February 18, 2024 - 1st Sunday of Lent

The parish of saint Mary A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in our Time One Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722 Phone: 732-780-2666 Fax: 732-780-0394 parishoffice@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C. M. Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee Pastor Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT FEBRUARY 18, 2024

Reminder, Office Hours are 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM every Tuesday and 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM every Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday. NO Friday’s or Saturday’s. Also, one Sunday a month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Next month will be Sunday, March 3.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 18, 2024

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Mass Intentions for: Saturday, February 17, 2024 - Sunday, February 25, 2024 Saturday, February 17 - 4PM Al Herman *The Grabowski Family Frances Bartolo *Jack and Rorie Coppola Sergio and Antonio Dos Santos *Dos Santos Family Sunday, February 18 - 8AM Eleanor Barnes *Adele and Joe Velba Arthur Thomas *Adele and Joe Velba DeStefano/Albruno Families *Mr. and Mrs. Franceschetti 10AM Bill O'Doherty *Freda O'Doherty Katie McDonough *Carolyn Roarty Helen O'Doherty *Florence Kevin Swan & Family 12PM Pro Populo Tom Walsh *Maureen Beyer Lillian Picinich *Severino & Maria Salamon Monday, February 19 - 9AM William H. Masterson, Jr. *Rosemarie Farrow Tuesday, February 20 - 9AM Giovannina Morin *Severino and Maria Salamon Mario Sessa *Sessa Family

Wednesday, February 21 - 9AM Lawrence Buccino *Jane Slattery Lillian Corcoran *Francine and Joseph Corcoran

Thursday, February 22 - 9AM Joseph A. McIlvaine, ll *Angela and Tom Kinlin Friday, February 23 - 9AM Kathleen Gargano Walsh *John Patrick Walsh Saturday, February 24 - 4PM Pro Populo Joseph Merck *Barbara Saake Lauren Harrington *Rorie and Jack Coppola

Sunday, February 25 - 8AM Joyce Homich *Alice Ganley Helen DeCerce *Jane Slattery Eamonn Fitzsimons *Hugh & Phyllis Murphy 10AM Timothy Foley III *Laura Sheehy Helen O'Doherty *Jane Slattery Antonio Piccinich *Severino & Maria Salamon 12PM Daniel P. McGarry *Rosa Maria McGarry Eleanor and Patrick Walsh *Maureen Beyer Deacon Anthony Mustillo *The Gruenling Family

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

Please pray for the following members of our parish community who are ill: Jack Coppola Lori Lettieri ~ ~ Bill Donahue Francis Patrick Albano ~ ~ Kekoa Xael Kevin O’Shea ~ ~ Kaitlin Donahue Nagle Lauren vinci

Elizabeth DeStefano ~ TOM JACOBSON ~ Dawn Reinhardt ~ Gloria Ziemienski

Jeff McBride ~ Owen Shoemaker ~ Ginny Hamlin

To add or remove a family member from the sick list please e-mail ONLY parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Please, also, keep us updated on your loved one’s health.

Names will be removed from the list after 3 months. Thank you for keeping our Parish informed.

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 is on file- Notification on website: www.stmarycoltsneck.org

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 18, 2024

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Lifelong Catechesis - Week of February 18 to February 24

READINGS FOR THE WEEK: 18 Sunday: 1st Sunday of Lent Gn 9:8-15/1 Pt 3:18-22/Mk 1:12-15

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION: Question for Children: What will you do this Lent to become more like Jesus?

19 Monday: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18/Mt 25:31-46 20 Tuesday: Is 55:10-11/Mt 6:7-15 21 Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10/Lk 11:29-32 [Saint Peter Damian] 22 Thursday: 1 Pt 5:1-4/Mt 16:13-19

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?

23 Friday: Ez 18:21-28/Mt 5:20-26 [Saint Polycarp] 24 Saturday: Dt 26:16-19/Mt 5:43-48 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.

Lt. Col. Douglas Coppola, US Army ~

Lt. Mary Herman, USN ~

SN Christian Houlihan, USN ~

LT. Jason Joseph Howe, USN ~

Pray for Military & First Responders

___________________________________________________

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

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

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 are only indirectly engaged with the parish. If interested please contact Fr. Mike Walsh by phone (732) 780-2666 x205 or email Frmike.walsh@stmaryscoltsneck.org

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

Worship & Music

February 18, 2024

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

Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Ave Regina Caelorum Ave Regina Caelorum is one of the Marian antiphons sung in the Liturgy of the Hours at the close of compline (night prayer). Customarily it was assigned from February 2nd (Candlemas, and the end of the Christmas season) until Wednesday of Holy Week. In our parish, we sing this antiphon at the close of weekday Mass during the season of Lent.

Ave, Regina caelorum, Ave, Domina Angelorum: Salve, radix, salve, porta Ex qua mundo lux est orta:

Hail, O Queen of Heaven.

Hail, O Lady of Angels Hail! thou root, hail! thou gate From whom unto the world a light has arisen:

Gaude, Virgo gloriosa, Super omnes speciosa, Vale, o valde decora, Et pro nobis Christum exora.[8]

Rejoice, O glorious Virgin, Lovely beyond all others, Farewell, most beautiful maiden, And pray for us to Christ.[8]

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

Julianna Jo Segreti

New Parishioner Orientation Sunday, May 5, 2024, 11:00AM at Madonna Hall

Attendance is mandatory for those wishing to become parishioners at the Parish of St. Mary.

For more information click HERE.

David, Bishop, c. 520-589 David was born around the year 520. He was educated in a monastery in Cardigan where he was an exceptional student. His fellow students told of seeing a “dove with a golden beak playing at his lips and teaching him to sing the praise of God.” After ordination as a priest, David retired to an island to study under the Welsh saint Paulinus for several years.

When he emerged from his studies, David became very active. He is said to have founded twelve monasteries, the last of which, Mynyw (later called Menevia and now St. David’s) in the far southwest corner of Wales, became his home for most of the remainder of his life. The discipline of his community was extremely severe. Hard manual labor and bare subsistence were the norm. The monks drank only water (which earned for St. David the surname, “The Waterman”). Silence was the rule unless absolutely necessary to speak and prayer was constant, even when laboring.

Sometime during the mid-500s, a synod was called in Cardigan to suppress the Pelagian heresy, which was re-emerging in Britain at that time.

(This heresy denied the concept of – Read More HERE.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 18, 2024

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Ministry Schedule: Second Sunday of Lent February 24 & 25 Altar Server

Saturday, 24 4PM

Sunday, 25 8AM

Sunday, 25 10AM

Sunday, 25 12PM

Alex Gruenling & Anthony Gruenling

1 SERVER NEEDED

Tesya Yaninas & Eva Tomasetti

1 SERVER NEEDED

Cantor

Bridget Farrow

Carly York

CHOIR

Bridget Farrow

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.

Theodore “Ted” Ziemienski Concetta Ciccone

Become more involved at The Parish of Saint Mary!

Please consider becoming an Altar Server Please contact Andrew Macirowski at worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org to let us know you are interested!

Reader 1

Michele Gruenling

Rita Duenas

Steve Rumsby

Richard Gerbino

Reader 2

EMHC/Ashes

Charles Young

OH - Susan Murphy TH - Elvira Dapul MD TH - Louise Habrack ALT - Irene Weller

Joseph Ventura

OH - Marsha Grigoli TH - Jane Slattery TH - Joseph Flanagan ALT - Cindy Ventura

Barbara Schaflin

OH - Linda Dickinson-Pancilla TH - Steve Stanley TH - Winifred O’Doherty ALT - Maureen Geiger LWD - NEEDED

Jennifer Stubbs

OH - Emily Santangelo TH - Lee Gesner TH - Patricia Gesner ALT - NEEDED

CRS RICE BOWLS LENT IS HERE! Join During this holy time, we are called to pause and pay closer attention to our relationship with God and our neighbors.

Reflect on how the Lenten pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving can guide your journey and how the Eucharist helps us to live in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the world.

DONATE HERE And visit crsricebowl.org to learn more and read this week’s Story of Hope.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org Faith Formation

February 18, 2024

Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Education

RE CALENDAR: i = Intergenerational Grades 1-6 S = Service Project Grades 7 & 8 25,26 February, 2024 Confirmation Prep Class

10,11 March, 2024 Confirmation Prep Class 17 March, 2024 i Lenten Penance & Reconciliation Service 24 March, 2024 i Palm Sunday Weaving 11:00 AM, followed by 10:00 AM Mass.

Sign up HERE 28 March, 2024 i Holy Thursday in the Church Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00 PM 29 March, 2024 i Good Friday Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, 12 PM Outdoor Stations of the Cross, 3:00 PM 30 March, 2024 Morning Prayer & Blessing of Food Chapel, 9:00 AM i Easter Vigil Church, 7:00 PM March 29 - April 5, 2024 EASTER BREAK

Easter Egg Hunt Sign Up!!

We need volunteers April 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM before the 12:00 PM Mass to help set-up, run the event and clean up for the Easter Egg Hunt. Your help is greatly appreciated and necessary for this exciting event to commence each year.

RSVP to attend the event HERE!

To sign up as a volunteer, click HERE.

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

Thanks to all who attended our "Fisher's of Men" Ash Wednesday INTERGENERATIONAL. It was a great success and a wonderful way to begin this very holy time of Lent. Please be reminded that INT lists are due 1 June 2024. We are still processing summer re-registrations/registrations.

We thank you for your patience.

CALLING ALL TEACHERS!!!

We are looking for teachers for our Summer Religious Ed program. Classes run August 5-16, 2024 Paid positions are open for certified teachers who are alive in their faith. Classes are on Campus.

Kindly, contact the RE office at ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org for more details and to sign-up.

For our Palm Sunday INTERGENERATIONAL We will be palm weaving March 24 at 11:00 AM, Followed by the 12:00 PM Mass.

We will meet in Madonna Hallwhere you will receive your materials and palm weaving instructions!

To RSVP, click HERE.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 18, 2024

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

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

Create a free account: “May all those who have already been claimed for Christ draw others to the Lord and, Through the rites and prayers of this ritual, forge greater bonds of unity in the Church.” Joseph P. Delaney, Bishop of Fort Worth, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Entering the period of purification and enlightenment in the RCIA process allows the elect and candidates to enter a period of “interior reflection” on their journey towards full reception on the Sacraments of initiation. This week we celebrate the Rite of Calling to the Candidates to Continuing Conversion.

Unlike Catechumens, who are unbaptized, and participate in the Rite of Sending and the Rite of Election, the Rite of Calling is for candidates who are baptized Catholics or other Christian denomination baptized in the Trinitarian form, who seek to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. By virtue of the Great Commission to “go therefore and make disciples” (Matt 28:19) it is the responsibility of the community of the faithful to welcome these individuals and prayerfully support them on the journey.

Please keep Chirstopher and Kimberly Cascone, Tanner Grigoli, and Ryder Grigoli in your prayers while they prepare for full reception into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.

Please prayerfully support…

Tanner Grigoli, Ryder Grigoli, Kimberly and Christopher Cascone as they prepare for the reception of Sacraments for full initiation into the Catholic Church. If you or someone else you know is interested in becoming Catholic or completing their Sacraments of initiation, please contact us at (732)780-2666.

https://formed.org/signup Select our parish, and enjoy!

Are you curious or thinking of becoming Catholic?

We are here and ready to share the richness of our faith with you. If you’ve been looking everywhere for answers, and still haven’t found them, we invite you to find out what the Catholic Church offers.

RCIA is a comprehensive process, in which the Church supports and encourages the spiritual journeys of: • •

those who are unbaptized and seeking to become Catholic. those who are baptized, Catholic or in another Christian denomination, who wish to complete their Sacraments of Initiation (First Eucharist and Confirmation).

Contact Rose Farrow, Coordinator of Faith Formation at YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org for more information.

IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS ED LINKS [2023 - 2024] •Fall RE Schedule •2023 - 2024 RE Calendar •Parent - Student Handbook •Intergenerational List •Intergenerational Digital

Recording Sheet •Current Service Hours

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 18, 2024

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Lenten Confessions, Holy Hours & Stations of the Cross Lenten Holy Hours - St. Catharine February 28 - 7:00PM March 6 - 6:00PM March 13 - 7:00PM Stations of the Cross, St. Catharine Friday evenings - 7:30PM [February 16, March 1, 8, 22] February 23 - 6:30PM, NO 7:30PM Living Stations - March 22

Confessions Sun., March 10, 2:30PM - 4:00PM - St. Benedict Sunday, March 17, 3:00PM - St. Mary Thursday, March 21, 7:00PM - St. Catharine Wednesday, March 27, 7:00PM – St. Gabriel

First Sunday of Lent Prayer Heavenly Father, As I enter the first week of my Lenten journey, guide me to the path that leads to you.

Fill my heart with gratitude, patience, strength, and peace as I strive to become the-best-version-of-myself, As I honestly admit my shortcomings and sins. and as I renew my resolve each day to become a better person, let me hear your voice Let me hear it in the deepest reaches of my heart.

Give me rest in you.

Help me to accept others, showing them your great love instead of casting judgment.

Stay with me through the busy days this week and remind me that when I need comfort, solitude, wisdom, or guidance, I can always turn to you.

Help me develop discipline and generosity through fasting and almsgiving, and come closer to you through prayer this Lent.

In your name I pray, Amen.

(DynamicCatholic.com)

Lenten Regulations - Guidelines of the Universal Church The Catholic Church in the United States requires of us as baptized Catholics to observe the following: The days of fast (only one full meal per day) and abstinence (no meat) are Ash

Wednesday (February 14) and Good Friday (March 29). All other Fridays of Lent (February 16 through March 22) are days of abstinence (no meat).

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

Those who are automatically dispensed from fast and abstinence regulations outside the age limits noted above include: the physically or mentally ill, especially individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also included in the dispensation are women who are pregnant or nursing. In all cases, common sense should prevail and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting.

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

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 18, 2024

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Quo vadis for February 18. . .

My Dear Parishioners: celebrating when we pray the mass. I realize Today we celebrate The First Sunday of Lent. this can only happen if you make it a priority.

The first two readings this Sunday suggest that I offer this suggestion as a way for us to grow our entry into the desert and the injunction to in our respect for God and one another. proclaim the gospel are the consequence of Remember that we depart mass during Lent in baptism. In the baptismal waters we are reverent silence. Give it a try…who knows? plunged into the death of Christ to rise to the The Way of the Cross is offered at Saint risen life that renews the earth. Baptism is our Catharine, Holmdel each Friday Confession entry into the death/resurrection mystery of opportunities throughout our area have also Christ and our entry in Lent and Easter. We been scheduled. Please consult this e-bulletin begin Lent by reminding ourselves that we are for more details. a baptized people; at the end of Lent we renew our baptismal promises at the Easter Last weekend we published a list of parish Vigil. Christ led the way; we only need to make families who participated in the 2023 Annual the choice (effort) to follow.

Catholic Appeal. Their sacrificial sharing This weekend our 40 day journey through the enabled our parish to reach beyond our goal. I Season of Lent begins and concludes am grateful to these families for their sundown on Holy Thursday. It is my hope that commitment. It is to be noted that we we make the most of this grace-filled increased the number of families participating; opportunity. Abstaining (giving up) some that is, replacing some who have moved or thing can be a very fruitful exercise. died and adding to those supporting the Choosing to do something can also be very ACA. The 2023 ACA rebate will be applied fruitful. I encourage you to try one of each, toward the work of converting all light fixtures giving up and doing something extra. I invite throughout our parish campus to LED. We you to consider receiving the holy Eucharist have made tremendous progress and have a more frequently by coming to mass for the few more years to go to complete this project.

Sunday Sabbath and throughout the week daily With your participation and support we at 9am in the chapel. I would like us to continue to work with His Excellency the Most consider this as a communal act for Reverend Bishop of Trenton and advance our Lent: namely, as a worshipping community local goals. Next weekend we kick off the coming to mass on time; that is, 5 minutes 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal. To those who before the start of mass; using the lavatories at are new to our parish and those who have not that time; taking your place in the pew previously participated, please consider doing prior to the priest presider beginning with the so this year. Have a great week. Let us sign of the cross so that we are not climbing remember one another in prayer. Peace. over those who have arrived on time. Happy Sunday.

Considering this would be a great act of Father Jeff respect for the sacred action we are

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 18, 2024

Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach

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Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Sharing Our Treasure February 11, 2024 – Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship

$17,981

Envelope Contributions

$9,521

Electronic/Online Contributions

$7,776

Loose Contributions

$684 321 $53.88

# Registered Parishioner Households

952

$500 went toward the Central & Eastern Europe appeal.

Thank you. This weekend $500 goes toward our Black and Native American appeal. Please continue to be generous.

Thank you.

"But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret.

And your Father who sees in secret will repay you." Mt 6:3-4

Caring for Our Parishioners Periodically, we receive calls from elderly, shut-in, and/or disabled Parishioners seeking help with some needed tasks such as food shopping, transportation to medical appointments, light cleanup, or just for an hour or so of conversation and companionship.

If you feel that you may have the time and interest to share of yourself in this way, please call the Office of Charitable Appeals at (732) 294-8841 X320

scan code Sign-in for our Online Giving system to make your parish offerings from your bank account or Credit Card!

To set up an online giving account please visit https://giving.parishsoft.com/smcn Alternatively, just Text SUNDAY to (732)-889-7800 and follow the instructions to complete your offering.

Should you require our assistance setting up your new account, please call the parish office at (732)-780-2666.

You can also download the ConnectNow Giving App for Android or iOS. Thank you for your continuous support!

The 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal launches February 24 and 25 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 remains at $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.

Pledge cards will be available at all masses next weekend. You can also make a gift online at https://dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal.

Thank you for your support, and may God continue to bless you and your family.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 18, 2024

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NEW TO COLTS NECK? Join Saint Mary Parish!

We welcome you and invite you to register as parishioners of St Mary!

Please find our registration guidelines on our website under About Us/New Parishioners.

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

One intention is accepted per week (Sunday - Saturday) for the Lamp. The suggested donation is $25.

Request online HERE.

Baptismal Preparation Session St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on:

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2024 at 1:00 PM Pre-registration is required a week in advance.

Contact Us Sacrament of Baptism

Parents wishing to baptize their children must be registered parishioners of St Mary Parish. Please contact the Parish Office at 732-780-2666 x329 at least 3 months in advance of the desired date for baptism. More information can be read HERE.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 18, 2024

Reviews are in for the “Jesus and the Eucharist” 7 week Eucharist Study!

“Watching the commentaries and testimonies in the video made me think of Faith as a lockbox that each one of us carries inside. We all have it but sometimes we are not aware of it. We may one day embark on a search for the key to it, turn it, and be ready for a life-changing experience that will forever transform us. Faith is a gift, a treasure that puts us mortals in touch with the infinite and the Eternal.” - R.Z. “I particularly liked Session 7. The emphasis on Eucharistic Adoration for Jesus to give us the courage and strength to cope with our own issues, but also to be able to go out to spread the words to others.

I liked when the video likened the Mass to a ‘taste of heaven.’ That earth and heaven kiss.” - L.L. “Reinforced my knowledge of real presence in the Eucharist and the need to evangelize this now. Happy to know there are many devout Catholics very involved with the Eucharistic Revival.” - T.M. “This course has been a blessing to me. It has shown me many connections in the Bible I have never noticed. It has allowed me to better feel His presence and love for me. It has also made me view the Eucharist in a new light. For that I am grateful.” - C.W. “Thank you so much for leading this wonderful course, Barbara. The video presentation was beautifully done, and I found it to be very inspiring.” - K.W. “I found the program very enlightening and enriching related to my past knowledge and devotion to the Eucharist. The Masses I have attended since the sessions have more meaning, and I am grateful for the new insight. I will attend another gathering soon. Thank you.” - Francine “Reinforced my knowledge of the real presence in the Eucharist and the need to evangelize this now. Happy to know there are many devout Catholics very involved with the Eucharistic Revival.” T.M. “This course has been a blessing to me. It has shown me many connections to the Bible I have never noticed. It has allowed me to better feel the presence and love for me. It has also made me view the Eucharist in a new light, and for that I am grateful.” - C.W.

We have two groups in progress now with a few more being planned for the spring.

All are welcome to join this amazing study on the Eucharist! Sign-ups coming soon!

To find more information about the movement, click HERE.

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www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 18, 2024

Our Seventh Annual Community Recognition Gala will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 7:00PM, Banks Street Hall, Trenton, New Jersey. We are graciously requesting your support as we move forward in our mission to serve over 1,200 families.

The Annual Community Recognition Gala gives us the opportunity to celebrate and support our Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, which has served our community for over many, many years. Additionally, the Gala enables us to raise funds so that we can award an annual scholarship to a deserving high school senior of our parish entering college. We will also continue our tradition of honoring those individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary commitments to our community. This year, our Faith and Service honorees are: Josue Arriola, Director of the Department of Evangelization and Family Life for the Diocese of Trenton. Milady Gonzalez, Director of the Sembrando Esperanza Music Ministry Ericka Rodriguez, Director of Religious Education for the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and Saint Joseph Church I invite you to help us reach our goals and make this year’s Annual Community Recognition Gala success.

We kindly request your presence at this most important event for the Cathedral.

The Gala tickets are $75 per person. It would be an honor if you could join us!!

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HELP SAVE LIVES IN MONMOUTH COUNTY! Protect mothers and children by joining this worldwide witness of prayer, fasting, peaceful vigils, and community outreach. Take part in 40 Days for Life in Monmouth County Vigil Location: Planned Parenthood at 69 E. ewman Springs Road, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702.

Vigil Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Saturday / Sunday - at will. Local Contact: monmouth4life@hotmail.com Learn More...

40daysforlife.com/shrewsbury. heck our Resources for Educational Information, Prayer and Pregnancy Resources. Come and Bring a Friend... or 2... or 3! 40 Days For Life/Shrewsbury is a peaceful, prayerful witness. There is no shouting, foul language or graphic signs. As always, stay on the sidewalk or public right of way. Do not go on private property, block driveway or park in Planned Parenthood lot.

Please follow current COVID-19 Protocols.

The next (12-week) training class for telephone volunteers for CONTACT (24-hour crisis intervention hotline) will begin on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, once a week for 12 weeks, every Wednesday from 6:30 -9:30 P.M. In person training will be held at St. Luke’s Church,1674 Old Freehold Rd., Toms River, NJ 08755.

CONTACT, a free and confidential service, has been assisting with the needs of individuals throughout the community since 1975, by providing a safe place for callers to talk about their problems with anonymity.

Information and referrals are provided when requested.

For additional information, please call the office: (732) 240-6104.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 18, 2024

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SUPPORT GROUP FOR ANYONE SEPARATED OR DIVORCED

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ We have many offerings for anyone experiencing the pain and hurt of losing a marriage relationship. It doesn’t matter if you are contemplating divorce, newly separated, going through the divorce process, recently divorced or divorced many years. You could have been married 4 years or 40 years, it doesn’t matter, this program has help for everyone that attends! We are currently offering a 12-Week Program Beginning Thursday, March 7, 2024 From 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm St. Leo The Great, Parish Center Meeting Room Located at 50 Hurleys Lane, Lincroft, NJ. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Our programs are run by trained and certified Facilitators who are divorced and who have completed our 12-week Program and now would like to bring the healing they received to you! To register or to have one of the Facilitators give you a call to find out more information, please email: healingheartsfromdivorce@gmail.com.

For more information to help you decide if this program is right for you, please visit: https://www.mylifechangecoach.com/divorceministry. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ We don’t ask if you’re Catholic, we only ask if you need healing! We hope you can join us, and we look forward to meeting you!

Lenten Bible Study When: Thursday’s, February 22, 29, March 7, 14, & 21 Time: 9:30-11:00 AM Where: St. Pio Church Hall in Lavallette Who: All are welcome What: Discovering who you are in Christ-We are all called to holiness, but what does that mean? It’s not what you think. This book offers you a weap -on of truth so that you can stand in your identity as a child of God. It gives personal examples and practical suggestions that motivate and inspire, while convinces attainable transformation.

Cost: $12 To Register: send a check made out to St. Pio’s Church to Dawn Rusinko. For more info please contact dawnrusinko@yahoo.com

400 Route 35 North South Mantoloking, NJ 08738 March 19, 2024 – HONORING ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER - In honor of our patron St. Joseph, the staff cordially invites you to join us at Eucharistic 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 15.

SPACE WILL BE LIMITED TO 40 PEOPLE. Refreshments and Blessed Bread after the program.

Arrival: 10:30 AM Mass: 11:00 AM/Departure: 1:00 PM. (Presenters: Staff) Donation April 19-21, 2024 - 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 yoga, 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 PM/Departure: 10:30 AM (Presenter: Avita Kennedy, RYT) Cost: $375