 All who have experienced the loss of a friend or loved one through death are invited to attend. All are welcome! USHERS ARE NEEDED for Christmas/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 want!) Please see the sign-up sheet on the table in the back of the church and let us know if you are willing to help. LECTORS LEADERS EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS If you are able to serve at any of the Christmas/New Year s masses please sign up on the bulletin board in the greeting area! St. Rita School Spirit of Learning Corner Did you know?... This week was another special one at St. Rita School! + 5th graders have been visited by a Monroe County Sheriff each Monday since September. This Monday will be their graduation from the D.A.R.E. program. This program works by educating 5th graders on community, internet, and school safety as well as raising awareness about bullying prevention and staying away from drugs. The students, as always, have thoroughly enjoyed the program. Especially when the K-9 unit came and they got to meet four-legged "Officer" Dano! + Santa visited our school this week! Fun for all! But not before the Kindergartners had a birthday party for Jesus. Then they were off to Sacred Heart Cathedral on a field trip to see the crèche exhibit and attend mass at the Cathedral. Opportunities to help Support our School... WREATH & POINSETTIA SALE! This weekend! Purchase a beautiful 6 inch poinsettia in red, white, or pink for $8 or purchase a gorgeous 12 wreath decorated with berries, a pinecone, and bow for $15! Be sure to remember your family and friends! BARNES and NOBLE BOOKFAIR It's not too late to participate in the St. Rita School Barnes and Noble Bookfair! You can help support our school by shopping online and entering our Bookfair ID# 11503828 for our school to receive extra credit! Thank you for your support! ST. RITA SCHOOL PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES Information Night ~ Tours will be given Thursday, January 15, 2015 @ 7:00 pm 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) and full day Kindergarten through Grade 6. As a result of the numerous Grade 6 Catholic Middle School options, our goal is to continue to offer sixth grade for the 2015-16 school year, but will depend on registration numbers. PLEASE NOTE - Beginning Fall of 2015 - Before School Care will also be provided as well as our After Care Program which is available until 6:00pm. We are Common Core Compliant, and Middle States Accredited.
PLANS FOR THE WEEK DECEMBER 14, 2014 SUNDAY 12/14 8:15-11:00am MONDAY 12/15 4:30-5:45pm 6:15-7:30pm Breakfast Club Gym FAITH FORMATION CLASSES FAITH FORMATION CLASSES TUESDAY 12/16 10:00-11:00am W.E.R.O.C. MOMS Group Rm 3 WEDNESDAY 12/17 8:45am 7:00PM Rosary Group Church PENANCE SERVICE Church THURSDAY 12/18 7:30pm Companions in Grief Group Rm 1 9:00-10:30pm Men s Basketball Gym SUNDAY 12/21 No Breakfast Club After 9:00 & 10:30 Mass VISIT WITH SANTA Gym 2:00pm LAS POSADAS FAMILY FUN Gym PARISH SUPPORT For Last Weekend ~ December 6 & 7 Last Week Budget Variance $18,285 $15,439 + $2,846 Year to Date Year to Date Budget Variance $330,507 $346,940 - $16,433 (Our fiscal year is 7/1/14 6/30/15) THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! We all grow spiritually when we share. SACRISTAN: Week of December 14 Tom Marton LINENS: Week of December 21 Debbie Whitehair * * * * * ALTAR SERVERS SCHEDULED NEXT Weekend ~ December 20 & 21 Saturday, 5:00pm: Matthew Connor, Brandon Connor, Rachel Connor, Christopher Mraz Sunday, 7:30am: Patrick Childs, Justin Coumou, Lindsey Coumou Sunday, 9:00am: Regan Daley, Spencer Kohrt, Francesca Kohrt, Ethan Kohrt Sunday, 10:30am: Adrianna Atmosfera, Arielle Atmosfera, Jack Steger, Josef Steger BIBLE READINGS: 14 Sun Third Sunday of Advent Is 61:1-2a,10-11 Lk 1:46-50,53-54 1 Thes 5:16-24 Jn 1:6-8,19-28 15 Mon Nm 24:2-7,15-17a Ps 25:4-9 Mt 21:23-27 16 Tue Zep 3:1-2,9-13 Ps 34:2-3,6-7,17-19,23 Mt 21:28-32 17 Wed Gn 49:2,8-10 Ps 72:1-4,7-8,17 Mt 1:1-17 18 Thu Jer 23:5-8 Ps 72:1-2,12-13,18-19 Mt 1;18-25 19 Fri Jgs 13:2-7,24-25a Ps 71:3-6,16-17 Lk 1:5-25 20 Sat Is 7:10-14 Ps 24:1-6 Lk 1:26-38 21 Sun Fourth Sunday of Advent 2 Sm 7:1-5,8b-12, 14a,16 Ps 89:2-5,27,29 Rom 16:25-27 Lk 1:26-38 * * * THERE IS NO BREAKFAST CLUB NEXT WEEKEND, DECEMBER 21 Because Santa will be visiting us in the Gym after the 9:00am and 10:30am Masses - NEXT WEEKEND! * * * * * 2014 HOLY CHILDHOOD ~ ANGEL ORNAMENTS Ceramic angels made and packaged by the School of the Holy Childhood are available for $7.00. Each year there is a new angel to add to your collection. The proceeds will be shared between St. Damien Pediatric Hospital (Haiti s only pediatric free hospital), Holy Childhood and HOPE Ministry. They are available now at St. Rita s Parish Office during the week. St. Rita s Boy Scout Troop #163 FRESH CUT CHRISTMAS TREE SALE Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 6:30-8:30pm (Closed on Tuesdays) Saturday 9:00am - 7:00pm Sunday 10:00am - 5:00pm Visit us Behind Bill Gray s Restaurant (964 Hard Road) Up to 9 Ft. tall = $40 ~ Over 9 Ft. tall = $50 Money raised will help to pay for camping gear, scout books, awards, badges and camping/backpacking trips. The boys thank you for your support. Used ipod Collection ~ For my senior service project at Our Lady of Mercy High School I am collecting used ipods for Music and Memory. Music and Memory provides personalized music to nursing home residents. Studies have shown that familiar music improves memory and cognition. A collection box for ipods is located in the gathering area in church. Thank you for your support! Anne Kraft
2015 SAVEAROUND ROCHESTER BOOKS are Now Available for immediate use! They Make Great Christmas Gifts! Stop by the Parish Office to pick up your 2015 SaveAround Rochester coupon book for $20. This book contains over $2,500 in value at many popular stores and restaurants, both local and nationwide. For each book sold, St. Rita receives a 40% profit to use for our youth programs. Get one for all your friends - buy 5 books, get 1 free! You can also order a book for other cities. For more information, contact Elizabeth Kwiatkowski at ekwiatkowski@dor.org or call the office at 671-1100 ext. 14. ATTN: 4 th, 5 th and 6 th graders~ CYO CHEERLEADING will begin soon! Practices start this Thursday, December 18 from 3:45-5:30pm in the Parish Center gym. Our goal is to be ready to perform a group routine at the CYO Cheer Night in March! We will also cheer at some home games in the beginning of February! Registration forms will be available at the practice on Thursday. For more information, please contact Melissa Urban at coachmel711@yahoo.com or at 750-9373. HANDS OF CHRIST AWARD 2015 Please consider nominating a high school senior from the graduating class of 2015 for the diocesan Hands of Christ Award. The Hands of Christ is a recognition program to assist parishes in affirming their high school seniors who have been the Hands of Christ in their church, home, school and community. A nominated senior needs to meet the following criteria: + Demonstrate a Christian attitude by word & example + Be actively involved in their parish as well as their school community. + Be a positive role model for their peers. + Is a participating Roman Catholic in a parish in the Diocese of Rochester. + Is currently a High School Senior. All nominations are due by Friday, January 16, 2015 To nominate a Senior please send a nomination form or letter stating examples of the above criteria including the nominee s name, address, phone number and school to: St. Rita s Church ~ 1008 Maple Dr., Webster Attn: Mary Jo DiNoto, Pastoral Associate. Nomination forms are in the greeting area of church, at the parish office, or online at www.saintritawebster.org Youth Group page. We have many great seniors in our parish and it is important to recognize all of their hard work and dedication to the church and community. Questions? call Mary Jo at 671-1100x13 or e-mail: mdinoto@dor.org PARISH FAMILY CENSUS We realize family dynamics change and people relocate so in an effort to keep our family database current we are conducting a Parish Family Census. All registered families were sent a new yellow Census Form along with our Advent mailing. Please complete the form and return it to church or the parish office. OR you can also go online and complete the form at: www.saintritawebster.org Or if you are new to the parish we invite you to register with us!! The next phase will begin after the first of the year. If a form is not returned for your family we will follow up with a phone call to see if you wish remain registered here at St. Rita. Thank you for your help! Catholic Ministries Appeal Update As of 12/10/14 Catholic Ministries Appeal Goal $ 148,792 Pledges Received to Date $ 101,258 Our Balance Due $ 47,534 # of Donors 566 Households The Catholic Ministries Appeal affords each of us the opportunity to meet real needs throughout the Diocese. We are currently at 68% of our goal of $148,792 in our Catholic Ministries Appeal. We need your help! This amount must be paid by our parish in May and this money is not in our budget, which would mean taking it out of other parish programs. Every gift no matter the size is needed. If you have already made your gift this year, please accept my heartfelt gratitude. If you have not yet made your gift and would like to - extra pledge cards are available in Church or you can give online at www.dor.org. Thank you for your generosity to the appeal! Whatever you decide, know that I am personally grateful for your prayers for the success of our appeal. Thank You, Fr. Gonyo If you mail in your donation please indicate ST. RITA S PARISH # 327
ALL ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR DONUTS WITH SANTA! Next Sunday, December 21 After BOTH the 9:00am and 10:30am Masses Stop down to the Parish Center for a SUPER SURPRISE VISIT FROM SANTA! ALONG WITH TRULY TASTY TREATS! BRING THE FAMILY AND GRANDMA TOO! Las Posadas The Inns A Family Event! Next Sunday, December 21 2:00-4:00 pm in the Parish Center gym Please join us for the traditional Mexican Christmas celebration of las Posadas - a re-enactment of the journey that Joseph and Mary took to find shelter before the birth of their child, Jesus. Activities will include crafts, a piñata filled with candy and toys, and a shared meal of Mexican food. If you would like to provide some food for the celebration, please contact Elizabeth at ekwiatkowski@dor.org or 671-1100 ext. 14. RSVP s are not required, but will help us make sure we have enough for everyone!