April 23, 2023 - Third Sunday of Easter

Parish Office Hours

The parish of saint Mary

parishoffice@stmaryscoltsneck.org

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

Third Sunday of Easter

M I W I TH 9 am – 2 pm

Tuesday 2 pm -7:30 pm

Sunday May 7 9 am – 1 pm

Office closed Friday & Saturday and all other Sundays in April

Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro Worship

April 23, 2023 NewParishioner Orientation

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

Mass Intentions for:

Saturday, April 22nd - Sunday, April 30th, 2023

For * Requested by

Saturday, April 22 – 4 PM Church

Pro Populo

Guy Suarez * Diane Carnevale

John M. Grabowski, Sr. * Grabowski Family

Sunday, April 23 – Church

8 AM Cindy Boyle * Aiello Family

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

Louis Iacovelli * Laura and Eric Tucker

10 AM Patricia Anne Donegan * Harry and Nancy Bauer

Frank Donahue * Martha Mary Guild

Jean Elizabeth Sperandeo * Carmignani Family

12 PM Andrew Walsh * Bruce and Lee Parker

Frank and Janet Mondela * Stephen, Alfred and Lauren Mondela

Monday, April 24 – 9 AM Chapel

Paul and Josephine Kopcha * Sessa Family

Mary Jo Towne * George Towne

Tuesday, April 25 – 9 AM Chapel

Thomas Lenney * Mary Elllen Griffin

Wednesday, April 26 -9 AM Chapel

Carl Fortunato, Sr. * Rose Fortunato

Thursday, April 27 – 9 AM Chapel

Eddie Dahms * Ken and Muriel Rogers

Friday, April 28 – 9 AM Chapel

Mercedes Acayturri * Maria Yaninas

Saturday, April 29 -4 PM Church

Mark Zarantonello * Family

Ronald J. Brier * Nick and Elizabeth Turkovic

Harold J. Fiedler * Susan and James Gobat

Sunday, April 30 – Church

8 AM Pro Populo

Francisca Vera * Rita and Michael Duenas

Matthew Aiello * Angela and Tom Kinlin

10 AM Evelyn George * Nancy and Harry Bauer

Stanley Drusdow * Danielle and Louis Coffin

12 PM Maria Cetrangola * Richard and Maria Gerbino

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

Lifelong Catechesis - Week of April 23rd to 29th

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

23 Sunday: Third Sunday of Easter

Acts 2:14, 22-33 / 1 Pt 1:17-21 / Lk 24:13-35

24 Monday: Acts 6:8-15 / Jn 6:22-29

25 Tuesday: 1 Pt 5:5b-14 / Mk 16:15-20

26 Wednesday: Acts 8:1b-8 / Jn 6:35-40

27 Thursday: Acts 8:26-40 / Jn 6:44-51

28 Friday: Acts 9:1-20 / Jn 6:52-59

29 Saturday: Acts 9:31-42 / Jn 6:60-69

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:

Question for Children: What is your favorite time to share a meal with your family?

Question for Youth: The disciples recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread. How have you experienced Jesus at Mass, in the breaking of the Eucharistic bread? How have you experienced Jesus at meals and with friends and family?

Question for Adults: Share about great meals you’ve been part of, ones which are still memorable to you.

The Sanctuary Lamp this week is burning for:

Church: Kathleen Walsh

Requested by Mascaro Family

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.

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

Easter is a season. As such, there is much opportunity for repeated musical selections to add to the unified feel of the season. Conversely, much like Christmas carols, there are an abundance of Easter hymns appropriate to the season! So it is here that we enter into a dilemma: do we keep repeating certain hymns and songs or do we take advantage of the rich repertoire of Easter hymns?

Why not both? For the octave day of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday), you may have noticed a repeat of some of the hymns. As we progress through the season, we will use a very well known hymn for several weeks, “Hail Thee Festival Day”, appropriate for the season of Easter, as well as Ascension and Pentecost, as a common processional hymn. Other hymns throughout the Mass change weekly.

There is also the wealth of proper music prescribed for this season. Every day of the week and every Sunday has its own antiphons for the the Entrance, Offertory, and Communion, some of which we use at different times, in keeping both with the tradition of the Universal Church and for some variety in the liturgy.

Many have approached our music staff and volunteers to offer their thanks for the beautiful music at the Holy Week and Easter liturgies. If you are interested in joining, please contact us for more information.

Saint of the Week:

Damien, Priest, 1840-1889

Joseph De Veuster was born in Belgium in January 1840. As a boy, Joseph worked on his father’s farm where he learned not only farming skills but carpentry and, from his devout mother, a love for God. All of this knowledge would be put to good use in his later life.

At the age of eighteen, Joseph followed his brother, Pamphile, into the Sacred Heart order. At first thought not to have enough education to study for the priesthood, the young man was designated a brother of the order. At this time he took the name, Damien. So eager was he to become a priest like his brother, Damien persuaded Pamphile to teach him Latin. Read more HERE.

“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 26, 2023 to Trinity Sunday, June 4, 2023. However, the Church’s law does permit this precept to be fulfilled at another time during the year when there is a just cause.

Ministry Schedule: Fourth Sunday of Easter April 29 and 30

Saturday 4PM Servers Needed Bridget Farrow Jennifer Stubbs Charles Young

Sunday 8AM

Alexander Lennon (sub req) Sophia Lennon (sub req)

Sunday 10AM

Carly York Annette Raynor Kevin Swan

OH-Louise Habrack

TH-Susan Murphy

TH-Irene Weller

ALT-Martha Cowles

OH-Gina Shute

TH-Joseph Flanagan

TH-Mary Aiello

ALT-Lisa Aldridge

Sunday 12PM

Gabriella Penczak Chloe Cullen

Jack Schatzle Jimmy Schatzle

Carly York Julia Cullen Carl Simone

OH-Carol Donahue

TH-Winifred O’Doherty

TH-Amy Orrico

ALT-Gregory Calderaro

OH-Monica Barr

Carly York Dolores Lembo T Mullin

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 is 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

TH– Minister Needed

TH-Minister Needed

ALT-Elvira Dapul

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

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.

YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Our annual EASTER

EGG HUNT was a success! Thanks to all who joined or helped out! It was truly a community effort…

Faith Formation Calendar

30 April 2023

Spring Movie Day

INTERGENERATIONAL

Beginning at the 12pm mass, Following in the Spiritual Center Theater

RSVP below

30 April 2023

8the Grade Confirmation Interviews

3pm Spiritual Center

See page 7 for more info

6 May 2023

May Day Crowning & Fist Communion Lottery

3pm Madonna Hall

Followed by 4pm mass in the church RSVP below for May Day

Early Fall Religious Education Registration/Re-Registration is opened 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 4:30pm Gr. 7 & 8 Sun 5pm virtual or Mon 4:15pm on campus

Register Here

8th Grade Confirmation Interviews

Sunday, April 30, 2023

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.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-Any 7th or 8th grader who was unable to attend the April 15 Service Project must attend the Blessing Bag event at the Co-cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine on Saturday, May 20 at 10:00 am. Attendance will be taken.

-Confirmation Sponsors must obtain a letter of eligibility from the Parish they are registered in.

Confirmation Prep Service Project

The Blessing Bag Brigade

Congratulations to the 7th & 8th grade Confirmation Prep class! Blessing Bag Brigade service project was a great success. Thank you to all the parishioners who donated items and all the parent volunteers who helped make the morning a success. The project yielded 378 complete Blessing Bags as well as extra supply donations that went forward to the Blessing Bag Brigade’s next project.

Walking with Purpose News

Calling all women of the parish- please join us for our May/ June Bible study: ‘Reclaiming Friendship.’ Our sessions will be held on Thursdays, May 11 through June 15 from 10:00 am to 11-11:30 am. It is a great way to explore the Bible in a small group setting, and to meet new people too. This six week study is a very good way to ‘ test the waters’ to see if a WWP study is the right fit for you. We welcome all of our returning participants as well as anyone who is new to WWP.

We look forward to seeing you on May 11! Bring a friend! Online registrations will be available in the next couple of weeks. For further information, please contact Anne Baker at anne.t.baker@gmail.com

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!?!

My Dear Parishioners:

This coming weekend we celebrate the Third Sunday of Easter. Jesus was busy on his resurrection day! No wonder the early Church from the very beginning chose the first day of the week for breaking bread— celebrating Eucharist. This is why, for us, Eucharist—“breaking of bread”—is so pivotal; here we encounter the risen Jesus, share in his meal, and become ourselves the risen presence for others. Here we engage the dying and rising that is the pattern of our everyday living. Here we promise to allow our own bodies to be broken so that others might have new life.

We continue our journey through the liturgical season of Easter. The music and environment for our liturgy reflect this reality. We maintain the seasonal music and mass part settings. The Easter Season is a time when the Universal Church celebrates in a very deliberate way the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

Take a look at the upcoming events scheduled in our parish community. This June we will host a Theology on Tap event. Previously scheduled for June 2020 it was postponed due to the pandemic restrictions. I am pleased to announce that we will host this event on Tuesday, 13 June 2023 in the evening at The Source Brewery on Route 34 in Colts Neck. His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton, David M. O’Connell, CM will be the feature presenter of the evening. There will be limited space. Registrations will be accepted

online first come, first served. More details to be published in the coming weeks. Make time to participate in this informative community building opportunity.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the Colts Neck Township Committee and Board of Public Health of the improvements made to the retention basin located along Cedar Drive. These retention basins are an important part of managing storm and runoff water that enters the streams in town. They have been still water and have been a source among others for insect breeding especially mosquitos. The recent installation of water features puts air into the water and keeps the water moving to significantly reduce mosquito breeding. Already I heard some grumbling among our residents about wasting money etc.… I replied that this improvement was not a mere aesthetic improvement but a public health improvement and that reply came as a surprise. I more recently learned that this project was generously underwritten by a private donor. Thanks to all involved in this important project protecting our environment and strengthening our quality of life.

We will publish the final tally for our 2023 Easter Collection in the coming weeks. Please make your gift as soon as possible using the Easter Envelope that has been mailed to all of our registered parishioners listed in our parish census. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Peace. Father Jeff

Quo vadis . . .

Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach

Sharing Our Treasure

April 16, 2023 – Second Sunday of Easter

Edwin A. SevillanoTemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

SUNDAY OFFICE HOURS

The Parish Office will continue to open one Sunday per month The next Sunday the Parish Office is open will be Sunday, May 7, 2023.

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

Thank you for your cooperation.

2023 EASTER Collection

"With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned a property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.

Acts 4:33-35

Included in next weekend’s offertory will be the Appeal for Catholic Home Missions. Please be generous.

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 at

https://flowcode.com/p/z25W7Dti

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

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

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

As of April 17 2023

Goal: $75,000

Pledged: $48,812.50

% of goal: 65%

# donors: 156

Average gift: $313

Paid to date: $44,177.50

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.

Thank you for your continuous support!

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

The Parish of Saint Mary presents "Theology on Tap"

Featuring the Most Reverend David M. O'Connell, C.M., Bishop of Trenton

Join us for a special evening at Source Brewery in Colts Neck!

Tuesday June 13, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Adults 21 and older only. $20 per person which includes the first drink and a light fare. Non alcoholic beverages will be also available.

Registration will be available shortly.

Are you looking for a safe, loving, educational and nurturing environment where your child will get the attention and care that they deserve?

Join our family today!

Flexible schedule for children 2 and up. Small class sizes.

Research based curriculum. Call 732-780-0135 today for more information

Study Theology at Georgian Court University!

All programs can be completed remotely. Master of Arts or a Graduate Certificate in Theology, with concentrations in Pastoral Ministry or Mercy Spirituality. Not sure? Take one or two classes on a non-matriculating basis to see if our programs are right for you. Generous financial aid available. New semester begins September 5, 2023. There is still time to apply. Contact department chair Johann M. Vento for more information: jvento@georgian.edu. We look forward to getting to know you and talking about your interest in studying theology.

Meals for the Needy

Is there anyone you know in need of prepared meals? Pat’s Prime Market in Lincroft is offering to deliver free meals to the needy and elderly, parishioner or not, residing in Colts Neck and Lincroft several days a week.

Be it a relative, friend, or neighbor, they can call the Parish at 732-294-8841 and leave their name, address, phone number, number of meals requested, and best day/time for delivery between 3 and 6 p.m.

We thank Pat’s Prime Market for their generosity in helping those in need.

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

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.

Sacred Heart Revival

Do you want more peace in your family, blessings on your undertakings, and a more perfect faith life? Jesus is standing at the door and knocking. Open the door for Him! Join our nationwide campaign to invite the Sacred Heart of Jesus into your home, classroom, or business. Visit www.SacredHeartRevival.com for more information on the graces of the Sacred Heart and sign up today.

Holy Land Discovery Tour

September 1 - 8, 2023

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!

LOVE IS POETRY IN MOTION

3 Fridays: May 5, 12 and 19 9:30 AM – Noon Scripture tells us, “In the beginning was the Word.” Perhaps one of the most tender ways to communicate this Word is through poetry.

In Daniel Lensky’s book Love Poems from God, he presents us with poems revealing the unbounded love of God which permeates all humanity. Treat yourself to a morning of God’s poetic love! Led by S. Marie. Donation: $75

MARY AND OUR RISEN LORD

Monday, May 8 1:00 – 4:00 PM

As we continue to celebrate the Easter Season, what would it be like for us to spend this day with the Mother of Jesus?

What might Mary be able to share with us about her post-Resurrection time with her Son?

Might her presence with us deepen our trust as we navigate the tender events of our lives?

Led by S. Marie. Donation: $20

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

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) 399-1785.

Spiritual Direction is a monthly one-on-one conversation about your life with God. With the accompaniment of a spiritual director, you learn to deepen and enjoy your relationship with God,

and to be more aware of God’s presence and action in all the events of your life. Call (609) 877-0509 to make an appointment with one of our Certified Spiritual Directors.

Donation: Love Offering.

PERSONAL RETREAT

DAYS

Wednesdays & Fridays 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

May 3 & 19 May 31 & June 16

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.