The Church of Saint Rita
January 22, 2021 eBulletin
Remembering Fr. Burchell, Saint Rita Pastor 2005-2020
My Dear Sisters and Brothers,

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this letter. Fr. Richard Burchell was a treasured and beloved pastor of Saint Rita for fifteen years. We are all grieving and hurting since we were not able to say goodbye when he retired, and now in death, we are unable to do so again. We all hoped to thank Father for his dedication, sacrifice, and true love for the parish. Situations, including and especially COVID-19, have made it so the Funeral Mass will be strictly private for family only. This is not our desire, and as a staff, we mourn with all of you.

We are looking for ways to celebrate Father's life. One of these will include a Memorial Mass at Saint Rita Church on Saturday, February 13, 2021 to offer our prayers and praises to God for allowing us to share in Fr. Burchell's ministry and life. More information is forthcoming, and we promise to keep you updated.

If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to contact me. May the blessings of God be abundant. Be encouraged, we are all journeying and mourning with you. I pray our Lord richly blesses you and gives you the consolation promised in the Gospel. Always remember that I love you, there is no way I will ever love you less, and I will continue to pray for you every day. 

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Behrend
Before Fr. Burchell retired on June 30, 2020, he gave one final blessing to the Saint Rita Parish community. We feel it's a special time to share this again with you. Rest in peace, Fr. Burchell.
This weekend, we celebrate the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
St. Rita Church Exterior
Please join us this weekend as we celebrate the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our 5:00pm Vigil and our 9:30am Masses will be live-streamed on our website and on Facebook.

Please join us at a Mass for Life at 7:00pm this evening. Also, we will celebrate a Mass for Families and Children on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 5:00pm.

Click here to read Fr. Behrend's weekly letter.
In Memory of Fr. Burchell

We are gathering photos to commemorate Fr. Burchell's pastoral service and friendship to our Saint Rita community. If you have a special memory or photo that you'd like to share, please email Michelle Petitti at mpetitti@stritaparish.com. Thank you for joining us in celebration of Fr. Burchell's life and legacy.
Saint Rita Parish Ministry Updates
Mass for Families and Children

Please join us for a special Mass for Families and Children on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 5:00pm. There will be doughnuts "to-go" and activities that parents and children are invited to enjoy together at home.

Save the dates for the following Family Masses:
Sunday, February 21, Sunday, March 21, and Sunday, April 25.
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 retreat focused on Ignatian spirituality. These Spiritual Exercises grew out of Saint Ignatius of Loyola's personal experience seeking to grow in union with God and discern His will. Ignatius gathered prayers, meditations, reflections, and directions into a carefully-designed framework of a retreat, which Father will share weekly.

To participate in this virtual Lenten retreat, please sign up via the Sign Up Genius link, or contact the Parish Office for more information (440-248-1350).

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 to register.
Sacrament Preparation for First Communicants

Please pray for our second grade First Communion candidates who are receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation this month. God Bless all of our sacrament candidates, including RCIA, RCIC, and Confirmation candidates.
Saint Rita Day School
Catholic Schools Week
January 24-29

Saint Rita School will kick off Catholic Schools Week with a special Family Mass on Sunday, January 24 at 5:00pm. All young families are invited to join! Later that week, students will participate in various service events and celebrate members of our community: Teachers, Clergy, Community members, Parents, and Front Line Workers - our nation's super heroes.
Saint Rita School | You Belong Here
Our Mission. Saint Rita School is Christ-centered, dedicated to academic excellence, called to service, and enriched by a caring community. 
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.

We will host virtual tours of our early childhood programs on Friday, February 12, 2021.
Preschool: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Kindergarten: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Get a Sneak Peek of our Little Falcon Learning Center Preschool!
Get a Sneak Peek of our Full-day Kindergarten Program!
Mass Times and Stewardship
The Church of Saint Rita | Website