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 25, 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.
Mass Intentions for:
Saturday May 24 2025 - Sunday June 1 2025
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 by Family Carmel Vickers * The Bertscha Family
Monday, May 26 - 9AM - Chapel
Intentions of Melissa Love * Martha Mary Guild
Tuesday, May 27 – 9AM - Chapel
Reverend Felix F. Venza * Father Jeff, Staff and the Parishioners of Saint Mary
Wednesday, May 28 - 9AM - Chapel
Dorothy Haber * Carol Donahue intentions of Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Thursday, May 29- 9AM - Chapel
Tom Telesca * Michele Telesca
George DePalma * Pat DePalma
Friday, May 30– 9AM - Chapel
Joanne Sloan * The Kohler Family
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Saturday, May 31 - 5PM
Harold J. Fiedler * Susan & James Gobat
Joseph Puzo * Jane Slattery
Robert Monaco MD * Jack & Rory Coppola
Sunday June 1– 8AM
Pro Populo
Gloria Ziemienski * Eileen & Michael Stivala, Jr.
Eleanore Dore * Alice Ganley
10AM
Michael Capardi * Capardi Family
Pasqual & Donata Cannarozzi * Family
Cynthia Amatel * Dorothy Cook
12PM
Robert A. & Mary Joan McNamara * The McNamara Family Intentions of Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Margaret A. Zampetti * Edwin Sevillano
Achilleus and Nereus, Martyrs, c. First Century
As with many of the early martyrs, little is known with certainty about these two saints and many of the accounts are conflicting. What is not disputed is the site of their graves, the catacomb of Domitilla in Rome. But, with that as a starting point, we can surmise the most likely history of their martyrdom.
Persecution of Christians occurred over much of the first three centuries of the Church; however none of the early harassment matched that which began with the ascension of Trajan to Emperor in 98 A.D. An elite unit assigned to the emperor was charged with hunting down Christians and killing those who would not apostatize. Achilleus and Nereus were members of this unit. 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 25 May 31
READINGS FOR THE WEEK:
Sixth Sunday of Easter May 25
Acts 15:1-2, 22-29/Rv 21:10-14, 22-23/Jn 14:23-29
Monday May 26
Acts 16:11-15/Jn 15:26 16:4a
Tuesday May 27
Acts 16:22-34/Jn 16:5-11
Wednesday May 28
Acts 17:15, 22 18:1/Jn 16:12-15
Thursday May 29
Acts 1:1-11/Eph 1:17-23 or Heb 9:24-28; 10:19-23/Lk 24:46-53
Friday May 30
Acts 18:9-18/Jn 16:20-23
Saturday May 31
Zep 3:14-18a or Rom 12:9-16/Lk 1:39-56
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 experience the peace which Christ offers us?
Question for Youth: Jesus told us to trust in the Holy Spirit to help guide our lives. How can you be open to what the Holy Spirit might say to you?
Question for Adults: How do you experience the peace which Christ offers us?
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
Memorial Day
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org
In the United States, the last Monday of May is designated Memorial Day, a federal holiday which is set aside for remembrance of those who have died while serving our country in the many branches of the armed forces. The meaning of this day is often confused with Veterans’ Day in November, which honors ALL veterans, living and deceased. This is also often obfuscated by the parades, BBQ lunches, pool parties and other festivities that mark the unofficial start of summer.
As it is such both a day of remembrance and of celebration, an interesting note about the flag of the United States on this day: The flag is to be raised to the top of the staff as always, but then immediately lowered to half-staff until noon. Then, it is raised again for the remainder of the day.
While not an officially observed remembrance in the Universal Church, the Catholic dioceses in the United States often recommend that Masses on this day be celebrated with the people, remembering those who gave their lives in service of the United States. Catholics and all Christians and citizens are encouraged to engage in the practice of the visiting of cemeteries or monuments to pay respects to fallen soldiers on this day, or at least during the month of May.
“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
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, 31 5PM
Ministry Schedule: Ascension of the Lord. Saturday May 31 & Sunday June 1
Joseph Brando NOT FILLED Carly York Angela Kinlin
Charles Young
Sunday, 1 8 AM
Jack Main NOT FILLED
Bridget Farrow
Annette Raynor
Sunday, 1 10 AM
Jacob Barasky George Barasky
Cantor/ Choir
Mary Ellen Griffin
Joe Ventura
OH - Elvira Dapul MD
TH - Liz Turkovic
TH - Dawn Renihardt
ALT - Nick Turkovic
OH - Cindy Ventura
TH - Joseph Flanagan
TH - Justine Buzzetta
ALT - Mary Aiello
OH - NOT FILLED
TH – Fran Vaina
Julia Cohen
Sunday, 1 12 PM
Jonathan Stubbs NOT FILLED Carly York Richard Gerbino
Sixth Sunday Of Easter
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and 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
Jennnifer Stubs
TH - Steve Stanley
ALT – Marueen Geiger
OH - Tom Nathanson
TH – Patricia Gesner
TH - Lee Gesner
ALT – Irene Weller
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
Many thanks to all who attended our CLOW information day last weekend. info on pg. 4 All religious education children are encouraged to participate in Children’s Liturgy of the Word Dismissal (up to age 12) or to be an assistant (confirmation prep or older). This is a beautiful way to celebrate the liturgy, as the children hear the readings in their language. Please contact the RE office to volunteer!
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 Late Fees Will Apply SAVE THE DATE….
ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309 CALLING ALL TEACHERS!!!
Summer Orientations are next Month: June 22 or June 29 check the calendar for details
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.
Religious Education Calendar
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
Kindly, contact the RE office for more details and to 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
YOUTH MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY
For ALL 8th – 12th Graders
Please join for…. Coffee & Donuts
Sunday, 8 June 2025 - after 10:00am 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
We ask for your continued prayers for our O.C.I.A. candidates as they prepare to receive the Holy Sacrament of Confirmation this Pentecost.
James Main Zoe Nelius
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
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!
Call Gerry Duffy at 973-418-5683 or send an email to BARNFORTHEPOOR@GMAIL.COM
Our own Dr. Carly York was recently interviewed by Victoria Sechrist of This Is The Day show on Catholic TV. She talked about when she began singing as a young child and her faith journey of conversion to Catholicism. She also discussed how her college and graduate degrees in music expanded her knowledge and love of Gregorian Chant. Victoria and the This the Day team celebrated the release of Carly’s Album, Deus Ibi Est.
Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/ AR-bmtZ0eFs?si=MiGLV3WldVUTGi7Q
Visit Carly’s site at TheCatholicCantor.com
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter. Living the paschal mystery is as demanding as loving with the same self-sacrifice as Jesus and as easy as responding to God’s indwelling as an intimate Friend who is always with us, never forsakes us, and at all times is there for us with care and strength. These Sundays before Pentecost when we celebrate the gift of the Spirit are so important for our daily Christian living: they remind us that as disciples we never have to feel like the whole task of living the gospel falls on our shoulders alone. God is always present, dwelling within us, to give us the strength we need to be faithful to Jesus’ commands. Only in this way can our everyday lives be fruitful, can we keep Jesus’ word as our own word.
This week we will celebrate the 40th Day of Easter commemorating the Ascension of the Lord into Heaven. This mystery of our faith should occupy a place in our reflection these days since the Lord promised us that he would be with us always. The ascension reminds us of the important outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. While the Lord returned to God in Heaven, the Spirit has been sent to empower us for ministry and in building up the Church. The Bishops of our Province of Newark have, following broad consultation, followed many other provinces throughout the United States in transferring the observance of this solemnity to the Seventh Sunday of the Easter Season, Memorial Day weekend this year prior to the
Solemnity of Pentecost. Pentecost is the 50th Day of Easter and we will chant the dismissal with the double alleluias at the conclusion of our Sunday Masses.
This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend. We will observe our abbreviated mass schedule Saturday, 5pm; Sunday 10am. Mass on Monday will be at 9am in the chapel. Also, for the many new residents of Colts Neck there is a very nice Parade on Monday, 26 May, Memorial Day beginning at Town Hall up Heyers Mill Road concluding at the Fire House #2 on Conover Road. It is a wonderful custom and very representative of life in a small town where so many people know one another. It is also important that we honor those women and men who have made the supreme sacrifice for the freedom that we enjoy. Make time in your personal schedule to participate din the mass and parade this Memorial Day.
We will publish an overview of our 2025 Easter collection as the liturgical season ends. Thank you for your generous sharing. We continue to make progress toward our goal for the 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal…Together we can make our goal and demonstrate our commitment to our parish, our diocese and our catholic church. I ask that you prayerfully consider your gift and make it either on-line or by completing the cards located in the narthex of the church. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
Sharing Our Treasure Sunday, May 18 Fifth Sunday of Easter
NEW BAPTISMAL FONT!
# Registered Parishioner Households 910
"By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."
Jn 15:8
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.
Several years ago, we announced a gift toward replacing the current baptismal font which has been unusable due to multiple leaks. The process has taken much longer than anticipated and after consultation with the parish Patrimony Committee and the Finance Council we are pleased to announce that the new baptismal font is scheduled to be installed during the month of August 2025. Since the existing baptismal font was installed without the proper footings we will need to cut the floor open to pour the footings to ensure the stability of the font. Additionally, we will need to cut the floor open to install new piping for the font. We appreciate your cooperation during this time of construction and repair. Please be advised that during this period of transition we will be able to celebrate Baptisms in the chapel, should requests be made for this time. Thanks for your patience as we continue to work in making our sacred worship space more beautiful and dignified.
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
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 Rally – Garden Revival – 50 days from Easter