Sunday Bulletin for December 16, 2018 -Third Sunday of Advent

Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C. M.

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

Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee Pastor Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch Deacon: John Wedemeyer

Trustees: Bill LaMorte Irene Weller

Parish Office hours Mon. - Thurs. 8:30 am - 7:30 pm Open Sunday 9 am - 12 noon.

Parish Membership: New Parishioners are welcome to register at the office at any time.

New Parishioner Orientation (quarterly) - will be held March 3, 11 am Contact Parish Office at parishoffice@stmaryscoltsneck.org Registration is required.

Sacraments: Eucharist Detailed Mass times listed on page 2 Penance & Reconciliation Saturday 3 pm or by appointment.

Marriage Contact the Parish Office one year in advance for information & guidelines.

Baptism Contact the Parish Office for information & required paperwork three months in advance.

There are no Baptisms during Advent or Lent, please plan accordingly.

Masses for 4th Sunday of Advent are Saturday, December 22, 4 pm & Sunday, December 23, 10 am

Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve: Monday, December 24th 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm & 10:00 pm 9:30 pm Choral prelude & Adult Handbell Choir

Christmas Day: Tuesday, December 25th 9:00 am & 11:00 am Mass (All Masses will be celebrated in the Church through the Octave of Christmas)

Visit our Website: www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 16, 2018

Mass Intentions for the Week December 17 - December 23 For * Requested by Monday, December 17 – Chapel 9 AM Ralph Chiarello * Lorraine Lee

Tuesday, December 18 - Chapel 9 AM Gregory A. Voit * His Family

Wednesday, December 19 – Chapel 9 AM Jo Clement * Danielle and Chris O’Ree

Thursday, December 20 – Chapel 9 AM Intentions of the Bigelow Family * Robert and Cathy Ann Thompson Rita Bausch Anderson * Ken and Muriel Rogers

Friday, December 21 – Chapel 9 AM St. Peter Canisius; Winter begins Louis Stanziale * Lorraine Lee

Saturday, December 22 – Church 4 PM Intentions of Leonidas Mavrookas * Suzanne Schlesinger Doris Novellano * Kathleen and Nick Pellicone Ruth Fiedler * Tom and Angela Kinlin

Sunday, December 23 – Church Fourth Sunday of Advent 10 AM Anthony J. Garito * Arlene and Family Frances Daniels * Marie Mascaro Helen and John Sionas * Mike and Eileen Stivala

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Please pray for the following members of our parish family who are ill: Irene Baron Eileen Beckley John Beckley Sal Castro Ted Damen Logan Dayton John DeStefano Lynette Colaco-Desouza Kaitlin Donahue Nagle Susan Endlicher James Liam Engel James Fiedler Emily Gioacchini Bob Golar Edward Habrack Tom Hudak

Carl Johnson Theresia Kopp Bridget Korn Lori Lettieri Donna Lodi Vincent Loretta Pauline Madzin Leonidas Mavrookas Mary Joan McNamara Tere Nolan Stellanne Scalia Owen Shoemaker Christine Shrewsbury Lauren Vinci Irene Weller

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

Lifelong Catechesis Week December 17 - December 23

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 for the 9 am & 11 am Masses

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Mt 1:1-17 Tuesday: Jer 23:5-8; Mt 1:18-25 Wednesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Lk 1:5-25 Thursday: Is 7:10-14; Lk 1:26-38 Friday: Sg 2:8-14 Lk 1:39-45 Sunday, December 23, 2018 - Fourth Sunday of Advent Mi 5:1-4a; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45 Questions for Deeper Reflections: Question for Children: How does the Blessed Virgin Mary help you to follow Jesus?

Question for Youth: When have you experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit?

Question for Adults: What role does Mary play in your own spirituality? If you were Elizabeth, how would you greet her at your doorway, if she were to arrive there? -Lifelong Catechesis

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 16, 2018

Parish Office: 732-780-2666 parishoffice@stmaryscoltsneck.org Bulletin Deadline: Electronic format by 12 noon Thursday of the prior week (10 days before). parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org Bulletin Editor: Catherine Love Liturgical, Music & Worship Ministries Contact: Andrew J. Macirowski Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org Principal Cantor Contact: David Maliakel Adult Faith Formation & Religious Education Contact: Jim Bridges FaithFormation@stmaryscoltsneck.org ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org Temporal Administration, Stewardship & Outreach Contact: Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Sanctuary Lamps Consider donating the sanctuary lamp that burns in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the Church or Christ Chapel in memory of a loved one who has died or to honor a living person. These intentions are on a weekly basis starting with the Sunday, therefore a new request is published each week in the bulletin.

The suggested donation for Sanctuary Lamp is $25.

Cards available to present.

Upcoming availability Church & Chapel 1/20 - 1/26, Feb 2019 Chapel 1/6 - 1/12 &1/13 - 1/19

Church Joseph Nogueira Marie Nogueira

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Pray for Our Military SN Colton Boag, USCG Chief Blake Conley, USN Lt. Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army Major Douglas Coppola, US Army SN Christian Houlihan, USN Pvt Michael John Mento, US Army 1st Lt. Adam Sjoholm, US Army 2nd Lt. Ryan Tanguay, US Army Staff Sergeant Stephen Witherow, USAF Lance Corporal Edward Zarzecki If there is a family member you wish to be placed on the list, please call the Parish Office at 732-780-2666. Please include rank and branch of service.

FIRST RESPONDERS—THANK YOU PRAYER I thank God for giving you a strength That exceeds any measure.

I thank God for giving you a courage That allows you to run towards danger So others can be safe.

I thank God for showing us all, through you What it means to put others first.

I thank God for showing us your bright light in the darkest of times.

I pray that today and everyday You feel the love and support Of those whose lives you have saved and changed Of the community you protect.

And of God who gives us all strength!

Angel in my Phone Plan your commute to Saint Mary Parish State Route 34 & County Route 537 intersection upgrade The project will take about another year to complete.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

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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 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 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.

Oplatki are available at our parish during the 3rd and 4th weeks of Advent, on the credenzas at the rear of the church.

Andrew J. Macirowski, Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Wigilia Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia!

That is the way to say “Merry Christmas� in Polish.

Worship Ministry Schedule: December 22 - December 23: Fourth Sunday of Advent Altar Server

Saturday, 4:00 PM (Church)

Sunday, 10:00 AM (Church)

EMs of Holy Communion

Reader 1

Reader 2

Greeter

Cantor

LWD

Usher

Anthony Buzzetta Michael Buzzetta Patrick Dickinson

Monty Matrisciani - Center Cup Justine Buzzetta - Organ Host Gail Cargiulo - Center Host Susan Murphy - Tabernacle Host Emily Santangelo - Organ Cup Suzanne Schlesinger - Tabernacle Cup Linda Dickinson-Pancila - Alternate

John McCrae

Bruno Savo

Margaret Caponegro Ryan Stevens

Meghan Kryscnski

Fernando Pinguelo

John Grabowski Jim Davis Bob Lind Frank Sikorskas NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Gabriella Penczak Tesya Yaninas Valeska Yaninas

Barbara Moskal - Center Cup Edward Moskal - Center Cup Maria Gerbino - Organ Host NOT FILLED - Center Host NOT FILLED - Tabernacle Host Winifred O'Doherty - Organ Cup Sue Fitzpatrick - Tabernacle Cup Dolores Addler - Alternate

Richard Gerbino

Matt Yaninas

Mary DeSalvatore NOT FILLED

Magnificat Choir

Barbara Hawthorne

Leigh Gavinelli John Orrico Greg Penczak Jack Zumba Charlie Gavinelli Allan Ryan Vince Cerulo Jamie Steiner NOT FILLED

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 16, 2018

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TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

REJOICE! Today has traditionally been called Gaudete Sunday. The Latin tag is derived from Paul’s appeal in the second reading to rejoice always in the Lord, and the Latin Mass text based on that reading. The irony and paradox of this Christian joy is underlined by the fact that Paul wrote those words in prison. But from there he could see the progress of God’s work.

Is it obvious to us? We feel that this is not the time for joy when there is so much suffering and moral evil. It is interesting, then, that the first reading is from the prophet Zephaniah, who is almost exclusively concerned with gloomy visions of Judgment Day. Today the Church selects the only optimistic text in Zephaniah, in which the prophet has been touched by the spirit of joy.

This, we are assured on all sides, is the season of joy. Let us recapture that feeling of joy in our lives and reflect it to those who are joyless.

Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

IMPRESSIONABLE A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark.

--Ancient Chinese proverb

Years ago, the trick question on religion quizzes would be to name all the liturgical colors, or the colors of the vestments worn at Mass. Rose is a color seldom seen, used at most two days a year. Today, Gaudete Sunday, is one of those days. The name of the day is drawn from an opening verse in the old Latin Mass texts: Gaudete is Latin for Rejoice! This years Gospel certainly reflects that mood as Elizabeth feels her infant within her leaping for joy at the presence of Mary. Mary’s visit to her aged cousin is an act of compassion between women, as two kinswomen who are bearing children into the world share their joy.

Some churches retain the custom of having the priest wear rose vestments today, and many will use a rose candle in the Advent wreath. Violet is the official color for Advent and Lent, but many parishes employ different hues for each season, trying to keep them distinct. In medieval times, dye was costly, and poor parishes used unornamented plain cloth for vestments. Dyes were expensive and some colors, particularly purple, difficult to achieve. In England, purple dye was made from mollusks, yielding at best a deep indigo or blue and not the desired violet.

Thus, the color of Advent in the British Isles has long been a deep blue, reminding many people of Mary’s presence at the heart of the Advent mystery. That theology is largely unplanned: its all because of the clams! --James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

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Dr. Jim Bridges Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation and Religious Education FaithFormation@stmaryscoltsneck.org ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org

ATTENTION: On-Line Religious Education Students Deadline for 50% completion of the program is the first week of January.

Please help your child to be up-to-date and not fall behind with his/her work.

Any questions, please contact us at ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org as soon as possible!

Confirmation Prep Grades 7 & 8 Next few sessions Date

Group Time

12/16/2018 12/23/2018 12/30/2018

5-6:30 p.m.

A No Class Christmas Break No Class New Year's Eve

1/6/2019

B

The infancy narratives are arguably the most beautiful and intriguing passages in the Gospels. Within these narratives we encounter the Gospels of Matthew and Luke in miniature.

Journey with us as Dr. Jim Bridges guides us through an exploration of the compositions casting light on their theological purpose. From the child in the manger to the Magi’s search for the infant Jesus, the evangelists create two unique narratives that reveal the importance of Jesus of Nazareth. Come experience the narratives that captured our imagination for nearly 2000 years.

Part Two Sunday, December 16, 7:30-9:00 pm or Monday, December 17, 10:00-11:30 am In Madonna Hall

5-6:30 p.m.

www.onefamilyinmission.org The Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) was founded in France in 1843 by Bishop Charles de Forbin Jansen. Its purpose is to encourage all children to be aware of the needs of children living in mission diocese 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. Under its banner “children helping children”, monies raised through schools are directed towards self-help programs involving the building of schools, the provision of health and nutrition programs and medications, school fees, and teaching and learning resources.

Over the last 2 weeks MCA mite boxes have been distributed to RE students & families.

Students should make a sacrificial offering each week during the Advent & Christmas seasons. At the end of the holiday break, a check in the amount collected should then be made out to 'St Mary Parish' writing MCA in the memo line and brought to their FIRST class back in January. Alternatively donations can be made online at https://giving.parishsoft.com/ smcn selecting MCA/Missionary Childhood Association from the fund pull down menu.

St Mary Parish in turn will send one check to the Missionary Childhood Association. Thank you for your generosity with the Catholic Missions!

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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 and deacon are 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 and needy.

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. This weekend we Light Up a Memory tree to remember our family and friends, both living and deceased. It is a lovely tradition here in our parish. Take a moment to page through the annual book. Thanks to Freda, Molly, and the committee who share their time and talent to make this a reality. Our Annual Pancake Breakfast is also underway this weekend. I would like to THANK YOU for purchasing your tickets in advance so that we might be adequately prepared. Thanks to Perkins for the pancake batter, our Trustee Bill LaMorte for all of the paper products, all the volunteers, and staff overseeing this event.

Our Advent-Christmas mailing has been sent and received by most of our registered parishioners.

Included in this mailing is the 2018 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 4:00 pm & Sunday at 10:00 am. Please plan accordingly.

Thank you for your kind cooperation. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer.

Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

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Sharing Our Treasure December 9 Second Sunday of Advent Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship

$21,235

Envelope Contributions

$15,194

We are upgrading our Online Giving system.

Electronic/Online Contributions

$ 4,948

Loose Contributions

$ 1,093

As a church that seeks to serve, we want to provide you the convenience of being able to give the way you want, whenever you want.

Avg. Contribution per Household this week $50.48 # of Contributing Households # Registered Parishioner Households

399

Getting started is easy—just visit our website,

http://giving.parishsoft.com/smcn

1,264

For end of the year charitable giving opportunities, please consult your financial advisors. Consider our parish for your end of year charitable gift.

When you sign in your gift will transfer directly into the parish bank account. No fee will be charged to you. And you won’t have to remember to write a check or stop by the ATM on Sundays! Plus earn cashback, miles, or points when using your credit card!

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.

Also if you still want to place something in the offertory basket, just pick up our “I GAVE ONLINE” cards at the Parish Office and use that at collection time.

The Vatican Cookbook A cookbook would not be complete without full-color and glossy images, and Vatican photographer Katarzyna Artymiak delivers with largerthan-life, mouth-watering photos.

National Catholic Reporter From the Ponti ical Swiss Guard, elite protectors of the Popes and Defenders of the Faith for more than 500 years, a unique collection of exceptional recipes from simple to sublime, everyday staples to holiday feasts.

For sale at the Parish Of ice. A perfect gift for cooks and foodies! Get your copy in time for the holidays. Only $35.

NOTE: Current online donors will have to log in and create a new account, set-up a new recurring gift with ParishSOFT Giving, and cancel their account with the Legacy System. Please call the Parish Office if you need assistance, 732-780-2666.

No worries, old and new donations will be merged in your parish contribution record for the end of year tax statement

Parish Office will be closed the following dates during Christmas Season  Close at noon Monday, December 24, 2018  Closed Tuesday, December 25, 2018  Close at noon Monday, December 31, 2018  Closed Tuesday, January 1, 2018

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 16, 2018

A GIFT from the parish: Christmas book give away My Life with Saints

By James Martin, SJ Be sure to pick up your copy from the gathering space of parish office.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Prepare for the coming of the Lord!

Advent and Christmas literature, prayer cards, reflections for all ages are available for you on the kiosk in the gathering space.

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Catholic Childcare Center is open at The Parish of Saint Mary Now enrolling via Rolling Registration register your child for the childcare program anytime during the year when your child reaches the age of admission.

Availability:

Open Monday - Friday 6:30 am - 6:30 pm Full/Part time scheduling options Jessica Pierz, Director 732-780-0135 jessica@fgkids.org

www.fgkids.org

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400 Route 35 North South Mantoloking, NJ 08738

www.sjbsea.org

The next (12-week) training class for telephone volunteers for CONTACT (24-hour crisis intervention hotline) will begin on Thursday, January 17, 2019, from 6:30 -9:30 P.M. in the Brick Township area once a week for 12 weeks. CONTACT, a free and confidential service, has been assisting with the needs of individuals throughout the community since 1975, by providing a safe place for callers to talk about their problems with anonymity. Information and referral are provided when requested.

For additional training information, please call the CONTACT office – 732-240-6104.

A Gi of Prayer: In gra tude for the joy of serving in your parish in years past, and in celebra on of one hundred years of service to the Church, we, the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity (Trinitarians) would like to offer to pray for anyone who requests it. You may send your prayer requests to prayer@msbt.org. Or, you may write to us at: Centennial, 3501 Solly Ave., Philadelphia PA, 19136.

Visit us at msbt.org. Our sisters look forward to the opportunity to provide this ministry of prayer.

The Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity

WITNESSES Our actions are the best witnesses of our thoughts.

--Anonymous

Our mission as Religious Teachers Filippini is to “Go forth and teach the Word of God.” Our ministry on this holy ground is for the people of God who come to St. Joseph By the Sea for soul searching, trying to find peace in their lives and a God who understands them.

February 1-3, 2019 - COME TO THE QUIET – A SILENT RETREAT - Come and experience the shore in all its winter beauty! This weekend has been set aside for those desiring time alone with God. This retreat offers time for reflection; Eucharistic Liturgy and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be included. Arrival: 6:00-7:00 p.m. / Departure: 1:00 p.m. (Presenters: Staff and Visiting Directors) Cost: $220 LENT SERIES – Who does He say you are? (Part 2) Women transformed by Christ in the Gospels. A book discussion series in two parts. Part 1 took place in September, but you can join in anytime. All sessions will be on a Wednesday, the following dates: March 6, 13, 20 and April 3, 10, 17, 2019 Arrival: 1:30pm/Departure: 3:00pm (Presenter: Janice Santanello, MA Theology, CLEM, CSG, CPC) Cost: $100

Please call St. Joseph By the Sea at 732-892-8494 to register or for additional information.