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December 17, 2023 - Third Sunday of Advent

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

Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C. M. Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee Pastor Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro

3RD Sunday of Advent - December 17, 2023

Abbreviated Mass Schedule 4th Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 23 at 4:00 pm Mass Sunday, December 24 at 10:00 am Mass Solemnity of Christmas Sunday, December 24 at 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm, and 10:00 pm Masses Monday, December 25 at 11:00 am Mass Reminder, Office Hours are 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM every Tuesday and 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Mon., Wed., & Thurs., NO Friday’s or Saturday’s. Also, one Sunday a month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Next month will be Sunday, January 7.


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December 17, 2023

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Mass Intentions for: Saturday, December 16 - Sunday, December 24 - 2023 Saturday, December 16 – 4 PM Church Penny DiMicelli * Deborah DiMicelli Jack Coppola * Jack and Rorie Coppola Bill O’Doherty * Freda O’Doherty Sunday, December 17 – Church 8 AM DeStefano/Albruno Families * Mr. and Mrs. M. Franceschetti 10 AM Wilfreda Poscablo * Drs. Gener and Elvira Dapul Frank Donahue * Francine and Joe Corcoran Albert Herman * John and Molly Aiello 12 PM Pro Populo Robert and Betty Leight * Thoresen Family Anna Ferdinando * Thoresen Family Monday, December 18 – 9 AM Chapel Madeline Tedesco * Jack and Rorie Coppola Tuesday, December 19 – 9 AM Chapel Joseph Franceschini * Lorraine Lee

Friday, December 22 -9 AM Chapel Lillian Pishioneri * Larry and Felicia Battaglia Saturday, December 23 - 4 PM Church Gerard Carney Sr. * Brown Family Marie Cantelmo * Majewski Family Douglas Billek * Tom and Angela Kinlin Sunday, December 24 – 10 AM Pro Populo Helen and John Sionas * Eileen and Michael Stivala Jack Brennan * Freda O’Doherty 3 PM Pro Populo 4:30 PM Pro Populo 10 PM Pro Populo Monday, December 25 – 11 AM Pro Populo

Wednesday, December 20 – 9 AM Chapel Sila Myers * Jeanne Kolakowski (Pronounced: Seela)

Mass Intention Requests

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

Thursday, December 21 – 9 AM Chapel Juan Gutierrez * Edwin Sevillano

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

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

Francis Patrick Albano ~ Kevin O’Shea ~ Lauren vinci

Elizabeth DeStefano ~ TOM JACOBSON ~ Ted ZiEmienski ~ Dawn Reinhardt

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

Thank you to those who have already responded to our increased offertory program, "Hope Does Not Disappoint." It is still not over, as our goal through this initiative is 100% participation from our parish community! Others have not yet submitted the Commitment Card, so please take a few moments to respond by taking the steps below.

“Hope Does Not Disappoint” Increased Offertory Program

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


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December 17, 2023

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Lifelong Catechesis - Week of December 17 to December 23

READINGS FOR THE WEEK:

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION: Question for Children: As we get closer to Christmas, name one thing you really want for your home or the world, such as peace, friendship, or food for the poor.

17 Sunday: 3rd Sunday of Advent Is 61:1-2a, 10-11/1 Thes 5:16-24/Jn 1:6-8, 19-28 18 Monday: Jer 23:5-8/Mt 1:18-25 [Saint Damasus] 19 Tuesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Lk 1:5-25 [Our Lady of Guadalupe] 20 Wednesday: Is 7:10-14/Lk 1:26-38 [Saint Lucy] 21 Thursday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a/ Lk 1:39-45 [Saint Peter Canisius] 22 Friday: 1 Sm 1:24-28/Lk 1:46-56 23 Saturday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Lk 1:57-66 [Saint John of Kanty]

Question for Youth: John tried to help people prepare their lives for the coming of the Messiah. What do you need to change about your life to be ready for Jesus’ coming? Question for Adults: If you were to write three suggestions for those who follow Jesus, to keep them strong in their faith, what would you write?

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.

Lt. Col. Douglas Coppola, US Army ~

Lt. Mary Herman, USN ~

SN Christian Houlihan, USN ~

LT. Jason Joseph Howe, USN ~

Pray for Military & First Responders

___________________________________________________

AMT Colton Boag, USCG ~ LCpl Devon Francis Chrzan, USMC ~ Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army ~ TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF ~ LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC

SPC Michael John Mento, US Army ~

LTJG Matthew Motola, USN ~

LCpl Bradley O’Ree, USMC ~

SPC Nicholas Poskonka, US Army ~

Captain Richard Savo, US Army ~

1st Lt. Adam Sjoholm, US Army ~

Captain Ryan Tanguay, US Army

This week the Sanctuary Lamp burns for... Kevin A. Clemenza, Nana & Grandpa Requested by: Mom & Dad

Sanctuary Lamp Consider donating the sanctuary lamp that burns in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the Church or Chapel in honor of a living or deceased loved one. One intention is accepted per week (Sunday - Saturday) for the Lamp. The suggested donation is $25. Request online HERE.


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Worship & Music

December 17, 2023

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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. They will be available in the church beginning on The Third Sunday of Advent Blessing of the Infant Jesus

The Blessing of the baby Jesus was first instituted by St. John Paul II. On the Third Sunday of Advent, the children of Rome are encouraged to bring the baby Jesus (Bambinelli) from each of their Nativity sets to St. Peter’s Square. Following the Sunday Angelus address, the Pope blesses the figurines. Now celebrated in other churches around the world, this Advent tradition is a way for children to connect their Nativity scene at home to the celebration of Christmas at their church. At our parish, we have elected to enact this custom on the fourth Sunday of Advent. On the 4th Sunday of Advent (Saturday 4pm and Sunday 10am) - Those who elect to participate should bring their infant Jesus to Mass, preferably in a basket or other carrier for safety and ease of transportation. Upon returning home that day, the infant may be placed in your nativity scene. Please see the link below for a prayer of blessing that can be used in the home.

Blessing of a Nativity Scene

Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, First Century Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of his son. By the simple act of saying “yes” to God’s will, she became the greatest and first among all of our saints and a patron for all of us. Mary has been the intercessor for all people who call upon her and for many causes. Her appearance has been reported many times on earth--in the last few centuries at Lourdes, Fatima, La Salette, Guadalupe, and Medjagore. As Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mary became a powerful intercessor for the indigenous people of Mexico at a time when the armies of Spain were conquering them. Her story is inextricably tied to the story of St. Juan Diego, to whom she appeared a number of times. Juan Diego, a poor peasant who was going to church to pray for the recovery of his uncle, received his first vision of—Read More HERE.


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December 17, 2023

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Ministry Schedule: Fourth Sunday of Advent & Christmas December 23, 24 & 25 Cantor

Altar Server

Saturday, 25 4PM

Sunday, 24 10AM

Sunday, 24 3PM

Sunday, 24 4:30PM

Sunday, 24 10PM

Monday, 25 11AM

Alex Gruenling & Anthony Gruneling 2 SERVERS NEEDED

2 SERVERS NEEDED

Bridget Farrow

Carly York

Marybeth Jacobson

4 SERVERS NEEDED

4 SERVERS NEEDED

3 SERVER NEEDED

Bridget Farrow

CHOIR

CHOIR

Reader 1

Michele Gruenling

Barbara Schaflin

Jennifer Stubbs

NEEDED

Barbara Schaflin

Richard Gerbino

Reader 2

EMHC

Mary Ellen Griffin

OH - Monica Barr TH - Susan Murphy TH - Irene Weller ALT - Elvira Dapul, MD

Matt Yaninas

OH - Dawn Reinhardt TH - Gregory Calderaro TH - Winifred O-Doherty ALT - Maureen Geiger

Annette Raynor

OH - Louise Habrack TH - Gina Shute TH - Susan Murphy ALT - NEEDED

NEEDED

OH - NEEDED TH - Elvira Dapul, MD TH - Linda Dickinson-Pancilla ALT - NEEDED

NEEDED

OH - NEEDED TH - Patricia Gesner TH - NEEDED ALT - NEEDED

NEEDED

OH - NEEDED TH - Justine Buzzetta TH - NEEDED ALT - NEEDED

The purpose of the Missionary Childhood Association is to encourage all children to be aware of the needs of children living in ADVENT Mite Boxes mission dioceses through the world and support them both spiritually and sacrificially. Today it is in 110 countries and helps make Jesus known to children all over the world. Please take a mite box home with you and have your child fill it with loose change throughout Advent. Once filled, please count the amount inside, write a check to St Mary Parish with “MCA” in the memo line and we as a parish will forward the full amount to the Mission Office. You can also make an offering online at https://bit.ly/3ETJPyT or scan the code. Please send in your offerings by January 8, 2024. Thank you in advance for your generosity & commitment.

Missionary Childhood Association

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

3rd Sunday of Advent Prayer… Lord, would you restore the joy of our salvation? Help us to be willing to follow you with all we have. As we read the Scriptures that remind us who you are and the ways you love us, ignite in us a sense of joy that overflows out of our hearts! Let this holy joy be contagious and spill over onto the lives of those around us. May your peace that surpasses all understanding be upon us. Encourage our hearts with the knowledge that with you we can live in your perfect peace, no matter our circumstances. We thank you for the joy and peace you give! Amen.


www.stmaryscoltsneck.org Faith Formation

December 17, 2023

Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Education

RE CALENDAR: 17 December, 2023 i S Pancake Breakfast 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM in MH (no tickets sold at door) 18 December, 2023 Nativity Play Rehearsal 5:00 PM in the Theater 19 December, 2023 i S Christmas Party/Nativity Play 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM in MH SIGN UP BELOW

i 23,24 December, 2023

Blessing of the Infant Jesus Saturday, 4:00 PM Mass in the Church Sunday, 10AM Mass in the Church SIGN UP HERE 6 January, 2024 Confirmation Prep Retreat 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in MH *Mandatory for grades 7 &8* 21, 22 January, 2024 Confirmation Prep Class 14 February, 2024 i Fishers of Men Food Drive in Church

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

CHRISTMAS BREAK Beginning December 23, 2023 there will be no RE Classes in observance of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Classes resume January 2, 2024.

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

The Faith Formation/Religious Education Department would like to wish all of our RE families and parishioners a very Merry Christmas with all of the Lord’s blessings. We are excited to celebrate at the Religious Ed. Christmas party this Tuesday, 19 December at 5:15pm. We look forward to presenting the NATIVITY PLAY for all to enjoy-a tradition coming back this year! A reminder that we are off the following week for Christmas break and will resume RE classes on Tuesday, 2 January 2024. Followed by the 7&8 grade retreat on Saturday, 6 January, 2024.

IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS ED LINKS [2023 - 2024] •Fall RE Schedule •2023 - 2024 RE Calendar •Parent - Student Handbook •Intergenerational List •Intergenerational Digital

Recording Sheet •Current Service Hours

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


www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 17, 2023

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

7 YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 310

Our Promise to Protect

The Diocesan Youth Conference on February 3 is a gathering for ALL teens in grades 8-12 of the Diocese of Trenton. It is an exciting day filled with great music,

powerful talks, fun service projects and more! Most importantly it is a chance to connect with other Catholics teens beyond your parish or school and grow in your faith!

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 or via e-mail at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org. 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. Child Protection Efforts

Are you curious or thinking of becoming Catholic? We are here and ready to share the richness of our faith with you. If you’ve been looking everywhere for answers, and still haven’t found them, we invite you to find out what the Catholic Church offers. RCIA is a comprehensive process, in which the Church supports and encourages the spiritual journeys of: • those who are unbaptized and seeking to become Catholic. • those who are baptized, Catholic or in another Christian denomination, who wish to complete their Sacraments of Initiation (First Eucharist and Confirmation).

Contact Rose Farrow, Coordinator of Faith Formation at YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org for more information.

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

ST. PETER'S COMMUNITY LUNCH Grades 7 & 8 Every Week Guidelines HERE Sign up HERE


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December 17, 2023

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

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

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

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


www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 17, 2023

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Quo vadis for December 17. . . My Dear Parishioners: This weekend we welcome all those who have Today we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent. This participated in the Light Up A Memory Mass & Tree particular Sunday is also known as Gaudete Sunday. Ceremony. I am grateful to all those who work so very Gaudete is a latin word that can be translated as we hard with the Light Up A Memory Tree as a way for all of rejoice. It’s easy and comfortable to recognize Christ in us to remember the Faithful Departed…Our Beloved the expected places and ways. When we enter the peace Dead and the living who have been named for prayers. of a church, for example, we expect to find God. When Special thanks to Freda O’Doherty, Molly Aiello and their we sit and pray in our homes, we expect to find God and dedicated team supported by the parish office staff and have our prayers answered. All this is good. However, our Worship and Music Ministry Staff and Parishioners. living the paschal mystery means that we take up the The Pancake Breakfast returns this year. Many thanks to mission of Christ ourselves, that we ourselves are to be all those who have worked to prepare this community Christ for others. Especially during these final days be- building opportunity. fore Christmas when everyone is so busy we can forget that our mission is like John’s: to testify to the light. Please be aware that when we are faced with significant We do this by how we respond to those around us: take snowfall, the Parish Staff will make a decision as to time to listen to the one hurting, visit those who might be whether or not the Sunday (Saturday Eve, Sunday am) forgotten, do with a little less ourselves so others might mass schedule will be altered. I need to be responsible have more, take time to pray, remember to give thanks, for the public safety of our parishioners. If it is offer a helping hand, reorganize our priorities, praise the determined that our grounds, or the streets are not satisfactorily cleaned of snow and ice then we may cancel God in others. a mass or masses. A message will be posted on our Many thanks to all those who participated in the Advent phone system as soon as the caller is connected. Exercise Confessions last weekend. We had a good turnout good judgment and caution in maneuvering the inclement considering the weather and I was overwhelmed with the weather. tremendous spirit of cooperation in arriving to the church as we had suggested times relating to the first letter of a I hope that you have received our Christmas Schedule family name. The wait time was minimal. We also had 15 which has been mailed to the residence of every registered priest confessors which added to the efficiency. We are household of our parish. If you did not receive one, so blessed to have so many priests who come to serve our please contact the parish office. There is a special parishioners and those of our co-hort parishes. Special abbreviated weekend mass schedule for the Fourth thanks to Julia Cullen, Rose Farrow and Andrew Sunday of Advent, 23/24 December & Holy Family Macirowski, our parish staff and all who supported them. Sunday 30/31 December. Please mark your schedules! The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God will be celebrated Last week the electricians were back to continue their on New Years Eve at 4:00pm in our parish and New work of upgrading our lighting controls, circuit breaker Years Day at Saint Catharine, Holmdel at 9:00am. All of panel box, emergency exit lighting and blue tooth control these are included in the Christmas mailer. Leave your systems. We are waiting for two fixtures to be sent in homes a little earlier. Try and car pool. Be welcoming to replacement of originals that were defective. Also, the those who join us for worship by welcoming them and engineers needed to re-work the layout of fixtures for the introducing yourself. Christmas is not a day but a season side entrances. All things in time. Carpenters were here that extends into January until the Feast of the Baptism of to help prepare some areas for the whole church painting the Lord. Try and keep the tree, nativity scene and project this coming January 8th. They have prepared decorations up in and around your home as long as some of the sanctuary walls and closed the former organ possible until the Season concludes. Let us remember speaker chamber. They will begin to install some one another in prayer. Have a great week. decorative molding throughout the nave. Thank you one Happy Sunday. Peace. and all for your patience and all those who have helped us Father Jeff move these projects forward.


www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 17, 2023

Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach

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Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Sharing Our Treasure December 10, 2023 – 2nd Sunday of Advent

Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship

$18,427

Envelope Contributions

$9,662

Electronic/Online Contributions

$7,991

Loose Contributions

$773 324 $54.49

# Registered Parishioner Households

955

Thanks to your generosity we were able to send $2,500 to the appeal of Retired Fund for Religious. "The afflicted and the needy seek water in vain, their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. " Mt 15:32

scan code Sign-in for our Online Giving system to make your parish offerings from your bank account or Credit Card! To set up an online giving account please visit https://giving.parishsoft.com/smcn Alternatively, just Text SUNDAY to (732)-889-7800 and follow the instructions to complete your offering. Should you require our assistance setting up your new account, please call the parish office at (732)-780-2666. You can also download the ConnectNow Giving App for Android or iOS. Thank you for your continuous support!

Consider A Year-End Gift to St Mary Parish

2023 Christmas Collection: Our Christmas mailer has been sent out to our parishioners a few weeks ago. When making your list of Christmas gifts this year, please remember your parish. Kindly use the Christmas offering envelope or make your gift through our online giving system at http://bit.ly/2Ec6vu5. We will provide you with a report of this collection at the conclusion of the Christmas Season.

Thank you for your generosity!

As you begin yearend tax planning, take advantage of the charitable tax deduction for gifts made before December 31 and consider making a gift to St Mary Parish. Your gift to our parish can make a great difference to us and help you as well. Online Giving is a convenient way to make your gift to St. Mary Parish. To create or update your St. Mary Parish Online Giving account, visit https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/smcn If you choose to make a cash donation, please prepare your check and mail it so that your envelope is postmarked or received by the Parish Office by December 31 to qualify as a gift in the year 2023. Contributions received on January 1st or after will be treated as 2024 gifts. Thank you! Your generosity has been a blessing to

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


www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 17, 2023

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Paul’s letter to the Romans has been at the center of reflection, conversion, and controversy from the very beginning. Presented by Dr. Andrew Swafford and Jeff Cavins, Romans: The Gospel of Salvation provides an authentically Catholic way to understand this challenging epistle. Above all, it will help you enter into a more meaningful relationship with Christ. Many Catholics fear Romans as a ‘Protestant’ Epistle of Paul, but in this lavishly illustrated and attractive study, Swafford and Cavins present Catholics with a study that is both profound yet accessible—based on the best contemporary scholarship and faithful to the Church’s tradition.

Baptismal Preparation Session St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on:

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 2023 at 1 PM

This series is 8 sessions , beginning January 16. Sessions are Tuesday evenings 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM and Wednesday mornings 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. To sign-up, click HERE. For additional information contact Barbara Schaflin at BarbaraSchaflin10@verizon.net

Pre-registration is required a week in advance. Contact Us

Sacrament of Baptism Parents wishing to baptize their children must be registered parishioners of St Mary Parish. Please contact the Parish Office at 732-780-2666 x329 at least 3 months in advance of the desired date for baptism. More information can be read HERE.

Please remember in your prayers those who have recently died.

Joseph “Bud” McIlvaine father of Carly McIlvaine York

Janice Baselice

Parking head-in on the grass

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


www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 17, 2023

Eucharistic Revival Monthly Homily

NEXT MEETING is… January 22, 2024 at 7:00 PM!! All are welcome to continue to prepare for the Eucharistic Revival in our parish.

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DECEMBER Catechetical Topic: “The Eucharist in Advent” Purpose: To identify and elaborate on Eucharistic themes that are in common with the purposes of the Advent Season and the Scripture readings of the day. Click HERE for the Homily, featuring Father John Butler of St. Michael’s Church in Long Branch, NJ.

Watch comfortably from a screen in your home the unfolding of Jesus in the Eucharist, and the sacrament's continuous impact throughout time. Understand Jesus's teachings of the Eucharist long before its recognition in the Last Supper during this 6-episode series called 'Bread of Life: Eucharist in Galilee.' Then later watch a priest bear witness to a miracle in the Eucharist during Mass; eradicating all his doubt of Jesus's presence in this short movie, 'Faith Prevails: The Miracle of Bolsena.' Check this page of the bulletin each week to find out about upcoming meetings and events for the Eucharist Revival. Parish events will also be posted on our Facebook page.

It’s not too late to Join the Movement! NEW INFORMATION EVERY WEEK!!! December 17, 2023

Join in Praying..

Spread the word, teach others... [Click the Image]

for revival with the Spark Series—nine short daily reflections inviting you to open your heart to the renewal God desires. Sign up HERE.

To find more information about the movement, click HERE.


www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 17, 2023

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St. Padre Pio Prayer Group of St. Ambrose Parish

February 14, 2024 – ASH WEDNESDAY RETREAT Ever wish you could receive more out of Lent? Explore the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and alms giving as we carve out our Lenten plans. Lunch and Eucharistic Liturgy with distribution of ashes included. Arrival: 9:00 a.m./Departure: 2:30 p.m. (Presenter: Janice Santanello, M.Th., CLEM, CSG, CPC) Cost: $60

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

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


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December 17, 2023 - Third Sunday of Advent by The Parish of Saint Mary - Issuu