Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C. M.
Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee
Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee
Pastor Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch
Pastor Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch
Parish Trustees: Linda Dickinson-Pancila & Tom Nathanson
Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro
Saturday, May 2, 2026
4pm mass, followed by crowning of Mary
“Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, April 25, 2026 - Sunday, May 3, 2026
Saturday, April 25
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
4 PM
Living & Deceased Parishioners & Parish Benefactors
Jack Davis * Barbara Saake
Thomas Lopes * Tom and Angela Kinlin
Sunday, April 26
8 AM
Francisca D. Vera * Rita & Michael Duenas
Daniel McManus * The McRory and Evankow families
Bill, Helen and Kathleen Huntley * Huntley Family
10 AM
Ronald Brier * Turkovic Family
Evelyn Rechtenbaugh * St. Mary's Music Ministry
Raymond Shebell, Jr. * Donna & Frank Sikorskas
12 Noon
Patricia Green * The Sans Family
Emilia Constanza Chavez * Catherine Love & Bob Endlicher
Teofilo Barbero * Richard and Maria Gerbino
Monday, April 27
9 AM
Frank J. Donahue * Carol Ann Donahue
Matthew J. Carlton * Margaret R. Mara
Tuesday, April 28
9 AM
Raymond P. Shebell, Jr. * Angela and Tom Kinlin
Wednesday, April 29
9 AM
Brendan Cormac Cassidy * Mario and Josephine
Thursday, April 30
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
Friday, May 1
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
Saturday, May 2
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
4 PM
Paul Saake * Barbara Saake
Nicholas Cappelleri * Cappelleri Family
Emily Maida and Family * Franceschetti Family
Sunday, May 3
8 AM
Living & Deceased Parishioners & Parish Benefactors
Paul Saake * The Gioacchini Family
Carol Ann Kohler * Jane Slattery
10 AM
Sergio Dos Santos and Jose Moreira * Dos Santos Family
Doris F. Ciesielski * Susan and James Gobat
Paul and Mary Hanas * Laura Sheehy
12 Noon
Andrew Lotano * Chet and Eva Parkes
Modestino Lucarelli * Joann and Robert Buhler
Carol Bodichio * Vincenza Camarco
Please pray for the following members of our parish community who are ill:
Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Walsh
Kathy Weber
Jack Coppola
Fr. William Bausch
Joe Brando
Lori Lettieri
Edward Habrack
To add or remove a family member from the sick list, please email parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Names will be removed from the list after 3 months. Thank for keeping us updated on your loved one’s health.
LIFELONG CATECHESIS:
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday, April 26—4th Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:14a, 36-41 /1 Peter 2:20b-25 /Jn 10:1-10
Monday, April 27
Acts 11:1-18 /John 10:11-18
Tuesday, April 28
Acts 11:19-26/John 10:22-30
Wednesday, April 29
Acts 12:24 13:5a /John 12:44-50
Thursday, April 30
Acts 13:13-25 /John 13:16-20
Friday, May 1
Acts 13:26-33 /John 14:1-6
Saturday, May 2
Acts 13:44-52 /John 14:7-14
Week of April 26 to May 2
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION
We enter life to the full through Christ.
Question for Children: your example when others don’t like you?
Please pray for our Military & First Responders
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.
AMT Colton Boag, USCG
Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army
TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF
LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC
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
Question for Youth: Sheep know their shepherd and follow his voice. How hard is it for you to recognize the voice of God in your own life? Who has helped you hear God’s voice?
Question for Adults: In what specific ways is Christ an example which you follow when dealing with others, especially with the ones against whom you hold a grudge or those who dislike you?
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Bernardine
of Siena,
Priest, 1380-1444
Bernardine degli Albizzeschi was the son of the governor of Massa Marittima, Italy. Orphaned at the age of seven, Bernardine was raised by an aunt. He chose to join the confraternity of Our Lady at seventeen and, by the age of twenty, was running a hospital in his home town of Siena for victims of the plague. After several months of this work, however, he was overcome by a lingering fever.
After his recovery, Bernardine spent another year caring for the aunt who had raised him. At her death, he began to fast and pray that God’s will would be made known to him. At the age of twenty-two, he entered the Franciscan Order. Ordained in 1404, Bernardine spent the next several years in solitary at the monastery.
A dynamic person, Bernardine began to preach in Milan in 1417 against the evils of paganism which was widespread at that time. He soon became known for his eloquence and attracted crowds of as many as 30,000 as he followed Saint Francis’ advice to preach about “vice and virtue, punishment and glory.” Bernardine traveled on foot throughout Italy, and might preach for several hours in one town before walking on to speak in another town.
Bernardine was attacked by enemies who found his preaching dangerous to their way of life. READ MORE HERE
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org
Good Shepherd Sunday
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday. This title comes from the theme of the Gospel reading, which presents Christ as the Good Shepherd who lovingly cares for his flock. On this Sunday, the Church’s liturgy shifts in tone: after focusing on the appearances of the risen Lord, it turns our attention to what his Resurrection means for the life and mission of the Church.
To understand this Sunday more clearly, it helps to review the structure of the Easter readings. Throughout the Easter season, the first reading is taken not from the Old Testament (the Hebrew Scriptures), as it is during most of the liturgical year, but from the Acts of the Apostles. These readings recount the growth of the early Church after Pentecost its preaching, conversions, persecutions, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In this way, the Church reflects on how the Resurrection continued to bear fruit in the lives of the apostles and the first Christian communities.
The second reading during Easter varies according to the liturgical year. In Year A, it is taken from the First Letter of St. Peter; in Year B, from the First Letter of St. John; and in Year C, from the Book of Revelation. Each of these texts emphasizes themes of faith, perseverance, divine love, and the hope of eternal life central realities flowing from Christ’s victory over death.
The Gospel readings throughout the Easter season come from the Gospel of John. On the Second and Third Sundays of Easter, we hear accounts of Jesus appearing to his disciples after the Resurrection scenes of reassurance, restoration, and renewed calling. By the Fourth Sunday, however, the focus begins to shift. The Gospel no longer centers on a specific post-Resurrection appearance but instead presents Jesus’ teaching about himself as the Good Shepherd. In doing so, it anticipates his Ascension and prepares the disciples for the time when they will no longer see him physically.
In this imagery, Jesus describes himself as the shepherd who knows his sheep intimately, calls them by name, protects them from danger, and lays down his life for them. He speaks of doing the will of the Father and of leading his flock to safety and life. Beneath the pastoral image lies a profound theology: Christ is the true shepherd of the Church, and the faithful are his sheep. He is the gate through which they enter into salvation, the one who opens and closes the gates of heaven. Those who recognize his voice who listen to his teaching, obey his commandments, and remain faithful rather than being led astray by false voices are guided toward eternal life.
Thus, Good Shepherd Sunday reminds us not only of Christ’s tender care but also of our responsibility to listen, follow, and trust in the one who leads us to the Father.
A call for vocations to the Priesthood. Consider inviting a young man for discernment to the Priesthood
“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 22, 2026 to Trinity Sunday, May 31, 2026. However, the Church’s law does permit this precept to be fulfilled at another time during the year when there is a just cause.
Saturday, May 2
4:00 PM
Sunday, May 3
8 AM
Sunday, May 3
10 AM
Sunday, May 3 12 Noon
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 2 & Sunday, May 3
Altar Server Cantor Reader 1 Reader 2
Eva Tomasetti Alex Gruenling Choir
Servers Needed Carly York
Charles Young Michele Gruenling
Kevin Swan (sub requested) Joe Ventura
OH-Jane Slattery
TH-Louise Habrack
TH-Tom Kinlin
ALT-Susan Murphy
OH-Mary Aiello
TH-Justine Buzzetta
TH-Joyce Flynn
ALT-Joseph Flanagan
OH-Martha-Jean Rosiello
Tesya Yaninas Grace Collins Carly York Steve Rumsby Matt Yaninas
Sophia Duarte Suzanne Duarte Bridget Farrow Richard Gerbino Jennifer Stubbs
Fun and Games for the Martha Mary Guild meeting May
All women of the parish and our cohorts are welcome to join in the fun on May 13, the last Martha Mary meeting of the year. (Note: We will start working on the Clothing Sale in August.) We are going to "wrap it up" with a wonderful lunch for everyone from No Limits Cafe and we will enjoy a variety of games, with prizes! Rosary is at 11:30 a m , followed by a delicious lunch at noon. Then "Let the Games Begin"!!
Our generous members are asked to bring donations for the children (ages 5-13) of Kateri Day Camp at Collier. They need: one piece bathing suits, beach towels, pool toys, games, puzzles and books. Thank you in advance for your continual kindness.
TH-Steve Stanley
TH-Dawn Burtone
ALT-Sue Fitzpatrick
OH-Liz Turkovic
TH-Patricia Gesner
TH-Lee Gesner
ALT– Ron Gabbard
Saturday, May 23 Mass at 4 PM Sunday, May 24 Mass at 10 AM
GROTTO CANDLES
The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions. Offering is $3.00 per candle
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
We have completed our elementary catechesis sessions for the 25/26 program year. We want to thank the RE families for participating, as well as the catechists for sharing their faith.
We will be holding our next Faith Formation/ Religious Education Advisory Board meeting the end of April. This parent advisory board is important as we plan, improve and advise the Religious Education program.
Links are live for Spring movie day this Sunday, April 26 and May Crowning on Saturday, May 2. Please RSVP using the links on the RE calendar.
All INTERGENERATIONAL recording sheets are due May 8, 2026, for all children in elementary RE. Recording link can be found on the calendar.
Fall registration/reregistration is opened until May 30, 2026. This is for all Religious Education learners enrolling in both elementary Religious Education and Confirmation Prep.
Click here to register
CP-2 Confirmation Interviews
Sunday, 3 May 2026
Please report to the spiritual Center at your assigned time based on your last name. All Confirmation paperwork is due at this time.
3:00 pm A-D
3:20 pm E-K
3:40 pm L-P
4:00 pm R-Z
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CALENDAR
26 April 2026
Spring Movie Day Click to RSVP INT
2 May 2026
Blessing Bag Outreach 9:30 am see page 7 for details
May Crowning
3 pm Madonna Hall INT Click to RSVP
First Holy Communion Lottery 4 PM mass- parent meeting follows in church
3 May 2026
Bible Project– CP-1, 1pm Confirmation Interviews-CP-2, 3pm see below for more details
3 May 2026
INTergenerational recording sheets due Use the following recording link
Intergenerational Recording Sheet
NCCL Parents & Families at the center of FAITH
FORMATION
We have implemented six events this Religious Education year using the NCCL study parameters. Advent Welcome* Advent Wreath Making* Family Catechesis Day Fishers of Men Diaper Drive* Eater Egg Hunt* Grandparents Day Beginning year three of this project, we will keep you up to date and share what we learned in the coming weeks...
CONFIRMATION PREP
Session #16: May 2, 2026-Spring Service Project Blessing Bag Outreach, 9:30am on the sidewalk by the spiritual center
Session #17: May 3, 2026- Bible project presentation and group picture: 1pm in Madonna Hall; Confirmation Interviews begin at 3pm
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:
We are pleased to announce the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation
We are pleased to announce the celebration of the Sacrament of First Holy Communion
Congratulations to our newly initiated who came into Full Communion with the Church at the Easter Vigil.
Being a registered and active member of a parish is an important part of living out our Catholic faith in community. The Parish of St. Mary considers someone an active member when they: Attend Mass regularly
Participate in the life of the parish
Juniper Barasky
Rachelle Deyo
And financially support the parish as they are able. We also encourage adult children over the age of 25 to register separately as parishioners, even if they continue to live in the same household. This helps them take personal responsibility for their faith journey and stay connected to the life of the Church. Non-residents are encouraged to register in the parish where they reside or attend Mass regularly.
Kirsten Lawson
Lucianna Manza
Angelica Weber
If you're interested in becoming a registered member of our parish, or need help with the process, we’d love to assist you. Please visit our parish website for more information or contact the parish office, we're here to help!
FULL Admission Ticket ($70):
Includes: Admission to Six Flags Great Adventure, Opening Ceremony, Mega meal food voucher (a drink, meal and a snack) to be used anywhere in the park, and Sunday Liturgy. FREE Parking Vouchers for your group (upon request) Must be requested by Wednesday, May 13th.
For Season Pass Holders:
Season Pass holders can enter the Park with their pass anytime during the event, including entering early for the Opening Presentation and joining us for Mass in the evening.
Important Dates:
May 13th 2026: LAST DAY to request a Free Parking Voucher to be mailed
May 15th 2026: LAST DAY to Pre-order admission tickets and food vouchers. (you can walk up and purchase tickets the day of the event but it may take you longer to get into the park).
For more information:
Dan Waddington - 609-403-7140 | Laura Cortes 609-4037182
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the Church's process of welcoming newcomers into full communion with the Catholic Church. As you enter the Church, the parish community and the OCIA Program will walk with you on your journey of faith.
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Even at Easter when we celebrate the new, resurrection life of Jesus and share in joy and singing unending alleluias, we cannot stray too far from reflecting on the cost of this new life: self-emptying for the sake of another. During times when we seem to be overwhelmed by the demands of dying, God assures us of new life. During this Easter time when we are overjoyed at the new life, God assures us of Jesus’ faithful modeling that leads us through death to this life. Yes, Jesus is the gate—that must lead through death on our way to a share in his new life.
Spring is a time for new beginnings. As the trees bud and the flowers bloom we must carefully reflect on God’s Gift of Life all around us. As stewards, how are we caring for the gift of life in our midst? Do we strive to live healthy, balanced lives? Do we make time for daily prayer? Are our eating habits getting the best of us? Do we take the opportunity for an afternoon or evening stroll while the weather remains mild before the summer heat? All these things can be part of our spiritual life. Contemplative or “mantra style” prayers are important, however, our spiritual lives can be well served by choices to exercise regularly, eat foods that are healthier or better portions as well taking some down time for reading or
personal reflection. May this glorious Season of Easter be a time of true rejoicing in the triumph of Jesus Christ over sin and all that can hold us spiritually hostage.
Called By Name is a diocesan wide program to call forth young men to consider the priesthood. The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton invites all of us to pray for vocations and to submit the names of those from our parish who might have a vocation to the priesthood. This is an invitation to consider thus vocation of service in our church. I encourage you to think about who from our parish might be open to this discernment. As always, let us pray for vocations to the Priesthood.
We have listed an update as to our progress in the 2026 Annual Catholic Appeal. We are making slow steady progress and I am grateful to all of you fir the sacrifices you make. I encourage those who have not made their gift yet to please do so this coming week so that we can reach our goal.
We continue to receive gifts for the 2026 Easter Collection. We will present an accounting to you in the coming weeks. As always, thank you for your generous sharing. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Peace.
Father Jeff
TEMPORAL ADMINISTRATION & STEWARDSHIP
Edwin A. Sevillano— Pastoral Associate for Temporal Administration & Stewardship TemporalAdmin@StMarysColtsNeck.org
Please Remember Our Parish this Easter Season
Our 2026 Easter Collection is a major annual collection to support our parish. It helps to fund capital projects as well as our regular operational expenses. If you haven’t made an Ester offering yet, kindly use the Easter envelope your received in the mail and drop it in the collection box as soon as you are able. Alternatively, you may make an offering electronically at our online giving system HERE
Thank you for your generosity and HAPPY EASTER!
Offerings at Francis House of Prayer
Celebrating 100 years of retreat ministry in Long Branch, NJ
San Alfonso Retreat House 755 Ocean Avenue
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
"COME TO THE WATER" RELAX & RENEW WEEK
JULY 19 - 24
We invite you for a week of rest and renewal at San Alfonso.
Design your own schedule with time for quiet prayer, daily Mass, and various optional activities.
Note: This retreat is open to all; women and men, clergy, and religious sisters.
To Register, click HERE.
Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House 84 Walnford Road • Allentown, NJ 08501 www.FHOP.org * 609-877-0509 * FHOP@verizon.net
IN PERSON ONLY: GOD’S EVER-PRESENT LOVE IN MOTION Monday, April 27 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
We all yearn to be aware of the presence of God in our daily lives, no matter where we are or what we are doing. God invites you to come as you are. We will experience His ever-present love through Centering Prayer, music, and movement. Come feel your heartbeat and let the Spirit move you! Led by Bernadette Citarella. Donation: $25, includes lunch.
MUSIC FOR THE SOUL: OPENING TO GOD Wednesday, April 29 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Join us as we open our ears, minds, hearts, and souls to God through the beauty of music. Through Tony Alonso’s and David Kauffman’s music, we will explore the compassion and call of God. We will listen to, pray on, and share how God touches our very souls through word and music. Spending time in silence and praying with music and Scripture can lead us to the depths of our being. Come and be nourished. Donation: $25. Zoom, $20
PRACTICE PATIENCE….NOW!!! Friday, May 1 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
With the demands of everyday life, our many responsibilities and tendency to be overwhelmed by stress, we can find ourselves short on patience. If you would like to become a more patient person, (or if others would like you to be J) please come. Donation: $25, includes lunch. Zoom $20
THE WELCOMING PRAYER Monday, May 4 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
What do you usually say when something goes wrong? I’ll bet it isn't “Welcome!” The Welcoming Prayer invites us to make a habit of welcoming each moment as it comes because there is some hidden gift within it from God. Does your reactive self need a little tender care so that you can respond more gently and peacefully for yourself and others? Your disquieted soul will find a new home in the peace of this prayer. Donation: $25, with lunch and materials; Zoom $20.
IN PERSON ONLY: PERSONAL RETREAT DAY Wednesday, May 13 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
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.
