The parish of saint Mary
A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in our Time
OnePhalanxRoad,ColtsNeck,NJ07722
Phone:732-780-2666 Fax:732-780-0394
Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C. M.
Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee
Pastor Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch
Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 9, 2025
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 that is on file.
- Notification on website: www.stmarycoltsneck.org
Parish Office Hours
Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Tuesdays 2:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The Parish Office is closed Fridays and Saturdays. The Parish Office will also be open Sunday March 2, 9am - 1pm
Any questions, please call the office at (732)-780-2666.
Mass Intentions for:
Saturday February 8 2025 - Sunday February 16 2025
Saturday, February 8- 4PM
Paul Saake * Barbara Saake
John M. Grabowski, Sr. * The Grabowski Family
Gerard Carney Sr * The Brown Family
Sunday, February 9 - 8AM
Barbara Swan Critchley * Tom and Angela Kinlin 10AM
Pro Populo
Robert Zoltowski * Faistl Family
Margaret Miller * Susan Miller 12PM
Gaetano & Giuseppa Tagliavia * Tagliavia Family
James Pellicano * Gabbard family
Monday, February 10- 9AM - Chapel
Helen DeCerce * Carol Donahue
John W. Stutz * Jane Slattery
Tuesday, February 11 – 9AM
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Wednesday, February 12 - 9AM
Sal Aiello * Aiello Family
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Sanctuary Lamp
Church: Joanne and John Sawyer
Requested by: Lynn and Frank Dynof
Chapel: Gerard Thompson
Requested by: Walking With Purpose
Thursday, February 13 - 9AM - Chapel
Christopher B. Costello * Tom & Angela Kinlin
Friday, February 14 – 9AM - Chapel
Diane Aromando * Michele Telesca
Bernie Dorrian * The Dorrian Family
Saturday, February 15- 4PM
Florence Luzzi * Rich Luzzi
Sergio & Antonio Dos Santos * Dos Santos Family
Diane Aromando * Carol Ward
Sunday February 16 –8AM
Rosalie Mangano * Mr. & Mrs. Mario Geneve 10AM
Eleanor Coleman * Carol Donahue
Dominick Ruocco * The Burtone Family
Clive Lay * Donna, Frank, & Tyler Sikorskas 12PM
Pro Populo
Tom Walsh * Maureen Beyer
Theresa Kromer * Don & Janet Johnston
GROTTO CANDLES
The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions. Offering is $3.00 per candle
MASS INTENTIONS AND SANCTUARY LAMPS (MEMORIALS)
Mass intentions for all occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, sickness, etc.) for the deceased or living can be requested online HERE . Please scroll down to the preferred date and time, whether daily Mass or weekend Mass. Intentions are available from the next couple of weeks until December 2025. The stipend per mass intention is $10
Consider requesting a Sanctuary Lamp in memory of a deceased person or in honor of a living individual. Sanctuary lamps burn permanently in the Church and Chapel. Requests can be made for a week, starting Sunday and ending the following Saturday. The stipend per sanctuary lamp is $25. Requests can be made online HERE.
Mass intentions and sanctuary lamps can also be requested in person at the Parish office during business hours.
Lifelong Catechesis - Week of February 9 February 15
READINGS FOR THE WEEK:
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time February 9
Is 6:1-2a, 3-8/1 Cor 15:1-11 or 15:3-8, 11/Lk 5:1-11
MONDAY February 10
Gn 1:1-19/Mk 6:53-56
[
TUESDAY February 11
Gn 1:20 2:4a/Mk 7:1-13
WEDNESDAY February 12
Gn 2:4b-9, 15-17/Mk 7:14-23
THURSDAY February 13
Gn 2:18-25/Mk 7:24-30
FRIDAY February 14
Gn 3:1-8/Mk 7:31-37
SATURDAY February 15
Gn 3:9-24/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.
Pray for Military & First Responders
AMT Colton Boag, USCG
Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army
TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:
Question for Children: What is a way that you can follow Jesus?
Question for Youth: Following Jesus can mean leaving some things behind. What do you need to let go of to follow Jesus more fully in your life?
Question for Adults: When recently did God call you to do something that was difficult?
LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC Life Long Catechesis
Lt. Col. Douglas Coppola, US Army
~ Lt. Mary Herman, USN
~
SN Christian Houlihan, USN ~
LT. Jason Joseph Howe, USN
SPC Michael John Mento, US Army
LTJG Matthew Motola, USN ~
LCpl Bradley O’Ree, USMC
SPC Nicholas Poskonka, US Army ~
Captain Richard Savo, US Army
1st Lt. Adam Sjoholm, US Army
Captain Ryan Tanguay, US Army
Pleaseprayforthefollowingmembersofourparishcommunitywhoareill:
Jack Coppola
Kaitlin Donahue Nagle
Nancy Niven
David Niven
Lori Lettieri
Lauren vinci
Dawn Reinhardt
Helen Prill
Rose walch
Joyce daniel
Robert a . monaco, md
Owen Shoemaker
Peter Vickers
Debby Tanico
Toaddorremoveafamilymemberfromthesicklistpleasee-mailONLY parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Please,also,keepusupdatedonyourlovedone’shealth. Nameswillberemovedfromthelistafter3months.ThankyouforkeepingourParishinformed.
Jeff McBride
Worship & Music
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org
WORLD MARRIAGE WEEK
World Marriage Day is celebrated annually on the 2nd Sunday of February, which usually falls on or near St Valentine’s Day. World Marriage Day honors husband and wife as the foundation of the family, the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of their faithfulness, sacrifice and joy in daily married life. More intently, the focus of this day is to remind married couples to maintain an open and honest relationship within marriage. In addition, couples by nature of their sacred vows are charged with living out a sacramental relationship in the service of others - not only their children, but their families and communities as well.
In recent years, the awareness has broadened and the week of February 7-14 has been designated as World Marriage Week. At Sunday Masses, there is a special blessing for married couples. During the week, couples are encouraged to participate in activities with each other to strengthen their marriages. Resources have been compiled and can be found at the link below:
World Marriage Week 2025: Source of Hope, Spring of Renewal. Pursue a Lasting Love! https://www.foryourmarriage.org/celebrate-national-marriage-week/
Apollonia, Virgin and Martyr, died 249
St. Dionysius wrote an account of the heavy persecution of Christians by the pagan populace in the city of Alexandria in the last year of the reign of the Emperor Philip. An enraged mob killed several older Christians who would not blaspheme God or worship the false gods. Many other Christians fled the city, leaving all of their possessions behind rather than renounce their faith. St. Dionysius noted that he knew of none who yielded to the pressure. Among the Christians martyred at this time was Apollonia, a deaconess. The pagans first beat her severely, knocking all of the teeth out of her head. Then, dragging her out of the city, they lit a great fire and threatened to throw her into it unless she blasphemed God. Apollonia asked for a moment’s delay which, interpreted by the pagans as a sign that she was considering it, was granted. When she was freed, Apollonia threw herself onto the flames. While we, as Christians, believe it a sin to hasten one’s own death, St. Augustine was of the opinion that Apollonia was guided by the Holy Spirit in her action.
Read More HERE
Liturgy of the Word Dismissal
This is the practice of having children, ages 4-12, leave the Sunday assembly during the Liturgy of the Word (readings) and gather in a separate environment to engage in the Liturgy of the Word at a level more appropriate to the children’s understanding.
Ministry
Schedule:
February 15th & 16th
Saturday, 15 4 PM NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Carly York Jeniffer Stubbs Paul Tonacci
Sunday, 16 8 AM NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Carly York Rita Duenas
Sunday, 16 10 AM Olivia Linquito RJ Vaina Carly York
Barbara Schaflin
Annette Raynor
OH - Louise Habrack
TH - Jane Slattery
TH - Richard Gerbino
ALT - Monica Barr
Julia Cullen
OH - Justine Buzzetta
TH - Joyce Flynn
TH - Mary Aiello
ALT– Martha Grigoli
OH - Fran Vaina
TH -Linda Dickinson - Pancila
TH - Steve Stanley
ALT– Carol Donahue
Sunday, 16 12 PM Jack Schatzle NOT FILLED Diane Dragone Mary Ellen Griffin (Sub Req) Richard Gerbino
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (LectionaryPage.net)
OH - NOT FILLED
TH - Irene Weller
TH - Dawn Reinhardt
ALT– Ron Gabbard
Baptismal Preparation Session St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on: SUNDAY, March 2, 2025
Pre-registrationisrequiredaweek in advance. ContactUs
Faith Formation
Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation
ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309
Many thanks to all who donated valentine’s for the service men and women at Earle Naval Base.
Over 200 valentine’s were collected! What an amazing show of love and support!
We had a smooth start to Summer Intensive EARLY registration. We thank you all for your patience as we begin processing. Placement letters will be emailed out in the coming weeks.
Religious Education Program 2025-2026
Registration/Re-Registration
Course progression:
First Holy Communion Prep (FHC) - 1
First Holy Communion Prep (FHC) - 2
Continuing Faith (CF) - A, B, C & D
Confirmation Prep (CP) - 1
Confirmation Prep (CP) - 2
Summer Intensive 2025 : July 14
-25, M-F, 9 AM-12 PM, VIRTUAL Aug. 4-15, M-F, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM, ON CAMPUS For students in FHC 1 & 2, CF A, B, C & D only
Fall Program 2025:
FHC 1 & 2: Tues. 4:50 PM to 6:00 PM, weekly
CF A, B, C & D: Tues. 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, weekly CP 1 & 2: bi-monthly Sun. 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, virtual or Tues. 4:15 PM to 5:45 PM, on campus
Summer Intensive Registration CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION LINKS
2024 - 2025
• 2024 - 2025 RE Calendar grades 1-8
• 24/25 Fall RE Calendar grades 1-6
• Parent - Student 24/25 Handbook
• Intergenerational List
• Intergenerational Recording link
/ Religion Ed
Religious Education Calendar
11 February 2025
RE Class #20 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
18 February 2025
RE Class #21 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
23 February 2025
Confirmation Prep 1 & 2-Student Retreat Begins with 12 PM mass, then to Madonna Hall
25 February 2025
RE Class #22 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
28 February 2025
Last day to Register/Re-register for EARLY Summer Intensive 2025 Program, FHC & CF 4 March 2025
RE Class #23 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
5 March 2025
Fishers of Men INT- Ash Wed.
SERVICE HOUR OPPORTUNITIES
Confirmation Prep – 1 & 2
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Please print out your service log from the website under CP - completed log due the end of 8th grade
• Tuesday Elementary RE class assistant or helper- Contact Religious Ed office for details
• Summer RE assistant/volunteer July Virtual or August on-campus- Sign up Here
• Lenten Books– pass out in Narthexsign up coming soon
See website for more service opportunities
Pastoral Care
Rosemarie Farrow - Pastoral Coordinator of Pastoral Care & Outreach
R.Farrow@stmaryscoltsneck.org
732-780-2666 x 310
Jubilee of Sick & Homebound
“It is not good that man should be alone.” Gen 2:18 World Day of the Sick is celebrated annually on February 11, the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes.
In this Jubilee Year, the Church invites us to become ‘pilgrims of hope’, to celebrate the Day dedicated to the sick, the Holy Father chooses a passage from St Paul's Letter to the Romans, in which the apostle infuses the Christian community of Rome with courage. Hope, the central message of the Jubilee, gives substance to the Pope's invitation, and at the same time his wish, to all those who suffer and to those who care for the sick. A hope that makes us steadfast in difficulties and offers nourishment to that virtue that is called fortitude and is - like hope - a gift from God.
This gift is one of the aspects through which God's presence is manifested in our lives. ‘More than anything else, suffering makes us aware that hope comes from the Lord, and it is thus, first and foremost, a gift to be received and cultivated, by remaining “faithful to the faithfulness of God” (cf. La esperanza è una luce nella notte, Vatican City 2024, Preface).’ It is also a gift to walk beside the Risen One, who fills that suffering with meaning, so that we too, like the disciples of Emmaus (cf. Luke 24:13-53) ‘we can share with him our anxieties, concerns and disappointments, and listen to his word, which enlightens us and warms our hearts. Like them too, we can recognize him present in the breaking of the bread”. This walking together, Pope Francis concludes, ‘is a sign for everyone, “a hymn to human dignity, a song of hope’’’. A luminous testimony that substantiates the exhortation of this Jubilee: ‘Spes non confundit’, ‘hope does not disappoint’. For the complete article and Pope Francis’ message click HERE Find out more about Our Lady of Lourdes HERE VIDEO HERE Ways to Celebrate Our Lady of Lourdes as a Family HERE
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The dynamic of the first reading and gospel is theophany— call. This suggests that in our own lives we must be tuned into God’s theophanies for each time God makes divine presence known there is a call to follow. If we look for shaking door frames, billowing smoke, and large catches of fish we will miss God’s theophanies! The gospel invites us to look to the simple manifestations of holiness that indicate the presence of God, for example, in the generosity of so many volunteers, in the faithfulness of husbands and wives, in the unselfishness of pastoral workers, in the uncomplaining suffering of the sick, in the gracious wisdom of the elderly. Our yes response to the call within these theophanies is to imitate these good behaviors and by doing so we extend God’s reign. Living the paschal mystery means we respond to God’s call—fulfill our baptismal commitment—in these little, everyday things. The astonishing thing about this good news is that we are all made worthy simply because God calls.
We continue to collect blessed palm that you may have in your home as we prepare for the Lenten Season. The receptacles will be located in the Narthex (Gathering Area) of the Church for your convenience.
During the Month of February we celebrate Saint Valentine Day…an opportunity for us to reflect on the importance of Christian Marriage in our Church and in our World. Let us keep those couples who are prepping for marriage in our prayer. The 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal will kick off in a few weeks. Let us renew our resolve top support His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton as he continues to oversee our diocese in service to the people of Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington and Mercer Counties in Central NJ.
Last weekend we announced the detailed report of our 2024 Christmas Collection. I am very grateful to all those who participated. This single collection represents a nearly 10% portion of our annual revenue. These funds help us to provide the many services which characterize our parish community. Thank You!
I greet in a special way all of our sick and homebound parishioners. You have a special place in our common prayer. Please pray for our parish community as we strive to live the Gospel and build the Kingdom of God. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach
Sharing Our Treasure Sunday, February 2 – Presentation of the Lord
# Registered Parishioner Households 930
Building fund collection January 2025 * $4,863
Building fund collection February 2025 $2,651
Our monthly payment is $7,966.26 Corrected amount due to mis posting
"They came to offer in sacrifice 'a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons', in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. " Lk 2:24
2024 End of Year Contribution Statement
Statement of charitable contributions for calendar year 2024 will be available on or about January 17, 2024. Your personal statement can be downloaded from My Own Church portal. Please follow the instructions HERE to sign up for My Own Church and retrieve your statement. If you wish to receive a paper statement of your 2024 contributions, please provide a self-addressed stamped envelope to the parish office by mail or drop it in the collection basket by January 31, 2024. Requests will be processed & mailed by the end of January.
Please do not make your request by phone.
Annual
Catholic Appeal 2025
St Mary’s goal is $79,000
Edwin A. SevillanoTemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org
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 Connect Now Giving App for Android or iOS.Thank you for your continuous support!
Please remember the Parish of Saint Mary in your will..
By naming St. Mary in your will or trust, you will provide a lasting gift that will greatly help St. Mary and our parishioners. Thank you for your consideration
The 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal is Now Underway. Bishop O’Connell’s letter will soon arrive in your homes, and next weekend at all Masses, you’ll have the opportunity to make your pledge to support essential diocesan ministries. During this Jubilee Year, our Appeal theme ‘Fan the Flame of Hope’ calls us to be Pilgrims of Hope. As the papal motto reminds us, ‘Hope Does Not Disappoint’ (Romans 5:5). Your gift supports ministries that offer hope to our most vulnerable neighbors, strengthen families, form clergy, educate youth, and spread Christ’s love throughout our diocese. Join us next weekend to Fan the Flame of Hope through your pledge or make your gift today at giveaca.org.
Father Michael Walsh Will Return as the Speaker for the Martha Mary Guild
The Martha Mary Guild is so happy that Fr. Mike will be at our February meeting. Everyone was inspired by his last visit and we look forward to the next one. To quote Father, he will be "focusing on the interior transformation all of us need. Our aim is to achieve interior conversion. We are guided by God's word and we are challenged by the season of Lent. May we all become people of the heart." All women of the parish and our co-horts are invited to join us on Wed., Feb. 12 to get a "jumpstart" on Lent, which starts on March 5. We will pray the rosary at 11:30 a.m., followed by BYOL, (Bring Your Own Lunch), with desserts supplied by generous members. Fr. Mike will begin around 12:30.
The next (6-week) training class for telephone volunteers for CONTACT (24-hour crisis intervention hotline) will begin on Tuesday, February 18 2025 twice a week for 6 weeks, every Tuesday & Thursday from 6:30-9:30 PM. In Person training will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington St. Toms River 08753. CONTACT, a free and confidential service, has been assisting with the needs of individuals throughout the community since 1975, by providing a a safe place for the callers to talk about their problems with anonymity. Information and referrals are provided when requested For additional training information, please call the CONTACT office - 732-240-6104
Did you know that our parish has a Prayer Shawl Ministry?
A group of women meet every third Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. to knit or crochet for the sick of the parish, nursing home residents, Birthright, the homeless and Veterans groups. We welcome new members and also accept donations of yarn.
To join the ministry, or for more information, please call: Kathy Adleman at 732-946-4631
