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: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro
Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro
24, 2025
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Abbreviated Mass Schedule Saturday, August 30 5 PM Sunday, August 31 10 AM
STARTING SEPTEMBER 6 MASS SCHEDULE Saturdays 4 PM Sundays 8 AM 10 AM 12 Noon
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, August 23, 2025 - Sunday, August 31, 2025
Saturday, August 23
5 PM
Anna Merck * Barbara Saake
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
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
Monday, August 25
9 AM Chapel
Frank Rinaldi * Teresa & Joe Danile
Tuesday, August 26
9 AM Chapel
Frank Rinaldi * Teresa & Joe Danile
Carl Simone * Doug & Becky Oakes
Wednesday, August 27
9 AM Chapel
Tom Telesca * Michele Telesca
James Barron * Mary & Bill Klein
Thursday, August 28
9 AM Chapel
Ruben Dapul * Drs. Gener & Elvira Dapul
Carl Simone * Angela & Tom Kinlin
Friday, August 29
9 AM Chapel
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Deborah Wilcox * Mary * Bill Klein
Saturday, August 30
5 PM
Rose Rimmele * Barbara Saake
MaryAnn Barone * Cynthia Barone Mazzola
Steven Parkes * The Parkes Family
Deceased members of the Kennedy Family * Kathleen Moore
MASS INTENTIONS & 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.
Sunday, August 31
10 AM
Pro Populo
Rose Lunz * Maureen Beyer
Dorothy Gabbard * The Gabbard Family
Please pray for the following members of our parish community who are ill:
Edward Habrack 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 24
Is 66:18-21 /He 12:5-7,11-13 / Lu 13:22-30
Monday, August 25
1 Th 1:1-5,8b-10 / Mt 23:13-22
Tuesday, August 26
1 Th 2:1-8 / Mt 23:23-26
Wednesday, August 27
1 Th 2:9-13 / Mt 23:27-32
Thursday, August 28
1 Th 3:7-13 / Mt 24:42a,44
Friday, August 29
1 Th 4:1-8 / Mk 6:17-29
Saturday, August 30
1 Th 4:9-11 / Mt 25:14-30
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
Week of August 24 to August 30
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION
Following Jesus calls us to risk and not always take the easy road.
Question for Children:
How do you show that you are a follower of Jesus?
Question for Youth:
Jesus tells us that being His disciple will be very hard. Of all the things that Jesus tells us about the way that we are to live our lives, what is the hardest thing for you to do? Why?
Question for Adults:
As you wrestle with today's Gospel, what signs do you see in your own life that you are "with God."
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr, 1894-1941
Most often, we think of martyrs as those who suffered for their faith during the early days of the Church. Yet Maximilian Kolbe was a martyr in the 20th century.
Maximilian was the prior of the largest friary in the world located at Niepokalanow, a small village near Warsaw in Poland. When World War II began in 1939, Hitler's Germany quickly overran Czechoslovakia. Father Kolbe prayed for the world, but he knew that his country was going to be involved. Poland, in fact, was next.
When Poland fell in September, 1939, the friary was taken over by the Nazis and turned into a deportation camp for refugees, political prisoners, and Jews. Yet Kolbe and the few priests remaining with him saw this as an opportunity to conduct a ministry to the sick and terrorized prisoners.
Adolph Hitler's plan for Poland was to exterminate the Jews, the governing class, and the intellectuals. The remainder of the population would be forced into slave labor for the Nazis. Priests were to preach what the Nazis told them and to keep the people submissive. This was not a plan which Maximilian Kolbe could subscribe to. Arrested in February, 1941, he was found guilty of writing unapproved materials and sentenced to Auschwitz, the infamous Nazi concentration camp. Upon his arrival at the camp in May, 1941, Father Kolbe was told by an SS officer that the average life expectancy of priests in the camp was one month.
Andrew J. Macirowski
WORSHIP & MUSIC
- Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org
SaintAugustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (August 28)
A rabble-rouser in his youth. A baptized Christian at 33. An ordained priest at 36. A bishop at 41.
Many people are familiar with the biographical sketch of Augustine of Hippo, sinner turned saint. But to get to really know the man is a rewarding experience.
There quickly surfaces the intensity with which he lived his life, whether his path led away from or toward God. His mother, Saint Monica, prayed constantly for his conversion, shedding tears over her sons sinful ways. Eventually, through her prayer, the instructions of Saint Ambrose and, most of all, the word of God in the Scriptures, eventually redirected Augustine’s “love of life” to a “life of love”, a complete turnaround from one who once wanted nothing to do with God or Jesus.
His early life of decadence, filled with drinking, loose living, parties and abandonment followed by his subsequent conversion have led him to the patron saint of those struggling with or recovering from addiction.
In his day, Augustine providentially fulfilled the office of prophet. Like Jeremiah and other greats, he was hardpressed but could not keep quiet. “I say to myself, I will not mention him/I will speak in his name no more/But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart/imprisoned in my bones/I grow weary holding it in/I cannot endure it” (Jeremiah 20:9).
His memorial is celebrated on August 28th.
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, 8/30 5 PM
Sunday, 8/31
10 AM
Jonathan Stubbs NOT FILLED
Chloe Cullen Olivia Linquito
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, August 30 & Sunday, August 31
Carly York Jennifer Stubbs
Charles Young
Carly York Kevin Sawn
Julia Cullen
Monica Barr, Organ Host
Dawn Reinhardt, Tabernacle Host
Nick Turkovic, Tabernacle Host
Emily Santangelo, Alternate
Maureen Geiger, Organ Host
Steve Stanley, Tabernacle Host
Dawn Burtone, Tabernacle Host
Jospeh Burtone, Alternate
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Saturday, August 30 5 PM
Sunday, August 31 10 AM
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: 1-888-296-2965 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
Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
The Parish of Saint Mary is participating in the National Community of Catechetical Leaders (NCCL) project, Parents & Families at the Center of Faith Formation, which is swiftly moving forward. Last year, surveys were completed by parishioners and Religious Ed families. The survey results painted a picture of our parents and families to envision ways we can more effectively respond to the faith, lives and interests of parents and families today. Our first step was listening; our next step will involve more action. Please look out for programs and events in the coming months to help us improve how we engage the families in our parish when it comes to transmitting the faith.
Click here to learn more and view a short video on the NCCL project!
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
Handbook
Intergenerational List & Descriptions
Intergenerational Recording Sheet
Service Hours Log & Report
Why Become a Hospice Volunteer?
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 Training will be provided by members of the VNA Hospice Team on 3 consecutive Mondays:
HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING:
October 13th, 20th, &, 27th 2025 10:00 am – 3:00 pm 3600 Route 66, Floor 4 ~ Neptune NJ 07753
Advanced registration is required. Volunteers must attend all 3 sessions.
SOAP DRIVE
thex. Donations will go to S.A.C.K., Supporting a Community with Kindness, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides toiletries to homeless shelters, food pantries, veteran clinics and other organizations serving the needy.
Click here for details about S.A.C.K. & how to make a crocheted “soap sack”
CONTACT: Pauline De Palma, BSW Director Volunteer Services (732) 224-6933
Thinking of Becoming Catholic?
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.
Click here for more information or email
The Parish of Saint Mary PARISH PHOTO DIRECTORY
Our Parish Photo Directory won’t be complete without YOU! Schedule your appointment now for your FREE photo session! All participating families will receive a free 8x10 portrait.
Photo session schedule:
October 1-3:
2PM-8:30PM
October 4:
10AM-4PM
October 6-7:
Click to schedule online!
Be a part of our Parish Photo Directory!
Drop off your clean, gently used clothing and accessories for men, women and children at Madonna Hall through August 31! Shoes, socks, hats, handbags, scarves and jewelry welcome! (Linens and household items not eligible for sale)
Sale begins Thursday, September 4!
Sale 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. Click for details!
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. We all claim to know Jesus; after all, we are for the most part faithful church-goers who weekly eat and drink in his company. This gospel warns us that this isn’t enough. There is an urgency about our paschal mystery living; we don’t have forever to make up our minds to respond to God’s offer of salvation. Each day, we must take up our own cross, die to self and live for the sake of others. This is how we enter through the narrow gate and how we get to know Jesus intimately enough to receive salvation: we must live and act like Jesus. Becoming least is a metaphor for dying to self; this is what Jesus asks: that the first become the last. Yes, what limits the scope of salvation is not God’s reach but our response.
Our Summer Session Religious Education Module II is completed. We have received positive feedback from parents and families from both Modules I and II. I am grateful to Julia Cullen and her team as well as all those who help to provide the very best for our children and young people as they discover the rich traditions of our Catholic Faith. We have many returning catechists for this program and one or two new ones each year. I am grateful to these teachers for sharing their gifts so generously for our young parishioners. It was awesome to see so many of our teens volunteering to assist the staff, catechists and students during their experience. Thanks to all!
Preparations are underway for our fall Religious Education Programs as well as Adult Faith Formation opportunities. Our OCIA Team has been busy collaborating with the OCIA Team from Saint Catharine Parish, Holmdel. It is so encouraging to meet those who are discerning membership in the Roman Catholic Church. Likewise, our renewed Baptismal Preparation Team has been welcoming scores of families preparing to baptize their child. Work continues on the installation of the Baptismal Font. Soon, work will begin on the installation of new porcelain tile. Thank you for your patience during this time. Through the intercession of Mary, Seat of Wisdom may we continue to welcome and form new members sharing our Catholic Faith.
The clothing sale is underway. Check your closets. Ask yourself, “Do I need this? When was the last time I wore this?” Think about it. The ladies work very hard and are always looking for assistance. Come and be part of a great parish tradition.
Just a reminder that we have an abbreviated mass schedule Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day Weekend…that is next weekend! We will resume the per annum weekend mass schedule the weekend following Labor Day: Saturday 4pm; Sunday 8am, 10am, 12 Noon. Please check out details in the e-bulletin. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
The Parish of Saint Mary SUMMER SCHEDULE ENDS SOON!
The end of Summer marks some important schedule changes at our Parish, as we shift from our Summer Schedule back to regular hours as follows:
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Summer hours will end at the Parish Office this week. Starting Tuesday, September 2, the Parish Office will be open Tuesdays evenings from 2:30 to 7:30 PM rather than daytime hours. Hours on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday continue to be 9 AM to 2 PM.
SATURDAY EVENING MASS
Saturday evening Mass will be at 4 PM (rather than 5 PM) starting Saturday, September 6.
We hope you had a great summer!
OCTOBER 19
All couples celebrating their 1st, 25th or 50th (or more) anniversary of Catholic marriage
For more information, visit
-anniversary-blessing
Edwin A. Sevillano— Pastoral Associate for Temporal Administration & Stewardship TemporalAdmin@StMarysColtsNeck.org
You may have noticed some construction underway in our church. The good news is that our new baptismal font is being installed! Thank you for your patience as we continue to work in making our sacred worship space more beautiful and dignified!
PILGRIMAGE OF HOPE FOR CREATION
SEPTEMBER 6, 2025
CHURCH OF SAINT ANSELM 1028 WAYSIDE ROAD
TINTON FALLS, NJ 07712
PLEASE PLAN TO CARPOOL—PARKING IS LIMITED DRESS COMFORTABLY ~ WEAR WALKING SHOES ~
Francis House of Prayer FHOP@verizon.net
Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House 84 Walnford Road, Allentown, NJ 08501 ~ 609-877-0509
OFFERINGS: Please check www.FHOP.org for dates, registration, directions and for our other offerings! All programs will be offered online and in-person unless otherwise indicated.
FRANCIS HOUSE OFFERS 4 WAYS TO MAKE THE FULL “THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES.” SEE www.FHOP.org/the-spiritual-exercises
Why not read the BEST? The Living Flame of Love is the last, best and shortest of St. John of the Cross’s poems. We will read only 10 pages a month of this most precious classic on God's personal, lavish and intimate love. If you want to be assured of God's perfect unconditional love for you, please join us for this series. A little reading will lead you to a lot of prayer! We end each session with 20 minutes of Centering Prayer. Donation: $200
“THE CHOSEN” – SEASON 2
4 Wednesdays, 11 AM to 12:30 PM: 9/24, 10/29, 11/19, 12/17
We discuss key themes in each episode of “The Chosen” series. Season 2 will be our focus for Fall and through prayer and discussion as a group, we will discover together Jesus’ message that comes through the episodes. Donation: $75
Now that we have an Augustinian Pope, let’s find out about St. Augustine! We will explore together St. Augustine’s story in his Confessions as translated by Sarah Ruden. This translation helps us to understand and relate to his transformation in becoming who God created him to be. Donation: $175
FRIDAY NIGHT SPIRITUAL READING GROUP HINDS’ FEET ON HIGH PLACES
Hinds’ Feet on High Places is a story of endurance, persistence, and reliance on God. This book has inspired millions to become sure-footed in their faith, even when facing the rockiest terrain. This beloved classic simplifies and captures the mystical journey in its entirety. Donation: $175
Living with purpose; living the questions; living with depth; living in freedom; living out of great desires; living with compassion; living in hope and living with discernment. The down-to-earth writings of Kevin O’Brien, SJ reflect on how to discern God’s call each moment in order to live life more fully. We will use his new book, Seeing with the Heart: A Guide to Navigating Life’s Adventures. Donation: $175
