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
The Presentation of the Lord
February 2, 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
Parish Office Hours
Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Tuesdays 2:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The Parish Office is closed Fridays and Saturdays. The Parish Office will also be open Sunday February 2, 9am - 1pm
Any questions, please call the office at (732)-780-2666.
Mass Intentions for:
Saturday February 1 2025 - Sunday February 9 2025
Saturday, February 1- 4PM
Ed Eastman * Barbara & Joe Verga
Vincent J. Salvo * Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Longobardi
John Grabowski * Janet Munger
Sunday, February 2 - 8AM
Pro Populo
Jean Brock & Robert Arcoleo * Joseph & Tami Minichini 10AM
Viola & John Barlotta * The Vazzana Family
Walter J. Bonus * Anne Baker
Nicholas Roma * Angela Kalbrosky 12PM
Robert A. & Mary Joan McNamara * The McNamara Family Elio Vecchiarelli * Tagliavia Family
Monday, February 3 - 9AM - Chapel
Darryl Turkaly * Carol Donahue
Tuesday, February 4 – 9AM
Judith Joyce * Joyce Family
Wednesday, February 5 - 9AM
Jeanne Gillen * Fran Lay & Family
Christopher Costello * John & Molly Aiello
Create a free account: https://formed.org/signup Select our parish, and enjoy!
Thursday, February 6 - 9AM - Chapel
Ruby Poscablo Lim * Drs. Gener & Elvira Dapul
Friday, February 7 – 9AM - Chapel
Paul Saake * The Gioacchini Family
Saturday, February 8- 4PM
Paul Saake * Barbara Saake
John M. Grabowski, Sr. by The Grabowski Family
Gerard Carney Sr * The Brown Family
Sunday February 9 –8AM
Barbara Swan Critchley * Tom & Angela Kinlin 10AM
Pro Populo
Robert Zoltowski * Faistl Family
Margaret Miller * Susan Miller 12PM
Gaetano & Giuseppa Tagliavia * Tagliavia Family
James Pellicano * Gabbard family
GROTTO CANDLES
The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions. Offering is $3.00 per candle
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 2 February 8
READINGS FOR THE WEEK:
The Presentation of the Lord February 2
Mal 3:1-4/Heb 2:14-18/Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22-32
MONDAY February 3
Heb 11:32-40/Mk 5:1-20
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TUESDAY February 4
Heb 12:1-4/Mk 5:21-43
WEDNESDAY February 5
Heb 12:4-7, 11-15/Mk 6:1-6
THURSDAY February 6
Heb 12:18-19, 21-24/Mk 6:7-13
FRIDAY February 7
Heb 13:1-8/Mk 6:14-29
SATURDAY February 8
Heb 13:15-17, 20-21/Mk 6:30-34
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: What do you want to tell others about Jesus?
Question for Youth: Simeon said that Jesus would be a “light to all nations.” When, where or how do you see the light of Jesus?
Question for Adults: Mary and Joseph took their faith seriously enough to make a return to the Lord of the most precious thing in their lives, their son, whom they presented to God in the Temple. How do you return to God that which is most precious 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
Owen Shoemaker
Peter Vickers
Debby Tanico
Toaddorremoveafamilymemberfromthesicklistpleasee-mailONLY parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Please,also,keepusupdatedonyourlovedone’shealth. Nameswillberemovedfromthelistafter3months.ThankyouforkeepingourParishinformed.
Jeff McBride
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org Worship & Music
What are the roles of the cantor, the choir, and the congregation during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? This week I will outline the roles of the congregation and cantor, next week the choir.
The role of the congregation is to respond in prayer, both sung and spoken, at the appropriate times during Mass. In the order of the Mass, this means:
Entrance Antiphon • Kyrie • Gloria • Affirmations following the readings • Antiphon of the Responsorial Psalm • Acclamation before the Gospel • Sequences • Creed • Preface Dialogue • Sanctus (Holy Holy Holy) • Memorial Acclamation • Amen • The Lord’s Prayer • Agnus Dei • Prayer before Communion • Communion Antiphon Affirmations to the Prayer after Communion, Solemn Blessings and dismissal •
In addition to above, there is also the singing of hymns or songs. While this is at first glance a daunting list, do remember that the Ordinary remains constant in terms of text, while the musical settings change seasonally.
The role of the cantor during Mass is more accurately described as a psalmist. The cantor sings the verses of responsorial psalm, the verse before the Gospel, and the verses of psalms sung during the entrance or communion processions. The cantor also plays a very important role in the liturgies of the Triduum, as the rubrics indicate certain texts and chants to be specifically sung by the cantor, sometimes even indicating the preference that there be two cantors, one male, one female.
Many carry the notion that the cantor leads the congregation during the singing of everything else, but this is a half-truth. At Low Masses, those without an organ, the cantor provides the visual and musical cues to the congregation and bolsters their singing. At Masses with an organ, the organist is the true leader of the congregation, and the cantor assists the congregation with pitch and text. Try this next time you are at Mass: As the introduction to a piece of music starts, close your eyes or do not otherwise look at the cantor, and if you have a professional organist you will know when to start singing, at what tempo, and as the music continues, you will know whether or not the verse you are on is the final one.
and Martyr, c. early 4th Century
Bishop Blaise (sometimes spelled Blase) was martyred around 316 by order of Governor Agricolaus in Sebastea, Armenia, during Licinius' persecution of Christians. That is the only certain knowledge that we have about this saint.
According to legend, Blaise was born in Armenia to wealthy Christian parents and was made a bishop in his youth. He was known as a good bishop who encouraged the spiritual and physical health of his people. When the persecution of Christians began in Armenia, Blaise was forced to flee. He went to live as a hermit in the back country, where he cured wild animals that were sick or wounded.
Read More HERE
Liturgy of the Word Dismissal
This is the practice of having children, ages 4-12, leave the Sunday assembly during the Liturgy of the Word (readings) and gather in a separate environment to engage in the Liturgy of the Word at a level more appropriate to the children’s understanding.
Blaise, Bishop
Ministry Schedule: February 8th & 9th
Saturday, 8 4 PM NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Marybeth Jacobson NOT FILLED
Paul Tonacci
Sunday, 9 8 AM
Jack Main NOT FILLED
Diane Dragone
Sunday, 9 10 AM
Grace Collins NOT FILLED
Bridget Farrow
Annette Raynor (Sub Req)
Charles Young
OH - Emily Santangelo
TH - Elvira Dapul MD
TH - Nick Turkovic
ALT - Liz Turkovic
Sunday, 9 12 PM
Jonathan Stubbs NOT FILLED
Bridget Farrow
February 2nd - Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Barbara Schaflin
Mary Ellen Griffin
OH - Steve Stanley
TH - Gina Shute
TH - Joseph Flanagan
ALT– Martha Cowles
12 noon Mass - Blessing of Candles
If you have devotional candles at home that you would like blessed, bring them to this Mass. Following Mass, there will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until 3pm. Come and spend some time with the Lord.
February 3rd - Memorial of Saint Blaise 9am Mass (Chapel) - Following tradition, the blessing of throats will occur at the 9am Mass.
Richard Gerbino
Jennifer Stubbs
OH - Linda Dickinson-Pancila
TH - Tom Nathanson
TH - Sue Fitzpatrick
ALT– NOT FILLED
OH - Irene Weller
TH - Lee Gesner
TH - Dawn Reinhardt
ALT– Patricia Gesner
The Presentation of Our Lord
Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. . (LectionaryPage.net)
Baptismal Preparation Session
St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on: SUNDAY, March 2, 2025
Pre-registrationisrequired aweekin advance. Contact Us
Faith Formation
Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Ed ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309
Religious Education Program 2025/2026
Registration/Re-Registration
Course progression:
First Holy Communion Prep (FHC) - 1
First Holy Communion Prep (FHC) - 2
Continuing Faith (CF) - A
Continuing Faith (CF) - B
Continuing Faith (CF) - C
Continuing Faith (CF) - D
Confirmation Prep (CP) - 1
Confirmation Prep (CP) - 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 For students in FHC 1 & 2, CF A, B, C & D only
Fall Program 2025:
FHC 1 & 2: Tues. 4:50 PM to 6:00 PM, weekly CF A, B, C & D: Tues. 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, weekly CP 1 & 2: bi-monthly Sun. 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, virtual or Tues. 4:15 PM to 5:45 PM, on campus
Summer Intensive Registration CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Link Goes Live At 9 AM On Sunday, 2 February 2025
Confirmation Prep (CP) - 1 & 2
Summer Service Hours
Sign up Here to volunteer in the Summer Intensive July and/or August Program
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
2 February 2025
Summer Intensive Registration/Re-Registration Link opens at 9 AM
2,4 February 2025
Confirmation Prep classes
4 February 2025
RE Class #19 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
11 February 2025
RE Class #20 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
18 February 2025
RE Class #21 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
23 February 2025
Confirmation Prep Student Retreat (7&8 grade) Begins with 12 PM mass and continues in Madonna Hall
SERVICE HOUR OPPORTUNITIES
Confirmation Prep– 7 & 8 grade VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Please print out your service log as it is due the end of 8th grade, in preparation for Confirmation.
• Valentine Collection for Naval base 10 Valentine/treat equals 1 service hour
See page 8 for more details
• Tuesday Elementary RE class assistant or helper- Contact Religious Ed office for details
• Summer RE assistant teacher Virtual or oncampus- sign-up link under RE news on pg. 6
See website for more service opportunities
Religious Education 2025/2026
To all Religious Education Families,
EARLY Summer Intensive Registration/Re-Registration opens on:
Sunday, 2 February 2025 at 9 AM
For your convenience, the link to register can be found on our website homepage and in the digital bulletin on the religious education page.
Early Registration/Re-Registration is reserved for fully registered parishioners who have completed new parishioner orientation. Stewardship of time, talent and treasure, which includes regular mass attendance, participation in parish life and being signed up for regular on-line giving, all encompass a bona fide parishioner.
Once these requirements are met, it is first come, first serve. You will receive an email confirmation of your child’s class placement once processing is complete.
The Summer 2025 Religious Education Intensive program dates/times are as follows:
July 14-18 & 21-25, 2025 - 9am to 12pm VIRTUAL
August 4-8 & 11-15, 2025 - 8:30am to 12:30pm ON CAMPUS
Blessing mass: July 13th & August 3rd, 12 PM mass thisistheopening mass for each session
Orientation is mandatory as all Religious Education requirements are discussed and materials are distributed. For your convenience, there are two orientation options:
Sunday, 22 June, 2025 beginning at the 12pm mass or Sunday, 29 June, 2025 beginning at the 10am mass Orientation sign-up will be included on the registration form
Julia Cullen
Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation/Religious Education
THE PARISH OF SAINT MARY
One Phalanx Road Colts Neck, New Jersey 07722 www.stmaryscoltneck.org
ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org
732-780-2666 X. 309
Pastoral Care
Rosemarie Farrow - Pastoral Coordinator of Pastoral Care & Outreach
R.Farrow@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 x 310
Cornerstones
of the Jubilee Indulgences
Cornerstones of the Jubilee Indulgences
When we sin, we take on both guilt and a punishment. The Sacrament of Penance removes the guilt, but the punishment called "temporal punishment" remains. This punishment can be atoned for either during our life or after death in purgatory. An indulgence is a gift of grace from the Church that helps reduce or remove this temporal punishment after our sins have been forgiven in the Sacrament of Confession (or through an act of perfect contrition). The Church has the authority to grant indulgences, a gift that Jesus Christ gave when he said to St. Peter, and later to the apostles, "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 16:19 & 18:18).The Church also draws on the infinite merits of Christ and the saints, which help us through their intercession. It's important to note that an indulgence does not forgive sin. Indulgences are not magical, mechanical, or superstitious. Forgiveness of sin is granted through Confession. Rather, an indulgence removes or reduces the temporal punishment owed to God. Indulgences can be either full (plenary) or partial, and can be applied only once a day either for yourself or for the souls of the deceased.
Click here for more on gaining the Jubilee Indulgences and other FAQs .
Quo vadis...
My Dear Parishioners:
This week we celebrate the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time. As the crowds doubted who Jesus was because of his simple origins, so will others doubt who we are if we courageously live the gospel. Again, if we never meet doubt or opposition then we must examine how committed to the gospel we are. Most of us aren’t called to “professionally” preach the good news. All of us, because of our baptism, are committed to living it. No matter what simple origins we might have, our living the gospel is what must shape our everyday choices. This means, for example, that if the chatter around the coffee machine at work grows uncharitable or course, we have the courage to walk away. Another example: if prejudice exists among our friends and acquaintances, we have the courage to extol the dignity of the minority. Dying to oneself means that we place gospel values before any others and are willing to put our lives on the line for them. We might not always concretely experience God’s protection and deliverance in the given moment; but we know from Jesus’ life that it is there when it really counts leading us to life everlasting.
Today we celebrate the Feast of Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas Day). We recall the presentation of the child Jesus in the Temple fulfilling what had been prophesied and fulfilling the expectation of Simeon and Anna. It is that we encounter the Nunc dimittis…
“At last, all-powerful Master, + you give leave to your servant to go in peace, according to your promise. For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared for all nations, the light to enlighten the Gentiles and give glory to Israel, your people.”
It is customary that we bless candles as a reminder that Christ is the Light of the World. The following day is the optional memorial of Saint Blasé, bishop and martyr. Throats will be blessed during the regularly scheduled mass which will be celebrated in the Church on Monday, 3 February 2025.
“Through the intercession of Saint Blasé, bishop and martyr, may Almighty God deliver you from every disease of the throat and every other illness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
Our parish Religious Education/Faith Formation Staff have begun to offer registration/ re-registration for our Summer Session Religious Education Program. This registration is first come first served based on space availability and family parish participation. Registration for other options will commence in the coming months. I am pleased that we will continue to offer options to our parish families that will be supported by trained, formed and certified catechetical leaders and catechists. May we continue to provide the very best so that the mission of our church might continue to grow.
This weekend we provide an overview of the 2024 Christmas Collection. The numbers were very solid and demonstrate the commitment that you have for our parish. As always thank you for your generous sacrificial stewardship. I am grateful to all those who cared for our parish during my recent time off. It was good to be away for some rest and recreation. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer.
Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff.
Sharing Our Treasure
This weekend is our monthly Building & Mortgage Reduction. Our Payment is 7,966.26. Please Be Generous
"Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Cor 9:7
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.
Edwin A. SevillanoTemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Sign-in for our Online Giving system to make your parish offerings from your bank account or Credit Card!
To set up an online giving account please visit https://giving.parishsoft.com/smcn
Alternatively, just Text SUNDAY to (732)-889-7800 and follow the instructions to complete your offering. Should you require our assistance setting up your new account, please call the parish office at (732)780-2666.
You can also download the Connect Now Giving App for Android or iOS.Thank you for your continuous support!
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
The Monitor is the Magazine of the Diocese of Trenton. Keep informed on all that is new and important happening in our Diocese. As a subscriber you can receive: Digital access for $15/yr or a Print Edition (delivered to your mailbox):
ONE-YEAR REGULAR RATE: $30.00 for 14 print editions and full digital access
TWO-YEAR REGULAR RATE: $50.00 for 28 print editions and full digital access
THREE-YEAR REGULAR RATE: $65.00 for 42 print editions and full digital access
There is a Monitor subscription envelope in the Offertory Envelope quarterly mailing. Please consider a subscription! Online giver & want a subscription? Order through New Saint Mary Online Giving at https://goo.gl/YEbzkv
2024 Christmas Collection: $141,573
as of January 26, 2025
CONGRATULATIONS & THANK YOU!
Dear Parishioners & Friends:
Below is a simple accounting of our 2024 Christmas Collection. The sacrificial sharing of many has enabled us to exceed our expectations. Your contributions will continue to allow us to regain our financial solvency. Please know that the sacrifices we make for the future of our parish do not go unnoticed and I pray that each of us will receive the blessing promised to us. Again, thank you for this sacrifice and the sacrifices that you make each and every week so that our Parish of Saint Mary continues to proclaim God in word and deed.
of Parishioner gifts:
Father Michael Walsh Will Return as the Speaker for the Martha Mary Guild
The Martha Mary Guild is so happy that Fr. Mike will be at our February meeting. Everyone was inspired by his last visit and we look forward to the next one. To quote Father, he will be "focusing on the interior transformation all of us need. Our aim is to achieve interior conversion. We are guided by God's word and we are challenged by the season of Lent. May we all become people of the heart." All women of the parish and our co-horts are invited to join us on Wed., Feb. 12 to get a "jumpstart" on Lent, which starts on March 5. We will pray the rosary at 11:30 a.m., followed by BYOL, (Bring Your Own Lunch), with desserts supplied by generous members. Fr. Mike will begin around 12:30.
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. 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
