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JANUARY 13, 2019
“The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not
worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Luke 3
Dear Parishioners and Friends;
All of us at St. Rita extend our condolences to Fr. Mike and his family on the sudden loss of his brother Stephen earlier this week. The funeral was held here on Saturday morning.
This weekend we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord by John the Baptist and the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry of preaching and miracles. The Feast of the Baptism also brings to a close our Christmas season.
The request by Jesus to John for his baptism was quite remarkable in the fact that Jesus was always without sin and did not need John's baptism of repentance. But Jesus was baptized to show unity with us as sinners in need of God's salvation, which he himself would bring. Jesus would go on to command his own disciples to baptize so that the sacramental waters would flow over us and we would be restored in our broken relationship with God. We forever become the adopted children of God!
We should never underestimate the importance of Baptism. It is much more than simply a sign of repentance, it is a receiving of the Holy Spirit in both body and soul. Original Sin is washed away. Death is no longer everlasting and permanent because we receive the promise of everlasting life through Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection.
January is observed as “Respect Life Month” in our church and is the time when we pray for the grace and mercy of God to bring about a conversion of hearts and minds especially towards the helpless unborn child and the infirm elderly. As Catholics we reject anything that is designed to deliberately terminate human life. Jesus, the Son of God, came into the world through the womb of Blessed Mary. The miracle of Christmas is that God sanctifies our humble human origins and places us adults and especially the innocent child, including within the womb, into the presence of God. St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta pointed out, there is no justification, circumstance or purpose that warrants the justification of destroying innocent human life. Something in us also "dies" in the process of taking human life. The emotional toll is very real and costly. In a mysterious way, we ourselves are changed by what we do to others, good or evil.
Unfortunately many individuals do carry the burden of the memory of a past abortion. Extreme pressure from friends, even well-meaning school counselors and family are all added to those memories of fear, abandonment, and betrayal.
As your pastor, my personal message to you is... don't lose hope! Don't give up your Faith either! And don't be afraid! God's Love is more powerful than the decision that was made. God's power is greater than our total failures. You are precious in the eyes of God! Forgiveness and healing are possible and real. Don't suffer this burden alone.
Project Rachel is a Catholic initiative that provides support and aid for those suffering because of a past abortion. Their number is 888-972-2435 or [email protected] www.hopeafterabortion.org Healing and reconciliation through God's love are the path that this compassionate and totally confidential support group offers. Coming to terms with those memories in a caring and supportive setting allows one to experience a healing miracle of Jesus and to rediscover that living a joy-filled life in God's presence is possible again.
See the page in today’s bulletin on how you can help show your opposition to a current abortion expansion bill currently in legislation. Hard to believe that we have individuals proudly promoting this as a "signature issue" for NYS.
Please also pray for the safety of all those attending the March for Life at the end of the month.
May God bless you! Fr. Gonyo
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COMPANIONS IN GRIEF
SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, January 17
at 7:00pm in Room 1
All who have experienced the loss of a friend or loved
one through death are invited to attend. All are welcome!
LITURGICAL MINISTER SCHEDULE
The next schedule for Leaders, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, and Altar Servers includes the months of February, March, and April. Please email Elizabeth at [email protected] or call 671-1100 x 14 and let us know any dates you are not available, if you’d like to serve at a different Mass – or be trained for any of these ministries!
EUCHARIST INTENTIONS
Among the intentions for those who gather for the
Eucharist this week will be
MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2019 8:15AM JAMES CHRISTMAN – James Wemple TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2019 8:15AM MICHAEL LEDTKE – Gretchen Koch WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019 8:15AM DAVID KOCHANSKI – Jim & Barb Hurley THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019 8:15AM EVELYN DIBIASE – John & Maureen Tubridy FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019
NO MASS SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2019 5:00PM SIMON PETER HARRIS – The Bell & Harris Families
SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 7:30AM JOHN MAGIN – Family 9:00AM DELORES BAGLIERI – Jim & Chris Fien 10:30AM MICHAEL LEDTKE – Pat Hurley
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This week our Tabernacle Light will burn
for a Special Intention
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All are Welcome to our next St. Rita Society event
Soup & Sandwich Lunch
Tuesday, January 15
at 12:00 Noon in Room 1
With Guest Speaker: Val Morgan
Bring a sandwich ~ Soup and Dessert will be provided!
After lunch, we will have a special presentation by Val Morgan from Howard Hanna Real Estate on how to get your house ready to sell.
She will share with us some simple ideas to make your home more appealing and what the turnoffs are to potential buyers. This presentation will be very helpful if you are thinking about selling your home or downsizing.
All are welcome - Reservations are suggested.
Please call Elaine at 671-4930.
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Please Note: Our Parish Health Ministry Committee will be offering FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS after all Masses on the weekend of January 26 and 27.
(Not next weekend!)
ST. RITA SCHOOL
Spirit of Learning Corner
Here's What's Happening . . .
+ This past Wednesday Mrs. Bansbach’s 3rd Grade
class led the school in their beautiful monthly Mass. Many parents came to enjoy the gift of faith with our God Drops.
+ The National Geography Bee finals were held this
past Thursday. The 4th and 5th Grade finalists were: Gianni Barcellona, Jay Buzzelli, Ben DiProsa, Ben Dodds, CJ Flaherty, Allison Koomen, Jack MacKenzie, Anna Spagnola, Elliot Epstein & Alex Wright (Alternate is Anthony Pusateri). Congratulations to all of our participants!
+ Our Kindergarteners enjoyed a memorable breakfast
with their mothers, grandmothers, and other special women in their lives on Friday morning. The annual “Muffins with Mom” breakfast was a huge success for our Kindergarten students and their guests.
+ This Wednesday night St. Rita School is holding their
annual Prospective Family Information Night. Please join us to begin at 7:00pm in the church for a brief introduction to our school from the Principal and parents. Tours will follow and babysitting is available. Catholic Schools are a wonderful gift for the soul.
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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.
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.
Financial Aid is available. We follow the New York State Education Standards and are Middle States Accredited.
Check out our Website: http://stritawebster.org/school
PLANS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 13, 2019
SUNDAY 1/13 8:30-11:00am Breakfast in the Parish Center Gym 6:00-8:15pm Christ Life – Church
MONDAY 1/14 4:30-5:45pm FAITH FORMATION CLASSES 6:15-7:30pm FAITH FORMATION CLASSES 6:15pm Confirmation Group B – Barn 6:30pm Men’s Faith Group – Rm 1
TUESDAY 1/15 12:00 Noon St. Rita Society Luncheon – Rm 1 4:30-5:15pm Children’s Choir Rehearsal – Rm 3 8:30-10:00pm Women’s Basketball – Gym
WEDNESDAY 1/16 8:45am Pray the Rosary – Room 1 8:45am Reconciliation Available in Church 2:30-3:15pm SRS Children Choir Rehearsal – Rm 3 7:00pm Choir Rehearsal – Rm 3 7:00pm St. Rita School Information Night – Church
THURSDAY 1/17 7:00pm Companions in Grief Group – Rm 1 9:00-10:30pm Men’s Basketball – Gym
SATURDAY 1/19 8:15-8:45am Pray the Rosary – Church 3:30-4:30pm Reconciliation Available in Church
PARISH SUPPORT
For the Weekend of December 28 & 30
Total Budget Variance $ 18,914 $ 11,945 + $ 6,969
Year to Date Year to Date Budget Variance
$ 382,564 $ 375,753 + $ 6,811
For the Weekend of January 5 & 6
Total Budget Variance $ 16,634 $ 15,695 + $ 939
Year to Date Year to Date Budget Variance
$ 399,198 $ 391,448 + $ 7,750
(Our fiscal year is 7/1/18 – 6/30/19)
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION Total Budget Variance $ 28,123 $ 26,250 + $ 1,873
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
We all grow spiritually when we share.
NCYC - National Catholic Youth Conference
The NCYC will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 21-23, 2019 and is open to any youth in grades 9-12 as of September 2019 and chaperones over the age 21. For more information, please contact Elizabeth at [email protected]
BIBLE READINGS:
13 Sun The Baptism of the Lord Is 42:1-4,6-7 Ps 29:1-4,9-10 Acts 10:34-38 Lk 3:15-16,21-22 14 Mon Heb 1;1-6 Ps 97:1-2,6-7,9 Mk 1:14-20 15 Tues Heb 2:5-12 Ps 8:2,5-9 Mk 1:21-28 16 Wed Heb 2:14-18 Ps 105:1-4,6-9 Mk 1:29-39 17 Thu St. Anthony Heb 3:7-14 Ps 95:6-11 Mk 1:40-45 18 Fri Heb 4:1-5,11 Ps 78:3-4,6-8 Mk 2:1-12 19 Sat Heb 4:12-16 Ps 19:8-10,15 Mk 2:13-17
20 Sun 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 62:1-5 Ps 96:1-3,7-10 1 Cor 12:4-11 Jn 2:1-11
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ALTAR SERVERS SCHEDULED NEXT Weekend ~ January 19 & 20
Saturday, 5:00pm: Avery VanDamme, Annika VanDamme, Ben Dodds
Sunday, 7:30am: Lauren Quatela, Brennan Quatela, Justin Coumou
Sunday, 9:00am: Olivia Mabe, Mary Burrows, Grace Chichester, Noah Chichester
Sunday, 10:30am: Adrianna Atmosfera, RJ Barnard, Kristina Baller, Joey Baller
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CARE FOR GOD’S HOUSE: Week of January 13 Dawn Clark
LINENS: Week of January 20 Cindy Wahl
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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 (any way you like them), bacon, sausage, pancakes, etc. So sit back and let our Breakfast Volunteers serve you on Sunday mornings September through May!
NEXT SUNDAY (Jan. 20th) Team 3’s special is: Eggs Benedict served with a bottomless cup of coffee. This ministry accepts donations only which are appreciated!
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For those who can't attend the March for Life, The Conference of Catholic Bishops is running an electronic Novena for Life. The registration site is http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/join-9-days-for-life.cfm#email. They will send you, via email, a daily prayer and short activity. This continues for nine days beginning January 14th.
The Webster Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a Free Throw Contest for Boys and Girls ages 9-14 on Sat. January 26 at Willink Middle School. Registration 1:00-1:30 pm. Contact Mark Ludington (585) 613-0515.
Continued on back page
The Abortion Expansion Act:
Lives in the Balance
Sadly, New York State is the Abortion Capital of our nation, with a rate of 29.6 abortions for
every 1,000 women of reproductive age. That’s more than twice the national average.
New York legalized abortion in 1970, three years before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Roe vs.
Wade. Abortion is legal here for any reason up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, and any time after that
if the mother’s life is at risk. So even if Roe were to be overruled, the vast majority of abortions
in our state would continue to be legal and available.
The Governor and the Democratic leadership in the New York State Legislature want to go even
further, and make abortion less safe and more expansive than it is now. They’ve promised to
enact the so-called “Reproductive Health Act” early in 2019. This bill would:
Allow non-doctors to perform abortions.
Allow abortions for any reason in the third trimester of pregnancy right up to a mother’s
due date.
Remove all criminal penalties for abortion, even if it was contrary to the mother’s choice,
such as the intentional targeting of an unborn child in an act of violence.
Remove our state’s protections for infants accidentally born alive in the course of an
abortion.
This extremism goes far beyond Roe vs. Wade!
Take Action Now
Pro-life New Yorkers need to stand up in unison and make their voices heard on behalf of
women and their unborn children. Tell your state lawmakers that enough is enough.
Here’s a simple way to do this. Go to the New York State Catholic Conference website at
www.nyscatholic.org. Click on “Stop Abortion Expansion.” Enter your home address
information, then select “Send Message.” Your message will automatically be sent to your State
Senator, State Assembly Representative and the Governor. Please do it right away after
January 9 (first day of the 2019 legislative session). It is so important for your legislators to
learn of your opposition to this bill before they vote on it, which could be anytime in the
first 30 days of the session! While you are there, you can join the Catholic Action Network and
receive occasional emails (no more than once a month) when issues like this come up which
need our action by contacting our legislators.
Tragically, the political reality following the 2018 mid-term elections means that we are unlikely
to defeat this measure in the State Legislature. Governor Andrew Cuomo is a strong proponent of
the bill, and has promised to sign it into law within the first 30 days of the legislative session.
If the legislation is indeed enacted into law this year, we must do all we can to ensure that
vulnerable women facing unplanned pregnancies do not avail themselves of it.
Diocese of Rochester
New York State Catholic Conference www.nyscatholic.org 518-434-6195
What More Can We Do?
As a caring and compassionate people, we can also:
1. Pray. Pray for the intercession of St. Gianna Molla, the patron saint of mothers,
physicians and preborn children. Pray for changed minds, changed hearts
and a deeper awakening to the sacredness and dignity of all human life.
2. Provide life-affirming choices for women. Here in the Diocese of Rochester (DOR), there are several resource
centers to provide women facing unplanned pregnancies with alternatives
to abortion. All offer their services free of charge. If you or someone you
know is struggling with this, please (urge them to) contact
Catholic Family Center 585-546-7220 ask for Pregnancy Counseling
www.cfcrochester.org search for Pregnancy Counseling
Women’s Care Center 585-865-0360 [email protected]
Focus Pregnancy Center 585-200-9477 [email protected]
Birthright Rochester and Ithaca 800-550-4900 www.birthright.org
CareNet (several sites in the Diocese) www.care-net.org/find-a-
pregnancy-center
3. Help women who have suffered an abortion. Hope and healing following abortion is also available in the Diocese of
Rochester (for women and men). All services are free of charge. If you or
someone you know is struggling with this, please (urge them to) contact
Project Rachel
888-9-rachel (888-972-2435) [email protected]
www.hopeafterabortion.org
4. Build the Culture of Life.
Talk the pro-life talk… with your family members, friends, co-
workers, schoolmates. We can build consensus and change the
culture one person at a time.
Help educate the next generation. We must nurture young pro-life
leaders who are unconditionally, unapologetically pro-life, who see
the connection between their faith and their politics, and who are
willing to put their faith into action.
Walk the pro-life walk…every minute of every hour of every day.
Teach people to love and value one another. Our actions and words
must reflect our respect and deep appreciation for the wondrous
gift of human life.
Diocese of Rochester
