April 30, 2023 - Fourth Sunday of Easter

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

Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro

Fourth Sunday of Easter

April

M I W I TH 9 am – 2 pm

Tuesday 2 pm -7:30 pm

Sunday May 7 9 am – 1 pm

Sunday,May7,2023 11:00AMatMadonnaHall Attendance

Mass Intentions for:

Saturday, April 29th - Sunday, May 7th, 2023

For * Requested by

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

Monday, May 01 - 9 AM Chapel

Vincent J. Petolino * Francine and Joseph Corcoran

Joseph Nogueira * Richard and Maria Gerbino

Tuesday, May 02 - 9 AM Chapel

Nicholas Cappelleri * Cappelleri Family

Wednesday, May 03 – 9 AM Chapel

Richard W. Lee * French, Goodlow and Madbouly Families and John Whalen

Thursday, May 04 -9 AM Chapel

Intentions of Marie Nogueira * Madeleine Grace Gerbino

Friday, May 05 – 9 AM Chapel

Kathleen Walsh * Mary and Bill Klein

Saturday, May 06 – 4 PM Church

Paul Saake * Barbara Saake

Joao A. Nascimento * Lorraine Martins and Family

Patrick Andrew Duffy * Sarapochillo Family

Sunday, May 07 – Church

8 AM Neil Slattery * Mike and Eileen Stivala

Graciela Acayturri * Yaninas Family

10 AM Pro Populo

Louis Sliazis * Patty and Joe Bartiromo

Frank Donahue * Molly and John Aiello

12 PM Maria and Camillo Gerbino * Richard and Maria Gerbino

Special Intention * Bob Amling

Robert A. and Mary Joan McNamara * McNamara Family

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 30th to May 6th

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

30 Sunday: Fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 2:14a, 36-41 / 1 Pt 2:20b-25 / Jn 10:1-10

1 Monday: Acts 11:1-18 / Jn 10:11-18

2 Tuesday: Acts 11:19-26 / Jn 10:22-30

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

4 Thursday: Acts 13:13-25 / Jn 13:16-20

5 Friday: Acts 13:26-33 / Jn 14:1-6

6 Saturday: Acts 13:44-52 / Jn 14:7-14

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:

Question for Children: How is Jesus your example when others don’t like you?

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?

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.

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

May Crowning

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

Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org

The month of May is traditional associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pope Paul VI identified the month of May as a time to incorporate specific prayers for peace. And Mary, being Queen of Peace, brings these special prayers to her son, Jesus Christ.

The crowning of an image of Blessed Virgin Mary is a tradition in the Catholic Church, wherein a crown woven out of flowers is placed upon a statue of Mary to signify her role as Queen of Heaven and Mother of God. In small towns where church and home life are heavily intertwined, this practice always takes place on the 1st day of May. Other customs include the Sunday closest to this day, following the “high Mass” of the day, or even as part of Mother’s Day festivities.

There is a prescribed rite for the Crowning of an Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary which we follow. On the first Saturday of May, following the 4pms Mass, the faithful will depart the church while singing the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (wherein we pray for the intercession of the Blessed Mother, and call her by her many titles - Queen of Peace, Mother of Mercy, Seat of Wisdom, etc)

The priest or deacon proclaims a prescribed prayer and the image is crowned, while appropriate hymns are sung. The rite concludes with a prayer of blessing and the Regina Caeli.

Individual devotions often take place following the rite, but are not prescribed. Traditionally, the rosary is not prayed during this event, but it is encouraged that those who pray the rosary at home or at church do so in the presence of an image of the Blessed Mother during the month of May.

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.

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: Fifth Sunday of Easter May 6 & 7

Altar Server Cantor Reader 1 Reader 2 EMHC

Saturday 4PM 2 Servers Needed

Carly York with Choir

Paul Tonacci Charles Young

Sunday 8AM Jack Main Carly York Joseph Ventura Anthony Bongiorno

Sunday 10AM

Tesya Yaninas Larissa Yaninas

Sunday 12PM

Jonathan Stubbs Gonzalo Sevillano

Carly York Matt Yaninas Steve Rumsby

OH-Irene Weller

TH-Susan Murphy

TH-Minister Needed

ALT-Louise Habrack

OH-Mike LaCava

TH-Cindy Ventura

TH-Justine Buzzetta

ALT-Roseanne LaCava

OH-Steve Stanley

TH-Heidi Lohn

TH-Dawn Reinhardt

ALT-Sue Fitzpatrick

OH-Elvira Dapul

Carly York Richard Gerbino Jennifer Stubbs

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-Patricia Gesner

TH-Less Gesner

ALT-Minister Needed

Welcome to the newest members of our Saint Mary Parish family

ShaneBrianCassidy

DanielJosephSackstein

RubyLuciaLucas

ZoeAthenaSalcedo

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.

ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Faith

YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org

This weekend our 8th graders will have their Confirmation Prep Interviews as another step toward their Sacrament of Confirmation.

more details on page 7

Our 1-6 graders have another intergenerational opportunity with the Spring Movie day that begins at the 12pm mass and continues in Madonna Hall.

All intergenerational recording sheets for grades 1-6 are due on 1 June 2023. Please email to RE or drop off at he parish office. For your convenience, there is a link on page 6 to print another recording sheet.

Faith Formation-RE Sign-ups:

Summer Intensive student volunteer LINK

Spring Movie Day sign-up HERE

May Day Crowning of Mary sign-up HERE

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

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6 May 2023

May Day Crowning & Fist Communion Lottery

3pm Madonna Hall

Followed by 4pm mass in the church

RSVP below for May Day

INTERGENERATIONAL

732-780-2666 X 310 IMPORTANT

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CLICK

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CLICK

LINK

Early Fall Religious Education

Registration/Re-Registration is opened for Grades 1-8 And closes on April 30, 2023

Registration continues through the month of May at the regular price

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

Gr. 1 & 2 on campus-Tuesdays 4:50-6pm Gr. 3-5 live virtual-Tue 4:30-5:30pm

Gr. 6 live virtual -Wed 4:30pm-5:30pm Gr. 7 & 8 Sun 5pm virtual or Mon 4:15pm on campus

Register Here

Confirmation Prep

*************************************

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.

-All 7th and 8th grade students, Homily reflections for the year are due in the Google classroom by April 30, 2023.

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:

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: selfemptying 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.

Reverend Msgr. Michael J. Walsh has been part of our Clergy Team for Saint Catherine, Holmdel and Saint Mary, Colts Neck for the past two years. We are grateful to him for his generous service to us. This year Father Mike observes the 50th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination. We will honor him during mass in a special way Saturday, 10 June 2023 at 5:00pm. What a fitting occasion since it is the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. I think some of Father Mike’s Family will be in NJ at this time and will join us for mass. There will be a simple reception in the narthex following the mass as we greet Father Mike for this milestone in his life.

We continue to receive gifts for the 2023 Easter Collection. We will present an accounting to you in the coming weeks. As always, thank you for your generous sharing. I have been away for some time of rest and recreation. I am grateful to all those who have provided oversight and service during my absence. The Summer Mass Schedule begins Memorial Day Weekend which is also an abbreviated Mass Schedule. Please note this in your schedules. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Peace. Father Jeff

Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach

Sharing Our Treasure

April 23, 2023 – Third 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

Thanks to your generosity we have sent $1,000 to the appeal for Catholic Home Missions.

Next weekend is our monthly Building & Mortgage Reduction collection. Our monthly mortgage payment is $7,966.26. Please be generous.

"One does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God." Mt 4:4b

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 24, 2023

Goal: $75,000

Pledged: $50,917.50

% of goal: 68%

# donors: 163

Average gift: $312

Paid to date: $46,467.50

Thank you for your continuous support!

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.

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 also be available.

Limited capacity. Sign up today HERE!

SOURCE Farmhouse Brewery

300 Route 34 Colts Neck, NJ 07722

https://www.sourcebrewing.com/

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!

ZOOM ONLY: THOUGHTS MATTER

Wednesday, May 9 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.

Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $10

PRACTICE PATIENCE

Wednesday, May 10 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 and enjoy this morning retreat.

Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $25, includes lunch; Zoom $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 14 & 16 Take a day away from the busyness of your life. Come to Francis House for silence, personal prayer and optional spiritual direction.