Father Munro retired from the Priesthood on December 2019. It was then that the Bishop Gerald Barbarito appointed Father
Mario Castañeda to shepherd our Parish. Father Mario continued in our vison to welcome all to our parish community and
was instrumental in getting the “shovel in the ground” with the construction of our new Family Life Center beginning under
his leadership. Our beautiful new Family Life Center is now open where we can come together to promote faith, hope and love within our parish community.
Father Mario takes very seriously his role that was entrusted in him when he became Pastor of our Parish on January 1, 2020. He is committed to shepherd, lead and serve our faith-filled community in all ways possible. The spiritual well being of all the parishioners is of utmost importance to him. Father Mario is a very kind and compassionate man who is very approachable and cares for each of us as if we were his own children. We are so blessed to have Father Mario as our spiritual leader.
Father Daniel joined our Pastoral Staff as our Parochial Vicar on July 1, 2025. Although he is new to our parish, he immediately embraced our parish community in a very spiritual and welcoming manner. Although not raised Roman Catholic, he had a profound and enduring conversion experience at fourteen and entered the Catholic Church. He explored religious life for many years even as he pursued his master’s degree and began teaching at a high school level. Following the advice of his spiritual director, he entered priestly formation in 2018. He was ordained in May of 2022 and after serving at St. Juliana Catholic Church, Bishop Barbarito assigned him to our parish. He is very happy to be at St. Rita’s and looks forward to walking with each one of you on this journey of faith.
Deacon Joe makes himself available to our parish on a daily basis. He is always willing to help out in any way possible and is an advocate for those seeking annulments. Deacon Joe is also the Spiritual Facilitator of our RCIA programs which educates and welcomes new members into our church life. Additionally, he is one of our Faith Formation Facilitators as well as assists with our many youth groups. He assists at our Masses, and celebrates the Sacraments of Baptism and Matrimony.
Deacon Jim began serving as a Deacon at our parish in 2000 and after many years of commitment to our parish community and an eagerness to serve all, he retired in 2019. However, even in his retirement he continues to serve our parish community in many ways including serving at Mass on a regular basis and assisting with Baptisms. He also helps with many of our funerals and with Committal Services on a daily basis at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery. Prior to his retirement, he was the Chaplin at many of our local hospitals. He is very friendly and welcoming with all those in our parish community.
Deacon Jose leads our Hispanic community in many church-life events and services. He assists with Baptisms, Weddings, as well as funerals as he embraces our vibrant Hispanic Community. He acts as the Spiritual director for the Spanish RCIA.
Faith Formation Fax Number: 561-793-4082
Parish Office, Jerry: – Bookkeeping – julrich@saintrita.com
