The Parish of Saint Mary
The parish of saint Mary
A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in Our Time
A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in our Time
OnePhalanxRoad,ColtsNeck,NJ07722
One Phalanx Road • Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Phone:732-780-2666 Fax:732-780-0394
Phone: (732) 780-2666 • Fax: (732) 780-0394
Email: ParishOffice@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Website: StMarysColtsNeck.org
Sunday, December 7
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
Saturday, Nov. 29 4 PM Sunday, Nov. 30 10 AM
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, November 29, 2025 - Sunday, December 7, 2025
Saturday, November 29
4 PM
Veronica Grabowski * Janet Munger
Annibale Cappelleri * Cappelleri Family
Carl Simone * Barbara Saake
Sunday, November 30
10 AM
Pro Populo
DeStefano/Albruno Families * Franceschetti Family
Edith & Richard Gold * The Garito Family
Monday, December 1
9 AM Chapel
Crisanta Dapul * Drs. Gener & Elvira Dapul
Intentions of Jacqueline Rodrigues * The Farrow Family
Tuesday, December 2
9 AM Chapel
Josephine Kopcha * Sessa Family
Wednesday, December 3
9 AM Chapel
Francisca Lujan Blanco * Maria Yaninas & Family
Margaret Clime * Jim Schatzle & Family
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 e-mail 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.
Saturday, December 6
4 PM
Sharon Sturchio * Barbara Saake
Intentions of Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Carl Simon * Jeanne & Matthew Cerbone
Sunday, December 7
8 AM
Carl Zumbo * Providence Zumbo
Joseph "Bud" Mcilvaine * Carly & Chris York
Pro Populo
10 AM
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day * Carol Donahue
Hans Moeller * John & Dawn
Noreen Burkis * Valeria Burkis
12 Noon
Robert A. & Mary Joan McNamara * The McNamara Family
Rosaria & Salvatore Pati * Richard & Maria Gerbino
Josephine & Vincent Valentino Sr. * Nancy Valentino
Rest in Peace
Barbara P. Pellecchia, mother of Gregg Pellecchia
Emilia Chavez mother of Edwin Sevillano
MASS INTENTIONS & SANCTUARY LAMPS
Request a Sanctuary Lamp ($25 stipend)
Request a Mass Intention ($10 stipend)
LIFELONG CATECHESIS:
Week of November 30 to December 6
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday, November 30
Isaiah 2:1-5 /Romans 13:11-14 / Matthew 8:5 11
Monday, December 1
Isaiah 4:2-6/ Matthew 24:37-44
Tuesday, December 2
Isaiah 11:1-10 / Luke 10:21-24
Wednesday, December 3
Isaiah 25:6-10a / Matthew 15:29-37
Thursday, December 4
Isaiah 26:1-6/ Matthew 7:21,24-27
Friday, December 5
Isaiah 29:17-24 / Matthew 9:27-31
Saturday, December 6
Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 / Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8
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?
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Francis Xavier, Priest, 1506-1552
Francis Xavier was born in the Basque region of Spain and entered the University of Paris when he was seventeen. While there, he met Ignatius Loyola who repeated the words to him, "For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?
Although Francis didn't immediately fall under the influence of Ignatius, he became one of a band of seven, the first Jesuits, who vowed themselves to God's service in 1534. Francis was ordained three years later and, in 1540, was appointed by St. Ignatius to the first missionary expedition of the young order. He sailed to Goa, on the west coast of India and, for the next ten years, labored to bring the faith to such widely scattered peoples as the Hindus, the Malayans, and the Japanese.
Wherever he went, Francis lived with the poorest people, sharing their food and their living conditions and ministering to the poor and the sick, especially to lepers. He traveled thousands of miles to the most inaccessible of places under the most harrowing conditions, and converted hundreds of thousands. His missionary impact in the East has endured for centuries. Read more...
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist
Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org
The Two Comings of Christ: The Season of Advent
Advent is a time of preparation. Most people think of it as a time to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas; and while this is true, it is also a time to prepare for his coming at the end of time. Many of the Advent readings and hymns we sing during Advent and Christmastime allude to the two comings of Christ.
The first two Sundays speak of His coming at the end of days. The latter two of His coming birth. Woven throughout this is the theology of the cradle and the cross - the latter could not exist without the former, and that same infant, so innocent and pure, is the same who died for our sins. One of the hymns that is often sung during Advent, The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns. In the same hymn, the author speaks of the birth of Christ, but also of the return:
Not, as of old, a little child
To suffer and to die,
But crowned with glory like the sun
That lights the morning sky.
Another hymn, Savior of the Nations Come, speaks of the destiny of the Christ to lead those who have passed and believe in him to eternal glory:
From the Father forth he came and returneth to the same, captive leading death and hell high the song of triumph swell!
This is also a time of year when special attention is paid to the Blessed Virgin Mary, with the Solemnity of the Immaculate conception on December 8, The Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12, and on the Octave of Christmas, the Solemnity of Theotokos, Mary the Mother of God.
It is important during this time of preparation to not only prepare our hearts for the coming of the infant Jesus, the Son of Mary and Word Incarnate, but also the Redeemer, King of Kings for all eternity. Take some extra time for prayer, read the daily reflection books that have been gifted to our parishioners (perhaps even as a family), go to confession, take some extra time out of the busy season to TRULY prepare for Christmas.
November
1
THE SEASON OF ADVENT SCHEDULE
Monday, December 8th
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
8
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
DAILY MASS SCHEDULE
Starting 1 December 2025
PARISH OF ST. MARY Colts Neck 9AM Mondays Tuesdays & Wednesdays
PARISH OF ST. CATHARINE Holmdel 9AM Thursdays Fridays & Saturdays
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 hearts to celebrate the coming of Christ! All are welcome!
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!
FINAL WEEKEND! LAST CHANCE FOR PHOTO SESSIONS
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 afree8x10portrait.
“Light
Up a Memory”
Friday, Nov. 28: 2PM-8:30PM Saturday, Nov. 29: 10AM-4PM
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, 12/6
4 PM
Sunday, 12/7
8 AM
Sunday, 12/7
10 AM
Sunday, 12/7
12 Noon
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, December 6 & Sunday, December 7
Jonathan Stubbs
Jack Main
Jacob Barasky
Joseph Brando
RJ Vaina
Olivia Linquito
Jack Schatzle NOT FILLED
Bridget Farrow
Angela Kinlin
Mary Ellen Griffin
Carly York
Rita Duenas
Joe Ventura
Michal Kalisz, Organ Host
Martha Cowles, Tabernacle Host
Monica Barr, Tabernacle Host
Louise Habrack, Alternate
Mary Aiello, Organ Host
Justine Buzzetta, Tabernacle Host
Gina Shute, Tabernacle Host
Marsha Grigoli, Alternate
Fran Vaina, Organ Host
Carly York
Julia Cullen
Barbara Schaflin
Choir
Richard Gerbino
Charles Young
Joseph Burtone, Tabernacle Host
Dawn Burtone, Tabernacle Host
Sue Fitzpatrick, Alternate
Lee Gesner, Organ Host
Tom Nathanson, Tabernacle Host
Ron Gabbard, Tabernacle Host
Patricia Gesner, Alternate
Emilia Chavez, mother of Parish Pastoral Associate for Temporal Administration Edwin Sevillano has peacefully died Tuesday, 25 November 2025. surrounded by her husband, their daughters and families.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, 27 November 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Lima, Peru. Father Jeff will represent our community at these rites.
We will organize a mass in the coming weeks to pray for Emilia and offer our prayerful support to Edwin.
May She Rest In Peace. Amen.
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
ReligiousEd@StMarysColtsNeck.org • (732) 780-2666 x. 309
A Message to Our Families
We hope you enjoyed a Happy Thanksgiving, filled with all of God’s blessings! “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)
Please read over the Religious Ed calendar, as there are many Intergenerational and service hour opportunities coming up during the season of Advent. We encourage all RE families to attend Advent Penance & Reconciliation on Sunday, 7 December 2025, at 3pm in the Chapel. A beautiful gift of love and forgiveness as we await the coming of Christ!
CONFIRMATION PREP
December 7: Penance & Reconciliation
December 14: Next Virtual session
December 16: Next On-Campus session
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 Click to RSVP
21 December 2025
Blessing of the Infant Jesus At 10AM Mass in the Church
22 December 2025 through 1 January 2026
Christmas Break No Religious Education Classes
PLEASE JOIN US SATURDAY, 11/29
Please join the rosary procession beginning at 3:00 on Saturday, 11/29 the Grotto
THE TORCH HAS ARRIVED!
Prayer intentions will travel with the torch and be sent to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadelupe in Mexico at the close of the torch pilgrimage. Please place intentions over the weekend in the intentions box in the narthex. The intention box will be located with the torch in the front of the church during the week.
BIRTHRIGHT DRIVE
place donations for the Birthright Drive through 11/29 n in the Narthex:
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’s 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 presentin 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 wewatchandwaitforChrist’s returnwhen 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. The Lectionary (Scripture Readings) for this new liturgical year are: Sunday Cycle A; WeekdayCycleII.
The Advent-Christmas mailing has gone to the post office. You should be receiving these items in the mail by Thursday or Friday of this week. If not by next Tuesday, please let us know so that we can provide you with the necessary information. Be mindful of the importance for us to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation as we journey toward Christmas. Our Penance and Reconciliation Service is scheduled for Next Sunday, 7 December 2025, at 3:00pm in our parish church building. This service is designed for us to come together as a community as we encourage our First Penance candidates as they approach this sacrament for the very first time. It is a time for all parishioners and families to come. We have arranged for sixteen (14 +/-) priest confessors in order to accommodate our parishioners and guests. I know how important your time is especially these days. We have prepared a guide inviting participation grouped by the first letter of last names. This has been quite beneficial these past few years. Let’s continue to work together so that we can witness our faith to each other and our children and youth. Come and support one another as we beseech the Lord for the grace of this sacrament in our lives. Please join us for the Annual
Light Up A Memory Mass. If you have not sent in your intentions please do so today. Consult the bulletin for details and how to purchase your tickets online.
I am grateful to Jeanne Kolakowski along with Rose Farrow and Roger Zorro, who coordinated our very successful Thanksgiving Food Drive for the Poor and Needy and some of those organizations that provide for them. Our support was a little less than previous years; however, we were able to subsidize from the general fund to make it work. The Tree of Love and Sponsor a Family programs are underway. I have been told that we have received more requests this year. We have a few tags on the tree. Thank you for your generous spirit of sharing especially during this Season of Hope.
During the Season of Advent, the Church gives us two images of the Blessed Virgin Mary: The Immaculate Conception (8 December) and Our Lady of Guadalupe (12 December). The Immaculate Conception is the Patronal Feast of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. Masses have been scheduled for you convenience. Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the rare images of Mary as a pregnant woman, has been proclaimed by the late Pope John Paul II as the Patroness of America. JPII intended for this observance to be a way in which Catholics in America, North, Central and South might be united in prayer.
Next weekend is our Advent Confessions. Please make every effort to participate with your family in preparation for the Solemnity of Christmas.
We continue to make slow, steady progress with the Increased Offertory Program. I appreciate the many conversations that have ensued and the seriousness with which many of you have embraced in prayerfully discerning your stewardship of treasure. We are observing an abbreviated Mass schedule this weekend: Saturday 4pm; Sunday 10am. There is an advent concert in the church on Sunday at 4pm. This is a great way to begin the season. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
Bishop O’Connell issues decree on ethical, religious directives for Catholic health care
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued a General Decree Nov. 19, 2025 establishing the Seventh Edition of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services as particular law in the Diocese of Trenton. GENERAL DECREE
ESTABLISHING THE SEVENTH EDITION OF THE ETHICAL AND RELIGIOUS DIRECTIVES FOR CATHOLIC HEALTH
CARE SERVICES
AS PARTICULAR LAW IN THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON
Mindful of my responsibility as a diocesan bishop to safeguard the integrity and unity of the truths of the faith, moral principles, and ecclesiastical discipline in the works of the apostolate pertaining to health care in the Diocese of Trenton (cf. canons 392, 394, 678, and 747)...
I, Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M. J.C.D., Bishop of Trenton, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See, hereby issue this General Decree in accord with Canon 29 establishing the Seventh Edition of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services as particular law in the Diocese of Trenton.
The Seventh Edition of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services is to be promulgated in accord with Canon 8, §2 by publication of the text on the Internet Website for the Diocese of Trenton (www.DioceseofTrenton.org) and by delivering a copy of the same and a copy of this decree to the chief executive officer and the sponsors of all Catholic health care institutions located in the Diocese. The provisions of the Seventh Edition of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services shall become effective and binding within the Diocese of Trenton on November 24, 2025, any particular legislation, directives, or institutions to the contrary notwithstanding.
Given at the Chancery this 19th day of November, 2025.
Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D. Bishop of Trenton
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.
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
ADVENT: LEARNING TO WALK IN THE LIGHT: Wednesday, December 3 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Advent’s beginning calls us to be attentive, to wait and watch, to learn to walk with God and with each other in the light. Our time will be filled with scripture and song, silence and shared faith as well as some of the stories of our lives. Together, we will prepare to encounter the Christ at Christmas. Donation: $35, includes lunch. Zoom: $20
CHILDLIKE FAITH- BIG THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES: Monday, December 8 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Childlike faith is asking God to help us in living in true humility, wonder, trust and hope. This retreat focuses on our Blessed Mother and how these 4 values draw us all deeper into receiving love and giving love in relationship with God. Retreat will conclude with Liturgy. Donation: $25, includes lunch. Zoom: $20
PERSONAL RETREAT DAY: Wednesday, December 10 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Take a day away from the busyness of your life to rest a while in the Lord and experience God’s presence. Come to Francis House for silence, personal prayer, and optional spiritual direction. The day begins and ends with a brief prayer together. Please bring your lunch. Donation: $10; $40 with spiritual direction.
