Bulletin for December 20, 2020 – Four 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 20, 2020

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Over all [other virtues] put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. — Colossians 3:14

Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve: Thursday, December 24th 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, & 10:00 pm

Christmas Day: Friday, December 25th 9:00 am & 11:00 am Broadcast Mass will be available beginning at 3 pm Dec 24 An Abbreviated Mass schedule will be observed for the 4th Sunday of Advent, Holy Family, & the Epiphany.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 20, 2020

Mass Intentions for the Week of December 19 - December 27 For * Requested by 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 & William O’Sullivan * Freda O’Doherty Sila Myers * Jeanne and Joe Kolakowski Monday, December 21 – 9 AM Chapel Veronica Grabowski * J. Grabowski Abel Rodriguez * Darryl Turkaly Tuesday, December 22 – 9 AM Chapel Logan Dayton * Michele Telesca Wednesday, December 23 – 9 AM Chapel Vera Moskalenko * Lorraine Lee Intentions of Jon & Mary Kopko * Linda & Chuck Fredda Thursday, December 24 3 PM, 5 PM, & 10 PM – Church All Masses offered for the People of the Parish Friday, December 25 – Church THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM All Masses offered for the People of the Parish Saturday, December 26 4 PM – Church Pro Populo Dorothy Deckert * John and Susan Murphy Terry Hulse * Joann and Robert Buhler Sunday, December 27 – Church -The Holy Family 10 AM Eleanor and Patrick Walsh * Maureen Beyer Tom Walsh * Maureen Beyer Rose Lunz * Maureen Beyer

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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.

Christmas Season All Masses will be celebrated in the Church through the Octave of Christmas

The Parish Office is closed Sunday, December 20.

Reopening on Monday, December 21 at 9 am.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 20, 2020

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

We wish you health, happiness, much peace and many blessings throughout the Christmas Season and in 2021.

Rev. Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee & Parish Staff ADVENT Sundays & Christmas Mass Schedule 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

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

“Love of God.”

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 20, 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 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 January & February 2021

Church S SGt S. Joseph Coleman Carol and Frank Donahue Family

4 Lifelong Catechesis Week December 21 - December 27 READINGS FOR THE WEEK

21 Mon Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a/Lk 1:39-45 22 Tue 1 Sm 1:24-28/Lk 1:46-56 23 Wed Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Lk 1:57-66 24 Thu 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Lk 1:67-79 25 Fri THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD Is 52:7-10/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14 December 27 - The Holy Family Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3/Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19/Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22, 39-40 Questions for Deeper Reflection Question for Children: Why is it important for you to obey your parents or guardians?

Question for Youth: God chose to be among us in the person of Jesus. How does having a God who knows what it means to be human affect the way you pray or think about God? Question for Adults: Whether single, married, or divorced, how does Paul’s advice ring true in your own life? Choose one of his suggestions and share how it touches your life.

- Lifelong Catechesis

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 20, 2020

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

The "O Antiphons" of Advent Better known as, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, these are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23, and are found in the texts for weekday from the 17th24th. The text can be traced all the way back to the 5th century, originally in Latin, and thus it is one of the oldest surviving texts of the early church. The familiar melody that we sing them to, VENI EMMANUEL, can be traced back to 15th century France. Although the music and text were not actually published together until 1851, in an English hymnal, they had been paired for some time prior to the first official printing.

Christmas Carols The oldest of Christmas Carols, can be traced back to early Christianity, when hymns that related specifically to Christmas were first recorded as being sung. One of these, “Of the Father’s Love Begotten”, dates back to the 4th century, as is sometimes thought of as the world’s oldest Christmas Carol.

The Advent Hymn, “O Come O Come Emmanuel” has text that dates to the 5th century, and there is a noticeable gap in carols for many centuries, mostly due to the fact that music was mainly an aural tradition until notation systems developed in Greece around the 4th century, but still struggled to carry on through history. The development of Gregorian chant in the 9th century helped some music remain through the ages.

There was a resurgence of carols in the style of sacred motets during the Renaissance, and at the same time the singing of carols gained popularity in Russia, Poland, Hungary, and other Eastern European nations. In Eastern Europe, carols were common in some countries like Spain and Portugal around the same time, but became even more commonplace in the rest of Europe in the 18th century, and, after becoming popular in England, found their way to the colonies we now call home. Their popularity has remained ever since, and composers are writing new carols to this day.

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December 20, 2020

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Worship Schedule: December 24 - 27 Nativity of the Lord and the The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Altar Server Thursday, 3:00 PM Nativity of The Lord: Eve 3PM Thursday, 5:00 PM Nativity of the Lord: Eve 5PM Thursday, 10:00 PM Nativity of the Lord: Mass at Night Friday, 9:00 AM

Nativity of the Lord 11AM Saturday, 4:00 PM (Church)

Reader 1

Reader 2

Cantor

Louise Habrack - Organ Host Dawn Reinhardt - Tabernacle Host Suzanne Schlesinger - Tabernacle Host Susan Murphy - Gathering Space 1 John Wedemeyer - Alt

NOT FILLED

NOT FILLED

Bridget Farrow

Greg Penczak NOT FILLED

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Suzanne Schlesinger - Organ Host NOT FILLED - Tabernacle Host NOT FILLED - Tabernacle Host NOT FILLED - Gathering Space 1 John Wedemeyer - Alt

Charles Young

Anthony Bongiorno

Bridget Farrow

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

NOT FILLED - Organ Host NOT FILLED - Tabernacle Host NOT FILLED - Alt

Barbara Schaflin

NOT FILLED

David Maliakel

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

NOT FILLED - Organ Host Joseph Flanagan - Tabernacle Host NOT FILLED - Alt

Barbara Schaflin

NOT FILLED

David Maliakel

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

NOT FILLED - Organ Host NOT FILLED - Tabernacle Host NOT FILLED - Alt

Richard Gerbino

Julia Cullen

David Maliakel

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Mark Hines William Hines NOT FILLED

Ann Byrnes - Organ Host Emily Santangelo - Tabernacle Host Suzanne Schlesinger - Alt

Bruno Savo

Charles Young

Bridget Farrow

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Christopher Montefusco Gabriella Penczak NOT FILLED

Sandra Montefusco - Organ Host Dolores Addler - Tabernacle Host Dawn Reinhardt - Alt

Carl Simone

Anthony Bongiorno

Diane Dragone

Greg Penczak NOT FILLED

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Sunday, 10:00 AM (Church) The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Usher

William Hines Mark Hines Gabriella Penczak NOT FILLED

Nativity of the Lord 9AM Friday, 11:00 AM

EMHC

“Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is enough room for Jesus.”

Neal A Maxwell

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 20, 2020

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CHRISTMAS A young mother, her eyes shining with fatigue, who is arranging her hair; a father who finds himself alone with his pretty wife and baby, straightening the stable to make himself useful in some way; shepherds who bring cheese and perhaps also some curdled milk; sheep who look at their shepherds while bleating; a donkey who is eyeing his manger changed into a cradle; an adorable swaddled baby whom one calls Savior, Christ and Lord: This is the manifestation of the goodness and the tenderness of God. This is the most fantastic birth in the history of humanity, the one which changed the face of the world! This is how far God humbled and compromised himself with us! This is Emmanuel!

—From God’s Word Is Our Joy, Vol. 1 by Lucien Deiss, CSSp, copyright © 1998, World Library Publications. p. 73

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

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

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 20, 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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www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 20, 2020

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

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-athome

8th-12th grade teens invited YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org

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

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 20, 2020

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Quo vadis…

My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

This mystery made known in Christ is none other than our own participation in divine life. We are first plunged into this life at our baptism, and through our faithful obedience (our yes to God’s will) we further the relentless action of God on our own behalf. Our lives must declare that the Christmas mystery is not limited to a day or season or even to a Person. The Christmas mystery includes our own share in the divine life and our taking up Christ’s mission to proclaim the gospel of repentance and forgiveness. But remember: our yes is no less demanding than Mary’s. Bearing Christ has its cost: dying to self. But the fruit is unimaginable: God is with us and within us.

The Season of Advent is coming to a conclusion.

Hopefully it has not been a wasted time. Preparation can be so important in every aspect of our lives.

Coming to Mass requires preparation. Which one to attend? What to wear? What time to leave the house? All these things help to prepare us for encountering the sacred in the Word, the Eucharist, and in each other. Thanks to all those who are preparing our church buildings for this Solemnity of Christmas and the Liturgical Ministers who are sacrificing their time and talent so that our worship might be the very best we can offer to God. The response to our Advent Gift Giving was great.

His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton, has extended the dispensation from the obligation to participate in the Mass in person until further notice. Our parish provides a regular “Broadcast Mass” for each Sunday as well as Christmas, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. I

encourage all to utilize this option regularly to continue to pray with all Roman Catholics throughout the world. I hope that you might seek an opportunity to receive Holy Communion throughout the Christmas Season so that the Eucharist remains central to your celebration along with other customs, traditions, foods, and gifts.

We are grateful for all the behind the scenes oversight that seamlessly provides for our communal prayer and a sense of welcome. Please review the contents of the bulletin carefully. There are special schedules for the Christmas Octave. We continue to require appropriate facial coverings, hand sanitizing, and we will be taking temperatures at the 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm Masses. Social/Physical distancing will be a challenge. Pease try as best you are able. One way is to plan to arrive 10 minutes or so before the scheduled beginning of Mass. We have added 300 or so more seats for your convenience. They will remain in the nave and narthex of the church for several weeks.

On a more practical note…carpool with family, friends and neighbors whenever and wherever possible for Christmas Mass. Remember to scoot in the pew and welcome all those who wish to join with us in worship. A smile is so much more welcoming and inviting than a miserable frown. Take the initiative to be an ambassador for our community to a visitor. Bring a friend with you or someone who feels alienated from the church. You can be an ambassador for Christ…just give it a try. See you in Church! Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 20, 2020

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

Sharing Our Treasure December 13 - 3rd Sunday of Advent Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship

$ 19,945

Envelope Contributions

$ 12,986

Electronic/Online Contributions

$ 6,378

Loose Contributions

$

581

2020 Christmas Collection: We will provide you with a report of this collection at the conclusion of the Christmas Season.

We are grateful to all who contributed; if you have not yet participated, please do so that we can offer a timely proper accounting to you.

Avg. Contribution per Household this week $ 70.67 # of Contributing Households

274

# Registered Parishioner Households

989

The direct link to Christmas Fund is http://bit.ly/2Ec6vu5

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.

Please remember The Parish of Saint Mary in your Will and Estate planning.

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:

The Vatican Cookbook “Holy Ravioli! Cookbook reveals the Vatican’s favorite recipes … hard not be enchanted.” – NPR

From the 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.

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

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December 20, 2020

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They shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”

— Matthew 1:23

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.

THE LOOK OF LOVE What does love look like?

It has feet to go to the poor and needy.

It has eyes to see misery and want.

It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of others.

—St. Augustine