Pastoral Messages
Miraculous Growth
When we kicked off United in Faith and Community, I mentioned the miraculous growth St. Rita has experienced over the last several years, flowing from the inspiration and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
Here are some more ways we have grown and built on the strong foundation of our parish and school:
- We started live-streaming Masses and other events and use the screens in church as aids to participation.
- We installed new security measures: cameras and electronic entry in the school and parish buildings.
- We took part in the worldwide Synod process and continue to follow its example of prayerful listening.
- Members of our “Reach Out” ministry are providing educational, spiritual, and social opportunities for all age levels through events such as Bingo Night and Square Dancing, small gifts at Masses, and writing letters or dropping off care packages to stay connected.
- We have seen the birth and growth of St. Rita’s Racial Justice Ministry.
- St. Rita is working together with four other Churches to provide a free community meal in Webster every week.
- Our music ministry has grown in spirit and vitality to include the children’s Angel Choir and Tone Chime Choir, in addition to over 45 adult musicians.
- Our school community is growing, as we have reached 245 students for next school year.
- St. Rita Reads, ChristLife, Bible Study, Topics with Fr. Tim, and our Lenten Reflection Series provide opportunities for sharing faith, learning, and growing as a community, often including a meal together.
- Our expanded Buildings and Grounds Committee has been working hard to assess, update, and repair many areas of our campus, include painting, carpet, outlets, closet organization, and parking lot maintenance.
- Our long-running Fiesta and Sunday morning Breakfasts have returned, joined by School Spirit Donut Sundays.
United in Faith and Community is the next step in this miraculous growth. Your increased gift to the parish will support this growth and allow us to continue to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
~Fr. Tim
Please prayerfully consider your offertory giving and return your Response Card (sent to parishioners in the mail or available in the Narthex) by May 8, 2024. You can also fill out a response card online here and see additional information about the initiative.
Thank you for your support of this important initiative!
Scripture
An Introduction to the Sunday Scripture Readings - April 28, 2024
“Remain In Me As I Remain In You”
Our readings during this Easter season are a special delight because our first readings are always from the Acts of the Apostles, telling the story of
the formation of the early Church. Our second readings are mostly from the First Letter of St. John, focusing on love and our relationship to God, remaining (abiding) in him and he in us. Our Gospel readings are from the Gospel of John, focusing on the true identity of Jesus, his relationship to the Father and our relationship to the Father through Jesus.
In our first reading (Acts of the Apostles 9:26-31), we hear how the Apostles were afraid of this new convert Saul (Paul), who had formerly persecuted them with a vengeance. Now, since Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1), he "spoke out boldly in the name of the Lord." Through the friendship and intercession of Barnabus, the other apostles ultimately accepted Paul.
In our Epistle reading, (1 John 3:18-24), St. John describes the intimate relationship we have with God - a relationship of Love. We are also commanded to love one another. In so doing, and in believing in Jesus, the Christ, we remain in him and he in us.
In our Gospel reading (John 15:1-7), we hear part of Jesus’ Last Supper Discourse. It is his farewell address to his disciples just before his arrest and crucifixion. Jesus described himself as the "true vine", us as the branches and the Father as the vine grower. Just as branches cannot live apart from the vine, so we can do nothing apart from Jesus. If we remain in him, we will bear much fruit.
We who live in the wine region of New York can especially relate to the metaphor of the vine, the branches and the bearing of much fruit. We understand how the vine must be lovingly pruned by the vine grower and we understand what happens to the branches that are cut off from the vine. We know the relationship the vine grower has to his vines and the grapes. We can relate to the metaphor of the vine grower (God) and the vines (us) and the grapes and the wine (a sign of our fruit). The wine also points us to the Eucharist. We are called to believe in Jesus, the son of God and to remain in him. Just as the “Church throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria was at peace” under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, so can we be at peace, under the guidance of the same Holy Spirit.
www.bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042824.cfm
Upcoming Events
- Women Enjoying Rediscovering Our Catholicism - Tuesdays at 9:00 am
- Spring Square Dance - Saturday, April 27 from 6-8 pm
- Lifespan Info Session - Thursday, May 2 at 11 am
- Topics with Fr. Tim - Easter Edition - Mondays, April 15-May 13 at 9:30 am or 6:30 pm
- Altar Server Training - May 19 and 20
- The Chosen Season 4 - Thursdays at 12 pm or 7 pm, May 23-June 13
Latest News
- St. Rita Business Directory - add your business today!
- Liturgical Ministers - schedules and info here
- Beware of Scam Requests - if you recently received a text or email from Fr. Tim asking for gift cards or a favor, please be aware that this did not come from Fr. Tim
- Parish Council - nominate someone today!
What's Happening This Week
Faith at Home
- 3 Minute Retreat - from Loyola Press; take a short prayer break right at your computer by spending some quiet time reflecting on a Scripture passage
- The Family Zone - a weekly Family Zone Newsletter, provided by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Diocese of Rochester
Help
- How Can We Help You? - let us know!
- Helping Those in Need - "Whatsoever you do for the least of my brothers and sisters..."