Fourth Sunday of Easter - April 21, 2024

The parish of saint Mary

A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in our Time

OnePhalanxRoad,ColtsNeck,NJ07722

Phone:732-780-2666 Fax:732-780-0394

Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C. M.

Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee

Pastor Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch

Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER APRIL 21, 2024

OfficeHours

Reminder, Office Hours are 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM every Tuesday and 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM every Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday. NO Friday’s or Saturday’s. Also, one Sunday a month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Next month is Sunday, May 5.

Mass Intentions for:

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - Sunday, April 28, 2024

Saturday, April 20 - 4PM

Pro Populo

Janet DeBiase *Diane Carnevale

John M. Grabowski, Sr. *The Grabowski Family

Sunday, April 21 8AM

Cindy Boyle *The Aiello Family

Mary and Michael Stivala, Sr. *Eileen and Michael Stivala, Jr. 10AM

Sergio Dos Santos and Maria Ferreira *Dos Santos Family

Mary Jo Towne *The Family

Lisa Russo *Jacqueline Cannizzaro 12PM

Maria Agopian *Richard and Maria Gerbino

Pasquale Pace *The Cannizzaro Family

Theodore J Ziemienski *Barbara & Jon Matuscak

Monday, April 22 - 9AM

Albert Auer *Drs. Elvira and Gener Dapul

James Hanbridge *Barbara Saake

Tuesday, April 23 - 9AM

Joseph Nogueira *Marie Nogueira

Wednesday, April 24 - 9AM

Mary Jo Towne *The Family

Thursday, April 25 - 9AM

Int. Victor Pena * Richard and Maria Gerbino

Friday, April 26 - 9AM

Carl Fortunato * Rose Fortunato

Saturday, April 27 - 4PM

Frank J. Donahue *Carol Donahue

Ronald Brier * Turkovic Family

Lorraine Pepe * Rorie and Jack Coppola

Sunday, April 28 - 8AM

Pro Populo

Irene Klapot *Adele and Joe Velba

Emily Maida *Mr. and Mrs. Franceschetti 10AM

Mercedes Acayturri * Maria Yaninas

Dermott Clancey * Steve and Megan Tilles

Francisca Vera * Rita Duenas

12PM

Lillian Picinich * Nick & Christine Hroncic

Keith Meehan Jr. * Richard and Maria Gerbino

Joseph E. Morreale * Barbara & Jon Matuscak

Mass Intention Requests Requests can be made in person by stopping at the parish office, or online HERE. Suggested stipend is $10.

Pleaseprayforthefollowingmembersofourparishcommunitywhoareill:

Jack Coppola ~

Bill Donahue ~

Kaitlin Donahue Nagle ~

Lori Lettieri

Lauren vinci ~

Elizabeth DeStefano ~

TOM JACOBSON ~

Dawn Reinhardt

Gloria Ziemienski ~

Jeff McBride

~

Owen Shoemaker ~

Ginny Hamlin

Gerard Thompson ~

Melissa Love ~

Fran Raleigh

Toaddorremoveafamilymemberfromthesicklistpleasee-mailONLY parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Please,also,keepusupdatedonyourlovedone’shealth. Nameswillberemovedfromthelistafter3months.ThankyouforkeepingourParishinformed.

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 ~

Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army ~

TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF ~

LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:

Question for Children: Jesus tells us he is the Good Shepherd, but how do you experience God guiding and protecting you?

Question for Youth: How do you feel about Jesus' being your shepherd? What does it mean to you that he lays down his life for you?

Question for Adults: What qualities of God does the image of the Good Shepherd suggest? How do you experience God in this way?

Life Long Catechesis

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 ~

LTJG 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

This week the Sanctuary Lamp burns for…

Church: IntentionsofVickersFamily Requested by: Carmel & Peter Vickers Sanctuary Lamp

Consider donating the sanctuary lamp that burns in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the Church or Chapel in honor of a living or deceased loved one. One intention is accepted per week (Sunday - Saturday) for the Lamp.

The suggested donation is $25. Request online HERE.

Worship & Music

Good Shepherd Sunday

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

Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org

The 4th Sunday of Easter is known as Good Shepherd Sunday. This is due to a shift in the content and tone of the Gospel readings. But first, a brief review of the structure of the readings during Easter.

Throughout the Easter season, the first reading does not come from the Old Testament (the Hebrew Scriptures), as it does during the rest of the year. Rather, it comes from the Acts of the Apostles, detailing the history of the early Church. The second reading comes from one of three sources. In Year A, the 1st letter of St Peter. In Year B, the 1st letter of St John. In Year C, the Book of Revelation. The Gospel comes from John.

The Gospel readings for the 2nd and 3rd Sundays of Easter deal with Jesus’ appearances to his disciples following his resurrection. On the 4th Sunday, he begins to hint at his coming Ascension and prepare his disciples for his absence and their great commission. He uses the imagery of the shepherd caring for his sheep, and doing the will of the Father. There is a grander theology at work here, as the Church and her people are the sheep, and Christ, as the shepherd, opens or closes the gates (of heaven). Those who heed his voice and follow him (obey the commandments and his teachings, and not be led astray by false prophets) may be guided to eternal life.

The Martha Mary Guild Welcomed Three Special Guests

The April meeting of the Martha Mary Guild was a very informative session with three of "Colts Neck's Finest"

- Lt. Brian Coswell, Det. Al Capriotti and Ptl. Nick Tomaio (pictured above). Each of them had many helpful hints for personal and general safety: within the home and in public, which was very important for this particular audience of all women - many living alone! There was a question and answer session that was also quite beneficial for everyone. The Guild would like to thank the officers for taking their time to be with us.

James, Apostle and Martyr, died c. 62

Saint James is called “the Less” or “the Younger” to distinguish him from the other apostle named James. He has also been called “James the Just” in recognition of the respect in which he was held by the Christians of his time. A number of things can be inferred from the references to James in the gospels, together with tradition and what has been passed on in the writing of others. (Many Church historians believe that there was a third James who was prominent in the Church in first century Jerusalem and some of what follows might be attributed to this other James.) James was the son of Alphaeus. St. Paul tells us that Jesus made a special appearance to James prior to the Ascension. The other apostles were still suspicious of Paul when, three years after his conversion, he visited Jerusalem. But James, along with Peter, gave Paul a cordial welcome. Read More HERE.

Ministry Schedule: 5th Sunday of Easter

April 27 & 28

Saturday, 27 4PM

Alex Gruenling & Anthony Gruenling

Sunday, 28 8AM 2 SERVERS NEEDED

Bridget Farrow

Jennifer Stubbs Charles Young

Diane Dragone

Kevin Swan Rita Duenas

OH - Irene Weller

TH - Liz Turkovic

TH - Nick Turkovic

ALT - Elvira Dapul MD

OH - Jane Slattery

TH - Michael Staub

TH - Maureen Staub

ALT - Joseph Flanagan

OH - Amy Orrico

TH - Gregory Calderaro

Sunday, 28 10AM Gabriella Penczak & Eva Tomasetti Carly York

Mary Ellen Griffin

Steve Rumsby

Sunday, 28 12PM 1 SERVER NEEDED Carly York

Welcome the newest members of our Saint Mary Parish family

Who were recently Baptized:

Lucian Jeffrey Santos

Giulia Beninato

Nico Nathaniel Kramer

Niko Rado Petric

Ana Marysol Rembecky

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. Altar

NewParishioner Orientation

Sunday,May5,2024,11:00AM atMadonnaHall

Attendance is mandatory for those wishing to become parishioners at the Parish of St. Mary. For more information click HERE

Carl Simone T Mullin

TH - Sue Fitzpatrick

ALT - Carol Donahue

LWD - Anne Baker

OH - Patricia Gesner

TH - Lee Gesner

TH - Emily Santangelo

ALT - Fran Vaina

Baptismal Preparation Session

St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on: SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2024 at 1:00 PM

Pre-registrationisrequired aweekinadvance. ContactUs

Sacrament of Baptism

Liturgy of the Word Dismissal

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.

Every Sunday at the 10am mass.

Faith Formation

Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Education

RE CALENDAR:

i = Intergenerational Grades 1-6

S = Service Project Grades 7 & 8

28 April 2024

i Spring Movie Day

Beginning at 12PM mass, following in Spiritual Center Theatre SIGN UP HERE

28 April 2024

Bible Project Display

28 April 2024

Confirmation Interviews Spiritual Center, 2:00PM

4 May 2024

i May Day Crowning

3pm in Madonna Hall

Followed by the 4PM mass

4 May 2024

First Holy Communion Lottery

Following the 4pm mass in the church

*April 30 & May 1 - Last Day of RE classes for Gr. 1 to 6*

First Holy Communion

October 2024

Sunday, 6 October—10AM

Sunday, 13 October—10AM

Sunday, 20 October—12PM

Religious Education

Early Fall Re-Registration/Registration is opened through April 2024

For Grades 1—8

Register HERE

ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org

732-780-2666 X 309

Fall Early Re-Registration/ Registration for grades 1-8 continues through the month of April. Please sign-up with the link below or with the link on our website.

As the 23/24 RE program comes to a close, please be advised that intergenerational recording sheets are due on 1 June 2024. Please use the link below. We hope to see everyone at our last two events of the RE school year, Spring Movie Day and the May Day Crowning. We can ’t thank our RE families enough for all the support throughout the year.

May Day Crowning

May 4, 2024

Join us in Madonna Hall at 3:00PM for a craft, followed by 4:00PM Mass.

After Mass in the Narthex is the crowning of Mary. SIGN UP HERE

INTERGENERATIONAL

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION LINKS

•Fall RE Schedule

•RE Yearly Calendar

•Parent - Student Handbook

•Intergenerational List

•Intergenerational Digital Recording Sheet

Rose Farrow - Coordinator of Faith Formation / Youth & Adult Catechesis

We are pleased to announce the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation:

Date: Friday, 18 October 2024

Time: 4:00PM sharp

Celebrant: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee

Please keep the Confirmandi in your prayers

Evening with the Beautiful Eucharist: Feeding the Masses

Join us and other adults in faith sharing on one example of the impact of Christ’s teaching about the Eucharist. This event is set for Tuesday April 23, 2024 in Madonna Hall at 7:00PM. All are welcome.

To sign-up click HERE

We look forward to seeing you there!

8th Grade Confirmation Interviews

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Please, report to the Spiritual Center at your assigned time based on last name.

ALL Confirmation paperwork is due at this time.

Email YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org with any questions or concerns.

2:00 pm A-F

2:20 pm G-M

2:45 pm N-R

3:00 pm S-Z

Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours.” St. Teresa of Avila

The Confirmation Prep Blessing Bag Brigade service project was a great success! Thank you to all the parishioners who donated items. A special thanks to the families to the 7th and 8th grade who really pitched in with contributions and the parent volunteers who helped make the morning a success. The project yielded 262 complete Blessing Bags which were donated to St. Peter’s Community Lunch. Extra supplies were donated to the Co-cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine for the next blessing bag project.

“Easter Duty”

The Catholic Church requires of us as baptized Catholics to observe the following: The obligation, the privilege really, of receiving the Eucharist at least once a year --- often called “Easter duty” --- for those in the state of grace should still be fulfilled during the period from the First Sunday of Lent, February 18, 2024 to Trinity Sunday, May 26, 2024. However, the Church’s law does permit this precept to be fulfilled at another time during the year when there is a just cause.

Your Life and the World Will Never Be the Same

This summer, May 17 - July 16 join the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Local communities are gathering tinder in response to God’s invitation for renewal.

Use this interactive map to explore each of the four unique routes of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Then register to attend the events happening near you!

Read more HERE.

To find more information about the movement, click HERE.

Quo vadis for April 21. . .

My Dear Parishioners:

Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Laying down our lives for the sake of others doesn’t mean that we will be nailed to a cross. It does mean that we commit ourselves to “good deeds” (first reading) such as caring for the sick, forgiving those who wrong us (last Sunday’s gospel), loving others as God has loved us (second reading). These good deeds are the very “stuff” of our everyday living. We don’t have to go out of our way to be good shepherds. We simply must relate as one filled with new life to those who come our way.

The images presented to us during this season are very powerful. Again this week we are challenged to reflect on how well or how poorly we shepherd people. Parents shepherd their children. Parish staff shepherd parishioners. Pastors shepherd their staff members and leaders within the community who in turn shepherd others. This call is essential for us as we continue to develop a greater awareness of stewardship and more collaborative models of pastoral oversight. The sharing of responsibility and visioning continues to be a major priority for me as your pastor. All of us must be co-responsible for the mission and ministry of the Church. Much of what has been accomplished is attributed to the faithful and honest sharing of ideas and dreams. Mature Christian disciples are far more concerned with serving the needs of others than with distinguishing themselves as the agents providing the service. Let us strive to live these lofty ideals.

The Easter Season is a time for us to reflect on the gift of Christian Initiation. We are all changed because of our faith in God through

Jesus Christ. We are sustained in our beliefs by the Holy Spirit. Let us pray during these days for those preparing for First Holy Communion, Confirmation and Infant Baptism. Let us also remember those who are preparing for the Sacraments of Commitment, Holy Matrimony and Sacred Ordination to the

Diaconate and to the Presbyterate (Priesthood). Through our participation in the Sacramental life of the church we are called to share our time and talent. Our Easter Celebrations could not be possible without the tireless efforts of so many. There are way too many to mention. Know that you have a special place in my prayer as you lead us into the future by your example of fidelity and service to our church community. Please make your gift to the 2024 Easter Collection if you have not already done so. We will provide a report in the coming weeks.

This year one of our parishioners, Richard Gerbino, will receive the gift of Holy Orders from His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton on Saturday, 18 May 2024 at 10:00am in the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, Trenton. ALL ARE WELCOME TO COME. Rich will be ordained to serve as Deacon here in our parish. He has been preparing for the Sacrament of Holy Orders for the past 5 years. Currently he serves as a reader at mass and a member of the Baptismal Preparation Team. He will continue with these ministries and will begin a rotation of serving at mass and preaching two masses one weekend per month and assist with our Charitable Appeals/Outreach Ministry. He will serve as an ex-officio member of the Parish Pastoral Council. Rich will serve at the 12:00 noon mass Sunday, 19 May 2024 during which time he will offer the homily. We will have a reception in the Narthex following the mass so that our parishioners might greet our new Deacon.

We continue to make progress with the 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal. Many thanks to all those who have participated. I encourage those who have not to please do so this week. Thank you for your support of our Local Church of the Diocese of Trenton. I am away for a few days of rest and recreation. Our parish staff will ably provide for your needs during my absence. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff

Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach

Sharing Our Treasure

Nextweekendincludedinouroffertorywillbetheappeal forCatholicHomeMissions.Pleasebegenerous. Thankyou.

"Iam the bread of life, says the Lord; whoevercomes to me will never hunger." Jn 6:35

As of April 15, 2024

Goal: $75,000

Pledged: $ 59,498.50

% of goal: 79%

# donors: 154

Average gift: $ 360.60

Paid to date: $ 50,941.60

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.

Edwin A. SevillanoTemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Sign-in for our Online Giving system to make your parish offerings from your bank account or Credit Card!

To set up an online giving account please visit

https://giving.parishsoft.com/smcn

Alternatively, just Text SUNDAY to (732)-889-7800 and follow the instructions to complete your offering.

Should you require our assistance setting up your new account, please call the parish office at (732)-780-2666.

You can also download the ConnectNow Giving App for Android or iOS.Thank you for your continuous support!

2024 EASTER Collection

We are grateful to all who contributed; if you have not yet participated, please do so this coming week so that we can offer a timely proper accounting to you.

Kindly return your Easter offering envelope or make your gift through our online giving system.

We will provide you with a report of this collection at the conclusion of the Easter Season. Thank you and God Bless.

https:// flowcode.com/p/ z25W7Dti

Fourth Sunday of Easter Prayer

“TheCollect.OGod,whoseSonJesusis thegoodshepherdofyourpeople: Grantthatwhenwehearhisvoice wemayknowhimwhocallsuseach byname,andfollowwhereheleads; who,withyouandtheHolySpirit, livesandreigns,oneGod,foreverandever. Amen,” (LectionaryPage.net)

"Caring for People by People Who Care" Serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties

I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Dena Glynn, Director of Development at Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey. We are thrilled to have you as part of our coalition of caring!

• Medical Transportation: Door to door transportation to medical appointments

• Grocery Shopping: Volunteer is assigned to do in person food shopping bi-monthly

• Companionship Home Visits: Weekly visits offering friendship

• Caregiver Canines®: Pet Therapy weekly visits from a certified therapy dog

• Caregiver Respite: Support and weekly visits for those living with dementia or other chronic illness to give the family caregiver a break

• Connect thru Music: A beautiful music program designed to connect dementia clients with their former self

• Handy Andy: Simple home repair & maintenance services, in & out doors

• Healthy Hop: Free on demand door to door transportation using Uber

• Reassurance Phone Calls: Weekly calls to reduce social isolation

“

In the beginning I was trying to go it alone. I was reading the Bible by myself, and even though it’s a very strong time and emotional time to sit and read the Bible, I learned that you can’t go it alone. You need community. To be part of the Catholic Church is that bigger part that was missing.” – Kyle

Being a Catholic means being part of a spiritual family. Often, it can be your flesh-and-blood family, or it can be a close friend who invites you to “come and see.” As you enter the Church, the parish community and the RCIA Program will walk with you on your journey of faith.

Speak with a Priest

 Struggling with a life event and in need of spiritual assistance?

 Want to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance outside the normal Confession times?

 Trying to find your way back to engagement with the Church?

 Discerning vocation?

 Looking to complete your Sacraments of Initiation and wish to chat about the journey?

St Mary is offering the opportunity for parishioners to chat with a priest who are only indirectly engaged with the parish. If interested please contact Fr. Mike Walsh by phone (732)780-2666 x205 or email frmike.walsh@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Offerings at Francis House of Prayer

84 Walnford Road • Allentown, NJ 08501

609-877-0509 or FHOP@verizon.net

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

All programs will be offered online and in-person unless otherwise indicated.

IN-PERSON ONLY PERSONAL RETREAT DAY

Wednesday, May 1 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

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.

Donation: $10; $40 with spiritual direction.

JESUS WAS TALKING ABOUT MARY THE BEATITUDES

Tuesday, May 7 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM

The Beatitudes are radically bold statements of Jesus meant to usher in the Kingdom of God. They turned the worldview of the disciples upside-down and surely shook their world. The Beatitudes were revolutionary! Yet, years before they were uttered, they were embodied in a simple young woman from Nazareth. We will spend some time with Mary to see how this was so. Using Mary as our model, we will explore Beatitude living in the here and now. When Jesus preached about the Beatitudes, He was talking about Mary. Could it be that he was also talking about us?

Donation: $30, includes lunch. Zoom: $25

ZOOM ONLY THOUGHTS MATTER

Wednesday, May 8 7:00 – 8:00 PM

“

My thoughts make all the difference in my world.” Believe it or not, we can choose our thoughts. This freedom is essential to our spiritual well-being and emotional health. This evening retreat will help us learn to notice our thoughts as they arise and choose to accept them or replace them. With prayer and practice, we can choose our thoughts, receive a quieted peaceful mind available for conscious thinking at will. Donation: $10