During the four weeks of Advent, we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth through prayer and reflection. Saint Rita Parish has plenty of opportunities for families of all ages to embrace the season through worship and togetherness!
Opportunities for Worship
Feast of the Immaculate Conception: December 7-8
We will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a holy day of obligation, with a Vigil Mass on Thursday, December 7 at 7:00pm and Masses at 8:45am, 12:15pm, and 7:00pm on Friday, December 8. This Feast celebrates that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was preserved free from the effects of the sin of Adam (usually referred to as "original sin"") from the first instant of her conception.
Children's Liturgy of the Word: December 10
Little ones are invited to break open the word on Sunday, December 10 at 10:30am Mass. CLOW is designed for children ages 3-11, and Saint Nicholas will be there to talk about his role throughout Christmas!
Blue Christmas Prayer Service: December 13
Life can be rugged and not so happy this time of year for those who have lost a loved one, a job, your health, a relationship, employment, and so many things beyond our control. If you find yourself struggling as Christmas approaches, know that we understand! This prayer service on Wednesday, December 13 at 6:00pm in the Church is meant to offer you spiritual support and the chance to acknowledge your struggles in a safe place. All are welcome to prayerfully remember that Jesus was also pained and struggled in this life and that we share in that very same mystery together!
Bambino Blessing and Blessing of all First Communicants: December 16-17
Bring your baby Jesus (bambino) from your home creche scene to any Mass the weekend of December 16-17 and place him at the foot of our Advent wreath to receive a special blessing. Also, on December 17 at the 10:30am Mass, we will celebrate a special blessing for all our young people preparing to be welcomed to the Eucharistic table to celebrate their First Communions!
Communal Penance Service: December 18
This Advent we prepare our hearts and lives to celebrate the birth of Christ into our world 2022 years ago and for his coming again, which could be any time! On Monday, December 18 at 6:00pm in the church, join our parish community in reconciling our hearts and lives with God, our almighty Father, as we celebrate Communal Penance. Priests will be available to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation individually.
Opportunities for Togetherness
Ornament Making: December 10
Families are invited to make ornaments together with other young families at 11:30am in Saint Mark Chapel on Sunday, December 10, following 10:30am Mass! Ornaments may be hung on the Family Fellowship Christmas tree in the church gathering area, or you make take an ornament home to hang on your family tree!
Thea Bowman Christmas Party: December 16
The Thea Bowman Center offers a healthy, safe, and prosperous community for the people of Mt. Pleasant in Cleveland. Our Youth Ministry will host its annual Christmas party at 1:00pm on Saturday, December 16. Teens will depart from Saint Rita Parish at 11:45am. Please register here.
Christmas Tree Decorating: December 17
Last year we asked young families with children to be a part of "decking the halls" and becoming elves busy with decorating our church for Christmas! It turned out to be a wonderful day and we wish to extend our offer again to all young families this year!
On Sunday, December 17 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm, young families with children are invited to an Advent afternoon at Saint Rita Parish! Couples can meet new friends and enjoy a pizza dinner with adult beverages while they set up Christmas trees and arrange the sanctuary. Your children will be in the care of our High School Youth Ministry, enjoying a pizza dinner and watching a Christmas movie in Saint Mark. If time allows, we might even be able to bring the families together to decorate trees!
Please RSVP with the Parish Office at 440-248-1350, ext. 100. Thank you for sharing your time and talent helping us to beautify our church for Christmas!