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
SEPTEMBER 28, 2025
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus ~ Luke 16:19-31
TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
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 27 4 PM Sunday, September 28 8 AM 10 AM & 12 Noon
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, September 27, 2025 - Sunday, October 5, 2025
Saturday, September 27
4 PM
Diane Aromando * Jeanne & Matt Cerbone
Fay Lentine * Fredda Family
Anna Pancila * Jack & Rorie Coppola
Sunday, September 28
8 AM
Carol Craine * Joan & Bill Hack
Nancy Brady * Phyllis & Hugh Murphy
Lillian Burry * Patricia, J.D & Graham Mitchell
10 AM
Pro Populo
Nicholas Francis Lettieri * Herold Garcia family
Accurisa (Judy) Cianci * Victoria & Tm Foley
12 Noon
Susan Duffy Schatzle * Jim Schatzle & Family
Tome Mestric * Angela Tarabocchia
John W. Bettigole * Marta & Ralph Favilla
Monday, September 29
9 AM Chapel
Michael Capardi * Capardi Family
Intentions of Matthew Bernardini * Katherine Bernardini
Tuesday, September 30
9 AM Chapel
Ann Roche * Angela & Tom Kinlin
Josephine & Vincent Valentino Sr. * Nancy Valentino
Wednesday, October 1
9 AM Chapel
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Fr. Ronald J. Cioffi * Father Jeff, Staff & Parishioners of St. Mary
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 now for 2025 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.
Thursday, October 2
9 AM Chapel
Intentions of Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Gerard P. Thompson * Susan Monaco
Friday, October 3
9 AM Chapel
Intentions of Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Joseph "Bud" Mcilvaine * Carly York
Saturday, October 4
4 PM
Ralph & Rose De Biase * Diane Carnevale
John Gatti * Mary Kopko
Fay Lentine * Jack & Rorie Coppola
Sunday, October 5
8 AM
Helen & John Sionas * Eileen & Michael Stivala, Jr.
Michael Dore * Alice Ganley & Family
Brian Leidy * Carly & Chris York
10 AM
Kenneth Reinhardt * John & Dawn
Sergio Dos Santos * Dos Santos Family
Carl Simone * Maureen Valenziano
12 Noon
Pro Populo
Robert A. & Mary Joan McNamara * The McNamara Family
Tome Mestric * Nick & Christine Hroncic
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
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, September 28
Amos 6:1a, 4-7 / 1 Timothy 6:11-16 / Luke 16:19-31
Monday, September 29
Daniel 7:9-10,13-14 / John 1:47-51
Tuesday, September 30
Zechariah 8:20-23 / Luke 9:51-56
Wednesday, October 1
Nehemiah 2:1-8/Luke 9:57-62
Thursday, October 2
Nehemiah8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12 /Matthew 18:1-5, 10
Friday, October 3
Baruch 1:15-22 / Luke 10:13-16
Saturday, October 4
Baruch :5-12, 27-29 / Luke 10:17-24
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
of September 28 to October 4
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION
God cares for the poor and the oppressed, and we should too.
Question for Children:
Jesus teaches us to share what we have with others. What do you have that you are able to share?
Question for Youth:
The Gospel story tells us that we are judged by what we do or don’t do for the poor and needy. How are you currently reaching out to those in need? What more could you do?
Question for Adults:
What choices can you or have you made to balance your own life with those who are homeless, poor and in need of assistance for daily living? How does this Gospel reading inform you about that?
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Wenceslaus, King and Martyr, c. 907
Wenceslaus was born into the royal family of Bohemia (Czech Republic in modern times), and was raised a Christian by his grandmother, St. Ludmilla. At this time, Christianity was not widespread throughout the land; indeed, most of the nobility were very much against it.
In 925, he assumed the throne shortly after the death of his father. Wenceslaus announced that he would support God's law and endeavor to rule with justice and mercy. The severity with which he punished oppression by the nobility as well as the friendly relations which he established with Germany raised bitter opposition. He was betrayed by his brother, Boleslaus, and other nobles and was assassinated in 935 while on his way to attend Mass.
Read more
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org
The Feast of the Archangels
The Feast of the Archangels, celebrated on September 29, honors St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael three heavenly messengers who play vital roles in Scripture and tradition. Originally known as Michaelmas, the day was first dedicated solely to St. Michael, the protector and leader of the angelic armies. Over time, the Church included Gabriel, the herald of God’s greatest news, and Raphael, the healer and guide. Together, they represent divine protection, guidance, and healing, reminding the faithful of God’s constant care and presence.
Beyond its spiritual meaning, the feast has deep cultural roots, particularly in Europe. Michaelmas once marked the turning of the agricultural year, coinciding with the harvest season and the quarter days when rents and contracts were due. In England and Ireland, it was customary to eat a special “Michaelmas goose” as a symbol of prosperity for the coming year, while in parts of Germany, families baked St. Michael’s bread and gathered for festive meals. Folklore also connected Michaelmas to the shortening of days; people believed that after this date, darker nights required the Archangel Michael’s protection even more.
Today, the Feast of the Archangels can be seen as both a spiritual and cultural marker. While its liturgical focus highlights the role of angels as God’s messengers and protectors, its traditional customs reflect how communities tied faith to the natural cycles of the year. The blending of religious devotion with practices like shared meals and seasonal celebrations shows how the feast shaped not only worship but also daily life. Even as some traditions have faded, the day continues to remind believers of the enduring connection between the divine and the everyday.
Saturday, 10/4
4 PM
Sunday, 10/5
8 AM
Sunday, 10/5 10 AM
Sunday, 10/5 12 Noon
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, October 4 & Sunday, October 5
Joseph Brando Grace Collins
Jack Main NOT FILLED
Carly York Mary Ellen Griffin Charles Young
Carly York Kevin Swan Joe Ventura
OIivia Linquito Tesya Yaninas Choir
Jacob Barasky NOT FILLED
Liturgy of the Word Dismissal
Barbara Schaflin Matt Yaninas
Louise Habrack, Organ Host
Liz Turkovic, Tabernacle Host
Nick Turkovic, Tabernacle Host
Emily Santangelo, Alternate
Rosanne LaCava, Organ Host
Mike LaCava, Tabernacle Host
Cindy Ventura, Tabernacle Host
Mary Aiello, Alternate
Joseph Burtone, Organ Host
Carol Donahue, Tabernacle Host
Maureen Geiger, Tabernacle Host
Dawn Burtone, Alternate
Patricia Gesner, Organ Host
Bridget Farrow Richard Gerbino Jennifer Stubbs
for Children Ages 4 to 12
This is the practice of having children, ages 4Sunday 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. Altar Server Cantor Reader 1 Reader 2
Ron Gabbard, Tabernacle Host
Lee Gesner, Tabernacle Host
Tom Nathanson, Alternate God
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
All Religious Education fall sessions have begun. We will continue to pray for all the children in our RE program.
28 September 2025
Rehearsal— 10/5 First Holy Communion (’25) Noon Mass in Church
5 October 2025
First Holy Communion 10 AM Mass in Churc
5 October 2025
Rehearsal— 10/12 First Holy Communion Noon Mass in Churc
11 October 2025
Rehearsal— Confirmation For Confirmandi & Parent/Sponsor 4 PM in Church
We are excited to announce that our theme this year for Halloween Halls is “Hallow”een, Find God’s peace in Prayer!” See the next page for more download the HALLOW app on your phone. You can find more information about Hallow by clicking the box below!
Click here to learn more about Hallow!
12 October 2025
First Holy Communion 10 AM Mass in Church 10/19 First Holy Communion Noon Mass in Church
17 October 2025 Confirmation 4 PM in Church
19 October 2025
First Holy Communion Starts at Noon Mass in Church
LINKS & RESOURCES
RE Calendar RE Handbook
Intergenerational List/Descriptions
Intergenerational Recording Sheet
Confirmation Prep Schedule Fall RE Schedule
‘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
Table Decorators Wanted!
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!
We would love to have you participate in this great event! You would be responsible for: decorating your assigned space or table providing treats for the trick or treaters attending the area for the entire duration of the trick or treating portion cleaning your space and leaving it the way you found it
Our Parish Photo Directory won’t be complete without YOU! Schedule your appointment now for your FREE photo session! All participating families will receivea free8x10portrait.
Photo session schedule:
October 3: 2PM-8:30PM October 4: 10AM-4PM
PASTORAL CARE & OUTREACH
Rosemarie Farrow Pastoral Coordinator of Pastoral Care & Outreach
URGENT! VOLUNTEERS WANTED! THE BARN FOR THE POOREST OF THE POOR
Location: Delicious Orchards
Volunteers must be at least 13 years old, Arrive at the back platform of Delicious Orchards no EARLIER than 5:30PM Tuesday through Sunday (Closed on Monday)
Volunteers are particularly needed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings each week.Our truck arrives usually before 6:00PM. Help our driver to unload empty crates.
Students are not allowed on the back of the loading dock until a representative from the Barn arrives.
Wear shoes which provide adequate support. No flip-flops allowed.
• Parents should not drop off their children and leave. The ending time is variable and you must be present when the work ends.
• Upon completion of loading and cleanup, present your sheet listing the date, time & place to our driver or other representative for signature.
• Be sure to follow any direction our driver or representative will give you. If you have any questions, you can contact us at BarnForThePoor@gmail.com
Wednesdays 10 to 11:30 AM in Room 17
October 1 through November 19
To sign up, contact facilitator
Barbara Schaflin (908) 415-7072
barbaraschaflin10@verizon.net
Women’s Spiritual Group
Meets Tuesday mornings at 11 a.m. Room 11
Second Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Click here to join Questions? Email
The Parish of Saint Mary 2026 MASS INTENTION BOOK
Opens Sunday, October 5 at 9 AM
Availability is first-come, first served.
The suggested stipend for a Mass Intention is $10 and has been set by the NJ Bishops in the Province of Newark.
Two Ways to Schedule: 1.) Online (click here)
2. In person at the Parish Office using a paper form. Received requests will be time-stamped when received. Click to download form.
Every effort will be made to satisfy all requests, but the intention availability for a date you are requesting may be filled and you will be asked to choose an alternate date. Members of the Mass Book team do not have the authority to make exceptions.
Please note:
• Christmas, Easter and the Sacred Triduum are not available for intentions
• Starting Dec. 1, 2025, 9 AM Mass on Thursday and Friday will be at St. Catharine’s in Holmdel.
• Saturday evening Mass will remain at 4 PM year-round
Quo vadis...
My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. There is no need to be frightened about eternal life if we allow God’s word to guide us daily in our responses to others. This message parallels what was presented in last Sunday’s gospel there is an urgency about discipleship. Last Sunday, the urgency was depicted in terms of acting prudently; this Sunday, the urgency is about listening. In both ways do we prepare for eternal life. God’s word comes to us in more ways that the proclamations at Sunday Mass or taking time to read the Bible, as important as both of those are. God’s word also comes to us through others. It can be presented as someone in need. God’s word might come in some challenge to our selfcenteredness or values. It might come through another’s encouragement. In all these ways and countless others, we are invited to listen. Listening is a part of the decisiveness of discipleship.
Fall has begun. One of the benefits of living in the Mid-Atlantic states is the opportunity to experience fall weather. Hopefully, we will be treated to that glorious transition from summer into winter. Take some time to be outside, enjoying a walk or sharing some wine with good friends. As with all things, the seasons come and go. Don’t miss out on the beauty of creation God gives us.
Preparations are being made for the Blessing of Animals in observance of the Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi on Saturday, 4 October. (See page 4 of this e-bulletin for details.) We will once again be hosting Halloween Halls. Emails have been sent to all those who have set up rooms and provided goodies for our trick-or-treaters. There is always room for new participants. We ask that you let our
staff know in advance so that we might fill all of the available spaces. There are many service projects available for those students who need to log service hours. THANK YOU for your support and cooperation.
A little more information about the Baptismal Font: The shape is octagonal, signifying the eighth day of the resurrection. The design materials are both classic and modern in keeping with the style if our church edifice. The Rosso marble was quarried in Italy. The black granite bowl was also hewn in Italy and was selected because it is believed to be the strongest natural stone to contain the (well water) blessed water. Filtration has been designed specifically to treat the well water and maintain safety since it is used as the primary holy water font for the congregation. More to come….
Each week I am noticing new faces. Some have come up and introduced themselves; others have not. It is so important for us to be a welcoming community. If you notice a new face, introduce yourself. Welcome that person or family to our parish. Our parish can only be as strong as our commitment to see the face of Christ in the other person. Participating in the Mass each weekend, getting involved in some aspect of parish life and supporting our parish community through our stewardship of time, talent and treasure are the core ways in which we are bona fide parishioners.
Do I dare say it…? Ok, why not…Christmas is just shy of three months from this coming Sunday! Just thought you might like to be reminded! Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
Edwin A. Sevillano— Pastoral Associate
Human composting and the Catholic Church
September 19, 2025 at 1:23 p.m.
By Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
On September 11, 2025, Governor Murphy signed into law a bill (A4085/S3007) legalizing “natural organic reduction,” commonly known as “human composting.” This process offers an alternative to traditional burial by transforming a human body into nutrient-rich soil over several weeks. The body is placed in a specialized vessel with organic materials such as wood chips and alfalfa. Naturally occurring microbes, supported by carefully controlled conditions of moisture, oxygen, and temperature, decompose the body and plant matter into usable soil. Upon completion, the soil is sifted to remove any non-organic materials; the remaining bones are ground into sand-like particles, and the mixture is cured for use in planting trees, flowers, or conservation efforts. New Jersey is the 14th state to pass such legislation, and it becomes effective in New Jersey July 11, 2026.
The Catholic Church, through the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), opposes the practice of human composting as it fundamentally conflicts with the Church’s reverence for the human body and its teachings on the resurrection of the body. The Church upholds the dignity of the human body, even after death, as a temple of the Holy Spirit, deserving of respectful care. While the Church permits cremation as an acceptable alternative to traditional burial, it insists that the remains be treated with reverence and interred in a sacred place dedicated to prayer and remembrance.
In its statement dated March 23, 2023, the USCCB emphasized that the complete disintegration of the body into soil, leaving no distinguishable remains to be interred, prevents the establishment of a sacred burial site. This absence of a tangible, respectful place for prayer and memorialization is inconsistent with the Church’s understanding of Christian burial, which expresses the hope of the bodily resurrection and honors the dignity of the deceased.
It is important for all funeral homes in New Jersey to be aware of Catholic teaching on this process.
Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine 61 Georgia Road, Freehold
The Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be displayed. This image is a digital image approved by the Catholic Church and has been associated with miraculous phenomena. Visit strobert.cc for more information.
