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 7, 2025
“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27
TWENTY-THIRD 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 per month
Open Sunday, September 7
9 AM to 1 PM
WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 6 4 PM
Sunday, September 7
8 AM 10 AM 12 Noon
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, September 6, 2025 - Sunday, September 14, 2025
Saturday, September 6
4 PM
Darryl Turkaly * Diane Carnevale
Sergio & Francisco Dos Santos * Dos Santos Family
Gina Albano * Danielle Hennessey
Sunday, September 7
8 AM
Anita Stutz * Jane Slattery
Dulce Rodrigues * The Gioacchini Family
Stephen L. Cirillo
10 AM
Elle Moeller * John & Dawn
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Intentions of Julia Cullen * The Sarapochillo Family
12 Noon
Pro Populo
Robert A. & Mary Joan McNamara * The McNamara Family
Luigi Cantatore * The Gabbard Family
Monday, September 8
9 AM Chapel
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Marie Rachele Ambrosio * The Gruenling Family
Tuesday, September 9
9 AM Chapel
Peter A. Thompson * Susan Monaco
Joe Raymond * Diane Carnevale
The Church Sanctuary Lamp burns September 7—13 in honor of
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:
Wednesday, September 10
9 AM Chapel
Robert O'Brien * Diane Carnevale
Thursday, September 11
9 AM Chapel
Living Intentions of Philomena DePierro * Jack & Rorie Coppola
Friday, September 12
9 AM Chapel
Phyllis Mary Ann Raymond * Elizabeth Fitzpatrick
Saturday, September 13
4 PM
Pro Populo
Paul Sharkey * Barbara and Joe Verga
Joseph Turkovic * Turkovic Family
Sunday, September 14
8 AM
Helen & Bill Huntley * Bill & Wendy Huntley
Nan Vandervoort * Phyllis & Hugh Murphy
10 AM
Frank Wojtaszek * Joseph & Barbara Hagner
Pasqual Cannarozzi * Family
Living intentions of Catherine Wojtaszek * Joseph & Barbara Hanger
12 Noon
Eleanor and Patrick Walsh * Maureen Beyer
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Clive T. Lay * Fran Lay
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.
The Chapel Sanctuary Lamp burns September 14—20 in honor
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.
Cynthia Amatel
of
Mario Grillo
LIFELONG CATECHESIS: Week of September 7 to 14
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, September 7
Wis 9:13-18b / Ph 9-10, 12-17 / Lu 14:25-33
Monday, September 8
Mic 5:1-4a / Mat 1:1-16, 18-23
Tuesday, September 9
Co 2:6-15 / Lu 6:12-19
Wednesday, September 10
Co 3:1-11 / Lu 6:20-26
Thursday, September 11
Co 3:12-17 / Lu 6:27-38
Friday, September 12
1 Tim 1:1-2, 12-14 / Lu 6:39-42
Saturday, September 12
1 Tim 1:15-17 / Lu 6:43-49
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
Commitment is required to follow Jesus.
Question for Children:
Jesus says that in order to be one of his followers, we must be close to him. When do you feel closest to Jesus?
Question for Youth:
Jesus tells his disciples that they must renounce their possessions in order to be His disciple. If you had to, could you leave everything behind to be with God? What would hold you back? How much of a struggle would it be?
Question for Adults:
Today's Gospel is demanding. How do you as a modern man or woman "denounce your possessions?" What does this mean for you?
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated annually on September 8th, nine months of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. While the Church often chooses the date of a Saint’s death to commemorate their life, two notable exceptions are John the Baptist (whose nativity and passion are both celebrated) and the Blessed Virgin Mary (whose conception, nativity, and assumption are celebrated).
Although there are no biblical accounts of Mary’s birth or death, many apocryphal sources make mention of her, with some historical records to substantiate them. This feast has its roots in Jerusalem, in the early days of Christianity, and it was quite common to see scenes of Mary’s birth, annunciation, and assumption depicted in medieval art. Mary, born of Saint Anne, chosen by God to bear Jesus, is obviously held in high esteem in the Catholic Church, as well as some protestant denominations.
As such, several local customs merge this feast day with the celebration of one of the many titles of our Lady, including:
• Our Lady of Victories (Malta)
• Our Lady of Charity (Cuba)
• Our Lady of Good Health (India)
The decision to observe Mary’s birth lay in that event being the tangible groundwork for the “birth of salvation”, for through Mary would come the savior, Jesus Christ. Saint Augustine, in particular, was one theologian who stressed this important connection between Mary and the salvific work of her son.
Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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
12 Noon
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 13 & Sunday, September 14
Jonathan Stubbs
Grace Collins
Jacob Barasky
Jack Main
Olivia Linquito
Carly York
Jennifer Stubbs NOT FILLED
Carly York
Mary Ellen Griffin Joe Ventura
Susan Murphy, Organ Host
Jane Slattery, Tabernacle Host
Nick Turkovic, Tabernacle Host
Liz Turkovic, Alternate
Justine Buzzetta, Organ Host
Cindy Ventura, Tabernacle Host
Mary Aiello, Tabernacle Host
Marsha Grigoli, Alternate
Steve Stanley, Organ Host
Chloe Cullen Choir
Jack Schatzle NOT FILLED
Taylor Kurilew
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
following 10 AM Mass In
Julia Cullen Steve Rumsby
Charles Young Richard Gerbino
Carol Donahue, Tabernacle Host
Richard Gerbino, Tabernacle Host
Sue Fitzpatrick, Alternate
Tom Nathanson, Organ Host
Lee Gesner, Tabernacle Host
Patricia Gesner, Tabernacle Host
Irene Weller, Alternate
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Catherine ofAlexandria, Virgin & Martyr, c. 310
This saint is said to have been born into a patrician family of Alexandria and converted after seeing a vision of Our Lady and the Holy Child.
When the Emperor Maxentius began persecuting Christians, Catherine, only eighteen, went to him and scolded him for his tyranny. Unable to answer her arguments against his gods, Maxentius summoned fifty philosophers to oppose her. The fifty were themselves converted by Catherine and the infuriated Maxentius had them burned to death.
Maxentius tried other bribes to force Catherine to give up Christianity, but when these failed, he had her beaten and imprisoned. Upon returning from a trip, Maxentius found that Catherine had converted his wife, one of his officers, and 200 soldiers of the guard. The emperor had them all put to death and sentenced Catherine to die on a spiked wheel. When she was placed on it, her bonds were miraculously loosened and the wheel broke. Catherine was then beheaded. Read more HERE.
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
Many prayers for all the parish children who have started school this week! We look forward to Fall RE beginning in the coming weeks! Please see the calendar for orientations and session dates. Confirmation Prep students have orientation and the first session on the same day. Attendance will be taken, and one parent or guardian must also attend. Both Elementary and CP Religious Ed should sign in using the QR code in the narthex.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR Sacramental Candidates
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation retreat and rehearsal is mandatory for all Confirmandi
Check email for more details All Confirmation paperwork must be handed in and complete at this time. Confirmation is on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 4 PM sharp.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
First Holy Communion will take place on the following dates:
October 5, 2025 at 10 AM Mass Retreat and rehearsal: September 28
October 12, 2025 at 10 AM Mass Retreat and rehearsal: October 5
October 19, 2025 at 12 Noon Mass Retreat and rehearsal: October 12
CONFIRMATION PREP 1 & 2 SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer to assist in the elementary RE virtual or on--campus sessions for the Fall RE program!
9 September 2025
Catechist Orientation (CP) 4:30 PM, Religious Ed Office
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
Catechist Orientation (FHC & CF) 4:30 PM, Religious Ed Office
21 September 2025
Fall Orientation for Elementary Religious Ed (FHC 1 & 2; CF A, B, C & D) Starts at Noon Mass in Church
23 September 2025
Fall R.E. Classes begin (FHC & CF)
28 September 2025
First Holy Communion (’25) Rehearsal Starts at Noon Mass in Church
Why Become a Hospice Volunteer?
The simplest gifts are often the most profound. If you’ve got time, empathy, and compassion, you have the ability to support those nearing end of life. If you have been searching for meaningful ways to spend your time, we invite you to explore the role of hospice volunteer with VNA Health Group.
Companionship visits in patient’s homes or facilities in Monmouth or Middlesex Counties, administrative projects or comforting phone calls from our Neptune office are just some of the ways in which our volunteers support patients and their families. A Training will be provided by members of the VNA Hospice Team on 3 consecutive Mondays:
HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING:
October 13th, 20th, &, 27th 2025 10:00 am – 3:00 pm 3600 Route 66, Floor 4 ~ Neptune NJ 07753
Advanced registration is required. Volunteers must attend all 3 sessions.
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
For more information see Barn for the Poor
CONTACT: Pauline De Palma, BSW Director Volunteer Services (732) 224-6933
Thinking of Becoming Catholic?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the Church's process of welcoming newcomers into full communion with the Catholic Church. As you enter the Church, the parish community and the OCIA Program will walk with you on your journey of faith.
Click here for more information or email
The Martha Mary Guild’ 2025 CLOTHING SALE!
Come to Madonna Hall to shop for the whole family!
Thursday, September 4 through Sunday, September 7
Thursday, 9/4: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, 9/5: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, 9/6: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, 9/7: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Click for details!
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 1-3:
2PM-8:30PM
October 4:
10AM-4PM
October 6-7:
2PM-8:30PM
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. The amazing thing is that we know the cost of discipleship, yet we spend out whole lives trying to figure it out! We know that we must hand our lives over to Jesus, we know that we are given wisdom and the Holy Spirit to be faithful (see the first reading) yet, like the children of Hamelin, we aren’t quite sure where the journey leads. We just follow. It would be nice to say that we shouldn’t start what we can’t finish. If we calculate the cost or have undue concern for what others think, or weigh the risks of discipleship, we probably would not begin the journey to follow. We do begin discipleship at baptism. The challenge, then, is not to look at the cost but keep our eyes on Jesus who leads. In Jesus, death always leads to new life. This is worth the cost.
This weekend is the Annual Clothing Sale sponsored by the Martha Mary Guild. The ladies have been working very hard. Stop and take a look around. We are preparing for an updated Parish Photo Directory. You may sign up using the link in the ebulletin or by scanning the QR code in the narthex of the church. Take the time to learn more and schedule your appointment.
Later this month, the priests of the Diocese of Trenton–those incardinated, adjunct and religious serving assignments here–will gather for our Annual Convocation. This is a time for us to participate in some conferences, prayer and fraternity. His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton convenes the gathering and is
available to the priests. This year the priests will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination with Bishop O’Connell. It is a
time to build priestly fraternity and support our diocesan bishop. We will host communion services Wednesday and Thursday during theconvocation this year.
There are many Faith Formation opportunities that are starting up in the coming weeks. RE online, on-campus and Confirmation Prep kick off in the coming weeks. Walking With Purpose Women’s Bible Study/Catechesis continues this month with several levels for new and returning participants. Bible Study for Adults begins as well. Take time to participate in these opportunities as well as utilizing the FORMED web-based materials to enrich your understanding and love of our CatholicFaith.
We have reached our 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal minimum goal. Pledge/gifts made now are returned to the parish…100%! Should we engage 30 additional donors we will receive an additional 5% rebate. Please make your gift/pledge payment this week so that we can support the efforts of His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton, ashe leadsour LocalChurch.
Schools have begun. Students have returned to colleges and universities. The summer season is quickly coming to an end. Take some time to enjoy these late summer days. Have a great week. Let us pray for one another. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
Edwin A. Sevillano— Pastoral Associate
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
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.
FRANCIS HOUSE OFFERS 4 WAYS TO MAKE THE FULL “THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES.” SEE www.FHOP.org/the-spiritual-exercises
Why not read the BEST? The Living Flame of Love is the last, best and shortest of St. John of the Cross’s poems. We will read only 10 pages a month of this most precious classic on God's personal, lavish and intimate love. If you want to be assured of God's perfect unconditional love for you, please join us for this series. A little reading will lead you to a lot of prayer! We end each session with 20 minutes of Centering Prayer. Donation: $200
“THE CHOSEN” – SEASON 2
4 Wednesdays, 11 AM to 12:30 PM: 9/24, 10/29, 11/19, 12/17
We discuss key themes in each episode of “The Chosen” series. Season 2 will be our focus for Fall and through prayer and discussion as a group, we will discover together Jesus’ message that comes through the episodes. Donation: $75
Now that we have an Augustinian Pope, let’s find out about St. Augustine! We will explore together St. Augustine’s story in his Confessions as translated by Sarah Ruden. This translation helps us to understand and relate to his transformation in becoming who God created him to be. Donation: $175
FRIDAY NIGHT SPIRITUAL READING GROUP HINDS’
FEET ON HIGH PLACES
9 Fridays, 6 to 7:30 PM: 9/5, 10/3, 11/7, 12/5, 1/2, 2,6, 3/6, 4/10, 5/8 Hinds’ Feet on High Places is a story of endurance, persistence, and reliance on God. This book has inspired millions to become sure-footed in their faith, even when facing the rockiest terrain. This beloved classic simplifies and captures the mystical journey in its entirety. Donation: $175
Living with purpose; living the questions; living with depth; living in freedom; living out of great desires; living with compassion; living in hope and living with discernment. The down-to-earth writings of Kevin O’Brien, SJ reflect on how to discern God’s call each moment in order to live life more fully. We will use his new book, Seeing with the Heart: A Guide to Navigating Life’s Adventures. Donation: $175
