The parish was founded in 1900.
Rita of Cascia was canonized on May 24, 1900, and
Archbishop Corrigan decided to name the parish in honor of the new saint. The cornerstone was laid in November 1900 and the church was consecrated in October 1904. The first pastor was Rev. Charles Ferina D.D. He was assisted by Rev. Patrick Mannion and Rev. A.D. Cunion. During his tenure, Rev. Ferina founded an Italian mission at 150th St. and Morris Ave. that later became the parish of the Lady of Suffrage. A residence of the
Missionaries of Charity is located at St. Rita.
Pastors • Fr. Charles Ferina, 1900-1909 • James P. O'Brien, 1910 - • Fr. Bergin 1940-1947 • Fr. Pablo González 2012–present ==Merger==