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 Fr. William J. Bausch
Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro
Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro
NOVEMBER 16, 2025
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9 AM 2 PM
Tuesdays 2:30 PM 7: 30 PM
Fridays & Saturdays Closed
Sundays (First Sunday each month) 9 AM 1 PM THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FALL CLEANUP
Sunday, November 15 9 a.m. See page 11 for details
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, November 15, 2025 - Sunday, November 23, 2025
Saturday, November 15
4 PM
Jon Kopko * Mary Kopko
Jo Clement * Rorie & Jack Coppola
Intentions of Daniel Fano * Joseph & Evelyn Fano
Sunday, November 16
8 AM
Pro Populo
Mona Fitzpatrick * Phyllis & Hugh Murphy
Frank Yankello * Andra & Paul Ulashkevich
10 AM
Simone * Nancy & Harry Bauer
Philomena Iacono * Catherine
Spiro Fragoulias * Renee Fragoulias
12 Noon
Bob Walsh * Maureen Beyer
Anthea L. Charles St. Jules * Herold Garcia family
Ann Roche * The Aiello Family
Monday, November 17
9 AM Chapel
Marianne Dickey * Rorie and Jack Coppola
Tuesday, November 18
9 AM Chapel
Frank Donahue * Carol Donahue
Katherine Amatel * Jane Slattery
Wednesday, November 19
9 AM Chapel
Kathleen Marie Lohrey * Jane Slattery
Jon Kopko * Donna & Frank Sikorskas
Thursday, November 20
9 AM Chapel
Louis Fugaro * Nick & Francine Fugaro
† Barbara Susan Critchley * Florence & Kevin Swan
Friday, November 21
9 AM Chapel
Margaret Boyle * Aiello Family
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Saturday, November 22
4 PM
Catherine Bowdish * Barbara Saake
Veronica Grabowski * The Grabowski Family
Carmella & Larry Sarapochillo* Sarapochillo Family
Sunday, November 23
8 AM
Helen & John Sionas * Eileen and Michael Stivala, Jr.
Mona Fitzpatrick * Geraldine & Eddy Henderson
Raymond Czarnecki * Nancy Czarnecki
10 AM
Carl Simone * Francine & Joseph Corcoran
Philomena Iacono * Catherine
S. Lee Ruslander * The Collins Sackstein Family
12 Noon
Pro Populo
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
SCHEDULE 2025 & 2026
MASS INTENTIONS & SANCTUARY LAMPS
Consider requesting a Mass Intentions or Sanctuary Lamp for all occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, sickness, etc.) for a loved one, deceased or living.
Click below to submit requests online for 2025 & 2026 dates:
Request a Sanctuary Lamp ($25 stipend)
Request a Mass Intention ($10 stipend)
Requests may also be submitted in person at the Parish Office during operating hours.
The Gruenling Family
Available for your intentions ($3 per candle)
LIFELONG CATECHESIS: Week of November 16 to 22
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday, November 16
Malachi 3:19-20a / 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 / Luke 21:5-19
Monday, November 17
Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63 / Luke 18:35-43
Tuesday, November 18
2 Maccabees 6:18-31 / Luke 19:1-10
Wednesday, November 19
2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31 / Luke 19:11-28
Thursday, November 20
1 Maccabees 2:15-29 / Luke 19:41-44
Friday, November 21
1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59 / Luke 19:45-48
Saturday, November 22
1 Maccabees 6:1-13/ Luke 20:27-40
Please pray for our Military & First Responders
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
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
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION
The day of the Lord is a day of hope and joy.
Question for Children:
Jesus teaches us that work is good for us. What kind of work do you do during the week? How does it help you?
Question for Youth:
Jesus tells us that even though bad things will happen, we are safe in God. When have you felt the safety of God’s life in your own life?
Question for Adults:
Paul's words to the Thessalonians are tough: if you want to eat, you must work! How does this translate into our society today? How do you reconcile this with Jesus' command to love and feed the poor?
Please pray for the following members of our parish community who are ill:
Joe Brando
Lori Lettieri
Edward Habrack
Father William Bausch
To add or remove a family member from the sick list, please email parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Names will be removed from the list after 3 months. Be sure to keep us updated on your loved one’s health. Thank you for keeping our Parish informed.
Rest in Peace
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org
The Litany of the Saints is one of the oldest and most solemn prayers in the Roman Catholic tradition, tracing its origins to the early centuries of the Church. Emerging from the practice of invoking the intercession of martyrs and saints, it developed as a formal chant in the first millennium, particularly in processions and penitential rites. By the time of Pope St. Gregory the Great in the 6th century, litanies were already being used in public worship, especially during times of crisis such as plagues or natural disasters, when the faithful sought the protection and prayers of the saints.
Over time, the Litany of the Saints took on a more structured form, listing names of holy men and women from the Scriptures and Church history, followed by petitions for mercy and deliverance. Its language and rhythm reflect both humility and communal prayer, as the Church Militant on earth calls upon the Church Triumphant in heaven. The prayer is notably used during solemn liturgical events such as the Easter Vigil, ordinations, and the consecration of churches, symbolizing unity across time and eternity within the Body of Christ. In our Parish, we chant the Litany during the month of November, the month dedicated to all saints and all souls.
In modern practice, the Litany continues to be a powerful expression of the Church’s belief in the communion of saints that those who have gone before us in faith remain present and active through their intercession. While the list of saints has evolved to include more recent canonized figures, its essential purpose remains unchanged: to join the voices of the faithful with those of the saints in heaven, invoking God’s mercy and guidance for the world. Its timeless chant and meditative repetitions remind believers that holiness is a shared journey, spanning heaven and earth.
Click here to view this video by our principal cantor, Dr. Carly York, “How to Sing the Litany of the Saints”
November 30th
THE SEASON OF ADVENT SCHEDULE
Monday, December 8th
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
ParishofSt.Catharine, Holmdel Monday, December 8th 9 am & 7:30 pm
Penance & Reconciliation: Sunday, December 7th 3:00 pm: First Penance & Families 3:05 pm: Last name A-H 3:15 pm: Last name I-P 3:25 pm: Last name Q-Z
crècheinfants fromhomes
DAILY MASS SCHEDULE
Starting 1 December 2025
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Albert the Great, Bishop and Doctor, 1206 1280 Albert was the eldest son of the count of Bollstädt and heir to that title. Despite the strong opposition of his family, he became a Dominican in 1222.
Teaching and studying at various universities, Albert soon developed a widespread reputation for his learning and intellect. He received his doctorate from the university at Paris in 1245 and became the regent of a new school established in Cologne in 1248. Among his students was Thomas Aquinas, whose genius Albert early recognized and proclaimed. The two became close friends. Albert was named provincial of his order in 1254. On a journey to Rome to defend the Dominicans against attacks, he served as personal theologian to the pope. In 1257, he resigned this position to continue his teaching and studies. Together with Thomas Aquinas and others, Albert drew up a new study curriculum for Dominicans. Read more
BOOK YOUR FAMILY PHOTO
The Parish of Saint Mary PARISH PHOTO DIRECTORY
Our Parish Photo Directory won’t be complete without YOU! Schedule your appointment now for your FREE photo session! All participating families will receive a free 8x10 portrait.
Thanksgiving Weekend A perfect time for a family portrait!
Preparations for the "Memory Tree" lighting this year have already started. A $10.00 contribution signifies a light in memory of a deceased loved one, or in honor of a living person.
His/her name will be inscribed in a special "Memory Book", which will be on display in the Church Narthex.
Each $10.00 also entitles the donor to a remembrance card available in the Parish Office during regular office hours for those who want to pick them up.
The deadline for submissions is December 1, 2025
Submissions after deadline are included in the addendum of the Memory Book.
Participants are also invited to the joyous tree lighting ceremony, at the 4:00 pm Mass on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
Click here to sponsor a light.
Saturday, 11/22
4 PM
Sunday, 11/23
8 AM
Sunday, 11/23
10 AM
Sunday, 11/23
12 Noon
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, November 22 & Sunday, November 23
Alex Gruenling Anthony Gruenling Bridget Farrow Michele Gruenling Mary Ellen Griffin
Jacob Barasky Joseph Brando
Chloe Cullen RJ Vaina
Jack Schatzle
Carly York Rita Duenas Joe Ventura
Monica Barr, Organ Host
Jane Slattery, Tabernacle Host
Emily Santangelo, Tabernacle Host
Louise Habrack, Alternate
Steve Stanley, Organ Host
Mike LaCava, Tabernacle Host
Rosanne LaCava, Tabernacle Host
Gina Shute, Alternate
Linda Dickinson-Pancila, Organ Host
Carly York Julia Cullen Steve Rumsby
Jack Main Choir Charles Young Richard Gerbino
Tom Nathanson, Tabernacle Host
Fran Vaina, Tabernacle Host
Dawn Burtone, Alternate
Lee Gesner, Organ Host
Patricia Gesner, Tabernacle Host
Dolores Lembo, Tabernacle Host
Michal Kalisz, Alternate
GOD BLESS
Mairead Susan Brennan
Liturgy of the Word Dismissal for Children Ages
4 to 12
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.
CRY ROOM
Our Church is blessed to have a space just for families with small children to attend Mass! Feel free to use the Cry Room if your children are fussy! We ask parishioners without small children to please refrain from using the Cry Room. Thanks to all for your cooperation!
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
We are now beginning to plan our Nativity Play that will be presented at the RE Christmas party on 20 December. Click here to sign up to be a part of the performance!
Don’t forget to sign up for the Fall Clean-up; Fall Movie Day, where families will learn about Our Lady of Guadalupe; and Advent Wreath Making, as there are limited spots.
Advent Penance & Reconciliation is at 3pm on the 2nd Sunday of Advent, 12 December. It is important to prepare, through prayer at home, BEFORE we come to experience this gift of a sacrament. This is called an Examination of Conscience. (See next page for information.) RE Calendar RE Handbook
15 November 2025
Thanksgiving Food Drive Basket Sort Narthex—registration not required
Fall Cleanup
9 AM—Click to volunteer
16 November 2025
Fall Movie Day Starts at Noon Mass Click to register
CONFIRMATION PREP
Next CP Session:
VIRTUAL: 16 November ON CAMPUS: 18 November
Looking for service hours?
Thanksgiving Food Drive- See page 12
Advent Book Distribution—Click to volunteer Sponsor a Family—Email Roger.Zurro@gmail.com
RELIGIOUS ED LINKS & RESOURCES
Intergenerational List/ Descriptions
Intergenerational Recording Sheet
Confirmation Prep Schedule
Fall RE Schedule
23 November 2025
Advent Wreath Making 11 AM in Madonna Hall Space is limited! Click to register
30 November 2025
Christmas Decorating Following 10 AM Mass Rotunda Click to register
Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation Retreat / Rehearsal Summer & Fall FHC-2 children only Begins at 10AM Mass in Church
7 December 2025
Advent Penance & Reconciliation All RE Students Use QR code to sign in
13 December 2025
Light Up a Memory & Christmas Tree Lighting Begins at 4PM Mass in the Church Click to register
20 December 2025
Blessing of the Infant Jesus At 4PM Mass in the Church
RE Christmas Party/Nativity Play 5PM, Madonna Hall
21 December 2025
Blessing of the Infant Jesus Begins at 10AM Mass in the Church
NCCL Update
Exciting news on our NCCL: Parent & Families at the Center of Faith Formation Project to be implemented during Advent! After reviewing all the digital and in person survey’s that were conducted last year for NCCL, we have come up with a RE initiative to foster community and deepen the faith of families. During mass, we will be encouraging introductions throughout this liturgical season. Catechesis will be provided in the bulletin offering faith practices for the home each week of Advent.
What is NCCL? The Parish of St. Mary is proud to be one of 11 parishes in the Diocese of Trenton selected to participate in the NCCL: Parents & Families at the Center of Faith Formation project. This Christian Parenting & Caregiver Initiative, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., connects NCCL with 200 Catholic parishes across the U.S., forming 20 cohorts. The project’s mission is to reach over 30,000 Catholic parents and families, exploring ways to strengthen the transmission of faith within the home during the crucial first two decades of life. Through this initiative, the goal is to create parish communities that intentionally support and accompany parents, caregivers, and families in their faith journey and catechesis. Our St. Mary’s NCCL team is currently working on implementing initiatives based on feedback from surveys completed by families at the start of the project last year. For more information about the NCCL project happening nationwide, visit https://www.ncclcatholicfamilies.org/ How can I participate? As we enter year two, implementation phase of our NCCL Study, we need your help in the form of participation. All are welcome!
Advent Family Welcome
Sundays in Advent Please arrive by 9:50 am to participate in the “welcomes” before mass each Sunday of Advent: November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 2025
Advent Wreath Making
Please join us beginning at 10am mass on November 30, followed by Advent Wreath Making in Madonna Hall. Young and old are welcome to attend this event to learn about the liturgical season, join in a family activity and video for all ages.
ADVENT FOR RE FAMILIES
Advent Family Welcome
Please arrive to 10 AM Sunday Mass no later than 9:50 am to participate before mass each Sunday of Advent:
November 30
December 7
December 14
December 21
Come and share in the joy of the season as we prepare our hearsts to celebrate the coming of Christ! All are welcome!
Examination of Conscience
Before celebrating the Sacrament of P&R, one should prepare oneself with an examination of conscience, which involves reflecting prayerfully on one's thoughts, words, and deeds in order to identify any sins.
For Kids: Click here for link
For Teens: Click here for link
For Adults: Click here for link
December 7th
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary time. The signs of the end time alert us to the fact that our striving to be faithful disciples has cosmic proportions. Living the paschal mystery doesn’t just have consequences for ourselves, but for all others as well. When we break out of a chronological understanding of time (that is, time as duration with past, present and future) and break into God’s eternal time (time without duration in which everything just is), we can begin to understand how even the little acts of kindness and self-sacrifice we perform each day affect all that is. This is a sobering thought: the way we care for the children, are honest at the workplace, take leisure time to care for ourselves affects our whole world and everyone in it. This is the privilege of discipleship: we can make a difference!!!!!!
This year, we have been treated to a most excellent fall season to date. Mild temperatures are now yielding to a more seasonable chill in the air…in fact a drastic cold last week. The foliage has gloriously burst into a festive color, and now those colors fade as the early evening dark signals that winter is near. This month of All Saints and All Souls reminds us of our need to seek the truth in all things; to choose the higher standard as we strive for holiness of life. As we recall those who have gone before us, here in our parish, in our families, and in our church, we pray for steadfast witnesses to the
faith that has been handed on to us. The scripture passages selected for these last weeks of the liturgical year help us to focus on being accountable, presenting ourselves at the end of our days. Let us continue to support all those in our parish community who are seeking to deepen their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. May we continue to reverently celebrate the sacraments so that the bond of communion might be strengthened among us as we witness to one another and the children in our midst.
This weekend is our annual Fall Clean-Up. It is a time to come together with other parishioner as we care for the environment and our parish campus. Thanks to all who share their time. Also, the Thanksgiving Food Drive is underway. This is an important component of our charitable appeals and outreach. Some have been carrying food to be distributed. Others have made monetary gifts to this fund online or by placing a check in the collection bins. Check this e-bulletin for more details. Thanks to all for participating.
Our Increased Offertory Program continues to progress. We have received some pledge cards. Others have made adjustments to their online giving accounts. Whatever you can do is greatly appreciated. Many, many thanks for sharing your resources. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
Help Families Affected by Hurricane Melissa
Click here to donate
With sustained winds of 185 miles per hour, Hurricane Melissa swept through Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba, leaving destruction in its wake.
Your gift today can help Catholic Relief Services provide lifesaving support including emergency shelter, clean water and essential supplies to families most at risk.
Across much of the Caribbean, Hurricane Melissa’s intense winds destroyed homes and buildings, uprooted trees, and left tens of thousands of people without electricity.
CRS has extensive experience supporting emergency response efforts across the region for decades, with a team of 100 staff in Haiti and local partners in Jamaica and the region. Our emergency teams are securing offices and warehouses, preparing prepositioned shelter and clean water supplies, and helping people secure their businesses, homes and fields.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Every year, Saint Mary Parish parishioners generously provide donations for Thanksgiving Baskets for over 200 families who are in need in the Monmouth County area. The following food items are needed:
• Stuffing
• Gravy
• Green Beans (Canned)
• Corn (Canned)
• Canned Yams, Potatoes or Rice
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Canned Fruit
• Cranberry Sauce
• Coffee or Tea Bags
• Corn Muffin Mix
• Pie Crust Mix & Pie Filling OR Cake Mix & Frosting
Please purchase items to feed a family of four
The Parish of Saint Mary provides turkeys along with the non-perishable food. We ask for monetary donations towards the purchase of turkeys HERE -or- please make a check payable to “Parish of Saint Mary” and note “Thanksgiving Food Drive” in the memo section.
Please bring your donation to the Cry Room off the Church Narthex
Food sort will begin at November 15 at 9 AM
SERVICE HOURS!
Two ways to serve ! No registration required!
1.) Food Donations: Up to 3 hours! One hour of service will awarded for two complete shopping lists and half-hour for each additional food list. Include name, grade, and email for each complete shopping list.
2.) Food Sort: Help sort, pack, and load food on 11/15 at 9 a.m!
Thank you for your generosity! Let’s exceed last year’s donations of 333 bags of groceries and 200 turkeys to serve the needs of our community!
TEMPORAL ADMINISTRATION & STEWARDSHIP
Edwin A. Sevillano— Pastoral Associate for Temporal Administration & Stewardship
TemporalAdmin@StMarysColtsNeck.org
Sign-up for Online Giving to make your parish offerings from your bank account or credit card! Click here to set up an online giving account!
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 ConnectNow Giving App for Android or iOS.
Thank you for your continuous support!
As Stewards of our Parish, we are called upon to take a step. We ask you to listen, review the brochure, pray about it and complete a Commitment Card or submit click to online
Consider AYear-End Gift to the Parish of Saint Mary
As you begin year-end tax planning, take advantage of the charitable tax deduction for gifts made before December 31 and consider making a gift to St Mary Parish. Your gift to our parish can make a great difference to us and help you as well. Online Giving is a convenient way to make your gift to St Mary Parish.
Click here to create or update your St Mary Parish Online Giving account. If you choose to make a cash donation, please prepare your check and mail it so that your envelope is postmarked or received by the Parish Office by December 31 to qualify as a gift in the year 2025.
Contributions received on January 1st or after will be treated as 2026 gifts.
Thank you! Your generosity has been a blessing to St Mary Parish throughout this past year. Your continued support allows us to continue our ministries and mission to proclaim the Gospel in our time.
Offerings at Francis House of Prayer
Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House 84 Walnford Road • Allentown, NJ 08501 www.FHOP.org * 609-877-0509 * FHOP@verizon.net
PROCESSING GRIEF EXPLORING LOSS THROUGH THE LENS OF BROADWAY LOVE SONGS: Tuesday, November 18 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Many who have lost a loved one struggle as they process their grief. For some this can be overwhelming, and for most, a deep sadness accompanies their loss. Do you struggle with having lost a loved one? Do you worry about how you are grieving? Do you sometimes feel that no one knows what you are going through? Over decades, composers of Broadway love songs have offered words of pain and consolation that reflect tenderly what many experience every day. Join Father Jim for a journey through Broadway musicals to discover how your emotions and struggles are a journey of love. Led by Father Jim Grogan. Mass at Noon. Donation: $30, includes lunch. Zoom: $20
IN-PERSON ONLY
SILENT DIRECTED WEEKEND RETREAT
November 21 – 23 -6:30 PM Friday to 1:00 PM Sunday
This weekend includes Sunday Liturgy, spiritual direction and optional Centering Prayer periods and delicious meals of course. Donation: $200/$100 non-refundable deposit with registration. Balance is required 2 weeks in advance of the start date.
