The parish of saint Mary
A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in our Time
OnePhalanxRoad,ColtsNeck,NJ07722
Phone:732-780-2666 Fax:732-780-0394
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
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 15, 2024
Advent Penance & Reconciliation (confessions)
Sunday, December 15th 3:00 pm - 2nd Graders First Penance & Families
3:10 pm - Last name A-H
3:25 pm - Last name I-P
3:35 pm - Last name Q-Z
Abbreviated Mass Schedule
Saturday - 4pm & Sunday - 10am 21/22 December 28/29 December 4/5 January
Mass Intentions for:
Saturday December 14 2024 - Sunday December 22 2024
Saturday, December 14
4PM
Sharon Sturchio * LPL
Bill O'Doherty & Barbara Critchley * Freda O'Doherty
Gayle Lewnes * Parker Family
Sunday, December 15
8AM
Daniel John Velba * Adele & Joe Velba
DeStefano & Albruno Families * Mr. & Mrs.Franceschetti
Helen John Sionas * Eileen & Michael Stivala, Jr. 10AM
Gertrude Brier * Turkovic Family
Darryl Turkaly * John & Molly Aiello
Special Intention 12PM
Pro Populo
Nancy & Chas DiLorenzo * Sessa Family
Joseph & Marilyn Hagner * Joseph & Barbara Hagner
Monday, December 16 - 9AM
Penny DiMicelli * DiMicelli Family
Frank Ksenic * Dynof Family
Tuesday, December 17 - 9AM
Theresa & Ryan MacDonald intentions * Donna Pollack intention * Karen & Jerry Frieri
Sanctuary Lamp
Church: Maria Pellicone
Requested by: Mom and Dad
Chapel : Christine Hogan
Requested by: Pellicone Family
Wednesday, December 18 - 9AM
Madeline Tedesco * Jack & Rorie Coppola
Helen DeCerce * Diane Carnevale
Thursday, December 19- 9AM
Darryl Turkaly * Angela & Tom Kinlin
Jack & Helen DeCerce intention * Children
Friday, December 20– 9AM
Special Intention
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Saturday, December 21- 4PM
Corcoran & Petolino Families *
Francine & Joseph Corcoran
Jon Kopko * Barbara & Joe Verga
George & Dorothy Deckert *John & Susan Murphy
Sunday December 22 –10AM
Pro Populo
Lillian Pishioneri * Lawrence & Felicia Battaglia
Oscar Fiedler * Susan & James Gobat
GROTTO CANDLES
The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions. Offering is $3.00 per candle
MASS INTENTIONS AND SANCTUARY LAMPS (MEMORIALS)
Mass intentions for all occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, sickness, etc.) for the deceased or living can be requested online HERE Please scroll down to the preferred date and time, whether daily Mass or weekend Mass. Intentions are available from the next couple of weeks until December 2025. The stipend per mass intention is $10
Consider requesting a Sanctuary Lamp in memory of a deceased person or in honor of a living individual. Sanctuary lamps burn permanently in the Church and Chapel. Requests can be made for a week, starting Sunday and ending the following Saturday. The stipend per sanctuary lamp is $25. Requests can be made online HERE
Mass intentions and sanctuary lamps can also be requested in person at the Parish office during business hours.
Lifelong Catechesis - Week of December 15 December 21
READINGS FOR THE WEEK:
THIRD Sunday of Advent
Zep 3:14-18a/Phil 4:4-7/Lk 3:10-18
MONDAY December 16
Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a/Mt 21:23-27
TUESDAY December 17
Gn 49:2, 8-10/Mt 1:1-17
WEDNESDAY December 18
Jer 23:5-8/Mt 1:18-25
THURSDAY December 19
Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Lk 1:5-25
FRIDAY December 20
Is 7:10-14/Lk 1:26-38
SATURDAY December 21
[Saint Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church] Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a/Lk 1:39-45
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
Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army
TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF
LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:
Question for Children: Why is it so important to keep promises which you have made?
Question for Youth: What do you remember from stories about your Baptism? What does your Baptism mean to you now?
Question for Adults: How can you live the promise of your Baptism each day?
Life Long Catechesis
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
Pleaseprayforthefollowingmembersofourparishcommunitywhoareill:
Lori Lettieri
Jack Coppola
Kaitlin Donahue Nagle
Nancy Niven
David Niven
Lauren vinci
Dawn Reinhardt
Gerard Thompson
Rose walch
Joyce daniel
Robert a . monaco, md
Jeff McBride
Owen Shoemaker
Peter Vickers
Toaddorremoveafamilymemberfromthesicklistpleasee-mailONLY parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Please,also,keepusupdatedonyourlovedone’shealth. Nameswillberemovedfromthelistafter3months.ThankyouforkeepingourParishinformed.
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral
Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org Worship & Music
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.
(Reminder: the propers are the texts that are proper to each Mass. The introit, also known as the entrance antiphon, is the text that is proper to be sung at the start of Mass.)
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.
John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor, 1542-1591
Juan Yepes was the youngest of three sons born to Gonzalo and Catalina Yepes. Gonzalo had come from a wealthy Spanish family, while Catalina, an orphan, had been taken into the home of a widow. The Yepes family objected to the marriage of these two and warned Gonzalo that he would be disinherited if he went through with it. The two young lovers ignored the warning and were married in about 1529.
As threatened, Gonzalo was cut off from his family and the family business which he had been a part of. This made the young family largely dependent on Catalina’s embroidery and those odd jobs which Gonzalo could perform, all of which provided meager support .” Read More HERE
Liturgy of the Word Dismissal
This is the practice of having children, ages 4-12, leave the Sunday assembly during the Liturgy of the Word (readings) and gather in a separate environment to engage in the Liturgy of the Word at a level more appropriate to the children’s understanding.
Saturday, 21
4 PM
Sunday, 22
8 AM
Ministry Schedule: Fourth Sunday of Advent December 21 & 22
Jacob Barasky Joseph Barasky
Bridgett Farrow
Paul Tonacci (Sub Req)
Mary Ellen Griffin
OH - Tom Nathanson
TH - Elvira Dapul MD
TH - Susan Murphy
ALT - Louise Habrack
NO 8 AM MASS ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 22
Sunday, 22 10 AM NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Sunday, 22 12 PM
Choir/ Cantor
Charles Young (SUB REQ)
Barbara Schaflin
OH –Maureen Geiger
TH - Nick Turkovic
TH - Liz Turkovic
ALT - Greg Penczak
NO 12 PM MASS ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 22
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (LectionaryPage.net)
Missionary Childhood Association
ADVENTMiteBoxes
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 12, 2025.
Thank you in advance for your generosity & commitment.
Baptismal Preparation Session
St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on: SUNDAY, January 5, 2024
Pre-registrationisrequired aweekinadvance.
ContactUs
Parish Office Hours
Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Tuesdays 2:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The Parish Office is closed Fridays and Saturdays. The Parish Office will also be open Sunday January 5, 9am - 1pm
Any questions, please call the office at (732)-780-2666.
Faith Formation
Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Ed
ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309
This weekend we light the parish Christmas tree and sing Christmas carols at LIGHT UP A MEMORY ON Saturday beginning at 4pm mass. We also welcome all to our Advent P&R on Sunday. seebelow fordetailsOur RE Christmas party is on 21 December 20024 beginning at 4pm mass. We are asking for Christmas cookie and milk donations. see signuplinktovolunteerParents are welcome and encouraged to help at party and cleanup. Please reach out to the RE office to volunteer.
Penance and Reconciliation
Sunday, 15 December 2024 – see cover for times Grade 1 – 8
We encourage all Religious Education families to participate in the Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation. Attendance will be taken upon entering the Narthex for all grades. Please be reminded that 7th graders are asked to pick up their Chosen book needed for class at the P&R service.
Link on how to make an Examination of Conscience
Two helpful links to assist your examination of Conscience reflection:
Exam of Conscience for teens
Exam of Conscience for kids
Please print a copy of THE ACT OF CONTRITION to bring with you to confession: Kids Version Act of Contrition (grades 1-5) Act of Contrition (grade 6 to adult)
IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS ED LINKS
2024 - 2025
• 2024 - 2025 RE Calendar grades 1-8
• 24/25 Fall RE Calendar grades 1-6
• Parent - Student 24/25 Handbook
• Intergenerational List
• Intergenenerational Recording link
Religious Education Calendar
14 December 2024
Nativity Play Rehearsal 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM Madonna Hall
14 December 2024
Light Up a Memory INTERGENERATIONAL 4 PM mass in the church
Christmas carols and tree lighting SIGN UP HERE
15 December 2024
Penance and Reconciliation INTERGENERATIONAL 3 PM in the chapel Grades 1-8
20 December 2024
Nativity Play Dress Rehearsal 3:30 PM to 5 PM in Madonna Hall
21 December 2024
Blessing of the Infant Jesus INTERGENERATIONAL 4PM mass in the church SIGN UP HERE
21 December 2024
Religious Education Christmas Party Grades 1-8
Beginning at 4PM mass, continuing in Madonna Hall for Nativity Play, cookies & milk reception SIGN UP HERE
22 December 2024
Blessing of the Infant Jesus INTERGENERATIONAL 10AM mass in the church SIGN UP HERE
22 December 2024 - 31 January 2025
CRISTMAS BREAK - NO RE Classes MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR
5, 7 January 2025
Confirmation Prep Class-Virtual/On Campus
7 January 2025
RE Class #15 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
SERVICE HOUR OPPORTUNITIES
Confirmation Prep– 7 & 8 grade
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Please print out your service log as it is due the end of 8th grade, in preparation for Confirmation.
• We are in need of a few more RE families willing to Sponsor a Family for Christmas. If you are interested in this great cause, please call the RE office to sign up and for more details service hours will be rewarded for participation
• Summer RE assistant teacher: Virtual or on-campus; look for sign-ups in 2025. more Christian service opportunities listed on website
Advent & Christmas Mass Schedules:
Solemnity: The Nativity of the Lord (All Masses will be celebrated in the Church)
Christmas Eve - Tuesday, December 24th 3:00 pm Mass , 4:30 pm Mass, 10:00 pm Mass (9:30pm Choral Prelude)
Christmas Day - Wednesday, December 25th 11:00 am Mass
3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Saturday, December 14 at 4:00 pm Mass
Light up a Memory Tree Lighting
4th Sunday of advent
Abbreviated Mass Schedule
Blessing of the Infant Jesus
Saturday , December 21 at 4:00 pm Mass
Sunday, December 22 at 10:00 am Mass
9:00AM Daily Mass will be held in the Chapel for the Octave of Christmas December 26th - December 30th
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.
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 Frida, Molly & the committee who share their time and talent to make this a reality. Join us at the Saturday 4pm mass.
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 Sunday, beginning at 3pm is our Advent Penance & Reconciliation (confessions). There will be 12 or so priest confessors for your convenience. Make this part of your Advent Preparation.
Our Advent-Christmas-Epiphany quadfold mailing has been sent and received by most of our registered parishioners. Included in this mailing is the 2024 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, 21/22 December; 28/29 December; and 4/5 January we will observe an abbreviated weekend mass schedule: Saturday at 4:00pm & Sunday at 10:00am.
Please plan accordingly. Thank you for your kind cooperation.
My retreat was peaceful and renewing. I took a lot of time to reflect on the past 12 years with a look toward the next five years. In addition to the daily prayer schedule I had the opportunity for the sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation in preparation for Christmas. I will be having an outpatient procedure this coming week with minimal interruption/ convalescence (I hope). Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
"If you would hearken to my commandments, your prosperity would be like a river, and your vindication like the waves of the sea; Your descendants would be like the sand, and those born of your stock like its grains, Their name never cut off or blotted out from my presence." Is 48:18-19
Consider AYear-End Gift to St Mary Parish
As you begin year-end 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 2024. Contributions received on January 1st or after will be treated as 2025 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.
Our 2023 - 2024 Stewardship Report Has been e-mailed to our parishioners. If you have not received it, please contact the Parish Office at communications@stmaryscoltsneck.org to make sure we have your updated and valid e-mail address. Thankyouforyourcontinuedsupport!
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 Connect Now Giving App for Android or iOS.Thank you for your continuous support!
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.
Thankyoufor yourgenerosity!
Offerings at Francis House of Prayer
Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House 84 Walnford Road • Allentown, NJ 08501 609-877-0509 or FHOP@verizon.net
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.
BE BORN IN ME
MAKE MY HEART YOUR BETHLEHEM
Monday, December 16 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
This retreat morning will allow you the time and space to celebrate Christmas spiritually. Spending this time with God makes a huge difference in the final days before Christmas, as you continue your preparation for the feast and will enhance your entire Christmas Season. “I’ll hold you in the beginning, you will hold me in the end. Every moment in the middle, make my heart your Bethlehem. Be Born in Me.” (Battistelli) Donation: $25, lunch included. Zoom: $20
THE END OF THE YEAR RETREAT
Tuesday, December 31 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Since God gives us life and time and is Lord over all, it seems appropriate to end the year in prayer. Francis House offers time, space and quiet for naming the graces of 2024 and expressing gratitude to God. The day will focus on our goals, hopes and desires for 2025. We reverently say farewell to 2024 and cordially welcome 2025 as a gift from God. Please bring your lunch. Donation: Love Offering
ZOOM ONLY
FIRST BELONG TO GOD A RETREAT WITH POPE FRANCIS
9 Wednesdays 3:00 – 4:30 PM or 7:00 – 8:30 PM
January 22 & 29 March 12 & 26 February 12 & 26 April 9 & 23 May 7
If your soul needs light and peace and hope this program is for you. The time commitment is well worth it and to make it easier for you we are offering it both in the afternoon and the evening. Pope Francis’ writings give witness to the depth of his understanding of world issues and Ignatian Spirituality for today. We will use First Belong to God by Austen Ivereigh. Donation: $150
Christmas Tree Lighting & Christmas Carols
Light up a Memory, begins at 4pm mass, December 14, 2024
Christmas Gift
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your spouse? Why not give yourselves a Marriage Encounter Weekend?
A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend gives you the time and tools to enrich your marriage, deepen communication, and nourish the spirituality in your marriage.
The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend will be held February 14 - 16. Registration link for additional dates click here.
Please apply ASAP as space is limited. Phone 1-732-904-9636 for application and information (Tom & Ruth DeFalco).
Visit us at: www.wwme.org for more information.
