February 12, 2023 - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The parish of saint Mary

Bishop

Pastor

Parish

Mass Intentions for:

Saturday, February 11th - Sunday, February 19, 2023

For * Requested by

Saturday, February 11 - 4 PM Church

Julia Camarata * Charles Camarata

Mark T. Zarantonello * Family

Jean Petrovcin * Cira and Louis Vaccarino

Sunday, February 12 - Church

8 AM Marge Dedalis * Alice Ganley

Helen and John Sionas * Eileen and Michael Stivala

10 AM Scott MacConnell * Greenstein Family

Michael Pezzuto * Family

Peter Costanzo ****

12PM Pro Populo

Norbert Hanley * Hugh and Phyllis Murphy

Robert A. and Mary Joan McNamara * McNamara Family

Monday, February 13 – 9 AM Church

Ariana Morreale * Michele Telesca

Nina Rynskaya * Edwin Sevillano and Family

Tuesday, February 14 – 9 AM Church

Louis Velsini * Eng Family

Fr. Richard Milewski * Rev. Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee, Staff and Parishioners

Wednesday, February 15 – 9 AM Church

Carol Del Pizzo * Angelo and Julie Del Pizzo

Thursday, February 16 – 9 AM Church

Nancy Bocanegra * Maria Yaninas

Eleanor Coleman * Carol and Frank Donahue

Friday, February 17 – 9 AM Church

Robert Raehse * Kathleen Windisch

Saturday, February 18 – 4 PM Church

Pro Populo

Joseph Merck * Barbara Saake

Sergio and Antonio Dos Santos * Dos Santos Family

Sunday, February 19 – Church

8 AM Sal Aiello * Aiello Family

Jacqueline Heppa * Carolyn Bongiorno

DeStefano/Albruno Families * Mr. and Mrs. M. Franceschetti

10 AM Bill O’ Doherty * Freda O’Doherty

Joao Nascimento * Marie Nogueira

Thomas Giglio * Ray and Nancy Czarnecki

12 PM Robert Ward * Eileen Ryan

Robert Monaghan * Bruce and Lee Parker

Please pray for those in our RCIA who are preparing to come into full Communion with the Catholic Church this Easter:

Gianna Innucci Diana Weber

Miranda Mason Shawn Woodward

Please pray for the following members of our parish family who are ill:

KathleenAmatel

MichaelBarker

JaniceBasilice

FrBillBausch

EileenBeckley

BrendaCaronna

ChristenChellis

LynetteColaco-Desouza

BlakeConley

JackCoppola

KaitlinDonahueNagle

SharonEvangellista

JoannFeliciti

CynthiaFiedler

JamesFiedler

EmilyGioacchini

TomHudak

ElizabethLindHuseby

BridgetKorn

BobLind

LoriLettieri

DonnaLodi

LudwigMendola

KevinO’Shea

OwenShoemaker

VictoriaSlater

GerardP.Thompson

LaurenVinci

LeonJankowski

ElizabethDeStefano

LouSchmitt

EdwardHabrack

FrankDonahue

Toaddafamilymembertothesicklistfor8weeks, pleasecallor e-mailtheParishOffice.Thank you! 732-780-2666 or parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

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

Lt. Col. John Anthony

Coppola, US Army

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

Ensign 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

TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF

LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC

Lifelong Catechesis - Week of February 12th - February 18th

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

12 Sunday: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sir 15:15-20 / 1 Cor 2:6-10 / Mt 5:17-37

13 Monday: Gn 4:1-15, 25 / Mk 8:11-13

14 Tuesday: Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10 / Mk 8:14-21

15 Wednesday: Gn 8:6-13, 20-22 / Mk 8:22-26

16 Thursday: Gn 9:1-13 / Mk 8:27-33

17 Friday: Gn 11:1-9 / Mk 8:34—9:1

18 Saturday: Heb 11:1-7 / Mk 9:2-13

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:

Question for Children: Which rules cause you the most difficulty? Why?

Question for Youth: In your own words, describe what the spirit of God’s law is.

Question for Adults: Have you considered that laws are made with love? Do you accept God’s love through his laws?

The Sanctuary Lamp this week is burning for:

Church: Rachel and Joe Verga * Verga Family

SANCTUARY LAMPS 2023

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.

Grotto Candles

The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions.

Offering is $3.00 per candle.

Please remember in your prayers those who have recently died.

Theresa Dobrowolski

Worship & Music

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

Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Saint Valentine, officially known as Saint Valentine of Rome, is a third-century Roman saint widely celebrated on February 14 and commonly associated with "courtly love.”

Although not much of St. Valentine's life is reliably known, (and whether or not the stories involve two different persons by the same name), it is highly agreed upon by scholars that St. Valentine was martyred and then buried on the Via Flaminia to the north of Rome.

One common story is that in one point of his life, as the former Bishop of Terni, Narnia and Amelia, he was on house arrest, accompanied by Judge Asterius. While discussing religion and faith with the Judge, Valentine pledged as to the validity of Jesus. The judge immediately put Valentine and his faith to the test.

St. Valentine was presented with the judge's blind daughter and told to restore her sight. Placing his hands onto her eyes, Valentine restored the child's vision.

Judge Asterius was humbled and destroyed all of the pagan idols around his house, fasted

for three days and became baptized, along with his family and entire 44 member household.

The other story has slightly more historical merit. Around 270 AD, when Emperor Claudius II ruled in Rome, he believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families.

To get rid of this perceived problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When this was discovered, Valentine was arrested and sentenced to death.

The romantic nature of Valentine's Day may have also been derived during the Middle Ages, when it was believed that pairs of birds coupled in mid-February, and the date possibly created to overpower the pagan holiday, Lupercalia.

Whoever he was or may have been, there is evidence that Valentine did really exist, as in the late 5th century archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to St. Valentine. In 496 AD Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom.

Saint of the Week:

Cyril, Monk, 825-869 & Methodius, Bishop, 826-884

Cyril and Methodius were brothers born at Thessalonika, Greece, of a senatorial family. Cyril was sent to study at the imperial university in Constantinople at an early age. In time, he was ordained and assumed the chair of his teacher, Photius. In this position, he became known as "The Philosopher." Read more HERE.

Speak with a Priest

 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 is 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

Saturday 4PM

Worship Schedule: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saturday, February 18th - Sunday, February 19th

Altar Server Cantor Reader 1 Reader 2 EMHC

Alexander Lennon Sophia Lennon

Sunday 8AM

Marybeth Jacobson

Mary Ellen GriffinSwap Requested

Kathy Maher

Server Needed Server Needed Carly York Kevin Swan Anthony Bongiorno

Sunday 10AM

Server Needed Server Needed

Sunday 12PM

Carly York Steve Rumsby Barbara Schaflin

Organ Host - Emily Santangelo

Tabernacle Host - Martha Cowles

Tabernacle Host - Irene Weller

Alternate - Susan Murphy

Organ Host - Jane Slattery

Tabernacle Host - Gina Shute

Tabernacle Host - Marsha Grigoli

Alternate - Mary Aiello

Organ Host - Linda Dickinson-Pancilla

Tabernacle Host - Steve Stanley

Tabernacle Host - Winifred O’Doherty

Alternate - Sue Fitzpatrick

Jack Schatzle Jimmy Schatzle Choir T Mullin Richard Gerbino

Ash Wednesday

Organ Host - Monica Barr

Tabernacle Host - Minister Needed

Tabernacle Host - Minister Needed

Alternate - Minister Needed

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Imposition of Ashes will take place in the church at the following times:

Parish of Saint Mary, Colts Neck

9am Mass

12:15pm Prayer Service 4pm Prayer Service 5:30pm Prayer Service

Saint Catharine, Holmdel

9am Mass

12pm Prayer Service

5pm Prayer Service

7:30pm Mass

Ministers will be in church distributing ashes at the times above and will continue while there is a line of people. Stations of the Cross and Holy Hours will begin the following week.

Faith Formation

Julia CullenPastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Education

ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org

732-780-2666 X 309

A prayerful shout out to all of our Confirmation Prep students who attended this past weekends retreat. It was a great faith sharing day and a great success. We want to wish all of our RE families a blessed Saint Valentine’s Day filled with Gods love for each of us. 1-6 gr, we are taking RSVP’s for our Ash Wed Fishers of Men Intergenerational, link is on the next page. If any 7/8 graders need some service hours, please reach out as we need helpers to fill Easter Eggs, please contact the RE office.

Rose Farrow -

Coordinator of

Faith Formation / Youth & Adult Catechesis

YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org

732-780-2666 X 310

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION LINKS :

 Intergenerational List for the 2022-2023

 Intergenerational Participation Record

 Yearly Faith Formation Calendar - LINK HERE

 RE Fall classes 2022-2023 Grades 1-6- LINK HERE

Faith Formation Calendar

22 February 2023

Ash Wednesday Fishers of Men

INTERGENERATIONAL

See Page 8 for more details

26 March 2023

Lenten Penance and Reconciliation 3pm MANDATORY

Attendance will be taken at the door FOR ALL 7th & 8th grade

26 & 27 February 2023

Confirmation prep class

2 April 2023

Palm Sunday Weaving INTERGENERATIONAL beginning at the 10am mass, continuing in Madonna Hall

Religious Education Parent & Student Volunteer Sign-ups:

Lenten Penance & Reconciliation (day of volunteers) LINK

Lenten Books Volunteer LINK

Easter Egg Hunt (set up crew, volunteer at event, clean up crew) LINK

7th and 8th Grade Service Hour Sign-ups: Easter Egg Hunt LINK

Summer Intensive (July Virtual or August on Campus) LINK

Summer Intensive Religious Education Early Registration/ Re-Registration OPENS for incoming Grades

1-6

February 1, 2023

July 17-28 Virtual program 9am to 12pm

August 7-18 On Campus program

8:30am to 12:30pm

This is the early discounted price and will end on February 28, 2023 Classes are first come, first serve. Classes will be closed when capacity is met.

Register Here for the summer intensive program. Link can be found on the website homepage or here on the weekly bulletin.

Ash Wednesday

FishersofMen

INTERGENERATIONAL

This year we will be collecting in the narthex for people in need for the “Birthrite Drive”. Service hour opportunity see page 8 for more info

Grades 1-6 are encouraged to come to Madonna Hall for a short presentation and craft after receiving ashes after the 4pm or 5:30pm ash service. Please sing up with the link below. Sign up here for the event

Liturgy of the Word Dismissal Facilitator Meeting

SAVE THE DATE

Sunday, February 26, 2023

beginning at the 10am mass

11 am Madonna Hall

Coffee and Donuts will be served

We invite all parents to attend this informal information meeting to consider being trained as a facilitator for Liturgy of the Word Dismissal.

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

beginning in the church with ashes

Walking with Moms in Need is an initiative through which Catholic parishes and communities "walk in the shoes" of local pregnant and parenting women in need. Everyone should know how to help moms in difficult circumstances.

While not trying to turn Catholic parishes into pregnancy centers, we can support local pregnancy centers where they exist, and we can also find and share other resources with pregnant and parenting women.

INTERGENERATIONALS ITEMS NEEDED

COLLECTIONENDSFEBRUARY22,2023

Walking with Moms in Need Collection –Donation will go to Birthright in Red Bank and Freehold

 diapers sizes 5 and 6

 women's toiletries

 baby shampoo

 baby wash

 baby lotion

 onesies - preemie through 12-mo. sizes

 bath towels

 receiving blankets

Grades7-8andHighSchoolStudents whobringadonationof4ormoreitemsfrom thelistwhenreceivingAshesonFebruary22 at4:00and5:30willreceive1hourofservice.

1hourofservicemax

In an effort to support pregnant women and young families in need, the parishes of the Diocese of Trenton are strongly encouraged to participate in the USCCB’s initiative, Walking With Moms in Need (WWMN).

My Dear Parishioners:

Today we celebrate the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. We continue to be taught through the scriptures the practice of authenticity. That is, we, as Catholic Christians, are to strive for transparency and to avoid all temptations of cunning or deceit. We are to seek to find the Lord in the everydayness of daily living. We are to recognize the sacramentality of relationships and our leadership role in family life, civic community and church. When we abrogate these responsibilities we are not living the paschal mystery as we ought. These are all part of what it means for us to become more Christlike, better witnesses to our faith, stronger ambassadors for Christ.

Co-hort 13 is a configuration of parishes in our area: Saint Gabriel, Marlboro; Saint Catharine, Holmdel; Saint Leo the Great, Lincroft and Saint Mary Colts Neck. We continue to support one another by advertising formational and sacramental activities. We also help out when needed to provide clergy coverage. As we prepare for the liturgical Season of Lent you will notice opportunities sponsored by other parishes in our bulletin and vice versa. This year Ash Wednesday is 22 February 2023. We will list in our parish e-bulletin opportunities to receive ashes during and services of God’s Word both here in 07722 and in Saint Catherine, Holmdel. We will continue to coordinate and stagger opportunities in the future to provide the best services and greater opportunity for our parishioners. We will also share in providing weekly Holy Hours during the weeks of Lent. These will consist of prayer, readings from Sacred Scripture and Exposition/ Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The Way of the Cross will be offered weekly at

Saint Catherine, Holmdel. We continue to share the RCIA ministry preparing seekers to become full members of the Roman Catholic Church this coming Easter. The Rites will be celebrated in each Church. We will continue to collaborate and share services in the future to better care for our parishioners. Stay tuned… more to come!

This coming week is Valentines Day. There is much energy toward outward expressions of Love. There is less focus on the interior reality of married love. Take some time to reflect on the gift of marriage, maybe write a note or card reminding yourself and your spouse of your affection. It is important to celebrate this great gift of married love. Our church continues to support married love as the cornerstone of family life and society. Let us pray for married couples, those who struggle in living their married life, and those preparing to celebrate the sacrament of marriage.

Later this month we will Kick-off the 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal. Our Parish Goal remains at $75,000.00. I invite you to consider what your gift might be this year. His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton will invite us all to participate in this necessary programming to continue to support the many programs and ministries provided for and overseen by our Diocese of Trenton.

I am away for some time off. I have decided to take a road trip with little advance schedule. I will visit some friends and enjoy some outdoor air. Rest and some reading will also be part of my time away. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff

Quo vadis . . .

Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach

Sharing Our Treasure

February 5, 2023 – Fifth Sunday Ordinary Time

Edwin A. SevillanoTemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

"This says the LORD: Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own." Is 58:7

THANK YOU for your generosity.

Building & Mortgage Collection $3,347

Our monthly mortgage payment is $7,966.26

Thank you for your generosity. A donation of $500 has been made for the Black & Native American Mission fund. Next weekend February 18-19 will be a collection for the Central & Eastern Europe Mission fund. Please be generous.

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.

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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

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

The 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal launches February 25th and 26th throughout the Diocese of Trenton.

Each year the Bishop seeks the support of all the members of the diocese to further the work of our ministries. Each of us has a vital part in all we do in Christ’s name, and each of us can share in all we do with a gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal. Our single Act of Faith propels the works of love that build up our Church. You make that happen with a generous gift to the ACA. This year St. Mary Parish share of the goal is $75,000. As the people of the Diocese of Trenton, you have an opportunity to help others see Christ working in our midst. Please take a moment and truly reflect on any help you can give. We truly need everyone to participate. Thank you for your support, and may God continue to bless you and your family.

OLD PALM COLLECTION

Recycle last years palms. A receptacle has been placed in the church narthex/gathering space and by the Parish Office to collect old palms. They are to be burnt and the ashes are to be used Ash Wednesday for the imposition of the ashes.

Nocturnal Adoration

March 3, 9pm to 10pm

Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Shrine 26 Leonardville Rd., Middletown, NJ

Women & Men are invited. If you have any questions call Gene Brennan 732-687-3543

CRS RICE BOWLS LENT IS COMING!

Join our faith community and nearly 13,000 Catholic communities across the United States in a transformative Lenten journey with CRS Rice Bowl. Pick up your family’s CRS Rice Bowl at Church next weekend February 18 & 19 During the 40 days of Lent, we will reflect on the impact of global hunger and climate change on vulnerable communities around the word, and we will pray, fast and give alms to help our sisters and brothers in need.

Visit crsricebowl.org to learn more.

THE ANNUAL BAYSHORE SENIOR CENTER GIFT AUCTION

will take place on Friday, March 3. The doors open at 6:30pm.

Entrance cost is $20 and includes coffee and cake. (100 Main Street, Keansburg)

Pre-paid ticket packages are on sale for $40. Please call Denise 732-801-4190 or Patty for more information 732-495-1490.

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

Join our family today!

Flexible schedule for children 2 and up. Small class sizes. Research based curriculum. Call 732-780-0135 today for more information

Catholic Men for Jesus Christ Conference - February 25

Men of the Diocese of Trenton are invited to experience prayer, camaraderie and engaging speakers at the 26th annual Catholic Men for Jesus Christ Conference slated for February 25 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square. The conference, which bears the theme

“Living Joy, rediscover it and live it every day,” will feature a slate of presenters including Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who will serve as principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass.

Read more here

WORLD MARRIAGE DAYAND NATIONALMARRIAGE WEEK 2023

In observance of World Marriage Day (Sunday, February 12, 2023) and National Marriage Week (February 714, 2022), the Diocese of Trenton honors all Catholic married couples with a special web resource to enhance their marriage in three important ways: 1) Reconnect with Your Spouse, 2) Make Your Marriage Even Better, and 3) Serve Others in Your Marriage. Find all this and more at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/world-marriageday-for-couples, and for newly married couples, be sure to visit www.dioceseoftrenton.org/newly-marriedresource-page - what every couple needs to make their marriage extraordinary! (Part of the BuildingStrongMarriages.org initiative ofthe Diocese ofTrenton)

CELEBRATING MARRIAGE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY

Week 3 (February 18, 19)

Celebrating the Beauty of Catholic Marriage from the Catechism – read more at usccb.org under “Resources”

1643 "Conjugal love involves a totality, in which all the elements of the person enter - appeal of the body and instinct, power of feeling and affectivity, aspiration of the spirit and of will. It aims at a deeply personal unity, a unity that, beyond union in one flesh, leads to forming one heart and soul; it demands indissolubility and faithfulness in definitive mutual giving; and it is open to fertility. (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Week 4 (February 25, 26)

Celebrating the Beauty of Catholic Marriage from the Catechism – read more at usccb.org under “Resources”

1644 The love of the spouses requires, of its very nature, the unity and indissolubility of the spouses' community of persons, which embraces their entire life: "so they are no longer two, but one flesh." They "are called to grow continually in their communion through day-to-day fidelity to their marriage promise of total mutual self -giving." This human communion is confirmed, purified, and completed by communion in Jesus Christ, given through the sacrament of Matrimony. It is deepened by lives of the common faith and by the Eucharist received together (Catechism of the Catholic Church).

St. Joseph By the Sea Retreat Center

400 NJ-35, South Mantoloking, NJ 08738

CURRENT BROCHURE CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE

– www.sjbsea.org

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

February 17-19, 2023 -

COME TO THE QUIET –A SILENT RETREAT

Come and experience the shore in all its winter beauty! This weekend has been set aside for those desiring time alone with God. This retreat offers time for reflection; Eucharistic Liturgy and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be included. Massage therapy will be available. No Supper on Friday. Arrival: 5:00-6:00 p.m./Departure:1:00 p.m. (Presenters: Staff and Visiting Directors) Cost: $325.

March16,2023-HONORINGST.JOSEPHTHEWORKER

In honor of our patron St. Joseph, the staff cordially invites you to join us at Liturgy as we celebrate this special day. We will pray for peace and healing for ourselves and for our world. Please call to register by March 13. SPACE WILL BE LIMITED TO 40 PEOPLE. Refreshments and Blessed Bread after the program. Arrival: 10:30 a.m. - (Mass: 11:00 a.m.) / Departure: 1:00 p.m. (Presenters: Staff) Donation

March 24-26, 2023 – FOOTSTEPS IN THE GARDEN

Do you ever wonder what God is doing and has done in your life even without your help? In scripture, God says, “You will be like a watered garden.” (Is 58:11-12) The blooms in the garden of life take root in the silence. Although the garden needs tending and harvesting, often in our busyness, we miss the beauty that comes on its own and the footsteps of the One who scatters seeds of hope. This weekend offers you time to explore the gardens of your life. Eucharistic Liturgy included. No Supper on Friday. Arrival: 5:00-6:00 p.m./Departure: 1:00 p.m. (Presenter: Ellen Murphy, AS, CSD) Cost: $375.

April 21-23, 2023 RESTORE AND RENEW

Relax and renew at the beautiful St. Joseph by the Sea retreat house at the Jersey shore. The weekend is the ideal getaway from a busy life. The program consists of daily gentle Asana practice, mediation, walks on the beach, fellowship and breath work. You will leave refreshed and better prepared to share your best self with your family and community. Massage therapy will be available. Eucharistic Liturgy included. No Supper on Friday. Arrival: 5:00-6:00 p.m./Departure: 10:30 a.m. (Presenter: Avita Kennedy, RYT) Cost: $350

May 5-7, 2023 – WELLNESS WEEKEND FOR WOMEN

Come away to the quiet and serenity of the ocean and renew yourself in body, mind and spirit. Eucharistic Liturgy included. Massage and spiritual direction will be available. No Supper on Friday. Arrival: 5:00-6:00 pm/Departure: 1:00 pm (Presenter: Janice Santanello, M. Th., CLEM, CSG, CPC) Cost: $375.

Please check www.FHOP.org for registration, directions and for our other offerings!

AN ORDINARY DAY

Monday, February 20 9:30 AM – Noon

There’s a poem which begins, “Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure that you are….” Today is a very ordinary February day. You have the power to transform it into an EXTRA-ordinary day by keeping company with God which is just what God is hoping you will do! Donation: $20

GIVING UP OR GIVING IN?

Thursday, February 23 9:30 AM – Noon

We have all become accustomed to approaching Lent with a “giving up,” plan. There’s nothing wrong with that, but we might want to use this day for considering a “giving in,” plan. When we give up something for Lent, we retain control.

When we give in, we surrender. Which type of “giving,” does God desire for your spiritual growth? Perhaps today is THE day to ask God! Donation: $20

THE QUALITY OF MERCY

4 Fridays 10:00 – 11:30 AM

February 24 March 17 March 24 March 31

Deep within every human being is the desire to love our neighbor: i.e. to live the works of mercy. The challenge is to enflesh such a desire into our ordinary lives. Kerry Weber’s book, Mercy in the City, gives a template to integrate this desire with creativity and joy! Come join us as we explore the call to mercy.

Donation: $ 60

IN-PERSON OR ZOOM ASH WEDNESDAY RETREAT

Wednesday, February 22 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

LITURGY AT NOON

We love beginning Lent together with this retreat at Francis House because it provides a gentle structure for the six-week journey ahead. This year I thought you would enjoy A Simple Life-Changing Prayer by Jim Manney to guide your Lenten journey. Liturgy is included with the reception of ashes within it.

Donation: $35, includes lunch and book for your 6-week Lenten journey; Zoom $20.