April 2, 2023 - Palm Sunday

Christ'sentryintoJerusalem, by Pietro Lorenzetti (1280

1348). Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi.

Mass Intentions for:

Saturday, April 1st - Sunday, April 9th, 2023

For * Requested by

Saturday, April 01 – 4 PM Church

Suzanne Schlesinger * Carol Ward and Family

John Gioacchini * Barbara Saake

Florence Luzzi * Rich Luzzi

Sunday, April 02 – Church

8 AM Charles Evertz * Jane Slattery

Michael Pezzuto * Alice Ganley

10 AM Pro Populo

Francisca Dapul * Drs. Gener and Elvira Dapul

Helen La Porta * Carmel and Peter Vickers

12 PM Special Intention * Bob Amling

Robert A. and Mary Joan McNamara * McNamara Family

Maria Pellicone * Mom and Dad

Monday, April 03 – 9 AM Chapel

Renato Poscablo * Drs. Gener and Elvira Dapul

Tuesday, April 04 – 9 AM Chapel

Peter Salvino * Richard and Maria Gerbino

Wednesday, April 05 – 9 AM Chapel

Derrick Donovan * Gerry Monroy

Thursday, April 06 - Holy Thursday

7 PM Pro Populo

Friday, April 07 – Good Friday

12 PM No intentions

Saturday, April 08 – Holy Saturday

8 PM Pro Populo

Sunday, April 09 – Easter

8 AM Pro Populo

10 AM Pro Populo 12 PM Pro Populo

Please pray for those in our RCIA who are preparing to come into full Communion with the Catholic Church this Easter:

Parish Office Hours

M I W I TH 9 am – 2 pm

Tuesday 2 pm -7:30 pm

Sunday April 2 9 am – 1 pm

Office closed Friday & Saturday and all other Sundays in April

Please pray for the following members of our parish family who are ill:

KathleenAmatel

ValerieBarcheski

MichaelBarker

JaniceBasilice

FrBillBausch

EileenBeckley

BrendaCaronna

ChristenChellis

LynetteColaco-Desouza

BlakeConley

JackCoppola

ElizabethDeStefano

KaitlinDonahueNagle

SharonEvangellista

JoannFeliciti

CynthiaFiedler

JamesFiedler

EmilyGioacchini

JasonGreenberg

EdwardHabrack

TomHudak

ElizabethLindHuseby

LeonJankowski

BridgetKorn

BobLind

LoriLettieri

LudwigMendola

KevinO’Shea

LouSchmitt

OwenShoemaker

VictoriaSlater

GerardP.Thompson

LaurenVinci

Toaddafamilymembertothesicklistfor8weeks, pleasecallor e-mailtheParishOffice.Thank you!

732-780-2666 or parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Almighty and eternal God, those who take refuge in you will be glad and forever will shout for joy. Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties. Protect them with the shield of your strength and keep them safe from all evil and harm. May the power of your love enable them to return home in safety, that with all who love them, they may ever praise you for your loving care. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

PRAY for Military & First Responders

AMT Colton Boag, USCG

LCpl Devon Francis

Chrzan, USMC

Lt. Col. John Anthony

Coppola, US Army

Lt. Col. Douglas

Coppola, US Army

Lt. Mary Herman, USN

SN Christian Houlihan, USN

LT. Jason Joseph Howe, USN

SPC Michael John

Mento, US Army

Ensign Matthew Motola, USN

LCpl Bradley O’Ree, USMC

SPC Nicholas Poskonka, US Army

Captain Richard Savo, US Army

1st Lt. Adam Sjoholm, US Army

Captain Ryan Tanguay, US Army

TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF

LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC

Gianna Innucci Diana Weber

Miranda Mason Shawn Woodward

2

Lifelong Catechesis - Week of April 2nd to 8th

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:

Question for Children: Share how you sometimes make sacrifices for the good of others.

Question for Youth: Today begins the holiest week of the year. It is a once-a-year opportunity to really reflect on Jesus life, death, and resurrection. How will you enter into this experience? How will you be open to how you might be changed?

Question for Adults: Name one specific way that you live your baptismal call to enter into the death of the Lord by forgiveness, generosity, hospitality, or other ways.

The Sanctuary Lamps this week are burning for:

Chapel: Stella and Agrippino Culosi

Requested by Pellicone Family

Church: Agnes and Nick Pellicone

Requested by Pellicone Family Mass

Intention Requests

Requests can be made in person by stopping at the parish office, or online HERE.

The suggested stipend is $10.

HELP THE SPONSOR A FAMILY PROGRAM!

The Sponsor-A-Family program sponsors families in need at Christmas by providing food and presents. This wonderful program has sponsored hundreds of families in the surrounding communities for more than 20 years. We are in need of volunteers to get involved. If you are interested, please contact Kathy Maher at wamaher2@aol.com

Baptismal Preparation Session

St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on:

SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2023 at 1 PM

Pre-registrationisrequiredaweekinadvance. ContactUs

Sacrament of Baptism Couples wishing to baptize their children must be registered parishioners of St Mary Parish. Please contact the Parish Office at 732-780-2666 x329 at least 3 months in advance of the desired date for baptism.

More information can be read HERE

Worship & Music

Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist

Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org

The Sacred Paschal Triduum

is the 3-day period of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday that ends the season of Lent and begins the season of Easter. The principal liturgies of these three days are, in essence, one continuous observance, in which the faithful participate in the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, hear the proclamation of the Passion, and experience the story of salvation through the old testament.

On Holy Thursday, there is no Holy Water in the fonts. At the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Holy Oils to be used in sacraments and sacramentals throughout the next year, which were blessed and consecrated at the Chrism Mass by the Bishop, are presented to the parish. After the singing of the Gloria, the church bells are silenced and the organ is not used. Following the Gospel, the washing of the feet takes place, followed by the sacrifice of the Mass.

After Holy Communion, the Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession to an altar of repose, where a period of adoration takes place.

On Good Friday, the church gathers for the Passion of the Lord. The altar is bare, the fonts are dry. The holy cross is venerated, and a somber tone permeates the liturgy. We pray for our church, its people, our Christian brethren, and those who do not believe.

On Saturday, the Paschal Vigil in the Holy Night begins with the blessing of fire after sundown. The paschal candle is lit, bringing the light of Christ into the church; there is only the light of candles. We hear readings from the Old Testament that tell the story of our salvation, followed by the singing of the Gloria, when the bells are rung, the organ is used again, and the church is lit again. Following the liturgy of the word, the water is made holy, blessed by the priest, with the immersion of the paschal candle into the font. We renew our baptismal promises, and those who are to be initiated into the church are welcomed.

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection follows. On this day we celebrate Christ’s triumph over sin and death, renew our baptismal promises, and go out into the world filled with Easter joy.

Lenten Regulations - Guidelines of the Universal Church

The Catholic Church in the United States requires of us as baptized Catholics to observe the following: Thedaysoffast(onlyonefullmealperday)andabstinence(nomeat)areAshWednesday(February 22)andGoodFriday(April7).AllotherFridaysofLent(March3throughMarch31)aredaysof abstinence(nomeat).

Fast consume only one full meal. Water may be taken throughout the day

Abstinence– consume no meat; this obligation prohibits the eating of meat but not eggs, milk products or condiments of any kind, even though made from animal fat.

Baptized Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast and those from the age of 14 are also obliged to abstain

Those who are automatically dispensed from fast and abstinence regulations outside the age limits noted above include: the physically or mentally ill, especially individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also included in the dispensation are women who are pregnant or nursing. In all cases, common sense should prevail and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting

Allareencouragedtoembracethesepracticesaspartofourspiritualjourney.

Thursday 7PM

Ministry Schedule: Holy Triduum/Easter

April 6th-9th

Altar Server Cantor Reader 1 Reader 2 EMHC

Jonathan Stubbs

Sophia Lennon Alexander Lennon Valeska Yaninas

Carly York with Choir

Stubbs Richard Gerbino

Alternate Jane Slattery

Saturday 8PM

Sunday 8AM

Jonathan Stubbs Eva Garcia Claudia Garcia Jennifer

Jonathan Stubbs 3 SERVERS NEEDED

Jonathan Stubbs SERVER NEEDED

Carly York with Choir

Carly York with Choir

Stubbs Annette Raynor

Richard Gerbino Anthony Bongiorno

Julia Cullen Barbara Schaflin

Alternate—Lisa Aldridge

Carly York

Jennifer Stubbs Annette Raynor

Organ Host Patricia Gesner

Alternate Linda Dickinson-Pancila

Sunday 10AM 2 SERVERS NEEDED Carly York

Sunday 12PM

Gonzalo Sevillano SERVER NEEDED

Carly York with Choir

Barbara Schaflin Reader Needed

READER NEEDED READER NEEDED

Liturgy of the Word Dismissal

This is the practice of having children, ages 4-12, leave the Sunday assembly during the Liturgy of the Word (readings) and gather in a separate environment to engage in the Liturgy of the Word at a level more appropriate to the children’s understanding. Join us every Sunday at the 10am mass

TH Gina Shute

TH Mike LaCava

ALT—Rosanne LaCava

TH—Louise Habrack

TH Dee Lembo

ALT Martha Cowles

OH MINISTER NEEDED

TH—Monica Barr

TH MINISTER NEEDED

ALT MINISTER NEEDED

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Parents wishing to baptize their children must be registered parishioners of St Mary Parish. Please contact the Parish Office at 732-780-2666 x329 at least 3 months in advance of the desired date for baptism.

More information can be read HERE.

Faith Formation

Julia CullenPastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Education

ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org

732-780-2666 X 309

Rose FarrowCoordinator of Faith Formation / Youth & Adult Catechesis

YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org

732-780-2666 X 310

Faith Formation Calendar

1 April 2023

Spring Clean-up 9am to 1pm

INTERGENERATIONAL

2 April 2023

We encourage all of our Religious Education families to experience Holy Week here at our parish.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Summer 2023 registration closes on 31 March 2023. No exceptions.

Early Fall Registration/Re-Registration for grades 1-8 opens on 1 April 2023. at 12pm. see page 7 for details

Palm Weaving Class

Palm Sunday

2 April 2023

beginning at the 10am mass continuing in Madonna Hall Sign-up HERE.

Palm Sunday Palm Weaving INTERGENERATIONAL Sign up on the side

6 April 2023

Holy Thursday mass of the Lord’s Supper 7pm INTERENERATIONAL

7 April 2023

Good Friday mass 12pm INTERGENERATIONAL

8 April 2023

Easter Vigil 7:3pm INTERGENERATIONAL

2 & 3 April 2023

NO Confirmation Prep Classes Holy Week

The week of 9 April 2023

Easter Break-NO RE CLASSES gr 1-6

15 April 2023

Confirmation Prep Service Day

9am-Mandatory for all 7 & 8 graders More info on page 7

Religious Education Parent & Student Volunteer Sign-ups: Easter Egg Hunt Parent Volunteer LINK

7th and 8th Grade Service Hour Sign-ups: Easter Egg Hunt LINK

Summer Intensive student volunteer (7th grade and up) LINK

Early Fall Religious Education Registration/ Re-Registration OPENS on 1 April 2023 at 12 noon for Grades 1-8

Classes are first come, first serve and will be closed when capacity is met.

Gr. 1 & 2 on campus-Tuesdays 4:50-6pm

Gr. 3-6 live virtual-Tue 4:30pm or Wed 6pm

Gr. 7 & 8 Sun 5pm virtual or Mon 4:15pm on campus

Register Here

Confirmation Prep Service Project

The Blessing Bag Brigade

Jesus taught the importance of loving and caring for each other just as our Heavenly Father loves and cares for us. All the students in our religious education community are taught to put their faith into practice. While the project is part of the Confirmation Prep requirement, we are all called to the service of others. The success is dependent on the generosity of the entire parish community.

You are invited to buy anything off the list however, each grade in the RE program has been assigned a specific item off the list for donation! We hope to surpass last year’s 532 completed Blessing Bags. All donations can be dropped off in the rear of MADONNA HALL. Please do not leave any donations in the Narthex of the church prior to Easter celebrations There is an Amazon Wish List here for your convenience. If you choose to purchase from the wish list, the items will be delivered directly to the parish by choosing Blessing Bags Gift Registry

Address. If you are bringing your donations to the parish there will be an area set up in the rear of Madonna Hall for you to leave donations. The dollar store, bulk stores (Costco, Sam’s, BJ’s) and Walmart are great places to find many of the items off the list in bulk or travel sized. Deadline is 8:30 am, April 15, 2023. The RE list is broken down as follows:

1st grade – soap/travel sized body wash

2nd grade – snack bars

3rd grade – toothbrushes

4th grade – travel size toothpaste

5th grade – travel size shampoo

6th grade – small (8oz.) water bottles

7th grade – travel size deodorant

8th grade – men’s socks

Join us for the Parish of Saint Mary EasterEggHunt

Sunday, April 16

Beginning at the 12pm mass & continuing in Madonna Hall and on the parish grounds

Faith-filled activities, photo booth with the Easter Bunny, snacks & the Easter Egg Hunt!!

Please sign up HERE or scan the QR code to register to participate

We need help! Sign up HERE to volunteer

We encourage all Confirmation Prep students & their families as part of their Lenten journey, to participate in upcoming Holy Hours, Stations of the Cross, Holy week and Easter Triduum services offered here and at our cohort parish of St. Catharine. See next page for dates and times.

8th grade Confirmation Sponsor Certificates are being collected in the parish office. All Confirmation paperwork is due by April 30.

Confirmation paperwork for Sponsor Certificates: CLICK HERE

*Looking for donated baked goods-please drop off in Madonna Hall starting at 10am on April 16

*Candy donations can be dropped off at the main office anytime

2023 * Holy Week and Easter *

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, April 1/2:

• Saturday Penance & Reconciliation 3 pm

• Masses: Sat 4 pm, Sunday 8 am , 10 am , 12 noon

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday, April 3- 9:00 am Mass - Chapel

Chrism Mass- St. Robert Bellarmine

Co-Cathedral 7:30 pm

Tuesday, April 4- 9:00 am Mass - Chapel

Wednesday, April 5 9:00 am Mass - Chapel

Holy Thursday April 6 NO 9:00 AM Mass - 7:00 pm Mass

Good Friday April 7

Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion - 12:00 pm in the Church

Outdoor Stations of the Cross 3:00 pm

Holy Saturday April 8

- 9:00 am Prayer Service - Chapel

NO Penance & Rec on Holy Saturday

Solemn Vigil of the Lord’s Resurrection

Saturday, April 8, 8:00 pm Vigil

* no 4:00 pm Mass or Confessions

Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection

Sunday, April 9, 2023

• 8:00 am Mass

• 10:00 am Mass

• 12:00 pm Mass

April Meeting of the Martha Mary Guild

All ladies of the parish (and Cohorts) are cordially invited to the next meeting of the Martha Mary Guild on Wednesday, April 12. The topic will be "Friends Grow Friends", which should be of interest to one and all! Join us in the Spiritual Center at 11:30 a.m. for the Rosary, followed by BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch), with refreshments supplied by the Guild. The speaker will begin at 12:30 p.m.

This meeting is a part of our mission statement, which is as follows:

"The Martha Mary Guild is a women's spiritual, charitable, educational and social organization of St. Mary Parish. We are dedicated to assisting women and children in need. We carry out our mission through fundraisers and outreach."

Members have been so generous with our outreach. We will be collecting new items, such as toiletries and comfortable clothing (like sweats) for men, women and children for "180 Turning Lives Around" at the April meeting.

My Dear Parishioners:

Today we celebrate Palm Sunday of Our Lord’s Passion and Death. We cry this day “Hosanna!” but, unlike the people of the city of Jerusalem long ago, we need not ask “Who is this?” This is the one who models for us the mystery of life: die to self so that we might be exalted, raised to new life. This week we celebrate in pointed liturgies the meaning of our whole Christian living: dying to self so that God can raise us up, too. This dying can be as simple as setting aside the time to participate in all the Triduum liturgies or as demanding as to recognize what in our lives we still need to abandon to be exalted as sons and daughters of God living new life.

There are many opportunities for prayer and worship during this Holy Week. The Chrism Mass at our Co-Cathedral of Saint Robert Bellarmine, Freehold, is held annually Monday at 7:30pm. This is the time when His Excellency, The Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, CM – Bishop of Trenton blesses the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens and consecrates the Sacred Chrism. These are the gifts given by the Most Reverend Bishop to each parish as they celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter Vigil and throughout the Liturgical Year. There is much preparation here in our parish for the Liturgies of Holy Week. Thanks to all those who have helped to prepare our parish facilities & liturgies.

You should have received our Easter Mailer for your convenience. Please refer to it re-

garding the Triduum and Easter Sunday Mass Schedule with all masses in the Church. Please note that the Solemn Easter Vigil will be celebrated at 8:00pm in accord with universal church norms. Pray for those who will be Baptized, Confirmed and receive Holy Communion during this mass. Invite your family members and friends who might be marginalized or alienated from the church community to join in the Eucharist this Easter. Remember that visitors will be with us and hospitality can be a wonderful hallmark of our community. Please welcome those who might be joining us even if they are in “your seat.” The Easter Collection is a major source of revenue for our parish community. Thank you for your continued deliberate, generous stewardship in support of our parish and the many ministries and projects which are underway. I encourage you to carpool when coming to mass on Easter Sunday. It will take a few extra minutes to get here, park and enter the church. I ask that you please be kind and cooperative with the ushers and hospitality ministers especially at the 10am and 12noon masses on Easter Sunday. It is important that all of the seats in the nave of the church are completely filled before seating in the narthex gathering area.

We order enough palm for everyone to take what is needed. Should you require a lot more check back after the Sunday 12noon mass and help yourself. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Palm Sunday. Peace! Father Jeff

Quo vadis . . .

Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach

Sharing Our Treasure

March 26, 2023 – Fifth Sunday of Lent

Edwin A. SevillanoTemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

HOLY THURSDAY COLLECTION

The Holy Thursday collection is a one-time major collection allocated in support of the Poor & Needy.

Holy Thursday Collection envelopes can be found in the quarterly mailing packets.

Online givers - please make your donation in support of this cause at https://tinyurl.com/2wv5kyu5 or scan the QR code here >>

Thank you for your generosity!

This weekend we will have a second collection box for our monthly Building & Mortgage Reduction Collection. Our monthly mortgage payment is $7,966.26. Please be generous.

Included in this weekend’s offertory will be the collection for the Holy Land appeal. Please be generous.

"But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness."

THANK YOU for the Sacrificial Stewardship Offerings as we support the ministries, programs and facilities of our parish. May God Bless you for the sacrifices that you make.

SUNDAY OFFICE HOURS

Due to personnel availability to cover our Sunday office hours, the parish office will only open once per month on Sundays

This limited Sunday schedule is being kept recognizing the need of some of our parishioners who are unable to come to the office during weekdays. Sunday office hours will continue to be monitored and adjusted in the future should it be needed.

Please remember you can always request Mass intentions online at https://bit.ly/3VX9egP.

The Parish Office will be open on Sunday, April 2, 2023. Thank you for your cooperation.

2023 EASTER Collection

Our Holy Week mailer has been sent out to our parishioners two weeks ago. Kindly return your Easter offering envelope or make your gift through our online giving system at

https://flowcode.com/p/z25W7Dti

Thank you and God Bless.

As of March 27, 2023

Goal: $75,000

Pledged: $33,775

% of goal: 45%

# donors: 123

Average gift: $275

Paid to date: $29,465

If you have not yet made a gift, there are pledge forms available in the back of church, or you can visit www.dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal to send your gift electronically. Make sure to select St. Mary Catholic Church, Colts Neck in the Parish Affiliation box so we can receive credit for your gift.

Your gift will truly make a difference. Thank you for your prayers and support.

MODERN DAY SIMON OF CYRENE

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. As we walk with Jesus this week, we remember the countless women, children and men who carry heavy crosses even today: crosses of hunger, of vulnerability to climate change, or of a lack of resources. How like Simon of Cyrene can you help to carry the crosses of our sisters and brothers in your local community and around the world? Visit crsricebowl.org to learn more.

Please collect your offerings during Lent in the Rice Bowl provided. At the conclusion of Lent count the total offering, write a check to St Mary Parish for the total amount indicating CRS Rice Bowl in the memo line and drop it in the offerings box by April 16

Alternatively you can make a donation online at https://goo.gl/VFak28. Thank you for supporting Catholic Relief Services.

MARTHA MARY GUILD CLOTHING SALE WE NEED YOU!

The Martha Mary Guild is hoping to bring back the popular Clothing Sale in September. However, much help is needed! Ladies of the parish, please consider giving an hour or two of your time to help sort (Aug.21-25 & 28-31) and sell (Sept. 7,8,9). Our youth (12 & older) are a tremendous help and can gain community service hours. Kindly contact the parish office before May 15. We can't do it without you!! Thank you.

P.S. One more caller is needed to notify ladies about upcoming meetings. Call Kathy at 732946-8631 or Ellen at 732-946-2671. Won't you please consider doing this!?!

Parking head-in on the grass

It is so wonderful that we are blessed with many parishioner families & visitors to our parish during Holy Week. Please be reminded that all staff, ministry volunteers & choir members should park head-in on the grass around the parish campus. Visitors are invited to do the same for additional parking especially on:

Palm Sunday—April 1 & 2 Easter—April 9

Sunday,May7,2023 11:00AMatMadonnaHall

Attendance is mandatory for those wishing to become parishioners at the Parish of St. Mary. Please contact the Parish Office if you wish to attend 732-780-2666

Divine Mercy Sunday Celebration

The Divine Mercy Society of St. Mary Parish, Mary, Mother of God Church, 19 Cherry Tree Farm Rd, Middletown, would like to invite everyone to our Divine Mercy Sunday services on Sunday, April 16, at 2:30 pm, which will include Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, reciting of The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Veneration of St Faustina's relic. Please join us as we reflect on how God's mercy can overcome sin and help us face with confidence the difficulties and trials of daily life.

St Padre Pio Prayer Group of St Ambrose Parish

Come join us in prayer as we celebrate mass together in honor of St Padre Pio by Celebrant Fr. Jack C. Grimes. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday April 15, 2023 at 9:00 AM followed by veneration of a first class relic of St Padre Pio.

St Ambrose Parish

83 Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge NJ 08857 (732)679-5666

Our Promise to Protect

The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and to its own policies and guidelines in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors. If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan ABUSE

HOTLINE:

1-888-296-2965 or via e-mail at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org.

The Diocese of Trenton reports any allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Anyone with an allegation is also encouraged to provide that information to local law enforcement authorities.

Child Protection Efforts

Holy Land Discovery Tour

September

CATHOLIC ITINERARY

Mass is included. The roots of your faith will come to life on this extraordinary journey through Israel. Starting from Tel Aviv, visit some of the main archaeological, historical, and biblical sites, and follow in the footsteps of Jesus as you learn more about His life and ministry. To stand in the very places where history unfolded is a true highlight as you visit important sites of the Gospel, such as Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Cana, the Mount of Beatitudes, the River Jordan valley, Bethlehem, and last, but not least, Jerusalem. This extraordinary Israel tour is designed for value-minded travelers. Hotels, Bus Transportation, Guides, Historians, 7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners are included.

Land price starts at $1979 per person (based on double occupancy). An $850 deposit per person will hold your space. For more information and reservations, call Brian at Catholic Cruises and Tours: 1 (860) 3991785.

St. Joseph By the Sea Retreat Center

400 NJ-35, South Mantoloking, NJ 08738

CURRENT BROCHURE CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE

– www.sjbsea.org

April 21-23, 2023 RESTORE AND RENEW

Relax and renew at the beautiful St. Joseph by the Sea retreat house at the Jersey shore. The weekend is the ideal getaway from a busy life. The program consists of daily gentle Asana practice, mediation, walks on the beach, fellowship and breath work. You will leave refreshed and better prepared to share your best self with your family and community. Massage therapy will be available. Eucharistic Liturgy included. No Supper on Friday. Arrival: 5:00-6:00 p.m./Departure: 10:30 a.m. (Presenter: Avita Kennedy, RYT) Cost: $350

Offerings at Francis House of Prayer

Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House

84 Walnford Road

Allentown, NJ 08501

609-877-0509 or FHOP@verizon.net

Please check www.FHOP.org for registration, directions and for our other offerings!

ZOOM ONLY:

TRIDUUM MORNING PRAYER

April 6 – 7 – 8 9:00 – 10:00 AM

The outpouring of Divine Love experienced on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday draws from us deep gratitude. Join us as we express our thanksgiving through communal Morning Prayer each day. Led by S. Marie. Donation: Love Offering.

PERSONAL RETREAT DAYS

Wednesday, April 5 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

May 5-7, 2023 –

WELLNESS WEEKEND FOR WOMEN

Come away to the quiet and serenity of the ocean and renew yourself in body, mind and spirit. Eucharistic Liturgy included. Massage and spiritual direction will be available. No Supper on Friday. Arrival: 5:00-6:00 pm/ Departure: 1:00 pm (Presenter: Janice Santanello, M. Th., CLEM, CSG, CPC) Cost: $375.

Take a day away from the busyness of your life. Come to Francis House for silence, personal prayer and optional spiritual direction. The day begins and ends with a brief prayer together. Please bring a bag lunch. Come to as many as you can. Donation: $10; $40 with spiritual direction.

IN PERSON ONLY

NOTHING IS SO BEAUTIFUL AS SPRING

Sunday, April 16 1:00 – 4:00 PM

When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush

Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889), convert, Jesuit priest and creation mystic used the power of his senses to meet God in nature, and expressed his experience in poetry which is both challenging and consoling. Hopkins saw God working in him as quietly but unceasingly as God works in the growth of flowers and trees. After a brief introduction to the poet’s life and writings, we will delve more deeply into a few poems with time to experience God in the natural beauty that is Francis House. Led by S. Lisa Breslin, SSJ. Donation: $25

EVENING ZOOM SERIES: ASCENDING WITH THE LORD IN THE EVERYDAY

5 Thursdays 7:00 – 8:00 PM

April 13 April 20 April 27 May 4 May 11

What was it like for the Apostles to spend time with Jesus after his Resurrection? The experience of “losing” Jesus must have made every subsequent encounter more meaningful. Why not treat yourself to a Post-Easter retreat using daily reflections from Mark Thibodeaux, S.J.’s book Ascending with Ignatius? The Risen Lord would love to have your company! Led by S. Marie. Donation: $50