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
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 8, 2024
Advent Penance and reconciliation (confessions)
Parish of St. Mary, Colts Neck
Sunday, December 15, 3:00 PM
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Parish of St. Mary, Colts Neck
Monday , December 9, 12:00 PM
Church of St. Catharine, Holmdel
Monday , December 9, 9:00 AM & 7:30 PM
Mass Intentions for:
Saturday December 7 2024 - Sunday December 15 2024
Saturday, December 7– 4PM
Anthony Carnevale * Diane Carnevale
Sharon Sturchio * Barbara Saake
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day * Carol Donahue
Sunday, December 8 – 8AM
Pro Populo
Marion Staub * Marianne Carlisle
Joseph "Bud" Mcilvaine * Carly York
10AM
Ginny Hamlin * Nancy and Harry Bauer
John Cammarano * Maria and John Doherty
Lillian D’Allegro * Linda/ William Stagliano
12PM
Special Intention * Bob Amling
Rosaria and Salvatore Pati * Richard and Maria Gerbino
Maria Milone * Pellicone Family
Monday, December 9 - 12PM
Darryl Turkaly * Susan & Ken Davis
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Tuesday, December 10 - 9AM
Darryl Turkaly * Jane Slattery
Joseph "Bud" Mcilvaine * Carly York
Wednesday, December 11 - 9AM
Special Intention
God's Blessing * Vernon Toussaint
Thursday, December 12- 9AM
David E. Hamlin * Hamlin Family
Friday, December 13– 9AM
Mary Jo Towne * Anne Baker
Saturday, December 14- 4PM
Sharon Sturchio * LPL
Bill O'Doherty & Barbara Critchley * Freda O'Doherty
Gayle Lewnes * Parker Family
Sunday December 15 –8AM
Daniel John Velba * Adele and Joe Velba
DeStefano/Albruno Families by Mr. and Mrs. Franceschetti Helen and John Sionas * Eileen and Michael Stivala, Jr.
10AM
Gertrude Brier * Turkovic Family
Darryl Turkaly * John and Molly Aiello
Special Intention
12PM
Pro Populo
Nancy and Chas DiLorenzo * Sessa Family
Joseph and Marilyn Hagner * Joseph and Barbara Hagner
Sanctuary Lamp
Church: Barbara Swan Critchley
Requested by: Kevin and Florence Swan and Family
Chapel : Kevin Clemenza and Todd Mai
Requested by: Parents- Pat and Russ
Please remember in your prayers those who have recently died
Richard Kollarits
Claudia Torres
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 8 December 14
READINGS FOR THE WEEK:
SECOND Sunday of Advent
Bar 5:1-9/Phil 1:4-6, 8-11/Lk 3:1-6
MONDAY December 9
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Gn 3:9-15, 20/Eph 1:3-6, 11-12/Lk 1:26-38
TUESDAY December 10
Is 40:1-11/Mt 18:12-14
WEDNESDAY December 11
Is 40:25-31/Mt 11:28-30
THURSDAY December 12
Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab/Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39 -47
FRIDAY December 13
Is 48:17-19/Mt 11:16-19
SATURDAY December 14
Sir 48:1-4, 9-11/Mt 17:9a, 10-13
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
Jack Coppola
Kaitlin Donahue Nagle
Lori Lettieri
Lauren vinci
Dawn Reinhardt
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:
Question for Children: What things do you do to get ready for a big event or celebration?
Question for Youth: How do you share the Good News of Jesus with others?
Question for Adults: Name one thing you can do to help “prepare the way of the Lord?”
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
Gerard Thompson
Rose walch
Joyce daniel
Robert a . monaco, md
Jeff McBride
Owen Shoemaker
Peter Vickers
Toaddorremoveafamilymemberfromthesicklistpleasee-mailONLY parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Please,also,keepusupdatedonyourlovedone’shealth. Nameswillberemovedfromthelistafter3months.ThankyouforkeepingourParishinformed.
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org Worship & Music
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: celebrates the purity of the Virgin Mary, that she was conceived in the womb of her motherAnne without the stain of original sin, and therefore pre-destined to carry the Son of God in her own womb.
Although the belief that Mary was without sin was held since the middle ages (both by theological scholars and laity), it was not until the year 1854, when Pope Pius IX declared in his papal bull, Ineffabilis Deus, that Mary was indeed conceived without original sin, speaking with papal infallibility and thus established a dogma of the Catholic Church:
“We declare, pronounce, and define that the doctrine which holds that the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin, is a doctrine revealed by God and therefore to be believed firmly and constantly by all the faithful.”
Celebrated on December 8th, this day is the patronal feast of the United States and a Holy Day of Obligation. Occurring duringAdvent, the solemnity breaks from the preparatory mood of the season. The Gloria, normally omitted on Sundays ofAdvent, is sung. Other music selected for the Mass may be Marian in content, specifically theAnnunciation (which is recalled in the Gospel). When it occurs on a Sunday, it is transferred to December 9th.
Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor, c. 340-397
A brilliant young lawyer, Ambrose was appointed in about 372 by the emperor Valentinian as governor of Liguria and Aemilia. Sending him to his new post which was located in the city of Milan, Valentinian told Ambrose, somewhat prophetically, “Go; and govern more like a bishop than a judge.”
The bishop of Milan at the time, Auxentius, strongly advocated the Arian heresy which denied the divinity of Christ. In 374, Auxentius died and there was considerable turmoil in the city over who should succeed him. The Arians demanded an Arian bishop while true Catholics called for one of their own. To prevent this conflict from breaking out into open warfare, Ambrose went to the church where the assembly to elect a bishop was being held. In speaking to this group, Ambrose urged the people to conduct their selection in a spirit of peace and without malice. While he was talking, a voice shouted, “Ambrose, bishop!” and the whole assembly took up the cry. The bishops of the province, recognizing the will of the people, ratified this selection causing Ambrose to remark sarcastically that “Emotion has overruled canon law.” 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: Third Sunday of Advent December 14 & 15
Saturday, 14 4 PM NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Sunday, 15
8 AM
Sunday, 15 10 AM
Sunday, 15 12 PM
Jack Main NOT FILLED
Eva Tomasetti NOT FILLED
Jonathan Stubbs NOT FILLED
Choir/ Cantor Paul Tonacci (Sub Req)
Carly York
Angela Kinlin
Charles Young Annette Raynor
Bridgett Farrow Rita Duenas
Carly York
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. . (LectionaryPage.net)
Missionary Childhood Association ADVENTMiteBoxes
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.
Kevin Swan
Mary Ellen Griffin
Jennifer Stubbs
OH - Louise Habrack
TH - Richard Gerbino
TH - Monica Barr
ALT - Dawn Reinhardt
OH - Tom Nathanson
TH - Roseanne LaCava
TH - Richard Gerbino
ALT - Mike Lacava
OH –Winifred O’Doherty
TH - Amy Orrico
TH - Steve Stanley
ALT - Liz Turkovic
OH –Patricia Gesner
TH - Ron Gabbard
TH - Dee Lembo
Baptismal Preparation Session
St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on: SUNDAY, January 5, 2024
Pre-registrationisrequired aweekinadvance. ContactUs
Parish Office Hours
Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Tuesdays 2:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The Parish Office is closed Fridays and Saturdays. The Parish Office will also be open Sunday December 8, 9am - 1pm
Any questions, please call the office at (732)-780-2666.
Faith Formation
Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Ed
ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309
We welcome our 2nd graders this weekend as they attend the retreat/rehearsal for their 1st Penance & Reconciliation. moredetailsbelow
Please join us for Light up a Memory-tree lighting and Christmas carol singing on 14 December 2024 beginning at the 4 PM mass. Please RSVP to receive the printable Christmas carols.
The Religious Education Christmas party is on Saturday, 21 December 2024 beginning at the 4 PM mass and continuing in Madonna Hall. All grades, 1-8 are welcome to join. The Nativity Play will be presented followed by cookies and milk.
Penance and Reconciliation
15 December 2024 – 3 PM
Grade 1 - 8
We encourage all Religious Education families to participate in the Sacrament on 15 December 2024 at 3 PM in the Chapel. Attendance will be taken upon entering the Narthex for all grades. Please be reminded that 7th graders are asked to pick up their Chosen book needed for class at the P&R service.
Pleases watch the following link on how to make an Examination of Conscious
To prepare for your confession, it is important to reflect on your sins prior to receiving P&R. Two helpful links to assist your reflection:
Exam of Conscious for teens
Exam of Conscious for kids
IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS ED 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
7 December 2024
Nativity Play Rehearsal
2:30 PM to 3:45 PM Madonna Hall
8 December 2024
Penance and Reconciliation Retreat/Rehearsal
Beginning at 12 PM mass, following in the church 2nd grade only
14 December 2024
Nativity Play Rehearsal
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM Madonna Hall
14 December 2024
Light Up a Memory INTERGENERATIONAL 4 PM mass in the church
Christmas carols and tree lighting SIGN UP HERE
15 December 2024
Penance and Reconciliation INTERGENERATIONAL 3 PM in the chapel Grades 1-8
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 for Nativity Play, cookies & milk reception 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
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.
• We are in need of a few more RE families willing to Sponsor a Family for Christmas. If you are interested in this great cause, please call the RE office to sign up and for more details service hours will be rewarded for participation
• Summer RE assistant teacher: Virtual or on-campus; look for sign-ups in 2025. more Christian service opportunities listed on website
Missionary Childhood Association
ReligiousEducationwillbeparticipatinginthis programforourChristmasServiceProject.
PleasePickupyourMiteBoxintheRotunda atyourconvenience.
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
3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Saturday, December 14 at 4:00 pm Mass
Light up a Memory Tree Lighting
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
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 Second Sunday of Advent. Last Sunday’s gospel directed our attention to the end times and gave us a glimpse of those times, both in terms of the calamities that will befall those who are not ready as well as the promise of safety and security for those who are vigilant. This Sunday both the gospel and first reading give us a glimpse of the fullness of the end days. Our natural tendency is to want to get to the fullness and bypass the hard work of daily dying to self that is required to reach the glory and joy that is promised. Let’s be honest: it’s not just the busyness of Christmas preparations now in full December fury that distract us from our ongoing work of repentance. Every day of the year we tend to be distracted by mountains of work, paths of indecision, valleys of doubt and fear. This would be a good Sunday in Advent to take some special time to reflect on God’s forgiveness and mercy and how it is God who gives sure direction to our lives and will eventually bring us home to eternal glory if we are faithful partners in the gospel. Our Advent watchfulness and waiting includes taking time to rest in the security of God’s nearness.
Don’t forget to make time for the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (Confession) before Christmas. Our Advent Parish Penance and Reconciliation (confessions) is next , Sunday, 15 December 2024 at 3:00pm in the Church. I believe that there will be 12 or so priests available for individual confession. What an awesome sacrament this is for us as we prepare to welcome Christ into our life this Christmas. We also welcome those families who are presenting their children for First Penance & Reconciliation. We thank them for their care in forming and educating their children in the practice of our Catholic Faith. This coming week the universal church observes the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, next weekend the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. It is one of the rare images depicting the
Blessed Virgin Mary as a pregnant woman anticipating the birth of her child. What a beautiful image for all of us to consider during this joyful season of preparation.
Next weekend we will have the annual Light Up a Memory mass Saturday at 4:00pm followed by the lighting of the Tree on our parish grounds.
Kudos to all of our parishioners for your faith-filled and generous response to the Advent Tree of Love. This is an awesome witness to your children and family that this is a season of sharing, especially with the poor, needy and marginalized. I know that there are a number who are also involved with the Adopt a Family Program through our parish. Thank you for sharing with the poor and needy in our midst. May God continue to bless you and your family.
I am grateful the Holy Father Pope Francis and His Excellency Bishop O’Connell for Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Papal Honor. It is humbling to be the first in our Diocese of Trenton to receive this merit based distinction. It is also recognition of the women and men of our parish for all of the hard work and ministry these past years. May God continue to bless us!
The Advent-Christmas-Epiphany quadfold mailer has been sent through the postal service. Please keep it in a conspicuous place for ease of reference. As we continue our journey through Advent to the Christmas Season I ask that you have greater patience when driving into or departing our parking lot. Be mindful that there are 97 parking spaces underneath certain sections grass. Only in 07722! Our staff usually park there to show where they are located. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer.
Happy Sunday. Peace! Father Jeff
Included in this weekends offertory will be the appeal for the Religious Retirement Fund . Please Be Generous
"Then he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left overseven baskets full. " Mt 15:36-37
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!
Edwin A. SevillanoTemporalAdmin@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!
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
To those who participated in the sorting of food, loading of trucks and who donated.
The Parish of St. Mary collected 333 bags of food, fresh vegetables, and 200 turkeys to those in need to be distributed at St. Peter Claver Center, Open Door Freehold, Martin House, CPC Behavioral Center, Andersons Meet the Needs.
Thank you to those parishioners who generously donated food or time to serving others.
“ For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:35-36,40
Christmas Tree Lighting
& Christmas Carols
Light up a Memory, begins at 4pm mass, December 14, 2024
Christmas Gift
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your spouse? Why not give yourselves a Marriage Encounter Weekend?
A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend gives you the time and tools to enrich your marriage, deepen communication, and nourish the spirituality in your marriage.
The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend will be held February 14 - 16. Registration link for additional dates click here.
Please apply ASAP as space is limited. Phone 1-732-904-9636 for application and information (Tom & Ruth DeFalco).
Visit us at: www.wwme.org for more information.
45th Anniversary Monsignor Troiano
