The parish of saint Mary
A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in our Time OnePhalanxRoad,ColtsNeck,NJ07722
Phone:732-780-2666 Fax:732-780-0394
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
28th
Sunday in Ordinary Time
Parish Office Hours
Please note our Fall/Winter office hours began on September 3rd. On Tuesday, the Parish Office will open at 2:00 pm and close at 7:30 pm. There will be no morning hours on Tuesday. Any questions, please call the office at (732)-780-2666. The Parish Office will also be open Sunday November 3, 9am - 1pm
October 13, 2024
Hurricane Helene Relief
Catholic Charities of the Charlotte Diocese has launched an online appeal at CLICK HERE to support communities for what is expected to be a long recovery from this historic storm.
Mass Intentions for:
Saturday October 12 2024 - Sunday October 20 2024
Saturday, October 12– 4PM
Rachel Verga * Verga Family
Jon Kopko * Dorothy and Tom Papalia
Carol Kenny * Pete and Kathy Kenny
Sunday, October 13–8AM
Pro Populo
Ralph Turri * Raymond and Nancy Czarnecki
Lynn Ramsdell * Patricia Helmacy
10AM
Susan Duenas * Rita & Michael Duenas, parents
Angela Duenas * Michael Duenas, son
Carlo Amato * John and Dawn Reinhardt
12PM
Virginia Hamlin * The Orricos
Michelle L. Vlahous *Kerry Gluck Is * Vanessa Nieves
Monday, October 14 - 9AM
Cindi Schatzle Westendorf * Jim Schatzle & Family
Ryan Andrew Stevens * Sue and Jim Fitzpatrick
Tuesday, October 15 - 9AM
Teresa Munoz * Edwin Sevillano
Leon Jankowski * Elisia Triolo
Wednesday, October 16 - 9AM
Branca and Richter Families * Francine and Joseph Corcoran
Nerio Dapul * Drs. Gener and Elvira Dapul
Thursday, October 17- 9AM
Audrey K. Boglioli * Angela and Tom Kinlin
Isabel Reyes de Nieves * Vanessa Nieves
Friday, October 18- 9AM
Edward McLeod * Uma McLeod
Lorraine Martins * Susan Wilbert and family
Saturday, October 19- 4PM
Paul Saake * Barbara Saake
Jon Kopko * Diane Carnevale
William Videtto * John and Susan Murphy
Sunday October 20 - 8AM
Charlotte Velba * Adele and Joe Velba
Theresa Anderson * Hugh and Phyllis Murphy
Marion Staub * Hugh and Phyllis Murphy 10AM
Pro Populo
Gloria Ziemienski * Nancy and Harry Bauer
Isabel Reyes de Nieves * Vanessa Nieves 12PM
Richard Gerbino * Richard and Maria Gerbino
Frances Angeline Hornick * Severino & Maria Salamon
Michelle L. Vlahos * James Riibellino
Mass Intention Requests
Requests can be made in person by stopping at the parish office, or online HERE. Suggested stipend is $10.
The 2025 Mass Intention Book is now open for requests throughout the year. Requests will be time & date stamped when received to provide order of entry into the book. Submit your requests online click here or by printing and filling out our PDF click here
Availability of dates is on a first come, first served basis. Please be sure to have several options for your desired dates so that we can accommodate you properly. Make sure to choose a combination of Sunday and weekday masses for your intentions. Christmas, Easter and the Sacred Triduum are not available for intentions. The suggested stipend for a Mass Intention is $10.00 and has been set by the N.J. Bishops in the Province of Newark. Stipends are to be paid at the time of submitting your request by cash, check. or credit card. If you need assistance, please contact the Parish Office at (732) 780-2666.
Lifelong Catechesis - Week of October 13 – October 19
READINGS FOR THE WEEK:
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wis 7:7-11/Heb 4:12-13/Mk 10:17-30 or 10:17-27
MONDAY October 14
Gal 4:22-24, 26-27, 31 5:1/Lk 11:29-32
TUESDAY October 15
Gal 5:1-6/Lk 11:37-41
WEDNESDAY October 16
Gal 5:18-25/Lk 11:42-46
THURSDAY October 17
Eph 1:1-10/Lk 11:47-54
FRIDAY October 18
2 Tm 4:10-17b/Lk 10:1-9
SATURDAY October 19
Eph 1:15-23/Lk 12:8-12
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
Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army
TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF
LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:
Question for Children: How difficult would it be for you to give something you treasure to someone else who needed it more than you do?
Question for Youth: What is your most important possession? How hard would it be for you to give it up?
Question for Adults: How hard is it for you to part with things you treasure? Do your possessions ever stand in the way of having deeper communion with God?
Life Long Catechesis
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
Pleaseprayforthefollowingmembersofourparishcommunitywhoareill:
Lori Lettieri
Lauren vinci
Jack Coppola
Kaitlin Donahue Nagle
TOM JACOBSON
Dawn Reinhardt
Gerard Thompson
Rose walch
Joyce daniel
Robert a . monaco, md
Jeff McBride
Owen Shoemaker
Peter Vickers
Toaddorremoveafamilymemberfromthesicklistpleasee-mailONLY parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Please,also,keepusupdatedonyourlovedone’shealth. Nameswillberemovedfromthelistafter3months.ThankyouforkeepingourParishinformed.
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist
Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org Worship & Music
Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org
The Sacraments of Initiation
Three of the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church are considered the Sacraments of Initiation as they impart God’s grace on us in the early days of forming our commitment to the Church. The first is Baptism, usually done in infancy or early childhood. The candidate has water poured over them and is baptized in the Trinitarian formula (in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). They are also anointed with Sacred Chrism and the Oil of Catechumens.
The second is Confirmation, which in our modern age is celebrated as the last of the three, but second if part of the OCIA(more on that below). This sacrament is generally conferred by the local bishop or his designee, in which the candidate is sealed with the Sacred Chrism and receives the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, deepening our relationship with God.
The last is Holy Communion. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith, the body and blood of Christ mystically uniting us with each other, and the entire body of Christ (past, present and future).
Adults who wish to become Catholic may undergo a process known as the Order of Christian Initiation ofAdults, in which they go through a period of discernment, purification and enlightenment before being welcomed into full Communion with the Church at the Easter Vigil. Those who are unbaptized will receive all three sacraments during the same Mass. This also more closely resembles the original ordering of the sacraments from the days of the early Church.
Here in our parish, we regularly celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism outside of the seasons ofAdvent and Lent. During the month of October, we also celebrate the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion.
We ask that you pray for those who receive these Sacraments in our parish, throughout our Diocese, and throughout the universal Church. feasts.
Hildegard von Bingen, Religious, 1098-1179
Hildegard was born to a noble family in Böckelheim, Germany, in 1098. As a young child, she was very sickly and, as a consequence, did not receive much education. Little is known about her parents, but, according to the custom at the time, Hildegard, as the tenth child, was dedicated by her parents to the Church and placed in the care of a religious woman, Jutta, at the age of eight. Because of her frailty, Hildegard’s education under Jutta was limited to learning to understand enough Latin so that she could read and sing the psalms with the nuns. Nevertheless, she took the habit of a Benedictine nun at the age of fifteen.
At an early age, Hildegard began to have visions. At first, embarrassed by them, she refused to tell anyone other than Jutta and a monk, Volmar, about them. As she later said:
“Up to my fifteenth year I saw much, and related some of the things seen to others, who would inquire with astonishment, whence such things might come. I also wondered and, during my sickness, I asked one of my nurses whether she also saw similar things. When she answered no, a great fear befell me. Frequently, in my conversation, I would relate future things, which I saw as if present, but, noting the amazement of my listeners, I became more reticent.” Read More HERE
Ministry Schedule: 29thSunday in Ordinary Time October 19 & 20
Saturday, 19 4 PM NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Sunday, 20 8 AM
Sunday, 20 10 AM
Jack Main NOT FILLED
Chloe Cullen Suzanne Duarte
Bridget Farrow Paul Tonacci
Carly York
Carly York
Barbara Schaflin
Charles Young Kevin Swan
Julia Cullen (Sub Req)
OH - Monica Barr
TH - Tom Nathanson
TH - Susan Murphy
ALT - Martha Cowles
OH - Dawn Reinhardt
TH - Joyce Flynn
TH - Marsha Grigoli
ALT - Mary Aiello
OH - Steve Stanley
Barbara Schaflin
Sunday, 20 12 PM
Jonathan Stubbs Jack Schatzle
Choir/ Cantor Mary Ellen Griffin Jennifer Stubbs
TWENTYEIGHTH SUNDAYIN
ORDINARYTIME
Lord,wepraythatyourgracemayalwaysprecedeandfollowus,thatwemay continuallybegiventogoodworks; throughJesusChristourLord,wholives andreignswithyouandtheHolySpirit, oneGod,nowandforever.Amen. (LectionaryPage.net)
TH - Linda Dickinson-Pancila
TH - Winifred O’Doherty
ALT - Maureen Geiger
OH - Irene Weller
TH - NOT FILLED
TH - Patricia Gesner
ALT- Lee Gesner (Sub Req)
Baptismal Preparation Session
St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on: SUNDAY, November 3, 2024
Pre-registrationisrequired aweekinadvance. ContactUs
This week the Sanctuary Lamp burns for… Church: GiuliaAjami Requestedby:TheDahlemFamily Chapel: AndrewsFamily Requestedby:Carmel&PeterVickers
Please remember in your prayers those who have recently died Thomas Hudak
GROTTO CANDLES
The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions. Offering is $3.00 per candle.
Faith Formation
Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Ed
ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309
Religious Education Calendar
12 October 2024
Confirmation (9th graders) Rehearsal at the 4 PM mass
13 October 2024
First Holy Communion 10 AM mass
13 October 2024
First Holy Communion Rehearsal / retreat beginning at 12 PM mass
18 October 2024
Confirmation will be celebrated at 4 PM sharp
20 October 2024
First Holy Communion 12 PM mass
20 & 22 October 2024
Confirmation Prep Class Sunday Virtual or Tuesday on Campus
26 October 2024 Halloween Halls
16 November 2024
Fall Cleanup 9 AM-1 PM
INTERGENERATIONAL 1-6
Service Hours 7-8
Nativity Play Rehearsal 2:30 - 3:30 PM Madonna Hall
Thanksgiving Basket sort 8:30 AM Narthex
INTERGENERATIONAL 1-6
Service Hours 7-8
Announcing the…Nativity Play INTERGENERTIONAL
We will be performing the Nativity Play this year on 21 December 2024 in the Spiritual Center Theater! Rehearsals will begin in November. All students in grades 1-6 are welcome to join. The sign up will go live in next week’s bulletin.
IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS ED LINKS
2024 - 2025
• 2024 - 2025 RE Calendar grades 1-8
• 24/25 Fall RE Calendar grades 1-6
• Parent - Student 24/25 Handbook
• Intergenerational List
• Intergenenerational Recording link
We continue to pray for the children preparing and receiving their First Holy Communion this October!
The RSVP sign-up is below to attend Halloween Halls. We are excited to kick off our first ever Saints & Superhero pumpkin contest! Please see more details in the box below.
Please check the Religious Education Faith Formation Calendar, as INTERGENERATIONALS for 1-6 and Service Hour opportunities for 7 & 8 graders are all listed.
Get your spooky on at our Annual Intergenerational Event:
DAY: Saturday, 26 October 2024
TIME: beginning at 4 PM mass, continuing in Madonna Hall THEME: Saints & Superhero’s
Sign-ups HERE to decorate a table for our Haunted House Sign-up HERE to RSVP
This year we are introducing a Jac-o-lantern pumpkin carving/decorating contest! To enter the contest, please bring in your carved/ decorated pumpkin on Sat. 26 October to Madonna Hall BEFORE 4 PM mass. The theme is: SAINTS AND SUPERHEROS and everyone will be voting for best overall pumpkin. Winner will receive a special prize and a write up in the bulletin!
Confirmation 2024 Candidates
Saturday, 12 October REHEARSAL
Rehearsal for candidates begins at 4 PM mass and follows in the church. 9th grader must be accompanied by one parent and/or sponsor.
Friday, 18 October COFIRMATION
The sacrament of confirmation begins at 4 PM sharp in the church. Confirmandi will gather in Madonna Hall at 3:15 PM. For pictures. Sponsors should report to the chapel at 3:30 PM.
The Rite of Confirmation
The Bishop and/or the priest who administers the Sacrament lay their hands upon those who are to be confirmed. It is here that the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit are received… “ the effect of the Sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Sprit as once granted to the apostles on the day of the Pentecost” So far we have discussed gifts 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 here are 6 & 7:
6 & 7 of the Seven Gifts
Reverence is our obedience to God and our willingness to serve him. It is not just obedience through a sense of duty but rather obedience out of love and devotion. It facilitates a deeper respect for God and the Church.
Wonder and awe makes us aware of the glory and majesty of God. This gift is also synonymous with “Fear of the Lord”, in which we dread sin and fear offending God. We fear displeasing God and losing our connection with him. Wonder and awe increases our desire to draw closer to God and depart from sin.
Included in Nest Weeks Offertory Will Be The Annual Appeal For World Mission Sunday. Please Be Generous
"Which of these three, in your opinion, was your neighbor to the robbers' victim?" He answered, "The one who treated him with mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." Lk 10:37
Corporate Matching
Severalfirmsandcorporationsoffermatchinggiftprogramsto benefit religious organizations, charitiesandothernonprofitstopromotephilanthropyamongst theiremployees.StMaryParishisaregistered charitable organization with the IRS and is also listed in GuideStar which is required by some of the corporate matching gift programs. Please consult with your employer to sign up for their matching gift program. If you have any question or need help signing St Mary Parish for corporate matched contributions, please contact Edwin at the
Please remember the Parish of Saint Mary in your will..
By naming St. Mary in your will or trust, you will provide a lasting gift that will greatly help St. Mary and our parishioners.
Thank you for your consideration.
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 Connect Now Giving App for Android or iOS.Thank you for your continuous support!
As of October 7 2024
THANK YOU ! For all your efforts in supporting the Annual Catholic Appeal! Please continue to make your pledge payments so that our parish can receive the maximum rebate. If you haven't made a pledge yet please go to www.dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal to send your gift electronically. Make sure to select St. Mary Catholic Church, Colts Neck in the Parish Affiliation box so we can receive credit for your gift.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The “rich man” who couldn’t “give up” his wealth was not ready to follow Jesus. Jesus’ path/journey led to the cross where everything is given up! The “one more thing” is living the path to the cross! Jesus’ covenant goes beyond the old commandments to paschal living. Peter, speaking for Jesus’ disciples, says that they “have given up everything.” They are ready to follow him to the cross. Jesus’ teaching about giving up everything is truly demanding but this is the only way to receive a hundredfold now and in eternal life. This is another description of discipleship, of paschal living: “giving up” is dying, receiving a hundredfold now is experienced in terms of already sharing in the glory of eternal life.
During the month of October we observe World Mission Sunday. The Society for the Propagation of the Faith is the strategic arm of our Catholic Church which remains focused on the spread of our faith in developing cultures among indigenous people. It remains the responsibility of Catholics throughout the world to foster a missionary spirit in caring for the needs of the poor not only in our own communities, diocese, country, but throughout the world. As the world continues to get smaller due in part to satellite telecommunications, there continues to be a disconnect in our ability expand our sense of mission when it comes to spreading our faith. It is fair to say that while we are doing some good, we are being out staffed and out funded by other Christians, especially the more fundamentalist groups. Let us continue to support our Holy Father and the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Our participation and prayerful support is yet another way in which we demonstrate our respect for all human life, from the womb to the tomb.
I am grateful to you for your sharing regularly by participating in our local food collection…placing non perishable items in the receptacle located in the church building narthex. There continues to
be an increase of financial support, especially among our on-line givers, regularly by scheduling it using the appropriate drop box. Preparations are under way for the Thanksgiving Food Drive as well as the various Advent Giving opportunities. Keep a look for particulars in upcoming bulletins.
I ask you to join with me in praying for our confirmandi those candidates to be confirmed, this coming week in our parish, their parents and their sponsors. This sacrament completes the formal process of Christian Initiation into the church. It also begins the life long period of learning about the teachings of the church and striving to integrate them into daily living.
Next weekend and the following weekend we will welcome families at the 12 Noon masses who are presenting their children for their First Holy Communion. It is a beautiful and grace-filled time for our parish and the universal church. It is wonderful to pray with these families and to witness the progress of the children. Should you wish to avoid these festivities, plan to attend another mass. Should you choose to attend know that “your seat” might be occupied by a visitor. I trust that you will help to make all among us feel welcome.
Our staff is busy preparing for the annual Halloween Halls celebration. There is still time to sign up for space to greet our trick or treaters. The annual Mass if remembrance is scheduled for later this month. It is a special opportunity to pray for those who have died in the past twelve months. The annual Light Up A Memory committee is busy preparing for that opportunity to remember the faith and witness of those family members who have gone before us. Many thanks to all those who help to make our parish a prayerful and welcoming community.
Have a great week. Let us continue to pray for one another. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
Tickets are being sold through November 11th at the parish office. 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 11th for $10 each in the Parish Office.
The prizes this year are:
1st Prize 2025 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.
A Special "Thank You" from the Clothing Sale Committee
Jay Blankenbaker, owner of Ashford & Grace Jewelers, in the Orchard Plaza, did a huge favor for us during the Clothing Sale, and we are very grateful. He appraised some of the donated jewelry, at no cost, and part of it was more valuable than expected - which would not have sold for the money it should, so he bought it from us. He also recommended what to charge for other special items. It was great to have him as our jewelry advisor!
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.
A SIMPLE LIFE-CHANGING PRAYER
Tuesday, October 8 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. Donation: $35 includes lunch/book. Zoom: $20
HOLY TRINITY IS A COMMUNION OF LOVE
Friday, October 11 9:30 AM –1:00 PM
Together we delight in God’s invitation “that all may be one” (John 17:21) in the communion and love of the Holy Trinity. Passages of the Gospel of St. John and Michael Gaitley’s The One Thing Is Three: How The Most Holy Trinity Explains Everything will be used. Donation: $25, includes lunch. Zoom: $20
THE 7–SECOND PAUSE
Tuesday, October 15 9:30 AM –1:00 PM
The Mystics, from St. Teresa to Brother Lawrence to Thomas Merton and Thomas Keating all agree that learning and practicing a contemplative pause to remember the Presence of God changes your life and your relationships with God, yourself and others. Please come to this morning retreat and experience the transformation awaiting you in a very simple yet profound practice of prayer and presence. Donation: $25, includes lunch. Zoom: $20
IN-PERSON ONLY
CENTERING PRAYER WEEKEND RETREAT
December 13 – 15 6:45 PM Friday – 1:00 PM Sunday
A Centering Prayer weekend provides the time, space and discipline needed to experience the inner stillness which occurs when given the opportunity for frequent Centering Prayer periods alone and in common. Donation: $200/$100 non-refundable deposit with registration. Commuters are welcome, all meals included.