Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C. M.
Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee
Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee
Pastor Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch
Pastor Emeritus: Reverend William J. Bausch
Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro
Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro
June 29, 2025
SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER & PAUL
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
The Parish Office will be open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 2 PM through August 29, 2025. The office will also continue to open one Sunday a month from 9 AM to 1 PM. Thank you for your cooperation!
ABBREVIATED MASS SCHEDULE INDEPENDENCE DAY
Saturday, June 28: 5 PM Sunday, June 29: 10 AM Saturday, July 5: 5 PM Sunday, July 6: 10 AM
No Sunday 8 AM or Noon Masses
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday June 28, 2025 - Sunday, July 6, 2025
Saturday, June 28
5 PM
Diane Aromando * Rorie & Jack Coppola
Kathleen Lynch * Liz & Bob Vallis
Pauline Monaghan * Liz & Bob Vallis
Sunday, June 29
10 AM
Daniel P. McGarry * The Farrow Family
Germaine Reinhardt * John & Dawn
Pro Populo
Monday, June 30
9 AM Chapel
Lucy Gerrity * Devine Family
Tuesday, July 1
9 AM Chapel
Peter Brennan * Marie & Jim Collins
Walter Maurer * Bill & Marge Rieth
Wednesday, July 2
9AM Chapel
Tom Carey * John & Molly Aiello
MASS INTENTIONS & SANCTUARY LAMPS
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 may also be requested in person at the Parish office during
Thursday, July 3
9AM Chapel
Intentions Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Intentions of Rosemary Maglio * Paula Natale
Friday, July 4
9AM Chapel
Anthony Carnevale * Diane Carnevale
Intentions of Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Saturday, July 5
5 PM
Florence Luzzi * Rich Luzzi
Sergio Dos Santos & Fernando Ferreira * Dos Santos Family
Robert Monaco MD * Susan Monaco
Sunday, July 6
10 AM
Pro Populo
Neil Slattery * Jane Slattery
Carmel Vickers * The Roger Family
Peter, Apostle, First Century
Saint Peter was named Simon and he was the brother of Saint Andrew. They were both fishermen in Galilee. Peter’s brother introduced him to Jesus. Peter was a zealous follower of Jesus. He was the first disciple to recognize that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” However, we also know that Peter doubted Jesus when walking on water and betrayed Jesus three times on the night Jesus died. In spite of Peter’s doubt and betrayal, Jesus recognizes God at work in Peter. Jesus chooses Peter to lead his Church.
Paul, Apostle, First Century
Read more HERE
Before his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul was known as Saul. Saul was a Jewish pharisee who zealously persecuted
s recollection of his amazing conversion is told in the Acts of the Apostles 22:6-16. Saul was traveling to Damascus to persecute the Christian community there. As he was traveling along the road, he was suddenly surrounded by a great light from heaven. He was blinded and fell off his horse. He then heard a voice saying to Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
Read more HERE
LIFELONG CATECHESIS: Week of June 29 to July 5
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Sunday, June 29
Acts 12:1-11/ 2 Tim 4:6-8,17-18/Mt 16:13-19
Monday, June 30
Gen 18:16-33 / Mt 8:18-22
Tuesday July 1
Gen 19:15-29 / Mt 8:23-27
Wednesday July 2
Gen 21:5, 8-20a / Mt 8:28-34
Thursday July 3
Ep 2:19-22 / Jn 20:24-29
Friday, July 4
Gen 23:1-4, 24:1-8, 62-67 / Mt 9:9-13
Saturday July 5
Gen 27:15-29 / Mt 9:14-17
Ann Romano
Jack Coppola
Kaitlin Donahue Nagle
Nancy Niven
David Niven
Lorraine & Alan Smith
Lori Lettieri
Lauren Vinci
Dawn Reinhardt
Helen Prill
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION
Question for Children: Who do you say that Jesus is?
Question for Youth:
How does the way you live your life show that you are a follower of Christ?
Question for Adults:
Patty Kamertz
Rose Walch
Joyce Daniel
Edward Habrack
Jeff McBride
Owen Shoemaker
Peter Vickers
Debby Tanico
Before the Resurrection, Peter denied Jesus three times. But in today’s Gospel, we hear about a Peter who has unshakable faith. He clearly proclaims that Jesus is Christ, the Son of the living God. What can you do to strengthen your faith and draw nearer to Christ? 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.
soldiers as they discharge their duties. Protect them with the shield of your strength and keep them safe from all
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
AMT Colton Boag, USCG
Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army
TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF
LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC
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
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist
Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org
• Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org
The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Saint Peter was one of Jesus' first disciples, a fisherman from Galilee. He is known for his impetuous nature, his leadership among the apostles, and his denial of Jesus three times before the crucifixion. Peter's leadership continued after Pentecost, and he played a crucial role in establishing the early Church, particularly in Rome, where he became the first Bishop, and the first Pope. Tradition holds that he was crucified upside down at his own request, due to his unworthiness to die in the same manner as Jesus
Saint Paul, originally named Saul, was a well-educated Pharisee who initially persecuted the early Christians. His life transformed after a vision of the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. He became a prolific missionary, traveling throughout the Roman Empire to spread the Gospel, particularly to the Gentiles. Paul wrote many letters to the churches he established, which are now part of the New Testament (called the Epistles: letters to the Romans, Corinthians, etc). He was eventually arrested and beheaded in Rome
As two of the most pre-eminent saints, their joint Solemnity, celebrated on June 29, emphasizes the universality of the Church. Peter represents the Church's stability and Paul its mission to all nations. It's a day to celebrate their lives, their faith, and their courage in proclaiming the Gospel, and a reminder to us to do the same.
BAPTISMAL PREPARATION
Our next Baptismal Preparation Session will be offered on: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Pre-registrationisrequiredaweekinadvance. Contact Us
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 the chapel to engage in the Liturgy of the Word at a level more appropriate to the children’s understanding.
Saturday, 7/5 5 PM
Sunday, 7/6 10 AM
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, July 5 & Sunday, July 6
Jonathan Stubbs Jack Main Carly York
Jennifer Stubbs
Charles Young
Olivia Linquito NOT FILLED Carly York
OUR PROMISE TO PROTECT
The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and to its own policies and guidelines in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors.
If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan ABUSE HOTLINE: 1-888-296-2965 or via e-mail at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org.
The Diocese of Trenton reports any allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Anyone with an allegation is also encouraged to provide that information to local law enforcement authorities.
Child Protection Efforts
Kevin Swan
Barbara Schaflin
Emily Santangelo, Organ Host
Tom Kinlin, Tabernacle Host
Tom Nathanson, Tabernacle Host
Susan Murphy, Alternate
Carol Donahue, Organ Host
Richard Gerbino, Tabernacle Host
Liz Turkovic, Tabernacle Host
Nick Turkovic, Alternate
Saint Peter & Saint Paul
Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
LectionaryPage.net
BECOME AN ALTAR SERVER!
Is your child looking for an opportunity to get more involved at The Parish of Saint Mary?
ConsiderhavingthembecomeanAltarServer!
Contact Andrew Macirowski at Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Ed
This weekend concludes orientations for our Summer Intensive programs. Many thanks to the RE families for all their dedication and support! Please see the RE Calendar and RSVP to our first INTERGENERATIONAL of the year, Grandparents Day! The Catholic World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is dedicated to honoring grandparents and elderly individuals and fostering intergenerational connections and is observed on the fourth Sunday of July. The theme for this year's celebration is "Blessed are those who have not lost hope.”
CALENDAR
29 June 2025
Summer Intensive Orientation
For July & August - FHC- 1 & 2, CF- A, B, C & D Begins at 10AM Mass, follows in the Church
13 July 2025
RELIGIOUS ED LINKS & RESOURCES
RE Calendar
RE Handbook
Intergenerational List & Descriptions
Intergenerational Recording Sheet
2025-2026
Opening “Blessing” Mass For July Summer Intensive children and families Noon in Church
14-25 July 2025
July Summer Intensive (Virtual) Monday to Friday, 9AM to 12PM
27 July 2025
Grandparents Day (Intergenerational Event) Begins at 10AM mass in Church followed by continental breakfast in Madonna Hall CLICK TO REGISTER
3 August 2025
Opening “Blessing” Mass For August Summer Intensive children and families Noon in Church
4-15 August 2025
August Summer Intensive (On Campus) Monday to Friday, 8:30AM to 12:30PM
Our Confirmation Retreat is scheduled for September 14, 2025, beginning at 10AM Mass. The Retreat is mandatory for all Confirmandi and Sponsors. Confirmation Rehearsal will take place on October 11, 2025, in the Church starting at 4 PM Mass.
Help Commemorate Bishop O’Connell’s 15th Episcopal Anniversary!
As we mark the 15th anniversary of Bishop David M. O’Connell’s episcopal ordination and his faithful ministry among us, all are invited to take part in a diocesan-wide tribute.
In the spirit of the Jubilee Year and honoring the Bishop’s Vincentian background, we encourage parishioners to carry out a Corporal Work of Mercy between June 15 andAugust 15 for the Bishop’s intentions. These acts of compassion such as feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, or clothing the poor will be gathered and offered as a “bouquet of good works” in celebration of his anniversary.
Please refer suggestions provided below, but feel free to be creative in how you live out these acts of love:
The Corporal Works of Mercy
1. Feed the Hungry: Make a monetary donation to a charity Donate to a food pantry Serve at a soup kitchen Prepare lunch for the homeless Make a meal for someone who is homebound
2. Shelter the Homeless: Volunteer at a homeless shelter Donate to an orphanage or foster care program Help an elderly neighbor with home repairs, cleaning, or errands
3. Clothe the Naked: Contribute to a clothing drive Donate to a maternity center Support your parish outreach or St. Vincent de Paul Conference
4. Visit the Sick and Imprisoned: Volunteer at a hospital or nursing facility Prepare a meal or run errands for a sick neighbor Send a card or letter to someone who is ill Donate rosaries, Bibles, or other spiritual items to a jail
5. Bury the Dead: Attend a funeral for a relative or friend Help a widow or widower with errands or support Visit and pray at a cemetery Have a Mass offered for the souls in purgatory
Please fill out the form HERE to let us know how you and your family plan to participate!
WE NEED YOUR HELP FOR OUR PARISH PHOTO DIRECTORY!
Photos for our Parish Photo Directory will be taken this Fall, and we are in need volunteers to help facilitate scheduling appointments after Mass! Sign up for any Saturday evening or Sunday mass from August 30 through September 28. Thank you!
Don’t forget to Save the Date to have your photos taken! Mark your calendar! Photos will be taken by appointment as follows: 10/1-3: 2PM-8:30PM 10/4: 10AM-4PM
PASTORAL CARE
Rosemarie Farrow Pastoral Coordinator of Pastoral Care
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 ext. 320.
High School Graduates
As a parish community we recognize the need to support graduates in staying connected to the Catholic Church after they graduate.
With more than 80% of high school students leaving their faith in college, we need a way to connect graduates to the next step in their faith journey.
Our parish has partnered with Newman Connection. Newman Connection connects graduating high school students to the Catholic campus ministry of their chosen college (whether it is a Catholic college or not). Connect directly with Newman Ministries HERE
YOUTH MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY
For ALL 8th – 12th Graders
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Peter (Apostle to the Jews) and Paul (Apostle to the Gentiles) celebrates both the historical figures and their symbolic roles as representatives of the Church. But the question arises: Is this Solemnity about the two individuals or about the Church? Both Peter and Paul have secondary feasts that remind us to celebrate them as individuals: the Feast of the Chair of Peter, Apostle on 22 February and the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle on 25 January. If we were to perceive this solemnity as about the individuals, then it might be thought that Paul receives lesser attention than Peter in the scripture passages proclaimed today.
However, if we recognize this solemnity as a call to reflect on the universality of the Church, then our attention is focused in a very different direction. Neither Peter nor Paul lived for themselves once they encountered Jesus and recognized who He was: the Savior of the World. Peter names Jesus as Christ and Son of God, and Jesus names Peter the Rock. Saul (renamed Paul) had persecuted Christians, but becomes a great apostle after his encounter with the Risen One. The grace to identify Christ always circles back and creates our own identity in relation to Christ. We were given our name Christian at Baptism. Now we spend our lives learning about who Christ is and how to find Christ in all the circumstances of our lives.
This is what it means for us to live out our baptism; this is what it means for us to live out our Christian identity. This is what it
means to live the Paschal Mystery. This is what it means to be Church!
This weekend and next weekend, we will observe the abbreviated Mass schedule: Saturday 5PM and Sunday 10AM. During the Summer months, try not to take a vacation from Sunday Mass and receiving Holy Communion, whether you are home, at a secondary residence or travelling on vacation. That is one of the benefits of our Catholic Communion…wherever we are, the Church observes and celebrates the Eucharist in the same way. While we may not be in our parish church, we are at home wherever we participate in the Mass. Thanks for your attention and cooperation.
This coming week, our nation observes the anniversary of its beginning. Independence Day is an opportunity for us to give thanks and praise to God for the Freedom that we have received and enjoy. It is a time for us to pray for the men and women in the armed forces who sacrifice their lives to guard this freedom. It is a time for us to reflect on how we live out this freedom in responsible and ethical ways. We will gather for Eucharist (mass) at 9:00am in the chapel. This is a wonderful way to begin the day. The parish office will be closed so I ask that you anticipate your needs. Enjoy the day with your family and friends and celebrate all that America is and will become in the future.
To those who have made a gift to the 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal THANK YOU! To those who have nit please consider making your pledge/gift this coming week. Together we can make our goal. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
TEMPORAL ADMINISTRATION & STEWARDSHIP
Edwin A. Sevillano
— Pastoral Associate for Temporal Administration & Stewardship
TemporalAdmin@StMarysColtsNeck.org
of June 13, 2025
You can enroll in our online giving system to conveniently make parish offerings directly from your bank account or credit card! There are several ways you can set up your online giving account:
ONLINE: Visit the link below get started! https://giving.parishsoft.com/smcn
TEXT: Send SUNDAY to (732)-889-7800, and follow the instructions to complete your offering.
APP:
Download Connect Now Giving for Android or iPhone.
Should you require assistance setting up your new account, please call the Parish Office at (732) 780-2666. Thank you for your continuous support!
Thank you for your generosity to support the 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal! We need $9,610.48 additional in pledges to make our goal. If we reach this goal by July 31, we will receive a 5% rebate incentive! Remember, pledges to the ACA can be paid until the end of December.
If you haven't yet made a pledge, please visit DioceseofTrenton.org/CatholicAppeal Be sure to select St.MaryCatholicChurch, ColtsNeckin the “Parish Affiliation” box so we can receive credit for your gift.
VIRTUS TRAINING
In-person “Protecting God’s Children” VIRTUS course will be held here at The Parish of Saint Mary on Wednesday, July 9, 6 to 9 p.m. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
All are welcome!
Questions? Email j.cullen@stmaryscoltsneck.org
The Martha Mary Guild VOLUNTEERS WANTED: 2025 CLOTHING SALE!
Our gigantic annual clothing sale is coming up, and we need many volunteers! All are welcome— including our youth, ages 12 & over! (It’s a great way for them to fulfill Community Service!) Men are also welcome to sort from August 18 through September 1 and to work during sale days!
Thank you for your help!
RETROUVAILLE: REDISCOVER THE LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE
Tens of thousands of couples have healed their marriages through Retrouvaille (pronounced Retro-vy). If you know anyone who could benefit from this program, please pass this on. Couples learn to build communication skills and to increase intimacy. It provides help for marriage problems, difficulties or crises. The next program will be held August 1 - 3, 2025 at the Family Life Center in Malvern, PA. For more information, or to register, visit www.HelpOurMarriage.org or call 215-766-3944 or 800-470-2230. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
Francis House of Prayer
Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House 84 Walnford Road Allentown, NJ 08501 609-877-0509 or FHOP@verizon.net
OFFERINGS
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.
PERSONAL RETREAT DAY (IN-PERSON ONLY)
Monday, June 30
9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Come to Francis House for silence, personal prayer and optional spiritual direction. The day begins and ends with a brief prayer together. Please bring your lunch.
Donation: $10; $40 with spiritual direction.
YOUNG ADULT (AGES 19 – 30) PRAYER & POOL RETREAT (IN-PERSON ONLY)
Monday, June 30
7:00 - 9:00 PM (6:30-7:15 PM pool)
Enjoy a beautiful evening of prayer and reflection as you experience the Scriptures by placing yourself in the scenes of Gospel passages. Snacks provided.
Donation: $15
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION INTERN PROGRAM
Francis House offers an intense 3-year Intern Formation Program for those desiring to become Spiritual Directors. This program has four critical aspects: The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola; Ignatian Discernment; Study of the Spiritual Masters and Practicum in the Art and Discipline of giving Spiritual Direction.
Time commitment: 2 Thursdays each month, 3 weekends a year, and a 5-day directed retreat. Please contact Sister Marcy (609) 877-0509 before August 1 for further information. Begins in September.
