February 14, 2021 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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 Trustees: Bill LaMorte Irene Weller Worship schedule inside.

Refer to website for more detailed information www.stmaryscoltsneck.org Deacon: John Wedemeyer

February 14, 2021

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Niels_Larsen_Stevns-_Spedalske.jpg - Gunnar Bach Pedersen

Ash Wednesday & Imposition of Ashes Wednesday, February 17, 2021 Mass: 9 am - Church Imposition of Ashes: 12:15 pm, 4 pm, 5:30 pm & 7 pm Ash Wednesday Offertory Envelope can be found in the quarterly mailing of envelopes.

Online givers can make their Ash Wednesday donation at bit.ly/2OoATHe Religious Education Registration for the 2021-2022 Term Summer Registration has begun. See page 7 for more details New Parishioner Orientation is Sunday, Feb. 21 at 11 am in Madonna Hall

Scan Me

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 14, 2021

Mass Intentions for the Week of February 13 - February 21 For * Requested by Saturday, February 13 - 4 PM Church Intentions of Leonidas Mavrookas * Suzanne Schlesinger Cynthia Woolford * Rorie and Jack Coppola Tina Kelbaugh * Barbara Saake Sunday, February 14 – Church 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time 8 AM Helen and John Sionas * Eileen and Michael Stivala Robert Arcoleo * Ed Brock 10 AM Pro Populo Sergio and Antonio Dos Santos * Dos Santos Family Anthony J. Garito * Arlene and Family 12 PM Neil Martinez * Eric DiNapoli Jennifer Buda * Irene Sessa David E. Hamlin * Hamlin Family Baptism after the 12 noon Xavier Luis Reyes Monday, February 15 – 9 AM Chapel Rev. Rocco A. Cuomo * Rev. Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee, Staff and Parishioners John Stutz * Mr. and Mrs. DeGennaro Tuesday, February 16 – 9 AM Chapel Eleanor Coleman * Carol and Frank Donahue Wednesday, February 17 – 9 AM – Ash Wednesday- Church Lillian Corcoran * Francine and Joe Corcoran Thursday, February 18 – 9 AM Chapel Nicholas Cappelleri * The Rizzo Family Friday, February 19 – 9 AM Chapel Souls in Purgatory * Mary Soyka Abbate Saturday, February 20 - 4 PM Church Bill O’Doherty * Freda O’Doherty Peter and Marion K. Di Sciullo * Di Sciullo and Kaney Families Vera F. Kaney * Di Sciullo and Kaney Families Sunday, February 21 – Church - First Sunday of Lent 8 AM Souls in Purgatory * Mary Soyka DeStefano/Albruno Families * Mr. & Mrs. Franceschetti 10 AM Greg Reinhardt * Reinhardt Family Mario Alfred Sessa * Sessa Family James Pellicano * Gabbard Family 12 PM Pro Populo Johnny Pellicani * Richard and Maria Gerbino Marge Eastman * Joanne and Mike Lewicki

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Please pray for the following members of our parish family who are ill: Marcela Abril Kathleen Amatel Janice Basilice Fr Bill Bausch Eileen Beckley John Boyle Anne Boyle Christen Chellis Bob Cicero Blake Conley John DeSimone Kaitlin Donahue Nagle Virginia Endlicher Joann Feliciti James Fiedler Cynthia Fiedler Emily Gioacchini

Edward Habrack Tom Hudak Anton Kopp Bridget Korn Lori Lettieri Donna Lodi Leonidas Mavrookas Ludwig Mendola Walter Moeller Kevin O’Shea Stanley Rembisz Paola Richmond Owen Shoemaker Victoria Slater Gerard P. Thompson Seneida Tomasetti Lauren Vinci

To add a family member to the sick list for 8 weeks, please call or e-mail the Parish Office. Thank you! 732-780-2666 or parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Mass Intention Request ONLINE Available through the link below is an online form to request Mass Intentions for the remainder of the 2021 calendar. https://bit.ly/3dbHyip

GROTTO CANDLES The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions.

Offering is $3.00 per candle.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 14, 2021

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.

PRAY for Military & First Responders SN Colton Boag, USCG LCpl Devon Francis Chrzan, USMC Lt. Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army Major Douglas Coppola, US Army Lt. Mary Herman, USN SN Christian Houlihan, USN Ensign Jason Joseph Howe, USN SPC Michael John Mento, US Army PFC Nicholas Poskonka, US Army Captain Richard Savo, US Army 1st Lt. Adam Sjoholm, US Army 1st Lt. Ryan Tanguay, US Army TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF If there is a family member you wish to be placed on the list, please contact the Parish Bulletin at 732780-2666 or parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org.

3 Lifelong Catechesis Week February 15 - February 21 READINGS FOR THE WEEK

15 Mon Gn 4:1-15, 25/Mk 8:11-13 16 Tue Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10/Mk 8:14-21 17 Wed Ash Wednesday Jl 2:12-18/2 Cor 5:20—6:2/Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 18 Thu Dt 30:15-20/Lk 9:22-25 19 Fri Is 58:1-9a/Mt 9:14-15 Sunday, February 21 First Sunday of Lent Gn 9:8-15/1 Pt 3:18-22/Mk 1:12-15 Questions for Deeper Reflection Question for Children: What will you do this Lent to become more like Jesus Question for Youth: Lent gives us a chance to do things differently – to "go to the desert." How can you make Lent a time for growing in faith?

Question for Adults: What is the one area of your life which you most want to "reform" as you get ready to embrace the Gospel, what is it?

- Lifelong Catechesis

Guidelines of the Universal Church The Catholic Church in the United States asks of us as baptized Catholics to observe the following: The days of fast (only one full meal) and abstinence (no meat) are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. All other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence (no meat).

Fast—consume only one full meal. Water may be taken throughout the day

Sanctuary Lamp Consider donating the sanctuary lamp that burns in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the Church or in the Chapel in honor of a living or deceased loved one.

The suggested donation is $25.

ONLINE https://bit.ly/37RKz5p Intentions are available in the Church & Chapel in February & March 2021

Abstinence– consume no meat; this obligation prohibits the eating of meat but not eggs, milk products or condiments of any kind, even though made from animal fat.

Baptized Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast and those from the age of 14 are also obliged to abstain.

All are encouraged to embrace these practices as part of our spiritual journey.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 14, 2021

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Quo vadis…

My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The gospel begins with a leper—one who cries “Unclean!” and must remain a social outcast. The gospel ends with Jesus taking upon himself the infirmities of humanity symbolized by his “remain[ing] outside in deserted places.”

Living the paschal mystery means changing “if you wish” to “I do will it” and then having heaped upon ourselves the infirmities of humanity.

Jesus commands the leper to tell no one; the leper tells everyone. Jesus’ commission to us is to tell everyone the good news—do we tell no one? We must change our “wish” to “I do will it.” Paschal mystery living means taking up our cross and actually doing what Jesus did—willing the good of others.

Ash Wednesday is upon us this coming week. Take note of the worship schedule for your convenience.

Things are a bit different this year. Our YouTube channel will host the Ash Wednesday Prayer Service for you to view before coming to have the ashes imposed. Except for the 9 am Mass, the ministers will be present as long as there are people assembled in a socially distanced line. Plan to arrive 5 or so minutes prior to the set time. We will ring the tower bells inviting you to form a the processional line much as we did when we held the communion services in June. Reverential silence will be expected as we prayerfully prepare to receive the ashes. We have re-printed the guidelines of the Universal Church as communicated from the Office of the Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton to assist you during this season and also as a means of information as to why some things are scheduled as they are scheduled. Also, consider coming to Mass each day for Lent as part of your personal Lenten Observance. During the Season of Lent we will be

celebrating daily Mass in the “Parish Hall Chapel”.

Come and celebrate the opportunity and gift of receiving Holy Communion each weekday during the Season of Lent. During the Season of Lent the liturgical color is violet. We refrain from singing the Glory to God on Sundays so the gathering rites are simple and quick. The recessional is in silence to provide a more somber atmosphere. Please be respectful of the need for silence.

This weekend we KICKOFF the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal and we will view the video message from His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton inviting our participation once again. I pray that each of us will be open to this invitation by participating as best we can to support our Bishop and the important works of our diocese. Through this fund our diocese has been able to carry some of our parishes during times of financial distress. Let us be mindful of the good works that are accomplished when we come together. The Roman Catholic Church continues to be the largest (nongovernmental agency) provider of charitable services and care throughout the world. This is something that we must continue to support and nurture in our lives and the lives of our children and young people.

I took the opportunity for some time away. It is good to clear the head a bit and to enjoy the outdoors. I’ll be back this coming week. We welcome Msgr. Troiano back from some time away.

Thank you for your gracious welcoming of Fr. Gene.

He is also assisting some of the other parishes in our Co-hort 13 on an as needed basis. May we continue to work together to build the Kingdom of God in our midst. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday! Peace. Father Jeff

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 14, 2021

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

Ash Wednesday This coming week, we observe Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting, prayer, and penitence. There is an ancient tradition, in the times of the Old Testament, of people using ashes to express grief or sorrow for sins. Pope Gregory the Great is credited for starting the custom of imposing ashes on penitents in the 6th century.

In the time before the Second Vatican Council, ashes were usually sprinkled on the crown of the head of men, while women (who had their heads covered in church) received ashes on their forehead. This later custom soon became the norm in most English-speaking countries, although in some parts of the world, the former is still common.

The ashes used on Ash Wednesday come from burning the palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday services, and are mixed with olive oil to provide a thicker consistency. They are then blessed before the imposition on the faithful.

The imposition of ashes is a sacramental of the church. Sacramentals are sacred signs which signify effects of a spiritual nature, obtained through the intercession of the Church. (Sacrosanctum Concilium) While the bearer of ashes need not have them remain on their forehead throughout the entire day, many do, as an outward profession of faith. Sacramentals should not be confused with Sacraments or obligations. The receiving of ashes is an optional symbol of our faith - the importance of the day is on inner reflection on how we may observe the Lent.

This year, in accordance with guidelines from the Bishop of Trenton, ashes will be distributed in a safe, hygienic manner. The 9 AM Mass will be held as usual. For the remainder of the day, we will not have the usual prayer services - instead we invite the faithful to view the liturgy of the word that we have prepared on our YouTube channel. Then, at the appointed times, come to the church to receive ashes. Weather permitting, this will be done on the front plaza as we had done when we first opened for Holy Communion this previous June. Form a line, receive your ashes, leave your offering and keep a dignified prayerful atmosphere. If it is too cold, we will be in the church building. Thank you in advance for your cooperation as we continue to adapt to our ever changing world.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 14, 2021

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Worship Schedule: ASH Wednesday, February 17, 2021 February 20 - February 21: First Sunday of Lent Altar Server

EMHC

Reader 1

Reader 2

Cantor

Usher

ASH Wednesday the Imposition of Ashes - Please Volunteer Mark Hines William Hines Available

Eucharistic M. Needed - Organ Host Eucharistic M. Needed - Tabernacle Host Susan Murphy - Alt

Charles Young

Kevin Swan

David Maliakel

Bob Lind Usher Needed

Sunday, 8:00 AM (Church)

Ashley Austin Daniel Austin Available

Marsha Grigoli - Alt

Rita Duenas

Anthony Bongiorno

David Maliakel

Ushers Needed

Sunday, 10:00 AM (Church)

Valeska Yaninas Alessandra Zilinski

Heide Lohn - Organ Host Carol Donahue - Tabernacle Host Eucharistic M. Needed - Alt

Carl Simone

Barbara Schaflin

David Maliakel

Greg Penczak Usher Needed

Sunday, 12:00 PM (Church)

Altar Servers Needed

Emily Santangelo - Alt

Richard Gerbino

Alicia Mendez

Diane Dragone

Usher Needed Jim Dolan

Saturday, 4:00 PM (Church)

EXPECTATIONS AS WE GATHER FOR MASS ARE LOCATED ON OUR WEBSITE CLICK HERE Online Mass viewing continues with the newest weekend Mass becoming available on Saturdays after 4 pm The Parish of Saint Mary - You Tube Channel (https://bit.ly/2SkpRET) Worship aid for weekend Mass at https://tinyurl.com/y4xhvqz8 In past years, the Parish of St. Mary has distributed little books of spiritual reflections for Lent. Due to the pandemic we have suspended all distributions of paper items to parishioners. Thus, for example, we do not distribute paper copies of the parish bulletin. The publisher of the Little Books is making its books available to download on your phone. There is a single charge of $10 to get all the books for the year. If you are interested, go to https://littlebooks.org/seasonal-books/lent

It’s FREE and EASY to Register!

Access FORMED on the go! Visit www.stmaryscoltsneck.formed.org with a web browser Enter your email and create a password (you need this to login later) Go to STUDY and experience FORMED! Entertaining movies, enlightening programs, inspiring talks and audio drama and a great selection of popular e -books all just a click away!

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 14, 2021

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Dr. Jim Bridges Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Adult Catechesis FaithFormation@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 x 305

Julia Cullen Pastoral Coordinator of Elementary Religion Education - Grade 1 -6 ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309

Rose Farrow Coordinator of Faith Formation for Youth Catechesis & Service - Grade 7 & 8 YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 310

ATTENTION: NEW RE PROGRAM TO KICK OFF THIS FALL We are very excited to announce that we will be transitioning to a live, weekly, google classroom for our 3-6 graders for the 2021-2022 school year. We will no longer be using the MY FAITH Offered in January 2021 at DELIVERED online program. Instead, you will register for a weekly Google Class that will run the Parish of Saint Mary from September 2021 to April 2022. The two options are as follows: Tuesday 4:30-5:30 pm OR Wednesday 6-7 pm You will not be able to register for next years program until you have completed your MY FAITH DELIVERED online course for this current school year.

Please contact the office with any questions or concerns.

FIRST COMMUNION UPDATE!!!

First Communion will be held in the Fall of 2021 for this years 2nd graders as well as any family that chose to defer their child from last year. The dates are still TBA. However, we will be having the lottery on 1 May 2021 following our May Day Intergenerational event.

Upcoming Intergenerational Event...

Fishers of Men -Food Collection for the hungry February 17th 2021 Non perishable - boxed & canned goods will be collected in the Narthex on Ash Wednesday. Please, no expired items.

Macaroni and Cheese Pasta Pasta Sauce Soups Canned Vegetables Paper Towels

After the 4 pm or 5:30 pm Ash Wednesday service, join us for a craft in Madonna Hall.

Confirmation prep class students can receive 1.5 hours of community service for 2 complete lists (see above) and .5 hour for each additional list 2.5 hour max.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 14, 2021

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2021-2022 Religious Education Families must be registered active parishioners whose children have been in the Religious Education program for at least one year (with the possible exception of first grader families). This includes the New Parishioner Orientation meeting. Copies of each student’s Baptismal certificate and record of previously completed Religious Education classes (if applicable) and sacraments must be received by the office when registering in our program for the first time.

Please be aware that children entering grades 2-8 in Sept 2021 must have completed and passed their previous Religious Education grade work before they can be registered for the next school year. Additionally registration/class enrollment will not be processed until all paperwork is in the office. Returning Students who do not have a copy of their Baptismal Certificate on file in the office WILL NOT be secured in a class for the 2021 - 2022 term.

Summer Intensive - Grades 1 - 6: Classes run Monday through Friday for 2 weeks from 8:30 am -12:30 pm (on Campus) or 9 am - 12 noon (Google Classroom). Admission is on a first come first serve basis. Classes close as they fill. We encourage you to register early.

Session 1 – July 12 - 16 and 19 – 23 Live Stream/ Google Classroom Session 2 – August 9 – 13 and 16– 20 On Campus Summer Registration begins February 1, 2021 at 9 am and ends March 31, 2021 at 12 noon An Early Registration Discount of $50/ child ends February 28, 2021 at 12 noon. (Full process including payment must be completed by 12 noon February 28 to qualify for the discount) Registrants after close date (March 31) will be subject to availability and a late fee of $50/child. Re-Registrations (returning Religious Education Students) will not be accepted after April 15 Full payment and Baptismal Certificates required * Cancellations are subject to a $10 processing fee.

NO REFUNDS for Summer Intensive Tuition after Classes have started.

Fall - Grades 1 - 6 Fall Registration begins April 1, 2021 at 9 am and ends June 1, 2021 at 12 noon. An Early Registration Discount of $50/ child ends May 2, 2021 at 12 noon. (Full process including payment must be completed by 12 noon May 2nd to qualify for the discount) Registrants after close date ( June 1) will be subject to availability and a late fee of $50/child. Re-Registrations (returning Religious Education Students) will not be accepted after July 15  Grades 1 & 2: Two year First Penance & Reconciliation and First Eucharist Preparation.  In-person on Tuesdays either 4:30-5:40 pm or 5:50 -7:00 pm  Grades 3 - 6: Weekly Google Classroom Live Stream - selection of (Tues. 4:30 pm or Wed. 6 pm)

weekday participation Full payment and Baptismal Certificates required - Cancellations are subject to a $10 processing fee.

No refunds for Fall Tuition after 5 classes have been completed.

Note: Grades 7 & 8 : Confirmation Prep. - Information on program specifics will be forthcoming.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 14, 2021

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RE registrations & re-registrations will be processed ONLY through the My Own Church portal.

All families seeking Religious Education must be registered parishioners and have a My Own Church (MOC) portal login to be able to register for any of The Parish of Saint Mary Religious Education offerings.

The process to create a MOC portal login and receive a temporary password can take a few days. This interface is not mobile device friendly and has been known to have emails blocked by several of the email providers.

PLEASE give yourself time to complete the process BEFORE RE Registration Opens.

Returning RE Families please use your EXISTING login  New Users please use the My Own Church Button

found on the parish website

NOTE: How to obtain a My Own Church portal Family Login - Help ... Select The Parish of Saint Mary, Colts Neck from the dropdown menu (fourth from the bottom). The My Own Church portal has been shown to not be mobile friendly Please use a computer.

My Own Church is for existing registered parishioners. New RE Families must have completed the new parishioner process including New Parishioner Orientation If you wish to join the Parish please call the Parish Office at 732-780-2666.

Outline of Process for completing RE Registration Obtain a My Own Church (MOC) Login Request student(s) session & class through the MOC portal Once request is received by RE office, it will be verified and processed, then, an invoice will be created for payment, and be emailed back to family. This email/Invoice will include a web link to make payments through the Online Giving interface.

Help information: Once in My Own Church select the Family Education tab. >>> link is above text saying My Education ( see below) - Select term Summer 2021- 2022 ( July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022) - Add student & select Grade - Select the session (Summer/Fall) in the Choice pull down Once your registration has been received and capacity is verified an invoice will be sent back for final payment. Payment will be through the On-line Giving Interface. The process is completed after payments have been applied to Family Invoices.

Please NOTE: The My Own Church portal has been shown to not be mobile friendly. Please use a computer

Submit payment through the Online Giving link provided in invoice email.

Please note, a student’s placement is not regarded as certain until payment is made. A final verification will be sent to confirm placement and that the process is complete.

Payments will only be through the Online Giving Interface (NO PAYPAL or checks). Online Giving is not the same interface/portal as the My Own Church where sessions and grades are requested.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 14, 2021

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Temporal Administration, Stewardship & Outreach Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Sharing Our Treasure February 7, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship

$

16,279

Envelope Contributions

$

6,885

Electronic/Online Contributions

$

9,045

Loose Contributions

$

349

Avg. Contribution per Household this week $67.79 # of Contributing Households # Registered Parishioner Households

235 1019

Building & Mortgage Reduction Fund $3,759 Included in next week’s offertory will be the collection for Catholic Churches in Eastern Europe.

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.

Wednesday, February 17 is Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday Offertory Envelope can be found in the quarterly mailing of envelopes.

Online givers can make their Ash Wednesday donation at bit.ly/2OoATHe

REPENTANCE God has promised pardon to one who repents, but has not promised repentance to one who sins.

--St. Anselm

St. Mother Teresa of Calcu a, was known to have said: “I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot; but together we can do great things.”

In a world where fewer people believe in God and his Church, our mission to share our Faith has never been more critical. By reaching out to our brothers and sisters and responding to their temporal and spiritual needs, we give witness to the power of God’s love.

When we work together through the Annual Catholic Appeal, we are able to educate young children about Jesus Christ and the Gospel; provide spiritual guidance and support to teens and young adults trying to find their way; assist families and individuals across the generations who are dealing with a myriad of life’s challenges, and help those with such fundamental needs as food, clothing and shelter.

Your Appeal gift helps the Diocese to find and form seminarians who will serve this Church as priests for decades to come. Through special evangelization programs and our network of Catholic media, your generosity makes it possible to reach those who are hungry for God’s word; who seek inspiration and welcome in the Catholic Church.

There are so many ways that the Church can be present to people in real and meaningful ways. You can be part of this effort by supporting one or all of the many essential ministries and programs that lift up the lives of believers and non-believers alike.

https://dioceseoftrenton.org/aca-donate-page

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 14, 2021

Martha Mary Guild Going Forward in 2021 Despite the Pandemic, the Martha Mary Guild is still carrying on monthly Board meetings through Zoom. It is now time for our faithful members to seriously think about becoming more active by joining the Board. No one needs to worry about being “alone” because most positions are cochaired. Our Guild is a “Special Sisterhood” and one really feels that relationship when serving on the Board! (Speaking from many years of experience!!) Feel free to call the Co-Presidents, Kathy Adleman, 732-946-8631 or Ellen Balestiero, 732-946-2671 for more information.

Rice Bowls for LENT We are called Join our faith community—and more than 12,000 Catholic communities across the United States—in a life-changing Lenten journey with CRS Rice Bowl.

Pick up your family’s CRS Rice Bowl from the Gathering Space this weekend February 14, 2021.

During the 40 days of Lent, we will reflect on the challenge of global hunger and how it affects our human family. Go on the CRS website, www.crsricebowl.org to learn all about Rice Bowl.

Put your Lenten offerings in your Rice Bowl, count them at the end of Lent, make a check to St. Mary Parish for the total amount and drop it in the collection Basket. Alternatively you can make your donation using our online giving platform at < https://goo.gl/VFak28 >

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Today is World Marriage Day WMD "Father, as we prepare for WMD, we thank you for your tremendous gift of the Sacrament of Marriage.

Help us to witness to its glory by a life of growing intimacy.

Teach us the beauty of forgiveness so we may become more and more One in Heart, Mind and Body.

Strengthen our dialogue and help us become living signs of your love.

Make us grow more in love with the Church so we may renew the Body of Christ.

Make us a sign of unity in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Brother.

Amen

By Fr. Bill Dilgen, S.M.M.