The Church of Saint Rita
February 19, 2021 eBulletin
This weekend, we will celebrate the 1st Sunday of Lent
St. Rita Church Exterior
Throughout the season of Lent, we will provide resources and opportunities for all parishioners of all ages the opportunity to prepare their hearts and minds for Easter.

Each Friday, we will host a virtual Stations of the Cross. Today, we will live-stream Stations of the Cross at 11:30am. Please join us via the parish website, on YouTube, or on Facebook Live.
Saint Rita Parish Ministry Updates
Lenten Retreat: Exploring the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Beginning Monday, February 15, 2021 and continuing through March 29, 2021, Fr. Behrend will host a weekly virtual retreat focused on Ignatian spirituality. Click here to learn more.

Pastoral Contact: Fr. Behrend, Pastor, frtbehrend@stritaparish.com
Virtual Baptism Class

Parents looking to have their child baptized may register for our virtual Baptism class on Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Please call the parish office at 440-248-1350 to register.

Pastoral Contact: Chrissie Cola, Jr. High Faith Formation Coordinator, ccola@stritaparish.com
Mass for Families and Children

Please join us for a Family Mass on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 5:00pm, Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 5:00pm and Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 5:00pm. Activities will be provided for all the children to complete at home, and pre-packaged doughnuts will be available.
Saint Rita is sharing God’s love by donating Easter Baskets for families in need at Family Promise. There are currently 21 homeless families living at the Family Promise shelter. Please click on the link below to sign up to donate items for the Easter baskets. Once signed-up, please bring your items to the Saint Rita Family Room 20 minutes prior or 20 minutes following scheduled mass times on Saturday, March 20, 2021 or Sunday, March 21, 2021.
CRS Rice Bowls

Jesus told us that whatever we did for one of these least brothers of His we did for Him. Reflect on the challenge of global hunger. It is a reality for millions of our sisters and brothers. What will you do to support the hungry in our community and around the world? With CRS Rice Bowl as our guide, we can answer to this Gospel call. What you give up for Lent changes lives.
The Three Pillars of Lent

For the next five weeks, we will feature different opportunities for your family to explore this season and prepare your hearts for Easter.

1) Prayer: Saint Rita Parish has a subscription to FORMED and offers daily reflections. Click here to learn more.
2) Fasting: Fasting is more than just giving up meat or eating smaller meals. Click here to learn more.
3) Almsgiving: During Lent, Catholics are encouraged to focus on charity. Click here to learn more.
Teen Hangout

The Saint Rita Youth Ministry will host a Teen Hangout Night on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 6:00pm in Mazanec Hall. This month's topic is Lent. Snacks will be provided! Bring a friend! Click on the image to register.
Stations of the Cross for Teens

Calling all teens! Saint Rita will host a COVID-edited version of the Living Stations. We will meet one time and film on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 from 5:30pm-8:00pm in the Church. This is open to all students in grades 6-12. Please join us!

Pastoral Contact: Chrissie Cola, Jr. High Faith Formation Coordinator, ccola@stritaparish.com
Prayer Quilt Ministry

The Saint Rita Prayer Quilt Ministry offers a lap-size quilt tied with our prayers. If you would like to request one for someone who could use a tangible sign of prayer support please contact Elaine Czenszak at 440-600-7049.
Ladies Lenten Luncheon

Due to COVID-19 and in consideration of the safety of our parishioners, we have made the decision to cancel this year’s Ladies Lenten Luncheon. But, take heart, our 2022 session is scheduled for Saturday, March 19, 2022. Save the date!
Meet our RCIC/RCIA Candidates!

Meet Omar! He is a Junior in high school and loves to play baseball. He's also involved in Drama Club, and starred in a virtual production called the Tempest (which is a Star-trek inspired Shakespeare - so cool!) He also participates in Music and Motion, the school's show choir. Omar's family is originally from Mexico, and he is the older brother of Elias, who we featured last week. Omar and Elias were raised Catholic but didn’t go to church in America. Omar asked the question about his faith, and this prompted his mom to sign Omar and Elias up for the RCIC process. Omar is very excited to explore his faith and his personal relationship with Jesus. Welcome, Omar! We're so happy you're here with us. God Bless you!

RCIC is the process through which children who have not been baptized or catechized hear the message of Christ and enter into the Catholic faith. This year, we are so fortunate to have four RCIC candidates who are preparing to join our Saint Rita community! Beginning next week, you start to meet our five RCIA (adult) candidates!
Saint Rita Day School
Saint Rita School | You Belong Here
Saint Rita School is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year! Visit our website to learn more or contact Faith Kirtley to schedule a personal tour of the school campus.

Our Mission. Saint Rita School is Christ-centered, dedicated to academic excellence, called to service, and enriched by a caring community. 
Mass Times and Stewardship
The Church of Saint Rita | Website