

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
March 2, 2025
Please join for…. Coffee & Donuts
Sunday, 2 March 2025 - after 10:00 AM mass
This is a great opportunity to meet fellow parishioners and catch up with those whom you already know.
Let’s take advantage of this time and share a special moment with your Saint Mary family! Please contact the parish office to join the hospitality team
Ash Wednesday Wednesday, March 5, 2025
The Parish of Saint Mary, Colts Neck 12 noon Mass 4:00pm Prayer Service 5:00pm Prayer Service
The Parish of Saint Catharine, Holmdel 9am Mass 6pm Prayer Service 7:30pm prayer Service
Saturday, March 1 - 4PM
James Resko * Mary Kopko
Saturday March 1 2025 - Sunday March 9 2025
Mary Dohan * Rorie & Jack Coppola
Diane Aromando * Barbara Saake
Sunday, March 2 - 8AM
Pro Populo
Barbara Critchley * John & Molly Aiello
10AM
Darryl Turkaly * Nancy & Harry Bauer
Walter J. Bonus * Anne Baker
Rosalie Crociata * Nancy & Harry Bauer
12PM
Robert A. & Mary Joan McNamara * The McNamara Family
Kevin Anthony Clemenza, Anthony Saputo, Angie Saputo * Russ & Pat Clemenza
Deacon Anthony Mustillo * The Gruenling Family
Monday, March 3 - 9AM - Chapel
Intentions of Fr. William Bausch * Rev. Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee, Staff &Parishioners
Kevin Anthony Clemenza, Anthony Saputo, Angie Saputo * Russ & Pat Clemenza
Tuesday, March 4 – 9AM
Kevin Anthony Clemenza, Anthony Saputo, Angie Saputo * Russ and Pat Clemenza
Welcome to the newest members of our Saint Mary Parish family Jan-Feb Baptisms:
Wade William Dykeman
Daniel Joseph Evankow Jr.
Joseph Thomas Galligan
Sophia Marie Greene
Luciano Joseph Russo
Emilia Rae Spinella
Nico John Spinella
Alessio Franco Tonacci
Wednesday, March 5 - 12PM
Kevin Anthony Clemenza, Anthony Saputo, Angie Saputo * Russ & Pat Clemenza
Thursday, March 6 - 9AM - Chapel
Anthony Rapacciuolo * Rorie & Jack Coppola
Kevin Anthony Clemenza, Anthony Saputo, Angie Saputo by Russ & Pat Clemenza
Friday, March 7 – 9AM - Chapel
Frank J. Donahue * Carol Donahue
Francisca Dapul * Drs. Gener & Elvira Dapul
Saturday, March 8 4PM
Gisela Jakubowski * Barbara Saake
Lynn Gioacchini * The Gioacchini Family
Sergio Dos Santos & Emilia Clemente * Dos Santos Family
Sunday March 9 – 8AM
Joseph Puzo * John & Molly Aiello
10AM
Pro Populo
Regina Tomasetti * Lisa & Fred Claps
Celia Garcia Martinez de Maranon * Michael DeSocio 12PM
Nancy Vida * Denise Adams
Vincent C. Valentino, Sr * Family
Martin was the illegitimate son of a Spanish knight and a freed Panamanian slave. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, he was part of the poorest and lowest level of society. At the age of twelve, Martin was apprenticed by his mother to a barber-surgeon where he learned to cut hair and to provide medical treatment.
Read More HERE
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.
READINGS FOR THE WEEK:
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time March 2
Sir 27:4-7/1 Cor 15:54-58/Lk 6:39-45
MONDAY March 3
Sir 17:20-24/Mk 10:17-27
[ TUESDAY March 4
Sir 35:1-12/Mk 10:28-31
WEDNESDAY March 5
Jl 2:12-18/2 Cor 5:20 6:2/Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
THURSDAY March 6
Dt 30:15-20/Lk 9:22-25
FRIDAY March 7
Is 58:1-9a/Mt 9:14-15
SATURDAY March 8
[Is 58:9b-14/Lk 5:27-32
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.
AMT Colton Boag, USCG
Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army
TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF
LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC
Question for Children: Jesus teaches us to do good. What did you do this past week that was really good, kind or loving?
Question for Youth: Jesus says that our words reveal what is in our hearts. How do your words and actions reveal what is truly in your heart?
Question for Adults: We humans are vulnerable to sin. But we see the sins of others more easily than we recognize our own sins. Why does Jesus warn us not to judge others?
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
Edward Habrack
Jeff McBride
Owen Shoemaker
Peter Vickers
Debby Tanico
Linda Codispoti
Toaddorremoveafamilymemberfromthesicklistpleasee-mailONLY parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Please,also,keepusupdatedonyourlovedone’shealth. Nameswillberemovedfromthelistafter3months.ThankyouforkeepingourParishinformed.
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist
Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org
This coming week, we observe Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting, prayer, and penitence. There is an ancient tradition, in the times of the Old Testament, of people using ashes to express grief or sorrow for sins. Pope Gregory the Great is credited for starting the custom of imposing ashes on penitents in the 6th century.
In the time before the second the Second Vatican Council, ashes were usually sprinkled on the crown of the head of men, while women (who had their heads covered in church) received ashes on their forehead. This later custom soon became the norm in most English-speaking countries, although in some parts of the world, the former is still common.
The ashes used on Ash Wednesday come from burning the palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday services, and are mixed with olive oil to provide a thicker consistency. They are then blessed before the imposition on the faithful.
The imposition of ashes is a sacramental of the church. Sacramentals are sacred signs which signify effects of a spiritual nature, obtained through the intercession of the Church. (Sacrosanctum Concilium) While the bearer of ashes need not have them remain on their forehead throughout the entire day, many do, as an outward profession of faith. Sacramentals should not be confused with Sacraments or obligations. The receiving of ashes is an optional symbol of our faith - the more true importance of the day is on inner reflection on how we may observe the Lent
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: Ash Wednesday/ First Sunday of Lent Wednesday, March 5, Saturday, March 8 & Sunday, Sunday 9
Altar Server Cantor Reader 1
Wednesday,5 12 PM NOT FILLED NOT FILLED Carly York
Barbara Schaflin
Julia Cullen
Saturday, 8 4 PM NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Bridget Farrow
Paul Tonacci
Charles Young
OH - Not Filled
TH - Richard Gerbino
TH - Tpm Kinlin
ALT - Not Filled
OH - Susan Murphy
TH - Jane Slattery
TH - Monica Barr
ALT - Irene Weller
OH - Joyce Flynn
Sunday, 9 8 AM
Jack Main NOT FILLED
Sunday, 9 10 AM
Reagan Royal Tesya Yaninas
Carly York
Joe Ventura Rita Duenas
Sunday, 9 12 PM
Jonathan Stubbs NOT FILLED
Carly York
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Matt Yaninas
Barbara Schaflin
Choir/ Cantor Mary Ellen Griffin (Sub Req)
O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(LectionaryPage.net)
Jennifer Stubbs
TH - Marsha Grigoli
TH - Cindy Ventura
ALT– Mary Aiello
OH - Not Filled
TH – Maureen Geiger
TH - Tom Nathanson
ALT–Sue Fitzpatrick
OH - Liz Turkovic
TH - Patricia Gesner
TH - Dawn Reinhardt
ALT– Lee Gesner
Baptismal Preparation Session
St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on: SUNDAY, March 2, 2025
Pre-registration is requiredaweekin advance.
ContactUs
The Catholic Church in the United States requires of us as baptized Catholics to observe the following: Thedaysoffast (onlyonefullmealperday)andabstinence(nomeat)areAshWednesday(March5)andGoodFriday(April18). AllotherFridaysofLent(March7throughApril11)aredaysofabstinence(nomeat).
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 Allareencouragedtoembracethesepracticesaspartofourspiritualjourney.
Julia
Cullen
Faith Formation
- Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Ed ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309
Ash Wednesday
INTERGENERATIONAL
5 March 2025
Please join us in Madonna Hall for a craft and video before or after the 4 PM & 5 PM Ash service
Easter Egg Hunt Sign-up flyer on page 12
INTERGENERATIONALS coming up….
• Fisher of Men: Ash Wednesday – 5 March 2025
• Lenten Penance & Reconciliation – 6 April 2025
• Spring clean-up – 12 April 2025
• Palm Sunday Palm Weaving – 13 April 2025
RE Registration/Re-Registration 25/26
EARLY Registration closes on 28 February 2025
Registration continues through the month of March CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
We are looking for teachers for our Summer and Fall Religious Education Program!
Paid positions are available for certified teachers who are alive in their faith. Kindly, contact the RE office for more details and to sign-up
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
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. SIGN UP HERE
9, 11 March 2025
CP – 1 & 2 Virtual, On Campus – Class
11 March 2025
RE Class #24 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
18 March 2025
RE Class #25 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
23, 25 March 2025
CP – 1 & 2 Virtual, On Campus – Class
5 March 2025
RE Class #26 - Grades 1-6, Virtual/On Campus
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 distribution in Narthex SIGN UP HERE
• Spring Clean-Up: 12 April 2025
Rosemarie
Farrow - Pastoral Coordinator of Pastoral Care & Outreach
R.Farrow@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 x 310
What is diaper insecurity?
• The condition where families cannot afford a sufficient supply of diapers to ensure their children are clean, dry, and healthy.
• Diaper cannot be obtained with Food Stamps, WIC, or any other federal or state “safety-net” program. Diapers cost approximately $90 per month for one infant.
Every child in Monmouth County deserves to be clean, dry, and healthy!
The Parish of ST. Mary will be running a diaper drive March 1 through March 5. We will collect diapers of all sizes and 36 count baby wipes. Open/unused diaper packs are accepted.
Please leave diapers and wipes in the Narthex. The Parish of St. Mary is working with Childcare Resources of Monmouth County to provide diapers for the needy. www.CCRNJ.org
Why doesn’t Lent begin on the same day every year?
Did you know that Easter is known as a “movable feast” in the Catholic Church? That means it is not a fixed date on the liturgical calendar and changes year to year. The liturgical calendar is designed to help us prepare us for the Christ’s Resurrection.
Easter is tied to the timing of Jesus’ Last Supper on the feast of Passover. Because the Jews used a Lunar calendar and Jesus’ Resurrection took place on a Sunday, the Council of Nicea (325 A.D) decreed that Easter should be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon (the Paschal Moon) following the vernal/spring equinox. In the west, using the Gregorian calendar, Easter can fall between March 22 and April 25.Once the date of Easter is determined, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, which starts six weeks before Easter.
Fishers of Men
Service Opportunity – March 5
Students can receive service hours by participating in the parish diaper drive
Three packages of diapers=1 hour of service
Additional ½ hour for three packages of baby wipes (36 count) 2 hour max
Students MUST attend Ash Wednesday Prayer service and drop off donations in the narthex.
Jubilee of Hope
Diocesan Pilgrimage Churches
Didyouknowthat,BishopDavid.O’Connellhas designatedPilgrimageChurcheswithinthedioceseto obtaintheindulgencesoftheJubileeyear? ConsidermakingavisittooneoftheDiocesan PilgrimageChurchesduringtheJubileeofHope.
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
Trenton
Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine
Freehold
Our Lady of the Sea Church (Christ the King Parish)
Long Branch
St. Anthony Church Hamilton
St. Joan of Arc Church
Marlton
St. Mary Church
Barnegat
For more on gaining the Jubilee indulgence click HERE https://www.usccb.org/news/2024/vaticannorms-jubilee-indulgence-include-pilgrimagepenance-service
Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 2:00 A.M. On Saturday night, clocks are set forward one hour (i.e., losing one hour) to “spring forward.”
Spring Clean Up
Please remember to set your clocks forward one hour on Saturday March 9 before going to bed.
Saturday April 12, 2025, 9 AM to 1 PM
Get your rakes and gloves ready….
Get together with friends, family and fellow parishioners to help clean-up the fallen leaves, branches and debris deposited on the parish grounds from the winter months.
Volunteer HERE
For more info email, TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org
CRS Rice Bowl is celebrating 50 years of helping Catholic faith communities bring Lent to life and encounter God through our global family. During the 40 days of Lent, let us journey together through CRS Rice Bowl to meet people in Nigeria, Guatemala and Bangladesh who are rising above the challenges of hunger and malnutrition
DONATE HERE
My Dear Parishioners:
Today we celebrate the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. By our Baptism we are plunged into the dying and rising of Jesus Christ. Our identity is rooted in Jesus Christ. Like Christ throughout the Gospel narrative, we are on our paschal journey…one that leads us through death to life. So, we can say that although we enjoy human life as Christians we have not yet achieved life…that is eternal life. Our journey throughout our time in this life enables us to continue to grow into our Christian Identity. Our choices can produce good fruit and as such we participate in the saving work of Jesus. Dying and rising is part of each and everyday of our lives. May we continue to die to sin and distraction so that we might rise to God’s grace and eternal life.
This weekend we welcome Reverend Fr. Christopher Colavita, Diocesan Vocation Director. Fr. Colavita will offer the homily at all masses and will be available to interact after the masses. This weekend we will have coffee and donuts following the 10am mass in the church narthex. Come and enjoy this opportunity to meet some new parishioners.
3 March 2025 marks the completion of 95 years of life for our distinguished Pastor Emeritus Father Bausch. I am sure that he would enjoy a card or email of prayerful good wishes. Let us continue to pray for him and to thank God for the gift he has been to our parish throughout his years of priestly ministry. Fr. Bausch is the most senior priest of the Diocese of Trenton. Ad multos annos. 4 March is the birthday of Sister Helen Clifton, SSJ who has served our parish faithfully until her retirement a few
years ago. I am sure that Sister Helen would enjoy hearing from you and receive birthday wishes. May God continue to bless these two servants of the church.
The Universal Church observes Ash Wednesday 5 March 2025. Ashes will be imposed at various times throughout the day here and at Saint Catharine Parish, Holmdel for your convenience. Consult the bulletin for the schedule as well as the guidelines for Lent 2025 issued by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton. Take time out of your busy schedule to participate in the celebration of mass more frequently during the Season of Lent. The Little Black Books will be distributed in the narthex of the church. These are provided for your continued spiritual edification.
During the month of March this year we observe Ash Wednesday (5 March), the memorial of Saint Patrick (17 March), the solemnity of Saint Joseph (19 March), the Solemnity of the Annunciation (25 March). Take time to familiarize yourself with these religious customs.
The 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal is underway. Our Parish Goal is $79,000.00. I am grateful to all of you for your continued generous support of His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton and the important work of our diocese. Thank you to those who have completed and returned the pledge cards distributed last weekend. Those who have not, please do so this coming week. Together we can make a difference. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace.
Father Jeff
Sharing Our Treasure Sunday, February 23– Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Edwin A. SevillanoTemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Sign-in for our Online Giving system to make your parish offerings from your bank account or Credit Card!
Thank You for Generosity we have sent $500 to the Central and Eastern European Catholic Churches.
"Rely not upon deceitful wealth, for it will be no help on the day of wrath."
Sirarch 5:8
Wednesday, March 5 is Ash Wednesday
An Ash Wednesday Offering
Envelope can be found in your quarterly package of envelopes, or extra envelopes may be found on the tables inside the Church Online givers can make their Ash Wednesday donation at bit.ly/2OoATHe
Annual Catholic Appeal 2025
St Mary’s goal is $79,000
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 sustains our clergy and religious-dedicated Pilgrims of Hope - who guide our faith journey. Your gift supports essential programs helping men and women discern their calling to priesthood, diaconate, and religious life. Together, we Fan the Flame of Hope by forming spiritual leaders who will serve our community through sacramental ministry and pastoral care.
Give Online Here, giveaca.org.
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. in room 11 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 732-946-8631
All women of the parish and our Cohorts are cordially invited to join us on Wed., March 12, for an interesting look into the neighboring Coptic Orthodox Church. Most likely many of us have driven by the beautiful St. Mina's Church on Rte. 34 in Holmdel. It is the native Christian Church in Egypt. We will be treated to a virtual tour of this magnificent structure and a presentation will be given by Barbara Schaflin and Meredith Geneve.
Find out some answers to the following: What does coptic mean? Who founded it?
What was St. Mark's role in the Coptic Church? Who was St. Mina?
We will close with a short sermon by Fr. Mina Gerges (On YouTube). Once again, our generous members are called upon to help the poor by bringing donations of canned goods and other nonperishable items.
Recycle last years palms. A receptacle has been placed in the church narthex/ gathering space and by the Parish Office to collect old palms. They are to be burnt and the ashes are to be used Ash Wednesday for the imposition of the ashes
St Ann's Keansburg St Patrick's Day 50/50 is on sale now $20 a ticket! The winner will be picked at the end of the Keansburg's St. Pat's parade on Saturday, March 29th @ 3pm. No need to be present to win. Please call Eileen St. Ann's Rectory @ 732-787-0315 for your tickets.
St Ann’s will be running our Annual Gift Auction to benefit the Senior Center. We can't keep the center open without your help. For many this is the only place they can go to socialize, enjoy time out of their homes and enjoy some activities. The Senior Center is solely supported by St Ann's Church. Can you help? We need donations. Gift cards, new unused items to raffle off. The best are prizes ranging in $25 to $50. All donations are tax deductible. The other way you can help is by grabbing some friends and attending the event.
A package for the event is $65 and includes small, medium and large prizes tickets. To reserve a table, you need 8 people. Please help us in the only fundraiser to support our seniors.
Call Denise for tickets. 732 801 4190 or Eileen @ 732-787-0315
We would like to invite you to a regional webinar for leaders in parish and school catechesis in the Northeast. As a Catholic educational apostolate, the Augustine Institute is dedicated to bringing students and their families into a life-giving encounter with Jesus, the Word of Life, through Sacred Scripture.
We’ll be speaking not only about curriculum, but also creative ideas to engage parents and students in fostering a love for the Word in the classroom on Thursday, March 6th at 12PM Eastern.
If you cannot attend live, registration ensures a copy of the recording to be sent to you via email.
The webinar will be hosted by your Northeast U.S. team:
Maria Hopkins – Senior Ministry Consultant
Isaac Iniguez – Ministry Consultant
Kelly Nelson – Ministry Success Coach