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: 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
TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
IMPORTANT UPDATES
LABOR DAY WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE
Abbreviated Schedule: Saturday, August 30 at 5 PM and Sunday, August 31 at 10 AM
SATURDAY EVENING MASSES
Mass Time: Starting September 6, Saturday Mass will be at 4 PM (rather than 5 PM) .
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Regular Tuesday Schedule: Starting Tuesday, September 2, the Parish Office will be open Tuesday evenings from 2:30 to 7:30 PM . Hours on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday continue to be 9 AM to 2 PM.
Sunday Hours: The Parish Office is open one Sunday a month and will be open next on Sunday, September 7 from 9 AM to 1 PM.
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, August 30, 2025 - Sunday, September 7, 2025
Saturday, August 30
5 PM
Rose Rimmele * Barbara Saake
MaryAnn Barone * Cynthia Barone Mazzola
Steven Parkes * Parkes Family
Sunday, August 31
10 AM
Pro Populo
Rose Lunz * Maureen Beyer
Dorothy Gabbard * The Gabbard Family
Monday, September 1
9 AM Chapel
Abel Bocanegra Lujan * Maria Yaninas and Family
William Donahue, Sr. * Carol Donahue
Tuesday, September 2
9 AM Chapel
Carl Simone * Ann Marie Dayton
Jennie Gibaldi * Anna DeMeo
Wednesday, September 3
9 AM Chapel
Carl Simone * Kristen Taylor
Thursday, September 4
9 AM Chapel
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Robert Kinlin * Tom and Angela Kinlin
Friday, September 5
9 AM Chapel
Ruby Poscablo Lim * Drs. Gener & Elvira Dapul
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:
Saturday, September 6
4 PM
Darryl Turkaly * Diane Carnevale
Sergio & Francisco Dos Santos * Dos Santos Family
Gina Albano * Danielle Hennessey
Sunday, September 7
8 AM
Anita Stutz * Jane Slattery
Dulce Rodrigues * The Gioacchini Family
Stephen L. Cirillo
10 AM
Elle Moeller * John & Dawn
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger Intentions of Julia Cullen * The Sarapochillo Family
12 Noon
Pro Populo
Robert A. & Mary Joan McNamara * The McNamara Family
Luigi Cantatore * The Gabbard family
Cynthia Amatel
Please pray for the following members of our parish community who are ill:
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.
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
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, August 31
Si 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 / He 12:18-19, 22-24a / Lu 14:1, 7-14
Monday, September 1
1 Th 4:13-18 / Lu 4:16-30
Tuesday, September 2
1 Th 5:1-6, 9-11 / Lu 4:31-37
Wednesday, September 3
Co 1:1-8 / Lu 4:38-44
Thursday, September 4
Co 1:9-14 / Lu 5:1-11
Friday, September 5
Co 1:15-20 / Lu 5:33-39
Saturday, September 6
Co 1:21-23 / Lu 6:1-5
Week of August 31 to September 6
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION
Give as God gives - in humility and love.
Question for Children:
Jesus tells us that we should treat everyone as a guest. Who do you tend to shun or not be nice to?
Question for Youth:
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
God asks us to do for others without hope of repayment. This past week, what did you do for someone else for which you won’t be repaid? Who are the people most in need of your generosity?
Question for Adults:
Who are the people living near you that you would find it most difficult to invite to a meal in your home? Or to invite to be part of your life?
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org
Pope Saint Gregory the Great
Pope Saint Gregory the Great served as Pope from 590-604, and his memorial is celebrated on September 3. He is the patron saint of musicians, especially singers, as well as students and teachers.
Although his tenure was short, he is noted for multiple accomplishments:
Emphasized missionary work in Great Britain
Frequently gave alms to the poor, and suggested that each church have a deacon who would be ordained for the purpose of service to the poor and needy
Fed the hungry during a Roman famine in the mid-590s, using the farming assets of the Church of Rome.
Heavily involved in the liturgy of the Church, he began to establish the collecting of chants used throughout the various regions and constructed the standard for which specific chants would be used for specific services.
Although the specific way of notating this music would come centuries later, the term Gregorian Chant is attributed to him and remains the official musical form of the Roman Catholic Church to this day. The style of Gregorian Chant is the model for modern styles of chant as well, with flowing and melismatic musical lines. Single-line chant was the precursor to counterpoint, which lead to polyphony, which led to the music of the baroque and classical eras and beyond. Therefore, not only sacred music, but almost all modern music can trace it roots back to Pope Gregory’s insistence on codifying musical practice and form.
Liturgy of the Word Dismissal for Children Ages 4 to 12
This is the practice of having children, 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. Holy
OGod, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Saturday, 9/6
4 PM
Sunday, 9/7
8 AM
Sunday, 9/7
10 AM
Sunday, 9/7
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 6 & Sunday, September 7
Grace Collins NOT FILLED
Jack Main NOT FILLED
Reagan Royal
Jacob Barasky
12 Noon NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Marybeth Jacobson
Angela Kinlin
Charles Young
Contact Andrew Macirowski at Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org
Bridget Farrow
Rita Duenas
Joe Ventura
Susan Murphy, Organ Host
Martha Cowles, Tabernacle Host
Irene Weller, Tabernacle Host
Louise Habrack, Alternate
Cindy Ventura, Organ Host
Joyce Flynn, Tabernacle Host
Mike LaCava, Tabernacle Host
NOT FILLED, Alternate
Liz Dickinson-Pancila, Organ Host
Taylor Kurilew
Steve Rumsby
Barbara Schaflin
Taylor Kurilew
Richard Gerbino
Jennifer Stubbs
Fran Vaina, Tabernacle Host
Steve Stanley, Tabernacle Host
Michal Kalisz, Alternate
Ron Gabbard, Organ Host
Tom Nathanson, Tabernacle Host
Dolores Lembo, Tabernacle Host
NOT FILLED, Alternate
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Teresa ofAvila, Virgin and Doctor, 1515-1582
Teresa, sometimes known as Teresa of Jesus, was born in Avila in Castile, Spain. She was one of nine children of Don Alonzo Sanchez de Cepeda and his second wife, Doña Beatrice Davila y Ahumada. Teresa wrote of her large family that "all, through the goodness of God, were like our parents in being virtuous, except myself."
At the age of seven, Teresa was already intrigued by the lives of the saints. She and a younger brother, Rodrigo, decided that the easiest way to become a saint was to be martyred since martyrs seemed to have bought heaven very cheaply by their sufferings. With that in mind, the two young children set off from home to travel to Morocco where, they were certain, they would be martyred and, thus, become saints. An uncle found them not too far from home and returned them to their frightened mother, so their sainthood was postponed. After attending school in an Augustinian convent, Teresa became a Carmelite nun in 1536. At that time, the convent parlor acted as the social center of the town. Many of the townspeople would come to the convent on Sunday afternoons; they and the nuns would sit in the parlor and discuss the issues of the day. Teresa participated in this and enjoyed it for some time, even to the point of giving up much of her prayer and meditation. Teresa chose her novices in a way which might seem strange to us.
Read more HERE.
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
ReligiousEd@StMarysColtsNeck.org • (732) 780-2666 x. 309
A Message to Our Families
Religious Education is busy preparing for the Fall RE program for both elementary and Confirmation prep. Orientations are coming up-please see the calendar for details. We are in need of CP-1 & 2 to help out with elementary RE both virtually and on campus. See the bulletin next week for the sign-up link!
We are also continuing our participation in the National Community of Catechetical Leaders (NCCL) project, Parents & Families at the Center of Faith Formation. 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 to learn more!
9 September 2025
Catechist Orientation (CP) 4:30 PM, Religious Ed Office
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 Confirmandi & sponsor or parent/guardian
16 September 2025
Catechist Orientation (FHC & CF)
4:30 PM, Religious Ed Office
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
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 Martha Mary Guild’
SALE BEGINS THURSDAY, 9/4!
Shop for the whole family!
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!
Donations accepted through Sunday, 8/31
Drop off your clean, gently used clothing and accessories for men, women and children in Madonna Hall
BOOK YOUR FAMILY PHOTO!
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:
2PM-8:30PM
Be a part of our
Click to schedule online!
New model of collaboration helps youth in Colts Neck, Holmdel parishes
August 25, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.
By MARY STADNYK Associate Editor
A work of the Holy Spirit: that’s how Rose Farrow describes the collaboration between St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, and St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, in offering a unique and effective way to provide ministry for young people.
Farrow, pastoral coordinator for faith formation in both parishes, explained that it had been several years since St. Mary Parish had a youth ministry program. While there were some requests for a program, “considering the busy lives our families live, there was not enough promise of consistent participation to warrant our own group.” As a way to have some outreach for youth, she said that when she was the parish’s Confirmation prep coordinator, she reached out to St. Catharine Parish to see if members would be open to including teens from St. Mary’s in their program “that was already alive and active.”
Farrow said that in 2024, she saw an increase in young people seeking to become Catholic, and the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults/Youth Ministry collaboration “was born out of a need to better serve this section of inquirers by working together toward the common goal of accompanying young people into a deeper relationship with Christ, the Church, the parish community and forming disciples.”
“This youth ministry collaboration provided the OCIA youth an opportunity to become integrated in the parish with parishioners their own age and the youth ministry group an opportunity to be models of faith and companions on the journey.” Farrow maintains that the benefits of the youth ministry model are rooted in the willingness and support of the pastor and youth minister, who allowed her to make changes.
“Audrey Krastins, the coordinator of youth ministry in St. Catharine Parish, wanted to add a faith component that she needed help with, and I wanted a group of teens to accompany and witness to the OCIA teens on their faith journey,” Farrow said. “It We each brought our unique gifts, experiences and resources to this collabora-
Farrow said now OCIA/YM Sundays include a faithsharing component rooted in the catechumenate model based on the Lectionary, liturgical calendar and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The ice breakers are rooted in that Sunday’s Scripture, and a service component allows the young people to put their faith into action, she said.
During Lent, a mini-retreat challenged participants to reflect on their relationship with Christ, finding Christ every day and getting to know Jesus in the Eucharist. Youth ministry teen leaders were trained to lead the group in faith sharing, and a panel of teens shared personal witness stories about their own faith journeys.
“In this fledgling year, whatever successes we had came to us through hard work and trust from the pastor and youth ministry leadership team, but mostly because we worked with the understanding that we are merely the instruments and God would provide the necessary tools and graces for the work,” Farrow said.
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Humility isn’t a matter of beating our breast or putting ourselves down. Humility is recognizing that we are gifted, enriched and nourished by God and then reaching out to others in the same way. If we wish God to raise us up (“repaid at the resurrection of the righteous”), then we must live our lives raising up others. Each Sunday, we are invited to God’s banquet table. We ourselves are nourished at the same time that we are called to share the abundance of God’s life by reaching out to others in need. We eat and drink in order to be gracious to others. This is the most profound humility!
We continue to meet with couples interested in being married in the church. There are many in our midst who desire to strengthen their commitment to our Catholic Church. There is a lot of misinformation about the Catholic Church’s teaching on Marriage, Divorce and Annulment. Father Mike and I are both meeting with couples helping them to prayerfully discern taking the next step in their relationships. It can be a time of healing from past wounds and a time of great grace growing in God’s love for self and family. We are here to help those who might have questions.
The Labor Day Civic Observance provides us an opportunity to reflect on and give thanks for the gift of human labor. Our Catholic Church has a long and distinguished history in advocating for just working conditions and compensation. We will observe the abbreviated mass schedule the weekend of 30/31 August: Saturday
5:00pm; Sunday 10:00am. Please make note in your personal schedule. We will gather for mass on Labor Day at 9am in the Chapel. Come and join us giving thanks for all of the employment options our country has and for the continued safety of all workers.
As we begin the month of September, let us pray for all those who embrace the vocation of teaching. May they be role models for their students and collaborators with parents in educating and forming young people. Let us also pray for students as they continue their journey through life and continue learning about our great country and the many possibilities that await them.
Someone mentioned to me last week that Christmas was four months away! I didn’t know how to respond. The time continues, ready or not. Make the most of each and every day. Enjoy the seasons as summer comes to an end and fall begins. Take some time to enjoy the more moderate temperatures. Take walk or a bike ride, sit outside, enjoy friends (a favorite beverage, etc….)
We continue to work in our parish church building. The Baptismal Font has been installed and the filtration and heating system has been replaced. Work continues with the replacement of porcelain floor tiles in the area of the nave near and around the baptismal font and the entire narthex. Thank you for your continued patience and support. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff.
BUS TRANSPORTATION FROM FREEHOLD! SEPTEMBER 13
Departing from St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral at 7:45 AM and returning at approximately 5:00 PM.
Bring a packed lunch Cost: $20 (non refundable)
Edwin
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
ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS THE LIVING FLAME OF LOVE
9 Thursdays, 1 to 3 PM: 9/25, 10/23, 11/20, 12/18, 1/22, 2/26, 3/26, 4/23, 5/21
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
ST. AUGUSTINE’S STORY FULL OF GRACE (ZOOM ONLY)
9 Wednesdays, 7 to 8:15 PM: 9/24, 10/22, 11/19, 12/17, 1/14/ 2/11, 3/11, 4/15, 5/13
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
9 Fridays, 6 to 7:30 PM: 9/5, 10/3, 11/7, 12/5, 1/2, 2,6, 3/6, 4/10, 5/8
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
NAVIGATING LIFE’S ADVENTURES (ZOOM ONLY)
9 Tuesdays, 7 to 8 PM: 9/16, 10/14, 11/18, 12/16, 1/13, 2/17, 3/17, 4/14, 5/12
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
SAN ALFONSO RETREAT HOUSE
Upcoming Weekend Retreats
September 5 - 7 (Men)
September 12 - 14 (Men)
September 26 - 28 (Married Couples)
October 3 - 5 (Women)
October 10 - 12 (Women)
October 17 - 19 (Knights of Columbus)
Click here to sign up or for more information or visit https://www.sanalfonsoretreats.org/2025-events