St. Rita
News & Events
A LENTEN INVITATION: connect, serve, & steward
Dear Parish Family,
As we journey through this Lenten season, we are called to reflect on how we use the gifts God has entrusted to us — our time, our talents, and our resources. One small but meaningful way we can practice stewardship together is by accessing our parish bulletin digitally.
Printed bulletins will still be available for those who prefer them. The digital option is simply another way to stay informed and connected with parish life, while also helping us carefully steward our resources. Each year, printing costs about $12,000 — funds that could be used to support ministries, outreach, and parish programs that serve our community.
Why Try the Digital Bulletin?
- Access the bulletin anytime, anywhere, even while traveling
- Enlarge the text for easier reading
- Easily share with family and friends
- Help the parish redirect resources to ministry and outreach
During this Lenten season, consider this small act of service: choose the digital bulletin when it works for you. This simple Lenten sacrifice — saving paper and helping the parish — is a way to live our faith actively and generously.
If you would like help scanning the QR code or accessing the bulletin digitally, our staff and volunteers are happy to guide you. If you are reading this online, we humbly ask that you share this information. Bulletins may be accessed here.
Thank you for your faithful support, for your generosity, and for joining us in stewardship during this holy season.
St. Rita in the Desert Parish
This Month
DAILY MASS
Monday-Friday
March 2026
Where: St. Rita Shrine
Time: 8am
SHRINE ADORATION: Every Friday - 8:30am
ADORATION:
1st Sunday of each month
3-4pm in John XXIII center
SOLEMNITY OF ST. JOSEPH
Thursday
March 19th
ANNUNCIATION OF
OUR LORD
Wednesday
March 25
Altar Society Quilt Raffle
February 2026
Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and will be sold after all Masses from February 8 through March 8. The drawing will be held after the 12:00 p.m. Mass on March 8. You do not need to be present to win.
Thank you for your generous support.
Diocesan Youth Awards Announcement
Celebrating Our Young Leaders at St. Rita in the Desert
We are delighted to announce this year's recipients of the Diocesan Youth Awards, recognizing outstanding dedication and leadership among our parish youth. This event took place on February 13, 2026, at St. Augustine Cathedral.
- Reagan LaGuardia – St. Carlo Acutis Award for Liturgical Leaders: Reagan has served faithfully as a cantor and choir member for many years, bringing her talents and devotion to our liturgical celebrations. Her commitment inspires all those around her.
- Andrew Fujieda – St. Katharine Drexel Award for Missionaries of Mercy: Andrew has dedicated over 14 hours volunteering at the Vail Food Bank for his Confirmation, far exceeding the 10-hour requirement. His service reflects a genuine desire to help those in need, and he intends to continue volunteering in the future.
- Luke Scopel – St. Augustine Award for Missionary Disciples: Luke actively participates in a student-led faith group at his school, which gathers nearly 200 students from various Christian traditions during lunch. He uses the Catechism of the Catholic Church to enrich his learning and sharing of the Catholic Faith, fostering unity and spiritual growth among his peers.
St. Rita in the Desert is proud of Reagan, Andrew and Luke. May they continue to grow in faith and love of Christ as they lead by example in our community.
St. Carlo Acutis Award for Liturgical Leaders
Reagan LaGuardia
St. Katharine Drexel Award for Missionaries of Mercy
Andrew Fujieda
St. Augustine Award for Missionary Disciples
Luke Scopel
The Manger's Miracle
December 21, 2025 - Our many thanks to the St. Rita’s Adult & Children's Choir, the countless volunteers, musicians, narrators & parishioners who helped make this year’s Christmas choir program a success.







