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
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 16, 2025
EMERGENCY CLOSING INFORMATION:
In the event that the Parish Office is closed and Religious Education classes or Masses must be cancelled due to inclement weather, loss of power, etc., we will attempt to keep you informed as follows:
-Updated outgoing announcements on our main telephone line 732-780-2666.
- Parish-wide email sent to email address that is on file.
- Notification on website: www.stmarycoltsneck.org
Ash Wednesday Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Parish of Saint Mary, Colts Neck 12 noon Mass 4:00pm Prayer Service 5:00pm Prayer Service
Saint Catharine, Holmdel 9am Mass 6pm Prayer Service 7:30pm prayer Service
Mass Intentions for:
Saturday February 15 2025 - Sunday February 23 2025
Saturday, February 15- 4PM
Florence Luzzi * Rich Luzzi
Sergio & Antonio Dos Santos * Dos Santos Family
Diane Aromando * Carol Ward
Sunday, February 16 - 8AM
Rosalie Mangano * Mr. & Mrs. Mario Geneve
Helen and John Sionas * Eileen & Michael Stivala, Jr. 10AM
Eleanor Coleman * Carol Donahue
Dominick Ruocco * The Burtone Family
Clive Lay * Donna, Frank, & Tyler Sikorskas 12PM
Pro Populo
Tom Walsh * Maureen Beyer
Theresa Kromer * Don & Janet Johnston
Monday, February 17- 9AM - Chapel
Lillian Corcoran * Francine & Joseph Corcoran Eloise Goehring * Anna Marie & Vincent Vita
Tuesday, February 18 – 9AM
Anna Egan * Rosa McGarry
Wednesday, February 19 - 9AM
Gerard P. Thompson * Tom & Angela Kinlin
Sanctuary Lamp
Church: William O'Doherty
Requested by: The Brunner/Brennan Families
Thursday, February 20 - 9AM - Chapel
William O'Doherty * The O'Doherty Family
Mario Alfred Sessa * Sessa Family
Friday, February 21 – 9AM - Chapel
Alessandro Romano & Raffaela Rosato * Calo Family
Saturday, February 22- 4PM
Pro Populo
Thomas Jacobson * Rorie & Jack Coppola
June Donnelly Wendler * Carol Donahue
Sunday February 23 –8AM
DeStefano/Albruno Families * Franceschetti Family
Richard Stivala, Sr. * Eileen & Michael Stivala, Jr. 10AM
Greg Reinhardt * John & Dawn
Joseph Bozzo * Kelly Family
Gerard Thompson * John & Molly Aiello 12PM
Eleanor & Patrick Walsh * Maureen Beyer
Valentine, Martyr, d.c. 269
There is some confusion about the life of Valentine. There may have been two Valentines, one a priest and physician in Rome, the second the bishop of Interamna, a town about sixty miles from Rome. Many scholars believe that these were one and the same person. Valentine, the priest, cared for Christians who were being persecuted under Claudius II. Arrested for this, he was sent by the emperor to the prefect of Rome who tried to persuade Valentine to renounce his faith.
Read More HERE
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 February 16 February 22
READINGS FOR THE WEEK:
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time February 16
Jer 17:5-8/1 Cor 15:12, 16-20/Lk 6:17, 20-26
MONDAY February 17
Gn 4:1-15, 25/Mk 8:11-13
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TUESDAY February 18
Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10/Mk 8:14-21
WEDNESDAY February 19
Gn 8:6-13, 20-22/Mk 8:22-26
THURSDAY February 20
Gn 9:1-13/Mk 8:27-33
FRIDAY February 21
Gn 11:1-9/Mk 8:34 9:1
SATURDAY February 22
1 Pt 5:1-4/Mt 16:13-19
Almighty and eternal God, those who take refuge in you will be glad and forever will shout for joy. Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties. Protect them with the shield of your strength and keep them safe from all evil and harm. May the power of your love enable them to return home in safety, that with all who love them, they may ever praise you for your loving care. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Pray for Military & First Responders
AMT Colton Boag, USCG
Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army
TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF
LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:
Question for Children: How do you experience God’s blessing in difficult times, when you are sad, hungry, or when friends reject you?
Question for Youth: How does trusting in God make a difference in your life?
Question for Adults: In today’s Gospel, we are reminded that we will be either blessed or have woe done unto us. It’s a challenging teaching! Which half of this Gospel reading applies to you?
Life Long Catechesis
Lt. Col. Douglas Coppola, US Army
Lt. Mary Herman, USN ~
SN Christian Houlihan, USN ~ LT. Jason Joseph Howe, USN
SPC Michael John Mento, US Army
LTJG Matthew Motola, USN ~
LCpl Bradley O’Ree, USMC
SPC Nicholas Poskonka, US Army
Captain Richard Savo, US Army
1st Lt. Adam Sjoholm, US Army
Captain Ryan Tanguay, US Army
Pleaseprayforthefollowingmembersofourparishcommunitywhoareill:
Jack Coppola
Kaitlin Donahue Nagle
Nancy Niven
David Niven
Lori Lettieri
Lauren vinci
Dawn Reinhardt
Helen Prill
Rose walch
Joyce daniel
Robert a . monaco, md
Edward Habrack
Jeff McBride
Owen Shoemaker
Peter Vickers
Debby Tanico
Linda Codispoti
Toaddorremoveafamilymemberfromthesicklistpleasee-mailONLY parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Please,also,keepusupdatedonyourlovedone’shealth. Nameswillberemovedfromthelistafter3months.ThankyouforkeepingourParishinformed.
Worship & Music
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist
Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org
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 I marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom.
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.
Saturday, 22 4 PM
Ministry Schedule: February 22 & 23
Alex Gruenling Anthony Gruenling
Sunday, 23 8 AM
Jack Main NOT FILLED
Carly York
Michele Gruenling Charles Young
Sunday, 23 10 AM
Suzanne Duarte (Sub Req) NOT FILLED
Carly York Kevin Swan Joe Ventura
OH - Susan Murphy
TH - Elvira Dapul MD
TH - Monica Barr
ALT - Louise Habrack
Sunday, 23 12 PM
Jonathan Stubbs NOT FILLED
Carly York
Barbara Schaflin Rita Duenas
Bridget Farrow NOT FILLED
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(LectionaryPage.net)
OH - Michael Staub
TH - Cindy Ventura
TH - Gina Shute
ALT– Maureen Staub
OH - Linda DickinsonPancila
TH –Richard Gerbino
TH - Tom Nathanson
ALT– Sue Fitzpatrick
OH - Patricia Gesner
Jennifer Stubbs
TH - Richard Gerbino
TH - Irene Weller
ALT– James Dolan
Baptismal Preparation Session
St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on: SUNDAY, March 2, 2025
Pre-registrationisrequiredaweek in advance. ContactUs
Faith Formation
Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Ed ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309
Religious Education Early summer intensive registration is opened through 28 February. Register today to ensure a spot in EARLY registration. It is first come first serve after meeting requirements of time, talent, and treasure. registration link below.
Sign-up link is live on the RE calendar for Ash Wednesday INT. Our spring clean-up this year is on 12 April 2025. Confirmation Prep students should be completing all assignments (homily reflections & projects/reports) to ensure completions of the program. Those making Confirmation this October must have all paper work in by May ’25. CP retreat is on 23 February and mandatory for all in CP 1 & 2.
Religious Education Program 2025-2026
Registration/Re-Registration
Course progression:
First Holy Communion Prep (FHC) - 1 & 2
Continuing Faith (CF) - A, B, C & D Confirmation Prep (CP) - 1 & 2
Summer Intensive 2025 : July 14-25, M-F, 9 AM-12 PM, VIRTUAL Aug. 4-15, M-F, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM, ON CAMPUS
Early RE Summer Intensive CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION LINKS
2024 - 2025
• 2024 - 2025 RE Calendar grades 1-8
• 24/25 Fall RE Calendar grades 1-6
• Parent - Student 24/25 Handbook
• Intergenerational List
• Intergenerational Recording link
Religious Education Calendar
18 February 2025
RE Class #21 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
23 February 2025
Confirmation Prep 1 & 2-Student Retreat Begins with 12 PM mass, following in MH
25 February 2025
RE Class #22 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
28 February 2025
Last day to Register/Re-register for EARLY Summer Intensive 2025 Program, FHC & CF
4 March 2025
RE Class #23 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
5 March 2025
Fishers of Men INT- Ash Wed. SIGN UP HERE
SERVICE HOUR OPPORTUNITIES
Confirmation Prep – 1 & 2 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Please print out your service log from the website under CP - completed log due the end of 8th grade
• Tuesday Elementary RE class assistant or helper- Contact Religious Ed office for details
• Summer RE assistant/volunteer July Virtual or August on-campus– SIGN UP HERE
• Lenten Books distribution in Narthex SIGN UP HERE
See website for more service opportunities
Pastoral Care
Rosemarie Farrow - Pastoral Coordinator of Pastoral Care & Outreach
R.Farrow@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 x 310
Quo vadis...
My Dear Parishioners:
Today we celebrate the Sixth Sunday on Ordinary Time. The Community of Saint Luke understood that being poor (that is, weeping, hungry) didn’t exclude us from God’s blessing. Today, the radicalness of this gospel involves the question whether our lives are oriented to God. Luke’s audience was concerned with what they thought were the signs of God’s blessings. Jesus challenges them and us to be rooted in the source of blessing: God who blesses all those who trust. Trusting in God is not some naïve platitude. Nor is trusting in God something we pay lip service to and then go about our daily routine. The reversals in this gospel are startling reminders that what is of this life is neither lasting or what we ought to be concerned about. Trusting in God is a stance that shapes all aspects of our being and of our participation in our family, workplace and community. God is the center of our life; as such, God blesses us and in turn we can be a blessing to others.
This weekend at all masses we will kick off the 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal. Our goal this year is $79,000. It has modestly increased for the first time in 12 years. There has been a consultation leading to an adjustment of the equation as to how the goals are calculated. It has been transparent and reasonable. I encourage you to prayerfully consider your gift for the 2025 ACA. Additionally, the rebate calculation has also been adjusted. We will now receive 100% of all gifts once the goal has been achieved. There are also two incentives: a 5% rebate should we gain 12 first time donors to the ACA; a 5% rebate should we reach our goal by July. These incentives are helpful motivators to encourage all of our parishioner to
participate in supporting His Excellency and the work of our Diocese of Trenton. Thank you for your continued prayerful support and generosity.
Our Parish Religious Education ReRegistration/Registration for the Summer Intensive Programs continues to progress nicely. Thanks to all those who have already begun the process. Please do not procrastinate. This program is becoming very popular with our families. I am confident that we will max out our enrollment. Additionally, it is important for us to know exactly how many participants we will have in both the summer and fall programs since our catechists are contracted fully degreed/certified educators, certified catechists, with full background checks in compliance with state and diocesan guidelines. Thanks for being pro-active.
This coming week we should be receiving information about the 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal if you have not already received it. I am so very grateful to all those who have participated in the 2024 ACA. Our parish surpassed the 2024 goal! I encourage everyone to participate as you are able this year. It is important that we support His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton as he oversees and serves those living in Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer or Burlington Counties.
Ash Wednesday is observed 5 March this year. Make a note in your diary. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff.
Sharing Our Treasure Sunday, February 9– Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Edwin A. SevillanoTemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Sign-in for our Online Giving system to make your parish offerings from your bank account or Credit Card!
Included in next week’s offertory will be the Collection for the Central and Eastern European Catholic Churches. Please be Generous
"One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God." Mt 4:4b
2024 End of Year Contribution Statement Statement of charitable contributions for calendar year 2024 will be available on or about January 17, 2024. Your personal statement can be downloaded from My Own Church portal. Please follow the instructions HERE to sign up for My Own Church and retrieve your statement. If you wish to receive a paper statement of your 2024 contributions, please provide a self-addressed stamped envelope to the parish office by mail or drop it in the collection basket by January 31, 2024. Requests will be processed & mailed by the end of January.
Please do not make your request by phone.
Annual Catholic Appeal 2025 St Mary’s goal is $79,000
Your Gift Makes a Difference
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!
Please remember the Parish of Saint Mary in your will..
By naming St. Mary in your will or trust, you will provide a lasting gift that will greatly help St. Mary and our parishioners. Thank you for your consideration
Through the 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal, we answer Christs call to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Your generosity supports ministries that serve thousands across the Diocese of Trenton-bringing hope, care, and Christs love to those in need. Together, we reach the marginalized, strengthen families, and transform lives giveaca.org.
The next (6-week) training class for telephone volunteers for CONTACT (24-hour crisis intervention hotline) will begin on Tuesday, February 18 2025 twice a week for 6 weeks, every Tuesday & Thursday from 6:30-9:30 PM. In Person training will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington St. Toms River 08753. CONTACT, a free and confidential service, has been assisting with the needs of individuals throughout the community since 1975, by providing a a safe place for the callers to talk about their problems with anonymity. Information and referrals are provided when requested For additional training information, please call the CONTACT office - 732-240-6104
Did you know that our parish has a Prayer Shawl Ministry?
A group of women meet every third Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. in room 11 to knit or crochet for the sick of the parish, nursing home residents, Birthright, the homeless and Veterans groups. We welcome new members and also accept donations of yarn.
To join the ministry, or for more information, please call:
Kathy Adleman at 732-946-4631
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
Contact: 908-378-8502 ask for Christy
We would like to invite you to a regional webinar for leaders in parish and school catechesis in the Northeast. As a Catholic educational apostolate, the Augustine Institute is dedicated to bringing students and their families into a life-giving encounter with Jesus, the Word of Life, through Sacred Scripture.
We’ll be speaking not only about curriculum, but also creative ideas to engage parents and students in fostering a love for the Word in the classroom on Thursday, March 6th at 12PM Eastern.
Register for free HERE
If you cannot attend live, registration ensures a copy of the recording to be sent to you via email.
The webinar will be hosted by your Northeast U.S. team:
Maria Hopkins – Senior Ministry Consultant
Isaac Iniguez – Ministry Consultant
Kelly Nelson – Ministry Success Coach