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

Confirmation Teen Retreat

On March 14, 2026, more than 200 teens from across the Diocese of Tucson gathered for one of three diocesan retreats offered this spring. Nineteen of our Confirmation students joined other young people at St. Francis de Sales for The Disciple’s Journey (El Camino del Discipulado) retreat.

Throughout the day, the teens prayed Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, heard inspiring talks from members of the Diocesan Youth Ministry Leadership Council, participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, enjoyed fellowship over lunch, created meaningful art projects, and celebrated Mass with Father Manu Franco, O.Carm.

Each participant received a wooden cross with a heart, symbolizing their call to discipleship and the invitation to know Jesus personally and enter into a loving relationship with Him. Every teen was also gifted a new Bible, generously provided by the Diocese of Tucson.

Additional retreats at St. Anthony of Padua in Casa Grande and St. Cyril of Alexandria in Tucson will welcome more than 500 teens throughout the diocese. Let us keep all these young people in our prayers as they continue their journey of faith.

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.

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.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration

December 14, 2025 - Our many thanks to St. Rita’s Maria Puerta del Cielo (Spanish Legion of Mary), the countless volunteers, dancers, musicians & parishioners who helped make this year’s celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe  a success.