Meet Parish Secretary Rita Ritter: The First Smile You’ll See

If 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 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 Sunday potluck dinners to being a lector at Mass, and currently serving as the President of the Ladies of Ascension, Rita is a self-proclaimed “doer” who loves to give back to the parish.

Rita has also found that her faith has grown and deepened since joining the parish staff.

“[Now, I understand] why we do the things we do at Mass,” Rita says. “Before, I just did them. But now that I work here, amongst the staff, we talk and I participate more, it opens up a whole new world.

“I have grown in prayer,” she adds. “Now, it’s not just going to church on Sunday — it’s a daily thing, an hourly thing. It isn’t just when you need something, but also when you’re grateful. It’s broadened my view and it’s deepened my prayer life, no question about it.”

Rita encourages her fellow parishioners to consider becoming involved in the parish, whether in service or just in getting to know others in the community. She recommends that young families come to participate in the monthly Knights of Columbus dinners — which take place during children’s Faith Formation classes — or find a ministry in which they may volunteer.

“Come and meet fellow parishioners,” Rita says. “It would be a good first step.

“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,” she adds. “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 (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.