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
May 18, 2025
24-25 May 2025- Memorial Day Weekend
Abbreviated Mass Schedule
Saturday 5:00pm; Sunday 10:00am
(No Sunday 8:00am or 12:00 noon masses this weekend)
The Parish Office will be closed Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day. It will reopen Tuesday May 27 at 9:00 AM.
Saturday, May 17 - 4PM
Joseph Merck * Barbara Saake
Mass Intentions for:
Saturday May 17 2025 - Sunday May 25 2025
Christopher Munger * The Grabowski & Munger Family
Gerard Thompson * Jane Slattery
Sunday, May 18 - 8AM
Fusco/Mautone Family * Franceschetti Family
Louis Sliazis * Eileen & Michael Stivala, Jr.
Gloria Ziemieski * Eileen & Michael Stivala .
10AM
Intentions of Jamie McKeogh * Beth Walsh
Anthony Garito * Arlene & Family
12PM
Pro Populo
Richard Gerbino * Richard & Maria Gerbino
Robert Anthony Monaco * Martha Mary Guild
Monday, May 19 - 9AM - Chapel
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Carmel Vickers * Barbara Saake
Tuesday, May 20 – 9AM - Chapel
Joseph "Jody" Vaccarella Jr. * Friedauer Family
Wednesday, May 21 - 9AM - Chapel
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Intentions of Nancy Valentino * Nancy Valentino
Thursday, May 22- 9AM - Chapel
Carmel Vickers * Martha Mary Guild
Lee Huston *Angela & Tom Kinlin
Friday, May 23– 9AM - Chapel
Al Spino * Ann Marie Dayton - Sister
Intentions of Greenlee Palmer Kirik * Anthony DeStefano
Saturday, May 24 - 5PM
Pro Populo
Margaret M. Dedalis * Susan Gobat
Elizabeth Joyce * Joyce Family
Sunday May 25– 10AM
Patricia Dore * Alice Ganley
Intentions of Sarah Buzzard * Family
Carmel Vickers * The Bertscha Family
Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor, 295-373
Athanasius was born into a Christian family and was given an excellent education. At the age of about twenty-one, he was ordained a deacon and became the secretary to Bishop Alexander of Alexandria. In this position, he attended the Council of Nicaea. This council was called to denounce Arianism, the heresy which denied the divinity of Jesus, and it is from decrees of this council that the Nicene Creed came about. While Athanasius did not play an especially active role in the council, it at least presaged the later work of his life.
Elected bishop of Alexandria following Alexander’s death in 327, Athanasius set out to visit his far-flung diocese which included Ethiopia. It is probably during this journey that Athanasius came to know St. Anthony the Abbot, a friend who came to his aid in the fight against Arianism and about whom Athanasius wrote in later years. Read More HERE
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 May 18 May 24
READINGS FOR THE WEEK:
Fifth Sunday of Easter May 18
Acts 14:21-27/Rv 21:1-5a/Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35
Monday May 19
Acts 14:5-18/Jn 14:21-26
Tuesday May 20
Acts 14:19-28/Jn 14:27-31a
Wednesday May 21
Acts 15:1-6/Jn 15:1-8
Thursday May 22
Acts 15:7-21/Jn 15:9-11
Friday May 23
Acts 15:22-31/Jn 15:12-17
Saturday May 24
Acts 16:1-10/Jn 15:18-21
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
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:
Question for Children: How do you make obvious that you love your family and friends?
Question for Youth: The world is full of examples of people who don’t love others. What are the results of hate that you see in the world? How would the world be different if we followed Jesus’ commandment?
Question for Adults: Jesus’ commandment to love another is a challenge. What will you do this week to deepen the love you have for those around you in life?
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:
Ann Romano
Jack Coppola
Kaitlin Donahue Nagle
Nancy Niven
David Niven
Lorraine & Alan Smith
Lori Lettieri
Lauren vinci
Dawn Reinhardt
Helen Prill
PATTY Kamertz
Rose walch
Joyce daniel
Edward Habrack
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 Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Regina Caéli is the Marian Antiphon that is prescribed for use during the Easter Season (from Easter Sunday through Pentecost).
It is sung or recited at the conclusion of compline, the last of the canonical hours prayed on a daily basis. It is also used in place of the Angelus prayer during this same liturgical season. In our parish, we sing this following the dismissal at weekday Mass
The text of the prayer itself dates to the 12th Century. As the musical notation system of Gregorian Chant started to become finalized around the same time period (with the basics of notation being developed around the 10th Century and the 4-line system still used today becoming standard by the early 13th Century), it remains one of the Church’s best examples of a text and melody being composed together and remaining as such, unaltered, into modern times.
Other texts, such as the Veni Emmanuel predate this by several centuries, but the history of the tune is murky. Thus, the Regina Caéli holds an important historical, liturgical, and devotional history.
Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia; Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia, Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia: Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.
Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia. The Son you merited to bear, alleluia, Has risen as he said, alleluia. Pray to God for us, alleluia.
“Easter Duty”
The Catholic Church requires of us as baptized Catholics to observe the following:
The obligation, the privilege really, of receiving the Eucharist at least once a year --- often called “Easter duty” for those in the state of grace should still be fulfilled during the period from the First Sunday of Lent, March 9, 2025 to Trinity Sunday, June 15, 2025. However, the Church’s law does permit this precept to be fulfilled at another time during the year when there is a just cause.
Liturgy of the Word Dismissal
Coffee and Donut info Day 18 May 2025
We are in need of more facilitators and invite all interested in learning more about joining this wonderful ministry.
Please join us on 18 May 2025 beginning at the 10am mass and following in the Spiritual Center. Please RSVP HERE to this casual question and answer session. Learn firsthand from facilitators what this ministry is all about and how to minister to children, ages 4-12, during the Liturgy of the Word where children engage at a level more appropriate to their understanding.
Saturday, 24 5PM
Ministry Schedule: Fifth Sunday of Easter
Alex Gruenling (Sub Req)
Anthony Gruenling (Sub Req)
Sunday, 25 8 AM
Bridgett Farrow Michele Gruenling
Mary Ellen Griffin
OH - Emily Santangelo
TH - Susan Murphy
TH - Irene Weller
ALT - Monica Barr
NO 8 AM MASS ON SUNDAY MAY 25
Sunday, 25 10 AM NOT FILLED NOT FILLED Carly York Rita Duenas Kevin Duenas
Sunday, 25 12 PM
OH - Maureen Geiger
TH – Steve Stanley
TH - Richard Gerbino
ALT – Linda DickinsonPancila
NO 12 NOON MASS ON SUNDAY MAY 25
Fifth Sunday Of Easter
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (LectionaryPage.net)
Speak with a Priest
Struggling with a life event and in need of spiritual assistance?
Want to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance outside the normal Confession times?
Trying to find your way back to engagement with the Church?
Discerning vocation?
Looking to complete your Sacraments of Initiation and wish to chat about the journey?
St Mary is offering the opportunity for parishioners to chat with a priest who are only indirectly engaged with the parish. If interested please contact Fr Mike Walsh by phone 732-780-2666 x205 or email frmike.walsh@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Baptismal Preparation Session
St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 @ 6:30 PM Pre-registrationisrequired aweekin advance. ContactUs
SATURDAY MASS
Saturday 24 May the Summer Mass schedule will begin with the Mass time at 5:00 pm through Labor Day weekend. The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (confessions) is at 4:00 PM
GROTTO CANDLES
The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions. Offering is $3.00 per candle
Faith Formation Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Ed
ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309
Religious Education Fall Program
Fall Program runs Sept. ’25-May ‘26
For all children in elementary RE & Confirmation Prep Registration/Reregistration LINK Registration closes on 31 May 2025
Welcome to
All in coming children just beginning their RE journey of faith.
To all incoming Confirmation Prep students as they begin their 2-year prep toward Confirmation.
All children ending their formal RE education and beginning their next step as a fully initiated Catholic
We continue to pray for all our RE families, wherever they are in their catechesis!
SAVE THE DATE….
Summer Orientations are next Month: June 22 or June 29
Check calendar for details
CALLING ALL TEACHERS!!!
We are in need of a few more teachers inour Fall Religious Education program that runs September ‘25 –May ‘26.
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 Calendar
15 May 2025
Intergenerational digital recording sheet due Link in box below
18 May 2025
NOTICE CHANGE OF DATE
Spring Movie Day-Intergenerational Spiritual Center Theater following 12:00pm mass, SIGN-UP
22 June 2025
Summer Intensive Orientation Beginning at 12pm mass, Following in the church (FHC 1 & 2, CF-A, B, C & D)
29 June 2025
Summer Intensive Orientation Beginning at 10am mass, Following in the church (FHC 1 & 2, CF-A, B, C & D)
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION LINKS
2024 - 2025
• Parent - Student 24/25 Handbook
• Intergenerational List
• Intergenerational Recording link
Service Hours & Volunteer Opportunities
Summer RE assistant/volunteer: July Virtual or August on-campus SIGN UP
Confirmation Prep- Please be reminded to keep your CHOSEN book & BIBLE in a safe place,, you will need them next year in CP-2.
Pastoral Care
Rosemarie Farrow - Pastoral Coordinator of Pastoral Care & Outreach
R.Farrow@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 x 310
Walking with Purpose invites all women to join in a book discussion of
Rekindled by WWP author Mallory
Smyth
The author shares her spiritual journey as Jesus called her back to the Catholic Church and in the process re- ignited her heart and faith. She found her place in our Church and discovered the “...endless depth of beauty that Jesus left for us here on earth”.
Mallory suggests this book for anyone who has struggled with the Catholic faith, who is a committed Catholic, or who mourns that their child or grandchild has left the Church.
The book may be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Ave Maria Press. An e-book version is also available. ** Please read the Introduction and Chapters 1 and 2 for June 5th **
Dates: Thursdays - June 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th
Time: 10:00 - 11:30am
Place: Saint Mary’s - Old Chapel
Sign-up: Click here (please sign-up by June 1st)
Questions? Please contact Anne anne.t.baker@gmail.com
Prayer for the Pope
“
O God, who in your Divine Providence have bestowed on us Pope Leo XIV as the shepherd of your Church, we ask that you guide his hand in leading and unifying the faithful, keeping us always under your watchful care. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen."
The Beautiful Sacrament of Matrimony Strengthen Your Union Through the Church
Did you know that in the eyes of the Catholic Church, a marriage is a sacrament only when it's celebrated before God? If you are an engaged couple or have been married civilly but haven’t yet had your marriage validated in the Church, we invite you to sanctify your union before God in the Church.
It’s also important to remember that to serve as godparents for Baptism or Confirmation, the Church asks that you be married sacramentally. Many don’t realize this until the moment they are asked to be sponsors, but we’re here to help you take that next step.
Whether you’re planning to marry or seeking to deepen your current relationship with God, we’d love to walk with you on your journey. The Church is here for you, and we want to help you make your marriage all that God intended it to be.
Check our website for or information on weddings and convalidations or contact the parish office (732)780-2666
Canon Law Reference: Canon 874 – Conditions for being a sponsor for Baptism or Confirmation.
The Barn For the Poorest of the Poor 49 Kanes Lane, Middletown, NJ 07748
- Distributes food to the missionaries of charity (Mother Teresa’s order) & the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in NJ & NY
- Needs drivers to drive once a month to NJ & NY locations Call Gerry Duffy at 973-418-5683 or send an email to BARNFORTHEPOOR@GMAIL.COM
It's Planning Time for the Martha Mary Guild Clothing Sale
The annual Sale will be Sept. 4 - Sept. 7, but right now, during Spring cleaning time, is the perfect opportunity to set aside clean, usable men's, women's and children's clothes, shoes and accessories. (No household items, please!) Collection days will be Aug. 17 - Sept. 3 in Madonna Hall. Many helping hands are needed to sort and arrange the clothes. This is a great chance for Confirmation candidates to fulfill their Community Service. We welcome you!
Please email MarthaMaryGuild@gmail.com with the days and times you'll be available. We thank you, and remember, you will not only be doing a wonderful kindness, but you will also have fun!
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Fifth Sunday of Easter. The gospels tell us over and over in ever so many ways that love means self-sacrifice. We only live the paschal mystery when our own lives emulate the love of Jesus: giving one’s all for the sake of another. In many human ways we already do this and could think of no other way to act: most parents sacrifice plenty for their children; we readily respond to others’ tragedies with gifts of money and service; we reach out to the perfect stranger on the street who is in need. In so many ways we already act out of the love that Jesus commands in this gospel. Perhaps this gospel flashback reminds us that we need only do the everyday things we are alit was ready doing with a new context: we share in Jesus’ mission when we love. On the other hand, if an examination of our lives suggests that perhaps we are not so self-sacrificing as Jesus, then this gospel is an invitation to love more completely. What is at stake is a share in Jesus’ everlasting life and glory. This is worth loving for!
in human labor. Each of us has been gifted and endowed with talents that are to be shared in order to promote the human community and make our world a better place in our careers and in our volunteerism. throughout the years. This coming week we observe the optional memorial of Saint Rita of Cascia, patron of the impossible. Google her name. She had a fascinating life.
Registration concludes at the end of the Month of May for the Fall Religious Education Programs. Please register NOW. Please don’t put it off until later. It is too important! Thanks for your cooperation and partnership with us.
Please note our abbreviated weekend mass schedule for Saturday/Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend…24/25 May 2025. The schedule is Saturday Anticipated Mass at 5:00pm; Sunday at 10:00am.
During the month of May we honor in a special way Our Lady of Grace. The Church teaches us that Mary, the Mother of Jesus is also the Mother of the Church. As we honor our birth mothers, let us not ignore the role of Mary in our Church. We also reflect on St. Joseph the Worker. There is great dignity
We will soon publish the 2025 Easter Collection Report. The spirit of stewardship continues to grow and to inspire others. Thank you for your kind sharing of your Time, Talent & Treasure. Have a great week. Let’s pray for one another. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
Sharing Our Treasure Sunday, May 11 Fourth Sunday of Easter
# Registered Parishioner Households 910
"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another." Jn 15:16-17
2025 EASTER Collection
We are grateful to all who contributed; if you have not yet participated, please do so this coming week so that we can offer a timely proper accounting to you. Kindly return your Easter offering envelope or make your gift through our online giving system.
We will provide you with a report of this collection at the conclusion of the Easter Season. Thank you and God Bless https://flowcode.com/p/ z25W7Dti
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
Beginning Tuesday May 27 and during the summer season, the Parish Office will be open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 2 PM. The office will also continue to open one Sunday a month from 9 AM to 1 PM.
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!
THANK YOU ! For all your efforts in supporting the Annual Catholic Appeal! Please continue to make your pledge payments so that our parish can receive the maximum rebate. If you haven't made a pledge yet please go to www.dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal to send your gift electronically. Make sure to select St. Mary Catholic Church, Colts Neck in the Parish Affiliation box so we can receive credit for your gift. Thank you for your prayers and support
Rally – Garden Revival – 50 days from Easter
Join us for a powerful multi-generational rally with Bishop David O’Connell in the Diocese of Trenton, the heart of the Garden State! Saint Mary, Mother of God Church –Middletown, NJ. Saturday, June 7, 2025. Come and be renewed by the Holy Spirit as generations gather in unity, worship, and revival!
Dynamic worship | Spirit-filled talks | Garden State revival Register now: www.DOTCCR.org
Pentecost