Ascension c at h ol i c c h ur c h
Meet Parish Secr
The First Smi
I
f you’ve ever called the parish office, you’ve probably chatted with her. If you’ve come to Mass in the last several months, she has probably greeted you. And if you’re involved in any ministry at Ascension, at the very least, you probably know her name. A longtime parishioner, Rita Ritter began volunteering in the parish office several years ago, after retiring from a career with the United States Postal Service. Before she knew it, she was offered a part-time position as parish secretary and has been serving the parish in that role for the past five years. “I just so enjoyed it when I was volunteering as a secretary — greeting new parishioners, making them feel comfortable, telling them about our parish, welcoming them to our parish,” Rita says. “Then, I was offered the part-time position, and it opened up a whole new world to me.” Rita’s role includes a variety of different tasks, from coordinating the schedules for the various liturgical ministries, putting together the parish directory and bulletin, to being a smiling face to greet people when they come to the parish office, and more. “I just thoroughly enjoy coming here; I feel blessed,” Rita says. “I feel blessed that I’m able to meet the new people, and to be aware of the people who need extra prayers, and those who would appreciate a visit.” Rita’s faith has always been important to her, as she was raised Catholic, just outside of Napoleon, N.D. Her parents modeled for her what it meant to
Rita Ritter (center), pictured with her husband, two sons, and their families, has been involved in our parish since she became a member — nearly three decades ago — and has been our parish secretary for the past five years.
be involved and to serve in her small home parish. “My parents were very involved and that’s probably where I get that ‘gene’ from,” Rita says. “Mom and Dad were always doing something for the church — we just grew up that way. It was just something that we did, and something I wanted to carry into my own family.” And carry it into her own family, she did. Rita and her husband of 43 years, Steve, and their two sons became involved at Ascension as soon as they arrived 27 years ago. From serving at the monthly continued on page 5
“Our parish staff is very enthusiastic, very prayerful and we encourage any of our parishioners with a unique talent or skill to reach out to us and see if we can use their talents. Reach out to us! We are so eager to help you become involved and we’re so open to new ideas. We have a wonderful staff.” — Rita Ritter 4
