October 1, 2023 - 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro

Mass Intentions for:

Saturday, September 30 - Sunday, October 8 - 2023

Saturday, September 30 – 4 PM Church

Gertrude Rimmele * Barbara Saake

Susan Dufffy Schatzle * Jim Schatzle and Family

Donald Luchino * Conaghan Family

Sunday, October 01 – Church

8 AM

John Grabowski * Eileen and Michael Stivala

Leonard Calderaro * Mr. and Mrs. Mario Geneve

Hilde Peckyno * YMCA Friends

10 AM

Frank Donahue * Fredda Family

Emily Catt * Carmel and Peter Vickers

Philip Andrews * Carmel and Peter Vickers

12 PM

Pro Populo

Mark T. Zaratonello * Family

Special Intention * Bob Amling

Monday, October 02 – 9 AM Chapel

Melicia Macalintal * Drs. Gener and Elvira Dapul

Tuesday, October 03 -9 AM Chapel

Paolo Ilardi * Di Napoli Family

Wednesday, October 04 -9 AM Chapel

Ernest Gasparine * Ginny and Bill La Morte

Dr. Edward Gaines * Richard Carrano

Sanctuary Lamp

Consider offering a Sanctuary Lamp that burns in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in our Church or Chapel in memory of a deceased loved one or in honor of a living person (for birthdays, anniversaries, sickness, etc.). One intention is accepted per week (Sunday to Saturday) for the Lamp. Requests can be made online HERE for the remainder of 2023 and for 2024. Available lamps are displayed in GREEN at the beginning of each week on Sundays Requests for Sanctuary Lamp can also be made at the Parish Office during regular business hours. The suggested donation is $25.

Thursday, October 05 – 9 AM Chapel

Albert Herman * Nancy and Harry Bauer

Ben Retacco * Tom and Angela Kinlin

Friday, October 06 -9 AM Chapel

Dee Dorrian * Dorrian Family

Saturday, October 07 – 4 PM Church

Pro Populo

James Resko * Jon and Mary Kopko

Rose and Ralph DeBiase * Diane Carnevale

Sunday, October 08 – Church

8 AM

Helen and John Sionas * Eileen and Michael Stivala

DeStefano/Albruno Families *

Mr. and Mrs. M. Franceschetti

Juan Gutierrez * Molly and John Aiello

10 AM

Intention of Oliver and Anna Felibrico * Felibrico Family

Sergio Dos Santos * Dos Santos Family

Susan Duenas * Rita and Michael Duenas

12 PM

Robert A. and Mary Joan McNamara *

McNamara Family

Intention of Susanna Shamy * Susanna Shamy

Dale Rodberg * Walter Friedauer

Mass Intention Requests

Our 2024 Mass Book is now open for intention requests throughout the year for daily and Sunday Masses. Requests can be made online HERE.

You can navigate through the calendar and find dates that are available for intentions in GREEN. If you prefer, you can fill out a request form in paper by printing THIS DOCUMENT

Please return the form along with payment for intentions offered to the parish office. The Mass Intention stipend is $10.00 and has been set by the NJ Bishops in the Province of Newark.

Lifelong

Catechesis - Week of October 1 to October 7

READINGS FOR THE WEEK:

1 Sunday: TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Ez 18:25-28/Phil 2:1-11 or 2:1-5/Mt 21:28-32

2 Monday: Zec 8:1-8 (455)/Mt 18:1-5, 10 [The Holy Guardian Angels]

3 Tuesday: Zec 8:20-23/Lk 9:51-56

4 Wednesday: Neh 2:1-8/Lk 9:57-62 [St. Francis of Assisi]

5 Thursday: Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12/Lk 10:1-12 [St. Faustina Kowalska]

6 Friday: Bar 1:15-22/Lk 10:13-16

7 Saturday: Bar 4:5-12, 27-29/Lk 10:17-24 [Our Lady of the Rosary]

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:

Question for Children: How do you show your love for Jesus by doing what he asks, even when it is difficult for you?

Question for Youth: Today’s parable reminds us that it isn’t what we say that counts as much as what we do. How would someone know you are a Christian through your actions?

Question for Adults: How and when were you like each of the sons in the Gospel?

Pleaseprayforthefollowingmembersofourparishcommunitywhoareill:

John BARONE ~

Fr Bill Bausch ~

Francis Patrick Albano

Jack Coppola

~

Bill Donahue

~ Kekoa Xael

Toaddorremoveafamilymemberfromthesicklistpleasee-mailONLYparishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Please,also,keepusupdatedonyourlovedone’shealth. Nameswillberemovedfromthelistafter3months. ThankyouforkeepingourParishinformed.

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

AMT Colton Boag, USCG ~

LCpl Devon Francis Chrzan, USMC ~

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

Worship & Music

Saint Francis of Assisi

Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist

Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Saint Francis is perhaps one of the most well-known Catholic saints, being the patron of ecology and animals, with the blessing of animals often taking place on his feast day, the 4th of October.

What is less known in popular culture about the Saint is his early life. He was born into a wealthy family, grew up with money, and worked closely with his father as a cloth merchant. He spent money freely, often partied, and what hardly what we might consider a man of God.

When Francis was about 25 years old, he had a conversion of faith after having God speak to him in a dream and hearing the voice of Christ while praying in a derelict chapel in San Damiano (outside of Assisi), renounced his father and his business, and took to living a life a poverty. Francis would preach about penitence, love of neighbor, detachment from worldly possessions, and peace, despite not be ordained. He began to gather followers, and they petitioned the local bishop to be recognized as a Christian Order, which was later informally granted by Pope Innocent III; this was the beginnings of the Franciscan Order.

Less than one month before his death, Francis was praying during a 40-day retreat, when he had a vision of an angel and received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ.

Francis is known for his love and care for the environment and all of creation, peace among all, and was also the first to erect a Nativity Scene for Christmas, using live animals and a straw-filled feeding trough for the infant Jesus, so that worshippers would get a better sense of the humble circumstances through which Christ entered our world.

He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX just two years after his death. Pope Saint John Paul II later named Saint Francis the patron saint of Ecology.

Cosmas and Damian, Physicians and Martyrs, early Fourth Century

According to legend, Cosmas and Damian were twin brothers born in Arabia. They studied medicine in Syria and later became widely known for their medical skills which they offered, without charge, to all. Because of their charities, they were known in their time as the “moneyless ones.” They gained the love and respect of the people to whom they ministered, both for their medical assistance and the zeal of their Christian faith. During the persecution under the Emperor Diocletian, Cosmas and Damian, together with three brothers, Anthimus, Leontius, and Euprepius, were arrested, tried, and beheaded for their faith. Over the years following their deaths, many people reported miracles that occurred in the names of Cosmas and Damian. Among them was- Read More HERE.

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 are 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

Ministry Schedule: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

October 7 & 8

Saturday 4PM 2 SERVERS NEEDED Marybeth Jacobson

Sunday 8AM 1 SERVER NEEDED Carly York

Sunday 10AM Tesya Yaninas & Grace Collins CHOIR

Sunday 12PM 1 SERVER NEEDED Carly York

In memory of Saint Francis of Assisi, The Parish of St. Mary will be hosting their annual Blessing of the Animals.

WHEN: October 4 at 6:15 PM.

WHERE: Front Plaza of the Church

NEW TO COLTS NECK? Join Saint Mary Parish!

We welcome you and invite you to register as parishioners of St Mary!

Please find our registration guidelines in our Website under About Us/New Parishioners.

Mass of Remembrance - October 29, 2022

Preceding the 12pm Mass our Parish will remember in a special way those who had a funeral Mass at Saint Mary during the past year as well as any relative you may wish to remember. This Mass is an opportunity for us to assist those who grieve the death of a loved one. If you wish the name of a loved one who has died during this past year read out at this Mass, please complete the form below and submit it to the office or complete online HERE

OH - Susan Murphy

TH - Monica Barr

TH - Louise Habrack

ALT - Irene Weller

OH - Justine Buzzetta

TH - Joseph Flanagan

TH - Joyce Flynn

ALT - Jane Slattery

OH - Steve Stanley

TH - Amy Orrico

TH - Sue Fitzpatrick

ALT - Linda Dickinson-Pancilla

LWD– NEEDED

OH - NEEDED

TH - Lee Gesner

TH - Emily Santangelo

ALT - Patricia Gesner

All Souls Remembrance

ForthemonthofNovember

It is the Church’s custom to reserve the month of November for the remembrance of all the faithful departed. Please use your All Souls envelope to write the names of those loved ones you would like to remember and kindly drop it in the collection boxes anytime beginning in October. The envelopes will be wrapped and placed near the tabernacle, and an intention will be added to the prayer of the faithful in the Masses celebrated on All Souls Day and during the month of November. Online givers can also send in their All Souls remembrance thru our online giving system at GIVE ONLINE HERE

Thank you for preserving our Catholic traditions and honoring those who have gone before us.

You are then asked to come to the table in the Gathering Space before Mass to receive a candle to be brought to the altar when the name is called.

Name of Deceased: ___________________________

Requester Name: _____________________________

Relationship to Deceased: ____________________

Email: _________________________________________

Phone Number: ________________________________

Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Education

Faith Formation

ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org

732-780-2666 X 309

This Sunday, 1 October, beginning at the 12PM Mass, we are proud to invite communicants that will make their First Holy Communion on the 8th, to their retreat/rehearsal.

Let us prepare before we celebrate.

P.S. Check the Faith Formation calendar for all Sacramental dates coming up. We have also posted the sign-ups to be a part of the Nativity Play this year.

See details at the bottom of the page!

IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS ED LINKS

[2023 - 2024]

• Fall RE Schedule

• 2023 - 2024 RE Calendar

• Parent - Student Handbook

• Intergenerational List

• Intergenerational Digital Recording Sheet

Get your Spooky on at our Annual Intergenerational Event:

Faith Formation Calendar

1 October 2023

First Holy Communion Rehearsal for 1/8 communion

12 PM Mass

8 October 2023

First Holy Communion Rehearsal for 1/15

communion.12 PM Mass

8 October 2023

10 AM Mass

First Holy Communion

14 October 2023

4 PM Confirmation Practice

15 October 2023

First Holy Communion Rehearsal for 10/22

communion. 12 PM Mass

15 October 2023

10 AM Mass

First Holy Communion

20 October 2023

Sacrament of Confirmation

22 October 2023

12 PM mass

First Holy Communion

18 November 2023

9 AM - 1 PM Fall Clean-Up

TALKS WITH FATHER MIKE!

Date: October 28, 2023

RSVP by clicking HERE.

Our first Fall Religious Education talk with Father Mike will be Tuesday, 10 October 2023 at 4:50PM in the spiritual center. And, virtually on Wednesday, 11 October 2023 at 5PM. This is open to all Religious Education families. The topic is ‘Catholic Culture,’ and any and all questions are welcome! Sign-up HERE so we know how many to expect.

Calling all actors and singers!!!

We will be performing the Nativity Play this December during the RE Christmas Party! There will be two rehearsals, and one dress rehearsal. You must attend all three. Please sign up using the QR code to be apart of the production. Please also be advised that all students in grades 1-8 will be invited to the Christmas party and the RSVP will be posted in December.

Hello All!

It is our calling to spread the word of Jesus Christ. To place the first seed in someone’s mind about our God who is alive and in Heaven!

Young people everywhere do not know He exists and those searching are not being directed.

See the box below for information on our upcoming RCIA meeting with our cohort Parish St. Catharine’s.

If your child is looking to get closer to the Lord, we also have available our Youth Ministry program.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Calling ALL High School Students!! (Grades 9-12)

Are you interested in Catholic Youth Ministry? Come to our cohort Parish: St. Catharine's Church in Holmdel and join with their teen Youth Group for a Community Service Meeting, and see what it is all about. Community Service hours will be awarded. Registration AND filling out the registration form is required! Click HERE to register and open form. All teens must have all registration forms filled out. Note - No registration Fee. Must bring registration forms to meeting.

Are you curious or thinking of becoming Catholic?

We are here and ready to share the richness of our faith with you. If you’ve been looking everywhere for answers, and still haven’t found them, we invite you to find out what the Catholic Church offers.

RCIA is a comprehensive process, in which the Church supports and encourages the spiritual journeys of:

• those who are unbaptized and seeking to become Catholic.

• those who are baptized, Catholic or in another Christian denomination, who wish to complete their Sacraments of Initiation (First Eucharist and Confirmation).

We are here to meet you wherever you are on your faith journey! Come join us with our Cohort Parish of St. Catharine's for an interest meeting on: October 22, 2023 at The Church of St. Catharine; 108 Middletown Road . Holmdel, NJ 07733; Meet in the Narthex Following the 10:00AM Mass.

Youth Ministry Boot Camp is an intensive 3-session training on the foundation and practical components of youth ministry. Once all training requirements are met then a ‘Letter of Completion’ will be granted.

Dates:

Session 1- 10/11/2023 (VIRTUAL)

Session 2- 10/14/2023 (LOCATION TBD)

Session 3- 10/17, 10/19, or 10/25 (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Whiting NJ OR St. Leo the Great, Lincroft NJ)

Teacher: Teaching is Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Diocese, Dan Waddington

Cost: $10 per person

*Pastor endorsement required*

To register click HERE

Rose Farrow - Coordinator of Faith Formation / Youth & Adult Catechesis

Upcoming Bible Study….

‘Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible’

From ‘The Great Adventure Series,’

by Ascension Press

The readings will commence on October 25 and end December 13 of this year 2023. Each of the 8 sessions will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

‘Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible’ aims to deconstruct the 14 narratives in the Bible and properly convey the story from Adam and Eve to Christ and the Church. It also comes with a color-coded Timeline Chart that separates significant people, places, and events in Scripture. Come join us and understand how you further fit into God’s plan.

The crisp Fall air has crept up on us this September, and leaves are beginning to coat the grounds... Which means we will be joining together soon in fellowship for our Fall-Clean Up on Saturday, November 18! Clean up will begin at 9:00 AM and go on until 1:00 PM Those attending will meet on the campus grounds. Don’t forget to sign-up HERE!

The Martha Mary Guild will have a presentation at our meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 11 in Madonna Hall.

WE ARE ALSO COLLECTING GLOVES, HATS & SCARVES!!

The presentation by Jamie Novak will be virtual. She was a very fascinating speaker at our meeting a few years ago. Jamie gives many hints on how to reduce clutter, a problem most of us secretly have, and the title of her presentation is "Whether it has to do with filing, too much stuff - how do we declutter what's around us?" She not only gives worthwhile suggestions, but she is also quite humorous. This promises to be a fun meeting!!

Another important aspect of the October meeting is the induction of new members. Come and make them feel welcomed. The rosary will be prayed on in the former chapel at 11:30 AM, followed by BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch), with refreshments supplied by the Guild. The program will commence around noon. All ladies of St. Mary's and our Cohort parishes are cordially invited.

My Dear Parishioners:

Today we celebrate the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The second reading from the Letter to the Philippians gives us a hint as to how we can hear Jesus’ preaching and respond in faithful obedience: “by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing…regard others as more important than yourselves…” This is the kingdom perspective—to change our focus from ourselves to others and, in turn, our concern for others helps us focus on God. Jesus himself is the model, for “he emptied himself…becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Nothing was too much for Jesus so that others might be saved. So it ought to be for us. The “changing of our minds” described in the gospel is a self-emptying for the sake of others, lived every day in the little things that come our way.

We have had a larger than usual number of funerals. I am grateful to our staff and to the Lazarus Ministry for their support of these families as they grieve the death of their loved ones. Death is a time when we introduce our parish to some residents in our 07722 community who may have relocated here while not getting involved in our parish. It is my hope that our community will continue to reach out and welcome those who seek our help and to be a part of our Catholic Community. The Mass of Remembrance for those families who have experienced the death of a loved one in the past 12 months are invited to come for mass and to support one another. This year the Mass of Remembrance is scheduled for Sunday, 29 October 2023 at the 12:00 noon Mass.

Our Religious Education and Faith Formation Programs are underway. First Communions will begin for three consecutive Sundays in October, the first two beginning at the 10 AM Masses, and the third beginning at 12 noon Mass. It is so awesome when parishioners congratulate and encourage these young people and their families. It is the responsibility of all to assist parents in sharing our Catholic Faith with their children.

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered Friday, 20 October 2023 in our parish. Let us pray for these candidates, their parents and sponsors. We hope that, as fully initiated persons in our Church, these young people will desire to become more involved in service and ministry in our parish.

Last week Father Victor Hoagland, CP was in 07722 for a few day visit. He stayed at the Clergy Residence and enjoyed some quiet time. Fr. Victor is always welcome to come and visit. I know that many of our parishioners enjoy catching up with him. We pray that God will continue to bless him with good health and a desire to continue to seek the face of the Lord.

I am away enjoying some long over due time off. I have no schedule, no plans. It is nice to be “schedule free”. I hope to enjoy the outdoors and catch up with some friends along the way. I am grateful to our Pastoral Team for their oversight. See you next weekend. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace.

Father Jeff

Quo vadis for October 1. . .

Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach

Edwin A. SevillanoTemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Our monthly collection for Buildings and Mortgage is $7,966.26 and will be collected this weekend, September 30 & October 1. Please be generous.

"All their neighbors gave them help in every way, with silver, gold, goods and cattle, and with many precious gifts besides all their free-will offerings." Ezr 1, 6 $

Sign-in for our Online Giving system to make your parish offerings from your bank account or Credit Card!

To set up an online giving account please visit https://giving.parishsoft.com/smcn

Alternatively, just 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 of September 24, 2023

Goal: $75,000

Pledged: $85,410

% of goal: 114%

# donors: 223

Average gift: $338.93

Paid to date: $83,310

THANK YOU for all of your efforts in supporting the Annual Catholic Appeal! Please continue to make your pledge payments so that our parish can receive the maximum rebate.

The proceeds of which will benefit New Jersey Right to Life, the state’s oldest and largest pro-life organization, dedicated to protecting all human life from conception to natural death.

Tickets are available UNTIL November 5th for $10 each in the Parish Office. The prizes this year are:

1st Prize 2024 Volvo XC40 AWD SUV

2nd Prize $1,000 ShopRite Gift Card

3rd Prize $750 ShopRite Gift Card

4th Prize - $500 ShopRite Gift Card

Please show your support for LIFE by buying a raffle ticket. The cost is $10.00 per ticket.

Walking With Purpose Starts Thursday, October 5th!

Come As You Are! All Women Welcome!

This year’s Walking With Purpose programs are Opening Your Heart and Discovering Our Dignity. Both studies are 22-weeks long.

When In-Person Thursday mornings

Dates October 5, 2023 - April 18, 2024

Time 10am - 11:30am

Place St Mary’s Madonna Hall/Conference Rooms

Materials Program Study Guide and a Bible

Please register by clicking HERE. Registrations are requested by October 1, 2023.

Participants of Discovering Our Dignity are asked to purchase a Bible study guide prior to October 5th. It is available on the Walking With Purpose website.

Important Note: Please do not purchase the study guide for Opening Your Heart until we know that there are a sufficient amount of women registered. We will contact you as soon as we know for sure. For questions contact Anne Baker at anne.t.baker@gmail.com

Baptismal Preparation Session

St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on:

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 2023 at 1 PM

Pre-registrationisrequiredaweekinadvance. ContactUs

Sacrament of Baptism

Parents wishing to baptize their children must be registered parishioners of St Mary Parish. Please contact the Parish Office at 732-780-2666 x329 at least 3 months in advance of the desired date for baptism. More information can be read HERE.

Welcome to the newest members of our Saint Mary Parish family:

ElenaBrookeAjami

LouieUmbertoFerrier

ParkerAnthonyRobbins

Respect Life Month Events

40 Days for Life - Sept. 27-November 5

Prayer, fasting and peaceful vigils will take place at 69 E. Newman Springs Rd. in Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

St, Anthony of Padua ParishBaby Shower for Birthright

There will be a baby shower collection at the Oct. 14 & 15 Masses on 156 Maxwell Ave. in Highstown, NJ. Mass is at 4:00 PM Saturday and 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, and 12:00 Noon on Sunday. For more information contact Tom McGeachen at tjmcgeachnj@hotmail.com

St. Gabriel ParishPublic Square Rosary

On October 14 at the 12:00 Noon Mass a Rosary for Life will be held at the Church on 100 N. Main St. On October 22 at the 11:00 AM Mass a speaker from Good Counsel Homes will be presenting, and there are a couple of displays throughout the month as well. For more information contact Elizabeth Normandia at lizn79@aol.com.

Mary’s Child Pro-Life MinistryChampion for Life Awards Dinner

A 5:00 PM reception followed by a 6:00 PM dinner at the Spring Lake Manor at 415 Hwy. 71, Spring Lake Heights. This year’s honoree will be Deacon Rich Weber of St. Rose Parish. Cost is $70 for an adult dinner and $35 for a child’s dinner. Contact Cynthia Wagner at (732) 718-0876 for more information.

St. Joseph, St. Justin the Martyr and St. LukeSpiritual Adoption Program

The parishes in Toms River are hosting a spiritual adoption program and a workshop on living wills and advanced directives that you won’t want to miss. For mor einfomration contact Al Kozikowski at alkozikowski@aol.com.

CATHOLIC WOMEN OF ZION CHAPTER 1 at St. William the Abbot Church

YOU ARE INVITED TO CWOZ CHAPTER 1:

The day consists of Mass, Adoration, Music by: Joyful Praise, speaker, sharing, networking and prayers for healing. This month’s speaker is: Eileen Lombardo, is president of Catholic Women of Zion Chapter II, since February 22, 1997. She has spoken at Retreats throughout New Jersey. Eileen has been married for 54 years and has three married children and five wonderful grandchildren, and they have a little “saint” in heaven.

Eileen invites us to join her as she shares: “Reflection of Mary’s Mind and Heart”

Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Mass- 9:00am. will be celebrated by Fr. Thomas Maher

Place: St. William the Abbot Church 2740 Lakewood Allenwood Rd Howell, NJ 07731

Admission: $20.00 includes Box lunch - pay at the door

Come and bring a friend!

Reservations: are necessary-must select a Box Lunch from Selections listed on CWOZ Website www.cwoz.org

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!

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

Spiritual Direction is a monthly one-on-one conversation about your life with God. With the accompaniment of a spiritual director, you learn to deepen and enjoy your relationship with God, and to be more aware of God’s presence and action in all the events of your life. Call (609) 877-0509 to make an appointment.

Donation: Love Offering.

SILENT DIRECTED RETREAT WEEKEND

Oct. 13 – 15 7:00 PM Friday to 1:00 PM Sunday

Please register early. These fill quickly.

Donation: $175/$75 non-refundable deposit with registration.

PERSONAL RETREAT DAYS

Wednesdays 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

October 11 November 8 December 6

Not a series. 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. Come to as many as you can.

Donation: $10; $40 with spiritual direction.

GOD’S AUTUMN REVELATIONS

Tuesday, October 3 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Dressed in its splendid colors, Autumn walks with usbestowing her wisdom and pouring longing into our hearts if only we listen. Come explore this beautiful season which is upon us, taking her lessons to heart and risking the transformation she models for us. Where does she invite you to go? What does she encourage you to leave? Whom does God, through her, hope you’ll become? Led by JoLynn Krempecki.

Donation: $25, includes materials and lunch. Zoom: $20

A SIMPLE LIFE-CHANGING PRAYER

Friday, October 6 9:30 AM –1:00 PM

Examen is a daily prayer practice designed to help you notice and enjoy God's presence in your everyday life. As you grow in its daily practice you will begin to be aware of God's presence everywhere. If you would like to end every day with gratitude and hope, please come to this one -day presentation on Ignatian Examen. It's no exaggeration to say that examen changes everything. It might change things for you too! Led by S. Marcy.

Donation: $25 includes lunch. Zoom: $20

It is finally here!!!

The 2023 New Jersey Catholic Charismatic Conference will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 27 and 28 at Saint Mary, Mother of God Church in Middletown, NJ. The theme of the Conference is “Behold Him!” in celebration with the National Eucharistic Revival.

Register HERE today.

YOU are invited, however, you are encouraged to also invite your friends and family to the Conference, since the Bishop’s Congress for the National Eucharistic Revival has the “Invite One Back” initiative. They ask that you invite someone from your inner-circle who has not associated themselves with or stayed involved with the Church to join you at the New Jersey Charismatic Conference.

In addition, the Diocese asks that we please remember to include the Conference in our daily prayers.

A WALK IN THEIR SHOES

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Sunday, November 5, Ocean’s Harbor

House is hosting their 3rd annual walk to build awareness for children and families experiencing homelessness. The 2-Mile walk will be held on Asbury Park’s Boardwalk and costs $20 per walker.

T-shirts and prizes will be available to all participants.