August-17-2025-bulletin by The Parish of Saint Mary

The Parish of Saint Mary

The parish of saint Mary

A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in Our Time

A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in our Time OnePhalanxRoad,ColtsNeck,NJ07722

One Phalanx Road • Colts Neck, NJ 07722

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

Phone: (732) 780-2666 • Fax: (732) 780-0394

Email: ParishOffice@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Website: StMarysColtsNeck.org

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 Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch

Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro

August 17, 2025

I have come to set the earth on fire… ~ Luke 12:49 PARISH

Summer Hours in effect through August 29

Open Monday to Thursday, 9 AM - 2 PM

Saturday, August 16 5 PM Sunday, August 17 8 AM 10 AM 12 Noon

MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS

Saturday, August 16, 2025 - Sunday, August 24, 2025

Saturday, August 16

5 PM

Pro Populo

Diane Aromando * Barbara Brown

Thomas Carpenter * Angela & Tom Kinlin

Sunday, August 17

8 AM

Marilyn Achille * The Parker Family

Timothy Fitzpatrick * The Fitzpatrick Family

Living Intentions of Wioletta Milejska * Milejski Family

10 AM

Susan Smyth by Susan Monaco

Carmel Vickers by Ken and Muriel Rogers

Robyn Rossi by the Ayala Family

12 Noon

Loving Family Members * Janet Munger

Chester Chianese * Edwin Sevillano

Martino Hroncich * Angie Tarabocchia

Monday, August 18

9 AM Chapel

Dean Pinciotti * Rosemarie McGarry Farrow

Carl Simone * Elizabeth Oakes

Tuesday, August 19

Wednesday, August 20

9 AM Chapel

Loving Family Members * Janet Munger

Fr. Ronald J. Cioffi * Fr. Jeff, Staff & Parishioners of St. Mary

Thursday, August 21

9 AM Chapel

Kathleen G. Walsh * The Walsh Family

Living intentions of Sarah Buzzard * Claudia Rizzo

Friday, August 22

9 AM Chapel

Grace Sellari * The Capardi Family

Loving Family Members * Janet Munger

Saturday, August 23

5 PM

Pro Populo

Robert O'Brien * Rorie & Jack Coppola

Ilario Nicoletta Sr. * Kathy & Phyllis

Sunday, August 24

8 AM

Pro Populo

DeStefano/Albruno Families * The Franceschetti Family

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

10 AM

SANCTUARY LAMPS

Consider requesting a Mass Intentions or Sanctuary Lamp for all occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, sickness, etc.) for a loved one, deceased or living.

Click below to submit request online:

Request a Sanctuary Lamp ($25 stipend)

Request a Mass Intention ($10 stipend)

Requests may also be submitted in person at the Parish Office during operating hours.

Marie Ditomasso * Joseph, Dawn & Abigail Burtone

Dorla Rice * Severino & Maria Salamon

Philomena Iacono * Catherine

12 Noon

Sara Gerbino * Richard & Maria Gerbino

Loving Family Members * Janet Munger

Dr. Robert Monaco * Joann & Robert Buhler

Please pray for the following members of our parish community who are ill:

Father William Bausch

To add or remove a family member from the sick list, please e-mail ONLY to: parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Names will be removed from the list after 3 months.

Be sure to keep us updated on your loved one’s health. Thank you for keeping our Parish informed.

LIFELONG CATECHESIS:

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday, August 17

Jer 38:4-6,8-10/He 12:1-4 / Lu 12:49-53

Monday, August 18

Ju 2:11-19 / Mt 19:16-22

Tuesday, August 19

Ju 6:11-24a / Mt 19:23-30

Wednesday, August 20

Ju 9:6-15 / Mt 20:1-16

Thursday, August 21

Ju 11:29-39a / Mt 22:1-14

Friday, August 22

Ru 1:1,3-6, 14b-16, 22/ Mt 22:34-40

Saturday, August 23

Ru 2:1-3, 8-11, 4:13-17 / Mt 23:1-12

Week of August 17 to August 23

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION

God's power among us gives us strength.

Question for Children:

What is one way you can be closer to Jesus today?

Question for Youth:

We are assured that God will be with us as we go through life, so what strategy do you use to keep God in mind as you deal with the ups and downs of life as a young adult?

Question for Adults:

Share about a time when life's struggles were so difficult for you that you nearly "threw in the towel." What signs did you see then that God remained with 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

SAINT OF THE WEEK

Mary, Mother of Jesus, First Century

The greatest and first among all of our saints and a patron for all of us, Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of his son. Very little is known about Mary outside of the New Testament. By tradition, she was born in Jerusalem, the daughter of Joachim and Anne. Catholics believe in Mary's Immaculate Conception, which means that Mary was born without original sin, the only human so honored by God.

In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, we learn that the angel Gabriel came to Mary and announced that she was to be the mother of Jesus. We further learn about the angel's visit to Joseph; Mary’s journey to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who acknowledged her as the mother of God; and about the birth and early life of Jesus. This is most of what we know about Mary until Jesus began his ministry.

WORSHIP & MUSIC

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

Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org

Memorial of St. Pius X - August 21

St. Pius X, born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto on June 2, 1835 in Riese, Italy, served as Pope from 1903 to 1914. Known for his humble background and strong dedication to the Catholic faith, he focused his papacy on spiritual renewal and internal reforms within the Church. He is particularly remembered for promoting the frequent reception of Holy Communion and lowering the age for First Communion to seven, earning him the title "Pope of the Eucharist.” Additionally, he initiated the codification of Canon Law, simplified the liturgical calendar, and initiated reforms of the music of the church.

Regarding the calendar, he emphasized Sundays and the liturgical seasons, changing the ranks of Sundays and feasts of Saints so that they did not come in conflict with each other, preserving the Solemnity of the Lord’s Day, in and of itself. Regarding music, he wrote in his Motu Proprio Tra le Sollecitudint that music used in the church most posses the following qualities:

 Holiness: Sacred music should be distinct from secular music and avoid theatrical or profane styles.

 True Art: It should be well-composed and executed with precision and artistry.

 Universality: Sacred music should possess qualities that transcend national borders and cultures, promoting the unity of the Church's prayer.

 Gregorian chant: noted that this is the primary form of liturgical music, citing its ability to inspire devotion and its historical significance within the Roman Rite.

Despite facing challenges from secularism and the outbreak of World War I, St. Pius X remained a beacon of faith, renowned for his courage, humility, and unwavering commitment to "restore all things in Christ.”

He is known as the patron saint of pilgrims and those receiving their first holy communion. His memorial is August 21st.

Liturgy of the Word Dismissal For Children Ages 4 to 12

This is the practice of having children, ages 4-12, leave the Sunday assembly during the Liturgy of the Word (readings) and gather in the chapel to engage in the Liturgy of the Word at a level more appropriate to the children’s understanding.

Saturday, 8/23

5 PM

Sunday, 8/24

8 AM

Sunday, 8/24

10 AM

Sunday, 8/24

12 Noon

MINISTRY SCHEDULE

Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24

Alex Gruenling Anthony Gruenling

Jack Main NOT FILLED

Chloe Cullen Tesya Yaninas

Jacob Barasky NOT FILLED

Diane Dragone Michele Gruenling Angela Kinlin

Carly York Joe Ventura Charles Young

Carly York Steve Rumsby Matt Yaninas

Bridget Farrow

Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

BECOME AN ALTAR SERVER!

Contact Andrew Macirowski at Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org

Richard Gerbino

Jennifer Stubbs

Dawn Burtone, Organ Host

Emily Santangelo, Tabernacle Host

Irene Weller, Tabernacle Host

Joseph Burtone, Alternate

Marsha Grigoli, Organ Host

Rosanne LaCava, Tabernacle Host

Mike LaCava, Tabernacle Host

Justine Buzzetta, Alternate

Liz Turkovic, Organ Host

Nick Turkovic, Tabernacle Host

Amy Orrico, Tabernacle Host

Sue Fitzpatrick, Alternate

Lee Gesner, Organ Host

Tom Nathanson, Tabernacle Host

Dolores Lembo, Tabernacle Host

Patricia Gesner, Alternate

OUR PROMISE TO PROTECT

The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and to its own policies and guidelines in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors.

If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan ABUSE HOTLINE: 1888-296-2965 or via e-mail at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org.

The Diocese of Trenton reports any allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Anyone with an allegation is also encouraged to provide that information to local law enforcement authorities.

Child Protection Efforts

FAITH FORMATION

Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education

ReligiousEd@StMarysColtsNeck.org • (732) 780-2666 x. 309

A Message to Our Families

Check out some pictures of our August on-campus Summer Intensive! It was a great two weeks learning about the Sacraments, the Jubilee Year, safe environment topics as well as age-appropriate catechesis. Many thanks to our students for showing up each day, our Catechists for sharing their faith, our class helpers (children and adults) for making it all possible and all RE families for their support and dedication to our program. We are beyond blessed!

13 September 2025

Confirmation Prep 1 & 2 Orientation/First Class

Starts at 4PM Mass in Church

Mandatory for student & one parent/guardian

14 September 2025

Confirmation Retreat for 9th Graders

Starts at 10 AM Mass in Church

Mandatory for Conformandi & sponsor or parent/guardian

21 September 2025

Fall Orientation for Elementary Religious Ed (FHC 1 & 2; CF A, B, C & D)

Starts at Noon Mass in Church

23 September 2025

Fall R.E. Classes begin (FHC & CF)

28 September 2025

First Holy Communion (’25) Rehearsal

Starts at Noon Mass in Church

IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR Sacramental Candidates

CONFIRMATION

Confirmation retreat and rehearsal is mandatory for all Confirmandi. Check email for more details All Confirmation paperwork must be handed in and complete at this time. Confirmation is on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 4 PM sharp.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

First Holy Communion will take place on the following dates:

October 5, 2025 at 10 AM Mass Retreat and rehearsal: September 28

October 12, 2025 at 10 AM Mass Retreat and rehearsal: October 5

October 19, 2025 at 12 Noon Mass Retreat and rehearsal: October 12

RELIGIOUS ED LINKS & RESOURCES

RE Calendar

RE Handbook

Intergenerational List & Descriptions

Intergenerational Recording Sheet

Service Hours Log & Report

August 2025: “Pilgrims of Hope”

PASTORAL CARE & OUTREACH

Rosemarie Farrow Pastoral Coordinator of Pastoral Care & Outreach

R.Farrow@StMarysColtsNeck.org • (732) 780-2666 x. 310

SOAP DRIVE

THE BARN FOR THE POOREST OF

Why Become a Hospice Volunteer?

Thinking of Becoming Catholic?

OCIA

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.

The simplest gifts are often the most profound. If you’ve got time, empathy, and compassion, you have the ability to support those nearing end of life. If you have been searching for meaningful ways to spend your time, we invite you to explore the role of hospice volunteer with VNA Health Group.

Companionship visits in patient’s homes or facilities in Monmouth or Middlesex Counties, administrative projects, or comforting phone calls from our Neptune office, are just some of the ways in which our volunteers support patients and their families. A Specialized 16-hour Training will be provided by members of the VNA Hospice Team, over the course of 3 weeks.

Click here for more information or email PastoralCare-OCIA@stmaryscoltsneck.org

For more information: Pauline De Palma, BSW Director Volunteer Services (732) 224-6933

My Dear Parishioners:

Quo vadis...

Today we celebrate the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. When does discipleship not divide? One answer is when the commitment to discipleship is superficial and the disciple doesn’t have the fiery passion Jesus displays in the Gospel. About this lack of passion the disciple will be judged. Our call to discipleship is not nearly as dramatic as the stories of the scriptures proclaimed today. Our judgment comes over whether we are faithful to our yes to discipleship in the small, everyday things as well as the times when the more serious things come along. Is living God’s will and establishing the kingdom the absolute priority in our lives? Can we say yes?

The Parish Religious Education Program summer session module II is completed. This is a major effort of our parish to support parents, children and families in their search for the sacred in everyday living. It is the role of all parishioners to assist parentsintransmittingourCatholicFaithto their children. We have a great tradition here at Saint Mary Parish. We need to continue to build upon that tradition through evaluation and assessment and never adopt the attitude that our work is complete or we have arrived. Conversion happens throughout one’s lifetime. Many thanks to Julia Cullen and all those who assisted her in serving our parish families.

Last week our parish finance council met for the regularly scheduled quarterly meeting. The financial report for Fiscal Year Ending 30 June 2025 was reviewed and approved. The budget for Fiscal Year Ending 30 June 2026 was reviewed for the second time and approved. These reports will be submitted to

the Diocese of Trenton for review and compliance. Work has begun on our Parish Stewardship Report to be published during the month of October 2025. I am grateful to all those who offer guidance and counsel in our financial stewardship of parish resources.

We continue to welcome new members to our parish. Recently there were 10 families represented at the New Parishioner Orientation. We continue to welcome families who are preparing for the Sacrament of Baptism. Our Baptismal Preparation Team now consists of clergy and representation from the Parish Religious Education Team. There are now members of our parish who welcome families on the day of baptism. This an important component since many extended family member’scomefromthroughouttheregion.

The mass intention online scheduling continues to be helpful when requesting mass intentions. Once there is an intention for each day throughout 202, we will then open up opportunities for 2026. Thank you for your continuedsupport and cooperation.

Thanks to all those who have made a gift or pledge to the 2025 ACA. We have reached the minimum goal. Any gifts received and fulfilled hereafter will be returned to the parish…100%! We continue to direct these funds toward the implementation of replacing light fixtures campus wide with LED lighting.

Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff

THE PARISH PHOTO DIRECTORY

Sign up for your FREE photo session! Our Parish Photo Directory is coming, and it won’t be complete without YOU! Appointment times for your photo are now open!

Photo session schedule:

October 1-3:

2PM-8:30PM

October 4:

10AM-4PM

October 6-7:

2PM-8:30PM CLICK

VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

Assist your fellow parishioners who wish to sign up in person for a photo session by staying after Mass any weekend from August 30 through September 28! CLICK HERE TO

Bishops call for daily prayer to end taxpayer funding of abortion

Bishop David M. O’Connell CM shared the following call for prayer from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

History was made recently when Planned Parenthood and other big abortion businesses were banned from receiving federal Medicaid dollars for a period of one year. However, Planned Parenthood sued, and a preliminary injunction was granted by the court that requires taxpayer funding to continue.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is inviting Catholics to join a focused effort of daily prayer through October 1 to stop taxpayer funding of the abortion industry, invoking the intercession of Saint Joseph, Defender of Life.

Dearest St. Joseph, at the word of an angel, you lovingly took Mary into your home. As God’s humble servant, you guided the Holy Family on the road to Bethlehem, welcomed Jesus as your own son in the shelter of a manger, and fled far from your homeland for the safety of both Mother and Child.

We praise God that as their faithful protector, you never hesitated to sacrifice for those entrusted to you. May your example inspire us also to welcome, cherish, and safeguard God’s most precious gift of life.

Help us to faithfully commit ourselves to the service and defense of human life especially where it is vulnerable or threatened. Obtain for us the grace to do the will of God in all things. Amen.

The Martha Mary Guild’s

2025 CLOTHING SALE!

Clothing collection starts THIS SUNDAY, 8/17!

Drop off your clean, gently used clothing and accessories for men, women and children at Madonna Hall between August 17 through 31!

Shoes, socks, hats, handbags, scarves and jewelry welcome! (Linens and household items not eligible for sale)

Sale begins Thursday, September 4

Dates:

Thursday, 9/4: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, 9/5: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, 9/6: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, 9/7: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Congratulations to Jack Schatzl Recipient of the St. Timothy Award

The St. Timothy Award recognizes youth in grades 12 who have demonstrated outstanding acts of charity, ministry and additional outreach to their parishes and wider communi-

The St. Timothy Award is named for the disciple, St. Timothy, a close associate of the Apostle Paul who played a vital role in early Christian communities by spreading the faith.

Volunteers Needed! Click to sign up!