FEBRUARY 28, 2016

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Psalm 103 Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Our Lenten journey continues as we now begin the 3rd. Sunday of Lent. As we did last week, we will have Eucharistic Adoration followed by Exposition on Tuesdays from 12:00pm-3:00pm. This Tuesday evening we also will be hosting a Lenten Soup Supper followed by music and reflection in Church. In addition to Saturday times, Confessions are heard every Wednesday after the 8:15am mass.

Our St. Rita School is hosting their grand Blue and Gold Banquet this year on Saturday, March 12th at the “City Grill” on East Avenue. Information and tickets are available after mass. Come join us for this fabulous special event honoring those who have shown and supported our parish school community. More information is available by calling the school office, checking our website and inside the bulletin. Congratulations St. Rita School!

Finally, we are pleased to celebrate with our high school seniors who are receiving the Hands of Christ award for their involvement in our church, schools, and community. The following seniors will be recognized at a ceremony with Bishop Salvatore Matano this Wednesday, March 2 and at the 5:00 Mass here at St. Rita on Saturday, March 19. On behalf of our parish community and our youth minister Elizabeth Kwiatkowski we give thanks to God for the blessing of these wonderful young people. Congratulations to: Rachel Connor, Ashley Coumou, Bridget Deveney, Andrew Hecht, Nicolette Hendershot, Ethan Kohrt, Alessandra Pecora, Theresa Piersall, Joseph Rutalis, Anna Schum-Houck, Joseph Sennett, Jarred Simmons, Cassandra Sutley, Griffin Virgil, Christopher Zaepfel.

May God bless you this week, Fr. Gonyo

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LENTEN SERIES SOUP- ER TUESDAYS!

6:00-6:45pm Soup and Fellowship in Room 1

6:45-7:30pm Music and Reflection in Church TUESDAY, MARCH 1 Hosted by St. Rita School PAC

12:00-3:00pm Benediction & Eucharistic Adoration

6:00-6:45pm SOUP & BREAD SUPPER 6:45-7:30pm SUNG EVENING PRAYER – A wonderful opportunity to reflect on music and Lenten readings led by a select a cappella vocal ensemble TUESDAY, MARCH 8 Hosted by St. Rita Music Ministries

12:00-3:00pm Benediction & Eucharistic Adoration 6:00-6:45pm SOUP & BREAD SUPPER 6:45-7:30pm LENTEN REFLECTION – along with seasonal songs performed by our choirs.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15 Hosted by Parish Pastoral Council

12:00-3:00pm Benediction & Eucharistic Adoration

6:00-6:45pm SOUP & BREAD SUPPER 6:45-7:30pm TAIZE PRAYER – We are bringing back this popular evening of prayer and meditative music in our candlelit church.

DAY OF PENANCE

on Wednesday, March 9 from 12:30pm-7:30pm.

All Diocesan churches will be open this day during these times for reconciliation.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also made available here at St. Rita every Wednesday now and throughout the Year of Mercy at 8:45am (following daily mass), as well as on Saturday afternoons from 3:30pm-4:30pm. The Extraordinary Year of Mercy is a unique opportunity to “get back with the Lord” and unburden ourselves of the guilt of sin and separation we may find in our relationship with God. Why carry a heavy load when we can begin anew and experience the grace of Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

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LENTEN FISH DINNERS

Served on Fridays during Lent

thru Friday, March 18

5:00-7:00pm in the Parish Center

Fried or Baked Haddock are available as well as Cheese Pizza and Macaroni and Cheese for those who do not care for fish! Adult Fish dinners include fish, seasoned potato wedges, coleslaw and a roll for $11. Seniors are $10 and Children’s portions are $6.00. Soft Drinks, Milk, Coffee and Tea are $1 and Desserts are available to purchase - Dine in or Take Out is available.

EUCHARIST INTENTIONS

Among the intentions for those who gather for the

Eucharist this week will be

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2016 8:15AM TOM FERLAND & FAMILY – Mom and Dad

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016 8:15AM CARL TIBERIO – Gertrude Provost

12:00-3:00PM Benediction & Eucharistic Adoration

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016 8:15AM JACK OSBORNE – Ann Tiberio

9:15AM ST. RITA SCHOOL MASS - All are Welcome!

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 8:15AM LARRY SMITH – Diane Langen

FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2016

8:15AM HELEN MULLIGAN – Lana & Joe Rudy

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016 5:00PM FOR THE PEOPLE OF ST. RITA PARISH

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2016 7:30AM OTTO & PAULA REISCH – Carol Reisch 9:00AM ANGELINA COCILOVA – The Pilato & Evangelista Families 10:30AM CLEMENTINE & EUGENE POWERS – Family

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This week the Tabernacle Light will burn in loving memory of Otto & Paula Reisch

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PARISH EASTER EGG HUNT

Sunday, March 13 from 1:00 - 3:00pm

in the Parish Center Gym

Come prepare for Easter at this wonderful family event! Children are invited to participate in activity stations that will appeal to all ages while waiting their turn to hunt for eggs as a family. We recommend bringing a basket or egg carton for each child. There is no fee to participate. Please RSVP on our website at www.stritawebster.org or pick up a form in the Greeting Area. Please contact Elizabeth Kwiatkowski at ekwiatkowski@dor.org or 671-1100 x14 if you have any questions.

EASTER CANDY SALE

6oz Chocolate Bunnies $5.00

6oz Mint Melt-Aways $5.00

Our St. Rita Society is holding their annual Easter candy sale after all Masses for the next few weeks. Candy is also available at the Parish Office. Proceeds are used for various parish and Society Outreach Projects.

St. Rita School

Spirit of Learning Corner

Did you know ? . . .

+ Congratulations to our 5th graders who put on a

wonderful set of performances last week. Everyone who attended "Twinderella" thoroughly enjoyed the light hearted show. Another thank you to the 6th graders who supported the cast as their choir.

+ Come join our school community this Wednesday,

March 2 for our monthly school liturgy at 9:15am. This month's mass will be led by our 4th grade and everyone is welcome.

Register for St. Rita School!

St. Rita School offers a PK3 & PK4 Program, and Kindergarten through Grade 5. Before School Care and After School Care Programs are also available. All are welcome to come and see our school in action or call 671-3132 to arrange a tour of St. Rita School.

Please share our GOOD NEWS!

St. Rita School ~ Where Faith & Knowledge Meet!

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PLEASE JOIN US!

Do you knit, crochet or quilt?

Our PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

will be meeting on Tuesday, March 1 in the Parish Office and Saturday , March 5 in Room 1 of Church

both from 10:30am – 12:00 Noon

This wonderful ministry knits beautiful Baptismal blankets, Prayer Shawls and Lap Blankets.

Bring a friend or come alone and make new friends!

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All are invited to attend our

ST. JOSEPH’S TABLE

Saturday, March 12

after the 5:00pm Mass in the Parish Center

We invite you to join us as we celebrate St. Joseph. The Table is meant to offer a taste of God’s goodness and to honor St. Joseph. The tradition of the St. Joseph’s Day Table began in Sicily in 1324 in thanksgiving for favors received through the intercession of St. Joseph.

If you are able to bring a meatless dish or dessert, please call Felice Armignacco at 671-5177. Donations of food may be delivered on Saturday, March 12 after 12:00 Noon to the kitchen in the parish center.

St. Joseph’s Table will be blessed by Father Gonyo following the 5:00pm Mass.

If you are able to help in any way with set up, clean up or serving please contact Elaine King at 671-4930.

PARISH EASTER

EGG HUNT

Sunday, April 6

from 2:00 - 3:00pm

in the Parish

Center Gym

The Youth Group is hosting our annual Easter Egg Hunt for all children of the parish ages 1-11. Please pick up a registration

PLANS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 28, 2016

SUNDAY 2/28 8:30-11:00am Breakfast Club – Gym

MONDAY 2/29 10:00-11:30am Bible Study – Rm 1 4:30-5:45pm FAITH FORMATION CLASSES 6:15-7:30pm FAITH FORMATION CLASSES

TUESDAY 3/1 9:00-10:00am WEROC Women’s Group – Rm 3 10:30am-Noon Prayer Shawl Group – Parish Office 12:00-3:00pm Eucharistic Adoration – Church 6:00-6:45pm Soup Supper – Rm 1 6:45-7:30pm Lenten Reflection – Church

WEDNESDAY 3/2 8:45am Pray the Rosary – Church 6:30pm First Eucharist Parent Meeting – Church 7:00pm Finance Council – Parish Office 7:00-8:30pm Bible Study – Rm 1

THURSDAY 3/3 7:00-8:30pm Bible Study – Rm 1 9:00-10:30pm Men’s Basketball – Gym

FRIDAY 3/4 5:00-7:00pm FISH DINNER – Gym

SATURDAY 3/5 8:15-8:45am Pray the Rosary – Church 10:30am-Noon Prayer Shawl Group – Church 3:30-4:30pm Reconciliation Available in Church

SUNDAY 3/6 8:30-11:00am Breakfast Club – Gym 9:00 & 10:30am Masses First Eucharist Enrollment

PARISH SUPPORT

For Last Weekend ~ February 20 & 21

Last Week Budget Variance $13,332 $13,746 - $ 414

Year to Date Year to Date Budget Variance

$475,212 $498,562 - $23,350

(Our fiscal year is 7/1/15 – 6/30/16)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! We all grow spiritually when we share.

St. Rita Boy Scout Troop 163

PASTA DINNER

Join us Next ~ Saturday, March 5

in the Parish Center after 5:00 Mass

Tickets are available at the door ($7.00 a person and children under 5 are free). The Boy Scout pasta dinner supports all of the troop’s activities such as our camping trips, outdoor activities, as well as purchasing camping and outdoor sports equipment. We hope you will come and enjoy a delicious pasta meal!

BIBLE READINGS:

28 Sun Third Sunday of Lent Ex 3:1-8a,13-15 Ps 103:1-4,6-8,11 1 Cor 10:1-6,10-12 Lk 13:1-9 29 Mon 2 Kgs 5;1-15ab Ps 42:2-3;43:3-4 Lk 4:24-30 1 Tue Dn 3:25,34-43 Ps 25:4-9 Mt 18:21-35 2 Wed Dt 4:1,5-9 Ps 147:12-13,15-16,19-20 Mt 5:17-19 3 Thu St. Katharine Drexel Jer 7:23-28 Ps 95:1-2, 6-9 Lk 11:14-23 4 Fri St. Casimir His 14:2-10 Ps 81:6-11,14,17 Mk 12:28-34 5 Sat Hos 6:1-6 Ps 51:3-4,18-21 Lk 18:9-14

6 Sun Fourth Sunday of Lent Jos 5:9a,10-12 Ps 34:2-7 2 Cor 5:17-21 Lk 15:1-3,11-32

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BREAKFAST CLUB NEWS

Join us for breakfast Sunday mornings from 8:30-11:00am in the Parish Center. We offer a “Special” each Sunday as well as a traditional menu.

Next Week - Team 1’s Special is: Cheese and Onion Omelet served with warm buttered toast and a bottomless cup of coffee. Our ministry runs on donations only which are greatly appreciated.

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ALTAR SERVERS SCHEDULED NEXT Weekend ~ March 5 & 6

Saturday, 5:00pm: Nicholas Frontuto

Sunday, 7:30am: Patrick Childs, Lauren & Brennan Quatela

Sunday, 9:00am: Connor Burdick, Michael Facci, Olivia Mabe, Riley Stuver

Sunday, 10:30am: Grace & Natalie Colpoys, Julia & Emma Spagnola

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CARE FOR GOD’S HOUSE: Week of February 28 Dawn Clark

LINENS: Week of March 6 Pam Kunzer

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OPERATION RICE BOWL

As part of our faith community’s Lenten observance, we participate in Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten program, Operation Rice Bowl and you are invited to join us. Since 1975, Operation Rice Bowl has inspired Catholics in the United States to Pray, Fast, Learn and Give as we increase our understanding of our global community. Please be sure to pick up a Rice Bowl folder found in the basket in the greeting area in church. We encourage you to participate in Operation Rice Bowl at home with your family and loved ones.

WHY DO CATHOLICS GO TO CONFESSION?

Catholics receive the Sacrament of Confession (Reconciliation) because we recognize that we are not perfect. Only two people have walked this earth and did not sin: Jesus and Mary.

This Sacrament is truly a gift of mercy from our Lord. Of course, God knows that we have sinned and that this sin impacts our relationship with God. The relationship will be weakened through Venial Sin and even severed by Mortal Sin. God has made a way that allows us to acknowledge our sin, perform a penance for our sins, and receive the incredible gift of grace and peace upon leaving the Confessional.

These are some pretty big words. How do we know if we have committed a Venial or a Mortal sin?

A Venial Sin is an action or offense against God’s will that weakens our relationship with God and others and that hurts our personal character.

A Mortal Sin is an action or offense so seriously against God’s will that it completely separates a person from God. For a sin to be Mortal, both the action (the sin itself) and its effect must be fully intended. The commission of a Mortal Sin leads to eternal death.

Mortal Sins may only be forgiven through the Sacrament of Confession. Due to the severity of the sin, it is essential that these sins be forgiven through the prayer and guidance of the Priest.

Even if you have not committed a Mortal Sin you should receive this Sacrament frequently. Technically, Venial Sins can be forgiven through prayer and by attending Mass: the beginning of every Mass includes a Penitential Rite seeking God’s forgiveness of our Venial Sins in anticipation of receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. However, frequent reception of the Sacrament helps you to evaluate your faith journey and provides you with advice and encouragement.

Remember!! All Catholics are required to receive the Sacrament of Confession at least one time per year.

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Are you on TEAM JESUS?

St. Rita Vacation Bible School July 25-29, 2016

Get your body and spirit in shape this summer! Join us for a week of

activities aimed at keeping faith strong within our families. Participate in physical and spiritual exercises with family and friends. This year, we will have afternoon options and evening family events, in additional to morning sessions. Check for registration information in early April. Ready to get involved now? Adult and teen volunteers needed to help plan and run a successful week. Contact Elizabeth Kwiatkowski today at ekwiatkowski@dor.org or 671-1100 x14!

From the Desk of Marie Marton

Hot Cross Buns: A Lenten Tradition In this time of Lent, when we are so frequently reminded to fast, a little glint of sugar coated glee appears on our grocery store shelves. I am speaking, of course, about those Hot Cross Buns. Like many of our other holiday dishes, which are also the result of ancient traditions, these dainties have become a beloved part of our Lenten journey.

In Great Britain, these sweet yeast rolls—flavored with cinnamon and currants and marked with a cross—are a traditional Good Friday breakfast. The cross, which reminds us of the sacrifice that Christ made for us, is either cut into the top of the rolls before they are baked or added afterward with frosting. (Personally, I will always much prefer the latter!) Hot cross buns were first associated with Lent in 1361 when, on Good Friday, the monks of Saint Alban’s in Hertfordshire, England, made some to give to those who were poor.

As with many Christian traditions, Hot Cross Buns have their origin in ancient pagan practices. Those practices included the cross, solely as representing the four quarters of the moon. The Catholic Church adopted the tradition of crossed buns and gave the use of that design new meaning.

It’s such a simple thing, really; merely a sweet bread roll. However, claims of healing and protection from evil were attributed to the buns from early days. Also, although Roman Catholicism was banned from England in the 16th century, the popularity of Hot Cross Buns did not diminish. They remain a popular English Lenten dish to this day.

Have I made you hungry yet? Go ahead. Enjoy your taste of Lenten tradition. I welcome you to eat heartily of this treat all Lent---so long as you remember to contemplate Christ’s love for you as memorialized by the cross and discuss this love with your family and friends. Enjoy!

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ROCHESTER CATHOLIC WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

A Day Just for You!

Saturday, March 12 from 7:00am - 5:00pm

at the Aquinas Institute (1127 Dewey Ave.)

Ladies, you won’t want to miss this amazing day! Bishop Matano will preside at 8:00am Mass and will be present all day to share this special time with you. The conference features nationally-known speakers, inspiring music, interesting vendors, and an elegant luncheon! For more information, and to register online, please visit: Rochestercwc.org. Information is available in our parish office and in the greeting area in Church.

ST. RITA SCHOOL

BLUE & GOLD BALL and HALL OF FAME We are very pleased to announce that Jane Kunzog and John O'Connor will be inducted into the St. Rita School Hall of Fame on March 12, 2016 at the Blue & Gold Ball to be held at The City Grill.

Amazing food, great music, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and the Hall of Fame will make the evening a night to remember. All are invited to attend this gala event to support St. Rita School. For ticket information please call the school office or visit the website http://schools.dor.org/strita/ Tickets will also be sold after Masses this weekend and next.

Sunday, March 6: 4-6 pm – Lenten Retreat Take a break from your busy schedule to spend

some time preparing your heart for Easter. Help prepare materials for the Easter Egg Hunt!

Sunday, March 20: 4-6 pm – Stations of the Cross Walk with Jesus as we begin Holy Week.

Practice for our presentation of the Stations for the parish on Good Friday.

See the website at http://www.saintritawebster.org/youth-ministry.html

for more information or contact Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

at ekwiatkowski@dor.org or 671-1100 x14.

Follow us on Instagram (saintritayouth) or Facebook (stritawebster)!

March 2016 Sunday Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Saturday

1 Soup-er

Supper Sung Evening

Prayer

6-7:30 pm

2

3

4 Fish Fry

5-7 pm

5 CYO Mass

Boy Scout

Pasta Dinner

6 Lenten

Retreat

4-6 pm

Youth Center

7 8 Soup-er

Supper Lenten

Reflection

6-7:30 pm

9 Day of

Penance

12:30-

7:30

10 11 Fish Fry

5-7 pm

12

St. Joseph’s

Table

6 pm

13 Easter Egg

Hunt

1-3 pm

Parish Center

14 15 Soup-er

Supper Taize Prayer

6-7:30 pm

16 17 18 Fish Fry

5-7 pm

19

20 Stations of

the Cross

4-6 pm

Church

21

22

23 24 Holy

Thursday

Mass

7 pm

25 Good Friday

Liturgy

3 pm

Stations of

the Cross 7 pm

26 Blessing of

Easter Food

11 am

Easter Vigil

7:00 pm

27 Easter!

28 29 30 31

“…just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father,

we too might walk in newness of life.” ~Romans 6:4