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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: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - FEBRUARY 4, 2024

Reminder, Office Hours are 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM every Tuesday and 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Mon., Wed., & Thurs., NO Friday’s or Saturday’s. Also, one Sunday a month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Next month will be this Sunday, February 4.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 4, 2024

Mass Intentions for: Saturday, February 3, 2024 - Sunday, February 11, 2024 Saturday, February 3 - 4 PM Ed Eastman *Verga Family Joe & Rachel Verga *Verga Family Paul Saake *The Gioacchini Family

Wednesday, February 7 - 9:00 AM Lucio Picinich *Severino and Maria Salamon Thursday, February 8 - 9:00 AM Benjamin Retacco *Martha Mary Guild

Sunday, February 4 - 8 AM Pro Populo Jean Brock *Joe & Tami Minichini Robert Arcoleo *Joe & Tami Minichini 10 AM Julia Cammarata *Charles Cammarata Remo and Maria Blaffard *Daughters Helen DeCerce *Molly and John Aiello 12 PM Special Intention *Bob Amling Robert A. & Mary Joan McNamara *The McNamara Family John M. Grabowski, Sr. *The Grabowski Family Monday, February 5 - 9 AM Douglas Helmacy by Jane Slattery Judith Joyce *Joyce Family

Tuesday, February 6 - 9 AM Joan Benus *Barbara Family Ruby Lim *Drs. Gener and Elvira Dapul

Friday, February 9 - 9:00 AM Myles Robbins by Cheryl and Rick Joyce Rosaria Gambino by Eric and Paola DiNapoli

Saturday, February 10 - 4:00 PM Paul Saake by Barbara Saake Florence Luzzi by Rich Luzzi John Stutz by Jane Slattery Sunday, February 11 - 8 AM Sal Aiello by The Aiello Family Darrell Peckinpaugh by Patricia Helmacy Jean Otton by Patricia Helmacy 10 AM Pro Populo Frank Donahue *Al and Heidi Lohn Sally Hennessey *Danielle Hennessey 12 PM Viola and John Barlotta *The Vazzana Family Dirce Malta da Silva *Rennhack Family Inez Marie Fieramosca *Family

Please pray for the following members of our parish community who are ill: Ludwig Mendola ~ Jack Coppola ~ Bill Donahue ~ Kekoa Xael

Kaitlin Donahue Nagle ~ Lori Lettieri ~ Francis Patrick Albano ~ Kevin O’Shea

Lauren vinci ~ Elizabeth DeStefano ~ TOM JACOBSON ~ Ted ZiEmienski

Dawn Reinhardt ~ Gloria Ziemienski ~ Jeff McBride ~ Owen Shoemaker

To add or remove a family member from the sick list please e-mail ONLY parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Please, also, keep us updated on your loved one’s health. Names will be removed from the list after 3 months. Thank you for keeping our Parish informed.

EMERGENCY CLOSING INFORMATION: In the event that the Parish Office is closed and Religious Education classes or Masses must be cancelled due to inclement weather, loss of power, etc., we will attempt to keep you informed as follows: - Updated outgoing announcements on our main telephone line - (732) 780-2666. - Parish-wide email sent to email address is on file- Notification on website: www.stmarycoltsneck.org

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 4, 2024

Lifelong Catechesis - Week of February 4 to February 10

READINGS FOR THE WEEK: 4 Sunday: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Jb 7:1-4, 6-7/1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23/Mk 1:29-39 5 Monday: 1 Kgs 8:1-7, 9-13/Mk 6:53-56 [Saint Agatha] 6 Tuesday: 1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30/Mk 7:1-13 [Saint Paul Miki and Companions ] 7 Wednesday: 1 Kgs 10:1-10/Mk 7:14-23 8 Thursday: 1 Kgs 11:4-13/Mk 7:24-30 [Saint Jerome Emiliani] 9 Friday: 1 Kgs 11:29-32; 12:19/Mk 7:31-37 [The Presentation of the Lord] 10 Saturday: 1 Kgs 12:26-32; 13:33-34/ Mk 8:1-10 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.

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION: Question for Children: What can you do to help your friends and classmates know more about Jesus? Question for Youth: Jesus knew that his mission was for everyone, not just one village or group of people. How can you reach out to others (outside of friends and family) and offer them hope and Good News?

Question for Adults: If you were going to pray for healing for any reason, what would it be? What needs to be healed in our world and society? Lt. Col. Douglas Coppola, US Army ~

Lt. Mary Herman, USN ~

SN Christian Houlihan, USN ~

LT. Jason Joseph Howe, USN ~

Pray for Military & First Responders

___________________________________________________

AMT Colton Boag, USCG ~ LCpl Devon Francis Chrzan, USMC ~ Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army ~ TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF ~ LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC

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

This week the Sanctuary Lamp burns for...Frank and Marie Ksenic Requested by: Dynof Family Sanctuary Lamp 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.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

Worship & Music

February 4, 2024

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

Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord & Memorial of Saint Blaise February 2nd, also known as Candlemas Day, has been celebrated since the 4th century. This feast commemorates the 40th day after Christmas, when Mary travelled with Jesus and Joseph to the temple in Jerusalem, for her ritual purification after the birth of the Lord. It was in the temple that the prophetess Anna and Simeon the Righteous recognized the child as the Messiah. Simeon, who had been told by the Holy Spirit that he shall not see death until he sees the Christ, praises God in the Nunc Dimittis: “Now let your servant go in peace…I have seen your salvation….a light to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel”. In honoring the revelation of Jesus as the light of the world, it is customary for candles to be blessed on this day. In some cultures, the faithful bring candles from their homes to blessed, but more commonly it is candles that will be used in the life of the church in the coming year that are blessed. In our community, we bless the candles that are used for the blessing of throats on the memorial of Saint Blaise (February 3) and the six candles that will flank the altar beginning at Easter. At the conclusion of the Easter Season, these candles are kept separate from others, used as processional candles, and eventually burned in the holy fire at the Easter Vigil the following year. We also invite the faithful to bring candles for home use to be blessed. Traditionally, Candlemas marked the end of the Christmas Season, and decorations where often left up until the Eve of Candlemas. In our parish, we keep that custom in a way, continuing the care of the poinsettias that have been placed in the church until this day. This year, the blessing of throats will take place on February 3, following the conclusion of the 4:00 PM Mass.

Create a free account:

https://formed.org/signup Select our parish, and enjoy!

Please remember in your prayers those who have recently died.

John Daly

AgJosephine Bakhita, c. 1870-1947 Captured near her village in the Darfur region of the Sudan and enslaved in 1875 as a young girl of about six, this saint was so traumatized that she could not remember her given name. The Arab slavers then gave her the name Bakhita, Arabic for "the fortunate one." This proved to be prophetic. Even as a slave undergoing unspeakable torture and living in the harshest of conditions, Bakhita noted the beauty of the world and wondered who it was that created all of this beauty. Bakhita was sold many times until, in 1883, at about the age of fourteen, she was sold to the Italian Consul to the Sudan. Though still a slave, Bakhita began to be treated more like one of the family. In 1885, the consul and his family moved back to Italy and Bakhita was – Read More HERE.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 4, 2024

Ministry Schedule: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time February 10 & 11 Altar Server

Saturday, 10 4PM

Sunday, 11 8AM

Sunday, 11 10AM

Sunday, 11 12PM

2 SERVERS NEEDED

1 SERVER NEEDED

Tesya Yaninas & Rj Vaina

1 SERVER NEEDED

Cantor

Carly York

CHOIR

Bridget Farrow

Become more involved at The Parish of Saint Mary!

Please consider becoming an Altar Server Please contact Andrew Macirowski at worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org to let us know you are interested!

Reader 1

Reader 2

NEEDED

Annette Raynor

Matt Yaninas

Charles Young

EMHC

Kathy Maher

OH - Louise Habrack TH - Elvira Dapul, MD TH - Susan Murphy ALT - Monica Barr

Rita Duenas

OH - Gina Schute TH - Justine Buzzetta TH - Steve Stanley ALT - Joyce Flynn

Carl Simone

OH - Amy Orrico TH - Winifred O’Doherty TH - Maureen Geiger ALT - Linda Dickinson-Pancilla LWD - NEEDED

Jennifer Stubbs

OH - Lee Gesner TH - Emily Santangelo TH - Irene Weller ALT - Patricia Gesner

Liturgy of the Word Dismissal environment to engage in the Liturgy of the Word at a level more appropriate to the children’s understanding.

A Mini Retreat for the Soul - Martha Mary Guild As part of a special program for the beginning of Lent, Barbara Schaflin, Program Chair and member of the Women's Morning Office group, will present a way to pray the "Litany of the Hours". This will be very appropriate for the Martha Mary Guild's February meeting, since it is on Ash Wednesday (February 14)! Since it is Ash Wednesday, our meeting will begin in Church, where we will attend the noon Mass together and receive ashes. All women of the parish and our Cohorts are welcome to join us in the left rear of the church. Due to the Mass, the rosary will not be said at this meeting, but we will resume that beautiful custom in March. Since 1990, Barbara Schaflin has been a part of the Women's Morning Office. When Covid hit, she created Prayer pieces for the women to use during weekly Zoom sessions. At the February meeting, she will share a very special piece, based on Macrina Wiederkehr's book, Seven Sacred Pauses. Perhaps it will transform our practice of being present and paying attention to the sacred rhythms of the day. We are looking forward to seeing many of you at Mass and then in Madonna Hall for the meeting. As usual, it's BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch), with refreshments supplied by the Guild.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org Faith Formation

February 4, 2024

Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Education

RE CALENDAR: i = Intergenerational Grades 1-6 S = Service Project Grades 7 & 8 4,5 February, 2024 Confirmation Prep Class 14 February, 2024 Ash Wednesday (See page 8 for Diaper Drive) i Fishers of Men Intergenerational in MH 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM. Sign-up HERE i S Diaper Drive in Narthex 25,26 February, 2024 Confirmation Prep Class 10,11 March, 2024 Confirmation Prep Class 17 March, 2024 i Lenten Penance & Reconciliation Service 28 March, 2024 i Holy Thursday in the Church Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00 PM 29 March, 2024 i Good Friday Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, 12 PM Outdoor Stations of the Cross, 3:00 PM

CALLING ALL TEACHERS!!! We are looking for teachers for our Summer Religious Ed program. Classes run August 5-16, 2024 Paid positions are open for certified teachers who are alive in their faith. Classes are on Campus. Kindly, contact the RE office at ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org for more details and to sign-up.

ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309

Summer Intensive Early Re-Registration/ Registration opened February 1, 2024 at 12:30 PM. It is first come first serve. Early registration is reserved for active, registered parishioners. You will receive a confirmation email once your child is officially placed in the class. We thank you for your patience. INTERGENERATIONAL digital recording sheets are being monitored. Please be sure to be as up to date as possible. Completed recording sheets are due by June 1, 2024.

Next week there will be a sign-up for the Easter Egg Hunt Committee. All are welcome!

Parish Religious Education EARLY Re-Registration/Registration opened 1 February 2024 For active parishioners The link went live at 12:30pm and can be accessed

HERE

Summer Intensive – Grades 1 to 6 (Reminder 7 & 8 are in the Fall ONLY). 2024 - 2025 Summer school year: July 15-26, 2024 VIRTUAL 9:00 AM-12:00 PM August 5-16, 2024 ON CAMPUS 8:30AM-12:30PM

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 4, 2024

Rose Farrow - Coordinator of Faith Formation / Youth & Adult Catechesis

Handing out Lenten Books: Before and After Mass, February 10 & 11 four volunteers are needed to hand out Lenten Reflection Books. Sign-up HERE. ALL Masses are available.

*GRADES 1 - 8*

VALENTINE’S DAY COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT 2024 Once again, residents of Monmouth County will have the opportunity to provide Valentine’s Day cards, notes, letters, and special treats for our military members at Earle Naval Base, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Air Force Base along with Veteran facilities in New Jersey. Last year we collected over 5,000 Valentine messages for our beloved military members! Cards may be handmade or purchased but should include a handwritten sentiment acknowledging the love and appreciation for their military service to our country. Each group of cards and treats should be bundled in a Ziploc type bag and handed in to the parish office to obtain a service hour letter. Service hour letter must be picked up at time of Valentine drop off. Here are some examples of sentiments students can write inside the cards. “Happy Valentine’s day to a true patriot” “Happy Valentine’s day to a real hero” “The commitment you’ve made means so much and is so appreciated.” “Sincere thanks for the big sacrifices you’ve made for our nation.” “You deserve thanks every day for your service.” Students may drop cards off at the parish office during operating hours. Project end date is February 1.

YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 310

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY ORDER DIAPERS HERE

7 & 8 grade

Diaper Drive

ORDER DIAPERS HERE

Three packages of diapers = 1 hour Additional ½ hour for three packages of wipes (2.5 hour max) Student must bring donations to AshWednesday prayer service at 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM to obtain service letter or signature. The Parish of St. Mary diaper drives runs February 10 – February 14 The greatest need is for diapers size 1,3,5, and 6 and for wipes. Please leave diapers/wipes in the Narthex.

Are you curious or thinking of becoming Catholic? RCIA is a comprehensive process, in which the Church supports and encourages your spiritual journey.: To know more Contact Rose Farrow, Coordinator of Faith Formation at YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Please prayerfully support…

Tanner Grigoli, Lorenzo Grigoli, and Kimberly and Christopher Cascone as they prepare for the reception of Sacraments for full initiation into the Catholic Church. If you or someone else you know is interested in becoming Catholic or completing their Sacraments of initiation, please contact us at (732)780-2666.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 4, 2024

Ash Wednesday Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Imposition of Ashes will take place in the church at the following times: Parish of Saint Mary, Colts Neck 12:00 PM Mass 4:00 PM Prayer Service 5:00 PM Prayer Service

Saint Catharine, Holmdel 9:00 AM Mass 6:00 PM Prayer Service 7:30 PM Prayer Service

Ministers will be in church distributing ashes at the times above and will continue while there is a line of people. Stations of the Cross and Holy Hours will begin the following week.

Lenten Confessions, Holy Hours & Stations of the Cross Lenten Holy Hours - St. Catharine February 28 - 7:00 PM March 6 - 6:00 PM March 13 - 7:00 PM

Confessions Sunday, March 17, 3:00 PM - St. Mary Thursday, March 21, 7:00 PM - St. Catharine Wednesday, March 27, 7:00 PM – St. Gabriel

Stations of the Cross, St. Catharine Friday evenings - 7:30 PM [February 16, March 1, 8, 22] February 23 - 6:30 PM, NO 7:30 PM Living Stations - March 22

New Parishioner Orientation Sunday, March 3, 2024, 11:00AM at Madonna Hall Attendance is mandatory for those wishing to become parishioners at the Parish of St. Mary. For more information to join St. Mary Parish, please visit https://stmaryscoltsneck.org/new-parishioners

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

Prayer for Ash Wednesday: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service, so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint. Amen,” (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops).

Recycle Last Years Palms A receptacle has been placed in the gathering space & by the Parish Office to collect old palms. They are to be burnt, & the ashes are to be used Ash Wednesday for the imposition of the ashes.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 4, 2024

Quo vadis for February 4. . . My Dear Parishioners: what you might “give up” for Lent and what you Today we celebrate the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary might “take on” for Lent. Take the time to Time. The key to getting from our human prepare so that the Lenten Journey can be a condition (see the first reading) to being healed fruitful time that is harvested during the Easter (gospel) is to “translate” (see Second Sunday in Season. We have prepared the Ash Wednesday Ordinary Time) our sight from ourselves to Jesus. Schedule in consultation with our co-hort parish One view of paschal mystery living, then, is for of Saint Catharine, Holmdel in order to provide each of us to go “off to a deserted place” to be the most convenient schedule to the Catholics in with our God. It is in prayer, communion with our area. Please consult the e-bulletin for details. God, that we come face to face with Jesus, get to During Lent we pray especially for all those who know him and his mission, and allow it to seize us are discerning sacramental initiation in the church. so that our own living is characterized by Let us pray also for our young people who are preaching the gospel. Like those in the gospel preparing for their First Holy Communion and who come to Jesus for healing, we all come to Confirmation during the Fall of 2024. Jesus with expectations (after all, prayers of Hospitality is an important part of our Liturgical petition are the most common). The challenge is Prayer. Participation continues to grow each week to move beyond our expectations to what Jesus and now has surpassed the pre-pandemic numbers really wants to give us—the good news of regularly. This is good; however, it presents us salvation. We need to allow Jesus’ presence to with opportunities. I am encouraging all to transform us so that our every breath is a prayerfully reflect on arriving for mass 5 minutes proclamation of God’s saving mystery. Most of us before the start time. There are certainly times won’t go out to neighboring towns to preach. But when we are delayed due to circumstances beyond we can smile a simple thank you to the tired our control. There are some among us who, for cashier in the supermarket. We can bite our the better part of 11 years are consistently late. tongue rather than snap at the rambunctious Some new parishioners have picked up this habit. children. We can do something thoughtful for It is important for us to prepare to celebrate the someone when it is not expected. Like Jesus, we Sacred Liturgy. It all starts when we depart our can be a living gospel. homes anticipating traffic, parking lot issues and Next weekend the church observes World making our way to the church building. I also Marriage Sunday. It is a way for us to pray for all encourage those parking a distance from the front married couples and those preparing for the entrance to enter from the side vestibules. This Sacrament of Marriage. Marriage and Family Life might save some time and rushing. Thank you for is the cornerstone of the church. Family Life has your consideration of this request as we strive to been designated by those at Second Vatican become more welcoming and hospitable. Council as the Domestic Church of the Home. We have included the Christmas 2023 Collection This is where our faith is lived and taught. Let us report. Thank You for your continued generous encourage one another. We continue to welcome sharing in support of the mission of the church new parishioners to our parish. As ambassadors and our parish community. Have a great week. Let for Christ join me in welcoming and encouraging us remember one another in prayer. Happy these new members. Sunday. Peace. Ash Wednesday is 14 February. Begin to reflect on Father Jeff

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 4, 2024

Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach

Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Sharing Our Treasure January 28, 2024 – Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship

$15,483

Envelope Contributions

$8,061

Electronic/Online Contributions

$6,905

Loose Contributions

$516 299 $50.05

# Registered Parishioner Households

952

This weekend February 3-4 is our monthly Building and Mortgage Reduction collection. Our monthly mortgage payment is $7,966.26. $1,000 went toward the Latin America offertory. Thank you. Please, continue to be generous. "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.' " Mk 6:10-11

Caring for Our Parishioners Periodically, we receive calls from elderly, shut-in, and/or disabled Parishioners seeking help with some needed tasks such as food shopping, transportation to medical appointments, light cleanup, or just for an hour or so of conversation and companionship. If you feel that you may have the time and interest to share of yourself in this way, please call the Office of Charitable Appeals at (732) 294-8841 X320

scan code Sign-in for our Online Giving system to make your parish offerings from your bank account or Credit Card! To set up an online giving account please visit https:// giving.parishsoft.com/smcn Alternatively, just Text SUNDAY to (732)-889-7800 and follow the instructions to complete your offering. Should you require our assistance setting up your new account, please call the parish office at (732)-780-2666. You can also download the ConnectNow Giving App for Android or iOS. Thank you for your continuous support!

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 4, 2024

2023 Christmas Collection: $136,203 as of January 28, 2024 CONGRATULATIONS & THANK YOU! Dear Parishioners & Friends: Below is a simple accounting of our 2023 Christmas Collection. The sacrificial sharing of many has enabled us to exceed our expectations. Your contributions will continue to allow us to regain our financial solvency. Please know that the sacrifices we make for the future of our parish do not go unnoticed and I pray that each of us will receive the blessing promised to us. Again, thank you for this sacrifice and the sacrifices that you make each and every week so that our Parish of Saint Mary continues to proclaim God in word and deed. Pattern of Giving # of Parishioner gifts:

2022 Gift Range $2,500 + $2,499 to $1,000 $999 to $750 $749 to $500 $499 to $250 $249 to $151 $150 $149 to $1 ZERO Martha Mary Guild Visitor Checks Loose cash

425

Average Gift: $309.62

# of Gifts 8 18 10 36 68 38 44 203 527

$35,921 $21,878 $7,621 $18,355 $20,028 $7,281 $6,600 $13,874 -

Average Gift $4,493.91 $1,215.42 $762.06 $509.86 $294.52 $191.62 $150.00 $68.35 -

$1,000 $1,045 $2,570

$71.42 -

12 -

Gift Total

Year

Christmas Collection

2022

968 $138,544

2013

1,891 $101,394

2008

2,182

$78,934

2003

2,000

$65,348

1998

1,480

$67,431

1993

1,041

$35,115

1973

N.A.

$11,561

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 4, 2024

Eucharistic Revival Monthly Homily

February Catechetical Topic: “The Eucharist as Holy Banquet” Purpose: To present the Church’s teaching on the Eucharist as Holy Banquet. “ 1382 The Mass is at the same time, and inseparably, the sacrificial memorial in which the sacrifice of the cross is perpetuated and the sacred banquet of communion with the Lord's body and blood. But-” Click HERE for the Homily, featuring Monsignor John Dermond.

DON’T FORGET!!! This week’s Eucharistic Revival Team Meeting is Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Spiritual Center. Even if you haven’t joined before, please feel free to drop in to hear news on the Revival. It’s not too late! The National Eucharistic Congress is July 17. It will be the first after 83 years. Be apart of the informative Impact Sessions, Eucharistic Procession, Adoration amongst thousands and stop for Confession during 1 of 5 days. Registration is still available HERE. Check this page of the bulletin each week to find out about upcoming meetings and events for the Eucharist Revival. Parish events will also be posted on our Facebook page. To find more information about the movement, click HERE.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 4, 2024

Celebrating World Marriage Day 2024 A Message for all DoT Parishes from the Department of Evangelization and Family Life…

The Department of Evangelization and Family Life is pleased to provide all parishes with a full set of resources for a very special celebration of World Marriage Day (Sunday, February 11, 2024) and National Marriage Week USA (February 7-14, 2024). We are also spotlighting our “Encouraging Catholic Weddings (ECW)” initiative with our own ECW video series and other resources to encourage engaged couples and those in civil marriages to embrace the beauty of Catholic marriage. Check out resources for World Marriage Day/National Marriage Week from the USCCB - https:// www.foryourmarriage.org/celebratenational-marriage-week/

Lenten Regulations - Guidelines of the Universal Church 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 (February 14) and Good Friday \ (March 29). All other Fridays of Lent (February 16 through March 22) are days of abstinence (no meat). 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 All are encouraged to embrace these practices as part of our spiritual journey. The next (12-week) training class for telephone volunteers for CONTACT (24-hour crisis intervention hotline) will begin on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, once a week for 12 weeks, every Wednesday from 6:30 -9:30 P.M. In person training will be held at St. Luke’s Church,1674 Old Freehold Rd., Toms River, NJ 08755. CONTACT, a free and confidential service, has been assisting with the needs of individuals throughout the community since 1975, by providing a safe place for callers to talk about their problems with anonymity. Information and referrals are provided when requested. For additional information, please call the office: (732) 240-6104.

St. Peter's Community Lunch: There is a significant NEED EACH WEEK Click HERE for details or log onto our website and visit the Confirmation Prep Page. Community Service hours provided.

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

February 4, 2024

Offerings at Francis House of Prayer Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House 84 Walnford Road • Allentown, NJ 08501 (609) 877-0509

Please check www.FHOP.org for dates, registration, directions and for our other offerings! All programs will be offered online and in-person unless otherwise indicated.

JOURNALING RETREAT A PATH TOWARD CLARITY Tuesday, February 6 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM Journaling is a wonderful way to get in touch with what’s true inside in order to talk it over with God. Will it help you to give yourself a day to pray, write and share if you wish? Give yourself the privilege of honoring your thoughts, feelings, and desires. They are worth your attention because God speaks to you through them. Please bring your lunch. Donation: $25. IN PERSON ONLY PERSONAL RETREAT DAY Wednesday, February 7 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM 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. Donation: $10; $40 with spiritual direction.

THE RUTHLESS ELIMINATION OF HURRY! Friday, February 9 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM Are you getting hints from God, others and maybe even your own body that it’s time to slow down a bit? Lent is around the bend. This morning retreat may be a jump start to a great Lenten practice to help us pay attention, do one thing at a time and live in the present moment as we learn about the 10 symptoms of “hurry sickness” and their cure. Hurry and sign up! Donation: $30, includes materials and lunch. Zoom: $20.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR ANYONE SEPARATED OR DIVORCED

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ We have many offerings for anyone experiencing the pain and hurt of losing a marriage relationship. It doesn’t matter if you are contemplating divorce, newly separated, going through the divorce process, recently divorced or divorced many years. You could have been married 4 years or 40 years, it doesn’t matter, this program has help for everyone that attends! We are currently offering a 12-Week Program Beginning Thursday, March 7, 2024 From 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm St. Leo The Great, Parish Center Meeting Room Located at 50 Hurleys Lane, Lincroft, NJ. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Our programs are run by trained and certified Facilitators who are divorced and who have completed our 12-week Program and now would like to bring the healing they received to you! To register or to have one of the Facilitators give you a call to find out more information, please email: healingheartsfromdivorce@gmail.com.

For more information to help you decide if this program is right for you, please visit: https://www.mylifechangecoach.com/divorceministry. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ We don’t ask if you’re Catholic, we only ask if you need healing! We hope you can join us, and we look forward to meeting you!

CATHOLIC WOMEN of ZION WE CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO CWOZ-CHAPTER 1 35th YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION:

Terry A. Ginther is currently the Chancellor of the Diocese of Trenton in NJ and serves on the Bishop’s Curia as Executive Director for Pastoral Life and Mission. She holds degrees in both Pastoral Ministry and Business Administration. Terry has led efforts in Pastoral Planning, Leadership Development, and Faith Formation. Come, bring a friend and join Terry as she shares: “DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED” John 14:1 Marylene D’Jamoos, formerly from Paris, France, now residing in Woodcliff Lake, NJ,became a Lay Carmelite 42 years ago and served as their New Jersey Regional Coordinator for 12 years, continuing to grow in love with Jesus, Mary, and Carmelite spiritualty. For 18 years Marylene used her early French training to open and direct a successful and much sought after Catholic Montessori School in her parish. Marylene invites us to join her as she shares: “SEEKING OUR BLESSED MOTHER IN DIFFICULT TIMES” Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Place: St. William the Abbot R.C. Church 2740 Lakewood-Allenwood Road, Howell NJ 07731 Admission: $25 payable at the door, includes lunch.