Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C. M.
Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee
Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee
Pastor Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch
Pastor Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch
Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro
Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro
OCTOBER 19, 2025
The Parable of the Persistent Widow ~ Luke 18:1-8
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
FOLLOWING 10 AM MASS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, October 18, 2025 - Sunday, October 26, 2025
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
Monday, October 20
9 AM Chapel
Robert Monaco MD * Dr. James & Barbara Oleske
Kevin Anthony Clemenza * Mom & Dad
Tuesday, October 21
9 AM Chapel
Robert Monaco MD * Dr. James & Barbara Oleske
Intentions of Nathan Alvares * Vanessa Alvares
Wednesday, October 22
9 AM Chapel
Branca & Richter Families * Francine & Joseph Corcoran Intentions of Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Thursday, October 23
9 AM Chapel
Lorenza Amato * Peter & Grace Randazzo
Intentions of Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Friday, October 24
9 AM Chapel
Peggy Murphy * Elizabeth Fitzpatrick
Intentions of Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Saturday, October 25
4 PM
Gertrude Rimmele * Barbara Saake
Estelle Borowski * Carol Ward
Intentions of Robert Fano * Joseph & Evelyn Fano
Sunday, October 26
8 AM
Steven Parkes * Parkes Family Intentions of Alison Schwerthoffer * Joseph & Evelyn Fano
Ciro Ficarra * Anna Maria Cappelleri
10 AM
Pro Populo
Theodoor & Linda Damen * Janet & Scott Cinfio Family
Anthony Marotta * Joseph, Dawn & Abigail Burtone
12 Noon
Richard Gerbino * Richard & Maria Gerbino
Carl Simone * The Dickinson-Pancila Family
Carl Simone * Carol & James Ehlinger The 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 19 to 25
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, October 19
Exodus 17:8-13 / 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2 / Luke 18:1-8
Monday, October 20
Romans 4:20-25/Luke 12:13-21
Tuesday, October 21
Romans 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21 /Luke 12:35-38
Wednesday, October 22
Romans 6:12-18 / Luke 12:39-48
Thursday, October 23
Romans 3:21-30 / Luke 12:49-53
Friday, October 24
Romans 7:18-25a / Luke 12:54-59
Saturday, October 25
Romans 8:1-11 / Luke 13:1-9
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
Never stop praying. Have faith and never give up!
Question for Children:
Jesus teaches us to trust God. How does God help you in your daily life?
Question for Youth:
Jesus tells us that persistence will pay off, if we continue to pray to God. How and when do you pray? How could you grow in the ways that you pray?
Question for Adults:
When you pray, what do you ask for most often? How do you know God gives you this request?
Please pray for the following members of our parish community who are ill:
Lori Lettieri
Edward Habrack
Father William Bausch
To add or remove a family member from the sick list, please e-mail ONLY to: parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Names will be removed from the list after 3 months. Be sure to keep us updated on your loved one’s health. Thank you for keeping our Parish informed.
SAINT OF THE WEEK
John of Capistrano, Priest, 1386
John was the son of a German knight who was brought into the service of the King of Naples, Louis I. While his father died when John was quite young, he had the advantage of access to education. Having studied law, he was appointed governor of Perugia.
At this time in history, much turmoil and disease afflicted the European landscape and the Church. Bubonic plague claimed the lives of as many as thirty percent of the population. There were three claimants to the throne of St. Peter. And the many city-states in Italy were often at war with each other.
In this setting, John tried to arrange a truce with Malatesta with which Perugia was at war. Instead of negotiating with John, the Malatestans threw him into prison. During John’s imprisonment, he resolved that politics and governance were not the fields in which he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Read more
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist
The Catholic Church celebrates three sacraments of initiation Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist which together lay the foundation of every Christian’s life. These sacraments mark the beginning of a person’s journey of faith, welcoming them into the community of believers and strengthening their relationship with God. Each sacrament builds upon the other, deepening the individual’s participation in the mystery of Christ and the life of the Church. Baptism is the first sacrament and the gateway to all others. Through Baptism, a person is cleansed of original sin, becomes a child of God, and is incorporated into the Body of Christ. Water, a central symbol in the ritual, represents both purification and new life. Baptism is often administered to infants, but adults entering the Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) also receive it as a sign of spiritual rebirth.
Confirmation and the Eucharist complete the process of initiation. The Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life, unites believers more deeply with Christ through the reception of His Body and Blood. The reception of Holy Communion is so important, that it is the only sacrament of initiation that is repeated throughout our lives - receiving Jesus in the Eucharist as often as possible.
In Confirmation, the baptized receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, strengthening them to live out their faith with courage and conviction. Together, these three sacraments establish and nourish the spiritual life of Catholics, preparing them to live as active witnesses of Christ in the world.
In our parish, we celebrate Baptisms year-round, outside of Advent and Lent, and the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation for children in the month of October. Adults receive these sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Please pray for those young people in our parish who are receiving these sacraments this month and those adults who are in the formation process.
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.
Saturday, 10/25
4 PM
Sunday, 10/26
8 AM
Sunday, 10/26
10 AM
Sunday, 10/26
12 Noon
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, October 25 & Sunday, October 26 Altar Server Cantor Reader 1 Reader 2
Alex Gruenling Anthony Gruenling Bridget Farrow Michele Gruenling Jennifer Stubbs
Joseph Brando
Jack Main
Tesya Yaninas
Jacob Barasky
Jack Schatzle NOT FILLED
Carly York Charles Young Rita Duenas
Carly York Steve Rumbsy Matt Yaninas
Diane Dragone Mary Ellen Griffin Richard Gerbino
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 following
Emily Santangelo, Organ Host
Susan Murphy, Tabernacle Host
Jane Slattery, Tabernacle Host
Monica Barr, Alternate
Joyce Flynn, Organ Host
Gina Shute, Tabernacle Host
Marsha Grigoli, Tabernacle Host
Justine Buzzetta, Alternate
Joseph Burtone, Organ Host
Dawn Burtone, Tabernacle Host
Steve Stanley, Tabernacle Host
Linda Dickinson-Pancila, Alternate
Liz Turkovic, Organ Host
Dolores Lembo, Tabernacle Host
Patricia Gesner, Tabernacle Host
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
Why do we pray the rosary? What does it mean? How do we do it? Here are some great resources for children and adults about the rosary on FORMED, so check them out during the month of October, which is the Month of the Holy Rosary! (If you don’t already have a FORMED account, see instructions at the bottom of the page!)
Cartoon Video For Children:
Video For Parents:
19 October 2025
First Holy Communion Starts at Noon Mass in Churc
25 October 2025 ‘Hallow’een Halls Starts at 4 PM Mass in Churc
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
Sign up for a free account!
1.) Click here for the sign-up page
2.) Enter your name, email and phone and click the “Sign Up” button
3.) Search for St Mary Church to select our parish
4.) Create a password.
‘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
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
Monthly Meetings
Second Wednesday from 11:30 AM to 2 PM Click here to join Questions?
Email MarthaMaryGuild@gmail.com or call Catherine at 732-768-5192
TRAVELING TORCH CELEBRATION
Coming to The Parish of Saint Mary!
Our parish will host the torch from November 22 through 29!
October 25, 2025 at 5 PM
The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton Click for more details!
Torches will be lit and sent forth and they will travel to the many blessed parishes of the Diocese of Trenton throughout the whole month of November. The Guadalupe Torch light will shine in the parishes as a symbol of the impassioned prayer of those who add their petitions in the Diocesan wide mission. We turn to Her in the trust that she will bring them to her Son. The Guadalupe torch light reminds us that our Lady of Guadalupe is present in these moments of prayer and advocating our requests to her Son Jesus, who we know will never deny her anything. She is the original bearer of the light of Christ, as she carried Him in her womb.
Thinking of Becoming Catholic?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the Church's process of welcoming newcomers into full communion with the Catholic Church. As you enter the Church, the parish community and the OCIA Program will walk with you on your journey of faith.
Click here for more information or email
PastoralCare-OCIA@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Women’s Spiritual Group
Meets Tuesday mornings at 11 a.m. in Room 11
An Invitation to the Ladies
As we walk through the seasons of life, the opportunity to gather with fellow women for spiritual encouragement is a precious gift. We warmly invite you to join our Spiritual Group - a community for women seeking connection, support and a deeper faith.
We read from Scripture and from interesting books, with thoughtful discussions. We pray together, remembering one another's special intentions. (We often go to lunch afterwards, too!)
Come to Room 11 in the Spiritual Center at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays! Give it a try, with no obligation!
Quo vadis...
My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. For many, setting aside any definite time for prayer during the day may seem all but impossible, especially if we are talking about 10 or 15 uninterrupted minutes. Persistence in praying always might need to take the form in our lives of developing the habit of being aware of God’s abiding presence and blessings even in our busyness. It might mean that we learn to catch little moments for prayer (like we sometimes are able to catch moments for catnaps) while driving to pick up the youngsters or waiting in a checkout line. The place and manner of prayer aren’t nearly so important as the fact that we pray—always and without ceasing.
During the month of October, the Universal Church prayerfully reflects on the call to build God’s Kingdom through missionary activity and heightened awareness of the need for more expansive evangelization efforts. The work of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith enables our Roman Catholic Church to proclaim the saving message at every corner of the earth. This is a fundamental part of our identity—to go and share the good news. Thank you for your generous prayerful support of this missionary effort.
This past Monday, I made a visit to Jersey Shore Medical Center for a cardiac catheterization. All went well. No surprises. No changes in treatment or care. This was proactive, and we will continue to monitor. The entire experience was pleasant and efficient. I’m grateful to our very own Dr. Apolito and the medical team. I share this with you as another way of being transparent.
This weekend at the 10 AM mass, we welcome family members who experienced the death of a loved one this past year. This is a way for us as
a parish community to show our support for them. 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.
On Friday, October 17, I administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to the candidates from our parish community. I ask that you keep these candidates and 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 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. Thank you for your generous support. The month of October is quickly coming to a close. Huddy’s Restaurant continues to offer a few Oktoberfest dishes. The sauerbraten was especially tasty should you care to indulge. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace! Father Jeff
Edwin A. Sevillano— Pastoral Associate for Temporal Administration & Stewardship
Leave a Lasting Legacy
October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month. It’s a perfect time to prayerfully consider how you can provide for your loved ones and make a lasting impact on our parish. A simple gift in your will or by naming our parish as a beneficiary of a retirement plan or life insurance policy can strengthen our faith community for generations. We invite you to think about the legacy of faith you want to leave. Learn how you can include The Parish in Saint Mary in your estate plans is an easy and meaningful way to ensure our worship, ministries, and outreach continue.
Please consider a lasting gift to our parish. A bequest or beneficiary designation costs you nothing today but, helps preserve our parish mission for tomorrow.
To learn more, contact Edwin.Sevillano@stmaryscoltsneck.org
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
Offerings at Francis House of Prayer
Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House 84 Walnford Road • Allentown, NJ 08501 609-877-0509 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.
IN-PERSON ONLY
COMMUNICATING WITH GOD CREATOR AND LOVER OF US ALL
Tuesday, October 28, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Expressing thoughts, feelings and needs through scriptures, song, silence, and our senses. Living in creation, community, and finding joy in our uniquely beautiful identity. Come experience God. Bring a friend. Make connections, build community. Donation: $25, includes lunch.
GIVE THANKS “WITH THE MIND OF CHRIST”
Thursday, October 30, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Discover that we stand on Holy Ground everywhere! Putting on the Mind of Christ by James Woods will help us to slow down the pulse of daily life and breathe in deeply the love of God. We will practice contemplative prayer that leads to being contemplative in action. Donation: $25, includes lunch. Zoom: $20.
