February 28, 2021 Second Sunday in Lent

THE PARISH OF SAINT MARY A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in our Time One Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722 Phone: 732-780-2666 Fax: 732-780-0394 parishoffice@stmaryscoltsneck.org Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C. M. Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee Pastor Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch Trustees: Bill LaMorte Irene Weller Worship schedule inside.

Refer to website for more detailed information www.stmaryscoltsneck.org Deacon: John Wedemeyer

Second Sunday in Lent February 28, 2021

‘Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.

And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, …‘ Mk 9:2-3

Religious Education Registration for the 2021-2022 Term Summer EARLY Registration DISCOUNT ends .

See page 7 for more details

Retreat for Young Adults - ages 18 - 39 Retreat Schedule: Friday, March 12 & Saturday, March 13

See page 8 for more details

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. The retreat will be a Virtual event and is FREE!

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 28, 2021

2

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

Mass Intentions for the Week of February 27 - March 7 For * Requested by Saturday, February 27 – 4 PM Church Pro Populo Joseph Merck * Barbara Saake Cynthia Woolford * Donna and Frank Sikorskas Sunday, February 28 – Church- Second Sunday of Lent 8 AM Helen and John Sionas * Eileen and Michael Stivala Carol Ann McKay * Alice Ganley 10 AM Noreen Cacchione * John and Molly Aiello Antoinetta Lardieri * Rosetta Lardieri 12 PM Louis Gerbino * Richard and Maria Gerbino Vincent Marzella * The Maher Family Richard Hughes * Donna Carco Monday, March 1 – 9 AM Chapel Helen Donohue * Mary and Bill Klein Tuesday, March 2 – 9 AM Chapel Fr. Thomas Triggs * Diane Carnevale Wednesday, March 3 – 9 AM Chapel Intentions of Fr. William Bausch * Rev. Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee, Staff and Parishioners Catherine Chiarello * Lorraine Lee Thursday, March 4 – 9 AM Chapel Souls in Purgatory * Mary Soyka Abbate Friday, March 5 – 9 AM Chapel Arturo Redondo * Tom and Angela Kinlin Saturday, March 6 – 4 PM Church Gisela Jakowski * Barbara Saake James Resko * Jon and Mary Kopko JoAnn Fanticola * Diane Carnevale Sunday, March 7 – Church - Third Sunday of Lent 8 AM Pro Populo Jean Brock * Ed Brock Robert Arcoleo * Ed Brock

Marcela Abril Kathleen Amatel Janice Basilice Fr Bill Bausch Eileen Beckley John Boyle Anne Boyle Christen Chellis Blake Conley John DeSimone Kaitlin Donahue Nagle Virginia Endlicher Joann Feliciti James Fiedler Cynthia Fiedler Emily Gioacchini Edward Habrack

Tom Hudak Anton Kopp Bridget Korn Lori Lettieri Donna Lodi Leonidas Mavrookas Ludwig Mendola Walter Moeller Kevin O’Shea Stanley Rembisz Paola Richmond 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 Request ONLINE Available through the link below is an online form to request Mass Intentions for the remainder of the 2021 calendar. https://bit.ly/3dbHyip Parish Office Hours Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Sunday

9 am – 2 pm 2 pm -7:30 pm 9 am – 2 pm 9 am – 2 pm 9 am -12 noon

10 AM Frank Baron * Dickinson- Pancila Family 12 PM Maria Rose Anello * Michele Galpern Robert A. & Mary Joan McNamara * McNamara Family

GROTTO CANDLES The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions. Offering is $3.00 per candle.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 28, 2021

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.

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 Ensign Jason Joseph Howe, USN SPC Michael John Mento, US Army PFC Nicholas Poskonka, US Army Captain Richard Savo, US Army 1st Lt. Adam Sjoholm, US Army 1st Lt. Ryan Tanguay, US Army TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF 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.

Rest in Peace Please remember in your prayers, those who have recently died.

Bob Cicero, husband of Martha Cicero

Sanctuary Lamp

3 Lifelong Catechesis Week March 1 - March 7 READINGS FOR THE WEEK

1 Mon 2 Tue 3 Wed 4 Thu 5 Fri

Dn 9:4b-10/Lk 6:36-38 Is 1:10, 16-20/Mt 23:1-12 Jer 18:18-20/Mt 20:17-28 Jer 17:5-10/Lk 16:19-31 Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a/Mt 21:33-43, 45-46

Sunday, March 7 - Third Sunday of Lent Ex 20:1-17 or 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17/1 Cor 1:22-25/Jn 2:13-25 Questions for Deeper Reflection Question for Children: Share one way in which you “honor your father and mother.”

Question for Youth: Jesus was angry – as we all get at times.

When is your anger a good thing? When is it not?

Question for Adults: As you hear the Commandments proclaimed today, which one of them really strikes you?

- Lifelong Catechesis

Guidelines of the Universal Church The Catholic Church in the United States asks of us as baptized Catholics to observe the following: The days of fast (only one full meal) and abstinence (no meat) are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. All other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence (no meat).

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

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

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.

The suggested donation is $25.

ONLINE https://bit.ly/37RKz5p

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.

Intentions are available in the Church & Chapel in March & April 2021

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

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 28, 2021

4

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

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD is one of the major milestones in Jesus’ public ministry, in which he took Peter, James, and John up a mountain (generally believed to be Mount Tabor in Israel) to pray with him. There, he transfigured before them, appearing with Moses and Elijah. The voice of God the Father from heaven cried out, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). It is in this moment that Jesus is revealed to these disciples as the Son of Man, the Savior. Yet they are told to keep this encounter a secret until after his resurrection, a concept which they did not yet understand.

As one of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary and an important aspect of Christian belief, the significance of the event is two-fold. Firstly, by exalting Jesus above all others, God reaffirms what we learned about Jesus at his baptism by John that he is then Son of the Most High, King of the living, judge and ruler of all - and serves as a sort of preview of his resurrection and glory. Second, it establishes that Jesus is the messenger of God, His voice on earth, and that all things are done through the will of the Father.

Interestingly, we celebrate this great feast twice every year. The first occasion is on the Second Sunday of Lent. In each of the 3 cycles, we hear the story from the synoptic Gospels of Matthew (Year A), Mark (Year B) and Luke (Year C), and the communion antiphon references the decree from God referenced above (this is my son, etc.). The placement of the accounts on this day are fitting, as we hear a lot in the weeks that follow about the last weeks of the life of Jesus before his crucifixion.

The second time is on August 6th. The same Gospel is repeated in the respective years. When the 6th falls on a Sunday, the Feast supplants whichever Sunday in Ordinary Time the Church would normally observe that day.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 28, 2021

5

Worship Schedule: March 6 - March 7: Third Sunday of Lent Altar Server

EMHC

Reader 1

Reader 2

Cantor

Usher

Saturday, 4:00 PM (Church)

Mark Hines William Hines Available

Eucharistic M. Needed - Organ Host Susan Murphy - Tabernacle Host Louise Habrack - Alt

Michael Zarraga

T Mullin

Diane Dragone

Bob Lind Usher Needed

Sunday, 8:00 AM (Church)

Ashley Austin Daniel Austin Available

Lisa Aldridge - Alt

Rita Duenas

Kevin Swan

David Maliakel

Ushers Needed

Sunday, 10:00 AM (Church)

Gabriella Penczak Larissa Yaninas

Winifred O'Doherty - Organ Host Amy Orrico - Tabernacle Host Sue Fitzpatrick - Alt

Julia Cullen

Carl Simone

Colleen Swain

Greg Penczak Usher Needed

Sunday, 12:00 PM (Church)

Altar Servers Needed

Emily Santangelo - Alt

Richard Gerbino

Alicia Mendez

Colleen Swain

Usher Needed Jim Dolan

2021 * Lent Dates at a Glance* Lenten Penance and Reconciliation — Sunday, March 21 - 3:00 pm Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, March 27/28: Saturday Penance & Reconciliation 3 pm Sat 4 pm, Sunday 8 am , 10 am , 12 noon HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE Monday, March 29- 9:00 am Mass - Chapel Chrism Mass- St. Robert Bellarmine Church 7:30 pm Closed to the Public --- Live Stream Scheduled Tuesday, March 30- 9:00 am Mass - Chapel Wednesday, March 31 9:00 am Mass - Chapel Holy Thursday April 1 NO 9:00 AM Mass - 7:00 pm Mass in the Church Good Friday April 2— 9 am Prayer Service Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion - 12:00 pm in the Church Outdoor Stations of the Cross— 3:00 pm Holy Saturday April 3 - 9:00 am Prayer Service - Chapel NO Penance & Rec on Holy Saturday Solemn Vigil of the Lord’s Resurrection Saturday, April 3, 7:30 pm Vigil * no 4:00 pm Mass or Confessions Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection Sunday, April 4, 2021  7:30 am Mass  8:45 am Mass  10:15 am Mass  12:00 pm Mass

Online Mass viewing continues with the newest weekend Mass becoming available on Saturdays after 4 pm The Parish of Saint Mary - You Tube Channel (https://bit.ly/2SkpRET) https://yt.vu/+StMaryColtsNeck Worship aid for weekend Mass at https://tinyurl.com/y4xhvqz8

EXPECTATIONS AS WE GATHER FOR MASS ARE LOCATED ON OUR WEBSITE CLICK HERE

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 28, 2021

6

Dr. Jim Bridges Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Adult Catechesis FaithFormation@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 x 305

Julia Cullen Pastoral Coordinator of Elementary Religion Education - Grade 1 -6 ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309

Rose Farrow Coordinator of Faith Formation for Youth Catechesis & Service - Grade 7 & 8 YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 310

Offered in January 2021 at the Parish of Saint Mary

"What stands in the way of my becoming another Christ? Christ is within me, waiting for me to let Him shine forth."

In past years, the Parish of St. Mary has distributed little books of spiritual reflections for Lent. Due to the pandemic we have suspended all distributions of paper items to parishioners. Thus, for example, we do not distribute paper copies of the parish bulletin. The publisher of the Little Books is making its books available to download on your phone. There is a single charge of $10 to get all the books for the year. If you are interested, go to https://littlebooks.org/seasonal-books/lent

- Mother Angelica It’s FREE and EASY to Register!

Access FORMED on the go! Visit www.stmaryscoltsneck.formed.org with a web browser Enter your email and create a password (you need this to login later) Go to STUDY and experience FORMED!

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 28, 2021

7

2021-2022 Religious Education Families must be registered active parishioners whose children have been in the Religious Education program for at least one year (with the possible exception of first grader families). This includes the New Parishioner Orientation meeting. Copies of each student’s Baptismal certificate and record of previously completed Religious Education classes (if applicable) and sacraments must be received by the office when registering in our program for the first time.

Please be aware that children entering grades 2-8 in Sept 2021 must have completed and passed their previous Religious Education grade work before they can be registered for the next school year. Additionally registration/class enrollment will not be processed until all paperwork is in the office. Returning Students who do not have a copy of their Baptismal Certificate on file in the office WILL NOT be secured in a class for the 2021 - 2022 term.

The full process for registration, including help links, is available on the website in Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) under the Religious Ed Resources.

Summer Intensive - Grades 1 - 6: Classes run Monday through Friday for 2 weeks from 8:30 am -12:30 pm (on Campus) or 9 am - 12 noon (Google Classroom). Admission is on a first come first serve basis. Classes close as they fill.

We encourage you to register early.

Session 1 – July 12 - 16 and 19 – 23 Live Stream/ Google Classroom Session 2 – August 9 – 13 and 16– 20 On Campus Summer Registration ends March 31, 2021 at 12 noon An Early Registration Discount of $50/ child ends February 28, 2021 at 12 noon. (Full process including payment must be completed by 12 noon February 28 to qualify for the discount) Registrants after close date (March 31) will be subject to availability and a late fee of $50/child. Re-Registrations (returning Religious Education Students) will not be accepted after April 15 Full payment and Baptismal Certificates required * Cancellations are subject to a $10 processing fee.

NO REFUNDS for Summer Intensive Tuition after Classes have started.

Fall - Grades 1 - 6 Fall Registration begins April 1, 2021 at 9 am and ends June 1, 2021 at 12 noon. An Early Registration Discount of $50/ child ends May 2, 2021 at 12 noon. (Full process including payment must be completed by 12 noon May 2nd to qualify for the discount) Registrants after close date ( June 1) will be subject to availability and a late fee of $50/child. Re-Registrations (returning Religious Education Students) will not be accepted after July 15  Grades 1 & 2: Two year First Penance & Reconciliation and First Eucharist Preparation.  In-person on Tuesdays either 4:30-5:40 pm or 5:50 -7:00 pm  Grades 3 - 6: Weekly Google Classroom Live Stream - selection of (Tues. 4:30 pm or Wed. 6 pm)

weekday participation Full payment and Baptismal Certificates required - Cancellations are subject to a $10 processing fee.

No refunds for Fall Tuition after 5 classes have been completed.

Note: Grades 7 & 8 : Confirmation Prep. - Information on program specifics will be forthcoming.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 28, 2021

8

Our retreat will look to the many roles of St. Joseph and draw inspiration from his example for us.

Our Talks and Presenters: There will be one keynote talk and discussion Friday night and several pre-recorded short talks to choose from "on your own" Saturday. More specific information coming soon.

Retreat Schedule: Friday, March 12 (virtual): 7 pm EST Retreat begins Welcome, Prayer, Intros Keynote Talk by: Fr. Jason Hage "The Dreams of St. Joseph: Listening to God's Call."

Live Q&A

Saturday, March 13: 9 am EST Morning Prayer (virtual, optional) Pre-recorded talks available (on your own) 4 pm EST Mass at St. Roberts, Freehold (Virtual or in person)

https://dioceseoftrenton.org/yaretreat

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 28, 2021

9

Quo vadis…

My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Lent. When we make it a habit to key into the dying and rising of the paschal mystery we begin to see its rhythm everywhere. In this Sunday’s gospel it plays out between transfigured glory in the first part of the gospel and the allusion to Jesus’ dying in the last part. In our daily lives it might play out between work and leisure, between times with loved ones and times away, between success and failure, between doing something we would enjoy and doing something someone else would enjoy more. One thing Scripture bears out for us: whenever there is evidence of dying, there is equal evidence of rising. In our own lives we must begin to look for both the dying and the rising. As we see the paschal mystery unfolding more and more in our daily living, the distance between the religious and secular spheres of our lives becomes less and less. Instead of putting religion in a neat box it becomes truly the very way we live. Then it becomes easier to let go of ourselves and let God lead us—whether that is to a mountain of testing or a mountain of dying. We can let go, because we know without a doubt that new life and glory await us.

Ash Wednesday observance was certainly different this year. I am grateful to all for observing the protocols to make the imposition of ashes a reality this year. I received positive feedback for offering the YouTube Video Prayer Service. I think a few who joined us were unaware that this year the prayer service was online. Many thanks to our Parish Religious Education Program families for offering food donations to be distributed to the poor and needy. It is so edifying to me to observe how we as a parish community are growing in our awareness of the needs in our midst. This is clearly another sign

of how we continue to grow in our stewardship of the many blessings we receive from God. It is hard to believe that March is upon us! During this month the Church observes the memorial of Saint Patrick; the Solemnity of Saint Joseph; the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We move the clocks forward one hour in a couple of weeks…don’t forget! Registration for the Summer Session Religious Education Intensive is well under way. Classes are filling up quickly. Please do not procrastinate in making your decisions. There is a limited number of openings for this formational opportunity. Please make your decisions now and register. Preparations for Holy Week have begun.

Consider participating in these opportunities for communal prayer as a way to deepen your understanding of God’s creative and redemptive activity for the life of the world.

The Parish Lenten Confessions are scheduled for Sunday, 21 March at 3:00 pm in our parish church.

We try to schedule 11 or so priest confessors for your convenience. We will follow the same protocols developed for December since there was so much positive feedback. Details to follow in upcoming bulletins. Please put this date into your personal schedules and plan to participate.

Parents, I encourage you to bring your children to this service as we celebrate God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Many thanks to all those who have participated in this year’s 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal. If you have not done so, please do so as soon as possible.

Consider joining us for Daily 9 am Mass during this Lenten Season. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 28, 2021

10

Temporal Administration, Stewardship & Outreach Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org Sharing Our Treasure February 21 - First Sunday of Lent Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship

$ 16,403

Envelope Contributions

$ 9,935

Electronic/Online Contributions

$ 5,878

Loose Contributions

$

591

Avg. Contribution per Household this week $ 55.48 # of Contributing Households

285

# Registered Parishioner Households

1019

February 17, 2021 Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday Sacrificial Stewardship

$

2,725

Additionally, because of your contributions, we were able to send $500 to the appeal for Catholic Churches in Eastern Europe Included in this week’s offertory will be the collection for Black & Native American appeal.

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.

SCAM ALERT Please be aware of fraudulent emails or text messages claiming to be from a pastor or a representative of the archdiocese asking you to purchase gift cards to help the poor or sick. Such fraudulent activity should be reported to the State of New Jersey Cyber Crimes Unit at (609) 584-5051, ext. 5664, or online at www.njsp.org/division/ investigations/cyber-crimes.shtml Please note: Official electronic communications from the parish will always come from the @stmaryscoltsneck.org domain.

This year The Parish of Saint Mary share of the goal is $ 75,000 The following is an example of a ministry made possible through the generous support of the ACA. Evangelization Ministry to Families, Youth and Young Adults Every person belongs to a family. Families are the foundation of the Catholic parish. In the midst of the family and the parish community, people encounter Christ and learn to be his disciples. Family and Parish are the primary environments in which evangelization takes place. Together in Mission is a tool to support these evangelization efforts. Your gift promotes individuals and family life. Youth events and service opportunities, young adult gatherings, Marriage prep, Baptismal prep, Ministry to separated and divorced persons are just a few of the services offered.

https://dioceseoftrenton.org/aca-donate-page Please select St. Mary Church, Colts Neck from the Parish Affiliation dropdown menu.

Thank you for your support!

Parish Spring Clean-up March 27, 2021 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 long winter.

Volunteer at >> https://goo.gl/yEMzmv More info:TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 28, 2021

11

BETTER MEALS IN MADAGASCAR In Madagascar, half of all children are undernourished. That means 50% of kids won’t grow to reach their full potential.

But communities are changing this by focusing on improving health and nutrition. What role has food played in your life? How can you help those Scan Me who lack access to enough nutritious food.

Full Story of Hope week 2 Visit crsricebowl.org to learn more.

Put your Lenten offerings in your Rice Bowl, count them at the end of Lent, make a check to St. Mary Parish for the total amount and drop it in the collection Basket. Alternatively you can make your donation using our online giving platform. https://goo.gl/VFak28

ST. MARY, MOTHER OF GOD CHURCH – MIDDLETOWN DIVORCED AND SEPARATED MINISTRY St. Mary’s Mother of God Church is pleased to announce a new ministry entitled, “Surviving Divorce: Hope and Healing for the Catholic Family”, a healing program being offered for divorced and/or separated Catholics that will begin on Monday, March 8, 2021 and continuing for twelve weeks on Monday evenings from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, ending on May 24, 2021.

The location for the meetings is the Chapel, located at 26 Leondardville Road in New Monmouth in the Basement which can be accessed by parking behind the Chapel and using the back entrance to the Basement Meeting Room. Anyone that needs help in finding peace, power and healing from divorce, whether you are separated, considering divorce, or are already divorced, you will discover how to work through emotions and pain, and experience personal healing and hope.

If interested, please email: healingheartsfromdivorce@gmail.com with your name and contact information and one of the facilitators, Rich DeGennaro or Janet Felice, will get back in touch with you regarding all the details and will answer any questions you may have. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Director of Divorce Ministries, Michele Coppola Wilson at 201-753-8485.

If you’d like to review the program, more information can be found by visiting the website, www.catholicsdivorce.com.

Thank you for taking the first step towards your healing!