Bulletin for December 13, 2020 – 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 Trustees: Bill LaMorte Irene Weller Worship schedule inside.

Refer to website for more detailed information www.stmaryscoltsneck.org Deacon: John Wedemeyer

December 13, 2020

Third Sunday of Advent “Joy,” the joy that Christ’s birth brings to all people.

Light Up A Memory Tree Lighting - 4:00 pm Mass on Saturday, December 12, 2020 Our intentions this year will be for those who have been affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic, especially those infected, those who have died, healthcare workers, and all first responders.

Upcoming Sunday and Christmas Mass Schedule 4th Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 19 - 4 pm Sunday, December 20 - 10 am

Christmas Christmas Eve - 3, 5, & 10 pm Christmas Day - 9 am & 11 am

Holy Family Saturday, December 26 - 4 pm Sunday, December 27- 10 am

An Abbreviated Mass schedule will be observed for the 4 Sunday of Advent, the Holy Family, and Epiphany weekends. th

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December 13, 2020

Mass Intentions for the Week of December 12 - December 20 For * Requested by

Saturday, December 12 -4 PM Church Sharon Sturchio * Diane Carnevale Bill O’Doherty & Noreen Cacchione * Freda O’Doherty Philip F. Valenziano * Family Sunday, December 13 – Church 3rd Sunday of Advent 8 AM DeStefano/Albruno Families * Mr. and Mrs. Franceschetti Stephen Daisak * Barbara Daisak and Family 10 AM Abel Rodriguez * Rita Duenas Pro Populo Celia Chavez Arias * Yaninas Family 12 PM David E. Hamlin * Hamlin Family Ruth Ridgway * Kevin and Palma Ridgway Fr. Thomas Triggs * Ginny Hamlin Monday, December 14 – 9 AM Chapel Charles and Nancy DiLorenzo * Sessa Family Abel Rodriguez * Edwin and Renee Tuesday, December 15 – 9 AM Chapel Vincent Cerullo * Carol McKay Wednesday, December 16 – 9 AM Chapel Wilfreda Poscablo * Drs. Elvira and Gener Dapul Logan Dayton * Neil and Jane Slattery Thursday, December 17 – 9 AM Chapel Bernadette Shine * Ken and Muriel Rogers Fr. Thomas Triggs * Diane Carnevale Friday, December 18 – 9 AM Chapel Janet R. Skwara * Richard and Marie Innocenzi Saturday, December 19 -4 PM Church Intentions of Leonidas Mavrookas * Suzanne Schlesinger Petolino & Corcoran Families * Francine & Joe Corcoran Mafalda Coseglia * Joann and Robert Buhler Sunday, December 20 – Church 4th Sunday of Advent 10 AM Anthony Garito * Arlene and Family Florence and William O’Sullivan * Freda O’Doherty Sila Myers * Jeanne and Joe Kolakowski

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Please pray for the following members of our parish family who are ill: Marcela Abril Kathleen Amatel Fr Bill Bausch Eileen Beckley Janice Basilice Christen Chellis Bob Cicero Blake Conley John DeSimone Kaitlin Donahue Nagle Joann Feliciti James Fiedler Cynthia Fiedler Emily Gioacchini Edward Habrack Tom Hudak

Anton Kopp Bridget Korn Lori Lettieri Donna Lodi Ludwig Mendola Leonidas Mavrookas Mary Joan McNamara Walter Moeller Kevin O’Shea Stanley Rembisz Paola Richmond 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

Mass Intention Request ONLINE Available through the link below is an online form to request Mass Intentions for the remainder of the 2021 calendar. https://bit.ly/3dbHyip

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

Offering is $3.00 per candle.

The Parish Office is closed Sunday, December 20.

Reopening on Monday, December 21 at 9 am.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 13, 2020

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 Ensign Jason Joseph Howe, USN SPC Michael John Mento, US Army PFC Nicholas Poskonka, US Army Captain Richard Savo, US Army 1st Lt. Adam Sjoholm, US Army 1st Lt. Ryan Tanguay, US Army TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC

3 Lifelong Catechesis Week December 14 - December 20 READINGS FOR THE WEEK

14 Mon Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a/Mt 21:23-27 15 Tue Zep 3:1-2, 9-13/Mt 21:28-32 16 Wed Is 45:6b-8, 18, 21c-25/Lk 7:18b-23 17 Thu Gn 49:2, 8-10/Mt 1:1-17 18 Fri Jer 23:5-8/Mt 1:18-25 December 20 - 4th Sunday of Advent 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Rom 16:25-27/Lk 1:26-38 Questions for Deeper Reflection Question for Children: If you were to tell someone one thing about Jesus’ mother, Mary, what would you say?

Question for Youth: Gabriel's greeting to Mary was, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." This is God's greeting to each of us – he loves us just as we are. What are some of your personal strengths that God rejoices in?

Question for Adults: Name one area of your life where God has surprised you with love, abilities, or even a pregnancy. How is God’s Spirit upon you in this dimension of life?

- Lifelong Catechesis

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.

Sanctuary Lamp 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.

The suggested donation is $25.

ONLINE https://bit.ly/37RKz5p Intentions are available in the Church & Chapel in December & 2021

Church Kevin A. Clemenza Mom and Dad

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults have not been baptized into the

Catholic Church, have been baptized but have not yet received the

sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist have been baptized in another Christian Church & would like to become a member of the Catholic Church The RCIA is a conversion journey - a time for learning, sharing, bonding with others and living your faith more deeply. To learn more, please contact Faith Formation. faithformation@stmaryscoltsneck.org

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 13, 2020

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Andrew J. Macirowski Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org The Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, is so named from the first word of the introit (entrance antiphon) from the propers for the Mass that day: Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete: modestia vestra nota sit omnibus hominibus: Dominus prope est.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.

The Gospel readings in particular shift both in tone from those of the first two Sundays of the season, as well as back in time, to early in the narratives where John the Baptist proclaims Christ as the Messiah. Next week, on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the recounting of the Annunciation is heard.

The vestments for the day are rose-colored, symbolizing the joy and anticipation of the incarnation at Christmastime. Only on this day and the 4th Sunday of Lent are these vestments worn. The third candle of the Advent wreath, also rose-colored, is lit.

During the Season of Advent, it is customary to sing the Marian hymn, Alma Redemptoris Mater. If you wish to follow and sing along, the music and its translation can be found in the link with the daily worship aids.

Remember that visitors will be with us and hospitality can be a wonderful hallmark of our community.

Please welcome those who might be joining us even if they are in “your seat.”

Parking head-in on the grass: It is so wonderful that we are blessed with many parishioner families & visitors to our parish during the Christmas Season as well as big turnouts for many parish events. 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 at: Christmas Eve - the 3 pm, 5 pm, & 10 pm Masses Christmas Day - the 9 am & 11 am Masses

ADVENT Sundays & Christmas Mass Schedule 3rd Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 12 - 4 pm Sunday, December 13 - 8, 10, & 12 4th Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 19 - 4 pm Mass Sunday, December 20- 10 am Mass Christmas Christmas Eve - 3, 5, & 10 pm Christmas Day - 9 am & 11 am 9 am Daily Mass will be held in the Church for the Octave of Christmas Holy Family Saturday, December 26 - 4 pm Sunday, December 27- 10 am Epiphany of the Lord Saturday, January 2 - 4:00 pm Sunday, January 3 - 10:00 am Baptism of the Lord Saturday, January 9- 4:00 pm Sunday, January 10 - 8:00 am, 10:00 am 12:00 pm

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December 13, 2020

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Worship Schedule: December 19 & 20 - 4th Sunday of Advent

Saturday, 4:00 PM (Church)

EMHC

Mark Hines William Hines NOT FILLED

Martha Cowles - Organ Host Susan Murphy Tabernacle Host Louise Habrack - Alt

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Charles Young

Christopher Montefusco Gabriella Penczak Alessandra Zilinski

Dawn Reinhardt Organ Host Sandra Montefusco Tabernacle Host Gregory Calderaro - Alt

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Anthony Bongiorno

Fourth Sunday of Advent Sunday, 10:00 AM (Church) Fourth Sunday of Advent

Volunteer (cleaning)

Altar Server

Reader 1

Reader 2

Cantor

Usher

T Mullin

David Maliakel

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Steve Rumsby

David Maliakel

Greg Penczak NOT FILLED

Online Mass viewing continues with the newest weekend Mass becoming available on Saturdays after 4 pm The Parish of Saint Mary - You Tube Channel (https://bit.ly/2SkpRET) Worship aid for weekend Mass at https://tinyurl.com/y4xhvqz8

EXPECTATIONS AS WE GATHER FOR MASS Please arrive earlier than usual to search for seating that observes social distancing.  Masks, Hand Sanitizer, and Social/Physical distancing are required.  There can be no physical collection of Stewardship Offerings; A designated box(es) will be placed in the

Narthex/Gathering Space for the placement of envelopes or offerings. Thank you for your generosity.  Missals, Missalettes, Bulletins, and other papers have been removed.  Holy Water has been drained from all locations.  Parish Clergy will distribute Holy Communion; we ask all coming forth to observe distancing front to back

and side to side.  Remove mask (and gloves) as you approach the Eucharist; put mask back in place as you return to your pew  Volunteers are greatly needed to wipe down the wood of the pews after all Masses (weekend and weekday). We will have a cleaning crew take care of the floors, bathrooms, etc, but need this little bit of additional help. Please contact Andrew if you are able.

We have been advised that socializing before or after the Mass inside or outside is to be discouraged; clergy are not permitted to greet parishioners before or after the Mass.

NOTE:  For those Catholic faithful that need to consider any possible health and safety risks involved with attending a public gathering the weekend Mass will be available online.  Monday through Friday 9 am Daily Mass in the chapel in the Parish Hall - do not arrive prior to 8:30 AM

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December 13, 2020

Dr. Jim Bridges Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Adult Catechesis FaithFormation@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 x 305

Offered in January 2021 at the Parish of Saint Mary

10 sessions

Starting January 12/13, 2021 Tuesdays at 7:30 pm or Wednesdays at 10 am Remote access option available

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December 13, 2020

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Julia Cullen Pastoral Coordinator of Elementary Religion Education - Grade 1 -6 ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309

Rose Farrow Coordinator of Faith Formation for Youth Catechesis & Service - Grade 7 & 8 YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 310

ATTENTION By now, all online students (grades 3-6) should have started their online programs and should be well on their way to 50% complete by the end of 2020.

If you have not, I will be calling to discuss. You must be completed 100% by the end of the school year. It is our hope that along with going to mass every week, you are completing one lesson per week. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

As always, continue to check out the weekly FAITH AT HOME information page put out by our Diocese. It is a great way to deepen your faith, together as a family. They have great resources. here is the link: https:// dioceseoftrenton.org/faith-at-home

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 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.

The Parish of St. Mary will be showing the new film “Fatima” on Sunday, December 13 beginning at 1:15 p.m. in Madonna Hall. Seating will allow for social distancing. Masks must be worn. Register by emailing Jim at Faithformation@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Runtime is just under 2 hours.

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December 13, 2020

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Quo vadis…

My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent. This particular Sunday is also known as Gaudete Sunday.

Gaudete is a Latin word that can be translated as we rejoice. It’s easy and comfortable to recognize Christ in the expected places and ways. When we enter the peace of a church, for example, we expect to find God. When we sit and pray in our homes, we expect to find God and have our prayers answered. All this is good. However, living the paschal mystery means that we take up the mission of Christ ourselves, that we ourselves are to be Christ for others. Especially during these final days before Christmas when everyone is so busy we can forget that our mission is like John’s: to testify to the light. We do this by how we respond to those around us: take time to listen to the one hurting, visit those who might be forgotten, do with a little less ourselves so others might have more, take time to pray, remember to give thanks, offer a helping hand, reorganize our priorities, praise the God in others.

Many thanks to all those who participated in the Advent Confession last weekend. We had a GREAT turnout and I was overwhelmed with the tremendous spirit of cooperation in social distancing and arriving to the church as we had suggested times relating to the first letter of a family name. This may have been the largest attendance during my eight years. Special thanks to Julia Cullen and Andrew Macirowski, our parish staff and all who supported them.

Last week our Holy Father Pope Francis announced a Holy Year in honor of Saint Joseph. The extraordinary holy year begins 8 December 2020 and will continue through 2021. More to come on this in the coming weeks.

This weekend we welcome all those who have participated in the Light Up A Memory Mass & Tree Ceremony. I am grateful to all those who work so very hard with the Light Up A Memory Tree as a way for all of us to remember the Faithful Departed…Our Beloved Dead and this year all those who have been ill from or have died as a result of Covid-19. We also pray for and remember the medical personnel and first responders who have been so faithful in their service. While we will come together for Mass followed by the singing of some carols we are unable to host a reception. Special thanks to Freda O’Doherty, Molly Aiello and their dedicated team supported by Catherine Love in the parish office.

Please be aware that when we are faced with significant snowfall, the Parish Staff will make a decision as to whether or not the

Sunday (Saturday Eve, Sunday am, Sunday pm) Mass schedule will be altered. I need to be responsible for the public safety of our parishioners. If it is determined that our grounds, or the streets are not satisfactorily cleaned of snow and ice then we may cancel a Mass or Masses. A message will be posted on our phone system as soon as the caller is connected. Exercise good judgment and caution in maneuvering the inclement weather.

I hope that you have received our Christmas Schedule which has been mailed to the residence of every registered household of our parish. If you did not receive one, please contact Catherine at the parish office.

There is a special weekend Mass schedule for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, 19/20 December; Holy Family Sunday 26/27 December; Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord 2/3 January 2021. The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day schedule remains the same as in past years; 1 January Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God will be celebrated on New Years Eve. All of these are included in the Christmas mailer. There will be a broadcast Mass for each of these Leave your homes a little earlier. Try and car pool. Be welcoming to those who join us for worship by welcoming them and introducing yourself. Christmas is not a day but a season that extends into January until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Try and keep the tree, nativity scene and decorations up in and around your home as long as possible until the Season concludes.

Last week I spoke with Father Victor. He sends his greetings to all. Like many residences for religious men and women their superiors have requested that they remain home or very close to home during the pandemic. Father Victor had the Covid 19 earlier this year and indicated a full recovery. Thanks be to God. I am confident that he will come for a visit when the restrictions are lifted. Meanwhile, we keep him in our prayer.

I also had the opportunity to communicate with our Pastor Emeritus Father Bausch. He seems in good spirits even with his lifestyle being somewhat curtailed by the restrictions of the pandemic. He is always creative and in good humor making the best of life. I am sure he would enjoy a note or card at this time.

Let us keep him in our prayer as well.

Let us remember one another in prayer.

Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff

Have a great week.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 13, 2020

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Temporal Administration, Stewardship & Outreach Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Sharing Our Treasure December 6 - 2nd Sunday of Advent Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship

$

23,017

Envelope Contributions

$

14,072

Electronic/Online Contributions

$

8,383

Loose Contributions

$

562

Avg. Contribution per Household this week $67.84 # of Contributing Households

331

# Registered Parishioner Households

989

Building & Mortgage Reduction Fund $

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

Should you require our assistance setting up your new account, please call the parish office at 732-780-2666.

Scan QR for You can also download the direct link ConnectNow Giving App for Android or iOS Thank you for your continuous support!

1,827

Additionally, because of your contributions, we were able to send $$2,500 to collection for the Support for Religious Retirement.

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

EMERGENCY CLOSING INFORMATION In the event that the Parish Office is closed and Religious Education classes or Masses must be cancelled due to inclement weather, loss of power, etc., we will attempt to keep you informed as follows: Updated outgoing announcements on our main

telephone line Parish-wide email sent to all families whose email address is on file Notification on website stmaryscoltsneck.org Thank you, Parish Staff

smile.amazon.com/ch/22-1963114 and AmazonSmile donates to St. Mary Parish

Thank you, to the Families from The Navy JROTC Unit at Colts Neck HS they donated $830.00 in gift cards to the Tree of Love.

The Diocese of Trenton has issued an alert regarding reports of email and text scams that will use the name of a pastor to solicit funds in the form of gift cards or cash donations.

Please note: Official electronic communications from the parish will always come from the @stmaryscoltsneck.org domain

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St. Mary Charitable Appeals - Christmas, 2020 Each year we here at Charitable Appeals are approached directly by the heads of needy families seeking Christmas gifts for their children, their grandchildren, and themselves. We have helped many of them in the past – some return every year and some of them are new. Their Christmases have been brightened through the efforts and abundant generosity of numerous St. Mary parishioners (especially the Members of The Martha Mary Guild and Walking With Purpose) who shopped for specific gift requests at their own expense and wrapped the gifts as well.

The task was not a small one. Last year, St. Mary parishioners shopped for, purchased, wrapped, and distributed 105 gifts to fulfill wishes on 46 Christmas lists. This year, the requests are still coming in, but due to the Corona virus pandemic things will be different; we will fill gift requests by the distribution of gift cards.

It’s important to be aware that the Charitable Appeals Christmas gift program is separate from and differs from The Tree of Love and Sponsor-A-Family programs in that the requests received are directly from the recipients themselves – not through other organizations.

We need your help to help others. Many jobs have been lost, and parents are struggling to try and provide a little Christmas spirit and cheer for their children. Please support Charitable Appeals with a donation so we can purchase gift cards from major retailers and food chains and make Christmas a bit brighter for some families. When writing a check, kindly note Charitable Appeals Christmas on the memo line. Your generosity in these difficult times towards those less fortunate is very much appreciated.

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 symbolizes 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. Then, everyone consumes the wafer, acknowledging their blessings, and beginning the meal.

Oplatek are available on the credenzas in the Church or at the Parish Office.