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 9, 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
November 15, 2025 9 a.m. See page 11 for details
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, November 8, 2025 - Sunday, November 16, 2025
Saturday, November 8
4 PM
Pro Populo
Diane Aromando * Linda Fredda
Andrew Hagar * Anne-Marie & Ed Matthews
Sunday, November 9
8 AM
Victoria DeLatorre * Evelyn Fano
Antoinette Tommolino * Anna Maria Cappelleri
Joseph Pietracatella * The Burtone Family
10 AM
Kendall L. Olson * James & Susan Gobat
Regina Tomasetti * Christine Minarchenko
Lillian Albano * Danielle Hennessey
12 Noon
Fr. Xavier Vitacolonna, CP * Richard & Maria Gerbino
Billy Gabbard * Gabbard Family
Irena & Zygfryd Pietrowicz * Family
Monday, November 10
9 AM Chapel
Mary Jo Scibetta * Mom - Ann Marie Dayton
Frederick J. Luttgens * The Janiw Family
Tuesday, November 11
9 AM Chapel
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Intentions of Sister Florence O'Sullivan * Freda O'Doherty
Wednesday, November 12
9 AM Chapel
Mercedes Acayturri Vigil * Maria Yaninas & Family
Helen DeCerce * Jack DeCerce & children
SCHEDULE 2025 & 2026
Thursday, November 13
9 AM Chapel
Intentions of Fr. Ed Griswold * Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee, Staff & Parishioners
Jack Froud * Fugaro Family
Friday, November 14
9 AM Chapel
Hazel Schafer * Carol Donahue
Raymond Czarnecki * Barbara & Tony Cometto
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
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.
LIFELONG CATECHESIS: Week of November 9 to 15
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday, November 9
Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12 / 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11,16-17 / John 2:13-22
Monday, November 10
Wisdom 1:1-7/ Luke 17:1-6
Tuesday, November 11
Wisdom 2:23-3:9 / Luke 17:7-10
Wednesday, November 12
Wisdom 6:1-11 / Luke 17:11-19
Thursday, November 13
Wisdom 7:22b 8:1 / Luke 17:20-25
Friday, November 14
Wisdom 13:1-9 / Luke 17:26-37
Saturday, November 15
Wisdom 18:14-16;19:6-9 / Luke 18:1-8
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
Jesus was speaking about the temple of his body.
Question for Children:
How does the church help "build up" your faith?
Question for Youth:
How do your words and actions "build up" or "tear down" the Church? ?
Question for Adults:
What does it mean to you that you have a choice of whether to "build up" or "tear down" the Church? In what way do you have zeal for the Church?
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
Carol Ann DeRoss
Louis Mario Geneve
Thomas Joseph Loew
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org
The Papal Basilica of Saint John Lateran is the largest of the papal basilicas, the oldest church in Europe, and serves as the cathedral church of Rome as well as the official episcopal seat of the Pope, the Bishop of Rome.
It is important to note, however, that the Basilica is located within the city of Rome itself and not within Vatican City. Although Saint John Lateran holds preeminent ecclesiastical status, the Pope most frequently celebrates Mass and conducts general audiences at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Consequently, some confusion may arise between the two, with Saint John Lateran often being overshadowed or overlooked in favor of the more renowned Saint Peter despite its profound historical and spiritual significance.
The Lateran complex is distinguished by its exquisite marble craftsmanship, stonework, sculptures, artworks, and numerous sacred relics. Among its most notable features are:
• Monumental statues of the Twelve Apostles (with the Apostle and Evangelist Paul occupying the place of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer);
• One of the eight officially designated Holy Doors, which remain sealed except during Jubilee Years, when they are opened by papal decree;
• Several papal tombs; and
• The Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) the marble steps believed to have led to Pontius Pilate’s praetorium in Jerusalem, upon which Jesus is said to have walked during His Passion. Transferred to Rome, these steps are now covered with wooden treads to preserve the ancient marble beneath.
Also of note, as the cathedral church of Rome, the Archbasilica also stands as the mother church of the world, the model for Catholic churches around the world. Its dedication date of November 9 is celebrated as a feast day in the Catholic Church. This year, 2025, the feast falls on a Sunday, so it replaces the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time and is celebrated throughout the entire world.
BOOK YOUR FAMILY PHOTO!
The Parish of Saint Mary
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.
Joseph Brando Diane Dragone Angela Kinlin NOT FILLED
Jack Main
Jacob Barasky
Reagan Royal Chloe Cullen
NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Carly York Joe Ventura Rita Duenas
Nick Turkovic, Organ Host
Emily Santangelo, Tabernacle Host
Liz Turkovic, Tabernacle Host
Susan Murphy, Alternate
Justine Buzzetta, Organ Host
Marsha Grigoli, Tabernacle Host
Mary Aiello, Tabernacle Host
Cindy Ventura, Alternate
Dawn Burtone, Organ Host
Carly York Mary Ellen Griffin
Charles Young
Carly York Richard Gerbino
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
Jennifer Stubbs
Maureen Geiger, Tabernacle Host
Steve Stanley, Tabernacle Host
Joseph Burtone, Alternate
Dolores Lembo, Organ Host
Michal Kalisz, Tabernacle Host
Tom Nathanson, Tabernacle Host
Ron Gabbard, Alternate
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Margaret of Scotland, Queen & Mother 1045-1093
Margaret was born in Hungary, the daughter of royal parents. Brought to the court of King Edward the Confessor in England when she was twelve, she and her family were forced to flee after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Shipwrecked off Scotland, they were befriended by King Malcolm of Scotland who married Margaret in 1070.
Margaret and Malcolm had six sons and two daughters. Contrary to the general practice of royalty in that time, Margaret took charge of raising and educating her children. The youngest son, Saint David of Scotland, succeeded his father and two older brothers as king. One daughter, who became known as Good Queen Maud, married King Henry I establishing a line which runs through the present royal family of England.
Read more
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
November is filled with Intergenerational opportunities for the whole parish! Please use the sign-up links found in the calendar at right for Fall Clean-up; Fall Movie Day, where families will learn about Our Lady of Guadalupe; and Advent Wreath Making, as there are limited spots.
On November 30, beginning at the 12pm mass, FHC-2 children from summer & fall RE will be participating in the Penance & Reconciliation retreat. Click here to learn more about this Sacrament and what a gift it is!
CONFIRMATION PREP
Looking for service hours?
Thanksgiving Food Drive: Two ways to serve! No registration required. See next page for details.
Fall Clean-up—Click to volunteer Assist with Elementary RE Send email to ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org
15 November 2025
Thanksgiving Food Drive Basket Sort Narthex—registration not required
15 November 2025
Fall Cleanup
9 AM—Click to volunteer
16 November 2025 Fall Movie Day Starts at Noon Mass Click to register
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
30 November 2025
Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation Retreat / Rehearsal Summer & Fall FHC-2 children only 12 Noon in Church
7 December 2025
Advent Penance & Reconciliation Mandatory for all RE, FHC, CF, CP
Intergenerational List/ Descriptions
Intergenerational Recording Sheet
Confirmation Prep Schedule Fall RE Schedule
13 December 2025
Nativity Play Rehearsal 2:30 to 3:45 in Madonna Hall
13 December 2025
Light Up a Memory & Christmas Tree Lighting Begins at 4PM Mass in the Church
Torch Arrives November 22!
See below for all Parish events!
Click here to learn more
To volunteer, call Rita Duenas at 732-533-7474
UPCOMING PARISH EVENTS
November 16: 12 Noon Mass followed by Family Movie Day, “Juan Diego, Messenger of Guadalupe”
November 22: Rosary in Church at 3 PM followed by prior to torch arrival, exchange and Mass
November 22 through 29: Birthright Collection in the Narthex
November 23: Rosary in Church at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM
November 24-28: Rosary daily in Chapel starting at 8:30 AM
November 29: Rosary Procession from Grotto beginning at 3 PM followed by handoff to Empress Torch Captains
The Parish of Saint Mary
The Martha Mary Guild
Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 12
Spiritual Center at 11:30
• Rosary followed by “Bring Your Own Lunch. desserts served.
• Guest speaker: “Meet” local Revolutionary War hero Joshua Huddy! Presentation by award-winning historic reenactor Jeffrey Schenker!
• Bring your Thanksgiving Food Drive donations!
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
• 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!
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Paschal mystery living means that we live this life so that it is infused with the life that is to come. The dying part of the mystery always reminds us that suffering and death pale in comparison to the categorically new life that God offers us in Christ. When we live our Christian life, like the brothers in the first reading, we will meet with controversy. In fact, controversy may be a sign of integrity, since truly living the gospel always precipitates conflict. This doesn’t mean that we go out looking for controversy; it does mean that when controversy happens because of the authenticity of our Christian living, we see through the controversy with hope for eternal life.
As I write these notes, our country awaits Election Day. Voting is one of the greatest gifts we have as American citizens. While the lead-up can be painful to experience given the rather uncivilized way candidates and the media treat one another, the act of voting participating in the democracy we have received, cherishing and protecting it for the future—is paramount. Congratulations to all those who have put themselves forward as candidates for public service.
This week, our country observes Veterans’ Day. We will celebrate the Eucharist and offer our prayer for all veterans, living and deceased, as well as their family members. Serving in the armed forces is a noble career, and we should never forget that the freedom we enjoy rests upon the sacrifices many have made through the years. Take the time to thank a veteran for the freedom we enjoy.
Parish families with children preparing for the Sacrament of First Penance & Reconciliation will be gathering soon for the reception of this sacrament. During this preparation time,
families can participate in the lottery to select the day, date and time for the mass during which their child will receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time in 2026. These are great moments for our parish community. Our Parish Advent Penance & Reconciliation Service is scheduled for Sunday, 7 December 2025 at 3:00pm. Please make a note in your personal schedule, and plan to participate. We will have 14 priest confessors for your convenience.
Our parish fall clean-up is quickly approaching. This is a great time to come together, young and older alike, to help keep our sprawling 25 acres looking neat and tidy. Come with your gloves, rakes and leaf blowers to clean up in preparation for the winter months. Thank you!
Don’t forget our Thanksgiving Food Drive as listed in the bulletin. We need your participation to continue the great tradition of sharing that has long characterized our parish community. Those who participate in the online giving program can select to designate a one-time or ongoing financial gift for the poor and needy/charitable appeals.
The month of November reminds us of the “Universal Call to Holiness” that is fundamental to all of the baptized. Stewardship of Time, Talent and Treasure is one way in which we show forth our holiness by sharing with others and to advance the mission of the church. When we reflect on the Communion of Saint, it becomes abundantly clear that all of them were ordinary people who became extraordinary through God’s Grace. May we continue to recognize God in the ordinary stuff of life. Enjoy these beautiful autumn days. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
Help Families Affected by Hurricane Melissa
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.
Click here to donate
on sale in Parish Office through NOVEMBER 10
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.
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
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!
Consider AYear-End Gift to St Mary Parish
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
In-Person PERSONAL RETREAT DAY: Wednesday, November 12 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
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.
THE REED OF GOD A LOVING LOOK AT MARY: Friday, November 14 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Join Father Bill Lago as he discusses Caryll Houselander’s amazing reflection on our Blessed Mother in her classic book the Reed of God. Led by Father Bill Lago, ending with Mass at Noon. Donation: $30, includes lunch. Zoom: $20
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
St Padre Pio Prayer Group
of St. Ambrose Parish 83 Throckmorton Lane Old Bridge NJ 08857
Come join us in prayer as we celebrate mass together in honor of St Padre Pio by Celebrant Fr. Jack C. Grimes. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday November 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM followed by veneration of a first class relic of St Padre Pio.
