Bulletin for December 22, 2019

Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C. M. Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee

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 Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch Deacon: John Wedemeyer

Trustees: Bill LaMorte Irene Weller Parish Office hours Sunday 9 am – 12 noon Mon. & Tues. 8:45 am – 7:30 pm Wed. & Thurs. 8:45 am – 6:00 pm No office hours on Fri or Sat.

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

New Parishioner Orientation (quarterly) - will be held January 5, 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 Next Baptismal Class TBA Contact the Parish Office for information & requirements three months in advance. There are no Baptisms during Advent or Lent, please plan accordingly.

Masses for 4th Sunday of Advent are Saturday, December 21, 4 pm & Sunday, December 22, 10 am

Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve: Tuesday, December 24th 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, & 10:00 pm (9:30 pm prelude)

Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25th 9:00 am & 11:00 am

Visit our Website: www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 22, 2019

Mass Intentions for the Week of December 21 - December 29 For * Requested by

Parking head-in on the grass:

Saturday, December 21 – 4 PM Church Irene Baron * Donna and Frank Sikorskas Edwin Eastman * Marge Eastman Corcoran and Petolino Families * Fran and Joe Corcoran

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:

Sunday, December 22 – Church Fourth Sunday of Advent 10 AM Pro Populo Joe and Rachel Verga * Verga Family Anthony Garito * Arlene and Family Monday, December 23 – 9 AM Chapel William J. Pfaff * Richard and Marie Innocenzi

Christmas Eve - the 3 pm, 5 pm, & 10 pm Masses

Tuesday, December 24 – Church Vigil of Christmas 3, 5, & 10 pm

Christmas Day - the 9 am & 11 am Masses

Living and Deceased Parishioners and Benefactors of our Parish

Wednesday, December 25 – Church The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) 9 am & 11 am Living and Deceased Parishioners and Benefactors of our Parish

Thursday, December 26 – 9 AM Church Sergio Dos Santos * Dos Santos Family Lloyd Petillo * Irene Sessa Friday, December 27 – 9 AM Church Antoinette McCluskey * Lorraine Lee Joseph Nogueira * Marie Nogueira Saturday, December 28 – 4 PM Church Dorothy Deckert * John and Susan Murphy Intentions of Leonidas Mavrookas* Suzanne Schlesinger Florence & William O’Sullivan * Freda O’Doherty & Family Sunday, December 29 – Church The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph 10 AM Eleanor and Patrick Walsh * Maureen Beyer Tom Walsh * Maureen Beyer Rose Lunz * Maureen Beyer Baptisms during the 10 am Mass Desmond Ryan Ilardi Conor Frank O'Mahony

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An Abbreviated Mass schedule will be observed for the Holy Family weekend. 

Saturday, December 28 - 4 pm Mass  Sunday, December 29 - 10 am Mass

Sanctuary Lamps These intentions are on a weekly basis starting with the Sunday.

The suggested donation for Sanctuary Lamp is $25.

Upcoming availability Church: 1/26 - 2/1, 2/9 - 2/15, & 2/16 - 2/22 Christ Chapel: 1/12- 1/18, 1/19 - 1/25, 1/26- 2/1, 2/ 2 - 2/8, 2/9 - 2/15, & 2/16 - 2/22

CHRIST CHAPEL S SGt S. Joseph Coleman Carol and Frank Donahue Family

CHURCH Frank Rapacciuolo Rorie and Jack Coppola

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 22, 2019

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 Principal Cantor Contact: David Maliakel Adult Faith Formation & Religious Education Contact: Dr. Jim Bridges FaithFormation@stmaryscoltsneck.org ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org Temporal Administration, Stewardship & Outreach Contact: Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org The Parish Office will close for Christmas on Tuesday, December 24 at 12 noon. Remaining closed on Wednesday, December 25, Christmas Day. The Office will reopen Thursday, December 26 at 8:45 am.

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.”

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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 Susan Condon Logan Dayton John DeStefano Kaitlin Donahue Nagle Tom Fadale James Fiedler Emily Gioacchini Edward Habrack Tom Hudak Theresia Kopp

Bridget Korn Lori Lettieri Donna Lodi Leonidas Mavrookas Mary Joan McNamara Diane O’ Donnell Kevin O’Shea Stanley Rembisz Paola Richmond Owen Shoemaker Christine Shrewsbury Seneida Tomasetti Nancy Vida 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

PRAY for Military & First Responders SN Colton Boag, USCG LCpl Devon Francis Chrzan, USMC Chief Blake Conley, USN 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 Pvt Nicholas Poskonka US Army Captain Richard Savo, US Army 1st Lt. Adam Sjoholm, US Army 1st Lt. Ryan Tanguay, US Army SSgt 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.

Please include rank and branch of service.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 22, 2019

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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 symbolizes the unity of family, and the upholding of the family as a pillar of society.

The family gathers around the dinner table on Christmas Eve. Before the meal begins, either the father or eldest member of the family takes a large wafer, gives thanks to God for His blessings, then breaks it, giving another large piece to his wife or next eldest family member. This continues around the table, as all wish each other a Merry Christmas, and a healthy new year. When all have broken bread, each person will hold a much smaller piece of the wafer, about the size of a regular host for communion. Then, everyone consumes the wafer, acknowledging their blessings, and beginning the meal.

Lifelong Catechesis Week of December 23 - December 29 Readings for the Week

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

— Matthew 1:23

Monday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Lk 1:57-66 Tuesday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Lk 1:67-79 Wednesday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] Night: Is 9:1-6; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14] Thursday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Mt 10:17-22 Friday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Jn 20:1a, 2-8

Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God Mass times within the Cohort

Sunday, December 29 - Holy Family Sir 3:2-6, 12-14; Col 3:12-21 [12-17]; Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 Questions for Deeper Reflections:

108 Middletown Rd., Holmdel - Tuesday, Dec 31 – 5 pm - Wednesday, Jan 1 - 9 am & 12 noon

Question for Children: When is it the hardest for you to obey your parents?

St. Gabriel, 100 N. Main St., Marlboro

The Parish of Saint Mary, Colts Neck - Tuesday, Dec 31 – 5 pm - Wednesday, Jan 1 - 10 am

St. Catharine of Genoa,

Question for Youth: In Colossians, St. Paul lays out a way of life for the followers of Christ. As you read through this list, which one of these is most difficult for you to follow? Which one is easiest?

- Wednesday, Jan 1 - 10 am & 12 noon

Question for Adults: We are invited to let the word of Christ dwell within us and direct our daily lives. Which one of the lifestyle suggestions in this -Lifelong Catechesis reading speaks most loudly to you?

- Tuesday, Dec 31 – 5 pm - Wednesday, Jan 1 - 9 am

St. Benedict, 165 Bethany Rd., Holmdel

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 22, 2019

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Worship Schedule: Christmas December 24 - December 25 & Holy Family December 28/29 Altar Server

EMs of Holy Communion

Reader 1

Reader 2

Cantor

LWD

Usher

John Wedemeyer - Center Cup Mike LaCava - Organ Host Suzanne Schlesinger - Organ Host Louise Habrack - Tabernacle Host Rosanne LaCava - Tabernacle Host Susan Murphy - Tabernacle Host Sandra Montefusco - Gathering Space 1

Stanley Drusdow

Annette Raynor

Marybeth Jacobson

William Hines Mark Hines Gabriella Penczak NOT FILLED

NOT FILLED - Organ Host NOT FILLED - Organ Host Suzanne Schlesinger - Tabernacle Host NOT FILLED - Tabernacle Host NOT FILLED - Tabernacle Host NOT FILLED - Gathering Space 1

Alicia Mendez

Matt Yaninas

Bridget Farrow

Abigail Cowles Patrick Dickinson Jonathan Stubbs Valeska Yaninas

NOT FILLED - Organ Host Martha Cowles - Tabernacle Host Linda Dickinson-Pancila - Tabernacle Host NOT FILLED - Organ Cup Barbara Schaflin - Tabernacle Cup NOT FILLED - Tabernacle Cup John Wedemeyer - Pres Cup

Barbara Schaflin

Jennifer Stubbs

Magnificat Choir

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Jane Slattery - Organ Host Joseph Flanagan - Tabernacle Host Joyce Flynn - Tabernacle Host

Barbara Schaflin

NOT FILLED

David Maliakel

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Dawn Reinhardt - Organ Host Maria Gerbino - Tabernacle Host NOT FILLED - Tabernacle Host

Richard Gerbino

NOT FILLED

Magnificat Choir

Saturday, 4:00 PM The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Abigail Cowles Daniel Cowles Christopher Montefusco

Louise Habrack - Center Cup Martha Cowles - Organ Host Helene Lind - Center Host Suzanne Schlesinger - Tabernacle Host NOT FILLED - Organ Cup Irene Weller - Tabernacle Cup Sandra Montefusco - Pres Cup

NOT FILLED

T Mullin

Colleen Swain

Fernando Pinguelo

John Grabowski Jim Davis Bob Lind Frank Sikorskas NOT FILLED

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

Danek Yaninas Valeska Yaninas NOT FILLED

Joseph Merante - Center Cup Edward Moskal - Organ Host Mary Aiello - Center Host Steve Stanley - Tabernacle Host Helen DeCerce - Organ Cup Dolores Addler - Tabernacle Cup Amy Orrico - Pres Cup

Anthony Bongiorno

Barbara Schaflin

Magnificat Choir

Jennifer Garcia

Leigh Gavinelli John Orrico Greg Penczak Jack Zumba Charlie Gavinelli Allan Ryan Jaime Steiner

Christmas Eve 3PM Tuesday, 5:00 PM Christmas Eve 5PM

Tuesday, 10:00 PM "Midnight Mass" Wednesday, 9:00 AM

Ushers please contact your Team Leader To arrange Christmas Mass coverage

Christopher Montefusco Allen Montefusco NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Tuesday, 3:00 PM

Christmas Day Wednesday, 11:00 AM Christmas Day

Schedule of Decorating the Parish!

December 22 - Decorating and preparation of Church (poinsettia, etc) - Begin with Mass at 10 AM, and continue afterwards January 13 - Un-Decorating of Campus - 9:30 AM-12 noon and 6:30 PM-9 PM. To volunteer for any and all of these, please see Andrew Macirowski, coordinator for Worship and Music.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 22, 2019

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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 isn’t 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.

Congratulations to all those who worked on the Annual Light Up A Memory Mass. What an awesome turnout. It was very prayerful and all the special attention to detail was noticed. Many thanks to the scores and scores of parishioners who made this year’s pancake breakfast such a huge community building success. Our young people were awesome. It is great to see veteran parishioners side by side with newer parishioners; those younger parishioners alongside our more senior parishioners…all for a common cause. A true representation of how our parish continues to keep traditions while including new member participation.

Many thanks to all those who are helping us to prepare our facilities for the Christmas Season.

Don’t be ashamed to wish one another “Merry Christmas”. While the word “holiday” is a derivative of “holy day” it is so much more festive when we acknowledge what we are

celebrating.

The Liturgical Season of Christmas continues through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. I would encourage you to try to maintain your decorations and festive environment as long as possible, certainly until the Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord.

Thanks to all of our parish liturgical ministers for their willingness to “serve” at Mass while balancing the obligations of family and guests.

Ministry is a sacrifice that we all share together.

Please support those who advertise on our parish bulletin and those who generously support our parish community through their sharing of Time and Talent.

The coming of Christ at Christmas reminds us of how much God loves us and how very blessed we are as members of the Roman Catholic Church and as members of our parish community. Please review the contents of the bulletin carefully. There are special schedules for the Christmas Octave. There will be premass musical selections prepared by our parish choir preceding the 10 pm Mass. Come a little early and enjoy the time of quiet and prayerful reflection as we give thanks for the great gift of Jesus the Lord in our lives. 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 of Christ for our community to a visitor. See you in Church! We will observe an abbreviated Mass schedule for the weekend of 28/29 December. Please plan accordingly. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 22, 2019

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

Psalms: The School of Prayer In this 11-session study, presenters Jeff Cavins, Tim Gray, and Sarah Christmyer show you how to establish a deeply personal dialogue with God through the Psalms. Learn how to meditate fruitfully on the captivating words of the Psalms using lectio divina and study the many ways the Psalms foretell the life and mission of Jesus.

11 sessions offered Jan 14 - March 15, 2020

Tuesdays at 7:30 pm Wednesday at 10 am The cost is free for parishioners of Saint Mary. *Participants from outside the parish are asked to pay for study materials ($30)

The following presentations are being offered for free in January and February

by Dr. Jim Bridges in Madonna Hall.

January 26 at 7 pm and January 27 at 10 am  “Calling All Angels” will examine the Biblical and apocryphal traditions concerning the existence and nature of angels.

February 9 at 7 pm and February 10 at 10 am “Satan and the Personification of Evil” will examine the Biblical roots of Satan and the related traditions concerning other named and unnamed representations of evil in the Judeo-Christian traditions.

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

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 22, 2019

Due to the transmission time of this bulletin Sharing our Treasure for the weekend of Dec 14/15 will be in next week’s December 28/29 bulletin.

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.

Have you considered making your IRA Required Minimum Distribution to the Parish of St. Mary If you are over the age of 70 1/2 and have a traditional IRA and /or a Roth IRA, your required minimum distribution can be directed to St. Mary Parish as a “qualifying charitable distribution”. The requirements include the following: 

The Charitable distribution must be from a traditional IRA or Roth IRA.



The charitable distribution must be direct from the IRA trustee to St. Mary Parish.



The charitable contribution must be on or after you have reached the age of 70 1/2. The maximum annual exclusion for qualified charitable distribution is $100,000.

For those of you who are eligible to make a charitable qualifying distribution, please consider making a portion or all your required minimum distribution to St. Mary Parish.

To all of our parishioners thank you for your support.

Stewardship Prayer Dear Lord, Teach me to be generous as You have been generous with me. Teach me that all that I am and have are gifts from You, and that these gifts are meant to be shared.

Reveal to me the joys of generosity. Help me to understand that others, perhaps unknown to me, depend on my assistance.

Keep me ever mindful that as Your disciple, I am called to be a “Good Samaritan” and to share the “Good News” with the world.

Make me a gift to others in Your name.

Amen.

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You can make a difference!

Simply shop at

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

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

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

You can also download the ConnectNow Giving App for Android or iOS

Scan QR for direct link

Thank you for your continuous support!

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 22, 2019

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.

Due to the shift in Bulletin transmission the Advent Pancake Breakfast will be highlighted in the December 29th bulletin.

9 “Light up a Memory” Thank You

As the beautiful tree sparkles during the rest of the Christmas season, it will remind us of our many loved ones (both living and deceased) represented by the lights and of the kindness and generosity of so many people.

The committee sincerely thanks everyone who participated in any way – especially:  Father Jeff for leading our special ceremony  Our Choir for the beautiful music  Delicious Orchards, Dunkin Donuts and Dawn & John Reinhardt for their generous donations of cider, donuts and cookies  Joe Cardone for installing the lights May the “Light of the World” bless all of you and your loved ones, during this holy season and all of 2020.

Co-chairs: Freda O’Doherty and Molly Aiello

Learning, Loving, and Laughing!

FUTURE GENERATIONS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Are you looking for a safe, loving, educational and nurturing environment where your child will get the attention and care that they deserve?

Give Future Generation a call!

Located at The Parish of Saint Mary 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck 732-780-0135 jessica@fgkids.org

Committee: Ann Marie Dayton Carol Donahue Angela Kinlin Catherine Love Susan Monaco Muriel Rogers Jane Slattery Maureen Valenziano Lorraine Walsh Pictured: Top right - our faithful volunteers, Carol Donohue, Maureen Valenziano and Jane Slattery, whom entered the names in the computer for this years Memory Book.

Bottom right - LUAM Committee 2018

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 22, 2019

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My Own Church is an online tool that lets you update your family’s records on the web! It’s convenient. It’s secure.

THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and to its own policies and guidelines in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors.

If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan ABUSE HOTLINE: 1-888-296-2965 The Diocese of Trenton reports any allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Anyone with an allegation is also encouraged to provide that information to local law enforcement authorities.

may be found on The My Own Church Button the parish website. Please use a PC/Mac computer for login as mobile devices may result in errors.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org Located under the Parish Resources Block. Select The Parish of Saint Mary, Colts Neck from the dropdown menu (fourth from the bottom), and fill in the required information. Questions?

See the help page link or call the parish office.

Save The Date next year will be The Diocese of Trenton’s triannual trip to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, November 7, 2020.

Rediscover the Love in Your Marriage!

Tens of thousands of couples have healed their Marriages through Retrouvaille (Retro-VIE). If you know of anyone who could benefit from this program please pass it on. Couples learn to build communication skills and rediscover intimacy. Retrouvaille provides help for marriage problems, difficulties or crises. The next program in your area begins on the weekend of February 21-23 at the Family Life Center in Malvern, PA. Another weekend will be held in April. For more information, or to register for one of our weekends, visit our web site at: www.HelpOurMarriage.org or call 215-766-3944 or 800-470-2230. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

The next Retrouvaille Program for troubled marriages will be held on the weekend of February 21-23, 2020 in a hotel in Somerset, New Jersey.

For more informa on call the Family Life Office at 732-562-1990 ext. 1543 TO REGISTER: Call Rich & Anne e Colasuonno 732-236-0671 or email 3024@retrouvaille.org