November 28, 2021 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 : Worship schedule inside.

Refer to website for more detailed information www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

The First Sunday of Advent The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah.

In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land.

In those days Judah shall be safe and Jerusalem shall dwell secure; this is what they shall call her: “The LORD our justice.”

- Jeremiah 33:14-16

November 28, 2021 ADVENT PENANCE & RECONCILIATION Sunday, December 5th 3:00pm - 2nd Graders First Penance 3:15pm - Last name A-H 3:30pm - Last name I-P 3:45pm - Last name Q-Z

LIGHT UP A MEMORY December 11, 2021 4:00pm Mass Please complete request to honor a loved one by December 1st

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November 28, 2021

Mass Intentions for: Saturday, November 27th - Sunday, December 5th For * Requested by

Saturday, November 27 – 4 PM Church Terence Deckert * John and Susan Murphy Joseph Simoniello * Devaney Family Arnold Kleeberg * Ann Marie Dayton Sunday, November 28 – Church 8 AM Jean Brock * Ed Brock Stefne Jurgielewicz * Maureen and Michael Staub 10 AM Pro Populo Marshal Duval * Rose Mary Viggiani Frank Baker * Treasure and Al Herman 12 PM Fr. Thomas Triggs * Rev. Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee, Staff and Parishioners Souls in Purgatory * Mary Soyka Monday, November 29 – 9 AM Chapel Rosa Amodio * Beth and Thomas Reardon Annibale Cappelleri *Cappelleri Family Tuesday, November 30 – 9 AM Chapel Souls in Purgatory * Mary Soyka Wednesday, December 1 – 9 AM Chapel Larry Arcioni * Lorraine Lee Thursday, December 2 – 9 AM Chapel Jo Ann Fanticola * Michele Telesca Arnold Kleeberg * Michele Telesca Friday, December 3 – 9 AM Chapel Margaret Clime * Jim Schatzle and Family Saturday, December 4 – 4 PM Church Sharon Sturchio * Barbara Saake Lawrence Patrick Dickinson * Dickinson- Pancila Family Petolino and Corcoran Families * Francine and Joe Corcoran Sunday, December 5 – Church 8 AM Robert Arcoleo * Ed Brock DeStefano/Albruno Families * Mr. and Mrs. Franceschetti 10 AM Hans Moeller * Reinhardt Family Joseph Walsh III * Florence and Kevin Swan and Family James Brennan * Susan and Neil Brunner and Family 12 PM Pro Populo Robert A. McNamara and Mary Joan McNamara * McNamara Family Rosaria Pati * Richard and Maria Gerbino

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Please pray for the following members of our parish family who are ill: Kathleen Amatel Janice Basilice Fr Bill Bausch Eileen Beckley Rita Bonamo John Boyle Anne Boyle Christen Chellis Blake Conley Kaitlin Donahue Nagle Sharon Evangellista Joann Feliciti Cynthia Fiedler James Fiedler Emily Gioacchini Edward Habrack Tom Hudak Elizabeth Lind Huseby

Anton Kopp Bridget Korn Bob Lind Lori Lettieri Donna Lodi Melissa Love Leonidas Mavrookas Ludwig Mendola Walter Moeller Kevin O’Shea Stanley Rembisz Owen Shoemaker Victoria Slater Gerard P. Thompson Seneida Tomasetti Lauren Vinci

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

GROTTO CANDLES The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions.

Offering is $3.00 per candle.

Parish Office Hours Monday 9 am – 2 pm Tuesday 2 pm -7:30 pm Wednesday 9 am – 2 pm Thursday 9 am – 2 pm Sunday 9 am -12 noon No office hours on Friday or Saturday

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

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Lifelong Catechesis Week of December 6th—12th Almighty and eternal God, those who take refuge in you will be glad and forever will shout for joy.

Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties.

Protect them with the shield of your strength and keep them safe from all evil and harm.

May the power of your love enable them to return home in safety, that with all who love them, they may ever praise you for your loving care.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

PRAY for Military & First Responders 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 LT. Jason Joseph Howe, USN SPC Michael John Mento, US Army SPC Nicholas Poskonka, US Army Captain Richard Savo, US Army 1st Lt. Adam Sjoholm, US Army Captain 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 732780-2666 or parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org.

Please remember in your prayers those who have recently passed.

Melissa Blake

Welcome to the newest member of our Saint Mary Parish family

Vivienne DeNotta Emily DeNotta

READINGS FOR THE WEEK 6 Monday: Isaiah 2:1-5 / Matthew 8:5-11 7 Tuesday: Romans 10:9-18 / Matthew 4:18-22 8 Wednesday: Isaiah 25:6-10a / Matthew 15:29-37 9 Thursday: Isaiah 26:1-6 / Matthew 7:21, 24-27 10 Friday: Isaiah 29:17-24 / Matthew 9:27-31 11 Saturday: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 / Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8 12 Sunday: 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Baruch 5:1-9 / Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11 / Luke 3:1-6

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:

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.

Request Envelopes available at the office.

The suggested donation is $25.

Honor a loved one Weekly Intentions are available in the Chapel.

Available weeks listed below.

Chapel - 12/12, 12/19, 12/26

Lawrence Patrick Dickinson * Dickinson-Pancila Family

Special Intention

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Andrew J. Macirowski Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org

The Two Comings of Christ 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.

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.

Speaking of preparation, be sure to read the bulletin for opportunities to assist in decorating our campus in preparation for the holy season of Christmas. We have a wonderful tradition of decorating several areas of the campus and many hands make light work!

Please plan on helping us to decorate this year!

SIGN UP HERE Rotunda - Join us on November 28th, following the noon Mass Narthex - Join us on December 8th, beginning at 5:00PM. Poinsettias - Date TBD (December 20-22) Most of the decorating responsibilities are geared toward pre-teens through adults, unfortunately this is not an appropriate volunteer opportunity for the entire family or small children.

Saint of the Week: St. Catherine Labouré Religious Zoe Labouré was born in southern France. Her mother died when she was eight years old. Following her mother’s funeral, she went into her bedroom, picked up a statue of the Blessed Mother and said, “Now, dear Lady, you are to be my mother.”

She eventually joined the Daughters of Charity and she often would see apparitions of Saint Vincent de Paul and Jesus. She once saw an apparition of Mary standing on a globe with rays streaming from her hands toward the globe. This would become the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Medal. Within a few years, millions of medals had been made and were found to be miraculous. It was near Zoe’s death that she revealed her visions. Read More...

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Worship Schedule: December 4/5 Second Sunday of Advent Altar Server

Saturday, 4:00 PM (Church)

Mark Hines

Sunday, 10:00 AM (Church)

Sunday, 12:00 PM (Church)

Reader 1

Reader 2

EMHC

Marybeth Jacobson

Charles Young

Kathy Maher

AVAILABLE Organ Host Susan Murphy Tabernacle Host Emily Santangelo Tabernacle Host Louise Habrack - Alternate

Jill Russo

Anthony Bongiorno

Rita Duenas

Rosanne LaCava Organ Host Lisa Aldridge Tabernacle Host Mary Aiello Tabernacle Host Mike LaCava - Alternate

Jill Russo

Steve Rumsby

Matt Yaninas

Winifred O’Doherty Organ Host Amy Orrico Tabernacle Host Sandra Montefusco Tabernacle Host Gregory Calderaro - Alternate

Magnificat Choir

Jennifer Stubbs

T Mullin

AVALABLE Organ Host Monica Barr Tabernacle Host Lee Gesner Tabernacle Host Patricia Gesner - Alternate

William Hines Jack Schatzle

Sunday, 8:00 AM (Church)

Cantor

Jimmy Schatzle

SERVER NEEDED SERVER NEEDED

Jonathan Stubbs SERVER NEEDED

Speak with a Priest Struggling

with a life event and in need of spiritual assistance? Want to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance outside the normal Confession times? Trying to find your way back to engagement with the Church? Discerning vocation? Looking to complete your Sacraments of Initiation and wish to chat about the journey?

St Mary is offering the opportunity for parishioners to chat with a priest who is only indirectly engaged with the parish.

If interested please contact Fr Mike Walsh by phone 732-780-2666 x205 or email frmike.walsh@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Pastoral Care Spiritual Companionship Counseling Pastoral Care Spiritual Companionship Counseling is a ministry which provides spiritual consolation and recovery resource information for those who thirst for grace and healing.

Program Participants will:  Understand the spiritual dimension of the trauma, including its devastating physiological and psychological effects.  Learn to cope with current issues through motivation, interview, and listening.  Effectively work to transform their way of life by following the Will of God  Establish a recovery plan

“Together, We Make a Difference” Learn more & sign up

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Faith Formation Julia Cullen

Pastoral Coordinator of Religion Education Grade 1–8 ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309

Rose Farrow

Coordinator of Faith Formation for Youth & Adult Catechesis YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 310

Penance & Reconciliation Rehearsal & Retreat Please remember to join us on November 30th for the second day of our rehearsal and retreat.

We will see you and your family for our Penance & Reconciliation Service on Sunday, December 5th at 3:00pm.

We will begin Liturgy of the Word Dismissal again early in 2022. We are in need of parent volunteers to help facilitate the program.

Please SIGN UP HERE if you are interested and we reach out with more details.

NOVEMBER

Religious Education Newsletter We are happy to announce that we will be distributing and collecting the MCA mite boxes again this year as part of our RE program for Advent. Pick up the box at the parish at your convenience. They will be outside the parish window. There are plenty of resources for all grades, artwork, etc. at: https://www.missio.org/ resources.aspx?localization=EN

Prepare for upcoming Penance & Reconciliation on December 5th by watching this reflection HERE about How to go to Confession!

Use code below to register for FORMED!

Get the best Catholic media at your fingertips! Learn and enjoy your faith at home and on the go, from any device. Create your free account on the FORMED app or at www.stmaryscoltsneck.formed.org Parish Access Code: KQ4VQ3

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November 28, 2021

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An Invitation from The Martha Mary Guild

Please join us on Wednesday, December 8th Our Pastor, Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee, is known for his inspiring homilies and the Martha Mary Guild is in for a treat on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021. Fr. Jeff has the unique gift of keeping the interest of his audience and educating them at the same time. At this meeting, Father will help us to understand the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops - "A Call to Communion, Participation & Mission". To quote, Fr. Jeff: "His Holiness, Pope Francis, has issued a call to the whole church in every corner and on every continent to become engaged in this process of Listening, Hope-filled Prayer & Deliberation. It is customary at the conclusion for His Holiness to issue a written statement, usually an 'Apostolic Exhortation'. This statement can be a vision statement for the way forward."

Meredith Geneve will help us "get into the Christmas spirit" by leading us in a medley of Christmas songs - which is always fun! Special treats will be offered, keeping our COVID restrictions in mind. In keeping with our tradition of many years, we will be collecting all kinds of baby items for Birthright. Our generous members always donate a wonderful assortment of baby clothes, diapers, blankets and various other baby items. It is heartwarming to know that many new mothers will be thrilled with our gifts.

We are looking forward to welcoming many members and guests from our Cohort parishes at 11:30 a.m. for the rosary, followed by BYOB (Bring Your Own Lunch) at noon.

Fr. Jeff will speak right after lunch and then we will have our "Sing-a-long".

Outreach There are many opportunities for parishioners of Saint Mary to “reach out” into the community to help those in need!

Learn more about the Charitable Appeals & Outreach Ministries at The Parish of Saint Mary: 

Martha Mary Guild



Food Collection



Prayer Shawl Ministry



Sewing & Quilting Ministry

www.stmaryscoltsneck.org

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ADVENT PENANCE & RECONCILIATION Sunday, December 5th 3:00pm - 2nd Graders First Penance 3:15pm - Last name A-H 3:30pm - Last name I-P 3:45pm - Last name Q-Z

Aside from Lent, a time of preparation for the celebration of the Pascal Mystery during the Triduum, Advent is the best possible time for us to repent and ready our hearts in order to fully celebrate the Incarnation of Christ.

The sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is the most powerful way by which we can prepare to engage whole-heartedly in the extraordinary event we know as Christmas.

Prepare your heart and mind this Advent by watching or listening to one of these reflections!

Advent - Rethinking the Season The true meaning of Christmas Mary of Nazareth First Sunday of Advent Second Sunday of Advent Third Sunday of Advent Fourth Sunday of Advent Saint Nicholas (adults) The Immaculate Conception Our Lady of Guadalupe Making Advent great for Kids FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES Saint Nicholas (kids) Juan Diego & Our Lady (kids) What is Christmas about? (kids)

Create your free account on the FORMED app or at www.stmaryscoltsneck.formed.org Parish Access Code: KQ4VQ3

What is the first day of Advent?

Advent Sunday, also known as First Sunday in Advent, is the first day of the Advent season in which Christians prepare for the celebration that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas. It is always on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day

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Quo vadis…

My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent. Vigilance for the many comings of Christ in our daily lives involves a dying to self. This means that our focus is not on our own wants and needs but on the Christ who chooses to be intimately present to us. Our prayer for strength might be that Jesus help us see his presence in the people around us.

This is pretty easy (with a practical reminder to ourselves) when the other person is pleasant or cooperative or helpful. The dying happens when the other is cranky or not to our liking or threatening. How can we see Christ in the other when the other doesn’t conform to our image of Christ?

This is the question “anxieties of daily life” raises. The dying comes in growing in our image of who Christ is! The dying comes in forming the habit of seeing Christ in all others because Christ came to redeem all. The rising comes in constant vigilance, for Christ comes in many ways.

I hope that your Thanksgiving observance was truly a family time to gather and give thanks for the many blessings we receive.

Wow…what a great response for our Thanksgiving food drive…the bags of food and the turkeys surely made a difference in the lives of some needy families. Thanks so much for your generous sharing especially given the rising cost of food and supplies this year. This past week was filled with all kinds of activity in the parish office. Worship aids have been assembled for the new liturgical year, Christmas Schedules and other materials are being folded and assembled for mailing. Trees and other decorations will be assembled in the churches, parish house and other public areas in order to create a festive environment. This year we will be decorating the Sanctuary and

Nave of the church building with wreaths; there will be trees in the Narthex/Gathering Area as part of the Christmas Creche. None of these could have been possible without the assistance of scores of parishioners who graciously volunteer their time and talent. What a wonderful asset we have here in our parish in the person of our faithful volunteers. If you would be interested in volunteering periodically just let Andrew Macirowski or one of our parish staff persons know.

Please join us next weekend for the Annual Advent Penance & Reconciliation (Confessions) Sunday, 5 December 2021.

Some of our parish families will present their children to us as they celebrate this awesome sacrament of God’s mercy for the very first time. I encourage all of our parishioner families to come and participate as one of the easy ways in which we prepare for the Solemnity of Christmas. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is observed 8 December 2021. This is the Patronal Solemnity of our Catholic Church in the USA. Consult other sections of the bulletin for the mass schedule.

Many thanks to all those who have chosen to Sponsor a Family this year. We can and do make a difference through our sacrifices. Also, the Tree of Love helps many agencies, ministries and organizations fulfill their mission. We have a great spirit of sharing…may God continue to reward our choices and sacrifices. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer.

Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff

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The Tree of Love will be making its debut earlier this year on the weekend of November 13-14, to allow extra time to shop for gifts. Some groups are continuing with gift cards this year due to volunteer shortages / Covid concerns but there will be tags on the tree for children's toys and gifts for nursing home residents.

As in the past, please take a tag from the tree, fulfill the request ($25 value) and return the gift with tag attached no later than December 5th.

Thank you for your generosity towards those in need.

Any questions, please contact Deb Stanley (732) 591-0257 or DebStan2@aol.com

“Light Up a Memory” 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 lovely card to send to the recipient or the family of a deceased honoree.

The deadline for submissions is December 1, 2021.

Submissions after deadline are included in the addendum of the Memory Book.

Participants are also invited to the joyous tree lighting ceremony, with music by our Magnificat Choir at the 4:00 pm Mass on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

Please follow link HERE to sponsor a light.

Christmas Sponsor-A-Family Purchase gifts for a family. You select the size of the family you wish to sponsor (2-6 people). Several families or a group of people can sponsor a larger family. Gifts per person are usually a value of $50 and based on 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 year, please contact: Kathy Maher wamaher2@aol.com

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Temporal Administration, Stewardship & Outreach Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org Sharing Our Treasure November 21, 2021 Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship

$16,486

Envelope Contributions

$9,266

Electronic/Online Contributions

$6,704

Loose Contributions

$516

Weekly Avg. Contribution per Household $51.19 # of Contributing Households

312

# Registered Parishioner Households

997

Our monthly mortgage payment is $7,966.25.

"Have no love for the world, nor the things that the world affords. If anyone loves the world, the Father's love has no place in him, for nothing that the world affords comes from the Father. Carnal allurements, enticements for the eye, the life of empty show, all these are from the world" - 1 John 2:15-16.

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.

New Parishioner Orientation

THANK YOU! We have reached our goal this year! If you have not made your pledge yet you can do so now.

Please select St Mary Catholic Church in the Parish Affiliation drop down menu so our parish can receive credit for your gift.

Please continue to make your pledge payments so we can receive an ACA rebate.

Thank you for your generosity!

Support The Parish of Saint Mary through Online Giving! https://giving.parishsoft.com/smcn Sign-in for our Online Giving system to make your parish offerings from your bank account or Credit Card!

You can also download the ConnectNow Giving App for Android or iOS

Thank you for your continuous support!

Sunday, January 30, 2022 11:00AM Madonna Hall Attendance is mandatory for those wishing to become parishioners at the Parish of St. Mary.

Shop now

Please Contact the Parish Office if you wish to attend 732-780-2666

and AmazonSmile donates to St. Mary Parish!

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Offerings at Francis House of Prayer Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House 84 Walnford Road • Allentown, NJ 08501 609-877-0509 or FHOP@verizon.net

Please check www.FHOP.org for registration, directions and for our other offerings!

All programs will be offered online and in person unless otherwise indicated.

Offerings at The Upper Room Spiritual Center 3455 West Bangs Avenue, Building 2 Neptune, NJ 07753 e-mail: office@theupper-room.org

Please check www.theupperroom.org for registration, directions and for our other offerings!

Future Generation Early Learning Center at The Parish of Saint Mary is currently enrolling for the 2022 School Year.

Flexible schedule for children 2 and up.

Small class sizes.

Research based curriculum.

Join our family today!

Call 732-780-0135 today for more information

St. Joseph By the Sea Retreat Center 400 NJ-35, South Mantoloking, NJ 08738

Please see the website for more information www.sjbsea.org or call St. Joseph By the Sea at 732-892-8494 to register.

Saint Leo the Great Religious Store St Leo has offered a donation of up to 10% of our purchases back to the Parish.

See more information about Giving Tuesday HERE