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
September29,2024
Please note our Fall/Winter office hours began on September 3rd. On Tuesday, the Parish Office will open at 2:00 pm and close at 7:30 pm. There will be no morning hours on Tuesday. Any questions, please call the office at (732)-780-2666. The Parish Office will also be open Sunday October 6, 9am - 1pm 26thSundayinOrdinaryTime
Parish Office Hours
Mass Intentions for:
Saturday September 28 2024 - Sunday October 6 2024
Saturday, September 28– 4PM
Susan Duffy Schatzle * Jim Schatzle & Family
Robert Paul Ward * Family
Msgr. Robert Paul Egan * Family
Sunday, September 29–8AM
DeStefano/Albruno Families * Mr. and Mrs. Franceschetti
Barwick and Ganley Families * Alice Ganley and Family
Thomas Helmacy * Jane Slattery mily 10AM
Bill O'Doherty * Freda O'Doherty
Angela Duenas * Michael Duenas - son
Michael Capardi * Capardi Family 12PM
Pro Populo
Stella Culosi * Nick and JoAnn Pellicone
Darryl Turkaly * Ann Marie & Vincent Vita
Monday, September 30 - 9AM
Virginia Hamlin * Barbara Saake
Special Intention * Diane Carnevale
Tuesday, October 1 - 9AM
Charlotte Faith Centurion * The Centurion Family
Wednesday, October 2- 9AM
Rose DeBiase * Diane Carnevale
Abel Bocanegra * Adria Retacco
Thursday, October 3- 9AM
Sharon Pellegrino * Angela and Tom Kinlin
Friday, October 4- 9AM
Herbert W. Hausmann * John W. Richard
Saturday, October 5- 4PM
Pro Populo
Gertrude Rimmele * Barbara Saake
Jon Kopko * Catherine and Tom Rennhack
Sunday October 6 - 8AM
DeStefano/Albruno Families * Mr.and Mrs. Franceschetti
Helen and John Sionas * Eileen and Michael Stivala, Jr.
Jesse C. Erickson * Brigid Tevis
10AM
Sergio Dos Santos * Dos Santos Family
Dee Dorrian * The Dorrian Family
Joseph Lodato * Linda and William Stagliano 12PM
Special Intention * Bob Amling
Robert A. & Mary Joan McNamara * The McNamara 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. Submit your requests online click here or by printing and filling out our PDF click here
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 29– October 5
READINGS FOR THE WEEK:
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Nm 11:25-29/Jas 5:1-6/Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
MONDAY September 30
Jb 1:6-22/Lk 9:46-50
TUESDAY October 1
Jb 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23/Lk 9:51-56
WEDNESDAY October 2
Jb 9:1-12, 14-16,Mt 18:1-5, 10
THURSDAY October 3
Jb 19:21-27/Lk 10:1-12
FRIDAY October 4
Jb 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5/Lk 10:13-16
SATURDAY October 5
Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17/Lk 10:17-24
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
Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army
TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF
LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC
Jack Coppola
Kaitlin Donahue Nagle
Lori Lettieri
Lauren vinci
TOM JACOBSON
Dawn Reinhardt
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:
Question for Children: In what specific ways do you share with the poor from what you have been given?
Question for Youth: Who are the people you have met who are against you? Are there people who persecute you because of your faith? How do you treat these people?
Question for Adults: In today’s worldwide community, who are the rich and what does God want of them?
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
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.
Worship & Music
Saint Francis of Assisi
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist
Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Saint Francis is perhaps one of the most well-known Catholic saints, being the patron of ecology and animals, with the blessing of animals often taking place on his feast day, the 4th of October.
What is less known in popular culture about the Saint is his early life. He was born into a wealthy family, grew up with money, and worked closely with his father as a cloth merchant. He spent money freely, often partied, and what hardly what we might consider a man of God.
When Francis was about 25 years old, he had a conversion of faith after having God speak to him in a dream and hearing the voice of Christ while praying in a derelict chapel in San Damiano (outside of Assisi), renounced his father and his business, and took to living a life a poverty. Francis would preach about penitence, love of neighbor, detachment from worldly possessions, and peace, despite not be ordained. He began to gather followers, and they petitioned the local bishop to be recognized as a Christian Order, which was lated informally granted by Pope Innocent III; this was the beginnings of the Franciscan Order.
Less than one month before his death, Francis was praying during a 40-day retreat, when he had a vision of an angel and received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ.
Francis is known for his love and care for the environment and all of creation, peace among all, and was also the first to erect a Nativity Scene for Christmas, using live animals and a straw-filled feeding trough for the infant Jesus, so that worshippers would get a better sense of the humble circumstances through which Christ entered our world.
He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX just two years after his death. Pope Saint John Paul II later named Saint Francis the patron saint of Ecology.
Sunday, 29 September 2024 - after 10:00 AM mass
This is a great opportunity to meet fellow parishioners and catch up with those whom you already know. Let’s take advantage of this time and share a special moment with your Saint Mary family! Please contact the parish office to join the hospitality team
Ministry Schedule: 27thSunday in Ordinary Time
October 5 & 6
Saturday, 5 5 PM NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
MaryBeth Jacobson
Sunday, 6 8 AM
Sunday, 6 10 AM
Jack Main NOT FILLED
Gabriella Penczak Grace Collins
Carly York
Charles Young Paul Tonaccii
Sunday, 6 12 PM
Jonathan Stubbs NOT FILLED
Annette Raynor Rita Duenas
Choir w/ Cantor Kevin Swan Julia Cullen
Carly York
TWENTYSIXTHSUNDAYIN ORDINARYTIME
O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. 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. ContactUs
Mary Ellen Griffin Jennifer Stubbs
OH - Nick Turkovic
TH - Susan Murphy
TH - Tom Kinlin
ALT - Monica Barr
OH - Rosanne LaCava
TH - Mike LaCava
TH - Maureen Staub
ALT - Michael Staub
OH - Carol Donahue
TH - Fran Vaina
TH - Richard Gerbino
ALT - Amy Orrico
OH - Lee Gesner
TH - Dawn Reinhardt
TH - Patricia Gesner
ALT - Irene Weller
Welcome the newest member of our Saint Mary Parish family Who were recently Baptized:
Kevin Timothy Cassidy
Jack Salvatore Talarico
Maverick Richard Keller
Elodie Deva Haddad Bernardeau
Vincent de Paul, Priest, c.1580-1660
Vincent was born at Pouy, France, in 1581, the third of six children. His parents, who were poor farmers, recognized his potential and were determined to give him a good education. He was educated at the college at Dax and at the University of Toulouse and was then ordained at the early age of twenty. While not a lot is known of this period in his life, we do know that in 1605, while on a trip to Marseilles, Vincent was captured by pirates and sold into slavery in North Africa. Following his escape from Tunisia in 1607, he became chaplain to the Queen of France and tutor to the children of the Count de Joigny. Read More HERE
Faith Formation
Julia Cullen - Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religion Ed
ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309
Religious Education Calendar
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
26 October 2024 Halloween Halls
First Holy Communion Banner & Offering Envelope Pick up
Please pick up your child's banner and offering envelope and bring both completed to First Holy Communion retreat/rehearsal. Videos and homework sheet should be completed as well.
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
With fall RE in full swing, we are off to a great start for grades 1-8! Both our summer and fall students should be signing up for INTERGENERATIONAL & SERVICE HOURS as they are posted. We look forward to all of our FHC and Confirmation rehearsals coming up. Please see the RE calendar for all important dates.
• 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
Confirmation 2024Candidates
Saturday,12October REHEARSAL
Rehearsal for candidates begins at 4 PM mass and follows in the church. 9th grader must be accompanied by one parent and/or sponsor.
Friday,18October COFIRMATION
The sacrament of confirmation begins at 4 PM sharp in the church. Confirmandi will gather in Madonna Hall at 3:15 PM. For pictures. Sponsors should report to the chapel at 3:30 PM.
The Rite of Confirmation
The Bishop and/or the priest who administers the Sacrament lay their hands upon those who are to be confirmed. It is here that the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit are received… “ the effect of the Sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Sprit as once granted to the apostles on the day of the Pentecost”
First 3 of the Seven Gifts
Wisdom is our ability to value spiritual things over worldly ones. It enables us to desire the things of God and correctly order the things in our life. This gift helps us view the world through God’s perspective and the light of our faith. It instills a desire to contemplate the things of God.
Understanding helps us grasp the truths of the faith more easily and profoundly. Our human intellect cannot grasp all of God’s mysteries, but through the gift of understanding we can be lead to truth, even when we do not fully comprehend. This gift strengthens our insight through prayer, scripture, and the sacraments.
Counsel/ Right Judgment acknowledges the difference between right and wrong and bestows proper judgment. A person with right judgment avoids sin and leads a life for Christ. Counsel inspires us to speak up and encourage others to do the correct thing. It bestows upon us prudence, allowing us to act promptly and rightly in the face of difficult situations.
Three new Faith studies starting on October
Journey of Personal Growth in Faith
Come learn something new about the amazing riches of our Catholic faith or dig deeper into your own faith. Meet other parishioners over a cup of coffee and Faith study. PARENTS, consider joining to recharge or reignite your faith journey and bring it home to you family!
Walking with Purpose is a series designed specifically for women. Whether you’re a mom, wife, or simply seeking a deeper connection, "Walking with Purpose" link everyday challenges to the solutions given to us in the teaching of Christ and the Catholic Church. Morning study. For more information see page 9
Miracle of the Lord JESUS CHRIST
Raising the dead, calming the storm, healing the sick – miracles performed by Jesus Christ were marveled at by the multitudes. Unfortunately, most in the masses followed Jesus for what He could do rather than who he was. But aside from seeing the power of God in action, what was the purpose of Christ’s miracles?
In this compelling book, Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart presents the evidence left behind by each miraculous event –faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
MORNING SESSION:
Beginning October 2
Wednesdays 10 am – 11:30 am, Room 17
Pillar I: The Creed Do You Really
“
Believe?
”
You say you “believe” every Sunday as you recite the Creed. But do you know what you’re saying you “believe” in? Do the truths of the faith listed in the Creed really permeate your life? Learn how these ancient truths contain the promise of peace, joy and happiness for our lives.
Pillar I: The Creed is a 12-Part program that will launch you on an amazing journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Don’t miss this opportunity to take part in a compelling and inspiring learning experience that is sure to draw you closer to Christ through a deeper understanding of the teachings of His Church.
EVENING SESSION:
Beginning 0ctober 1
Tuesdays at 7:00pm in Room 17
Register HERE
Sharing Our Treasure Sept, 22 2024 –Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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
Next weekend is our monthly Building & Mortgage collection. Our payment is $7,966.26. Please be generous.
"When dealing with the arrogant, he is stern, but to the humble he shows kindness."
Prv 3:34
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 contact Edwin at the Parish Office, 732-780-2666 x312.
Thank you for your support!
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 23 2024
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.
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Through our baptismal anointing we truly are prophets (see first reading); all of us are commissioned to speak and do deeds in the Lord’s name. Thus baptism is more than initiation into a group it is the transformation of ourselves into disciples of Christ who follow the Teacher by faithful service “in [his] name.” As a follower of Christ this means doing something so great as volunteering for one of the liturgical ministries or so simple a task as taking the garbage out without being asked.
The month of September is quickly coming to a close. The Season of Fall is upon us. The days continue to shorten. The darkness is longer, and the daylight is shorter. The foliage begins to change color. The warm air yields to a crisp chill. The crops are harvested, and the bounty distributed. When coming to and from the parish campus remember the many events that happen along route 34 during the months of fall. Traffic can be surprisingly dense during these days. Perhaps you might want to make allowance for delays?
Last weekend I shared Bishop O’Connell’s teaching on Faithful Citizenship. His writing style is thoughtful, grounded and accessible. I encourage you to prayerfully read it and consider your participation in the electoral process. I would also encourage you to talk with your children and even grandchildren about the great privilege of voting. Don’t miss this opportunity!
The month of October provides us with the opportunity for us to reflect on the life and wit-
ness of Saint Francis of Assisi as well as Our Lady of the Rosary. Next weekend we observe Respect Life Sunday. There are many ways in which we show our respect for the dignity of human life. Our sharing of clothes and other essential items, our service at soup kitchens, Chastity Awareness, and certainly our steadfast position against Abortion and the Death Penalty. While these are some of the most difficult issues of our day, let us pray for an openness to God’s will for us in our lives to be faith-filled witnesses, especially concerning the dignity of every human life from conception through natural death.
During the month of October our parish celebrates the Sacrament of Confirmation for our young people as they prepare to become fully initiated members of our Catholic Church. We also celebrate First Holy Communion with children of our parish. This is an exciting time for them and their families as they continue to learn of our Catholic Faith in their journey toward full initiation. Let us pray for these children and young people, their parents, sponsors and family members. I am also grateful to our catechists, their assistants, our Faith Formation and RE Staff for their dedicated service.
Preparations are underway for our Halloween Halls event as well as the Thanksgiving Food Drive. Please consult the parish bulletin for details. Many thanks to all those who regularly bring non-perishable food items when coming to mass each weekend as well as those who regularly contribute to our fund for Charitable Appeals/Poor & Needy. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
In memory of Saint Francis of Assisi, The Parish of St. Mary will be hosting their annual Blessing of the Animals.
WHEN: October 4 at 6:30 PM.
WHERE: Front Plaza of the Church
“Legatus,Inc., the Jersey Shore Chapter is welcoming new members. Our chapter is part of international organization comprised of business leaders and their spouses who are committed to study, live and spread the Catholic faith. We meet monthly for Mass followed by cocktails and dinner with informative and topical presentation by expert and/or nationally known speakers, National and international conferences and trips are also available to members. For additional details and information, please contact Julia Kennett at: jerseyShore@legatus.org.”
Please remember in your prayers those who have recently died
Mary Ann “Marion” Staub, mother of parishioner Michael Staub Michelle Vlahos
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.
Happy Fall from the Martha Mary Guild
All women of the parish and our Cohort parishes are cordially invited to the October meeting on Wednesday, the 9th. We will pray the rosary at 11:30 in the "old chapel", followed by BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch), with refreshments and desserts provided by the Guild. Fr. Jeff will then induct and welcome our new members.
Once again, we'll have a Fun Fashion Show, with members wearing their purchases from our Clothing Sale. Anyone interested in participating should contact: Kathy Adleman at 732-946-8631.
This month, we will be collecting nonperishable items for the Thanksgiving food baskets. Our collections are always very successful because our members are so generous!
The pro-life organization OptionsForHer will be here with us on Respect Life Sunday, October 6th, with one of their mobile ultrasound vans. Visit them and see firsthand how the miracle of seeing a living child in the womb has changed the minds of mothers who decided to choose life for their babies – 300 just in the past nine months!. The three locations in Southern New Jersey and the two mobile units, which they operate with certified medical personnel, are entirely supported by individual donations. Please be generous and join in providing vital support to their life-saving mission.
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 dates, registration, directions and for our other offerings!
All programs will be offered online and in-person unless otherwise indicated.
A SIMPLE LIFE-CHANGING PRAYER
Tuesday, October 8 9:30 AM –1:00 PM
Examen is a daily prayer practice designed to help you notice and enjoy God's presence in your everyday life. As you grow in its daily practice you will begin to be aware of God's presence everywhere. If you would like to end every day with gratitude and hope, please come to this one -day presentation on Ignatian Examen. It's no exaggeration to say that Examen changes everything. Donation: $35 includes lunch/book. Zoom: $20
HOLY TRINITY IS A COMMUNION OF LOVE
Friday, October 11 9:30 AM –1:00 PM
Together we delight in God’s invitation “that all may be one” (John 17:21) in the communion and love of the Holy Trinity. Passages of the Gospel of St. John and Michael Gaitley’s The One Thing Is Three: How The Most Holy Trinity Explains Everything will be used. Donation: $25, includes lunch. Zoom: $20
THE 7–SECOND PAUSE
Tuesday, October 15 9:30 AM –1:00 PM
The Mystics, from St. Teresa to Brother Lawrence to Thomas Merton and Thomas Keating all agree that learning and practicing a contemplative pause to remember the Presence of God changes your life and your relationships with God, yourself and others. Please come to this morning retreat and experience the transformation awaiting you in a very simple yet profound practice of prayer and presence. Donation: $25, includes lunch. Zoom: $20
IN-PERSON ONLY
CENTERING PRAYER WEEKEND RETREAT
December 13 – 15 6:45 PM Friday – 1:00 PM Sunday
A Centering Prayer weekend provides the time, space and discipline needed to experience the inner stillness which occurs when given the opportunity for frequent Centering Prayer periods alone and in common. Donation: $200/$100 non-refundable deposit with registration. Commuters are welcome, all meals included.
