The parish of saint Mary
A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in our Time OnePhalanxRoad,ColtsNeck,NJ07722
Phone:732-780-2666 Fax:732-780-0394
Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C. M.
Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee
Pastor Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch
Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 22, 2024
The Parish office will be closed on Tuesday December 24th and Wednesday December 25 in Observance of Christmas and will reopen Thursday December 26 at 9am
Solemnity of Christmas
Christmas Eve - Tuesday, December 24th 3:00 pm Mass , 4:30 pm Mass, 10:00 pm Mass
Christmas Day - Wednesday, December 25h 11: 00 am Mass
Abbreviated Mass Schedule
Saturday - 4pm & Sunday - 10am 21/22 December 28/29 December 4/5 January
Mass Intentions for:
Saturday December 21 2024 - Sunday December 29 2024
Saturday, December 21- 4PM
Corcoran & Petolino Families * Francine & Joseph
Corcoran
Jon Kopko * Barbara & Joe Verga
George & Dorothy Deckert * John and Susan Murphy
Sunday, December 22 - 10AM
Pro Populo
Lillian Pishioneri * Lawrence & Felicia Battaglia
Oscar Fiedler * Susan & James Gobat
Monday, December 23 - 9AM - Chapel
Joseph Nogueira * Marie Nogueira
Gerard Carney Sr * The Brown Family
Tuesday, December 24
3 PM Living & Deceased Parishioners & Benefactors
4:30PM Living & Deceased Parishioners & Benefactors
10 PM Living & Deceased Parishioners & Benefactors
Wednesday, December 25 - 11 AM
Living & Deceased Parishioners & Benefactors
Thursday, December 26- 9AM - Chapel
Sergio Dos Santos * Dos Santos Family
Shani Louk * Barbara Cometto
Friday, December 27– 9AM - Chapel
Nicholas Cappelleri * The Cappelleri Family
Louise Lutkewitte * Bob Lutkewitte
Saturday, December 28- 4PM
Pro Populo
Joe Verga * Verga Family
Jon Kopko * Mary Kopko
Sunday December 29 –10AM
Florence & William O'Sullivan * Freda O'Doherty
Deceased Members of the Walsh Family* Maureen Beyer
Rose Lunz * Maureen Beyer
“On this day of joy, we are all called to contemplate the Child Jesus, who gives hope once again to every person on the face of the earth. By his grace, let us with our voices and our actions give witness to solidarity and peace. Merry Christmas to all!”
Sanctuary Lamp
Church: S. SGT Stephen J. Coleman
Requested by: Carol Donahue
Chapel : Giulia Ajami
Requested by: The Dahlem Family
GROTTO CANDLES
The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions. Offering is $3.00 per candle
MASS INTENTIONS AND SANCTUARY LAMPS (MEMORIALS)
Mass intentions for all occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, sickness, etc.) for the deceased or living can be requested online HERE . Please scroll down to the preferred date and time, whether daily Mass or weekend Mass. Intentions are available from the next couple of weeks until December 2025. The stipend per mass intention is $10
Consider requesting a Sanctuary Lamp in memory of a deceased person or in honor of a living individual. Sanctuary lamps burn permanently in the Church and Chapel. Requests can be made for a week, starting Sunday and ending the following Saturday. The stipend per sanctuary lamp is $25. Requests can be made online HERE.
Mass intentions and sanctuary lamps can also be requested in person at the Parish office during business hours.
Lifelong Catechesis - Week of December 22 December 28
READINGS FOR THE WEEK:
FOURTH Sunday of Advent
Mi 5:1-4a/Heb 10:5-10/Lk 1:39-45
MONDAY December 23
[Saint John of Kanty, Priest]
Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Lk 1:57-66
TUESDAY December 24
2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Lk 1:67-79
WEDNESDAY December 25
Solemnity [Holyday of Obligation]
Is 52:7-10/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14
THURSDAY December 26
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Mt 10:17-22
FRIDAY December 27
1 Jn 1:1-4/Jn 20:1a, 2-8
SATURDAY December 28
1 Jn 1:5 2:2/Mt 2:13-18
Almighty and eternal God, those who take refuge in you will be glad and forever will shout for joy. Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties. Protect them with the shield of your strength and keep them safe from all evil and harm. May the power of your love enable them to return home in safety, that with all who love them, they may ever praise you for your loving care. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Pray for Military & First Responders
AMT Colton Boag, USCG
Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army
TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF
LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:
Question for Children: 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?
Life Long Catechesis
Lt. Col. Douglas Coppola, US Army
~ Lt. Mary Herman, USN
SN Christian Houlihan, USN ~
LT. Jason Joseph Howe, USN
SPC Michael John Mento, US Army
LTJG Matthew Motola, USN
LCpl Bradley O’Ree, USMC
SPC Nicholas Poskonka, US Army
Captain Richard Savo, US Army
1st Lt. Adam Sjoholm, US Army
Captain Ryan Tanguay, US Army
Pleaseprayforthefollowingmembersofourparishcommunitywhoareill:
Jack Coppola
Kaitlin Donahue Nagle
Nancy Niven
David Niven
Lori Lettieri
Lauren vinci
Dawn Reinhardt
Helen Prill
Gerard Thompson
Rose walch
Joyce daniel
Robert a . monaco, md
Jeff McBride
Owen Shoemaker
Peter Vickers
Debby Tanico
Toaddorremoveafamilymemberfromthesicklistpleasee-mailONLY parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Please,also,keepusupdatedonyourlovedone’shealth. Nameswillberemovedfromthelistafter3months.ThankyouforkeepingourParishinformed.
Worship & Music
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist
Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Blessing of Images of the Infant Jesus
Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org
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
WORSHIP AIDS for CHRISTMAS MASSES
As we gather together to celebrate the Christmas liturgies, all are invited to make use of the following worship aids so that all may fully participate at Mass. There are separate links below depending on whether you have a large-screen device (tablet, e-reader, etc) or a small-screen device (smartphone, compact reader, etc). Additionally, QR codes may be scanned in the narthex that will load the mobile-optimized versions.
The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (12/24 - 3pm, 4:30pm, 12/25 - 11am)
Tablet or Print Version
Mobile-Optimized Version
The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Solemn Mass at Night 12/24 - 9:30pm)
Tablet or Print Version
Mobile-Optimized Version
Blessed Elisha of St. Clement, Religious, 1901-1927
Born Theodora Fracasso in Bari, Italy on January 17, 1901, this saint knew from a very early age that she was called to be a nun. In a vision, the young girl, about four years old at the time, saw a beautiful lady walking among the flowers in a garden and then disappearing in a bright ray of light. Theodora’s mother explained the vision to her. The child decided then that she was being called to become a nun and devoted her young life to preparation for that calling.
Sent to a school run by nuns, Theodora continued to grow in faith. The night before she was to make her First Communion, she had a vision of St. Teresa of Jesus (St. Teresa of Avila) who told her that she would become a nun just as Teresa had. In later years, Theodora joined her friends in groups to study Scripture, the lives of the saints, and one that she especially liked, The Story of a Soul, the autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
Read More HERE
Liturgy of the Word Dismissal
This is the practice of having children, ages 4-12, leave the Sunday assembly during the Liturgy of the Word (readings) and gather in a separate environment to engage in the Liturgy of the Word at a level more appropriate to the children’s understanding.
Ministry Schedule: Christmas and Holy Family
Tuesday, 24 3 PM RJ Vaina Reagan Royal
Bridget Farrow Joe Ventura Annette Raynor
Tuesday, 24 4:30 PM Jonathan Stubbs NOT FILLED Carly York Angela Kinlin Jennifer Stubbs
OH - Susan Murphy
TH - Gina Shute
TH - Louise Habrack
ALT - Monica Barr
OH - Tom Kinlin
TH - Tom Nathanson
TH - Elvira Dapul MD
ALT- Linda Dickinson-Pancila
OH - Nick Turkovic
Tuesday, 24 10 PM NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Wednesday, 25 11 AM Chloe Cullin NOT FILLED
Saturday, 28 4 PM
Alex Gruenling (Sub Requested) Anthony Gruenling (Sub Requested)
Sunday, 29 10 AM Reagan Royal Suzanne Duarte
Missionary Childhood Association ADVENTMiteBoxes
Choir/ Cantor NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Choir/ Cantor NOT FILLED Julia Cullin
Bridgett Farrow Barbara Schaflin Mary Ellen Griffin
TH - Patricia Gesner
TH - Liz Turkovic
ALT– NOT FILLED
OH - NOT FILLED
TH - Richard Gerbino
TH - Dee Lembo
ALT– NOT FILLED
OH - Martha Cowles
TH - Irene Weller
TH - Richard Gerbino
ALT - Susan Murphy
OH –Tom Nathanson
Choir/ Cantor Richard Gerbino Steve Rumsby
The purpose of the Missionary Childhood Association is to encourage all children to be aware of the needs of children living in mission dioceses through the world and support them both spiritually and sacrificially. Today it is in 110 countries and helps make Jesus known to children all over the world. Please take a mite box home with you and have your child fill it with loose change throughout Advent. Once filled, please count the amount inside, write a check to St Mary Parish with “MCA” in the memo line and we as a parish will forward the full amount to the Mission Office. You can also make an offering online at https://bit.ly/3ETJPyT or scan the code.
Please send in your offerings by January 12, 2025.
Thank you in advance for your generosity & commitment.
TH - Amy Orrico
TH - Steve Stanley
ALT- Linda Dickinson-Pancila
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (
Baptismal Preparation Session
St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on: SUNDAY, January 5, 2024
Pre-registrationisrequired aweekin advance. Contact Us
Faith Formation
Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Ed
ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309
Christmas Blessings to all Religious Education Families and Catechists/assistants. The Parish of Saint Mary is blessed to have such committed and dedicated families and teachers/ volunteers in our program. Merry Christmas to all!
RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION LINKS 2024 - 2025
• 2024 - 2025 RE Calendar grades 1-8
• 24/25 Fall RE Calendar grades 1-6
• Parent - Student 24/25 Handbook
• Intergenerational List
• Intergenenerational Recording link
Religious Education Calendar
20 December 2024
Nativity Play Dress Rehearsal 3:30 PM to 5 PM in Madonna Hall
21 December 2024
Blessing of the Infant Jesus INTERGENERATIONAL 4PM mass in the church SIGN UP HERE
21 December 2024
Religious Education Christmas Party Grades 1-8 Beginning at 4PM mass, continuing in Madonna Hall SIGN UP HERE
22 December 2024
Blessing of the Infant Jesus INTERGENERATIONAL 10AM mass in the church SIGN UP HERE
22 December 2024 - 31 January 2025
CRISTMAS BREAK - NO RE Classes MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR
5, 7 January 2025
Confirmation Prep Class-Virtual/On Campus
7 January 2025
RE Class #15 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
14 January 2025
RE Class #16 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
21 January 2025
RE Class #17 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
26, 28 January 2025
Confirmation Prep Class-Virtual/On Campus
28 January 2025
RE Class #18 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
SERVICE HOUR OPPORTUNITIES
Confirmation Prep– 7 & 8 grade VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Please print out your service log as it is due the end of 8th grade, in preparation for Confirmation.
• Tuesday Elementary RE class assistant or hall monitor. Contact RE office for details.
• Summer RE assistant teacher: Virtual or on-campus; look for sign-ups in 2025. more Christian service opportunities listed on website
Missionary Childhood Association
Religious Education will be participating in this program for our Christmas Service Project. Please Pickup your Mite Box in the Rotunda at your convenience. Seepage5formoredetails
Advent & Christmas Mass Schedules:
Solemnity: The Nativity of the Lord (All Masses will be celebrated in the Church)
Christmas Eve - Tuesday, December 24th 3:00 pm Mass , 4:30 pm Mass, 10:00 pm Mass (9:30pm Choral Prelude)
Christmas Day - Wednesday, December 25th 11:00 am Mass
4th Sunday of advent
Abbreviated Mass Schedule
Blessing of the Infant Jesus
Saturday , December 21 at 4:00 pm Mass
Sunday, December 22 at 10:00 am Mass
Feast: Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 28th 4:00 pm Mass
Sunday, December 29th 10:00 am Mass
Solemnity: Epiphany of the Lord
Saturday, January 4th 4:00 pm Mass
Sunday, January 5th 10:00 am
Solemnity: Mary, Mother of God
Tuesday, December 31st ParishofSt.Mary 4:00 pm Mass
Wednesday, January 1st
St.CatharineParish,Holmdel 9:00 am Mass
Feast: Baptism of the Lord
Saturday, January 11th 9:00 am Mass in Chapel
Saturday, January 12th 8:00 am, 10:00 am, & 12:00 pm Mass
9:00AM Daily Mass will be held in the Chapel for the Octave of Christmas December 26th - December 30th
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent. God’s plan of salvation is fulfilled by Christ’s obedience to the Father’s will. The way the mystery moves from annunciation to fulfillment is by obedience. The same dynamic defines our Christian way of living: we are overshadowed by the Holy Spirit in baptism when, in the midst of the Christian community, the Lord’s presence is announced. But our own annunciation only comes to fulfillment when we spend our lives being obedient to God’s will. Think about this: doing God’s will is an incarnation and annunciation! The circumstances of our obedience won’t be so spectacular as Mary’s and Elizabeth’s; but our obedience is no less fruitful. In our helping hand, God is present. In our visits to the sick and elderly, God is present. In our disciplining and forming our children, God is present. In all our daily dying to self, God is present. This is incarnation: God is present. This is the depth of the Christmas mystery: our obedience.
During this period of Advent the Universal Church reflects on the ancient images of the Messiah known as the “O Antiphons”. These scriptural images provide for us an expansive historical collection of how the world waits for the coming of the Christ-child and also the coming of Christ at the end of time. December: 17 O Sapientia/Wisdom; 18 O Adonai/Adonai; 19 O Radix Jesse/Root of Jesse; 20 O Clavis David/Key of David; 21 O Oriens/Morning Star; 22 O Rex Gentium/ King of All Nations; 23 /Emmanuel. These images are the basis for the ancient latin hymn: Veni, Veni, Emanuel (O Come, O Come Emmanuel). During these days allow these images to shape your prayer and to open your eyes to the great mystery of the Incarnation.
Parish life continues to be nurtured and guided by the cooperation and collegiality of not a mere few, but rather of many committed members. This is most obvious during the Advent-Christmas Season. To be the pastor of this parish is a wonderful place to be during this time of the year. You may be thinking, “Where is this going?” My perspective affords me the rare glimpse of witnessing all the behind the scenes activity that makes our parish the welcoming and vibrant community that it is. Our staff effectively provides oversight to those who collaborate with them in caring for the aged and the deceased, in forming women and
men for discipleship, in reaching out to the poor & needy, and in preparing our property and buildings with adequate decorations and a fresh clean smell. None of this is possible without a real commitment to our community. Cleaning, decorating, mailing, photo copying, polishing are all happening by scores and scores of parishioners. It is for this reason that I say THANK YOU to all who generously & selflessly give their time and talent to our Parish.
Last Sunday the Advent Confessions was the largest participation since 2018! I was very happy and thankful to the priest confessors and all those who participated. There was a glitch that backed things up most of the hour. We try to offer a guide for families based on the letter if their last name. We do this to make it easier with less of a wait time. However, there were more than one hundred in line as we began and the line was strong throughout the time. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. What an awesome witness and experience.
I remind you to invite a family member or friend to join you at mass for the Solemnity of Christmas. Perhaps there is someone in your family who feels estranged or marginalized, invite them to come with you to give thanks to God for the many blessings that we continually receive. Make your celebration not just a social activity, but also a spiritual activity. For the hospitality of all please be welcoming and courteous when coming to church both inside the building and outside. Parking lot decorum can be sometimes tedious for big celebrations…utilize the parking spaces along the access road..park perpendicular not parallel to the road on these grassy areas. Please remember that all of us are evangelizers. Each one of us has the responsibility to welcome guests to our worship…even if they may be sitting in “my seat”.
Many thanks to those who have sent greetings to the parish office, sent home made goodies for us to share with our staff and guests here. If you would like to drop off something, please feel free to do so during the regular parish office hours. Please consult the bulletin for mass schedules during these coming weeks as we have “abbreviated mass schedules” and “special mass schedules” for the weekends in addition to the Christmas Eve & Day and New Years Eve & Day mass schedules. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
"The crowds asked John the Baptist, "What should we do?" He said to them in reply, "Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise."
Lk 3:10
Consider AYear-End
Gift to St Mary Parish
As you begin year-end tax planning, take advantage of the charitable tax deduction for gifts made before December 31 and consider making a gift to St Mary Parish. Your gift to our parish can make a great difference to us and help you as well. Online Giving is a convenient way to make your gift to St Mary Parish. To create or update your St Mary Parish Online Giving account, visit https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/smcn
If you choose to make a cash donation, please prepare your check and mail it so that your envelope is postmarked or received by the Parish Office by December 31 to qualify as a gift in the year 2024. Contributions received on January 1st or after will be treated as 2025 gifts. Thank you! Your generosity has been a blessing to St Mary Parish throughout this past year. Your continued support allows us to continue our ministries and mission to proclaim the Gospel in our time.
Our 2023 - 2024 Stewardship Report Has been e-mailed to our parishioners. If you have not received it, please contact the Parish Office at communications@stmaryscoltsneck.org to make sure we have your updated and valid e-mail address. Thankyouforyourcontinuedsupport!
TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Sign-in for our Online Giving system to make your parish offerings from your bank account or Credit Card!
To set up an online giving account please visit https://giving.parishsoft.com/smcn
Alternatively, just Text SUNDAY to (732)-889-7800 and follow the instructions to complete your offering. Should you require our assistance setting up your new account, please call the parish office at (732)780-2666.
You can also download the Connect Now Giving App for Android or iOS.Thank you for your continuous support!
2024 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.
Thankyoufor yourgenerosity!
Offerings at Francis House of Prayer Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House 84 Walnford Road • Allentown, NJ 08501 609-877-0509 or FHOP@verizon.net
Please check www.FHOP.org for dates, registration, directions and for our other offerings! All programs will be offered online and in-person unless otherwise indicated.
BE BORN IN ME MAKE MY HEART YOUR BETHLEHEM
Monday, December 16 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
This retreat morning will allow you the time and space to celebrate Christmas spiritually. Spending this time with God makes a huge difference in the final days before Christmas, as you continue your preparation for the feast and will enhance your entire Christmas Season. “I’ll hold you in the beginning, you will hold me in the end. Every moment in the middle, make my heart your Bethlehem. Be Born in Me.” (Battistelli) Donation: $25, lunch included. Zoom: $20 THE END OF THE YEAR RETREAT
Tuesday, December 31 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Since God gives us life and time and is Lord over all, it seems appropriate to end the year in prayer. Francis House offers time, space and quiet for naming the graces of 2024 and expressing gratitude to God. The day will focus on our goals, hopes and desires for 2025. We reverently say farewell to 2024 and cordially welcome 2025 as a gift from God. Please bring your lunch. Donation: Love Offering
ZOOM ONLY
FIRST BELONG TO GOD A RETREAT WITH POPE FRANCIS
9 Wednesdays 3:00 – 4:30 PM or 7:00 – 8:30 PM
January 22 & 29 March 12 & 26
February 12 & 26 April 9 & 23
May 7
If your soul needs light and peace and hope this program is for you. The time commitment is well worth it and to make it easier for you we are offering it both in the afternoon and the evening. Pope Francis’ writings give witness to the depth of his understanding of world issues and Ignatian Spirituality for today. We will use First Belong to God by Austen Ivereigh. Donation: $150
Christmas Fun With The Martha Mary Guild !
The rainy day on Wednesday, December 11, sure didn't dampen the spirits of the Martha Mary Guild! As always, some members started with special prayers for others with the recitation of the rosary. While we ate our lunch and delicious desserts donated by various members, Andrew played Christmas music on the piano. Then the fun began! Many thanks to two of our Board members, Anne-Marie Matthews and Jennifer Gioacchini, who led everyone in making orange pomanders. (See pictures below.) It was a wonderful project and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it!
The collection of baby items for Birthright was very successful, thanks to the outstanding generosity of our members.
Even though the official induction of new members was in October, (Anna Finley and Sandi Montefusco), we are so pleased that another new member was inducted at our Nov. (Debbie Nagel) & Dec. meetings. (Clara Broad) We welcome them and look forward to many years of sharing our faith, charity endeavors and fun!
