Birthday of Clelia Merloni, foundress of the Apostles of the of

March 10, 2014

Dear Parents,

God's peace!

As we continue our Lenten journey I find myself focusing on the importance of small things... once again. Actually, of Calcutta seems to summarize my focus quite well... "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."

I find that as I grow older there is more of life behind me than before me. I believe we all find ourselves with a backward glance on occasion, and perhaps with this backward glance we also fall into questions like, "What difference have I made?" "Has my life had an impact?" "Have I made the world a better place?" Perhaps some people can boast important jobs with hundreds of employees on the payroll, maybe others have been a part of a cause that has changed the lives of others for the better, and perchance still others have the capacity to make the vision of someone else's dreams come true. Most of us, however, may not have the means, the important position or even the dreams to better the lives of others... if we do then our gift is to share what we have to greatly impact "the many." For the majority of us, however, our contributions to this life manifest themselves in a smaller context. What is important, however, is to be certain that this smaller context does not reflect a less important gift or impact.

Little things are not little. A gesture may be momentary... written expression brief... a gift inexpensive...and a word of encouragement only a few syllables... but the impact of each of these expressions is beyond measure.

If we were to pause for a moment (right now) and reflect on some of these "small things" that have been a part of our lives, I think we would find our hearts growing in gratitude for those moments that were not so small at all... It might be a sincere "How are you?" spoken at a time when our hearts long to speak a response... It could be a word of encouragement from someone who believes in us more than we believe in ourselves... It could be a phone call or a text to someone who needs an assurance that they are remembered... It could be a gaze that speaks "I love you" without whispering a single word. "Small things" are spoken...written...given in ways unique to each of us... their power is beyond imagining... and their impact is something that has no measure...

There have been teachers in our lives who have encouraged...coaches who have envisioned...parents who have loved... friends who have supported...and even strangers who have brightened moments in our lives... all so often undeserved... but each gesture much needed and so very appreciated...

Christ knew the need for sharing small and simple moments and gestures... He blessed bread... shared fish...changed water to wine...told stories...touched heads and hearts...looked intently...and spoke simple yet powerful words..."Fear not"..."I have loved you..." "Peace I leave you..."

So as Lent continues... let us be grateful for the "small things" in life... and let us never miss a chance to share "small things" with those we love and those we encounter...

May grace and blessing be yours... revealed in small ways shared with great love.

In prayer,

Sr. Maureen

PS The measure of a great school is in the people who make it up... My deep gratitude to our faculty and staff...Home and School Association, School Board, pastor, parents and students who do what comes naturally... they give it their all. Thanks for doing so much in my absence and every day!

Prayer Corner

Let us remember to hold the following people and intentions in our prayer:

For St. Rita Parishioners For peace in the Middle East For all those who pass our school on Whitney Ave For all those who serve in the Armed Forces For those who are unemployed For those who suffer with addiction For vocations to the priesthood and religious life For Anna Zambory For Dr. John Polio For Mrs. Jeanine Morgillo For Mr. S For Mrs. Moan F For Aaron For a young mother who lost her baby For our entire St. Rita School community For baby Kate For Andrew and his family For For a special intention For Georgianna Lagace For Kamren Jace Melendez, a baby boy in need of prayer For Ani

Home and School Association Working together to build community

Check the HSA link on our website at … www.stritaschool.org for forms and other information.

Passport Around the World Auction – DROP OFF DAY ‐ FRIDAY, MARCH 13 TH ‐ Can’t decide what to donate? Some suggestions include anything Around the World themed, sports, theater or movie tickets, small appliances, collectibles and gift certificates! (So many choices: restaurants, hair salons, car wash, coffee, Kohls, Target, Stop & Shop, Toys R Us, etc.) Cash donations are also welcomed. The Auction Committee will use those donations to purchase other gifts. The Auction has something for everyone‐ every gift is very much appreciated and needed.

Passport Around the World Auction Reservations ‐ The Auction Committee is busy planning this year’s auction to be held at Seasons at the Tradition Golf Club! Be sure to get your reservations in! If you need any additional invitations, please let us know. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Auction Committee @[email protected]

Passport Around the World Auction Sign Up Parties ‐ We are on the search for hosts for our Sign Up Parties! Every auction year, the SRS Auction Committee puts together a group of "sign‐up parties" which are hosted by St.Rita parents / families. There is a fee to attend these parties but ALL proceeds go to benefit the Auction cause, which is to raise funds for our school. Hosts and hostesses finance the entire cost of each party, so 100% of the money pledged goes to our school. It does not have to be expensive, just a whole lot of fun! It can be a family event, just for kids or an adult only party too! Tell us how many people you're willing to entertain and we will get those people signed up! Put on your thinking cap and let your imagination run WILD. Get those creative juices flowing! Party Plans need to be submitted by Monday, March 30 th .Any questions contact Trisha Kozloski [email protected] or Grace Roland [email protected]

Tickets are ON SALE for the Middle School Production of “How to Succeed In Business Without Even Trying” ‐ Mark your calendar to come and see this entertaining performance!! The Cast and Crew have been working hard on stage and preparing the set for what will be a terrific production. Order forms went home last week in white envelopes or can be found online at www.tinyurl.com/srsplay ‐ For questions email [email protected]

How To Succeed In Business Playbook Ad Deadline ‐ All ads for the playbook for the St. Rita musical are due tomorrow, Wednesday, March 11. This is a great way to support SRS while congratulating a cast or crew member or advertising a business. Put in a "Fast Flash" to cheer on a classmate for only $5.00 (10‐word maximum). Please send your ad and cash or check to the office marked "playbook." Any questions please contact [email protected]

Get Your T‐Shirts ‐ Order forms for the Spring Musical T‐Shirt went home today in white envelope and are also attached. Show your support of the show and wear it to one of the performances and receive a FREE bag of popcorn from the concessions stand!! This will be a ONE TIME order offer ‐ these will not be available on the nights of performance. Please submit orders by Friday, March 13th to insure purchase. For questions email Tricia at [email protected]

St. Patrick's Day Celebration ‐ Join the St. Rita community on March 14 th after the Vigil Mass in the church DPC. Cost is $25 a family. There will be hotdogs for the kids and soda will be provided. Bring your own beer if you like. Contact Carol Twohill at the rectory for tickets. Proceeds benefit St. Rita church.

Spirit Wear ‐ FLANNEL PJ PANTS DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 20TH ! ‐ Our flannel pants are perfect under jumpers and over sport shorts or "chillin" at home. Flyer with order form is attached and is available at www.stritaschool.org. Contact Joanne Bruno with questions, [email protected].

Spirit Wear Winter Sale is on NOW! Warm Your Hands and Your Heart with St. Rita Spirit ‐ Buy two Spirit Fingerz Knit Gloves or two Rugby Scarves and save. Order form is attached and is available on our website, www.stritaschool.org. Contact Joanne Bruno with questions, [email protected].

Keep clipping the Box Tops! ‐ Between now and Tuesday, March 31st simply clip the Box Tops from participating products and send them in to school with your child. Make sure to send your Box Tops to school in a zip top baggie with your child’s name and room number clearly marked. The class that brings in the most Box Tops wins a Pizza Party! The student that brings in the most Box Tops wins a $25 Target gift card! So keep clipping!

SCHOOL NEWS

SCHOOL REWARDS ‐ Check out the many ways to help St. Rita School earn money for free! Visit http://www.stritaschool.org/ and click on Rewards Programs. FREE MONEY!!!!!

GRANDPARENTS : Please have grandparents visit our webpage (http://tinyurl.com/srsgrandparents). There is a special page there just for them! We want them to be up to date on all the St. Rita School happenings!

SRS FACEBOOK PAGE: Please visit our “official page” https://www.facebook.com/SaintRitaSchool and enjoy pictures and posts! This page is updated with each event!

Living Stations of the Cross – Friday, April 3, 2015 – Noon ‐ The youth of St. Rita parish and school are being given a wonderful opportunity to participate in a live reenactment of the Stations of the Cross. This will be a very spiritual event for the entire family. If your child would like to participate, please fill out the bottom portion of the attached letter and return it by March 19, 2015 . You will be notified if your child is chosen for a role. Depending upon the number of responses received by the deadline, the parts will be chosen by a lottery system. Children who are not given primary parts, such as Jesus, Mary, the soldiers, Pontius Pilate, etc., will be given secondary parts such as the people in the crowd along the route that Jesus traveled. First priority for primary parts will go to children, who did not have primary parts last year, but there are many roles to fill, so all interested children should apply, even those who had primary roles last year. Any questions please contact Suzanne Hamling ([email protected] or 203‐234‐1597)

SPIRITUAL OFFERINGS OFFERINGS AT THE CARITAS CHRISTI CENTER, 295 Benham Street, Hamden, CT

Film Study: The Pursuit of Happyness Wednesday, March 18, 2015 ‐ Time: 6:30PM ‐ 9:00PM ‐ Location: Clelian Conference Room This film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner’s struggle with homelessness. His financial struggles took a toll on his marriage. His exasperated wife walked out on him, leaving him with their five year old son. Evicted from their home Chris and his son live in homeless shelters, and in subway station restrooms. Through a chance meeting with a manager of a stockbroker firm his luck begins to change. It is a heartwarming story of courage, determination and resourcefulness. Facilitator: Jim Pepitone, Certificate in Spiritual Direction, Degree in Theology. Donation: $8 (snack included)