December 3, 2023 - 1st 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 Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro

1st Sunday of Advent - December 3, 2023

The Solemnity of The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Parish of St. Mary, Colts Neck Thursday, December 7, 4:00 PM Friday, December 8, 12:00 noon

St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel

Friday, December 8, 9:00 AM & 7:30 PM

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 3, 2023

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Mass Intentions for: Saturday, December 2 - Sunday, December 10 - 2023 Saturday, December 02 – 4 PM Church Pro Populo Sharon Sturchio * Barbara Saake George Deckert * Cook Family Sunday, December 03 – Church 8 AM Livio DiRubbio * Jane Slattery 10 PM Margaret Clime * Jim Schatzle and Family Crisanta Dapul * Drs. Gener and Elvira Dapul Richard and Edith Gold * Arlene Garito and Family 12 PM Rosaria Pati * Richard and Maria Gerbino Special Intention * Bob Amling Robert A. and Mary Joan McNamara * McNamara Family Monday, December 04 – 9 AM Chapel Mary Coppola * Jack and Rorie Coppola Georgio Cipriano * Jack and Rorie Coppola Tuesday, December 05 – 9 AM Chapel Rosemarie Tempera * Maria and Richard Gerbino Wednesday, December 06 – 9 AM Chapel Elsie Mimmo * Lorraine Lee

Thursday, December 07 – 9 AM Chapel Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day * Carol and Frank Donahue 4 PM – Church Vigil Marie Emma * Lorraine Lee Friday, December 08 – 12 PM Church Anthony Carnevale * Diane Carnevale Sharon Sturchio * Diane Carnevale

Saturday, December 09 – 4 PM Church Stephenie E. Gobat * Susan and James Gobat Albert Herman * Barbara Saake Christopher Munger * Rorie and Jack Coppola Sunday, December 10 – Church 8 AM Pro Populo Frank Donahue * Jane Slattery Louis Dykie * Stabile Family 10 AM Piazza Family * Greenstein Family Dr. Edward Gaines * Richard Carrano Jack Brennan * Florence and Kevin Swan 12 PM Rose Gasparine * Ginny and Bill LaMorte Juan Gutierrez * Richard and Maria Gerbino Dr. Frank Ariosta * Richard and Maria Gerbino

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.

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.

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

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 3, 2023

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Lifelong Catechesis - Week of December 3 to December 9

READINGS FOR THE WEEK: 3 Sunday: 1st Sunday of Advent

Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7/1 Cor 1:3-9/Mk 13:33-37 4 Monday: Is 2:1-5/Mt 8:5-11 5 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10/Lk 10:21-24 6 Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a/Mt 15:29-37 [Saint Nicholas] 7 Thursday: Is 26:1-6/Mt 7:21, 24-27 [Saint Ambrose] 8 Friday: Solemnity of the Immaculate

Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Gn 3:9-15, 20/Eph 1:3-6, 11-12/ Lk 1:26-38 9 Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26/Mt 9:35— 10:1, 5a, 6-8 [Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin]

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION: Question for Children: What special things do you do to get ready for a visitor at your house? What things can you do like that to get ready for Jesus?

Question for Youth: What is one thing that you can do this week to help you remember that Jesus is coming?

Question for Adults: When you’re getting ready to receive a guest, what are some things you do? How do you apply this to receiving Christ?

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

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

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

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

Worship & Music

December 3, 2023

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

Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org

The Two Comings of Christ The Season of Advent Advent is a time of preparation. Most people think of it as a time to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas; and while this is true, it is also a time to prepare for his coming at the end of time. Many of the Advent readings and hymns we sing during Advent and Christmastime allude to the two comings of Christ.

One of the hymns that is often sung during Advent, The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns.

In the same hymn, the author speaks of the birth of Christ, but also of the return: Not, as of old, a little child To suffer and to die, But crowned with glory like the sun That lights the morning sky.

Another hymn, Savior of the Nations Come, speaks of the destiny of the Christ to lead those who have passed and believe in him to eternal glory: From the Father forth he came and returneth to the same, captive leading death and hell high the song of triumph swell!

This is also a time of year when special attention is paid to the Blessed Virgin Mary, with the Solemnity of the Immaculate conception on December 8, The Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12, and on the Octave of Christmas, the Solemnity of Theotokos, Mary the Mother of God. It is important during this time of preparation to not only prepare our hearts for the coming of the infant Jesus, the Son of Mary and Word Incarnate, but also the Redeemer, King of Kings for all eternity. Take some extra time for prayer, read the daily reflection books that have been gifted to our parishioners (perhaps even as a family), go to confession. Advent is short this year - The 4th Sunday of Advent is December 24th, so the 4th week of Advent less than 24 hours long, as we begin to observe the Solemnity of Christmas in the afternoon.

Welcome to the newest members of our Saint Mary Parish family:

Dillon Thomas Erbe Elle Elizabeth Hursa

Christmas Sponsor-A-Family

See Page 13. Last chance to help!

Andrew, Apostle, First Century Andrew, a native of Bethsaida, was a fisherman like his father, John, and his brother, Simon.

When John the Baptist began preaching penance, Andrew became his disciple.

One day, Jesus passed by while John was preaching and John said, "Behold the lamb of God." Andrew immediately grasped John's meaning and went off after Jesus, staying with him for several hours. Based on this encounter, Butler's Lives of the Saints credits Andrew with being Jesus' first disciple. Convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, Andrew brought his brother to meet him whereupon Simon also became a disciple, and later received the name of Peter from Jesus.

At first, Andrew and Peter did not leave their fishing to—Read More HERE.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 3, 2023

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Ministry Schedule: Second Sunday of Advent December 9 & 10 Altar Server

Saturday 4PM

1 SERVER NEEDED

Sunday 8AM

Alexander Lennon & Sophia Lennon

10AM

Larissa Yaninas & Danek Yaninas

12PM

1 SERVER NEEDED

Cantor

Carly York

Carly York

CHOIR

Bridget Farrow

Reader 1

Reader 2

Paul Tonacci

Kevin Swan

Matt Yaninas

T Mullin

Sunday, December 10 ADVENT PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION 3pm sharp-First P&R for 2nd Graders and their families.

3:10pm-parishioners with last names A-H 3:25pm-I-P 3:35pm-Q-Z Aside from Lent, a time of preparation for the celebration of the Pascal Mystery during the Triduum, Advent is the best possible time for us to repent and ready our hearts in order to fully celebrate the Incarnation of Christ.

The sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is the most powerful way by which we can prepare to engage wholeheartedly in the extraordinary event we know as Christmas.

EMHC

Charles Young

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

Joseph Ventura

OH - Gina Schute TH - Cindy Ventura TH - Joyce Flynn ALT - Marsha Grigoli

Richard Gerbino

OH - Mauren Geiger TH - Winifred O’Doherty TH - Gregory Calderaro ALT - Linda Dickinson-Pancilla LWD - Melissa Widmeier

Dolores Lembo

OH - NOT FILLED TH - Patricia Gesner TH - Lee Gesner ALT - Emily Santangelo

The annual Advent Letter with Christmas Giving envelope & quad-fold was mailed to all recently.

Please contact us via email - HERE if you did not receive one.

1st Sunday of Advent Prayer…

On this first Sunday of Advent, as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ arrival as a gift to all humanity; let’s stir up in our hearts and homes a sense of anticipation.

Over this Advent, we pray that hope would rise up in our spirits in a tangible and life-giving way.

And that our hope can be shared with others.

Amen.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org Faith Formation

December 3, 2023

Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Education

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

RE CALENDAR: 3 December, 2023 i Decorate the Rotunda and Madonna Hall 9:00 AM Mass 3,4 December, 2023 Confirmation Prep Classes 3 December, 2023 Sacrament of P&R Rehearsal/ Retreat 12:00 PM in the Church 9 December, 2023 Nativity Play Rehearsal 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM in the Theatre 10 December, 2023 i Advent Penance & Reconciliation 13 December, 2023

S Sponsor-A-Family Wrapping Event 6:00 PM in MH

16 December, 2023

i Light Up A Memory/ Christmas Caroling 4:00 PM Mass in Church SIGN UP HERE 18 December, 2023 Nativity Play Rehearsal 5:00 PM in the Theatre 17 December, 2023 i S Pancake Breakfast 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM in MH SIGN UP HERE 19 December, 2023 i S Christmas Party/Nativity Play 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM in MH SIGN UP TO THE RIGHT 23,24 December, 2023 Blessing of the Infant Jesus Saturday, 4:00 PM Mass in the Church Sunday, 10AM Mass in the Church

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

What is it?

And why do we do it?

This is the first step to making Penance and Reconciliation. Reflecting prayerfully at home prior to P&R is an important way to prepare. Watch this short video to better understand Examination of Conscience: https://watch.formed.org/ videos/how-to-prepare-for-a-good-confession

Advent Penance and Reconciliation Intergenerational

We ask all RE students to sign-in as they enter the church December 10.

See page 5 for the breakdown of your expected arrival time.

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.

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 3, 2023

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

8th Grader’s Preparing for Confirmation!

Kimberly and Christopher Cascone

As the Advent and Christmas season are upon us, families and friends have more opportunity to spend quality time together.

Now is a great time, if you haven't already, to begin working on your six conversations with your sponsor.

You can find the Faith to Faith magazine with the materials handed out at orientation. Magazine and confirmation paperwork are due by April 28. Sponsor certificates are currently being accepted by the parish office. See website for more information. https://stmaryscoltsneck.org/ confirmation-sponsors *Sponsors should go to the parish in which they are registered and request a Certificate of eligibility to be a sponsor. Certificate should have the parish's raised seal.*

Speak with a Priest

   

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

Please prayerfully support… as they prepare for the reception of Sacraments for full initiation into the Catholic Church.

If you or someone else you know is interested in becoming Catholic or completing their Sacraments of initiation, please contact us at (732)780-2666.

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Struggling with a life event and in need of spiritual assistance?

Want to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance outside the normal Confession times?

Trying to find your way back to engagement with the Church?

Discerning vocation?

Looking to complete your Sacraments of Initiation and wish to chat about the journey?

St Mary is offering the opportunity for parishioners to chat with a priest who are only indirectly engaged with the parish. If interested please contact Fr. Mike Walsh by phone (732) 780-2666 x205 or email frmike.walsh@stmaryscoltsneck.org

SERVICE HOUR OPPORTUNITIES FOR 7th & 8th GRADERS CONFIRMATION PREP Sponsor-a-Family Grades 7 & 8 Please have monetary donation of $10-$20 in

by December 4 if you have not made your donation already. This family is counting on us to provide a merry Christmas.

Shoppers: Please bring your gifts to the parish office by December 7.

Wrappers: Open to those students and adults who signed up December 12 at 6:00 PM

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PANCAKE BREAKFAST VOLUNTEER Grades 7 & 8 December 17, 2023 Sign up HERE

NATIVITY PLAY VOLUNTEER ASSISTANTS Grades 7 & 8 Month of December Sign up HERE

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 3, 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

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

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

December 24 Christmas Abbreviated Mass Schedule Blessing of the Infant Jesus Saturday 4:00 pm Mass Sunday 10:00 am Mass

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 3, 2023

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Quo vadis for December 3. . .

My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the First Sunday in the Season The Advent-Christmas mailer has been sent through of Advent. This Sunday also marks the beginning of the USPS mail. Please keep it in a convenient place a new liturgical year. Here’s one way of living the for easy reference. We are also busy about the paschal mystery (the dying and rising mystery of Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation for our Christ into which we are plunged during baptism): parish community next Sunday, 10 December 2023 we let the end (Christ’s coming in glory at the end of at 3:00pm in the Church. We will have 12 or so time) determine the way we live in the present priest confessors available for your convenience. (waiting and watching for God’s many comings During this opportunity 50 or so of our young now). There is a seeming contradiction here (God is people will approach this sacrament for the first already present but still coming) that is allayed when time. What an awesome experience it is for them to we remember that God is already present in our be part of our community as we witness to them lives because we are graced members of the body of God’s love and mercy. Come to this sacrament as Christ, “not lacking in any spiritual gift” (second part of your preparation for the Solemnity of reading) and enjoying God’s blessings now. At the Christmas. Light Up A Memory Tree Lighting same time we watch and wait for Christ’s return Ceremony will be observed at and following the when we will enjoy the greater blessings yet to come. Saturday, 4:00pm mass, 16 December which is Paschal mystery living is living the tension of this Gaudete Sunday Weekend. Come and be a part of already and not yet of Christ’s presence. Here the this awesome celebration. end not only justifies the means; it is the means: The Pancake Breakfast returns…Sunday, 17 being mindful of Christ’s coming in judgment is December 2023. Tickets/Reservations may be how we live. obtained online for your convenience. As a mark of We had a great response to the Thanksgiving Food respect to the committee, please do not wait until Drive 2023. Thanks to all those who donated, those the last moment or wait to purchase your tickets the who sorted and prepared the baskets and those who day of the event. Preparation and supplies need to delivered. We also had an awesome participation in be purchased in order to provide for all participants. the Fall Clean up. Nearly 90 persons participated in Details are outlined in the e-bulletin. Thank you for this important work and community building understanding. opportunity. There was a standing room only group Many thanks to all those who have or are prayerfully assembled for the Sight & Sound presentation this discerning participation in the Increased Offertory past Tuesday. Thanks to all who helped prepare the Program. The responses continue to be returned. presentation. As we begin a new liturgical year, Your generosity enables us to continue to provide there are lots of preparations happening throughout for the on-going solvency of our our parish and its the month as we make our way toward Christmas. ministries. Have a great week. Let us remember The Advent candles are an outward visible sign of one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. the call to focus on how we are living our lives and how the choices we are making advance us along the Father Jeff path toward heaven. The scripture passages and prayers offered during the sacred liturgy are some of the most beautiful that we have in our Roman Catholic tradition. Take notice of them and pray along as they are offered.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 3, 2023

Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach

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Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Sharing Our Treasure November 26, 2023 – Thirty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship

$15,455

Envelope Contributions

$7,997

Electronic/Online Contributions

$6,896

Loose Contributions

$562 287 $51.89

# Registered Parishioner Households

955

Our monthly collection for Buildings and Mortgage is this weekend. Our mortgage payment is $7,966.26.

Please be generous.

Also, included in next weekend’s offertory will be the appeal for the Religious Retirement Fund.

Please be generous.

"And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.' " Mt 25: 40

Missionary Childhood Association

ADVENT Mite Boxes 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 8, 2024.

Thank you in advance for your generosity & commitment.

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 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 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 3, 2023

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Our Advent Pancake Breakfast is officially back since 2019!!!!!!!

December 17, starting at 8:00AM, we will be joining together for some delicious breakfast and pancakes in Madonna Hall. If you can recall, our annual tradition stopped a few years ago due to Covid-19 restrictions. In celebration of our 3rd Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday).

To RSVP, fill out the form HERE. And to volunteer, click HERE.

Light Up A Memory The Light Up A Memory ceremony is after 4:00 PM Mass on Saturday, December 16.

A donation of $10.00 per light will honor a loved one (living or deceased), and the lights will shine until the Christmas season is over on Epiphany. There will be a special Memory Book on display in the Church, where all the names will be inscribed. As a donor, you are also entitled to send a card to the family of the deceased or to the honoree. Cards can be picked up at the parish office. The deadline to submit THIS FORM is

Monday, December 4!

Thank you for participating in this wonderful parish tradition.

The Tree of Love is due! Join in on the holiday spirit. Tags name children's toys and gifts for nursing home residents. As in the past, please take a tag from the tree, fulfill the request ($25 value) and return the gift with the tag attached, no later than

December 4.

Thank you for your generosity towards those in need.

Any questions, please contact Deb Stanley (732) 591-0257 or DebStan2@aol.com

Ecumenical prayer service A congenial and uplifting prayer service was given by Father Mike and Pastor Brown in the chapel Tuesday, November 21.

Parishioners from both Colts Neck Reformed Church and the Parish of St. Mary joined together to give thanks to God and to one another.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 3, 2023

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Eucharistic Revival Monthly Homily

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.

Our next Eucharist Revival Team Meeting... is this Monday, December 4 at 7:00 PM n the Old Chapel Meeting Room. We are in the process of discussing and planning for next summer’s Eucharistic Procession and Congress to take place in Indianapolis in July 2024 as well as all the Eucharistic Revival Events in our parish. If you are interested in collaborating and/or attending, please join us at our next meeting. All are welcome!

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 3, 2023

The First National Eucharistic Congress in 83 Years “This is a pivotal moment in both American history and the legacy of the Catholic Church. We are expecting tens of thousands of pilgrims—but space is limited.

Jesus Christ will be there. Will you?”

See the day-to-day event schedules HERE and register HERE. Or to donate, click HERE. “Help us Renew the Church.”

To find more information about the movement, click HERE. - OR Learn more about the History of the Movement, HERE.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 3, 2023

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Christmas Sponsor-A-Family

LAST DAY TO DROP OFF GIFTS FOR A FAMILY IN NEED - Dec. 7 Purchase gifts for a family. You select the size of the family you wish to sponsor (2-6 people). Several families or a group of people can sponsor a larger family. Gifts per person are usually a value of $50 and based on a list of needed items prepared by the family.

This program adopts families from Aslan Youth Ministries. The goal is to sponsor families in need during Christmas. If you, your family, your neighbors, coworkers, or friends would like to sponsor a family in need this year, please contact: Kathy Maher at wamaher2@aol.com

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

December 3, 2023

Join Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology for our annual daily Advent reflection series on "The Hospitality of Advent" as we prepare for the coming of our Lord at Christmas.

Meditations are sent by email from December 3 through December 24.Consider with us how Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and other great figures of the Gospels and Church tradition welcomed Jesus into their hearts. How might Jesus be beckoning us this Advent to a greater understanding and appreciation of God's desire to come to us, dwell within us, and be welcomed into our homes and hearts? How might this year's Advent be a journey of an ever-deepening hospitality of the heart? Please register HERE.

Study Theology at Georgian Court University!

All programs can be completed remotely.

Master of Arts or a Graduate Certificate in Theology, with concentrations in Pastoral Ministry or Mercy Spirituality. Not sure? Take one or two classes on a non-matriculating basis to see if our programs are right for you. Generous financial aid available.

New semester begins January 16, 2024.

There is still time to apply. Contact department chair, Johann M. Vento for more information: jvento@georgian.edu. We look forward to getting to know you and talking about your interest in studying theology.

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The Holy Innocents Society would like to invite your family to participate in our ShopRaise App for buying items that generate donations toward the Holy Innocents Society, Diocese of Trenton in our ministry to support families impacted by a disability with Faith Formation Classes and Sensory Masses throughout the Diocese. There is no added cost for the shopper, and Holy Innocents Society receives a Donation.

Thank you so much for your participation.