December 10, 2023 - 2nd Sunday of Advent

The parish of saint Mary A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in our Time One Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722 Phone: 732-780-2666 Fax: 732-780-0394 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

2ND Sunday of Advent - December 10, 2023

Advent Confession Sunday, December 10

Parishioners are expected to arrive at...

3:10 pm, according to their last name initial A-H 3:25 pm - I-P, 3:35 pm - Q-Z

NEW TO COLTS NECK? Join Saint Mary Parish!

We welcome you and invite you to register as parishioners of St Mary!

Please find our registration guidelines on our website under About Us/New Parishioners.

Reminder, Office Hours are 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM every Tuesday and 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Mon., Wed., & Thurs., NO Friday’s or Saturday’s. Also, one Sunday a month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Next month will be Sunday, January 7.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 10, 2023

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Mass Intentions for: Saturday, December 9 - Sunday, December 17 - 2023 Saturday, December 09 – 4 PM Church Stephenie E. Gobat * Susan and James Gobat Albert Herman * Barbara Saake Christopher Munger * Rorie and Jack Coppola Sunday, December 10 – Church 8 AM Pro Populo Frank Donahue * Jane Slattery Louis Dykie * Stabile Family 10 AM Piazza Family * Greenstein Family Dr. Edward Gaines * Richard Carrano Jack Brennan * Florence and Kevin Swan 12 PM Rose Gasparine * Ginny and Bill LaMorte Juan Gutierrez * Richard and Maria Gerbino Dr. Frank Ariosta * Richard and Maria Gerbino Monday, December 11 -9 AM Chapel Anne Amato * Carol Carmignani Lou Schmitt * Maggie Nerz Iribarne Tuesday, December 12 – 9 AM Chapel David Hamlin * Ginny Hamlin Philip Valenziano * Maureen Valenziano

Thursday, December 14 – 9 AM Chapel Nancy and Chaz DiLorenzo * Irene Sessa Helen DeCerce * Diane Carnevale Friday, December 15 – 9 AM Chapel Intentions of Barbara and Edward Moskal, Jr. * St. Mary’s Friends Wilfreda Poscablo * Drs. Gener and Elvira Dapul Saturday, December 16 – 4 PM Church Penny DiMicelli * Deborah DiMicelli Jack Coppola * Jack and Rorie Coppola Bill O’Doherty * Freda O’Doherty Sunday, December 17 – Church 8 AM DeStefano/Albruno Families * Mr. and Mrs. M. Franceschetti 10 AM Wilfreda Poscablo * Drs. Gener and Elvira Dapul Frank Donahue * Francine and Joe Corcoran Albert Herman * John and Molly Aiello 12 PM Pro Populo Robert and Betty Leight * Thoresen Family Anna Ferdinando * Thoresen Family

Mass Intention Requests Requests can be made in person by stopping at the parish office, or online HERE. The suggested stipend is $10.

Wednesday, December 13 – 9 AM Chapel Corcoran and Petolino Families * Francine and Joseph Corcoran Mary Jo Towne * Anne and Maurice Baker

Please pray for the following members of our parish community who are ill: Fr. Bill Bausch ~ Ludwig Mendola ~ Jack Coppola

Bill Donahue ~ Kekoa Xael ~ Kaitlin Donahue Nagle ~ Lori Lettieri

Francis Patrick Albano ~ Kevin O’Shea ~ Lauren vinci

Elizabeth DeStefano ~ TOM JACOBSON ~ Ted ZiEmienski ~ Dawn Reinhardt

To add or remove a family member from the sick list please e-mail ONLY parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Please, also, keep us updated on your loved one’s health. Names will be removed from the list after 3 months. Thank you for keeping our Parish informed.

Thank you to those who have already responded to our increased offertory program, "Hope Does Not Disappoint."

It is still not over, as our goal through this initiative is 100% participation from our parish community!

Others have not yet submitted the Commitment Card, so please take a few moments to respond by taking the steps below.

“Hope Does Not Disappoint” Increased Offertory Program

•Read the brochure •Submit your Commitment Card online •Update online giving

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 10, 2023

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Lifelong Catechesis - Week of December 10 to December 16

READINGS FOR THE WEEK: 10 Sunday: 2nd Sunday of Advent

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:

Is 40:1-5, 9-11/2 Pt 3:8-14/Mk 1:1-8 11 Monday: Is 35:1-10/Lk 5:17-26 [Saint Damasus] 12 Tuesday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab/Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47 [Our Lady of Guadalupe] 13 Wednesday: Is 40:25-31/Mt 11:28-30 [Saint Lucy] 14 Thursday: Is 41:13-20/Mt 11:11-15 [Saint John of the Cross] 15 Friday: Is 48:17-19/Mt 11:16-19 16 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11/Mt 17:9a, 10-13

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

Question for Children: How do you experience God taking care of you, even in times of trouble?

Question for Youth: John went out to announce the good news of the Messiah’s coming. How can you be good news to your friends and family this week?

Question for Adults: When you hear Isaiah comfort the people by promising that God is like a shepherd who gathers the lambs into his arms, what is your response?

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...

Marie and Frank Ksenic Requested by: Dynof Family

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.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

Worship & Music

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

Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception celebrates the purity of the Virgin Mary, that she was conceived in the womb of her mother Anne without the stain of original sin, and therefore pre-destined to carry the Son of God in her own womb.

Although the belief that Mary was without sin was held since the middle ages (both by theological scholars and laity), it was not until the year 1854, when Pope Pius IX declared in his papal bull, Ineffabilis Deus, that Mary was indeed conceived without original sin, speaking with papal infallibility and thus creating a dogma of the Catholic Church.

“We declare, pronounce, and define that the doctrine which holds that the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin, is a doctrine revealed by God and therefore to be believed firmly and constantly by all the faithful.”

Celebrated on December 8th, this day is the patronal feast of the United States and a Holy Day of Obligation. Occurring during Advent, the solemnity breaks from the preparatory mood of the season. The Gloria, normally omitted on Sundays of Advent, is sung. Other music selected for the Mass may be Marian in content, specifically the Annunciation (which is recalled in the Gospel).

Trending: Our Lady of Guadalupe | Sacred Art How You Can Adopt Mary's Advent Spirit Second Week of Advent | Behold w Sr. Miriam James

Movie Night: The First Noel Our Lady of Guadalupe & St. Juan Diego|Littlest Saints The incredible true story of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Log in to FORMED with St. Mary by clicking HERE!

Parking head-in on the grass

It is so wonderful that we are blessed with many parishioner families & visitors to our parish during Christmas. Please be reminded that all staff, ministry volunteers & choir members should park head-in on the grass around the parish campus. Visitors are invited to do the same for additional parking especially during Christmas Eve and Christmas day Masses. Please see page 8 for Mass times.

Nicholas, Bishop, Fourth Century A few things are known for certain about Nicholas: he was born of wealthy parents; named bishop of Myra, a city on the Mediterranean coast of present-day Turkey; became known for his holiness, zeal, charity, and miracles; and was imprisoned for his faith during the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian.

To those few facts are added the colorful legends which have made him a favorite of young and old for centuries. Among the stories most often told about Nicholas is the account of the three sisters whose family had lost its wealth. To keep the girls from having to turn to prostitution, Nicholas, on three separate occasions, tossed a bag of gold through a window. This money became a dowry for each of the girls, and saved the family from ruin.

Miracles have also been attributed to Nicholas. He is said to have saved —Read More HERE.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

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Ministry Schedule: Third Sunday of Advent December 16 & 17 Altar Server

Saturday 4PM

Sunday 8AM

Sunday 10AM

Sunday 12PM

George Barasky & Jacob Barasky 1 SERVER NEEDED

Chloe Cullen & Alessandra Zilinski

1 SERVER NEEDED

Cantor

CHOIR

Carly York

Carly York

Carly York

Reader 1

Reader 2

Paul Tonacci

Annette Raynor

Julia Cullen

Carl Simone

Sunday, December 10 ADVENT PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION 3pm sharp-First P&R for 2nd Graders and their families.

3:10pm-parishioners with last names A-H 3:25pm-I-P 3:35pm-Q-Z Aside from Lent, a time of preparation for the celebration of the Pascal Mystery during the Triduum, Advent is the best possible time for us to repent and ready our hearts in order to fully celebrate the Incarnation of Christ.

The sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is the most powerful way by which we can prepare to engage wholeheartedly in the extraordinary event we know as Christmas.

EMHC

Charles Young

OH - Monica Barr TH - Martha Cowles TH - Elvira Dapul, MD ALT - Louise Habrack

Kevin Swan

OH - Mike LaCava TH - Mary Aiello TH - Lisa Aldridge ALT - Rosanne LaCava

Mary Ellen Griffin

OH - Sue Fitzpatrick TH - Steve Stanley TH - Linda Dickinson-Pancilla ALT - Carol Donahue LWD - Jennifer Garcia

Jennifer Stubbs

OH - Patricia Gesner TH - Ron Gabbard TH - Lee Gesner ALT - Emily Santangelo

The annual Advent Letter with Christmas Giving envelope & quad-fold was mailed to all Parishioners recently.

Please contact us via email HERE if you did not receive one.

2nd Sunday of Advent Prayer…

O Lord, our gracious and loving father, please place an urgency in our hearts for the coming days as we await your son’s arrival.

Help us be filled with the faith we are lacking or may require.

And elicit the words in our mouths that will bring forth faith in another.

Bless us, our family, and friends this advent season, as we draw nearer and nearer to you.

Amen.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org Faith Formation

December 10, 2023

Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Education

RE CALENDAR: 10 December, 2023 i Advent Penance & Reconciliation 13 December, 2023 S Sponsor-A-Family Wrapping Event 6:00 PM in MH 16 December, 2023 i Light Up A Memory/ Christmas Caroling 4:00 PM Mass in Church SIGN UP HERE 17 December, 2023 i S Pancake Breakfast 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM in MH SIGN UP HERE

18 December, 2023 Nativity Play Rehearsal 5:00 PM in the Theater 19 December, 2023 i S Christmas Party/Nativity Play 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM in MH SIGN UP TO THE RIGHT 23,24 December, 2023 Blessing of the Infant Jesus Saturday, 4:00 PM Mass in the Church Sunday, 10AM Mass in the Church

i = Intergenerational Grades 1-6 S = Service Project Grades 7 & 8

CHRISTMAS BREAK Beginning December 23, 2023 there will be no RE Classes in observance of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Classes resume January 2, 2024.

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ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309

Advent Penance and Reconciliation Intergenerational

This Sunday, December 10 we welcome all Religious Education students in grades 2-8 as they make the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. What a gift we are given to receive this Sacrament of healing. All students should sign-in as they enter the church.

Time break down…

3:00 pm 2nd Graders and families 3:10 pm, according to last name initial A-H 3:25 pm - I-P, 3:35 pm - Q-Z

Faith at Home is a monthly column coordinated by the Diocese of Trenton’s Departments of Catechesis. It’s mission is to help faith to come alive in your family!

Check it out HERE. Or, draw closer to God and learn how to draw an Advent wreath at home HERE!

December 19, at 5:15 PM, our annual intergenerational Christmas Party will commence! Following our Nativity Play, enjoy some Christmas Treats in MH. To RSVP or to help out click HERE.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 10, 2023

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

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‘How Great is our Sound’ On Tuesday, November 28th in support of the National Eucharistic Revival, the Cohort Parishes of St. Mary, Colts Neck and St. Catharine, Holmdel hosted a special event entitled “How Great is Our God”. Over 100 participants were introduced to a music and video presentation highlighting the power and majesty of God along with His immense love for us. God’s love for us is so great, that He sent his only son, Jesus, to give His life for us and to leave us the greatest gift, Himself, present in the Holy Eucharist. Those who attended were impacted with a profound sense of amazement, humility and gratitude.

It was truly a special event! Thank you to 8th Grader’s Preparing for Confirmation! all who supported this endeavor.

As the Advent and Christmas season are upon us, families and friends have more opportunity to spend quality time together. Now is a great time, if you haven't already, to begin working on your six conversations with your sponsor. You can find the Faith to Faith magazine with the materials handed out at orientation. Magazine and confirmation paperwork are due by April 28. Sponsor certificates are currently being accepted by the parish office. See our website for more Information HERE. *Sponsors should go to the parish in which they are registered and request a Certificate of eligibility to be a sponsor. Certificate should have the parish's raised seal.*

SERVICE HOUR OPPORTUNITIES FOR 7th & 8th GRADERS NATIVITY PLAY VOLUNTEER ASSISTANTS Grades 7 & 8 Month of December Sign up HERE

PANCAKE BREAKFAST VOLUNTEER Grades 7 & 8 December 17, 2023 Sign up HERE

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

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Advent & Christmas Mass Schedules: Solemnity: The Nativity of the Lord (All Masses will be celebrated in the Church) Christmas Eve - Sunday, December 24th 3:00 pm Mass , 4:30 pm Mass, 10:00 pm Mass (9:30pm Choral Prelude) Christmas Day - Monday, December 25th 11:00 am Mass

3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT Saturday, December 16 at 4:00 pm Mass Light up a Memory Tree Lighting Sunday, December 17 at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 noon Masses Pancake Breakfast 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM

4th Sunday of advent Abbreviated Mass Schedule Blessing of the Infant Jesus Saturday, December 23 at 4:00 pm Mass Sunday, December 24 at 10:00 am Mass

9:00AM Daily Mass will be held in the Chapel for the Octave of Christmas December 26th - December 29th

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

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Quo vadis for December 10. . .

My Dear Parishioners: consultation, I have nominated parishioners Annette Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent. Raynor and Roger Zurro to serve as our Parish Trustees Some success John was: he diverted attention from for a one year term. These appointments may be himself to Jesus and ended up beheaded for his efforts! renewed annually 5x for a maximum of six years. Both Proclaimed repentance, prepared for Jesus, died—this is nominations will be approved by His Excellency, The the pattern of John’s life. Actually, it’s the pattern of Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton’s Vicar General. I Jesus’ life, too: proclaimed, prepared the way to the am grateful to Annette and Roger for their willingness Father, died. Further, it’s the pattern of our own to serve our parish in this important role. There are paschal mystery living: proclaim the gospel of other resolutions that will be approved for capital repentance, prepare for Christ’s second coming, die to improvements that are completed, planned or ourselves. Our being baptized “with the Holy Spirit” underway. enables us to do the work of God, for in baptism our Next Saturday is our Annual Light Up A Memory Mass lives are grafted onto Christ. In baptism we become and Tree lighting on 16 December at 4:00pm Mass. heralds, like John, of Christ’s redeeming presence in our Join with us for mass and the singing of Christmas world. By our Christian living (blamelessly and with Carols as we illuminate the tree in honor of all those righteousness) we proclaim how we prepare for Christ’s whose names have been inscribed in the Memory Book. second coming. But even more: being baptized in the Next Sunday is the return of the Advent Pancake Spirit makes us members of Christ’s very body. We not Breakfast Please consult the e-bulletin for instructions only point to Christ, but we also make present the on how to make a reservation and print out your entry Christ who dwells in us! ticket. This is a great way to meet other parishioners.

We have begun the Liturgical Season of Advent. The The Advent-Christmas-Epiphany Quadfold has been “Glory to God…” is omitted during Lent and Advent. mailed top each of our parishioner households. Please A few mentioned that they “arrived for church at their post it in a convenient place for easy reference. We will usual time” and they were singing the Responsorial observe an abbreviated mass schedule 23/24 December Psalm. Please try to arrive 5 minutes before the for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Don’t forget to bring beginning of mass in order to not be disruptive to the infant from your home nativity scene to be blessed others. This Sunday, 10 December we will offer the at mass) and 30/31 December for the Feast of the Holy Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation (confessions) in Family.

Thank you for your cooperation. When preparation for the Solemnity of Christmas. I ask that coming for Christmas please plan to come earlier than you consult the e-letter for a suggested schedule in usual as it may take longer to park and be directed to a order to provide for your needs while observing the seat. It is important for all of us to be a welcoming necessary protocols. The 13 Priest confessors enable us presence to one another and especially to our guests. to serve your needs in a timely manner. As these priests We are the ambassadors of Christ. come to our parish to assist, I will be going to other parishes during the Season of Advent to assist in serving Many thanks to all those who have already participated in the 2023 Increased Offertory Program. Should you those parishioners. wish to participate please do so in the coming weeks.

This past week was the annual “signing of the Thanks also to some of our bona fide parishioners who, sacramental books”. Each year the pastor presents the in addition to their weekly stewardship of treasure, have Sacramental Register Books for inspection by the Vicar made one-time end of the year gifts to our parish.

Forane (Dean) and “Corporate Resolutions” Thank you. Have a great week. Let us remember one re-appointing the pastor as Secretary-Treasurer and two another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. members of the parish congregation as “Lay Trustees” Father Jeff

by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton or his delegate.

This year, following

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 10, 2023

Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach

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Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Sharing Our Treasure December 3, 2023 – 1st Sunday of Advent

Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship

$28,734

Envelope Contributions

$18,798

Electronic/Online Contributions

$9,285

Loose Contributions

$651 377 $74.49

# Registered Parishioner Households Building and Mortgage Collection

955 $3,837.50

Our monthly Building and Mortgage payment is $7,966.26.

Thank you for your generosity. Please continue to be generous.

"My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way." Mt 15:32

Missionary Childhood Association

ADVENT Mite Boxes The purpose of the Missionary Childhood Association is to encourage all children to be aware of the needs of children living in mission dioceses through the world and support them both spiritually and sacrificially. Today it is in 110 countries and helps make Jesus known to children all over the world.

Please take a mite box home with you and have your child fill it with loose change throughout Advent.

Once filled, please count the amount inside, write a check to St Mary Parish with “MCA” in the memo line and we as a parish will forward the full amount to the Mission Office. You can also make an offering online at https://bit.ly/3ETJPyT or scan the code. Please send in your offerings by January 8, 2024.

Thank you in advance for your generosity & commitment.

scan code 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 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!

Consider A Year-End Gift to St Mary Parish As you begin yearend tax planning, take advantage of the charitable tax deduction for gifts made before December 31 and consider making a gift to St Mary Parish. Your gift to our parish can make a great difference to us and help you as well.

Online Giving is a convenient way to make your gift to St. Mary Parish. To create or update your St. Mary Parish Online Giving account, visit https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/smcn If you choose to make a cash donation, please prepare your check and mail it so that your envelope is postmarked or received by the Parish Office by December 31 to qualify as a gift in the year 2023.

Contributions received on January 1st or after will be treated as 2024 gifts.

Thank you! Your generosity has been a blessing to

St. Mary Parish throughout this past year. Your continued support allows us to continue our ministries and mission to proclaim the Gospel in our time.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

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Last chance to purchase tickets for our Advent Pancake Breakfast!!!!!!!

In celebration of our 3rd Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) we will be joining together December 17, from 8:00AM to 11:45 AM for breakfast in Madonna Hall.

As expected, there will be pancakes!

You can still RSVP, HERE. And volunteer, HERE. No tickets will be sold at the door.

2023 Christmas Collection: Our Christmas mailer has been sent out to our parishioners a few weeks ago.

When making your list of Christmas gifts this year, please remember your parish.

Kindly use the Christmas offering envelope or make your gift through our online giving system at http://bit.ly/2Ec6vu5.

We will provide you with a report of this collection at the conclusion of the Christmas Season.

Thank you generosity!

for

your

Light Up A Memory

The Light Up A Memory ceremony is after 4:00 PM Mass on Saturday, December 16.

A donation of $10.00 per light will honor a loved one (living or deceased), and the lights will shine until the Christmas season is over on Epiphany. There will be a special Memory Book on display in the Church, where all the names will be inscribed. As a donor, you are also entitled to send a card to the family of the deceased or to the honoree. Cards can be picked up at the parish office. The deadline to submit THIS FORM is now December 11.

Thank you for participating in this wonderful parish tradition!

Spreading Christmas Cheer!!!

MMG

The Martha Mary Guild is planning a special meeting on Wednesday, December 13 - with the emphasis on the joy of Christmas. Our Pastoral Coordinator for Worship and Music, Andrew J. Macirowski, will lead everyone in Christmas Carols to set the holiday spirit. What's more fun than a "Sing-a-long"!?! Another very important aspect of this meeting is our annual collection of baby clothes, diapers and other items for Birthright. It's always so heartwarming to see the array of gifts from our generous members!

All women of the parish and our Cohort parishes are cordially invited to join us at 11:30 AM for the rosary, followed by BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch), with delicious desserts supplied by the Guild. The wonderful Songfest will start at 12:30 PM.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

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Eucharistic Revival Monthly Homily ‘How Great is our Sound’ was November 28 in support of the National Eucharistic Revival.

Please see page 7.

DECEMBER Catechetical Topic: “The Eucharist in Advent” Purpose: To identify and elaborate on Eucharistic themes that are in common with the purposes of the Advent Season and the Scripture readings of the day.

Click HERE for the Homily, featuring Father John Butler of St. Michael’s Church in Long Branch, NJ.

Watch comfortably from a screen in your home Music, Prayer, Scripture

the unfolding of Jesus in the Eucharist, and the sacrament's continuous impact throughout time.

Understand Jesus's teachings of the Eucharist long before its recognition in the Last Supper during this 6-episode series called 'Bread of Life: Eucharist in Galilee.' Then later watch a priest bear witness to a miracle in the Eucharist during Mass; eradicating all his doubt of Jesus's presence in this short movie, 'Faith Prevails: The Miracle of Bolsena.'

St. Catharine Church, Howell December 8 and 13

Eucharistic Adoration 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm

Check this page of the bulletin each week to find out about upcoming meetings and events for the Eucharist Revival. Parish events will also be posted on our Facebook page.

It’s not too late to Join the Movement!

NEW INFORMATION EVERY WEEK!!!

December 10, 2023 Click image to download:

Are you a Catholic teacher? A principal of a Catholic school? Or a parent with a Catholic student?

Download the Playbook for Schools. Inside is a letter from Bishop Cozzens, suggestions for establishing a Eucharistic culture inside school walls and a list of resources.

“What better way to send Christmas cards then to send an ‘I have prayed for you’ postcard. You are touched, all the mail-handlers are touched, and the recipient is touched. And /or share a card inviting someone to adoration.” Just call and ask for Kim at (609) 888-1841

To find more information about the movement, click HERE.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

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The Holy Innocents Society would like to invite your family to participate in our ShopRaise App for buying items that generate donations toward the Holy Innocents Society, Diocese of Trenton in our ministry to support families impacted by a disability with Faith Formation Classes and Sensory Masses throughout the Diocese. There is no added cost for the shopper, and Holy Innocents Society receives a Donation.

Thank you so much for your participation.

St. Padre Pio Prayer Group of St. Ambrose Parish

February 14, 2024 – ASH WEDNESDAY RETREAT Ever wish you could receive more out of Lent? Explore the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and alms giving as we carve out our Lenten plans. Lunch and Eucharistic Liturgy with distribution of ashes included.

Arrival: 9:00 a.m./Departure: 2:30 p.m. (Presenter: Janice Santanello, M.Th., CLEM, CSG, CPC) Cost: $60

Come join us in prayer as we celebrate mass together in honor of St Padre Pio by Celebrant Fr. Jack C. Grimes. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday January 20, 2023 at 9:00 AM, followed by veneration of a first class relic of St Padre Pio. St Ambrose Parish 83 Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge NJ 08857 (732)679-5666.

March 19, 2024 – HONORING ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER - In honor of our patron St. Joseph, the staff cordially invites you to join us at Eucharistic Liturgy as we celebrate this special day. We will pray for peace and healing for ourselves and for our world. Please call to register by March 15. SPACE WILL BE LIMITED TO 40 PEOPLE. Refreshments and Blessed Bread after the program. Arrival: 10:30 a.m. Mass: 11:00 a.m./ Departure: 1:00 p.m. (Presenters: Staff) Donation