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
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 OFFICE HOURS
Mondays: 9 AM to 2 PM
Tuesdays: 2:30 PM to 7: 30 PM
Wednesdays: 9 AM to 2 PM
Thursdays: 9 AM to 2 PM
Fridays: Closed
Saturdays: Closed
Sundays: First Sunday of the month only, 9 AM to 1 PM
PARISH PHOTO DIRECTORY
NEW DATES ADDED THANKSGIVING WEEKEND! Click here to book your free Family Photo Session!
Friday, Nov. 28: 2PM-8:30PM Saturday, Nov. 29: 10AM-4PM Inside the Spiritual Center (Details on p. 7)
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, October 11, 2025 - Sunday, October 19, 2025
THE CHURCH SANCTUARY LAMP IS DEDICATED THIS WEEK TO
Giulia Ajami
Saturday, October 11
4 PM
Pro Populo
Rachel Verga * Barbara & Joe Verga
George J. Rimmele * Barbara Saake
Sunday, October 12
8 AM
Maureen Grealis * Phyllis & Hugh Murphy
Antoinette Tommolino * Barbara Byrne
Lillian Burry * Alice Ganley & Family
10 AM
Frances Farrow * Farrow Family
Susan Duenas * Rita & Michael Duenas
Angela Duenas * Michael Duenas
12 Noon
Ryan Stevens * Karen & Scott Stevens
Edward Cody * Carol Ward
Monday, October 13
9 AM Chapel
Lisa Kmiec * Lorraine Lee
Barbara Saake * Living intentions of St. Mary's friends
Tuesday, October 14
9 AM Chapel
Cindi Schatzle Westendorf * Jim Schatzle & Family
Robert Monaco MD * Francine & Joseph Corcorcan
Wednesday, October 15
9 AM Chapel
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Margaret Mary Cook * Living intentions of Michael Cook
Thursday, October 16
9 AM Chapel
Nerio Dapul * Drs. Gener & Elvira Dapul
John David Zumbo * Providence Zumbo
Friday, October 17
9 AM Chapel
Lorraine Martins * Susan Wilbert
Nathan Alvares * Living intentions of Vanessa Alvares
Saturday, October 18
4 PM
Paul Saake * Barbara Saake
Edward McLeod * Una McLeod
Kathy Morgensen * Barbara Saake
Sunday, October 19
8 AM
Pro Populo
DeStefano/Albruno Families * Franceschetti Family
Ann Rankl * Andra & Paul Ulaskevich
10 AM
Carl Simone * Donna & Frank Sikorskas
Robert Bulkowsi * The Burtone Family
Philomena Iacono * Catherine
12 Noon
Anna (Nancy) Brautigan * Maria Aronne
Ann Conti * Patricia, J.D & Graham Mitchell
John William White * The Collins Sackstein Family
2026 Mass Intention Book now open!
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 request online now for 2025 or 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 October 12 to 18
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, October 12
2 Kings 5:14-17 / 2 Timothy 2:8-13/Luke 17:11-19
Monday, October 13
Romans 1:1-7/ Luke 11:29-32
Tuesday, October 14
Romans 1:16-25 / Luke 11:37-41
Wednesday, October 15
Romans 2:1-11 / Luke 11:42-46
Thursday, October 16
Romans 3:21-30 / Luke 11:47-54
Friday, October 17
Romans 4:1-8/ Luke 12:1-7
Saturday, October 18
2 Timothy 4:10-17b / Luke 10:1-9
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
We are Eucharistic people. We live in praise and thanksgiving.
Question for Children:
Make up a prayer which tells God you are thankful for everything you have, even if it’s not all you want.
Question for Youth:
Only one of the lepers returned to give thanks. This past week, when have you stopped to thank someone for something good they have done for you? When have you thanked God this week?
Question for Adults:
What are some ways you can think of to show gratitude to God? Make them concrete and real.
Please pray for the following members of our parish community who are ill:
To add ONLY to:
Lori Lettieri
Edward Habrack
Father William Bausch
removed from the list after your loved one’s health. Thank you for keeping our Parish informed.
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin, 1656
Kateri was born in upstate New York, the daughter of a Mohawk warrior. Her mother died of smallpox when Kateri was four and she was adopted by her two aunts and an uncle. Kateri had also contracted smallpox and the disease left her with a lingering illness and a disfigured face.
During this time, the French Jesuits had undertaken an evangelization mission to the Indians. Kateri warned her against the Jesuit the sickness and disease which had fallen on the tribe. The girl experience with the Jesuits was quite different however. She found them to be kind and gentle and through their message, she felt called to Christianity. Converted as a teenager, Kateri was baptized at the age of twenty and dedicated her virginity to Jesus. She developed a great devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist and to the crucified Christ. Read more
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist
Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org
• Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org
The Holy Rosary
October is the month of the Holy Rosary The earliest known precursor to the Rosary were knotted prayer ropes, used by early Christians, but the practice also has pre-Christianic roots. The concept of the Rosary as we know it today is thought to have to come to Saint Dominic in the 13th century, through an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The practice of praying of the Rosary by laity was an early parallel to the praying of the liturgy of the hours by clergy.
The structure of the prayers developed into its modern form during the next 3 centuries, which included the placement of the Invitatory prayer, Lord’s prayer, Apostles Creed, Hail Mary, Salve Regina, Doxology, et cetera, and remained relatively unchanged until the last century. Another development during this time period was the recitation and mediation on the Mysteries of the Rosary: Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious, by St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, a French priest living in the 17th century. There are 5 mysteries per category, each prayed for one decade of the Rosary
In the early-mid 20th century, it became common, especially in group devotional prayer, to add one of the Fatima prayers along with the Doxology. In 2002, Pope Saint John Paul II added another group of mysteries, the Luminous Mysteries.
There are several ways to pray the Rosary, with many prescriptions including the time of year, time of day, or how many decades, or which mysteries should be meditated upon, with the simplest being a single decade using a rosary ring or rosary bracelet, often suggested for children first learning about the Rosary, (thus completing one full Rosary over the course of a week), to four full recitations including each mystery, more common on devotional days such as Divine Mercy Sunday (2nd Sunday of Easter), Our Lady of Fatima (May 13), our Lady of the Rosary (October 7) and other Marian feasts.
Saturday, 10/18
4 PM
Sunday, 10/19
8 AM
Sunday, 10/19
10 AM
Sunday, 10/19
12 Noon
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19
Jonathan Stubbs NOT FILLED
Jack Main NOT FILLED
Grace Collins
Olivia Linquito
Jacob Barasky NOT FILLED
Carly York
Angela Kinlin
Charles Young
Carly York
Rita Duenas
Joe Ventura
Tom Nathanson, Organ Host
Louise Habrack, Tabernacle Host
Susan Murphy, Tabernacle Host
Emily Santangelo, Alternate
Cindy Ventura, Organ Host
Justine Buzzetta, Tabernacle Host
Joyce Flynn, Tabernacle Host
Gina Shute, Alternate
Michal Kalisz, Organ Host
Choir
Choir
Mary Ellen Griffin Barbara Schaflin
Richard Gerbino
Liturgy of the Word Dismissal for Children
Ages 4 to 12
This is the practice of having children, ages 4-12, leave the Sunday assembly during the Liturgy of the Word (readings) and gather in the chapel to engage in the Liturgy of the Word at a level more appropriate to the children’s understanding.
Jennifer Stubbs
Maureen Geiger, Tabernacle Host
Sue Fitzpatrick, Tabernacle Host
Carol Donahue, Alternate
Dolores Lembo, Organ Host
Rob Gabbard, Tabernacle Host
Nick Turkovic, Tabernacle Host
Liz Turkovic, Alternate
OUR PROMISE TO PROTECT
The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and to its own policies and guidelines in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors.
If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan ABUSE HOTLINE: 1-888-296-2965 or via email at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org.
The Diocese of Trenton reports any allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Anyone with an allegation is also encouraged to provide that information to local law enforcement authorities. Child Protection
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
ReligiousEd@StMarysColtsNeck.org • (732) 780-2666 x. 309
A Message to Our Families
Congratulations to the first group of young parishioners who made their First Holy Communion last weekend.
We also look forward to rehearsing with our Confirmandi this weekend! Rehearsal begins with 4 PM mass so please stay in the church after mass.
We are looking for a few more families to volunteer to help make our ‘Hallow’een Halls amazing, both parents to decorate and CP students to dress up. Please see the volunteer links on the next page!
RELIGIOUS ED LINKS & RESOURCES
11 October 2025
Rehearsal— Confirmation For Confirmandi & Parent/Sponsor 4 PM in Church
12 October 2025
First Holy Communion 10 AM Mass in Church
First Holy Communion Noon Mass in Church
17 October 2025 Confirmation 4 PM in Church
19 October 2025
First Holy Communion Starts at Noon Mass in Church
25 October 2025 ‘Hallow’een Halls Starts at 4 PM Mass in Church
15 November 2025
Thanksgiving Food Drive Basket Sort Narthex
15 November 2025 Fall Cleanup 9 AM, Campus Grounds
16 November 2025 Fall Movie Day Starts at Noon Mass
23 November 2025
Advent Wreath Making 11 AM in Madonna Hall
‘HALLOW’EEN HALLS
October 25th
Begins at 4 PM Mass ~ Continues in Madonna Hall Bring a carved / decorated pumpkin with the ‘Hallow’ theme to Madonna Hall before Mass for our Jack-o-lantern Contest!
RSVP NOW!
Be sure to wear your costume and get ready for some trick-ortreating!
Let us know you will attend by clicking the link below!
Click here to RSVP!
About Our Theme & Hallow
You may have noticed the name of our traditional Halloween Halls event is a little bit different this year. We have named it ‘Hallow’een Halls: Find Peace in God’s Prayer as an invitation to download the Hallow mobile app! Learn more about the Hallow app by clicking the icon on the right!
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.
A perfect time for a family portrait! Friday, Nov. 28: 2PM-8:30PM Saturday, Nov. 29: 10AM-4PM
PASTORAL CARE & OUTREACH
Rosemarie Farrow Pastoral Coordinator of Pastoral Care & Outreach
R.Farrow@StMarysColtsNeck.org • (732) 780-2666 x. 310
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:
Are you looking to grow in your faith, make new friends and get involved in your Catholic community?
You are invited to connect with youth ministry groups at our neighboring parishes! These vibrant communities offer great opportunities for prayer, service, and fun!
Click to learn more about a youth group at the neighboring parish of your choice:
• The Church of St. Catharine, Holmdel
• St. Gabriel’s Parish, Marlboro
• Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, Freehold
• Church of St. Leo the Great, Lincroft
NEW BIBLE STUDY PROGRAM
Wednesdays 10 to 11:30 AM in Room 17
Through November 19
To sign up, contact facilitator Barbara Schaflin (908) 415-7072
barbaraschaflin10@verizon.net
URGENT! VOLUNTEERS WANTED! THE BARN FOR THE POOREST OF THE POOR
Location: Delicious Orchards
Volunteers must be at least 13 years old, Arrive at the back platform of Delicious Orchards no EARLIER than 5:30PM Tuesday through Sunday (Closed on Monday)
Volunteers are particularly needed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings each week. Our truck arrives usually before 6:00PM. Help our driver to unload empty crates.
Students are not allowed on the back of the loading dock until a representative from the Barn arrives.
Wear shoes which provide adequate support. No flip-flops allowed.
• Parents should not drop off their children and leave. The ending time is variable and you must be present when the work ends.
• Upon completion of loading and cleanup, present your sheet listing the date, time & place to our driver or other representative for signature.
• Be sure to follow any direction our driver or representative will give you. If you have any questions, you can contact us at BarnForThePoor@gmail.com
For more information see Barn for the Poor
Quo vadis...
My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The leper was healed while “Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem.” This is what happens to us when by paschal mystery living we walk with Jesus to Jerusalem: on the way we are healed of our infirmities. We are healed each time we come to Eucharist to give praise and thanks to God, and in this act of worship, we become more perfect members of the body of Christ. We are healed each time we put others ahead of ourselves, and in these simple acts, we strengthen our faith. We are healed each time we pause a few seconds to “give thanks to God” for the many blessings of each day, because by giving thanks to God, we acknowledge that God has acted in Christ. Gratitude is an expression of paschal mystery living because by giving thanks we acknowledge our own indebtedness; we are poor and everything we are and are becoming is because God has raised us up. God gives us so much (salvation) and asks so little of us in return (thankfulness). This is but another reminder that our relationship to God isn’t between equals; God’s gifts are lavish—far more than anything we could earn or accomplish on our own. This is why paschal mystery living makes such good sense. By living Jesus’ dying and rising in our own simple everyday tasks, we render God the greatest thanks and worship because our lives become like that of the divine Son. Our thanks are manifestation of God’s salvation.
Many thanks to all those who helped to prepare the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi and the blessing of animals and pets. This month we are called and challenged to reflect on God’s Gift of Human Life and how we can highlight this tremendous gift. The dignity of every human person from conception to natural death is a basic teaching of our church. We support this teaching in lots of ways: by talking with children and grandchildren about human sexuality, our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, our choices to share our resources for the poor and marginalized, and our willingness to be inconvenienced in order to serve the poor and needy in our midst. Respect for Human Life is how we care for the sick and elderly
in our community. Many of these women and men sacrificed greatly for us to be here and to enjoy the comforts that many of us have. Let us never forget them in their time of need. During this month of October, the Church invites us to rediscover the importance of regular prayer especially the prayer of the Rosary. It is a simple prayer that can be prayed at anytime in almost any situation.
This weekend at the 10 AM Mass and next weekend at the 12 Noon mass we will welcome families who are presenting their children for their First Holy Communion. This is a special time for families as well as for our parish community. It is the responsibility of parents, godparents and parishioners to provide for the formation and education of our young people in our Catholic Faith. Discovering the richness of our faith is more that just memorizing teachings; it is about learning how to integrate those teachings and precepts into our lives. Thank you for your support of our Catechetical Initiatives.
This coming Friday, I will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to the candidates from our parish community. I ask that you keep these candidates, their parents, sponsors and family members in your prayers. These young people are the future of our Church wherever they may settle as adults. What they encounter here in our parish and within their own family homes will be with them throughout their adult lives. May they continue to grow in their faith and may that faith support their witness of Christ’s presence in our world.
Thank you for your gift to the 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal. I encourage those who have made pledges to continue making payments so that we might achieve our goal. Rebates from this appeal are usually distributed during the month of February. These rebates fund replacing and installing LED lighting throughout our parish campus. Thank you for your generous support. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace! Father Jeff
Edwin
New Jersey bishops call for civility, conscience in 2025 election
October 2, 2025 at 4:25 p.m.
Ahead of the upcoming election, the Catholic bishops of New Jersey have released a new collaborative video about the Church’s teaching on “Faithful Citizenship.” In the video, which runs about three and one-half minutes, the bishops emphasize that voting is not just a civic duty, but a spiritual responsibility.
Each voicing a different part but endorsing the full message, the participating bishops include:
• Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archdiocese of Newark
• Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., Diocese of Trenton
• Coadjutor Archbishop James F. Checchio, Archdiocese of New Orleans, and administrator of the Diocese of Metuchen
• Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, Diocese of Paterson
• Bishop Joseph A. Williams, Diocese of Camden
Their message states, “God calls each of us as Catholics to further the work of His kingdom. One important way we can promote good values in our communities and in our nation is by participating in the political process. If you do not bring God’s voice into the voting booth and the decisions shaping our country who will?”
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., joins fellow New Jersey bishops in a new “Faithful Citizenship” video, reminding Catholics that voting is not only a civic duty but also a spiritual responsibility. Photo credit: Screenshot from the New Jersey Catholic Conference’s “Faithful Citizenship” video.
This is the second Faithful Citizenship video project sponsored by the New Jersey Catholic Conference. James King, executive director, explained the project’s ongoing purpose: “With the November 4 election fast approaching and with New Jersey voters preparing to cast ballots that will elect a new governor, members of the General Assembly as well as several local municipal and school board elections the bishops used this moment to remind Catholics of their obligation to participate in the democratic process.”
King continued, “Additionally, the bishops remind the faithful that it is not the Church’s place to tell them how to vote. Each of us has the right and the responsibility to follow our conscience, shaped by Scripture and the Church’s wisdom.”
King said the message is not only about voting and preparing to vote, but a call to action for all Catholics to help bring civility back to our political process. “Unfortunately, today, we see how political division has affected our society. Catholics are not immune from effects of political division, too many of us allow our politics to shape our faith when our faith should shape our politics. We must remember that Christ calls us to be peacemakers.”
The bishops offer two key resources to help Catholics prepare to vote and bring civility back to political discourse. They are:
• Civilize It – A call to bring civility, compassion, and clarity to public discourse, following the example of the Good Samaritan.
• Faithful Citizenship – A practical guide offering “dos and don’ts” during election season, including how to register, where to vote, and how to evaluate candidates and issues through a moral lens.
The video closes with a simple but powerful call to action: “Your voice matters in New Jersey. Let us vote for what is good, what is true, and what builds a better future for you, your family, and our neighbors. May God bless you.”
The video is available in English and with Spanish captioning. It has been distributed to the diocesan media outlets in New Jersey. To watch the full video, click HERE, or view below. To access voter resources, visit NJCatholic.org.
Rosary Rally
October 11, 2025
Saint Mary, Mother of God Church
19 Cherry Tree Farm Road
Middletown, NJ 07748
Arrive by 11:45 AM. Rosary Starts at 12 PM SHARP
We are inviting you to join us at a public Rosary Rally on Saturday, October 11th at St. Mary’s Chapel. In case of rain, we will move to Mary, Mother of God Church under the tent.
The public Rosary sponsored by America Needs Fatima will be one of over 23,000 rallies nationwide. Please join us in offering reparation for the sins and offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the conversion of the United States.
Tickets $10 on sale in Parish Office
First Prize: 2025 Volvo XC40
Second Prize: $1000 Shoprite gift card
Third Prize: $750 Shoprite gift card
Fourth Prize: $500 Shoprite gift card
OCTOBER
19 Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine,
All couples celebrating their 1st, 25th or 50th (or more) anniversary of Catholic marriage
For more information, visit https://dioceseoftrenton.org/bishops-anniversary-blessing
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 dates, registration, directions and for our other offerings! All programs will be offered online and in-person unless otherwise indicated.
LOVE POEMS FROM GOD Monday, October 13 1:30 – 4:00 PM
We will enjoy some of Daniel Ladinsky's Love Poems from God as a means of entering more fully into the mystery of God's unique love which is beyond our understanding. This afternoon retreat promises to be a doorway into deep consolation, peace, and confidence in God's love for you personally. Is this what you need at the moment? Donation: $20.
LORD, WHEN DID I SEE YOU? - Tuesday, October 14 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Using the parable of the separation of the sheep and the goats in Mt. 25 as a starting point - as well as many stories from life - we will explore the world, the church, and ourselves as we look for Jesus. We will sharpen our focus and truly SEE the Lord, so as to serve Him better, become the salt and light He wants us to be, and, in the process, become transformed. Donation: $25, includes lunch. Zoom: $20
IN-PERSON ONLY TIME OUT FOR BUSY PARENTS
Saturday, October 18 10:00 AM – Noon OR Wednesday, October 22 10:00 AM – Noon
Is your calendar packed? Are you constantly on the go? Do you need an occasional time out to reconnect with God and yourself? Join us on either one of the mornings listed above that will be dedicated to busy parents. There will be time to listen God’s voice, find Him in our day, and spend time on the beautiful grounds of Francis House. Donation: $20
SILENT DIRECTED RETREAT WEEKEND 6:30 PM Friday, Nov. 21 to 1:00 PM Sunday, Nov. 23
This weekend includes Sunday Liturgy, spiritual direction and optional Centering Prayer periods and delicious meals of course. Donation: $200/$100 non-refundable deposit with registration. Balance is required 2 weeks in advance of the start date.