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
Epiphany of the Lord
January 5, 2025
Solemnity: Epiphany of the Lord
Saturday, January 4th 4:00 pm Mass
Sunday, January 5th 10:00 am
Feast: Baptism of the Lord
Saturday, January 11th 4:00 pm Mass in Church
Saturday, January 12th 8:00 am, 10:00 am, & 12:00 pm Mass
Mass Intentions for:
Saturday January 4 2025 - Sunday January 12 2025
Saturday, January 4- 4PM
Carl Fortunato * Rose Fortunato & Family
Alice Hnat * Rorie & Jack Coppola
Wilfreda Poscablo * Drs. Gener & Elvira Dapul
Sunday, January 5 - 10AM
Michael Capardi * Capardi Family
Louis Sliazis * His Family
Kenneth & Mildred DeVaney * Their Children
Monday, January 6 - 9AM - Chapel
Margaret Mary Hennessey * Mr. & Mrs. S. McInerney Olga Toussaint's soul * Vernon Toussaint
Tuesday, January 7– 9AM
Rev. Fr. Raymond Griffin * Rev. Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee, Staff & Parishioners
Charlotte Clime Schatzle * Jim Schatzle & Family
Wednesday, January 8 - 9AM
Joan Brando * Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Visci
Thursday, January 9- 9AM - Chapel
Rose Aiello * Aiello Family
Kerry McRory * Bridget McRory Evankow
Sanctuary Lamp
Church: Walter J. Bonus
Requested by: St. Mary Music Ministry
Friday, January 10 – 9AM - Chapel
PVT Charles H. Haber, Jr. * Carol Donahue
Lynn Gioacchini * The Gioacchini Family
Saturday, January 11- 4PM
Collette Flynn * Hugh & Phyllis Murphy
Mary Resko * Mary Kopko
Marge Eastman * Barbara & Joe Verga
Sunday January 12 –8AM
Mary Louise Gibbons * John & Molly Aiello
Barbara Swan Critchley * Kevin Florence Swan & Family
Marilyn Perez * The Asprocolas Family
10AM
Pro Populo
Raymond Monahan * Capardi Family
Joan Brando * Marguerite & Joe Amato
12PM
Robert A. & Mary Joan McNamara * The McNamara Family
Domenica Musicaro * Richard & Maria Gerbino
John & Ginny Kelly * Their Children
Please remember in your prayers those who have recently died.
Sadie Vulpis Clive Lay
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 January 5 January 11
READINGS FOR THE WEEK:
THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
Is 60:1-6/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12
MONDAY January 6
1 Jn 3:22 4:6/Mt 4:12-17, 23-25
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TUESDAY January 7
1 Jn 4:7-10/Mk 6:34-44
WEDNESDAY January 8
1 Jn 4:11-18/Mk 6:45-52
THURSDAY January 9
1 Jn 4:19 5:4/Lk 4:14-22a
FRIDAY January 10
1 Jn 5:5-13/Lk 5:12-16
SATURDAY January 11
1 Jn 5:14-21/Jn 3:22-30 FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:
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
LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC
Question for Children: In your life, who helps you to see Jesus in other people such as a classmate or a friend?
Question for Youth: The star guided the Magi to Jesus. What are the people or events who have guided you in your relationship with Jesus?
Question for Adults: How this past week did you demonstrate God’s love at home and at work?
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
Gerard Thompson
Rose walch
Joyce daniel
Robert a . monaco, md
Jeff McBride
Owen Shoemaker
Peter Vickers
Debby Tanico
Toaddorremoveafamilymemberfromthesicklistpleasee-mailONLY parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Please,also,keepusupdatedonyourlovedone’shealth. Nameswillberemovedfromthelistafter3months.ThankyouforkeepingourParishinformed.
Worship & Music
Andrew J. Macirowski
- Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist
Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org
The Solemnity of the Epiphany of The Lord
Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Although this holy day technically falls on January 6, (the 12th day of Christmas), the date on which the Epiphany is celebrated changes annually, as it is always transferred to a Sunday celebration. The purpose of the day is to commemorate the theophany of the Christ, the revelation of his coming in holiness to all the peoples of the world, as represented by the magi, who travelled far to meet the infant Jesus.
In some Eastern European countries, clergy would travel throughout the villages blessing homes on this day, commemorating the visit of the magi to the temporary home of the Holy Family. This tradition has carried over to some parts of the world, with the blessing of homes taking place between the Epiphany and Candlemas (February 2nd).
The custom of Little Christmas is observed in some parts of the world as well. Families who would need to travel considerable distances to be with loved ones would place the focus of the Christmas holiday on attending Mass (usually on Christmas Eve, particularly the Midnight Mass, spend Christmas Day as a family, and then spend time in travel after the holiday, coming together on the 12th day to exchange gifts. Today, some churches hold “Little Christmas” events, more likely those with an associated grammar school community.
John Neumann was born in what is now the Czech Republic. At an early age, he was attracted to the religious life and entered the seminary. Unable to be ordained in Bohemia due to a surplus of priests, John went to the United States where he was ordained in 1836.
The next few years were spent in missionary work, primarily among German-speaking Catholics in upstate New York. In 1840, he joined the newly established branch of the Redemptorists in Pittsburgh and became the first Redemptorist to take his vows in the United States. John continued his missionary work in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, and in 1847, he was named superior of the American Redemptorists.
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.
John Neumann, Bishop, 1811-1860
Ministry Schedule: Baptism of the Lord - January 11 & 12
Saturday , 11 4 PM NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Bridget Farrow
Mary Ellen Griffin
Paul Tonacci
Sunday, 12 8 AM
Jack Main (Sub Req) NOT FILLED
Sunday, 12 10 AM
Olivia Linquito Chloe Cullen
Carly York
Rita Duenas
Kevin Swan
OH - Irene Weller
TH - Louise Habrack
TH - Emily Santangelo
ALT - Jane Slattery (Sub Req)
OH - Martha Cowles
TH - Justine Buzzetta
TH - Mary Aiello
ALT– Cindy Ventura
Sunday,12 12 PM
Jonathan Stubbs NOT FILLED
Carly York
Julia Cullen Matt Yaninas
Choir/ Cantor NOT FILLED
Missionary Childhood Association
ADVENTMiteBoxes
The purpose of the Missionary Childhood Association is to encourage all children to be aware of the needs of children living in mission dioceses through the world and support them both spiritually and sacrificially. Today it is in 110 countries and helps make Jesus known to children all over the world. Please take a mite box home with you and have your child fill it with loose change throughout Advent. Once filled, please count the amount inside, write a check to St Mary Parish with “MCA” in the memo line and we as a parish will forward the full amount to the Mission Office. You can also make an offering online at https://bit.ly/3ETJPyT or scan the code.
Please send in your offerings by January 12, 2025.
Thank you in advance for your generosity & commitment.
Jennifer Stubbs
OH - Linda Dickinson-Pancila
TH - Carol Donahue
TH - Richard Gerbino
ALT– Maureen Geiger
OH - Lee Gesner
TH - Patricia Gesner
TH - Richard Gerbino
ALT– Nick Turkovic
Second Sunday after Christmas
O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen . (LectionaryPage.net)
Baptismal Preparation Session
St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on: SUNDAY, January 5, 2025
Pre-registrationisrequired aweekin advance. Contact Us
Faith Formation Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator
of Faith Formation / Religion Ed ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309
Happy New Year and a Blessed 2025 To All!
Religious Ed classes begin this weekend.
see calendar for details Summer Registration/ Re-Registration opens on 2 February 2025 at 9 AM. Link to register can be found in the bulletin or in the banner on our website homepage. Save the date, as registration is first come, first serve, once all requirements are met. 2025 Summer Intensive Dates are as follows: July 14-25 VIRTUAL & August 4-15 ON
CAMPUS
The Missionary Childhood Association Advent Mite Box offerings are due by January 12, 2025. The purpose of this service project is to encourage all children to be aware of the needs of children living in mission dioceses through the world and support them both spiritually and sacrificially. Please count the amount inside, write a check to St Mary Parish with “MCA” in the memo line and we as a parish will forward the full amount to the Mission Office. You can also make an offering online at https://bit.ly/3ETJPyT Mite boxes can also be returned to the parish office by January 12, 2025.
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
Religious Education Calendar
2 January 2025
Concludes Religious Education Break
5, 7 January 2025
Confirmation Prep Class-Virtual/On Campus
7 January 2025
RE Class #15 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
14 January 2025
RE Class #16 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
21 January 2025
RE Class #17 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
26, 28 January 2025
Confirmation Prep Class-Virtual/On Campus
28 January 2025
RE Class #18 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
SERVICE HOUR OPPORTUNITIES
Confirmation Prep– 7 & 8 grade
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Please print out your service log as it is due the end of 8th grade, in preparation for Confirmation.
• Tuesday Elementary RE class assistant or hall monitor. Contact Religious Education office for details.
• Summer RE assistant teacher: Virtual or on-campus; sign-link will open mid January.
more Christian service opportunities listed on website
Pastoral Care
Rosemarie
Farrow - Pastoral Coordinator of Pastoral Care & Outreach
R.Farrow@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 x 310
What is the Jubliee Year?
Jubilee 2025
The theme of the 2025 Jubilee is captured in its motto: Pilgrims in Hope and the title of the papal decree proclaiming the Holy Year: Spes non Confundit (Hope does not Disappoint) (Rom. 5:5) The Jubilee aims to inspire a collective sense of hope. It summons us to be renewed in hope, and in turn, to be tangible signs of hope for those who experience hardship of any kind.
The Jubilee coincides with the 1700th anniversary of the 1st Ecumenical Council (Nicaea). This Council sought to preserve the Church’s unity which was threatened by the denial of Christ’s divinity. It approved the Creed we recite each Sunday at Mass.
Holy Door
The Holy Door at the Basilicas in Rome is a crucial symbol of the Jubilee Year. Jesus said: “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved.” (Jn 10:9)
• The Opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica took place on December 24,2024.
• The Jubilee celebrations for various audiences will take place from January to December 2025.
For more information about the opening of the Holy Doors and other Jubilee Celebrations visit the Jubilee website HERE
An Invitation to the Martha Mary Guild's January Meeting
The Martha Mary Guild invites Everyone to start off the New Year with a very important meeting on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Tracy Nerney, Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator from Jersey Shore University Medical Center, will present a program on "Fall Prevention". This is a very appropriate topic for all age groups, and we cordially extend our invitation to our Cohort parishes.
Join us at 11:30 a.m. in the old chapel for the rosary. BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch) will be at noon, with refreshments and desserts supplied by the Guild. The program will begin at 12:45.
Our members have been so generous with our various collections all year, that we are taking a break for awhile. We will let you know when there is another collection. Looking forward to seeing you on the 8th!
Tracey Nerney
Quo vadis...
My Dear Parishioners:
Today we celebrate The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. All gifts given invite a response. Socially, a verbal or written thank you note usually suffices. Simply because God’s generosity is so lavish our response must be much more. God has given us great treasure, two of which are mystery so deep: the gift of the only-be-gotten Son and our being “members of the same body” (see second reading). Our response can be no less than the total gift of ourselves. “Total gift of ourselves” is one way to describe the paschal mystery. In our baptism we become “coheirs” and “copartners” in Christ, in his death and resurrection. We are copartners, therefore, in Jesus’ ministry. To be a disciple means not only to live the gospel, it also means that we will go to our death as Jesus did. “Total gift of ourselves” means that daily we must die to ourselves if we are to remain faithful to our identity with Christ. Why would we choose to respond to God’s generosity in such a radical way? Because we know that by dying to ourselves we are “coheirs”—we receive God’s life now and the promise of fullness to come.
It has been so very nice to see family members of our parishioners, former parishioners and newcomers worshipping with us during this festive time. I thank all of you for your very gracious spirit of hospitality and your reverence and joy in celebrating the liturgy. These distinguish our parish from so many others. The vibrancy of our worship and the active participation of so many enable us to fully embrace the church’s vision for worship. May God bless all of you for your dedication
and fidelity to our common sacramental life. As we begin another new year take the time to reflect on the past year…what was good? …what was not so good?…how can I do better?…what is God calling me to do or become? The path to holiness of life is conversion or a change in attitude or disposition. Maybe the beginning of a new calendar year is the impetus you need to take inventory of your life? This is more than a New Year’s resolution…it is a prayerful way in which we honestly search for the inner peace and harmony that God calls us to cultivate in our lives as people who are saved and truly blessed.
The generous sharing of so many for the Solemnity of Christmas once again demonstrates your spirit of generosity and love of our parish. The Christmas Season will conclude liturgically with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord observed next weekend. There is so much for which we must be thankful…let’s not overlook the many sacrifices that so many of our forebears have made in order for us to be here today. Let us cultivate within ourselves a spirit of selflessness. I anticipate the publication of our 2024 Christmas Collection report in the coming weeks of January 2025. Next weekend our weekend mass schedule returns to “normal” Please make a note of that and thank you for your patience and cooperation these past weeks. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday.
Happy New Year 2025. Peace. Father Jeff
Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach
Sharing Our Treasure December, 29– FEAST
"And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Col 3:17
This weekend is our monthly Building & Mortgage collection. Our payment is $7,966.26. Please be generous.
2024 Christmas Collection:
If you haven't made your Christmas offering to the Parish, kindly use the Christmas offering envelope or make your gift through our online giving system at http://bit.ly/2Ec6vu5
We will provide you with a report of this collection at the conclusion of the Christmas Season.
Thankyoufor yourgenerosity!
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!
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.
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 dates, registration, directions and for our other offerings! All programs will be offered online and in-person unless otherwise indicated.
5 SHORT WAYS TO PRAY
Tuesday, January 14 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Do you struggle with finding time to pray? This morning retreat will acquaint you with 5 short ways to enjoy direct communication with the God who knows and loves you as you are. Prayer happens when the real God and the real you meet, even briefly. Donation: $25, includes lunch. Zoom: $20
GANDHI: PROPHET OF PEACE
Thursday, January 30 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Have we ever needed Gandhi's witness and message of nonviolence more than we do today? We are remembering Gandhi by joining together to view the very long but inspirational film, Gandhi. We will split our viewing into morning and afternoon sessions with delicious lunch and conversation between. Donation: $25, includes lunch, popcorn too! Zoom: $20
IN-PERSON ONLY
SILENT DIRECTED RETREAT WEEKEND
6:30 PM Friday to Noon on Sunday
January 31 – February 2
Liturgy, spiritual direction and optional contemplative prayer periods are included. Donation: $200/$100 non -refundable deposit. Full payment is required 2 weeks in advance of start date.
ZOOM ONLY SERIES
FIRST BELONG TO GOD
A RETREAT WITH POPE FRANCIS
9 Wednesdays 3:00 – 4:30 PM or 7:00 – 8:30 PM
January 22 & 29 March 12 & 26 February 12 & 26 April 9, 23 & May 7
If your soul needs light and peace and hope this program is for you. The time commitment is well worth it and to make it easier for you we are offering it both in the afternoon and the evening. Pope Francis’ writings give witness to the depth of his understanding of world issues and Ignatian Spirituality for today. We will use First Belong to God by Austen Ivereigh. Donation: $150
