Fifth Sunday of Easter April 28 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

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER APRIL 28, 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 27, 2024 - Sunday, May 5, 2024

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

Monday, April 29- 9AM

Brendan Cassidy * His children: Mario and Josephine

Tuesday, April 30 - 9AM

Brian McGowan * Michele Telesca

Wednesday, May 1 - 9AM

Vincent J. Petolino * Francine and Joseph Corcoran

Doris F. Ciesielski * Susan and James Gobat

Create a free account: https://formed.org/signup

Thursday, May 2 - 9AM

Edward Littler * Jane Slattery

Nicholas Cappelleri * The Cappelleri Family

Friday, May 3 - 9AM

Ryan Stevens * Lee and Susan Wilbert and Family

Saturday, May 4 4PM

Paul Saake * Barbara Saake

George Cipriano * Eleanor Sfraga

Mildred Garrymore * Rich Luzzi

Sunday, May 5

8AM

Fusco-Mauntone * Mr. and Mrs. Franceschetti

Helen Sionas and Mary Stivala * Eileen and Michael Stivala, Jr.

Loretta Delatorre * Barbara & Jon Matuscak

10AM Pro Populo

Carol Giordano * The DeMaira Family

Tadeusz Pietras * Peace In The Heaven

12PM

Special Intention (Living (intentions of) * Bob Amling

Robert A. & Mary Joan McNamara * The McNamara

Family

Maria and Camillo Gerbino * Richard and Maria Gerbino

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 ~

Dee Lembo

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

Nameswillberemovedfromthelistafter3months.ThankyouforkeepingourParishinformed.

Lifelong Catechesis - Week of April 28 to May 4

READINGS FOR THE WEEK:

28 SUN FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Acts 9:26-31/1 Jn 3:18-24/Jn 15:1-8

29 Mon Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

Acts 14:5-18/Jn 14:21-26

30 Tue Easter Weekday

Acts 14:19-28/Jn 14:27-31a

MAY 2024

1 Wed Easter Weekday

Acts 15:1-6/Jn 15:1-8

2 Thu Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Acts 15:7-21/Jn 15:9-11

3 Fri Saints Philip and James, Apostles

1 Cor 15:1-8/Jn 14:6-14

4 Sat Easter Weekday

Acts 16:1-10/Jn 15:18-21

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: How do you keep yourself connected to Jesus in your daily life?

Question for Youth: Jesus is the vine – we are the branches, connected to Him as our life-source. When do you feel most connected to Jesus in your everyday life? How can you go there more often?

Question for Adults: How does your own connection to Christ, the vine, affect your daily life? What image from this reading helps you see the importance of this connection to Christ?

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: Rita&NicholasBonamo

Requested by: Annette Raynor

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.

Worship &

Music

Saint Catherine of Siena

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

Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Born in 1347, Catherine was the 23rd child of Jacopo and Lapa Benincasa, many of her siblings having died during infancy or childhood. As she grew up, she became known as an intelligent, cheerful, and intensely religious person.

She entered the Dominican Third Order at 18 and spent the next three years in seclusion, prayer, and austerity. Gradually, a group of followers gathered around her men and women, priests and religious. An active public apostolate grew out of her contemplative life. Her letters, mostly for spiritual instruction and encouragement of her followers, began to take more and more note of public affairs.

Opposition and slander resulted from her mixing fearlessly with the world and speaking with the candor and authority of one completely committed to Christ. She was cleared of all charges at the Dominican General Chapter of 1374.She worked tirelessly for the crusade against the Turks and for peace between Florence and the pope.

In 1378, the Great Schism began, splitting the allegiance of Christendom between two, then three, popes and putting even saints on opposing sides. Catherine spent the last two years of her life in Rome, in prayer and pleading on behalf of the cause of Pope Urban VI and the unity of the Church. She offered herself as a victim for the Church in its agony. She died in 1380 after a paralyzing stroke and was canonized in 1461 by Pope Pius II.

Catherine ranks high among the mystics and spiritual writers of the Church. In 1939, she and Francis of Assisi were declared co-patrons of Italy by Pope Pius XII. Later in 1970, Pope Paul VI named her and St. Teresa of Avila doctors of the Church. Her theology is that of Christian mysticism, which focuses on ascetic practices, contemplative prayer, and divine encounter with God.

St.

Pancras, Martyr, d. c. 304

A young saint about who little is known is Pancras. He is thought to have been born in Phrygia around the year 290. He was brought to Rome by his uncle, Saint Dionysius, in the early Fourth Century where both were converted to Christianity. This was the period when the persecution by the emperor Diocletian was beginning. Though the circumstances are not known, it is believed that Pancras and his uncle were called upon to worship pagan gods and refused. Pancras, at the age of fourteen, was then beheaded. His uncle died later in prison. Pancras was buried in a cemetery in Rome, which later was named after him. In the Seventh Century, Pope Vitalian sent relics of St. Pancras to England as the evangelization of that land was getting underway. St. Augustine of Canterbury later dedicated the first church built in England to the saint. Today, many churches and public places in England, including a borough and a railroad station, are named after this saint.

St. Pancras is a patron of children. He is also patron against false witness and perjury. In Germany, It is believed that those who have perjured themselves in the presence of this saint’s relics will be openly punished by God. St. Pancras is also invoked by those suffering from headaches and cramps.

St. Pancras is honored by an optional memorial on May 12.

Pancras' message today: At any age, it is never easy to stand up for one’s beliefs in the face of persecution, be it threat of death or just ridicule. This young saint had the courage to accept death rather than turn against his beliefs. Pray that God will give you the moral fiber to answer scorn with strength if you are faced with abuse.

Read More HERE

Ministry Schedule: 6th Sunday of Easter

May 4 & 5

Saturday, 4 4PM Grace Collins & Jonathan Stubbs Choir

Jennifer Stubbs

Charles Young

Sunday, 5 8AM Jack Main NOT FILLED Carly York

Joseph Ventura Kevin Swan

OH - Louis Habrack

TH - Monica Barr

TH - Susan Murphy

ALT - Martha Cowles

OH - Cindy Ventura

TH - Gina Shute

TH - Jane Slattery

ALT - Joyce Flynn

OH - Steve Stanley

Sunday, 5 10AM RJ Vaina Tesya Yaninas Carly York

Matt Yaninas

Barbara Schaflin

Sunday, 5 12PM Jonathan Stubbs Not Filled Bridget Farrow

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.

Please remember in your prayers those who have recently died.

Clementine Foley

Paul Tonacci Jennifer Stubbs

TH - Fran Vaina

TH - Linda DickinsonPancila

ALT - Not Filled

LWD - Jennifer Garcia

OH - Nick Turkovic

TH - Ron Gabbard

TH - Liz Turkovic

ALT - Tom Nathanson

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

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 Server Cantor Reader

Faith Formation

Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Education

Religious Ed CALENDAR:

28 April 2024

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

*April 30 & May 1 - Last Day of Classes*

4 May 2024

May Day Crowning

Craft - 3PM Madonna Hall

Following 4PM mass, crowning in Narthex

SIGN UP HERE

4 May 2024

First Holy Communion Lottery

2nd Grader families only

Following 4PM mass in the church

First Holy Communion October 2024

Sunday, 6 October—10AM

Sunday, 13 October 10AM

Sunday, 20 October—12PM

ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org

732-780-2666 X 309

Fall Religious Education EARLY Registration/Re

-Registration closes on 30 April 2024. Registration/Re-Registration continues through the month of May and closes on 31 May 2024 with no exceptions. Link is below.

Register HERE

As the 23/24 RE school year comes to a close, please be advised that that your child’s INTERGENERATIONAL form is due by 1 June 2024. The digital link is below.

The lottery for First Holy Communion dates this October is Saturday, 4 May 2024 following the May Crowning in the church. An email was sent home to all 2nd grade summer and fall parents with more details

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION LINKS : [2023 - 2024]

•Fall RE Schedule

•RE Yearly Calendar

•Parent - Student Handbook

•Intergenerational List

•Intergenerational Digital Recording Sheet

Looking for Service Hours this Summer? The Religious Education Summer Intensive is looking for volunteers! Please sign-up here to help assist in the Virtual July RE classroom or On Campus in the August RE program. Intensive runs 7/15 to 7/26 & 8/5 to 8/16

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

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org

732

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

Date: 18October2024

Time: 4:00PM

Other Mandatory Dates: Confirmation retreat

Sunday, September 15 2022

Beginswith10:00ammass, Candidate MUST beaccompaniedbytheir parentand/orsponsor

Confirmation Practice

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Beginswith4:00pmmass

Candidate MUST beaccompaniedbytheirparent and/or sponsor

Please keep the Confirmandi in your prayers

“

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-andblood 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

Confirmation Interviews are For 8th Grade Only

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

“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.

Welcome to Spiro!

We are excited to welcome our new Parish facilities manager & maintenance coordinator, Spiro Stathonikos, who joined our staff on April 1st. Spiro has an electronics engineering background and has managed projects in the construction industry and industrial facilities for over 30 years. He has been married for 12 years and has a son and a daughter. He resides in Marlboro, New Jersey and is a parishioner of Kimisis tis Theotokou Church in Holmdel. Spiro brings a wealth of experience from his professional background and a friendly attitude to our team. Please welcome Spiro to our church community!

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 28 . .

My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Fifth Sunday of Easter. In the first reading the disciples were afraid to relate to Saul because of his past reputation for persecuting Christians. Barnabas, a member of the community, took Paul under his wings and witnessed to the community on his behalf. In this way was Paul accepted so he could preach the word. Part of our living the paschal mystery its dying and rising is that we help others who have made mistakes and perhaps developed a bad reputation to reenter the good graces of the family or workplace or wherever. Part of our pruning is dying to our prejudices towards others and allowing them to grow in their relationship with the risen Christ. Their growth is also our growth, a deeper share in resurrected life.

I am often asked why is it important to be registered and active in the parish? My response was to remind those who ask of how blessed we are, how much we have received from those who have gone before us and how much we receive even now in our time. It is so very important for us to be mindful of this and to give back. As Catholic Christians the first thing that we give is our prayer and worship of God. The most basic expression of this is when we gather for the Eucharist (mass). Where?...In our parish church. When we belong (are registered and active…bona fide) we become stakeholders in the mission of the Church and our parish is where that happens daily. We are not simply wanderers from place to place…and/or chasing various priests from assignment to assignment. We invest ourselves into this mission and as such we meet new people and sometimes life-long friendships blossom. This is an awesome witness to our children and young people. Sometimes we need things: a certificate for sponsorship, testimony for other purposes, access to the sacraments. It is so important that we are responsible, mature adults who register and are active in our parish where we live or sometimes where we choose to

belong. That is why we have parishes throughout the counties of our diocese to serve you and your family. If you come to our parish regularly, are not registered in a parish already, want to become a part of our parish; then considering registering and sharing your stewardship (Time, Talent & Treasure) to aid the church in fulfilling its mission in our midst. When we believe we are truly blessed and that Jesus suffered, died, and rose for us this would not even be an issue…all we need to do is think about it… pray about it…and then act in a responsible and mature manner. We will be hosting a New Parishioner Orientation, Sunday, 5 May following the 10am mass in Madonna Hall.

As we approach the summer months, remember that we have air-conditioning systems in church building and we use it to provide maximum comfort and a stable range of temperature. Therefore, you may dress accordingly. I am so impressed by the manner in which many of our parishioners come dressed for Sunday Worship. Also, this is a good time to remind everyone that care should be taken when arriving for mass and remaining until the final blessing. Our services are not lengthy here in 07722. We strive to begin on time. Your arrival on time (5 minutes prior to start time) adds to the prayerful environment that we strive to maintain when celebrating the Eucharist together. Remaining until the final blessing is a sign of prayerful support for the entire assembly and a reminder that we all need the blessings of the mass and the prayerful support of one another. Thank you for your attentiveness.

Remember to join us at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, Trenton, Saturday 18 May AT 10:00AM, as parishioner Richard Gerbino receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders being ordained a Deacon of the Church. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff

Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach

Sharing Our Treasure

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

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ThisweekendincludedinouroffertorywillbetheappealforCatholic HomeMissions.Pleasebegenerous. NextweekendMay4-5isourmonthlycollectionfortheBuildingand MortgageReductionfund. Ourmonthlymortgagepaymentis $7,926.66.Pleasebegenerous.Thankyou

"Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble. So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." 1 Pt 5:5b-6

As of April 22, 2024

Goal: $75,000

Pledged: $ 60,548.50

% of goal: 81%

# donors: 158

Average gift: $ 356.17

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.

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

Fifth Sunday of Easter Prayer

“AlmightyGod,whomtrulytoknowiseverlastinglife:Grantussoperfectlytoknowyour SonJesusChristtobetheway,thetruth,andthelife,thatwemaysteadfastlyfollowhis stepsinthewaythatleadstoeternallife;throughJesusChristyourSonourLord,wholives andreignswithyou,intheunityoftheHolySpirit,oneGod,foreverandever.Amen.

"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

Saint Leo the Great Bereavement Ministry A Way Forward

For anyone suffering from the loss of a loved one we are offering

6 weeks of guided grief sessions for adults

June 5, 12, 19, 26 July 3, 10 at 11am or 6pm

(the early session on July 10th will be at 1pm)

In the Parish Center 50 Hurleys Lane

Registration required stleothegreat.com/bereavement