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
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 23, 2025
EMERGENCY CLOSING INFORMATION:
In the event that the Parish Office is closed and in person meetings 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
The Parish of Saint Mary, Colts Neck 12 noon Mass 4:00pm Prayer Service 5:00pm Prayer Service
The Parish of Saint Catharine, Holmdel 9am Mass 6pm Prayer Service 7:30pm prayer Service
Mass Intentions for:
Saturday February 22 2025 - Sunday March 2 2025
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.
William Monzo * John Tobia
10AM
Greg Reinhardt * John & Dawn
Joseph Bozzo * Kelly Family
Gerard Thompson * John & Molly Aiello
12PM
Eleanor & Patrick Walsh * Maureen Beyer
Monday, February 24- 9AM - Chapel
Gerard Thompson * Diane Carnevale
Albert Auer * Ernest & Barbara Schaflin
Tuesday, February 25 – 9AM
Daniel P. McGarry * Rosa Maria McGarry
Wednesday, February 26 - 9AM
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Thursday, February 27 - 9AM - Chapel
MaryAnn Barone * Cynthia Barone Mazzola
Sanctuary Lamp
Church: Albert Auer
Requested by: Ernest and Barbara Schaflin
Chapel: Michael J. Thompson
Requested by: Paola & Eric DiNapoli
Friday, February 28 – 9AM - Chapel
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Saturday, March 1 - 4PM
James Resko * Mary Kopko
Mary Dohan * Rorie & Jack Coppola
Diane Aromando * Barbara Saake
Sunday March 2 – 8AM
Pro Populo
Barbara Critchley * John & Molly Aiello
10AM
Darryl Turkaly * Nancy & Harry Bauer
Walter J. Bonus * Anne Baker
Rosalie Crociata * Nancy & Harry Bauer
12PM
Robert A. & Mary Joan McNamara * The McNamara Family
Kevin Anthony Clemenza, Anthony Saputo, Angie Saputo * Russ & Pat Clemenza
Deacon Anthony Mustillo * The Gruenling Family
Vincent de Paul, Priest, c. 1580-1660
Vincent was born at Pouy, France, in 1581, the third of six children. His parents, who were poor farmers, recognized his potential and were determined to give him a good education. He was educated at the college at Dax and at the University of Toulouse and was then ordained at the early age of twenty. 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 23 March 1
READINGS FOR THE WEEK:
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time February 23
1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23/1 Cor 15:45-49/Lk 6:27-38
MONDAY February 24
Sir 1:1-10/Mk 9:14-29
[
TUESDAY February 25
Sir 2:1-11/Mk 9:30-37
WEDNESDAY February 26
Sir 4:11-19/Mk 9:38-40
THURSDAY February 27
[Saint Gregory of Narek, Abbot and Doctor of the Church] Sir 5:1-8/Mk 9:41-50
FRIDAY February 28
Sir 6:5-17/Mk 10:1-12
SATURDAY March 1
[BVM]
Sir 17:1-15/Mk 10:13-16
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: Jesus tells us to treat others as we would want others to treat us. How do you treat others as you want to be treated?
Question for Youth: How do you follow Jesus’ teaching to “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you?
Question for Adults: Jesus says, “Give, and gifts will be given to you.” When have you experienced your generosity coming back 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
What is the role of the choir at Mass?
The role of the choir is two-fold.
Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org
The first is to bolster the congregational singing, but to do so in a more refined and elegant manner; singing in many voice parts instead of unison, and adding descants and countermelodies as indicated by the composer.
The second is to sing the parts of the Mass or other selections not designed for congregational singing. This includes, but is not limited to, the singing of a polyphonic motet, hymn or other devotional piece before Mass, or following the Communion chant. A well-rehearsed choir can elevate mood of the worship environment and at certain times of the year it is of utmost necessity to have a robust choir!
We are currently seeking new members of our music ministry in all aspects - choir, cantors, handbells, and instrumentalists. See Andrew or Carly, or fill out the form on our website if you are interested!
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.
Ministry Schedule: March 1st & 2nd
Saturday, 1 4 PM
George Barasky Jacob Barasky NOT FILLED Paul Tonacci Charles Young
Sunday, 2 8 AM NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED Kevin Swan Rita Duenas
OH - Emily Santangelo
TH - Liz Turkovic
TH - Nick Turkovic
ALT - Louise Habrack
OH - Mike LaCava
TH - Rosanne LaCava
TH - Richard Gerbino
ALT- Joseph Flanagan
OH - Carol Donahue
TH –Richard Gerbino
Sunday, 2 10 AM Chloe Cullen NOT FILLED NOT FILLED Barbara Schaflin Steve Rumbsy
Sunday, 2 12 PM Jack Schatzle Jonathan Stubbs NOT FILLED Jennifer Stubbs NOT FILLED
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing: Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
(LectionaryPage.net)
TH - Fran Vaina
ALT–Linda DickinsonPancila
OH - Ron Gabbard
TH - Patricia Gesner
TH - Lee Gesner
ALT– Dee Lembo
Baptismal Preparation Session
St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on: SUNDAY, March 2, 2025
Pre-registrationisrequired aweekin advance.
ContactUs
Lenten Regulations - Guidelines of the Universal Church
The Catholic Church in the United States requires of us as baptized Catholics to observe the following: Thedaysoffast (onlyonefullmealperday)andabstinence(nomeat)areAshWednesday(March5)andGoodFriday(April18). AllotherFridaysofLent(March7throughApril11)aredaysofabstinence(nomeat).
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
Allareencouragedtoembracethesepracticesaspartofourspiritualjourney.
Faith Formation
Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Ed ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309
Confirmation Prep- 1 & 2 should be up to date with all assignments & paperwork. All due by 4 May 2025.
FHC- 1 & 2 and CF- A, B, C & D, must submit their digital INT recording list by 15 May 2025
INTERGENERATIONALS comingup
• Fisher of Men: Ash Wednesday – 5 March 2025
• Lenten Penance & Reconciliation – 6 April 2025
• Spring clean-up – 12 April 2025
• Palm Sunday Palm Weaving – 13 April 2025
Religious Education Program 2025-2026
Registration/Re-Registration
EARLY Registration closes on 28 February 2025
Registration continues through the month of March
Early RE Summer Intensive CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
CALLING ALL TEACHERS!!!
We are looking for teachers for our Summer and Fall Religious Education Program!
Paid positions are available for certified teachers who are alive in their faith.
Kindly, contact the RE office for more details and to sign-up
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
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
• Spring Clean-Up: 12 April 2025
Pastoral Care
Rosemarie
Farrow - Pastoral Coordinator of Pastoral Care & Outreach
R.Farrow@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 x 310
Diaper Drive
What is diaper insecurity?
• The condition where families cannot afford a sufficient supply of diapers to ensure their children are clean, dry, and healthy.
• Diaper cannot be obtained with Food Stamps, WIC, or any other federal or state “safety-net” program. Diapers cost approximately $90 per month for one infant.
Every child in Monmouth County deserves to be clean, dry, and healthy!
The Parish of ST. Mary will be running a diaper drive March 1 through March 5. We will collect diapers of all sizes and 36 count baby wipes. Open/unused diaper packs are accepted. Please leave diapers and wipes in the Narthex. The Parish of St. Mary is working with Childcare Resources of Monmouth County to provide diapers for the needy. www.CCRNJ.org
Fishers of Men
Service Opportunity – March 5
Students can receive service hours by participating in the parish diaper drive
Three packages of diapers=1 hour of service
Additional ½ hour for three packages of baby wipes (36 count) 2 hour max
Students MUST attend Ash Wednesday Prayer service and drop off donations in the narthex.
Jubilee of Hope
Diocesan Pilgrimage Churches
Didyouknowthat,BishopDavid.O’Connellhas designatedPilgrimageChurcheswithinthedioceseto obtaintheindulgencesoftheJubileeyear? ConsidermakingavisittooneoftheDiocesan PilgrimageChurchesduringtheJubileeofHope.
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
Trenton
Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine Freehold
Our Lady of the Sea Church (Christ the King Parish)
Long Branch
St. Anthony Church
Hamilton
St. Joan of Arc Church
Marlton
St. Mary Church
Barnegat
For more on gaining the Jubilee indulgence click HERE https://www.usccb.org/news/2024/vaticannorms-jubilee-indulgence-include-pilgrimagepenance-service
Quo vadis...
My Dear Parishioners:
Today we celebrate the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. The gospel this weekend offers an insight for dying to self so that we might rise to new life in Christ. Just as Saul was God’s anointed, so are we. In Baptism we too are claimed by God as his own, and become priests, prophets and kings. We are Christianized being given identity in Christ Jesus. However, all of this makes demands on us. We are to live our lives in the same self-sacrificing way as Christ; that is, love enemies strive for the more noble way. As Christians we are to be merciful as God is merciful. Further there is reward for whatever giving we undertake: For the measure with which you measure will in turn be measured out to you. Our way of living is based on what we might expect from God toward us. At the same time we know that God’s mercy far exceeds even our best efforts. Nonetheless we strive to be faithfilled generous stewards of all that we have received.
Last weekend we kicked off the 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal for our Diocese of Trenton. Each year this appeal assists our Most Reverend Bishop in providing for the needs in our four county Diocese of Trenton. I am grateful for your attention and generosity to this important initiative. Please know that I would not ask you to participate in something that I would not participate in myself personally. Let’s pull together and make our goal in the coming weeks.
Next weekend we will welcome Reverend Fr. Christopher Colavita to offer the homily at all the weekend masses. Father Colavita currently serves as director of the Diocesan Office of Vocations. Let us welcome him and continue to pray for and encourage vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
Father Patrick McPartland, Pastor of Saint Catharine Parish, Holmdel, and I have been talking about becoming more present to each other’s communities. Sharing of resources and extra clergy have been mutually beneficial. Fr. Pat and I will trade celebrating weekday mass one time per month and two weekend masses once every three months. We will switch the weekend of 8/9 March. This is another way in which we put feet on the vision of Faith in Our Future for our Co-hort 13.
Next week our Pastor Emeritus, Father Bausch will observe his 95th birthday. Sr Helen Clifton will also observe a birthday. Iam Sure they would enjoy a greeting card and the prayers from those who cherish their ministry and service to our parish. Father Mike is enjoying some time off this weekend and next. We are so blessed to have the wisdom and support of our retired priests. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach Edwin
Sharing Our Treasure Sunday, February 16– Sixth Sunday in Ordinary
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 this week’s offertory will be the Collection for the Central and Eastern European Catholic Churches. Please be Generous
"Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied." Lk 6:20-21
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
Faith Formation
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 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal is now underway. Your support enables comprehensive faith formation programs across the diocese, nurturing spiritual growth for individuals of all ages from children in religious education to adults seeking deeper understanding. These initiatives help our community explore, learn, and strengthen their relationship with Christ through dynamic educational opportunities. Give generously to help our entire faith community learn, grow, and develop a more profound connection with God. Make Your Gift Online 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 732-946-8631
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