Bulletin for November 29, 2020 – First Sunday of Advent

THE PARISH OF SAINT MARY A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in our Time One Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722 Phone: 732-780-2666 Fax: 732-780-0394 parishoffice@stmaryscoltsneck.org

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 Trustees: Bill LaMorte Irene Weller Worship schedule inside.

Refer to website for more detailed information www.stmaryscoltsneck.org Deacon: John Wedemeyer

November 29, 2020

First Sunday of Advent

Advent Penance & Reconciliation will be held on Sunday, Dec. 6 , 2020 at 3 pm Several priest confessors See page 6 for details 3:00 pm arrival Second Grade Families

Family Last Name arrival times - , - , 3:15 pm, 3:30 pm, & 3:45 pm

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

November 29, 2020

Mass Intentions for the Week of November 28 - December 6 For * Requested by Saturday, November 28 -4 PM Church Pro Populo Terence Deckert * John and Susan Murphy Zumbo and Tripodi Families * Carl and Providence Zumbo Sunday, November 29 – Church 1st Sunday of Advent 8 AM Mae Mascaro * Mascaro Family 10 AM Joseph Simoniello * Sean and Denise Devaney Abel Rodriguez * Rorie and Jack Coppola Cindy Boyle * Freda O’Doherty 12 PM Robert Leight * Thoresen Family Betty Leight * Thoresen Family Monday, November 30 -9 AM Chapel Bernadette Shine * Michele Telesca Abel Rodriguez * Diane Carnevale Tuesday, December 1 – 9 AM Chapel Logan Dayton * Borut Family

2

Please pray for the following members of our parish family who are ill: Marcela Abril Kathleen Amatel Fr Bill Bausch Eileen Beckley Janice Basilice Christen Chellis Blake Conley John DeSimone Kaitlin Donahue Nagle Joann Feliciti James Fiedler Cynthia Fiedler Emily Gioacchini Edward Habrack Tom Hudak Anton Kopp

Bridget Korn Lori Lettieri Donna Lodi Ludwig Mendola Leonidas Mavrookas Mary Joan McNamara Walter Moeller Kevin O’Shea Stanley Rembisz Paola Richmond Owen Shoemaker Victoria Slater Gerard P. Thompson Seneida Tomasetti Lauren Vinci

Wednesday, December 2 – 9 AM Chapel David Horner * Mary Bazza Intentions of Fr. Ed Griswold * Bill and Gail Cargiulo Thursday, December 3- 9 AM Chapel Margaret Clime * Jim Schatzle and Family Crisanta Dapul * Drs. Elvira and Gener Dapul Friday, December 4 – 9 AM Chapel Mary Hanas * Laura Sheehy Lawrence Patrick Dickinson * Dickinson-Pancila Family Saturday, December 5 – 4 PM Church Irene Baron * Susan Gobat Sharon Sturchio * Barbara Saake Stephenie E. Gobat * James and Susan Gobat Sunday, December 6 – Church 2nd Sunday of Advent 8 AM Pro Populo David Horner * Pat Balbo Lloyd Petillo * Stephanie Petillo 10 AM Lawrence Patrick Dickinson * Dickinson-Pancila Family Hans Moeller * John and Dawn Reinhardt Bernadette Shine * Rita Duenas 12 PM Robert A. McNamara * McNamara Family Rosaria Pati * Richard and Maria Gerbino Gladys Lambert * Rev. Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee, Staff and Parishioners

To add a family member to the sick list for 8 weeks, please call or e-mail the Parish Office. Thank you! 732-780-2666 or parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Mass Intention Request ONLINE Available through the link below is an online form to request Mass Intentions for the remainder of the 2021 calendar. https://bit.ly/3dbHyip

Welcome to the newest members of our Saint Mary Parish family who was Baptized recently: Emma Patricia Johnson Bennie Simone Berardi

Rest in Peace Please remember in your prayers, those who have recently died.

Dominic Sozio

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

November 29, 2020

PRAY for Military & First Responders SN Colton Boag, USCG LCpl Devon Francis Chrzan, USMC Lt. Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army Major Douglas Coppola, US Army Lt. Mary Herman, USN SN Christian Houlihan, USN Ensign Jason Joseph Howe, USN SPC Michael John Mento, US Army PFC Nicholas Poskonka, US Army Captain Richard Savo, US Army 1st Lt. Adam Sjoholm, US Army 1st Lt. Ryan Tanguay, US Army TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC If there is a family member you wish to be placed on the list, please contact the Parish Bulletin at 732-780-2666 or parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org.

3 Lifelong Catechesis Week November 30 - December 6 READINGS FOR THE WEEK

30 Mon 1 Tue 2 Wed 3 Thu 4 Fri

Rom 10:9-18/Mt 4:18-22 Is 11:1-10/Lk 10:21-24 Is 25:6-10a/Mt 15:29-37 Is 26:1-6/Mt 7:21, 24-27 Is 29:17-24/Mt 9:27-31

December 6 - 2nd Sunday of Advent Is 40:1-5, 9-11/2 Pt 3:8-14/Mk 1:1-8 Questions for Deeper Reflection Question for Children: How do you experience God taking care of you, even in times of trouble?

Question for Youth: John went out to announce the good news of the Messiah’s coming. How can you be good news to your friends and family this week?

Question for Adults: When you hear Isaiah comfort the people by promising that God is like a shepherd who gathers the lambs into his arms, what is your response? - Lifelong Catechesis

ADVENT Sundays & Christmas Mass Schedule

Sanctuary Lamp Consider donating the sanctuary lamp that burns in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the Church or in the Chapel in honor of a living or deceased loved one.

The suggested donation is $25.

ONLINE https://bit.ly/37RKz5p Intentions are available in the Church & Chapel in November & December

Church Lawrence Patrick Dickinson Dickinson-Pancila Family

1st Sunday of Advent Saturday, November 28 - 4 pm Sunday, November 29- 8, 10, &12 noon 2nd Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 5 - 4 pm Sunday, December 6 - 8, 10, & 12 noon 3rd Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 12 - 4 pm Sunday, December 13 - 8, 10, & 12 4th Sunday of Advent  Saturday, December 19 - 4 pm Mass  Sunday, December 20- 10 am Mass Christmas Christmas Eve - 3, 5, & 10 pm Christmas Day - 9 am & 11 am Holy Family Saturday, December 26 - 4 pm Mass Sunday, December 27- 10 am Mass

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

November 29, 2020

4

Andrew J. Macirowski Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org Advent and Christmas 2020 This year has been a year like no other any of us have seen. The pandemic has changed the way we gather, shop, work, and worship. While it may be quite some time until we return to what we know as “normal�, we continue to make strides in the best ways possible.

Guidelines from the Diocese of Trenton have necessitated the removal of hymnals and other worship materials from the pews. To serve our parishioners viewing Mass from home, we have been including a digital worship aid, produced in-house, with every broadcasted Mass. Several months ago, the parish partnered with Source & Summit to become a charter member of their new digital online worship aid platform. This will allow us to create and share highly customized worship materials in a digital format with our parishioners and guests. Beginning on the 1st Sunday of Advent (November 29), you may navigate from the parish website or follow this link (https:// tinyurl.com/y4xhvqz8) to access worship aids containing readings, propers, hymns, etc for each Sunday and weekday Mass, which can then be viewed on your personal device as you participate at Mass. This partnership allows us to create these materials in a more time-efficient manner, as well as grant us access to propers for those weekdays which have often proved difficult to procure.

Our annual communal opportunity for the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation will take place on December 6th. Families are asked to arrive based on alphabetical groupings as outline elsewhere in this bulletin, in an effort to maintain social distancing and occupancy requirements.

Our Christmas Mass schedule remains the same as in years past: 3 pm, 5 pm and 10 pm on Christmas Eve, 9 am and 11 am on Christmas Day. As of this writing, our occupancy limits remain the same (1/3 seating capacity), and masks and hand sanitizing are required. There will also be a broadcasted Mass available for Christmas and all of the Sundays and Holy Days throughout the Christmas season for those who wish to join in a spiritual communion.

2020 Schedule of Decorating the Parish! Join in !

11/30 - Decorating of Rotunda, following 9 AM Mass 12/8 - Decorating of Narthex, following 9 AM Mass Continue Narthex Decorations, 6 PM 12/21 - Decorating of Trees, Poinsettia, Church, following 9 AM Mass 1/11 - Un-Decorating of campus, following 9 AM Mass To volunteer for any and/or all of these, please see Andrew Macirowski, coordinator for Worship and Music.

Online Mass viewing continues with the newest weekend Mass becoming available on Saturdays after 4 pm The Parish of Saint Mary - You Tube Channel (https://bit.ly/2SkpRET) Worship aid for weekend Mass at https://tinyurl.com/y4xhvqz8

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

November 29, 2020

5

Worship Schedule: December 5 - December 6: Second Sunday of Advent

Saturday, 4:00 PM (Church) Sunday, 8:00 AM (Church)

Sunday, 10:00 AM (Church)

Sunday, 12:00 PM (Church)

Volunteer (cleaning)

Altar Server

EMHC

Reader 1

Reader 2

Cantor

Usher

Mark Hines William Hines NOT FILLED

Suzanne Schlesinger Organ Host (sub req.)

Susan Murphy Tabernacle Host Emily Santangelo - Alt

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Bruno Savo

Charles Young

Bridget Farrow

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Ashley Austin Daniel Austin NOT FILLED

Michael Stivala - Alt

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

NOT FILLED

Kevin Swan

David Maliakel

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Gabriella Penczak Alessandra Zilinski NOT FILLED

Amy Orrico - Organ Host Steve Stanley Tabernacle Host Dawn Reinhardt - Alt

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Barbara Schaflin

Carl Simone

Colleen Swain

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Jack Schatzle Jimmy Schatzle NOT FILLED

Lee Gesner - Alt

NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED

Richard Gerbino

T Mullin

Colleen Swain

James Dolan Joseph Rinaldo NOT FILLED

EMHC please sign up for the current schedule EXPECTATIONS AS WE GATHER FOR MASS Please arrive earlier than usual to search for seating that observes social distancing.  Masks, Hand Sanitizer, and Social/Physical distancing are required.  There can be no physical collection of Stewardship Offerings; A designated box(es) will be placed in the

Narthex/Gathering Space for the placement of envelopes or offerings. Thank you for your generosity.  Missals, Missalettes, Bulletins, and other papers have been removed.  Holy Water has been drained from all locations.  Parish Clergy will distribute Holy Communion; we ask all coming forth to observe distancing front to back

and side to side.  Remove mask (and gloves) as you approach the Eucharist; put mask back in place as you return to your pew  Volunteers are greatly needed to wipe down the wood of the pews after all Masses (weekend and weekday). We will have a cleaning crew take care of the floors, bathrooms, etc, but need this little bit of additional help. Please contact Andrew if you are able.

We have been advised that socializing before or after the Mass inside or outside is to be discouraged; clergy are not permitted to greet parishioners before or after the Mass.

NOTE:  For those Catholic faithful that need to consider any possible health and safety risks involved with attending a public gathering the weekend Mass will be available online.  Monday through Friday 9 am Daily Mass in the chapel in the Parish Hall - do not arrive prior to 8:30 AM

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

November 29, 2020

6

Julia Cullen Pastoral Coordinator of Elementary Religion Education - Grade 1 -6 ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309

Rose Farrow Coordinator of Faith Formation for Youth Catechesis & Service - Grade 7 & 8 YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 310

Dr. Jim Bridges Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Adult Catechesis FaithFormation@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 x 305

Penance Rehearsal - 2nd Graders Mandatory 2nd rehearsal Dec 1st

Sacrament of Penance Sunday December 6, 2020 2nd grade students and their families arrive prior to 3 pm, the sacrament will be offered beginning at 3 pm sharp.

All other parishioners are asked to arrive according to the following: 3:15 Last name A-H 3:30 Last name I-P 3:45 Last name Q-Z      

 

Enter only through the narthex, as on Sundays.

Masks must be worn and hands sanitized.

Proceed down the left side of the church, maintaining physical distance and silence.

Penitents will be called into the chapel and directed to a priest confessor.

The sacrament of penance will occur.

Exit the chapel through the opposite door, and proceed into the church for your penance.

Kneel in a pew, say the Act of Contrition, and pray your penance.

When you have finished, please maintain silence and exit through the narthex.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults have not been baptized into the Catholic Church, have been baptized but have not yet received the

sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist have been baptized in another Christian Church & would like to become a member of the Catholic Church The RCIA is a conversion journey - a time for learning, sharing, bonding with others and living your faith more deeply.

To learn more, please contact Faith Formation. faithformation@stmaryscoltsneck.org In past years, the Parish of St. Mary has distributed little books of spiritual reflections for Advent, the Christmas season, and Lent. Due to the pandemic we have suspended all distributions of paper items to parishioners. Thus, for example, we do not distribute paper copies of the parish bulletin. The publisher of the Little Books is making its books available to download on your phone. There is a single charge of $10 to get all the books for the year. If you are interested, go to www.littlebooks.org/app.

ATTENTION: On-Line Religious Education Students Grade 3 - 6 The My Catholic Faith Delivered courses at this point should be well underway.

Please help your child to be up-to-date and not fall behind with his/her work.

Any questions, please contact Julia Cullen at ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org as soon as possible!

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

November 29, 2020

7

Quo vadis…

My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the First Sunday in the Season of Advent. This Sunday also marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. Here is one way of living the paschal mystery (the dying and rising mystery of Christ into which we are plunged at baptism): we let the end (Christ’s coming in glory at the end of time) determine the way we live in the present (waiting and watching for God’s many comings now). There is a seeming contradiction here (God is already present but still coming) that is allayed when we remember that God is already present in our lives because we are graced members of the body of Christ, “not lacking in any spiritual gift” (second reading) and enjoying God’s blessings now. At the same time we watch and wait for Christ’s return when we will enjoy the greater blessings yet to come. Paschal mystery living is living the tension of this already and not yet of Christ’s presence. Here the end not only justifies the means; it is the means: being mindful of Christ’s coming in judgment is how we live.

We had a great response to the Thanksgiving Food Drive 2020. Thanks to all those who donated, those who sorted and prepared the baskets, and those who delivered. We also had awesome participation in the Fall Clean up. Nearly 100 persons participated in this important work and community building opportunity. As we begin a new liturgical year, there are lots of preparations happening throughout the month as we make our way toward Christmas. The Advent candles are an outward visible sign of the call to focus on how we are living our lives and how the choices we are making advance us along the path toward heaven.

The scripture passages and prayers offered during

the sacred liturgy are some of the most beautiful that we have in our Roman Catholic tradition.

Take notice of them and pray along as they are offered.

The Advent-Christmas mailer has been sent through the USPS mail. Please keep it in a convenient place for easy reference. We are also busy about the Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation for our parish community this Sunday, 6 December 2020 at 3:00 pm in the Church. We will have 10-12 priest confessors available for your convenience.

During this opportunity 60 or so of our young people will approach this sacrament for the first time. Please take note in the bulletin and e-letter for some practical suggestions for this year during the Covid pandemic. What an awesome experience it is for them to be part of our community as we witness to them God’s love and mercy. Come to this sacrament as part of your preparation for the Solemnity of Christmas. I previously announced that this year’s Light Up A Memory Ceremony will remember all those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, those caregivers and first responders.

We customarily light the tree on the Saturday on the 3rd weekend of Advent or Gaudete Weekend.

Come and be a part of this awesome celebration.

Many thanks to all those who have or are prayerfully discerning participation in the Offertory Recovery Program. The responses continue to be returned you’re your generosity enables us to continue to provide for the on-going solvency of our parish and its ministries. Have a great week.

Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

November 29, 2020

8

Temporal Administration, Stewardship & Outreach Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org Sharing Our Treasure November 22nd Solemnity of Christ the King Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship

$ 26,862

Envelope Contributions

$ 19,518

Electronic/Online Contributions

$ 6,813

Loose Contributions

$

531

Avg. Contribution per Household this week $ 91.43 # of Contributing Households

288

# Registered Parishioner Households

989

Included in this week’s offertory will be the collection for the Support for Religious Retirement.

THANK YOU for the Sacrificial Stewardship Offerings as we support the ministries, programs and facilities of our parish. May God Bless you for the sacrifices that you make.

The Vatican Cookbook “Holy Ravioli!

Cookbook reveals the Vatican’s favorite recipes … hard not be enchanted.” – NPR From the elite protectors of the Popes and Defenders of the Faith for more than 500 years, a unique collection of exceptional recipes from simple to sublime, everyday staples to holiday feasts.

For sale at the Parish Of ice. A perfect gift for cooks and foodies! Get your copy in time for the holidays. Only $35.

2020 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL UPDATE As of November 23, 2020 There are only a few weeks left until the end of this year and the ACA 2020 will be concluding soon. To date 200 families of Saint Mary Parish have pledged a total of $47,524, roughly 63% of our parish goal of $75,000. To all of them a big THANK YOU for your commitment with the mission of the Church in Monmouth County and the Diocese of Trenton.

Since we have not reached our goal for the second year in a row our parish will not be eligible for the ACA rebate. This will have a negative impact on our budget as we anticipated to receive a minimum rebate of $11,250 had we reached our goal. We encourage our parishioners for a larger participation in the ACA 2021 when it launches next February.

Thank you for your generosity!

ACA 2020 St Mary Parish goal: $75,000 Pledges to date: $47,524 Progress to goal: 63% Number of donors: 200 Average gift: $238 https://www.dioceseoftrenton.org/aca-donate-page

smile.amazon.com/ch/22-1963114 and AmazonSmile donates to St. Mary Parish

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

November 29, 2020

9

Thanksgiving Baskets I am humbled and grateful for the generosity of the parish despite and perhaps in response to the circumstances due to COVID -19. St. Mary’s not only met but exceeded the expectations set last year before the pandemic was even a thought.

Thanksgiving grocery bags were distributed as follows: 55 bags to Open Door 55 bags to St. Peter Claver 30 bags to CPC 35 bags to Martin house 30 bags to Anderson’s Meet the Needs 25+ mixed grocery bags to R. Martin And an additional 50 bags of mixed groceries divided among those that are not limited to accepting Thanksgiving food Additionally potatoes, onions, rutabagas, and 180 turkeys were donated.

A big thanks to those who were able to participate in the food sort and loading of the delivery trucks. Thank you to the staff that helped to prepare for and clean up after the event. Thank you to all those who donated to providing a family in need with a thanksgiving that may not have otherwise been possible.

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me…

Rose Farrow Coordinator of Faith Forma on for Youth Catechesis & Service

Parish Fall Clean-Up A big THANK YOU to the 80+ volunteers who helped us with our Fall Grounds Clean-up!!

For 4 hours we raked leaves, picked up branches and twigs, cut down ornamental grass and piled up leaves on the road for township pick up. All of this would have not been possible with our parishioners help. Many hands make light work!

Please be aware of upcoming volunteering opportunities for service hours. We will have a Spring Clean-up in March/April, date still to be announced.

Hope to see you all again by then!

Edwin A. Sevillano Temporal Administra on, Stewardship & Outreach

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

November 29, 2020

10

St. Mary Charitable Appeals - Christmas, 2020 Each year we here at Charitable Appeals are approached directly by the heads of needy families seeking Christmas gifts for their children, their grandchildren, and themselves. We have helped many of them in the past – some return every year and some of them are new. Their Christmases have been brightened through the efforts and abundant generosity of numerous St. Mary parishioners (especially the Members of The Martha Mary Guild and Walking With Purpose) who shopped for specific gift requests at their own expense and wrapped the gifts as well.

The task was not a small one. Last year, St. Mary parishioners shopped for, purchased, wrapped, and distributed 105 gifts to fulfill wishes on 46 Christmas lists. This year, the requests are still coming in, but due to the Corona virus pandemic things will be different; we will fill gift requests by the distribution of gift cards.

It’s important to be aware that the Charitable Appeals Christmas gift program is separate from and differs from The Tree of Love and Sponsor-A-Family programs in that the requests received are directly from the recipients themselves – not through other organizations.

We need your help to help others. Many jobs have been lost, and parents are struggling to try and provide a little Christmas spirit and cheer for their children. Please support Charitable Appeals with a donation so we can purchase gift cards from major retailers and food chains and make Christmas a bit brighter for some families. When writing a check, kindly note Charitable Appeals Christmas on the memo line. Your generosity in these difficult times towards those less fortunate is very much appreciated.

CHRISTMAS SPONSOR-A-FAMILY Purchase gifts for a family in need. You select several families or a group of people can sponsor a larger family.

We ask that you spend $50 per person and you will be provided with a list of needed items prepared by the family. This program adopts families from Aslan Youth Ministries. The goal is to sponsor families in need at Christmas. If you, your family, your neighbors, coworkers, or friends would like to sponsor a family in need this holiday season, please contact: Kathy Maher wamaher2@aol.com

‘Tree of Love’ Due to COVID restrictions, we will not be having individual ornaments on the tree this year or collecting toys as we have in past years. Many of the organizations we work with are not able to collect, sort and distribute physical gifts. Instead, gift cards are requested which will be distributed directly to families.

In order to provide the assistance we normally offer (800 gifts), we are asking that parishioners participate by purchasing gift cards or making monetary donations. They can be dropped in the collection box in Church or at the parish office during regular hours. The following are needed: Target Walmart Kohl's ShopRite Amazon CVS

(470) $25 gift cards (20) $25 gift cards (25) $25 gift cards (15) $25 gift cards (50) $25 gift cards (20) $25 gift cards

MONETARY DONATIONS are also needed and will be used by our team of shoppers to purchase the remaining 200 gifts for organizations that want physical gifts as well as any gift cards still needed. Monetary donations can be made by check to St Mary Parish (please write "Tree of Love" in the memo line) or through our Online Giving system at https:// bit.ly/3mOQP4d (please write "Tree of Love" in the comment box).

ALL GIFTS ARE DUE BACK BY DECEMBER 6th. NO WRAPPING OF GIFT CARDS IS NECESSARY. We realize that many people enjoy purchasing children’s toys and gifts for families, and hope that next year we will be able to return to our St. Mary Tree of Love tradition.

Thank you for your generosity!

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

November 29, 2020

11

The Parish of St. Mary will be showing the new film “Fatima” on Sunday, December 13 beginning at 1:15 p.m. in Madonna Hall. Seating will allow for social distancing.

Masks must be worn. Register by emailing Jim at Faithformation@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Runtime is just under 2 hours.

“SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS” SEMINAR St. Mary’s Chapel, 26 Leonardville Road, New Monmouth Monday, December 14th, 2020 7:30-8:30 p.m.

ARE YOU SEPARATED OR DIVORCED?-Wondering how you will survive Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading these holidays, knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years can’t be recreated? Our Surviving the Holidays seminar is especially for people who are separated and divorced. You’ll learn how to deal with the many emotions you will face, helpful tips for surviving social events, ways to give your kids a good holiday experience and how to discover hope for your future. The program uses a DVD provided by DivorceCare (for more information visit: www.divorcecare.org).

The seminars will be held at St. Mary’s Chapel, 26 Leonardville Road, New Monmouth, on Monday, November 23rd and Monday, December 14th, 2020 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Chapel Basement.

Two seminars will be offered, slightly different from one another, so feel free to sign up for one or both. We are asking for a $10.00 donation, but it is not required.

For more information and to register, please contact the facilitators at healingheartsfromdivorce@gmail.com or call/text Janet Felice at 908-670-5164 or Rich DeGennaro at 732-540-9204 to register (required). We hope you can make it!

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

November 29, 2020

12

NOTES FROM USCCB (Doctrine and Pro-Life Committees) RE: VACCINES FOR COVID-19 November 23, 2020 There appears to be some confusion in the media regarding the moral permissibility of using the vaccines for COVID-19 developed by Pfizer Inc. and Moderna. We would like to offer some clarifications.

Neither the Pfizer nor the Moderna vaccine involved the use of cell lines that originated in fetal tissue taken from the body of an aborted baby at any level of design, development, or production. They are not completely free from any connection to abortion, however, as both Pfizer and Moderna made use of a tainted cell line for one of the confirmatory lab tests of their products. There is thus a connection, but it is relatively remote.

Some are asserting that if a vaccine is connected in any way with tainted cell lines then it is immoral to be vaccinated with them. This is an inaccurate portrayal of Catholic moral teaching.

There are three documents from the Holy See that treat the question of tainted vaccines: 1) the 2005 study by the Pontifical Academy for Life, "Moral Reflections on Vaccines Prepared from Cells Derived from Aborted Human Fetuses"; 2) paragraphs nos. 34-35 in the 2008 Instruction on Certain Bioethical Questions (Dignitatis Personae) by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; 3) the 2017 Note on Italian Vaccine Issue, by the Pontifical Academy for Life.

These documents all point to the immorality of using tissue taken from an aborted child for creating cell lines. They also make distinctions in terms of the moral responsibility of the various actors involved, from those involved in designing and producing a vaccine to those receiving the vaccine. Most importantly, they all make it clear that, at the level of the recipient, it is morally permissible to accept vaccination when there are no alternatives and there is a serious risk to health.

The Pontifical Academy for Life gives as an example the case of rubella (German measles): "We find, in such a case, a proportional reason, in order to accept the use of these vaccines in the presence of the danger of favoring the spread of the pathological agent, due to the lack of vaccination of children. This is particularly true in the case of vaccination against German measles."

The Pontifical Academy does call for appropriate expressions of protest against the origins of these vaccines as well as for vigorous efforts to promote the creation of alternatives. "There remains a moral duty to continue to fight and to employ every lawful means in order to make life difficult for the pharmaceutical industries which act unscrupulously and unethically." The Pontifical Academy adds, however, that public health must not be sacrificed. "The burden of this important battle cannot and must not fall on innocent children and on the health situation of the population."

See the chart provided by the Charles Lozier Ins tute: COVID‐19‐Vaccine‐Candidates‐and‐Abor on‐Derived‐Cell‐Lines.pdfn (pcdn.co).

Pon fical Academy for Life, “Moral Reflec ons on Vaccines,” (9 June 2005) in Na onal Catholic Bioethics Quarterly 6:3 (2006): 541‐49, especially n.16.