February 27, 2022 bulletin - The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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: Roger Zurro & Annette Raynor Worship schedule inside.

Refer to website for more detailed information www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 27, 2022 Ash Wednesday Wednesday, March 2, 2022 9:00 AM (Mass) 12:15 PM 4:00 PM 5:30PM 7:00 PM

Baptism Preparation Sessions St Mary is offering Baptismal Preparation Sessions on:

MARCH 8, 2022 Pre-registration is required. Contact Us

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 27, 2022

Mass Intentions for: Saturday, February 26th - Sunday, Match 6th For * Requested by

Saturday, February 26 – 4 PM Church Pro Populo Joseph Cotter * Jack and Rorie Coppola Deirdre Caffrey * Liz and Bob Vallis Sunday, February 27 – Church 8 AM Maryann Barone * Eileen and Michael Stivala John Grabowski * Eileen and Michael Stivala Jean Brock * Ed Brock 10 AM Peter DiSciullo * DiSciullo Family Marion DiSciullo * DiSciullo Family Vera Kaney * DiSciullo Family 12 PM Eleanor and Patrick Walsh * Maureen Beyer Michael D’Innocenzo * Hnat Family Monday, February 28 – 9 AM Chapel Joe Brando *Johnston Family Tuesday, March 1 – 9 AM Chapel Don Pucillo * De and Catherine DeFeo Wednesday, March 2 – 9 AM Church Joseph Velsini * Elana Eng and Family Thursday, March 3 – 9 AM Chapel Intentions of Fr. William Bausch * Rev. Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee, Staff and Parishioners June Weisneck * Diane Carnevale Friday, March 4 – 9 AM Chapel Joseph Buononato, Jr. * Amy Orrico Kevin A. Clemenza * His Parents Saturday, March 5 – 4 PM Church James Resko * Jon and Mary Kopko Michael Jakubowski * Diane Carnevale Gisela Jakubowski * Barbara Saake Sunday, March 6 – Church 8 AM Pro Populo Charlie Wells * Neil and Jane Slattery Fr. Xavier Vitacolonna, CP * Eileen and Michael Stivala 10 AM Joseph Walsh III * Sharon Burlew Anthony J. Garito * Arlene and Family Edna and Wright Poinsett * Susan Levine 12 PM Anthony Rapacciulo * Jack and Rorie Coppola Robert A. and Mary Joan McNamara * McNamara Family George Schumacker * Weller Family

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Please pray for the following members of our parish family who are ill: Kathleen Amatel Courtney Barker Michael Barker Janice Basilice Fr Bill Bausch Eileen Beckley Rita Bonamo Anne Boyle Christen Chellis Blake Conley Kaitlin Donahue Nagle Sharon Evangellista Joann Feliciti Cynthia Fiedler James Fiedler Emily Gioacchini Edward Habrack

Tom Hudak Elizabeth Lind Huseby Anton Kopp Bridget Korn Bob Lind Lori Lettieri Donna Lodi Leonidas Mavrookas Ludwig Mendola Walter Moeller Kevin O’Shea Stanley Rembisz Owen Shoemaker Victoria Slater Gerard P. Thompson Seneida Tomasetti Lauren Vinci

To add a family member to the sick list for 8 weeks, please call or e-mail the Parish Office. Thank you! 732-780-2666 or parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

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

Parish Office Hours Monday 9 am – 2 pm Tuesday 2 pm -7:30 pm Wednesday 9 am – 2 pm Thursday 9 am – 2 pm Sunday 9 am -12 noon No office hours on Friday or Saturday

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 27, 2022

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Lifelong Catechesis Week of February 27th-March 5th 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 SN Colton Boag, USCG LCpl Devon Francis Chrzan, USMC Lt. Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army Major Douglas Coppola, US Army Lt. Mary Herman, USN SN Christian Houlihan, USN LT. Jason Joseph Howe, USN SPC Michael John Mento, US Army 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 If there is a family member you wish to be placed on the list, please contact the Parish Bulletin at 732780-2666 or parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org.

ST. MARY PARISH 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Sunday June 5, 2022 More details to come!

Grotto Candles The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions.

Offering is $3.00 per candle.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK 27 Sunday: EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Sirach 27: 4-7 / 1 Corinthians 15: 54-58 / Luke 6: 39-45 28 Monday: 1 Peter 1: 3-9 / Mark 10: 17-27 1 Tuesday: 1 Peter 1: 10-16 / Mark 10: 28-31 2 Wednesday: Joel 2: 12-18 / 2 Corinthians 5: 20 -- 6:2 / Matthew 6: 1-6. 16-18 3 Thursday: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20 / Luke 9: 22-25 4 Friday: Isaiah 58: 1-9a / Matthew 9: 14-15 5 Saturday: Isaiah 58: 9b-14 / Luke 5: 27-32

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION: Question for Children: Jesus teaches us to do good. What did you do this past week that was really good, kind or loving?

Question for Youth: Jesus says that our words reveal what is in our hearts. How do your words and actions reveal what is truly in your heart?

Question for Adults: We humans are vulnerable to sin. But we see the sins of others more easily than we recognize our own sins. Why does Jesus warn us not to judge others?

Please remember in your prayers those who have recently passed.

Alan Frost

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. Available weeks listed below: Church - 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3 Chapel - 3/6, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 27, 2022

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Andrew J. Macirowski Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org Ash Wednesday This coming week, we observe Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting, prayer, and penitence.

There is an ancient tradition, in the times of the Old Testament, of people using ashes to express grief or sorrow for sins. Pope Gregory the Great is credited for starting the custom of imposing ashes on penitents in the 6th century.

In the time before the second the Second Vatican Council, ashes were usually sprinkled on the crown of the head of men, while women (who had their heads covered in church) received ashes on their forehead. This later custom soon became the norm in most English-speaking countries, although in some parts of the world, the former is still common.

The ashes used on Ash Wednesday come from burning the palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday services, and are mixed with olive oil to provide a thicker consistency. They are then blessed before the imposition on the faithful.

The imposition of ashes is a sacramental of the church. Sacramentals are sacred signs which signify effects of a spiritual nature, obtained through the intercession of the Church. (Sacrosanctum Concilium) While the bearer of ashes need not have them remain on their forehead throughout the entire day, many do, as an outward profession of faith. Sacramentals should not be confused with Sacraments or obligations. The receiving of ashes is an optional symbol of our faith - the importance of the day is on inner reflection on how we may observe the Lent.

This year, as we continue to emerge from the pandemic, The 9AM Mass will be held as usual. For the remainder of the day, we will have imposition of ashes at the times posted. We invite you to read the scripture passages for the day and engage in prayer before and after receiving ashes.

Please use this aid, which has been prepared by our team in the start of your Lenten observance.

Ash Wednesday Wednesday, March 2, 2022 Imposition of Ashes will take place in the church at the following times: 9:00 AM (Mass) 12:15 PM 4:00 PM 5:30PM 7:00 PM Ministers will be in church distributing ashes at the times above and will continue while there is a line of people.

Saint of the Week: Martin de Porres, Religious, 1579-1639 Martin was the illegitimate son of a Spanish knight and a freed Panamanian slave. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, he was part of the poorest and lowest level of society. At the age of twelve, Martin was apprenticed by his mother to a barber-surgeon where he learned to cut hair and to provide medical treatment.

After a few years, Martin applied to the Dominicans to be a "lay-helper" because he didn't himself feel worthy to be a religious brother. He often spent his nights in prayer, while his days were filled with caring for the sick and the poor.

He founded an orphanage and looked after the slaves brought from Africa. Martin became the procurator for both the priory and the city of Lima and supplied whatever was asked of him, whether it was "blankets, shirts, candles, candy, miracles or prayers!"

Read more HERE.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 27, 2022

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Worship Schedule: Ash Wednesday/First Sunday of Lent Wednesday March 2nd, Saturday, March 5th & Sunday, March 6th

Wednesday, 9:00 AM (Church)

Altar Server

Cantor

Reader 1

Reader 2

EMHC/Ashes

Servers Needed

Jill Russo

Julia Cullen

Not Filled

Tabernacle Host—Jane Slattery Ashes—Julia Cullen, Annette Raynor Additional Ministers Needed

Wednesday, 12:15 PM (Church)

Louise Habrack Susan Murphy Additional Ministers Needed

Wednesday, 4:00 PM (Church)

Annette Raynor Susan Murphy Additional Ministers Needed

Wednesday, 5:30PM Church)

Susan Murphy Additional Ministers Needed

Wednesday, 7:00 PM (Church)

Ron Gabbard Additional Ministers Needed

Charles Young

Organ Host—Susan Murphy Tabernacle Host—Martha Cowles Tabernacle Host—Emily Santangelo Alternate—Not Filled

Jill Russo

Anthony Bongiorno

Kevin Swan

Organ Host—Mary Aiello Tabernacle Host—Mike LaCava Tabernacle Host—Rosanne LaCava Alternate—Lisa Aldridge

Tesya Yaninas Larissa Yaninas

Jill Russo

Matt Yaninas

Barbara Schaflin

Organ Host—Heide Lohn Tabernacle Host—Amy Orrico Tabernacle Host—Dawn Reinhardt Alternate—Carol Donahue

Jimmy Schatzle Jack Schatzle

Marybeth Jacobson

T Mullin

Richard Gerbino

Organ Host—Patricia Gesner Tabernacle Host—Irene Weller Tabernacle Host—Monica Barr Alternate—Lee Gesner

Saturday, 4:00 PM (Church)

Mark Hines William Hines

Sunday 8:00 AM (Church)

Servers Needed

Sunday 10:00 AM (Church)

Sunday 12:00 PM (Church)

Jill Russo & Choir

Carl Simone

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 27, 2022

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Lenten Regulations Guidelines of the Universal Church Create a free account: www.stmaryscoltsneck.formed.org Parish Access Code: KQ4VQ3

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 (March 2) and Good Friday (April 15). All other Fridays of Lent (March 4 through April 8) are days of abstinence (no meat).

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

Elements of the Catholic Mass is designed to help the faithful better appreciate the beauty of the Mass.

Featuring Fr. Douglas Martis, former director of the Liturgical Institute, the program consists of thirty-one beautifully produced short videos. Each episode comes with a discussion guide with references, Elements of the Catholic Mass is ideal for personal faith formation or family / group discussion.

Click HERE for this week’s episode.

Lenten Books of Reflections to be distributed this weekend What are the Lenten Little Black Books? If you are not already familiar with them, LBBs are wonderful Lenten companions, based on the scriptural meditations and writings of the late Bishop of Saginaw, MI, Ken Untener. The LLBs are meant to be enjoyed in 6 minute intervals each day of Lent - the left hand page has a variety of quotes, information, and timely thoughts. The right hand page is a walk through Luke’s Passion narrative, a few verses at a time, with explanations and reflections along the way. You may begin to use these terrific little books for Lent through Easter Sunday! Enjoy!

Pick your little black books in church this weekend.

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 n 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.

Shop now and AmazonSmile donates to St. Mary!

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 27, 2022

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Faith Formation Julia Cullen

Pastoral Coordinator of Religion Education Grade 1–8 ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309

Rose Farrow

Coordinator of Faith Formation for Youth & Adult Catechesis YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 310

Religious Education Registration & Re-Registration

The early discounted price ends on 28 February and registration continues at the regular price until 31 March. It is first come first serve and classes will be closed when numbers are met. Register today as most classes have reached capacity. Fall registration opens on 1 April 2022. The link will be in the bulleting and RE newsletter.

7th grade Mini-retreat Dates and times have been set for the mandatory parent/student mini-retreat 2 March 2022- Ash Wed– Fishers of Men Food collection for the hungry is on Ash Wednesday from 3:30pm to 5:30 and can be dropped off in the narthex. After the 4pm or 5:30pm Ash Wednesday service, join us for a craft in Madonna Hall. Please RSVP HERE There will be a sign in sheet for intergenerational credit for grades 1-6 in Madonna Hall. Confirmation prep class students can receive 1.5 hours of community service for 2 complete food lists and .5 hour for each additional list 2.5 hour max. Thank you in advance for your generosity.  2 April 2022– Spring Clean up  3 April 2022– Lenten Penance & Reconciliation 

First Communion Lottery Lottery for October Communions Will be on 1 May 2022 In Madonna Hall Thank you to all who dropped off Valentine’s Day Cards for our local soldiers!

Over 3,500 Valentines were collected and given to the men and women of service.

They were extremely appreciative for all the

7th grade: February 27, 2022 One parent must attend with student.

The retreat is for both the online Google classes and the live on campus group.

The retreat will replace the regularly scheduled class times for that week (no class for 7th grade on 2/27, 2/28).

The retreat will begin with 12:00 Mass and ending at approximately 3:00pm.

FEBRUARY Religious Education Newsletter

Please join us at the 10am mass every Sunday for the Liturgy of The Word Dismissal.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 27, 2022

Fishers of Men Food Drive Ash Wednesday March 2, 2022 The Parish of St. Mary works in conjunction with our Cohort parish of St. Catharine to feed the hungry through their food pantry. The food pantry often sees a drop in donations after the holiday season is over and during the winter when need is often the greatest. We hope to aid in boosting the pantry supplies with the following items:       

Macaroni and Cheese Pasta Pasta Sauce Vegetable oil Soups Canned Vegetables Paper Towels/ cleaning products

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Martha Mary Guild News Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary Imagine being abandoned simply because you’re old— er. That’s what happened to Rex, a 14-year-old Pekingese from New York City, whose owners abandoned him on the streets one day after deeming him too much of a burden. Fortunately for Rex, a concerned pet lover, animal rescuer and Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary all came to his rescue.

“So many dogs like Rex are simply cast away when they reach their senior years,” said Doreen Jakubcak, founder and executive director of Marty’s Place. “We were happy to take Rex in and give him a second chance at life”.

At Marty’s Place, located in Upper Freehold Township, NJ, senior dogs, 7 years of age or older, receive physical comfort, emotional care and enrichment in a safe, loving and protected environment. Each dog has ample living space, human and canine companionship, consistent medical and dental care, and access to physically and mentally stimulating activities suited to their age and abilities.

Senior dogs come to Marty’s Place for various reasons, including: Relocation or displacement; medical issues or transition to a long-term care facility; financial challenges; estate planning provisions.

Thank you for your generosity!

16th Synod of Bishops Listening Sessions Pope Francis has given all Catholics an opportunity to take part in Synod listening sessions in preparation for the 2023 Synod of Bishops. Small groups will meet to share their joys and consolations as well as their hurts and challenges experienced in the Church. There will be listening sessions next month with trained facilitators. This feedback will be shared with the bishop who will send it to the US Catholic Bishops.

Listening sessions will take place on Sunday March 13 at 11 AM in Madonna Hall. We are asking for up tp 90 minutes of your time to share your thoughts and provide this necessary feedback. To sign up, please call the parish office at 732-780-2666.

The Vision of Marty’s Place is to enhance the lives of senior dogs by committing to a forever home in our sanctuary. Even though up in age, they still like sitting by a lake, greeting those they meet, and engaging with any dog that would come their way.

On Wednesday 9 March 2022, Doreen Jakubeck, founder and executive director of Marty’s Place will be our vibrant guest speaker who will share this remarkable story.

Every month, the Guild collects items for various organizations. This month the following items will be collected for Marty’s Place: Swiffer wet jet pads and solution refill bottles, extra-large or giant size training pads. They already have a good supply of toys/treats/blankets.

Please note that the rosary is prayed in the “former chapel’ at 11:30 a.m. This is a lovely tradition that the Guild established several years ago and we look forward to many participants.

BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch) is at noon, and the program will begin around 12:30.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 27, 2022

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Quo vadis…

My Dear Parishioners: My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. By our Baptism we are plunged into the dying and rising of Jesus Christ. Our identity is rooted in Jesus Christ. Like Christ throughout the Gospel narrative we are on our paschal journey…one that leads us through death to life. So we can say that although we enjoy human life as Christians we have not yet achieved life…that is eternal life.

Our journey throughout our time in this life enables us to continue to grow into our Christian Identity. Our choices can produce good fruit and as such we participate in the saving work of Jesus. Dying and rising is part of each and every day of our lives. May we continue to die to sin and distraction so that we might rise to God’s grace and eternal life.

The 2022 Annual Catholic Appeal is underway.

Our Parish Goal is $75,000.00. I am grateful to all of you for your continued generous support of His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton and the important work of our diocese.

Thank you to those who have completed and returned the pledge cards distributed last weekend.

Those who have not, please do so this coming week. Together we can make a difference.

3 March 2022 marks the completion of 93 years of life for our distinguished Pastor Emeritus Father Bausch. I am sure that he would enjoy a card or email of prayerful good wishes. Let us continue to pray for him and to thank God for the gift he has been to our parish throughout his years of priestly ministry. 4 March is the birthday of Sister Helen Clifton, SSJ who has served our parish faithfully until her retirement a few years ago. I am sure that Sister Helen would enjoy hearing from you and receive birthday wishes. May God continue to bless these two servants of the church.

times throughout the day. Consult the bulletin for the schedule as well as the guidelines for Lent 2022 issued by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton. Take time out of your busy schedule to participate in the celebration of mass more frequently during the Season of Lent.

The Little Black Books will be distributed in the narthex of the church. These are provided for your continued spiritual edification.

Congratulations are extended to Mr. Richard Gerbino who recently was admitted to the Ministry of Lector by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton. Rich is discerning a call to the Order of Deacon within our Diocese of Trenton. Let us continue to support him and all those discerning a vocation to the Diaconate.

Father Gene Savarimuthu, a Priest Chaplain in the NJ National Guard who has been living in our parish clergy residence for the past 14 months and assisting the parishes of Cohort 13, has been working diligently for a full time Chaplain position in the US Army has been accepted. His term of full time service will commence at some point during May 2022. Let us pray for Fr. Gene as he begins this new service which he has worked hard to achieve with the rank of Captain and maybe soon as Major. Congratulations to Fr. Gene!

During the month of March this year we observe Ash Wednesday (2 March), the memorial of Saint Patrick (17 March), the solemnity of Saint Joseph (19 March), the Solemnity of the Annunciation (25 March). Take time to familiarize yourself with these religious customs.

Preparations for our Parish 50th Anniversary celebration, Sunday, 5 June 2022. The mass will be celebrated at 3:00pm in our parish church. Mark the date on your personal schedules and plan to participate. More details in the coming weeks.

Have a great week. Let us remember one anothThe Universal Church observes Ash Wednesday 2 er in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff March 2022. Ashes will be imposed at various

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 27, 2022

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Temporal Administration, Stewardship & Outreach Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org Sharing Our Treasure February 27, 2022 Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship

$15,325

Envelope Contributions

$8,390

Electronic/Online Contributions

$6,469

Loose Contributions

$466 305 $48.72

# Registered Parishioner Households

987

"Son, give alms in proportion to what you own. If you have great wealth, give alms out of your abundance; if you have but little, distribute even some of that. But do not hesitate to give alms." Tobit 4:8 Next weekend March 5-6 is our monthly second collection for our Building & Mortgage fund. Our monthly payment is $7,966.26. Please be generous.

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.

Wednesday, March 2 is Ash Wednesday

The 2022 Annual Catholic Appeal is well underway. Thank you to those parishioners who have already made their gift to the 2022 Annual Appeal.

Will you join your fellow parishioners in supporting this effort that strengthens many important programs and ministries across the Diocese of Trenton? Our goal, $75,000, can only be achieved through YOUR generosity!

If you have not yet made a gift, there will be pledge forms available in the pew and in the back of church, or you can visit www.dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal to send your gift electronically. Make sure to select St. Mary Catholic Church, Colts Neck in the Parish Affiliation box so we can receive credit for your gift.

Your gift will truly make a difference. Thank you for your prayers and support.

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:

An Ash Wednesday Offering Envelope can be found in your quarterly package of envelopes, or extra envelopes may be found on the tables inside the Church.

Online givers can make their Ash Wednesday donation at bit.ly/2OoATHe

- 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

During Lent, we are asked to focus more intently on "almsgiving," which means donating money or goods to the poor and performing other acts of charity.

As one of the three pillars of Lenten practice, almsgiving is "a witness to fraternal charity" and "a work of justice pleasing to God." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462).

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 27, 2022

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March 2—April 10, 2022 LENT IS COMING! Join our faith community—and more than 12,000 Catholic communities across the United States—in a transformative Lenten journey with CRS Rice Bowl. Pick up your family’s CRS Rice Bowl from the church this weekend. During the 40 days of Lent, we will reflect on global hunger and take action to help our sisters and brothers impacted by this injustice. Visit crsricebowl.org to learn more.

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. Newman Springs Road, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702.

Vigil Hours: Monday through Friday 8 am to 6 pm. Saturday / Sunday - at will.

Local Contact: monmouth4life@hotmail.com Learn More... 40daysforlife.com/shrewsbury Check 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.

Future Generation Early Learning Center at The Parish of Saint Mary is currently enrolling for the 2022 School Year.

Flexible schedule for children 2 and up.

Small class sizes.

Research based curriculum.

Join our family today!

Call 732-780-0135 today for more information

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 27, 2022

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!

All programs will be offered online and in person unless otherwise indicated.

ASH WEDNESDAY RETREAT Wednesday, March 2, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM We love beginning Lent together with this retreat at Francis House because it provides a gentle structure for the six-week journey ahead. This year Life Is Messy by Matthew Kelly will guide your Lenten journey. Liturgy is included with the reception of ashes within it. Donation: $35, includes lunch and book for your 6-week Lenten journey; Zoom $20.

PACKING WELL FOR THE PILGRIMAGE OF LENT Thursday, March 3, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM A 40-day Lenten journey cannot succeed without good planning and needed supplies. Come away for a mini-retreat and stock up on the graces you will need for the road which lies before you. Donation: $25, includes lunch; Zoom $20.

ZOOM ONLY LENTEN SERIES “LENT: OUR HOLY WRESTLING” 5 Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:00 PM March 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5 Jesus’ experience in the desert models for us the reality of wrestling with all things human. Guided

by Ronald Rohlheiser’s book, Wrestling with God, let us find grace in who we are and how we are. Donation: $50.

ZOOM ONLY LENTEN SERIES A WRITING RETREAT 5 Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 PM March 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7 How is my life a revelation of God? Enjoy this 5part Lenten series which will incorporate prayer, individual time with writing prompts and group time to share and motivate each other in how to express with the written word what lies within each person’s sacred story. We will use Writing the Sacred Journey by Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew. Donation: $75.

12 2022 Lenten Soup for the Soul Series San Alfonso Retreat House 755 Ocean Ave ● Long Branch, NJ ● 07740

March 8, 15, 22, 29 6:00 – 8:30 PM $25 per Evening, $80 for all 4 Looking for some spiritual nourishment this Lent?

Come to our Lenten Soup for the Soul Evenings this March!

Join us for some soup, fellowship, prayer and reflection to feed your body, mind, heart, and soul!

Tuesday, March 8, 2022 Living the Lent You Get Presenter: Christine Marie Eberle

Tuesday, March 15, 2022 The Slow, Brave Work of Forgiveness Presenter: Janet Corso

Tuesday, March 22, 2022 Watch and Pray: A Contemporary Meditation on The Way of the Cross Presenter: Michelle Sullivan Tuesday, March 29, 2022 A Lenten Heart for the Cosmos Presenter: Immacolata Cassetta, CND Space is limited; registration is required To register: e-mail register@sanalfonsoretreats.org Phone: 732-222-2731, X140 To register online or for full program description visit www.sanalfonsoretreats.org

CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY – FAIR HAVEN DIVORCED AND SEPARATED MINISTRY Church of the Nativity in Fair Haven is pleased to announce its continuing ministry for separated and divorced Catholics entitled, “Surviving Divorce: Hope and Healing for the Catholic Family”, a healing program being offered beginning on March 9, 2022 and continuing for twelve weeks on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, ending on May 25, 2022.

The meetings will be held at Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Road, Fair Haven in the Library on the 2nd Floor of the Parish Office (entrance behind the Church building).

If interested, please email: healingheartswithfriends@gmail.com. If you have any questions, please call either Ray DeSibio 732-939-3467 or Maura Bogner 858-357-3473.