December 12, 2021 - The Third 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 : Worship schedule inside.

Refer to website for more detailed information www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

The Third Sunday of Advent Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!

Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 4:4-7

December 12, 2021 See Page 9

Abbreviated Mass Schedule for The Fourth Sunday of Advent Saturday, 4:00pm Sunday, 10:00am

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December 12, 2021

Mass Intentions for: Saturday, December 11th - Sunday, December 19th For * Requested by

Saturday, December 11 – 4 PM Church Pro Populo Sharon Sturchio * Diane Carnevale Bill O’Doherty and Noreen Cacchione * Freda O’Doherty Sunday, December 12 – Church 8 AM Helen and John Sionas * Eileen and Michael Stivala Cecilia Friedman * Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren 10 AM

David Hamlin * Hamlin Family Stephen Daisak * Barbara Daisak and Family Lloyd Petillo * Stephanie Petillo

12 PM

Mary Joan McNamara * Lee and Patty Gesner

Monday, December 13 – 9 AM Chapel Special Intention * Suzanne Schlesinger Mary Jo Towne * Anne Baker Tuesday, December 14 – 9 AM Chapel Charles and Nancy DiLorenzo * Sessa and Buda Families Wednesday, December 15 – 9 AM Chapel Souls in Purgatory * Mary Soyka Thursday, December 16 – 9 AM Chapel Wilfreda Poscablo * Drs. Gener and Elvira Dapul Friday, December 17 - 9 AM Chapel Maria Spera * Lorraine Lee Souls in Purgatory * Mary Soyka Saturday, December 18 – 4 PM Church Dorothy Deckert * John and Susan Murphy Intentions of Leonidas Mavrookas * Suzanne Schlesinger Frank Baker * Rorie and Jack Coppola Sunday, December 19 – Church 10 AM Pro Populo Souls in Purgatory * Mary Soyka Betsy Boyle * Sharon Burlew and Family

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Please pray for the following members of our parish family who are ill: Kathleen Amatel Janice Basilice Fr Bill Bausch Eileen Beckley Rita Bonamo John Boyle Anne Boyle Christen Chellis Blake Conley Kaitlin Donahue Nagle Sharon Evangellista Joann Feliciti Cynthia Fiedler James Fiedler Emily Gioacchini Edward Habrack Tom Hudak Elizabeth Lind Huseby

Anton Kopp Bridget Korn Bob Lind Lori Lettieri Donna Lodi Melissa Love Leonidas Mavrookas Ludwig Mendola Walter Moeller Kevin O’Shea Stanley Rembisz Owen Shoemaker Victoria Slater Gerard P. Thompson Seneida Tomasetti Lauren Vinci

To add a family member to the sick list for 8 weeks, please call or e-mail the Parish Office. Thank you! 732-780-2666 or parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

GROTTO CANDLES The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions.

Offering is $3.00 per candle.

Parish Office Hours Monday 9 am – 2 pm Tuesday 2 pm -7:30 pm Wednesday 9 am – 2 pm Thursday 9 am – 2 pm Sunday 9 am -12 noon No office hours on Friday or Saturday

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Lifelong Catechesis Week of December 20th-26th 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 SN Colton Boag, USCG LCpl Devon Francis Chrzan, USMC Lt. Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army Major Douglas Coppola, US Army Lt. Mary Herman, USN SN Christian Houlihan, USN LT. Jason Joseph Howe, USN SPC Michael John Mento, US Army SPC Nicholas Poskonka, US Army Captain Richard Savo, US Army 1st Lt. Adam Sjoholm, US Army Captain Ryan Tanguay, US Army TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC

READINGS FOR THE WEEK 20 Monday: Isaiah 7:10-14 / Luke 1:26-38 21 Tuesday: Song of Songs 2:8-14 / Luke 1:39-45 22 Wednesday: 1 Samuel 1:24-28 / Luke 1:46-56 23 Thursday: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 / Luke 1:57-66 24 Friday: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 / Luke 1:67-79 VIGIL: Isaiah 62:1-5 / Acts 13:16-17, 22-25 / Matthew 1:1-25 25 Saturday: THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD Isaiah 52:7-10 / Hebrews 1:1-6 / John 1:1-18 26 Sunday: FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 / Colossians 3:12-21 / Luke 2:41-52

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:

If there is a family member you wish to be placed on the list, please contact the Parish Bulletin at 732780-2666 or parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org.

The 2022 Mass Intention Book is open for date specific Mass Intentions.

Requests can be made via paper, by stopping at the parish office, or online HERE.

Baptism Preparation Sessions

Consider donating the sanctuary lamp that burns in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the Church or in the Chapel in honor of a living or deceased loved one.

Request Envelopes available at the office.

The suggested donation is $25.

Honor a loved one Weekly Intentions are available in the Chapel.

Available weeks listed below.

Chapel - 12/26

St Mary is offering Baptismal Preparation Sessions on:

December 14, 2021 at 6:00 PM Pre-registration is required. Contact Us

Special Intention

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

OPLATEK The Oplatek, or Christmas Wafer, is a thin piece of unleavened bread, similar to that of the Eucharistic bread offered at the sacrifice of Mass. Oplatki are not transubstantiated, blessed or sanctified by clergy, which makes them acceptable for transport as you would any other food item.

Originally a Polish tradition dating back to the 10th century, the oplatek is a symbol of the unity of family, and the upholding of the family as a pillar of society.

The family gathers around the dinner table on Christmas Eve. Before the meal begins, either the father or eldest member of the family takes a large wafer, gives thanks to God for His blessings, then breaks it, giving another large piece to his wife or next eldest family member. This continues around the table, as all wish each other a Merry Christmas, and a healthy new year. When all have broken bread, each person will hold a much smaller piece of the wafer, about the size of a regular host for communion (or smaller at a large gathering). Then, everyone consumes the wafer, acknowledges their blessings, and begins the meal.

Outreach

Saint of the Week:

There are many opportunities for parishioners of Saint Mary to “reach out” into the community to help those in need!

Saint John of the Cross

Learn more about the Charitable Appeals & Outreach Ministries at The Parish of Saint Mary: 

Martha Mary Guild

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Food Collection

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Prayer Shawl Ministry

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Sewing & Quilting Ministry

Priest and Doctor Juan’s father died when Juan was two. At nine, the family moved, and Juan worked at a hospital and began his studies at a Jesuit school.

He earned a position as nurse, was very compassionate to the critically ill and lonely, while still a serious student. After graduation he joined the Carmelite order and traveled around Spain founding monasteries and establishing rules. He became a Discalced (barefoot) Carmelite and came to be known as John of the Cross, Juan de la Cruz. He was imprisoned for refusing to return to his original posting, and beaten weekly. This inspired some of his poetry. He is the patron saint of contemplatives, mystics and mystical theology, as well as Spanish poets. Read More...

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Please note the Abbreviated Mass Schedule for the Fourth Sunday of Advent Worship Schedule: December 18/19 - Fourth Sunday of Advent Altar Server

Saturday, 4:00 PM (Church)

Sunday, 10:00 AM (Church)

Mark Hines William Hines

Valeska Yaninias Danek Yaninas

Cantor

Reader 1

Jill Russo

Magnificat Choir

Speak with a Priest Struggling

with a life event and in need of spiritual assistance? Want to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance outside the normal Confession times? Trying to find your way back to engagement with the Church? Discerning vocation? Looking to complete your Sacraments of Initiation and wish to chat about the journey?

St Mary is offering the opportunity for parishioners to chat with a priest who is only indirectly engaged with the parish.

If interested please contact Fr Mike Walsh by phone 732-780-2666 x205 or email frmike.walsh@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Reader 2

Kathy Maher

Matt Yaninas

EMHC

Charles Young

Emily Santangelo Organ Host Martha Cowles Tabernacle Host Louise Habrack Tabernacle Host Susan Murphy Alternate

Carl Simone

Dawn Reinhardt Organ Host Heide Lohn Tabernacle Host Carol Donahue Tabernacle Host Sue Fitzpatrick Alternate

Pastoral Care Spiritual Companionship Counseling Pastoral Care Spiritual Companionship Counseling is a ministry which provides spiritual consolation and recovery resource information for those who thirst for grace and healing.

Program Participants will:  Understand the spiritual dimension of the trauma, including its devastating physiological and psychological effects.  Learn to cope with current issues through motivation, interview, and listening.  Effectively work to transform their way of life by following the Will of God  Establish a recovery plan

“Together, We Make a Difference” Learn more & sign up

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Faith Formation Julia Cullen

Pastoral Coordinator of Religion Education Grade 1–8 ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309

Rose Farrow

Coordinator of Faith Formation for Youth & Adult Catechesis YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 310

Christmas Sponsor-A-Family Program Grades 1-8 You may recall that Jesus tells us “Whatsoever you do for the least of my people, that you do unto me.”

In this spirit, thank you for participating in our annual program and making a difference in one family’s life at Christmas.

The Religious Education classes will be assisting families in need this Christmas. We are asking that you contribute the following items:

A $25 gift card (Visa or Mastercard) A non-perishable food/household item A stocking stuffer Please drop off food items or stocking stuffers at the parish office window during office hours.

Please put your gift card in an envelope clearly marked Sponsor-a-family and drop in the collection box in the Narthex of the Church or at the parish office during office hours.

Thank you for your generosity.

DECEMBER Religious Education Newsletter

Congratulations to all our parish children who received their First Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation

For updates, and more information about all Faith Formation programs please see the website: HERE

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities for Youth & Families: Click an event below to Sign Up — space is limited!

Sponsor-A-Family Shopping Sponsor-A-Family Wrapping Sponsor-A-Family Delivery

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December 12, 2021

The True Meaning of Advent: Watch this Reflection!

The annual Advent Letter with Christmas Giving envelope & Quad-fold was mailed to all recently. Please contact us via email - HERE if you did not receive one.

We will begin Liturgy of the Word Dismissal again early in 2022. We are in need of parent volunteers to help facilitate the program. Please SIGN UP HERE if you are interested and we reach out with more details.

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Will You Help Feed the Hungry at Christmas?

There are many of our neighbors – singles, couples, families with children – who will be without food this Christmas. The simple things we take for granted, such as milk, butter, eggs, bread, may be in short supply, or even non-existent, for those who struggle with the normal everyday expenses of life, and may be caught in difficult circumstances like low wages, job loss or illness. Even governmentsponsored food programs are being cut back to the point that non-governmental agencies supply a significant amount of food to the disadvantaged and are serving the marginalized throughout our great country of plenty. Please consider a generous donation to the St. Mary Food Voucher Program so that we may help the needy at this time of year, when need is most greatly felt. It’s easy; simply drop a check made out to “The Parish of St. Mary” (with “Food Voucher Program” noted on the memo line) in the Sunday collection basket.

Prepare your heart and mind this Advent by watching or listening to one of these FORMED reflections!

New Parishioner Orientation Sunday, January 30, 2022 11:00AM Madonna Hall Attendance is mandatory for those wishing to become parishioners at the Parish of St. Mary.

Please Contact the Parish Office if you wish to attend 732-780-2666

The true meaning of Christmas Mary of Nazareth Third Sunday of Advent Fourth Sunday of Advent The Immaculate Conception Our Lady of Guadalupe FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Juan Diego & Our Lady (kids) What is Christmas about? (kids)

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An Invitation from The Martha Mary Guild

Please join us on Wednesday, January 12th It’s coming to that time of year again when people start to think about “New Year Resolutions” and promising that they will take better care of themselves. The next meeting of the St. Mary Martha Mary Guild is going to concentrate on doing just that!

The guest speaker will be Christine Cernera, who is the owner of Reclaim Your Health L.L.C. and is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP), a Restorative Wellness Practitioner and a Licensed RESTART Instructor.

Christine states that her goal “is to empower individuals to reclaim their health through nutrition/lifestyle education and support”. She wants people to realize that they can strive for good health by being mindful of what they eat and enjoying life. She will help us to understand that “achieving good health is a journey and a skill-set that must be learned and practiced to see the results, but it is well worth the time and effort.”

Join us in the Spiritual Center on Wednesday, Jan. 12 to jumpstart your New Year with a “New Outlook” on health and well-being. The rosary will be at 11:30 a.m., followed by BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch) and Christine will start around 12:30pm.

We are asking our generous members to donate hats, gloves and scarves for needy children and adults, which will be distributed by Holiday Express.

Men’s Morning Office The Thursday Men’s Morning Office has been meeting since 1981 when it was formed by now Pastor Emeritus William J. Bausch. As of September 2021, we have about 20 men meeting in person every Thursday morning at 7:00 am in the Chapel for prayer. We usually conclude our prayer service by 7:30 am, and then enjoy some coffee, donuts & camaraderie for 15-20 minutes before all are on their way. With an active roster of 40 or so men ranging in age from their early 20s to 90+, we welcome any men in the Parish or cohort to come join us any Thursday morning for prayer & fellowship!

Feel free to CONTACT Bob Lutkewitte for more information.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

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Quo vadis…

My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent known as Gaudete Sunday (notice that the presider is wearing rose vestments). When we’ve ordered our lives in the minimal things—fulfilling the requirements of our state in life and job or ministry—then we can seek the greater things, the greater One. Our being baptized in the Holy Spirit means that we already share in divine life. This means that we are enabled to relate to Christ not as One “out there” but as One who is in our midst, one who is near. Relationship to others takes on a whole new meaning because we now enter into a unique relationship with the divine One. In our daily living we, too, point to the One who is to come first by doing well what is expected of us. Second and more importantly, we point to the One who is to come by being who we have become in Christ: the presence of Christ; we ourselves are to be the “mighty one” for others.

Thus because of God’s indwelling the doing and being collapse into one: whatever it is we do, we always do so as bearers of Christ because we are “in Christ Jesus” (second reading). For this reason—we are the presence of the risen Christ for each other—nothing we do is small or inconsequential. Everything we do brings the Lord near to those around us.

As we continue our journey through the Season of Advent the focus of our readings and prayers are directed away from the end of time and more toward the fulfillment of the covenant as revealed in the Birth of Jesus the Christ. In our daily lives we are picking up the pace. Shopping, baking, cleaning, decorating consume many of our waking moments. All of this is good and wholesome. I think it is important to remember why it is that we make such a fuss. It is important for us to effectively communicate to others, especially our children and young people, that life is more than merchandise and consumer items. Life is about relationships, service and giving from the heart. It is much easier to spend money to buy something physical and give it to someone. It is much more challenging for us to make ourselves present to

someone in need. Our parish community has such a wonderful tradition of sharing and giving especially for the poor, needy and marginalized.

It is my hope that we will increase our resolve to avoid the temptation of materialism and to embrace the spirit of the season that is rooted in the sacramental life of Jesus, most especially through frequent reception of Holy Communion.

Many thanks to all those who helped us in preparing our children and young people for their first celebration of Penance & Reconciliation. May our lives radiate the awesomeness of God’s mercy and forgiveness.

This weekend we Light Up a Memory tree to remember those who have gone before us. It is a lovely tradition here in our parish. Take a moment to page through the annual book. Thanks to the Freda, Molly & the committee who share their time and talent to make this a reality.

Our Advent-Christmas-Epiphany quadfold mailing has been sent and received by most of our registered parishioners. Included in this mailing is the 2021 Christmas Collection Letter and Stewardship Offering Envelope. Several parishioners have spoken to me about end of the year giving. Please consider an end of the year gift to our parish in the Christmas Collection or funding another project.

As we approach the Solemnity of Christmas choose wisely the mass you will attend. Invite family members and friends to come with you to pray on this most holy occasion. Wherever possible try to carpool with other family members and friends.

Next weekend we have an abbreviated schedule for the Fourth Sunday of Advent…Saturday at 4:00pm & Sunday at 10:00am. The following weekends will be a special mass schedule. Please plan accordingly. Thank you for your kind cooperation. I will be having an outpatient procedure to correct cataracts in the left eye. Should be simple convalescence with minimal interruption (I hope). Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer.

Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff

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December 12, 2021

Christmas Season Mass Schedules: Solemnity: The Nativity of the Lord (All Masses will be celebrated in the Church)

Christmas Eve - Friday, December 24th 3:00 pm Mass , 5:00 pm Mass, 10:00 pm Mass (9:30pm Choral Prelude)

Christmas Day - Saturday, December 25th Special Mass Schedule 9:00 am Mass, 11:00 am Mass No 4pm Mass December 25th

9:00AM Daily Mass will be held in the Church for the Octave of Christmas December 27th - December 30th Feast: Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Solemnity: Mary, Mother of God

26th

Friday, December 31st 4:00 pm Mass

Special Mass Schedule No 4pm Mass December 25th 9:00 am Mass , 11:00am Mass

Saturday, January 1st 10:00am Mass No 4pm Mass January 1st

Sunday, December

Solemnity: Epiphany of the Lord Sunday, January 2nd Special Mass Schedule No 4pm Mass January 1st 9:00 am Mass, 11:00am Mass

Feast: Baptism of the Lord Saturday, January 8th 4:00pm Mass Sunday, January 9th 8:00 am Mass , 10:00am Mass, 12:00 noon Mass

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Temporal Administration, Stewardship & Outreach Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org Sharing Our Treasure December 5, 2021 Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship

$20,047

Envelope Contributions

$11,685

Electronic/Online Contributions

Loose Contributions

$7,738

$624

Weekly Avg. Contribution per Household $53.80 # of Contributing Households # Registered Parishioner Households Building & Mortgage Collection:

361 997 $2,733

Our monthly mortgage payment is $7,966.25.

"Do not lay up for yourselves an earthly treasure. Moths and rust corrode; thieves break in and steal. Make it your practice instead to store up heavenly treasure, which neither moths nor rust will corrode nor thieves break in and steal.

Remember, where your treasure is, there your heart is also.

No man can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other or be attentive to one and despise the other.

You cannot give yourself to God and money."

- Matthew 6:19-22,24

THANK YOU for the Sacrificial Stewardship Offerings as we support the ministries, programs and facilities of our parish. May God Bless you for the sacrifices that you make.

Support The Parish of Saint Mary through Online Giving!

Remember St. Mary Parish when you shop!!!

https://giving.parishsoft.com/smcn Sign-in for our Online Giving system to make your parish offerings from your bank account or Credit Card!

You can also download the ConnectNow Giving App for Android or iOS

Thank you for your continuous support!

Shop now and AmazonSmile donates to St. Mary Parish!

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December 12, 2021

COLTS NECK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA SPONSORED BY ROUTE 130 CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 TRIPLE CROWN ROOM, CN FIREHOUSE No. 2, 50 CONOVER RD 8:30 am SEATING and 10:45 am SEATING $15 DONATION - 5 & UNDER FREE ALL CHILDREN RECEIVE GIFT FROM SANTA

50/50 RAFFLE TICKETS ON SALE MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 6 PM TO 8 PM STARTING NOV. 29 at TRIPLE CROWN ROOM - FIREHOUSE NO. 2 FOR MORE INFO CALL 917-848-5224

The Church of Saint Catharine (Holmdel, N.J.) seeks an experienced Preschool Director to restart our parish preschool to open Sept 2022.

Candidates must be a practicing Catholic. Master’s degree preferred in any field related to children or business, OR have a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education or equivalent, AND have at least 3 years teaching experience with at least one year of managerial or supervisory experience.

Experience with NJ licensing and educational standards and proven leadership and communication skills are a must. Must be ready to start by January 10.

Submit current resume with cover letter and professional references to saiello@stcatharine.net or mail to Church of Saint Catharine, Attn: Preschool Director Search, 108 Middletown Road, PO 655, Holmdel, NJ 07733-2243

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