October 8, 2023 - 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The parish of saint Mary

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 Worship schedule inside. Refer

Mass Intentions for:

Saturday, October 7 - Sunday, October 15 - 2023

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

Monday, October 09 – 9 AM Chapel

Neil Slattery * Jane Slattery

Hilde Peckyno * YMCA Friends

Tuesday, October 10 – 9 AM Chapel

Mildred Rapacciulo * Jack and Rorie Coppola

Sanctuary Lamp Church: Giulia Ajami

Requested by Dahlem Family

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.

Wednesday, October 11 – 9 AM Chapel

Matthew Branen * Peg and Tom Parkes

Thursday, October 12 -9 AM Chapel

Frank Donahue * Marilyn and Carl Simone

Friday, October 13 – 9 AM Chapel

Irene F. and Edward W. Moskal, Sr. * St. Mary’s Friend

Special Intention * Donna and Frank Sikorskas

Saturday, October 14 – 4 PM Church

Rachel Verga * Verga Family

Beatrice Slattery * Jane Slattery

Cindi Westendorf * Jim Schatzle and Family

Sunday, October 15 – Church

8 AM

Pro Populo

Matthew Aiello * Jane Slattery

Joseph Andrew and Charlotte Velba *

Adele and Joe Velba

10 AM

Angela Duenas * Rita and Michael Duenas

Vincenza and William Andrews *

Carmel and Peter Vickers

John D. Zumbo * Providence Zumbo

12 PM

Baden Pinney * Drs. Gener and Elvira Dapul

Owen Greenan * Phyllis and Hugh Murphy

Juan Gutierrez * Jim Dolan

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 8 to October 14

READINGS FOR THE WEEK:

8 Sunday: TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Is 5:1-7/Phil 4:6-9/Mt 21:33-43

9 Monday: Jon 1:1 2:2, 11/Lk 10:25-37

[St. Denis & St. John Leonardi]

10 Tuesday: Jon 3:1-10/Lk 10:38-42

11 Wednesday: Jon 4:1-11/Lk 11:1-4

[St. John XXIII]

12 Thursday: Mal 3:13-20b/Lk 11:5-13

13 Friday: Jl 1:13-15; 2:1-2/Lk 11:15-26

14 Saturday: Jl 4:12-21/Lk 11:27-28

[St. Callistus I, Pope, & Martyr]

SCAM ALERT

Please, be made aware of recent spam activity via email and phone. The Parish of St. Mary, their staff and their volunteers will NOT reach out to you with solicitation or unusual requests. Kindly, report those communications as spam and delete them. Reach out to the Parish Office at (732) 780-2666 with any questions.

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:

Question for Children: What makes you feel peaceful inside? What makes you feel restless?

Question for Youth: How do you thank God for the talents that you have? How do you give back to God through the use of your talent?

Question for Adults: What steps do you take each week to make sure you are doing as Paul directs: "Live according to what you have learned and accepted."?

Pleaseprayforthefollowingmembersofourparishcommunitywhoareill:

John BARONE

Fr Bill Bausch

Francis Patrick Albano

~

Bill Donahue

Kekoa Xael

Kaitlin Donahue Nagle

~

Owen Shoemaker Toaddorremoveafamilymemberfromthesicklistpleasee-mailONLY parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Please,also,keepusupdatedonyour lovedone’shealth.Nameswillberemovedfromthelistafter3months ThankyouforkeepingourParishinformed.

Jack Coppola

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

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

Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org

October is the month of the Holy Rosary

Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org

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.

Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop, 1807-1870

Born in the north of Spain, this saint started out working in cloth weaving, his father’s trade. He used his spare time to learn Latin and printing. When he was twenty-two, Anthony entered the seminary where he was ordained six years later.

For ten years, he devoted himself to giving missions and retreats in his native Catalonia. These proved so popular that he inspired other priests to join him to help carry on this work. In 1849, with these other priests, he formed the congregation of Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary which became known as the Claretians.

As his work in Spain was coming to fruition, Father Anthony was sent by the pope to Cuba where he was to be- 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: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

October 14 & 15

Altar Server Cantor

Saturday 4PM 1 SERVER NEEDED Carly York Jennifer Stubbs

Charles Young

Sunday 8AM

Alexander Lennon & Sophia Lennon

Sunday 10AM

Bridget Farrow Rita Duenas

Kevin Swan

OH - Martha Cowles

TH - Irene Weller

TH - Monica Barr

ALT - Susan Murphy

OH - Joyce Flynn

TH - Marsha Grigoli

TH - Gina Shute

ALT - Mary Aiello

OH - Winifred O’Doherty

Tesya Yaninas & Alessandra

Zilinski CHOIR Matt Yaninas Julia Cullen

Sunday 12PM 2 SERVERS NEEDED Carly York Richard Gerbino

NewParishionerOrientation

Sunday,November5,2023,at11AM

atMadonnaHall

Attendance is mandatory for those wishing to become parishioners at the Parish of St. Mary. Please contact the Parish Office if you wish to attend 732-780-2666

Dolores Lembo

TH - Maureen Geiger

TH - Sue Fitzpatrick

ALT - Dawn Reinhardt

LWD– Jennifer Garcia

OH - Emily Santangelo

TH - Lee Gesner

TH - Ron Gabbard

ALT - Patricia Gesner

All Souls Remembrance

ForthemonthofNovember

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

GiovannaMarieLoPresti

Mass of Remembrance - October 29, 2023

Preceding the 12 PM 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

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

We are blessed to celebrate the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion this month. Please see the Faith Formation calendar for rehearsal details. ~

Religious Education families are ALL invited to “Talks with Fr. Mike” next week. The theme will be “Catholic Culture,” bring your questions for this casual conversation. See the sign-up on the next page (pg.7).

~

We are also now accepting RSVP’s for Halloween Halls and to be a part of the Nativity Play. Links are below.

Faith Formation Calendar

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

28 October 2023

4 PM Mass Halloween Halls

*No classes on Halloween Day*

18 November 2023

9 AM - 1 PM

Fall Clean-Up

2 December 2023

3:00PM to 3:45PM

Nativity Play Rehearsal

In Madonna Hall

3 December 2023

9:00AM Decorate Rotunda

3 December 2023

12:00PM 2nd Graders

Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation Retreat/ rehearsal in the Church

IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS ED LINKS [2023 - 2024]

• Fall RE Schedule

• 2023 - 2024 RE Calendar

• Parent - Student Handbook

• Intergenerational List

• Intergenerational Digital Recording Sheet

• Current Service Hours

Calling all actors and singers!!!

Our Intergenerational Event:

Come to the 4:00 PM Mass in costume. Afterwards there will be trick-or-treating.

Date: October 28, 2023

RSVP by clicking HERE.

Service hours available for the event, HERE.

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 or by clicking HERE 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.

Confirmation practice will take place Saturday, October 14 beginning with the 4:00 PM Mass. All Confirmandi and either a parent or the sponsor should be in attendance.

If you did not pick up your Sacramental gift envelope at the retreat they will be available for you on a table in the back of the church.

On Confirmation Day:

· Candidates should report to Madonna Hall at 3:15 PM.

· Confirmandi dress code should be modest, neat, dress casual. Everyone should be able to sit, walk, and bow comfortably without threat to their modesty. Hair should be worn off the face.

· There will be chairs set up for guest seating. Seats available at a first come, first serve basis.

The order form for Confirmandi photos can be printed HERE

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.

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.

TALKS WITH FATHER MIKE!

Our first Fall Religious Education talk with Father Mike will be Tuesday, 10 October 2023 at 5-6 PM in the spiritual center. And, virtually on Wednesday, 11 October 2023 at 5-6 PM. This is open to all Religious Education families. The topic is ‘Catholic Culture,’ any and all questions are welcome! Sign-up HERE

Sensory Friendly Mass and All-Saints Day Party

October 29 at 2:00 PM, Our Lady of Fatima Parish will be at St. Joseph's Church on 376 Maple Place, Keyport, NJ 07735. Feel free to bring a symbol of your favorite Saint, or even wear a costume!

[A Sensory Friendly Mass is designed for all families with children or adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or sensory sensitivities, or other disabilities. This is a regular Sunday Mass, with a flexible environment. After the Mass, we will join together for crafts and refreshments.]

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

Bless our work of reviving a true and lasting devotion to You in the Sacrament of Your Body and Blood. Help us bring others to perceive with the eyes of faith, Your Real Prescence in the Holy Eucharist. Enlighten the minds of Your people and set our hearts on fire with love for You, O Jesus. Fill us with the desire to receive You often in Holy Communion. Amen.

• What is the Eucharist Revival?

It is a movement to restore understanding and devotion to the real presence in the Eucharist.

“The National Eucharist Revival is a movement that enkindles a living relationship with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and renews the Church.” - Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of USCBB’s Committee of Evangelization and Catechesis.

• Why is it happening?

Our world is hurting.We all need healing, yet many of us are separated from the very source of our strength.

Jesus Christ invites us to return to the source and our faith in the celebration of the Eucharist.

Join the Movement!

To immerse yourself in the Revival on a national level or to find more information about the movement, click HERE. Your involvement can also stay within the walls of our Church. Check this page of our bulletin each week to find out about upcoming meetings and events for the Eucharist Revival. Events will also be posted on our Parish Facebook page.

Watch the video to learn more about the exciting journey ahead and how you can be a part of it!

My Dear Parishioners:

Today we celebrate the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. These parables of the kingdom in Matthew may sound like a broken phonograph record because they all in one way or another keep saying to us that we must keep our focus on God, lose ourselves, die to ourselves. The repetition gives us the clue that this is absolutely central to remaining in God’s love self-surrender. We live the paschal mystery by practicing daily, a self-surrendering way of life. This is faithful discipleship and the only way we produce good fruit the only way we receive eternal life.

As we enter this beautiful fall season let us make some time to enjoy the outdoors before the cold weather sets in for a few months. Take time to enjoy the colors which nature bursts forth. During this month, let us take some time to pray the rosary for world peace, for vocations to the priesthood, for a greater respect for the dignity of all human life. Let us re-commit ourselves to a life of stewardship so that our choices might continue to build up and offer people hope rather than tear down or manipulate. The life that God gives us needs to be used to further build God’s Kingdom in our midst. Let us not only talk about the sanctity of human life let us direct our efforts in support of human life at every stage.

This weekend we welcome the first of several First Communion Celebrations here in our parish. Join me in congratulating the parents of these children as they continue their journey of faith together.

This coming November 4, 5 2023 we will host a Liturgical Ministry Fair in the Narthex Gathering area. It is a time to learn more about what it takes for a parish of our size and census to provide for

the needs of our parishioners. The Celebration of the Sacred Liturgy is the primary reason we exist. Offering the very best opportunities to encounter God in the Sacramental Life of the Church is the responsibility of all. We are blessed to have some staff who share in the oversight of this aspect of parish life. However, we need scores and scores of committed persons to carry on faithfully, the customs and practices of our Church. During the past five years and more particularly since the onset of the pandemic there has been a disproportionate number of parishioners (of volunteer age…children grown and out of the home) who have relocated from our community and our parish. This challenges us to continue to provide for our parish community. I encourage you to prayerfully discern how you might become better involved in the Liturgical Life of our parish. The specific Ministries are:

Extra-ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion; Readers at Mass; Altar Servers (Children) / Acolytes (Adults); Ushers; Sacristans; Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) Facilitators; Baptismal Team Hospitality; Music Ministry: Adult & Children Choir. Our scheduling is released several months in advance and the more participants, the less the demand. I encourage everyone to please consider this so that in the coming weeks you might be prepared to take a step forward. Thank you for your stewardship of Time and Talent.

Thank you to all for carrying on during my time away. We are blessed to have such faithful clergy and staff, so that our parish continues seamlessly. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace.

Father Jeff

Quo vadis for October 8. . .

Temporal Admin., Stewardship & Outreach

Edwin A. SevillanoTemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Our monthly Buildings and Mortgage payment is $7,926. Thank you for your generosity.

“Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’” Lk 10:3-5

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 October 1, 2023

Goal: $75,000

Pledged: $85,692.50

% of goal: 114%

# donors: 224

Average gift: $334.74

Paid to date: $83,592.50

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.

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.

To register, click HERE

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!

December 17, 2023 Gaudete Sunday

To volunteer for the preparation of our Pancake Breakfast as a committee member or to volunteer the same day of the event, please click HERE. There are many opportunities for parishioners of all ages.

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.

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 Parish -

Baby 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

Radical Solidarity 2023 Respect Life Reflection

In the Gospel of John, shortly before he is to suffer his Passion, Jesus proclaims to his disciples: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another” (Jn 13:34). And it is love for one another that Jesus says will be the identifying characteristic of his disciples. The Church’s entire social doctrine is guided by the fundamental principle that every human life has innate dignity and incomparable value: “Every human being is the object of God’s infinite tenderness, and he himself is present in their lives.” As disciples of Christ, we are called to make a sacrificial gift of ourselves for the sake of our neighbor, for “to love someone is to desire that person's good and to take effective steps to secure it.”

Fulfilling Christ’s command to love one another takes shape in our practice of solidarity. Solidarity is the means by which we put our love for others into action, making the good of others our own. Solidarity “is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people… On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good…to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all.”

In reaction to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, some areas of the country now protect the child in the womb, while others are doing all they can to increase access to abortion. At this critical moment, we have been entrusted with new opportunities and new responsibilities to build a civilization of authentic love. Our culture claims to offer women so-called “choice,” but ultimately abandons mothers to make tragic and painful decisions alone. We must lead the way in showing the alternative: “In firmly rejecting ‘pro-choice’ it is necessary to become courageously ‘pro woman,’ promoting a choice that is truly in favor of women. … The only honest stance, in these cases, is that of radical solidarity with the woman. It is not right to leave her alone.”

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.

Sponsored by the Freehold Clergy Association October 22, starting at the Reformed Church of Freehold: 67 W. Main St., participants will walk the 2.6 miles. Registration is at 1:30 PM and the walk begins at 2:00 PM.

To purchase a sponsored t-shirt, donate or to receive further information, contact Walk Coordinator Dr. Patricia S. Medley by email: Patmedley@aol.com or phone: (732) 822-0711.

St. Padre Pio Prayer Group of St. Ambrose Parish

Come join us in prayer as we celebrate mass together in honor of St Padre Pio by Celebrant Fr. Jack C. Grimes. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday October 21, 2023 at 9:00 AM, followed by veneration of a first class relic of St Padre Pio. St Ambrose Parish 83 Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge NJ 08857 (732)679-5666.

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.

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!

SIMPLIFYING LIFE: CLEANING UP & CLEANING OUT

Tuesday, October 10, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Fall teaches us to let go in order to make some room for God. Do you find yourself complaining, “I have too much stuff!” Is de-cluttering one of your desires for 2023? We are each going to make a plan to clean up and clean out, to simplify and enjoy life more, to have a lighter grasp and a freer heart for the more important things of life. We will gather again in January for a progress report. Step by step, with support and prayer, we will be clutter-free by Christmas! With God’s help, we can do it!

Led by S. Marcy.

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

MASS IS BORING (Thank God!!!!!)

Tuesday, October 17, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Using Timothy O’Malley’s book: Bored Again Catholic, How the Mass Could Save Your Life, S. Kathy will offer reflections on every part of the Mass, discovering how we can learn to pray the liturgy better as well as offering a sketch of what Eucharistic life looks like. Led by S. Kathy Burton.

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

DREAMS, ALL YOUR DREAMS ARE TRUE!

Wednesday, November 1, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

It has been said that dreams are God’s forgotten language. Learn to listen to your dreams and understand God’s message within them. Like God, your dreams speak the truth. Bring a dream along if you can remember!

Led by S. Marcy.

Donation: $30, lunch included. Zoom: $25

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN

Thursday, November 2, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Come, bring a picture, tell your story, let us comfort one another on this feast of All Souls. We ask God for the grace of peace, acceptance and strength as we come together for this morning retreat.

Liturgy at 11 AM.