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We are delighted that you have chosen to worship with us. Please explore our website for information on our parish, becoming Catholic, lifelong faith formation, and more. Contact a staff member for more information on getting involved in parish life or for answers to other questions.

Upcoming Events

Women Enjoying Rediscovering Our Catholicism - Tuesdays at 9:00 am in Room 1
Holy Beginnings - Thursday, October 1 at 6:45 pm
Feeling Crafty - Friday, October 2 from 6-8 pm
Holy Hour and Rosary for Life - Saturday, October 3 from 12-1 pm
Breakfast @ St. Rita - Sunday, October 4 from 8:30-10:00 am
Pet Blessing - Sunday, October 4 at noon in the circle
Prayer Shawl Ministry - Tuesday, October 6 at 10:30 am in the Parish Office
Craft and Vendor Sale - Saturday, October 10 from 10 am - 3 pm
Sensory Friendly Mass - Saturday, October 10 at 5 pm
Oremus: A Guide to Catholic Prayer - Wednesdays at 7 pm or Sundays at 11:45 am, September 30 - November 22

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What's Happening This Week

Scripture

An Introduction to the Sunday Scripture Readings - October 4, 2026

“The Vineyard Of The Lord Is The House Of Israel”

In today’s readings, we hear two powerful allegories of a Vineyard (representing the people or leaders of Israel) and the land owner (representing God). In both the first reading and the Gospel, we hear how God lovingly cared for His beloved vineyard (akin to His spouse), only to have it come to naught. Imagine the sorrow on the part of the Lord.

In the first reading from the Prophet Isaiah(Isaiah 5:1-7), we hear Isaiah’s "Song of the Vineyard", telling of a beloved friend's vineyard that, after so much toil and effort, produced only wild grapes. The wild grapes and the owner's response can be seen as an metaphor for the sinfulness of the people of Israel and resultant exile into captivity in a foreign land. “Now, I will let you know what I mean to do with my vineyard: take away its hedge, give it to grazing,”

In our Epistle reading (Philippians 4:6-9), St. Paul wrote to his beloved Philippians from prison while they themselves were experiencing severe persecution. He exhorts them to keep their eyes and prayers fixed on Jesus, who will provide a peace beyond all human comprehension, a peace that will enable them to transcend their current difficulties and trials. Paul writes, “keep on doing what you have learned and heard and seen in me. Then, the God of peace will be with you.”

In our Gospel reading (Matthew 21:33-43), Jesus continued His rebuke of the chief priests and elders with this parable, drawing upon Isaiah's Song of the Vineyard in our first reading. “Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit." This is something the leaders of Israel would have almost certainly recognized and seen themselves in. In this parable, Jesus likened the tenants to the chief priests and elders of Israel, the servants sent by the land owner as the prophets sent by God, and the son of the owner as Jesus Himself.

We may be tempted to see our readings today as having to do with the people of Israel and the early Christians long ago and having little to do with us. But perhaps we can see ourselves in these stories as well. How would we fare today in God's vineyard? What have we done with the gifts God has given us? What are the fruits God expects of us? Would God be disappointed in our actions? Or would He be delighted in us?