Welcome

Whether you're exploring Catholicism for the first time, returning to the Church after many years away, or

simply curious about what Catholics believe, we're glad you're here.

A Place to Begin

Many people come to the Catholic Church from different places in life. Some are lifelong Catholics looking to reconnect with their faith. Others are exploring Christianity for the first time. Some simply have questions.


Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome at St. Rita in the Desert.



The Catholic Church has been sharing the teachings of Jesus Christ for over 2,000 years. Our mission remains the same today: to know Christ, follow Him, and share His love with the world.

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The Heart of Our Faith

God


We believe in one God who created all things and desires a personal relationship with every person.

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Jesus Christ


We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who became man, died for our sins, and rose from the dead to bring us eternal life.

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The Holy Spirit


We believe the Holy Spirit guides the Church and helps us grow in faith each day.

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The Church


We believe Christ established His Church to teach, sanctify, and guide His people through every generation.

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Living the Catholic Faith

The Catholic faith is more than something we believe—it is something we live. Through prayer, the Sacraments, participation in the Church, and service to others, Catholics encounter Jesus Christ and share His love with the world.

Prayer:

Growing in Relationship with God

Prayer is the foundation of the Christian life. Through personal prayer, Scripture, the Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, and the prayers of the Church, Catholics seek to know God more deeply and place their trust in Him. Prayer strengthens our relationship with Christ and helps us recognize His presence in our daily lives.

The Sacraments:

Encountering Christ's Grace

Catholics believe that Jesus continues to be present and active through the Sacraments. From Baptism to the Eucharist, from Reconciliation to Marriage, the Sacraments are visible signs of God's grace at work in our lives.



The Eucharist holds a special place in Catholic life as the source and summit of our faith. Through the Mass, Catholics gather as one family to hear God's Word and receive Christ in Holy Communion.

Life in the Church:

Walking Together in Faith

The Catholic faith was never meant to be lived alone. Parish life provides opportunities for worship, fellowship, learning, and spiritual growth. Through ministries, faith formation programs, Bible studies, youth programs, and parish events, we support one another as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Service:

Bringing Christ to Others

Faith naturally leads us to serve. Following the example of Jesus, Catholics are called to care for those in need and to be a visible sign of God's love in the world.



At St. Rita in the Desert, parishioners serve through charitable outreach, faith formation, liturgical ministries, community events, support for families, and countless acts of generosity that strengthen both our parish and the wider community. Service is not simply something we do—it is a reflection of who we are as followers of Christ.

The Mass: Our Greatest Prayer

The Mass is more than a gathering—it is an encounter with Jesus Christ. Through Scripture, prayer, and the Eucharist, Catholics participate in the same worship that has been celebrated throughout the world for centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why do Catholics have a Pope?

    Catholics believe Jesus entrusted a special leadership role to Saint Peter among the Apostles. We believe the Pope is Peter's successor and serves as a visible sign of unity for the Church throughout the world.


    Scripture References: Matthew 16:18-19, Luke 22:32, John 21:15-17, Acts 15:7-12

  • Why do Catholics believe in the Eucharist?

    Catholics believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. At the Last Supper, Jesus said, "This is my Body" and "This is my Blood." Catholics have believed and celebrated this mystery from the earliest days of Christianity.


    Scripture References: Matthew 26:26-28, John 6:52-58, 1 Corinthians 10:16, 1 Corinthians 11:26-29


  • Why do Catholics go to Confession?

    Jesus gave His Apostles the authority to forgive sins in His name. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Catholics receive God's mercy, healing, and grace to begin again.


    Scripture References: John 20:22-23, Matthew 18:18, James 5:14-16, 2 Corinthians 5:18

  • Why do Catholics baptize infants?

    Catholics believe Baptism is God's gift of grace and entry into the Christian life. Just as children were welcomed into God's covenant through circumcision in the Old Testament, children are welcomed into the New Covenant through Baptism.


    Scripture References: Acts 2:38-39, Acts 16:15, Acts 16:33, Colossians 2:11-12, John 3:5

  • Why do Catholics honor Mary?

    Catholics honor Mary because she is the Mother of Jesus and an example of faithful discipleship. We do not worship Mary; worship belongs to God alone. We ask for her prayers just as we ask fellow Christians to pray for us.


    Scripture References: Luke 1:28, Luke 1:42-48, Luke 1:43, John 2:1-5

  • Why do Catholics pray to saints?

    Catholics believe that those who have died in Christ are alive with Him in Heaven. Just as Christians ask one another for prayers on earth, Catholics ask the saints to pray for them before God.


    Scripture References: Revelation 5:8, Revelation 8:3-4, Mark 12:26-27, Romans 12:4-5

  • Why do Catholics have Sacred Tradition in addition to the Bible?

    Catholics believe God's revelation is handed on through both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. The Apostles taught both through their writings and through their preaching.


    Scripture References: 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 2 Timothy 2:2, 1 Corinthians 11:2, John 21:25

  • What do Catholics believe about salvation?

    Catholics believe salvation is a gift of God's grace received through faith in Jesus Christ. This faith transforms our lives and calls us to follow Christ through love, obedience, and perseverance.


    Scripture References: Ephesians 2:8-9, James 2:24, James 2:26, Philippians 2:12, Matthew 24:13

  • Can I attend Mass if I am not Catholic?

    Absolutely. Everyone is welcome to attend Mass at St. Rita in the Desert. While Holy Communion is ordinarily reserved for Catholics who are properly prepared to receive it, all are invited to join us in prayer and worship.


    Scripture References: Matthew 11:28, John 6:35, Acts 2:42

  • How can I become Catholic?

    Adults interested in becoming Catholic are invited to participate in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). This process provides an opportunity to learn about the faith, ask questions, and grow in relationship with Jesus Christ.


    Scripture References: Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:42, Acts 8:26-39

Interested in Becoming Catholic?

Adults interested in learning more about the Catholic faith are invited to participate in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). This journey allows individuals to explore Catholic teaching, ask questions, and discern God's call at their own pace.

Learn About OCIA

Returning After

Time Away?

Many Catholics return to the Church after years—or even decades—away. Whether you've been gone for a short time or a long time, you'll find a warm welcome waiting for you.


You don't need to have all the answers before you return. Simply come to Mass, speak with a priest, or reach out to us. We would be honored to walk with you.

Welcome to St. Rita in the Desert

No matter where you are in your faith journey, there is a place for you here.

Sunday:  

8:00 am & 10:0 0 am (English)

12:00 pm (Spanish)
 

​Daily Mass:   

Monday - Friday: 8 am (Shrine)

Friday: 8:30 am Adoration (Shrine)


Saturday:

5:00 pm Vigil


Confession:

Saturday: 3:30-4:30pm

Or by Appointment.


Eucharist Adoration:

8:30 am Friday (Shrine)

3:00 pm 1st Sunday of the Month (St. John XXIII)


*Mass Times Subject to Change - Always visit our homepage for the most current information.