February 26, 2023 - First Sunday of Lent

Mass Intentions for:

Saturday, February 25th - Sunday, March 5th, 2023

For * Requested by

Saturday, February 25 – 4 PM Church

Bobby Ward * Denise Hines

Mr. and Mrs. Raleigh * Catherine Love

James Mohan * Mohan Family

Sunday, February 26 – Church

8 AM Pro Populo

Neil Slattery * Michele Telesca

10 AM Suzanne Schlesinger * Al and Heide Lohn

James Pellicano * Gabbard Family

12 PM Guisepppe Manobianco * Charles and Jean Tommolino

Martha Canova * Hnat Family

Monday, February 27 – 9 AM Chapel

Mary Ann Barone * Cynthia Barone-Mazzola

Tuesday, February 28 – 9 AM Chapel

Luis Cubina * Calvosa Family

Wednesday, March 01 – 9 AM Chapel

Mary Dohan * Rorie and Jack Coppola

Thursday, March 02 – 9 AM Chapel

Nicholas P. Cutrone * Greenstein Family

Friday, March 03 -9 AM Chapel

IntentionsofFr.WilliamBausch*Rev.Fr.JeffreyE.Lee,StaffandParishioners

Claire McKenna * Ann Marie and Vincent Vita

Saturday, March 04 – 4 PM Church

James Resko * Jon and Mary Kopko

Gisela Jakubowski * Barbara Saake

Ruth I. Fiedler * Susan and James Gobat

Sunday, March 05 - Church

8 AM John Brenner * Eileen and Michael Stivala

10 AM Pro Populo

Gaye O’Reilly * Hugh and Phyllis Murphy

Robert Cassano * Linda Cassano

12 PM V. James Spiniello * Ginny and Bill La Morte

Special Intention * Bob Amling

Robert A. and Mary Joan McNamara * McNamara Family

Please pray for those in our RCIA who are preparing to come into full Communion with the Catholic Church this Easter:

Gianna Innucci Diana Weber

Miranda Mason Shawn Woodward

Please pray for the following members of our parish family who are ill:

KathleenAmatel

MichaelBarker

JaniceBasilice

FrBillBausch

EileenBeckley

BrendaCaronna

ChristenChellis

LynetteColaco-Desouza

BlakeConley

JackCoppola

KaitlinDonahueNagle

SharonEvangellista

JoannFeliciti

CynthiaFiedler

JamesFiedler

EmilyGioacchini

JasonGreenberg

TomHudak

ElizabethLindHuseby

BridgetKorn

BobLind

LoriLettieri

DonnaLodi

LudwigMendola

KevinO’Shea

OwenShoemaker

VictoriaSlater

GerardP.Thompson

LaurenVinci

LeonJankowski

ElizabethDeStefano

LouSchmitt

EdwardHabrack

FrankDonahue

Toaddafamilymembertothesicklistfor8weeks, pleasecallor e-mailtheParishOffice.Thank you! 732-780-2666 or parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

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

LCpl Devon Francis

Chrzan, USMC

Lt. Col. John Anthony

Coppola, US Army

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

Ensign 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

TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF

LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC

Lifelong Catechesis - Week of February 19th - February 25th

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

19 Sunday: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7 / Rom 5:12-19 / Mt 4:1-11

20 Monday: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18 / Mt 25:31-46

21 Tuesday: Is 55:10-11 / Mt 6:7-15

22 Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10 / Lk 11:29-32

23 Thursday: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25 / Mt 7:7-12

24 Friday: Ez 18:21-28 / Mt 5:20-26

25 Saturday: Dt 26:16-19 / Mt 5:43-48

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:

Question for Children: What do you plan to do during Lent this year as a way of showing you want to grow closer to Jesus?

Question for Youth: Jesus was tempted by the devil. How are you tempted? What helps you resist these temptations?

Question for Adults: When you yourself pause to be alone with God, what distracts and prevents you from dwelling in that? Busyness? The demands of life? TV? The internet?

SANCTUARY LAMPS 2023

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.

Mass Intention Requests

Requests can be made in person by stopping at the parish office, or online HERE.

The suggested stipend is $10.

Grotto Candles

The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions.

Offering is $3.00 per candle.

Baptismal Preparation Session

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

SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 2023 at 1PM

Pre-registration isrequiredaweekinadvance. ContactUs

Sacrament of Baptism Couples 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.

Worship & Music

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

Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were also baptized into Christ's death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.

Many know of the tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent, and fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, but we are also called to practice self-discipline. We should take extra care to refrain from sin, and to do more good. Alms-giving is an important part of Lent that many often forget about. It is not only about giving to the poor (as with the Lenten rice bowls for example) but also giving of our time and talent. Look for volunteer opportunities: especially at the parish but also in the community and beyond. Consider joining a ministry.

In Lent, the baptized are called to renew their baptismal commitment as others prepare to be baptized through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a period of learning and discernment for individuals who have declared their desire to become Catholics. At the Easter Vigil, those in the program will receive the sacraments of initiation, becoming full members of the Catholic Church.

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(February 22)andGoodFriday(April7).AllotherFridaysofLent(March3throughMarch31)aredaysof abstinence(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.

Saturday 4PM

Worship Schedule: Second Sunday of Lent

Saturday, March 4th - Sunday, March 5th

Altar Server Cantor Reader 1 Reader 2 EMHC

Server Needed Server Needed Choir Carl Simone Charles Young

Sunday 8AM

Server Needed Server Needed Carly York Kevin Swan Anthony Bongiorno

Sunday 10AM

Tesya Yaninas Server Needed

Sunday 12PM

Jack Schatzle Jimmy Schatzle

Carly York Matt Yaninas Jennifer Stubbs

Organ Host - Louise Habrack

Tabernacle Host - Susan Murphy

Tabernacle Host - Irene Weller

Alternate - Emily Santangelo

Organ Host - Gina Shute

Tabernacle Host - Lisa Aldridge

Tabernacle Host - Joseph Flanagan

Alternate - Joyce Flynn

Organ Host - Steve Stanley

Tabernacle Host - Carol Donahue

Tabernacle Host - Gregory Calderaro

Alternate - Maureen Geiger

Organ Host - Monica Barr-

Swap Requested

Carly York T Mullin Richard Gerbino

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 is 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

Tabernacle Host - Patricia Gesner

Tabernacle Host - Minister Needed

Alternate - Lee Gesner

Lenten Holy Hours & Stations of the Cross

Lenten Holy Hours

March 1 - 7PM - St Catharine

March 8 - 7PM - St Catharine

March 15 - 7PM - St Mary

March 22 - 7PM - St Mary

March 29 - 7PM - St Catharine

Stations of the Cross, St. Catharine

Friday evenings at 7:30 pm

- February 24th, March 3, 10, 17, 31

Faith Formation

Julia CullenPastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Education

ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org

732-780-2666 X 309

Rose FarrowCoordinator of Faith Formation / Youth & Adult Catechesis

YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org

732-780-2666 X 310

Thanks to all who participated in our Ash Wednesday Intergenerational. It was a prayerful start to our Lenten journey. This Sunday we are having an information meeting for any parents interested in helping out with Liturgy of the Word Dismissal after the 10am mass on Sunday in Madonna Hall. Lent is a great time to volunteer here at our parish, we hope to see you there! Summer intensive registration is still open for the month of July, August classes are filled at this time. Please see below for all other volunteer opportunities for all students in grades 1-8, as well as parents.

8th grade Confirmation Sponsor Certificates are being collected in the parish office. All Confirmation paperwork is due by April 30.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION LINKS :

 Intergenerational List for the 2022-2023

 Intergenerational Participation Record

 Yearly Faith Formation Calendar - LINK HERE

 RE Fall classes 2022-2023 Grades 1-6- LINK HERE

Faith Formation Calendar

26 March 2023

Lenten Penance and Reconciliation 3pm MANDATORY

Attendance will be taken at the door FOR ALL 7th & 8th grade

2 April 2023

Palm Sunday Weaving INTERGENERATIONAL beginning at the 10am mass, continuing in Madonna Hall

Religious Education Parent & Student Volunteer Sign-ups: Lenten Penance & Reconciliation (day of volunteers) LINK

Easter Egg Hunt (set up crew, volunteer at event, clean up crew) LINK

7th and 8th Grade Service Hour Sign-ups: Easter Egg Hunt LINK Summer Intensive (July Virtual or August on Campus) LINK

26 & 27 February 2023 Confirmation prep class

Summer Intensive Religious Education Early Registration/ Re-Registration OPENS for incoming Grades 1-6

February 1, 2023

July 17-28 Virtual program 9am to 12pm

August 7-18 On Campus program

8:30am to 12:30pm

This is the early discounted price and will end on February 28, 2023 Classes are first come, first serve. Classes will be closed when capacity is met.

Register Here for the summer intensive program. Link can be found on the website homepage or here on the weekly bulletin.

Liturgy of the Word Dismissal Facilitator Meeting

SAVE THE DATE

Sunday, February 26, 2023 beginning at the 10am mass

11 am Madonna Hall

Coffee and Donuts will be served

We invite all parents to attend this informal information meeting to consider being trained as a facilitator for Liturgy of the Word Dismissal.

A SEASON FOR SLOWING DOWN

During this sacred season, we will intentionally slow down so that we can pay closer attention to our relationship with God, our neighbors and our planet. Reflect on how the pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving can guide your journey for a more enriching Lenten experience. How can practicing these pillars help you to live in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the world? Visit crsricebowl.org to learn more.

Please collect your offerings during Lent in the Rice Bowl provided. At the conclusion of Lent count the total offering, write a check to St Mary Parish for the total amount indicating CRS Rice Bowl in the memo line and drop it in the offerings box by April 16. Alternatively you can make a donation online at https://goo.gl/VFak28. Thank you for supporting Catholic Relief Services.

Admission tickets are $40 (discounts for seniors and students) and can be purchased HERE

My Dear Parishioners:

Today we celebrate the First Sunday of Lent. Temptation is something we usually think of as facing alone. Yet, even Eve was not alone; Adam “was with her”. It seems as though Adam did nothing to help Eve resist the temptation. Neither of them could withstand the temptation of the serpent alone nor did either of them help each other. Neither is Lent our time to withstand temptation alone; it is also a wonderful time to get involved with others spiritually and help each other to grow in goodness and the ability to resist temptation. Most of us tend to keep our spiritual growth and struggles pretty much to ourselves. One marvelous way to help each other is to take some time with those with whom we are in significant relationships to do some in-depth faith-sharing. By sharing our own temptations with others we are encouraged that we are not alone in choosing and serving this God who gives us life—at creation and through “the one Jesus Christ” (second reading).

As we begin the Great Season of Lent, let us make room in our lives for some quiet times, prayer, reflection and discernment. It is equally as important to do some things: community service, volunteerism, liturgical celebrations. Please remember in a special way our candidates for the Easter Sacraments. Have you considered getting involved in a ministry of our parish community? We need everyone to contin-

ue to make our parish a welcoming and prayerful community. Evangelization is an important part of Lent. Why not invite a friend or family member to come to church with you. Don’t forget to participate in the Way of the Cross privately in the Lenten Chapel or join with one of our Co-hort 13 Parishes.

Many thanks to all those who have already made their pledge/gift to the 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal online or through the mail; I have sent my gift in already. Please do not put this off. It is important that we have lots of participation so that we can reach our parish goal. I know that you want to support our Diocesan Bishop as he provides for the needs of the Catholic Church in Monmouth, Mercer, Burlington and Ocean Counties. Please make your gift this week so that our parish can be counted among all those who achieve their goal. Together we can make great things happen.

Consider joining us for the celebration of the mass each weekday at 9am in the Chapel. It is a great practice to assist with your Lenten observance. I enjoyed my time away and return rested and renewed. Many thanks to our clergy team and staff for “carrying on” to care, for your needs. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer.

Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff

Quo vadis . . .

Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach

Sharing Our Treasure

February 19, 2023 – Sixth Sunday Ordinary Time

Edwin A. SevillanoTemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never forsake you or abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5

THANK YOU for your generosity. We were able to offer $500 for the Central and Eastern European Catholic Churches.

THANK YOU for the Sacrificial Stewardship Offerings as we support the ministries, programs and facilities of our parish. May God Bless you for the sacrifices that you make.

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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

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 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal launches February 25th and 26th here at The Parish of Saint Mary

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

Nocturnal Adoration

March 3, 9pm to 10pm

Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Shrine

26 Leonardville Rd., Middletown, NJ

Women & Men are invited. If you have any questions call Gene Brennan 732-6873543

Spring Clean Up

Saturday April 1, 2023, 9 AM to 1 PM Get your rakes and gloves ready…. Get together with friends, family and fellow parishioners to help clean-up the fallen leaves, branches and debris deposited on the parish grounds from the winter months.

Volunteer Link

For more info email TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

NewParishioner Orientation

Sunday,May7,2023

11:00AMatMadonnaHall

Attendance is mandatory for those wishing to become parishioners at the Parish of St. Mary. Please contact the Parish Office if you wish to attend 732-780-2666

St. Joseph By the Sea Retreat Center

400 NJ-35, South Mantoloking, NJ 08738

CURRENT BROCHURE CAN BE FOUND ON

OUR WEBSITE – www.sjbsea.org

March16,2023-HONORINGST.JOSEPHTHE WORKER

In honor of our patron St. Joseph, the staff cordially invites you to join us at 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 13. SPACE WILL BE LIMITED TO 40 PEOPLE. Refreshments and Blessed Bread after the program. Arrival: 10:30 a.m. - (Mass: 11:00 a.m.) /Departure: 1:00 p.m.

(Presenters: Staff) Donation

March 24-26, 2023 – FOOTSTEPS IN THE GARDEN

Do you ever wonder what God is doing and has done in your life even without your help? In scripture, God says, “You will be like a watered garden.” (Is 58:11-12) The blooms in the garden of life take root in the silence. Although the garden needs tending and harvesting, often in our busyness, we miss the beauty that comes on its own and the footsteps of the One who scatters seeds of hope. This weekend offers you time to explore the gardens of your life. Eucharistic Liturgy included. No Supper on Friday. Arrival: 5:00-6:00 p.m./Departure: 1:00 p.m.

(Presenter: Ellen Murphy, AS, CSD) Cost: $375.

April 21-23, 2023 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 Asana practice, 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 p.m./Departure: 10:30 a.m. (Presenter: Avita Kennedy, RYT) Cost: $350

Offerings at Francis House of Prayer

Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House

84 Walnford Road

Allentown, NJ 08501

609-877-0509 or FHOP@verizon.net

Please check www.FHOP.org for registration, directions and for our other offerings!

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Friday, March 10 9:30 AM – Noon

The Stations of the Cross never stop revealing Christ’s story to us! Today, let us consider how those very same Stations, also reveal our stories! Let Christ be your companion as you consider the challenge and the grace of your own cross.

Donation: Love Offering

ZOOM ONLY

THE JOY OF FULL SURRENDER

4 Tuesdays 7:00 – 8:00 PM

February 28 March 14 March 21 March 28

The classics of spiritual literature continue to capture me and this one by Jean Pierre de Caussade is among them. Full surrender to God is indeed the desire of all our hearts. I am hoping you are willing to give about 20 minutes a day to reading this classic which we will lovingly reflect on during our 4 sessions together. Donation: $50

PERSONAL RETREAT DAY

Wednesday, March 8 9:30 A M – 2:30 PM

Friday, March 24 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

May 5-7, 2023 –

WELLNESS WEEKEND FOR WOMEN

Come away to the quiet and serenity of the ocean and renew yourself in body, mind and spirit. Eucharistic Liturgy included. Massage and spiritual direction will be available. No Supper on Friday. Arrival: 5:00-6:00 pm/ Departure: 1:00 pm (Presenter: Janice Santanello, M. Th., CLEM, CSG, CPC) Cost: $375.

Take a day away from the busyness of your life. Come to Francis House for silence, personal prayer and optional spiritual direction. The day begins and ends with a brief prayer together. Please bring a bag lunch. Come to as many as you can. Donation: $10; $40 with spiritual direction.