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
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 13:16
THE FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
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: Open once monthly
WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 13 4 PM Sunday, September 14
8 AM, 10 AM & 12 Noon
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, September 13, 2025 - Sunday, September 21, 2025
The Chapel Sanctuary Lamp burns in honor of
Saturday, September 13
4 PM
Pro Populo
Paul Sharkey * Barbara and Joe Verga
Joseph Turkovic * Turkovic Family
Sunday, September 14
8 AM
Intentions of Julia Cullen * The Sarapochillo Family
Helen & Bill Huntley * Bill & Wendy Huntley
Nan Vandervoort * Phyllis & Hugh Murphy
10 AM
Frank Wojtaszek * Joseph & Barbara Hagner
Pasqual Cannarozzi * Family
Intentions of Catherine Wojtaszek * Joseph &Barbara Hagner
12 Noon
Eleanor & Patrick Walsh * Maureen Beyer
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Clive T. Lay * Fran Lay
Monday, September 15
9 AM Chapel
Carl Simone * Maurice & Ann Baker
Fiorella Scibetta * Ann Marie Dayton
MASS INTENTIONS & SANCTUARY LAMPS
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:
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.
Tuesday, September 16
9 AM Chapel
Gary Wortelman * Lorraine Lee
Wednesday, September 17
9 AM Communion Service (no Mass)
Thursday, September 18
9 AM Communion Service (no Mass)
Friday, September 19
9 AM Chapel
Kathleen Zoppi * Francine and Joseph Corcoran
Saturday, September 20
4 PM
Maria Pellicone * The Grabowski Family
Robert P. Ward * Carol Ward
Mary Michele Egan * Ward Family
Sunday, September 21
8 AM
Pro Populo
Bill Endlicher * Bob Endlicher
DeStefano/Albruno Families * Franceschetti Family
10 AM
Michelle Vlahos * Vlahos and Coleman Family
Lee von Doehren * The Collins-Sackstein Family
Philomena Iacono * Sarapochillo Family
12 Noon
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Rose Lunz * Maureen Beyer
Evelyn Rechtenbaugh * The Elingers
Please pray for the following members of our parish community who are ill:
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.
LIFELONG CATECHESIS: Week of September 14 to 21
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sunday, September 14
Nu 21:4b-9 / Ph 2:6-11 / Jo 3:13-17
Monday, September 15
1 Tim 2:1-8 / Lu 7:11-17
Tuesday, September 16
1 Tim 3:1-13 / Jo 19:25-27
Wednesday, September 17
1 Tim 3:14-16 / Lu 7:31-35
Thursday, September 18
1 Tim 4:12-16 / Lu 7:36-50
Friday, September 19
1 Tim 6:2c-12 / Lu 8:1-3
Saturday, September 20
1 Tim 6:13-16 / Lu 8:4-15
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
God loved us so much that he sent his Son, Jesus, to save us.
Question for Children:
What do you think of when you see a cross?
Question for Youth:
What does a cross mean to you?
Question for Adults:
God loved the people of the world so much that he sent his Son to save us so that we could have eternal life with God in heaven. What does it mean to you that Jesus saved you?
OGod, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, celebrated on September 14, honors the cross as the instrument of salvation and a powerful symbol of victory over sin and death. It originated in the 4th century after the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena, and the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. From the beginning, the feast highlighted both the historical events surrounding the cross and its deep spiritual meaning for Christians.
The celebration emphasizes the paradox of the cross: once a sign of shame and execution, it became the means by which Christ redeemed the world, and thus a symbol of salvation. On this day, the faithful are invited to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and the triumph of love that flows from it. The feast is not merely about venerating the wood of the cross, or recalling the passion (as these are both done on Good Friday), but about exalting the mystery of God’s saving plan revealed through it.
The feast serves as a reminder that discipleship involves carrying the cross in daily life, but always with hope in the resurrection. In this way, the feast unites historical remembrance with a call to live out the transforming power of the cross today. It also marks a turning point in the liturgical year, as soon the readings will begin to focus on eschatological themes, and we are only slightly less than three months away from the start of Advent and a new liturgical year.
JOIN US!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 following 10 AM Mass in the narthex
Liturgy of the Word Dismissal for Children Ages 4 to 12
This is the practice of having children, 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, 9/13
4 PM
Sunday, 9/14
8 AM
Sunday, 9/14
10 AM
Sunday, 9/14
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 20 & Sunday, September 21
Jacob Barasky
Jack Main
Tesya Yaninas
Grace Collins
12 Noon NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Diane Dragone
Angela Kinlin NOT
Carly York Rita Duenas
Kevin Swan
Jane Slattery, Organ Host
Louise Habrack, Tabernacle Host
Emily Santangelo, Tabernacle Host
Susan Murphy, Alternate
Rosanne LaCava, Organ Host
Dawn Reinhardt, Tabernacle Host
Marsha Grigoli, Tabernacle Host
Mike LaCava, Alternate
Linda Dickinson-Pancila, Organ Host
Carly York
Barbara Schaflin
Matt Yaninas
Diane Dragone
Charles Young Jennifer Stubbs
Maureen Geiger, Tabernacle Host
Fran Vaina, Tabernacle Host
Carol Donahue, Alternate
Joseph Burtone, Organ Host
Ron Gabbard, Tabernacle Host
Tom Nathanson, Tabernacle Host
Dawn Burtone, Alternate
SAINT OF THE WEEK
John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor, c. 347-407
Born the son of an imperial military officer, John studied rhetoric and theology under the best Roman scholars before converting to Christianity in 369. John preferred the simple life of a monk, and in 374, he became a hermit under the guidance of Saint Basil. The austere life undermined his health, however, and he was forced to return home.
John became a deacon in 381 and was ordained in 386 by the bishop of Antioch, whom he served for the next twelve years. It was during this time that his reputation for preaching began to spread. John became noted for the eloquence of his sermons which earned him the surname, Chrysostom, meaning “golden mouth.”
In his sermons, John called for justice and charity, enjoining the rich to share their wealth with the poor.
In 397, John became the object of an imperial ruse to make him the Archbishop of Constantinople, then the greatest city in the Roman empire. Read more
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
ReligiousEd@StMarysColtsNeck.org • (732) 780-2666 x. 309
A Message to Our Families
We are all set to begin our fall RE program here at the parish and ask for all your prayers as the children both grow in and learn about their faith. Confirmation Prep kicks off on Saturday, 9/13 at the orientation/first class. Attendance will be taken We also look forward to the
13 September 2025
Confirmation Prep 1 & 2 Orientation/First Class Starts at 4PM Mass in Church Mandatory for student & one parent/guardian
14 September 2025
Confirmation Retreat for 9th Graders Starts at 10 AM Mass in Church
Mandatory for Confirmandi & sponsor or parent/guardian
16 September 2025
The Parish of Saint Mary PARISH PHOTO DIRECTORY
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.
Photo session schedule:
October 3:
2PM-8:30PM
October 4: 10AM-4PM
Click to schedule online!
Be a part of our Parish Photo Directory!
The Martha Mary Guild 2025 CLOTHING SALE
Last week’s annual clothing sale was a huge success! Thank you for coming out for this wonderful event that helps so many worthy causes! Stay tuned for details about how much was raised and the organizations that will receive much-needed support!
NEW BIBLE STUDY PROGRAM
Wednesdays 10 to 11:30 AM inRoom17
October 1 through November 19
Friendship of Women: The Hidden Tradition of the Bible by Joan Chittister
To sign up, contact facilitator Barbara Schaflin (908) 415-7072 barbaraschaflin10@verizon.net
Wewilltakenoteofthe witnessandwisdomof thefollowingwomen: Lydia,Prisca,Deborah, andPhoebe;ofEster, Martha,Veronicaand Elizabeth;andofRuth, Anne,Miriam,andMary Magdalene. Eachwill helpopenoureyesand hearttothefriendships wehavetodayandthe relationshiptothose womenbeforeus.
Registration Deadline: September 19
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. If God is so compassionate and loving with us, then as faithful disciples of Jesus we must risk being so compassionate and loving with others. First of all, this means that we don’t judge whether the other is worth our compassion and love. God shows us that all are-even outcasts and sinners. Second, we don’t earn compassion and love. Since it is a free gift of God to us, it is a gift we freely give to others. We don’t wait until someone wrongs us to show compassion and love-we offer these gifts simply because the other is a beloved of God. It’s much easier for is to be compassionate and loving when the end situation is better for us. For example, we might forgive a family member some wrong -doing because we want peace in the family. It is far more risky to be compassionate when there is no immediate gain for us in sight. As disciples we are called to be compassionate simply because this is the way Jesus was. Living the paschal mystery means that we feast well and often because we realize that God “hugs” us with compassion and love without calculating whether we deserve it or not.
This week, we remembered the tragic events of September 11, 2001. This day forever changed many Americans and certainly changed our sense of security. It also rallied national pride and a determination to help make our country and the world a better place. There was a return to churches and an unprecedented atmosphere of
caring and concern. Acknowledgement of God soared, and our dependency on God helped to sort through a mix of emotions. We continue to remember those whose lives were ended and their survivors. Let us continue to trust in God’s providential care for us as we remember that day.
We begin a very busy time of the year for our parish Communions, confirmations, retreats, orientations, practices, Halloween Halls, Mass of Remembrance, etc. There will be larger-than-average attendance at different masses throughout the coming months. I ask that you try and arrive a few minutes earlier so that you may locate a seat without interrupting others. Thank you for this courtesy.
Our annual convocation of priests will be held this coming week. There will be communion services celebrated this week. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. Please remember the priests serving in our Diocese of Trenton. This is an important time of prayer and camaraderie for us.
Preparations are also underway for the annual Thanksgiving food drive. It is a major opportunity for our parish community to reach out and assist those who are in need. I am grateful to all those who bring nonperishable food items for the poor and needy.
Have a great week. Let us pray for one another. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
Edwin
CAR RAFFLE!
Tickets $10
First Prize: 2025 Volvo XC40
Second Prize: $1000 Shoprite gift card
Third Prize: $750 Shoprite gift card
Fourth Prize: $500 Shoprite gift card
Winning ticket to be drawn Nov. 21.
SAN ALFONSO RETREAT
HOUSE - 755 Ocean Ave ● Long Branch, NJ
Upcoming Weekend Retreats
Men: September 12 –14
Married Couples: September 26 - 28
Women: October 3 - 5 and October 10 - 12
Knights of Columbus: October 17 - 19
Click here to sign up or for more information or visit https://www.sanalfonsoretreats.org/2025-events
Francis House of Prayer
FHOP@verizon.net
Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House 84 Walnford Road, Allentown, NJ 08501 ~ 609-877-0509
OFFERINGS:
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.
CARING FOR NEGATIVE FEELINGS:
September 19 – 21, 6:30 PM Friday – 10:00 AM Sunday
(IN-PERSON ONLY) Focusing teaches us to carry negative emotions in such a way that they are healed from within and no longer weigh us down. Pack up your negative feelings and bring them along! Donation: $225/ $100 non-refundable deposit with registration. Residents and commuters are welcome. All meals and materials provided. Balance is required 2 weeks in advance of the start date.
DISCERNMENT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR WORLD!
Friday, September 19, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
This retreat includes the full teaching of Ignatian Discernment of Spirits! If you find yourself sliding down “the greasy pole” of desolation or negative thinking, this day will help you immensely. The Ignatian teaching on discernment is life changing as we practice awareness, understanding and right action regarding the various spirits that present themselves to us day by day and moment by moment. Donation: $35, includes lunch and materials. Zoom: $30
IN-PERSON ONLY
SILENT DIRECTED RETREAT WEEKEND:
October 17 – 19, 6:30 PM Friday to 1:00 PM Sunday (IN-PERSON ONLY) 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.
OCTOBER 19, 2025
All couples celebrating their 1st, 25th or 50th (or more) anniversary of Catholic marriage
For more information, visit https://dioceseoftrenton.org/bishops-anniversary-blessing