24th Sunday in Ordinary Time by The Parish of Saint Mary

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

September152024

24thSundayinOrdinaryTime

Parish Office Hours

Please note our Fall/Winter office hours began on September 3rd. On Tuesday’s, the Parish Office will open at 2:00 pm and close at 7:30 pm. There will be no morning hours on Tuesday’s. Any questions, please call the office at (732)-780-2666. The Parish Office will also be open Sunday October 6, 9am - 1pm

Mass Intentions for:

Saturday September 14 2024 - Sunday September 22 2024

Saturday, September 14– 4PM

Paul Sharkey * Verga Family

Ralph DeBiase * Diane Carnevale

Sergio and Francisco Dos Santos * Dos Santos Family

Sunday, September 15 –8AM

Pro Populo

Walene & Sil Lutkewitte * Louise & Bob Lutkewitte

Arthur Austin * Peter and Natalie Franco 10AM

Luigi Cantatore * Gabbard family

Agnes Brunner *John and Molly Aiello

Frances Bonus * St. Mary's Choir 12PM

Eleanor and Patrick Walsh * Maureen Beyer

Ted Ziemienski * Nancy Campbell

Richard Tipaldi * Eric & Paola DiNapoli

Monday, September 16 - 9AM

Maria Ruiz * Jennifer Monaghan Intentions of Carmel and Peter Vickers * Diane Carnevale

Tuesday, September 17 - 9AM

Fr. Thomas Triggs by Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee, Staff and Parishioners

Donna Battaglia * Lawrence and Felicia Battaglia

Wednesday, September 18- 9AM

Irene Baron * Dickinson-Pancila Family

Ginny Hamlin * Jeanne & Matthew Cerbone

Thursday, September 19 - 9AM

Antonina Thompson * Your Sisters Walking With Purpose

Friday, September 20 - 9AM

Mary Frances Blatz * Elisia Triolo

Saturday, September 21- 4PM

Robert Ward * Carol Ward

Albert Herman * Donna and Frank Sikorskas

Kathleen Zoppi * Francine and Joseph Corcoran

Sunday September 22 - 8AM

Daniel John Velba * Adele Velba

William Endlicher * Bob Endlicher

John and Elizabeth DeStefano * Franceschetti/ DeStefano Family

10AM

Pro Populo

Philip Andrews * Carmel & Peter Vickers

Carol Bongiovi by Joe & Jennifer Bongiovi

12PM

Frank Pompilii * Sessa Family

Francesca Distefano * Paola DiNapoli

Maria Ruiz * Diffley Family

2025

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 will open on Sunday October 6, 2024

For date specific Mass Intentions within the 2025 year.

Parish Office dates for receiving requests: Sunday, October 6, 9 am to 1 pm (Online requests will also open at 9am) Monday, October 7, 9 am to 2 pm Tuesday, October 8, 2 pm to 7 pm

Requests will be time & date stamped when received to provide order of entry into the book. Currently forms are available at the Parish office.

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 September 15– September 21

READINGS FOR THE WEEK:

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 50:4c-9a/Jas 2:14-18/Mk 8:27-35

MONDAY September 16

1 Cor 11:17-26, 33/Lk 7:1-10

TUESDAY September 17

1 Cor 12:12-14, 27-31a/Lk 7:11-17

WEDNESDAY September 18

1 Cor 12:31 13:13/Lk 7:31-35

THURSDAY September 19

1 Cor 15:1-11/Lk 7:36-50

FRIDAY September 20

1 Cor 15:12-20/Lk 8:1-3

SATURDAY September 21

Eph 4:1-7, 11-13/Mt 9:9-13

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

FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:

Question for Children: What do think it means for you to follow in Jesus footsteps?

Question for Youth: Who do you say that Jesus is? Who is Jesus in your life?

Question for Adults: What is the cross that you carry today? How do you follow Jesus in the workplace and at home?

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:

Jack Coppola

Bill Donahue

Kaitlin Donahue Nagle

Lori Lettieri

Lauren vinci

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

Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org Worship & Music

Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

In biblical times, tax collectors were notorious for being dishonest, greedy individuals. They would often exploit taxpayers by exacting more than was required and keeping the excess to line their own pockets. Some, like Matthew, were Jewish citizens working for the occupying Roman force, and thus were despised by their fellow Jews. But Matthew gives us a strong example of faith. When Jesus first encountered Matthew, he said “Follow me.” Matthew’s response was one of immediate obedience – like the fishermen, he dropped everything to follow Jesus.

The Gospel according to Matthew was written for a “Christianized” Jewish audience, Jews who knew the law and the prophets, but were also followers of Jesus. Thus Matthew’s writing employs continuity with Hebrew tradition and the Old Testament - consistently teaching that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. One such example is in the infancy narrative, he mentions that Jesus’ birth took place to fulfill the prophecy foretold by Isaiah.

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means ‘God is with us.’” (Matthew 1:22-23)

Saint Matthew is the patron of bookkeepers and bankers. His feast day is September 21.

Helen, mother, c.250-c.330

As with many saints of this era of the Church, many conflicting stories of Helen’s life exist. Where most accounts agree is that Helen (or Helena) was married to Constantius Chlorus and was the mother of Constantine the Great. Sometime after their marriage, Constantius, for political reasons, divorced Helen in order to marry the step-daughter of the emperor of the Western Roman Empire who was his benefactor. Constantius eventually became emperor and, upon his death in 308, his son, Constantine, assumed the role.

Having remained loyal to his mother, Constantine called her to the royal court and conferred on her the title of Augusta. Under the influence of her son, Helen embraced Christianity and spent the remainder of her life working to spread Christianity. Among her good works were the construction of several churches in Rome and other cities in the Western Roman Empire. Her charities were also especially compassionate toward the poor of the empire.

Over the years, relations between Constantine and the emperor of the Easter Roman Empire, Licinius, had deteriorated and, in about 324, Constantine’s forces defeated those of Licinius and he became emperor of the whole Roman Empire. With the empire under her son’s control, Helen, nearing the age of 80, undertook another quest. Read More HERE.

Ministry Schedule: 25thSunday in Ordinary Time September 21 & 22

Saturday, 21 4 PM George Barasky Jacob Barasky Carly York Mary Ellen Griffin Charles Young

Sunday, 22 8 AM

Sunday, 22 10 AM

Jack Main NOT FILLED

Tesya Yaninas Reagan Royal

Carly York

Annette Raynor Kevin Swan

OH - Nick Turkovic

TH - Martha Cowles

TH - Richard Gerbino

ALT - Liz Turkovic

OH - Roseanne Lacava

TH - Mike Lacava

TH - Jane Slattery

ALT - Joesph Flanagan

OH - Carol Donahue

TH - Steve Stanley

Matt Yaninas Rita Duenas

Sunday, 22 12 PM Jonathan Stubbs Gonzalo Sevillano

Bridgett Farrow NOT FILLED Jennifer Stubbs

TWENTYFOURTHSUNDAYIN ORDINARYTIME

OGod,becausewithoutyouwearenotableto pleaseyou,mercifullygrantthatyourHoly Spiritmayinallthingsdirectandruleour hearts;throughJesusChristourLord,who livesandreignswithyouandtheHolySpirit, oneGod,nowandforever.Amen. (LectionaryPage.net)

Baptismal Preparation Session

St Mary Parish is offering our next Baptismal Preparation Session on: SUNDAY, October 6, 2024 at 1:00 PM Pre-registration isrequired aweekinadvance. Contact Us

TH - Fran Vaina

ALT - Linda DickinsonPancila

OH - Rob Gabbard

TH - Tom Nathanson

TH - Richard Gerbino

ALT - Irene Weller

Welcome the newest member of our Saint Mary Parish family Who was recently Baptized: Patrick Timothy Stanton

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

14 September 2024

Confirmation Prep Ori Orientation Grades 7&8, 4 PM Mandatory for Students &Parents

15 September 2024

Fall RE Orientation & Blessing mass Grades 1-6 beginning at 12PM mass and following in the church

15 September 2024

Confirmation Retreat 9th Grade Confirmandi & sponsor and/or parent Mandatory,10AM Church

17 September 2024 Fall RE begins, Grades 1-6

22, 24 September 2024

Confirmation Prep Class

22 September 2024 Fall Movie Day

Intergenerational beginning at 12 PM mass SIGN UP HERE

29 September 2024

First Holy Communion rehearsal / retreat beginning at 12 PM mass

6 October 2024

First Holy Communion 10 AM mass

6 October 2024

First Holy Communion Rehearsal / retreat beginning at 12 PM mass

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

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

This weekend we welcome all of our Religious Education families for Fall RE Orientations as well as our 9th graders for their Confirmation Retreat! all details on calendar we pray for all of our students as they begin another fruitful year of growing in their faith. Please RSVP for the fall Movie Day, as it is coming up for our 1-6 graders, and is our second INTERGENERATIONAL opportunity for the year.

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

• Intergeneneration Recording

• Attendance Link

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 Great Big Thank You From the Martha Mary Guild

The Annual Clothing Sale was a huge success and there are many people to thankthe volunteers, the contributors and the customers.

Without every single one of you, we would not be able to run this fundraiser. A lot of work was involved, and it was well worth it! All of the funds will benefit many charities, as was listed previously in the Bulletin. Looking forward to your generous contributions of time, effort and items next year around Labor Day.

Quo vadis...

My Dear Parishioners:

Today we celebrate the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Jesus is not about a dramatic martyrdom like in the early Church, nor about any great, showy response. Rather it is about how we live every single day: dying and rising in our everyday simple circumstances. For example, we must die to our way of thinking (taking the easy way of selfseeking, self-gratification, self-interest) and embrace how God thinks (carrying the cross of goodness, righteousness, justice, integrity, wholeness, fullness of life). For our reflection this week: Where does following Jesus lead you? What gives you hope and consolation when faced with suffering? Are you willing to look at the dark side of yourself and do the hard work to change?

Congratulations to the Martha Mary Guild for another successful Clothing Sale. The ladies work very hard and are to be commended for their labors. Thanks to all those who emptied their closets to help with this event.

The months of September and October are among the busiest of the year for our parish. This year we have 10 weddings scheduled beginning in September through December. First Communion and Confirmation Retreats are scheduled. Practice/Rehearsals are scheduled each weekend. The Annual Mass of Remembrance later in October. The Annual Halloween Halls event.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) continues to journey with those consider our Roman Catholic Faith. We have some new inquirers beginning now and some others

who seek to complete their Sacraments of Initiation. Contact Rose Farrow for more details.

The school year has begun. College students have returned. Some are experiencing the joy and trepidation of beginning in a new setting. New beginnings are part of life and require us to be open and steady in our approach. Let us keep these young people in our prayer that they will enjoy the fruits of education and be cautious of indoctrination.

Recently, I have been informed of the responsible stewardship of so many who have been away during the summer months and have made their stewardship offerings to cover those weeks while away. The shift to online giving has aided parishioner families to continue their support even when not physically present for Sunday Mass. We are very grateful to all of those who responsibly catch up for weekends spent at the shore, away for travel sports or other opportunities for travel. Thank you for recognizing that your giving is necessary to properly operate our parish and fulfill our obligations. Together, we continue to provide what is needed for our parish and the ministries/services that we are able to offer. Preparations are underway to publish our Annual Stewardship Report. It is my hope that once the financials have been submitted to the Diocese of Trenton our team will focus on preparing the information for electronic publication to you our stakeholder parishioners.

Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace.

Father Jeff

Sharing Our Treasure Sept, 8 2024 –Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Edwin A. SevillanoTemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org

Sign-in for our Online Giving system to make your parish offerings from your bank account or Credit Card!

# Registered Parishioner Households 934

"Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied." Lk 6:20

Thankstoyourgenerosity$1,000 hasbeensenttotheappealfor CatholicUniversity

Corporate Matching

Several firms and corporations offer matching gift programs to benefit religious organizations, charities and other nonprofits to promote philanthropy amongst their employees. St Mary Parish is a registered 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 contactEdwinattheParishOffice,732-780-2666x312. Thankyouforyoursupport!

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.

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 September 9, 2024 Goal: $75,000

gifts:

Paid to date: $ 88,604.00

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.

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius are a core offering at Francis House which deepen your capacity for prayer and intimacy with God, free you from attachments, clarify your purpose and teach discernment of spirits, the art of finding God in all things. Below are our 3 ways:

IN-PERSON OR ZOOM MONTHLY SPIRITUAL EXERCISES

10 Wednesdays 3:00 – 4:30 PM

September 11 February 5

October 9 March 5

November 6 April 2

December 4 April 16

January 8 May 7

Please give yourself the gift of this retreat that invites you to pray with Scriptures each day using the format of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. We will use The Jesus Way: Practicing the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, by Karen Keen and The Gift of Spiritual Intimacy by Monty Williams, SJ. Donation: $200

34 WEEKLY ZOOM MEETINGS SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS

34 Tuesdays 3:00 – 4:30 PM

September 17 – May 27

On Zoom to alleviate travel each week. In this full version, we will experience the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius which corresponds to a 30-day retreat at a retreat house. You are committing to one hour of prayer every day and a weekly meeting. We will use The Jesus Way: Practicing the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, by Karen Keen and The Gift of Spiritual Intimacy by Monty Williams, SJ. Donation: $450

EVENING ZOOM SERIES THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES MADE EASY

10 Wednesdays 7:00 – 8:30 PM