Fiscal Year July 2024 to June 2025
From Our Pastor
Rev. Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee, MDiv,MA,ThM
The historic transition of the Pope reminds us of how God provides for the Church. The successor to the Apostle Peter is a visual reminder of the communion of the church throughout the centuries. The Bishop of Rome is the first among all bishops throughout the world. He is the protector of the unity of the church throughout the world.
This unity is not rooted in some rigid uniformity, but rather the communion of believers gathered around a creed of beliefs, primarily contained in the words of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed that we profess most Sundays. Gathered around the Holy Father we continue the mission entrusted to the Apostles and the Early Christian Community to make God known in the World of today. So, it is not about the person who occupies the Chair of Saint Peter, but the Office of Bishop of Rome who is the Pope. Let us pray for our Roman Catholic Church and the communion of bishops gathered around the Holy Father.
Turning our attention from the universal church, we present to you these pages highlighting how we are continuing the mission of the church in our time. Worship, Outreach, Faith Formation, Stewardship are ways in which we “Proclaim the Greatness of God in Our Time.” Through consultation and transparency we respond to the changing needs of our parish community. Abandoning the temptation of mediocrity is the motivation for providing the very best we can. The pursuit of excellence is neither easy nor popular. All of this is possible when our Parishioner Stakeholders come together to continue their support of our parish ministries.
I invite you to take the time to review these pages. Become better informed about what happens here in our parish and how we continue to serve. I ask for your continued prayerful support in the coming year. May Mary, Seat of Wisdom, continue to intercede for us.
May God Bless You. Peace.
Pope Leo XIV became Pope on May 8, 2025 following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.
Worship & Music
Andrew Macirowski, MA-Th, BME
Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music
Communal worship, ministry involvement, and the needs for the future of our worshiping community
The reception of the Holy Eucharist and active participation in the liturgy remain the hallmarks of our Catholic identity when we gather for worship, and it is important to remember the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith.
An active participation by all those gathered (the assembly) leads to a more profound worship experience by all of those present. Actively participating in the Liturgy entails joining in the responses and other parts of the Mass that are prayed by the assembly. This begins with singing the entrance antiphon or hymn, continues with the reverent sign of the cross and heartfelt Amen. Continuing through the Mass, every time there is a dialogue, a spoken or sung response (think of the Liturgy of the Eucharist: the Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, etc.), a communal prayer (The Lord’s Prayer) or a musical refrain (such as during the psalm), all should participate fully.
During the proclamation of the readings, the homily, the singing of hymns or chants by the choir, etc., where verbal participation is not occurring, one focuses their mind and heart and what they are hearing and seeing. Another way of describing active participation is with the phrase “full Participation is not optional when attending Mass. Full and active participation is key in
Weekday Masses in the chapel are very similar. We are fortunate to have a cantor at each Mass to aid in the participation of the assembly; on certain feasts and solemnities we add instrumental accompaniment as well, utilizing the upright piano that was stored for many years, unused, in the theater. As part of our 50th anniversary celebration, the chapel also now houses the organ which was previously in the church to add to these worship events. This will also allow us to have certain smaller celebrations in the chapel to make better use of our electrical output (in the form of reduced lighting and HVAC costs) and be better stewards of both our environment and our financial resources. In the civic holidays and those feasts and solemnities which are not days of obligation to the chapel.
Worship & Music (continued)
Altar Servers - 20:
Going back a few years, prior to our temporary closure in 2020, we had 162 active volunteers who give of their time to serve in our various liturgical ministries at weekend Masses. At the end of fiscal year 2021, that had dropped to 92, As of June 2022, that number decreased slightly to 88. Closing out fiscal year 2023, we had a slight increase to 95 active volunteers, and we now have 98 at the close of fiscal year 2024.
Below are the breakdowns for each ministry what they entail, how many are currently active and how many are typically needed per Mass:
Assist the clergy during the Mass and other celebrations, from processions to the liturgy of the Eucharist, as well as holy hours, weddings, funerals etc. At least one for is needed for most Masses, two are preferable. For Solemnities, two are required and four are desirable.
Ushers - 4:
At least two ushers should attend each Mass to assist both visitors and regular congregants, especially during special occasions such as First Holy Communion, Baptisms, and the like. Ushers also monitor the collection, and make sure the nave is properly set for the following Mass by checking for items that parishioners may have missed; returning books to the rack, raising the kneelers to their proper positions etc.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
These individuals assist the priest and deacon during the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. Some also bring the Eucharist to the sick and homebound. Three ministers are preferred for most Masses, with an additional person to serve as an alternate should someone be unable to fulfill their position. Christmas and Easter Masses usually require additional ministers in order to best accommodate our increased numbers on those days.
Readers - 13:
Sometimes incorrectly referred to as lectors (a separate instituted ministry), readers proclaim the word of God at Mass and prayer services. Readers must be strong public speakers and able to deliver the readings with clarity. Two are scheduled for each Mass.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word - 5:
Children are dismissed from Mass during the Liturgy of the Word to go into the chapel with a catechist and an assistant to hear the Word of God at their own level and engage in activities to expand their understanding. Having restarted after the restrictions of the pandemic have been lifted, we have one Mass (10AM Sunday) with one Catechist and one Assistant Volunteer. We would like to see the number of offerings expand in the future as more catechists are trained.
Music - 15:
The music ministry consists of the choir, handbell choir, cantors and instrumentalists. We have one staff organist, one staff cantor and four volunteers who aid the assembly in their musical participation. More volunteers are desired in order to make scheduling more equitable. We also
have a choir and handbell ensemble of about eight regular members; we would like to see that number double to bring us more in line with the numbers we should have for a congregation of our size.
Sacristans - 0:
None dedicated at present. Sometimes referred to as sextons, a sacristan prepares the vestments, liturgical books, vessels, etc., before Mass in accordance with the order and needs of the congregation in addition to cleaning the vessels after Mass and maintaining these items throughout the year. At least one is needed per Mass. At the moment, this role is filled by a combination of staff, clergy and some volunteers; it is desirable that dedicated persons fulfill these duties. Extraordinary ministers of holy communion and altar servers are excellent candidates to double up on this role, but any liturgical minister can easily double as a sacristan with proper training.
One challenge in scheduling the appropriate number of ministers per Mass is the preference of volunteers to only attend certain Masses. The Saturday anticipatory and 10AM Sunday Masses are generally the most well-attended, but that is not an accurate indicator of volunteer availability.
In the past few years, the following trends have emerged:
• The same volunteers often attend the same Masses week after week, resulting in difficulty to find coverage if one is sick, on vacation, etc. It is desirable that ministers be open to serving at different Mass times, especially at busy times of the year.
• The 10 AM Mass is the most preferred by altar servers, but least preferred by extraordinary ministers of holy communion.
• As our older servers enter their later years of high school, become engaged in college preparations and later go off to college, we find ourselves without a large number of younger children to fill their spots. We generally receive interest from younger children each fall, but still struggle to grow the ministry. It is imperative that parents of interested children are supportive of their desire to serve.
• We previously had a large team of ushers, with up to four per Mass, but we have seen a steep drop in the number of ushers available per Mass, often one or none at all.
To address these challenges, it is advisable that volunteers consider attending Mass at varying times and utilize the parish’s scheduling software to register their availability. At certain points throughout the liturgical year, individuals are encouraged to volunteer for service at more than one Mass per weekend. Moreover, the parish continues to experience a pressing need for additional volunteers across all ministries in order to sustain the vitality of the worshiping community.
Particular liturgical seasons further underscore the essential role of ministerial volunteers. It is not
Worship & Music (continued)
coincidental that these seasons such as Christmas and Easter also coincide with periods of heightened family and extracurricular commitments, which can diminish the availability of volunteers. The preparation of the parish campus for these solemn celebrations requires substantial labor, both physical and organizational, yet volunteer participation often remains insufficient.
Similarly, securing commitments for service on Holy Days presents an ongoing difficulty. For example, the liturgical celebrations of Christmas (four Masses), the Paschal Triduum and Easter (five Masses), and the Good Friday service each necessitate a considerable number of volunteers, yet many of these liturgies proceed with unfilled ministerial roles. Precisely at these times when Mass attendance increases due to the presence of family members, friends, and visitors it becomes all the more imperative to ensure that ministries are fully staffed in order to facilitate reverent, orderly, and s most significant feasts.
Our music ministry continues to evolve as we strive to be more in line with the Universal Church, using guiding documents such as the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, with a focus on solid theology, well-written hymns and songs, liturgically accurate texts and the occasional challenge piece for the choir.
Our current worship resource for the pews, The Book of Sacred Liturgy, has been generally well received by parishioners. For those who attend weekday Mass, many have found it especially useful as it contains the readings and propers for every single day of the liturgical year, aiding in participation and For the weekend liturgies, the more concise format of this resource has enabled us to focus our musical prayers toward the Holy Trinity with carefully chosen texts and well-written music.
The psalms are chosen from a variety of resources. Many are from the Source & Summit series (formerly Lumen Christi) with antiphons by several composers and psalm tones by Columba Kelly of the St Meinrad Archabbey. Others are taken from The Book of Sacred Liturgy, The Collegeville Psalter, The Revised Grail Psalms (set by Michael Guimont) The Chabanel Psalms as well as some written by our own staff.
In common with many other parish ministries, music ministry experienced a decline during and in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic. Given the size of our congregation, the ministry should ideally comprise nearly twice the number of members it currently sustains, particularly within the choir and handbell ensemble.
As music constitutes an essential dimension of the liturgical celebration, it is incumbent upon
us to strive for excellence in this area, offering our finest efforts to the Lord through song and instrumental praise.
The annual summer concert series, inaugurated in 2018, was necessarily suspended from 2020 through 2022 due to pandemic restrictions. It resumed in August 2023 and continues to attract participants and audiences from both within the parish and the wider community.
The parish’s new organ has proven to be a significant asset to the worship life of the community. Incorporating state-of-the-art sampling technology, the instrument is “field-upgradable,” allowing for updates as technological advancements emerge and thereby ensuring longevity without the need for full replacement. It is a fully customized instrument, uniquely designed for our worship space, and was carefully voiced by its builder, Rudy Lucente, resident organist of Boardwalk Hall and the former Wanamaker store in Philadelphia. The parish’s previous instrument, an Allen theatre organ, has been relocated to the chapel and re-voiced to suit the acoustic qualities of that space appropriately.
The new organ was formally dedicated at the August 2025 concert and will be blessed on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord in early 2026.
Our parish continues to collaborate closely with the community of Saint Catharine Parish in Holmdel through shared clergy on weekends, coordinated efforts among music ministers, and the operation of a joint Order of Christian Initiation of Adults program (OCIA). This partnership exemplifies a spirit of voluntary cooperation, undertaken not out of necessity but from a shared commitment to mutual enrichment. The fruits of this collaboration have been consistently positive, enabling both communities to draw upon one another’ s strengths in the service of the Gospel.
In addition, the two parishes have begun coordinating alternating Mass schedules on Holy Days of Obligation, thereby expanding accessibility and more effectively meeting the pastoral needs of the faithful in both communities. Beginning later this calendar year, at the start of the season of Advent, we will begin coordinating our weekday Mass schedule as well.
Our parish is a strong, prayerful, and active community of faith. Nevertheless, a significant challenge persists: while stewardship of financial resources exceeds the average when compared to other parishes, the proportion of parishioners actively engaged in ministry through the offering of their time and talent remains comparatively lower.
Therefore, I urge all members of the community to discern prayerfully how they might contribute their gifts in service to the parish. Opportunities for engagement are varied and meaningful, ranging from participation in the choir or handbell ensemble, to serving as an usher on Holy Days, assisting with seasonal preparations such as Christmas decorations, or responding to other needs as the Spirit prompts. The community deeply values and is enriched by the contributions of its members, whose service strengthens both our worship and our communal life.
May God bless!
Temporal Administration
Edwin Sevillano, MBA
Pastoral Associate for Temporal Administration & Stewardship
In the wake of economic uncertainty stemming from the presidential election and prevailing concerns regarding inflation and a potential recession, the Parish of Saint Mary faced notable financial challenges. Despite these headwinds, the parish successfully advanced several strategic objectives outlined at the conclusion of the prior fiscal year. This report summarizes key accomplishments within the scope of temporal administration, identifies ongoing challenges, and outlines plans for the upcoming fiscal year and beyond.
During the fiscal year, the parish office experienced a period of relative staffing stability, a welcome change after several years of turnover. There have been some recruitment challenges, particularly for time role of Communications Specialist, which was vacated in June 2025.
In addition to routine maintenance and upkeep of parish facilities and equipment, the following projects were successfully completed:
• Sidewalk Restoration
Due to prolonged water damage and general wear, the concrete and stone pavers surrounding parish buildings required repair. A four-inch-wide strip of concrete was removed from the church plaza to the courtyard, replaced with new concrete, and reinforced with mortar. This project was completed prior to the onset of colder weather.
• Grotto Landscaping
The grotto area underwent significant revitalization. Dead plantings were removed, and new bushes, hydrangeas, and ornamental grasses were installed. Existing vegetation was pruned, and approximately 180 yards of black mulch were applied to all beds to preserve moisture during the winter months.
• Parking Lot Maintenance
Maintenance activities included debris removal, pothole repairs, and restriping of parking spaces, directional arrows, and designated areas. These enhancements were completed in time for the Easter season.
• Technology Upgrades
In anticipation of Microsoft’s discontinuation of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, the parish initiated a comprehensive upgrade of its computer systems. The previous equipment, originally acquired in 2014 and partially upgraded in 2020, was replaced with new systems tailored to current and future operational needs. Equipment was received in June 2024, with installation and user migration commencing in mid-July.
Ongoing and Upcoming Projects
• Baptismal Font Installation
After years of delay due to sourcing challenges and a change in manufacturing partners, the parish has contracted Pedrini Sculptors of Italy to produce the new baptismal font. The marble and granite components are currently en route and installation is scheduled to begin in late August.
• Classroom and Meeting Room Technology Enhancements
As part of our long-term plan to modernize educational and meeting spaces, large-format televisions (60–75 inches) are being installed. A pilot installation was completed in the Spiritual Center’ s former chapel, with additional units planned throughout the year.
• Church Frieze
Lettering
The Patrimony Committee finalized selections for material, size, and gold tone for the frieze lettering. The initial phrases were installed on the sanctuary reredos wall and the wall adjacent to the baptismal font prior to Easter. Completion of the remaining four sections is scheduled for October 2025.
• Flooring Replacement
The installation of the new baptismal font necessitates demolition of the existing structure and excavation for foundational and plumbing work. The current tile, which is no longer manufactured and has deteriorated in several areas, will be replaced. A parishioner with expertise in tile installation assisted in selecting appropriate materials. To ensure visual continuity, the narthex terrazzo flooring also failing will be replaced concurrently.
Additional Projects Planned for the Next Fiscal Year
• Tree pruning across the main campus
• Window replacement at the Parish House
• Preparation for Parish House demolition, including utility relocation
• Installation of magnetic door locks and a campus system
• Continued LED lighting upgrades
• Consolidation of small rooms into a unified sacristy
• Enclosure of exposed steel beams in church columns
Long-Term Initiatives
• Roof replacements
• HVAC system upgrades
• Comprehensive parking lot repaving
Temporal Administration (continued)
Volunteer engagement has declined in recent years, resulting in reduced participation across various ministries. We continue to encourage parishioners to contribute their time and talents in support of our mission to build the Kingdom of God within our community.
Financial stewardship has also experienced a downturn. A review of our operational statement reveals a decrease in offertory collections and other revenue streams, while expenditures have risen significantly. With the cessation of post-pandemic government stimulus programs, the parish faces a challenging financial landscape. Despite being located in an affluent township, Saint Mary Parish is currently struggling to generate sufficient donations to sustain operations.
In response, the Finance Council has recommended the reintroduction of an Increased Offertory Program this fall. This initiative aims to raise awareness among parishioners regarding the financial needs of the parish and to encourage a renewed commitment to stewardship.
We remind parishioners that financial contributions are an expression of gratitude for God’s blessings, not merely a response to institutional need. Each household is encouraged to prayerfully assess its capacity to give, recognizing that life circumstances such as job loss, illness, or family growth may affect one’s ability to contribute. Conversely, positive changes such as promotions, investment gains, or business success may present opportunities to increase support.
Over the years, many parishioners have generously stepped forward to support the parish as committed stakeholders. We are deeply grateful for their continued dedication and stewardship. As shown on page 26, the giving statistics for calendar year 2024 reveal the following:
• 27% of households contributed $20 or more per week
• 53% of households contributed less than $20 per week
• 19% of households (179 in total) did not contribute to the Sunday collection during the year
Greater participation and generosity from parishioners would have a meaningful impact on the vitality of our parish. We thank you for your prayerful consideration and continued support.
We call upon all parishioners to embrace the call to faithful discipleship. Active engagement in parish life including regular Mass attendance and ministry involvement is essential to sustaining our community. Let us honor the legacy entrusted to us by previous generations by ensuring that our parish is preserved and strengthened for those who follow.
May God continue to bless you for your sacrifices and your unwavering support.
Fiscal Overview
Susan Lambert, CPA Parish Accountant
As a result of the faithfulness of the parishioners, the Parish of Saint Mary continues to navigate well during a time of inflation and other economic issues.
Fiscal year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 resulted in expenses over revenue of ($50,120) before building loan principal payments. Highlights of the year’s financial results are:
• Weekly Offerings for this fiscal year decreased by $36,902. The absence of the Offertory Recovery Program last year, combined with the effects of inflation, significantly impacted the parish’s financial outcome.
• Bequest decreased by $179,301 due to the one bequest of $174,879 received last year.
• Government ERC Stimulus: The remaining stimulus was $2,450 which was $33,123 less than the previous year.
• Based on the above Overall Revenues were $261,439 less than previous year.
• Total expenses increased $5,097 from prior year. There were three categories that had significant variances from the previous year. Extraordinary Expenses decreased $56,117 as a result of a postponement of planned projects. Material and supplies increased $22,347 mainly because of the purchase of computers, and wages and benefits increased $31,895.
The overall financial condition is as follows:
• Accrual Method is used as mandated by the Diocese of Trenton.
• Vendor payables, invoices received and paid after end of fiscal year, increased.
• Catholic school support increased but all invoices were paid in July and August 2025.
• Building Loan: Balance after principal and interest payments $550,771. Balloon payment due October 2026.
• Small Business Administration EIDL Loan: Balance after principal payments $89,019. Expected to be paid during the fiscal years 2026-2028.
• Revenue less Expenses: $(50,120) minus Building Loan and SBA – EIDL Loan principal payments ($83,607). Net Operating Loss of $(133,727) – June 30, 2025.
For fiscal year 2026 expenses are anticipated to exceed revenue by $59,416. To mitigate this deficit we need to:
• Increase of Sunday Stewardship giving is necessary to offset loss revenue.
• Expand the use of online giving to steady revenues, especially when families are out of town.
• Consider bequests or legacy gifts to provide for the future.
• Continue to address physical facility and equipment maintenance and care of grounds.
• Increase annual stewardship giving
• Take advantage of IRA charitable distribution allowing donor to give tax free, if qualified
Fiscal Overview (continued)
EXPENSES
LOANS PAYABLE
FINANCIAL CONSOLIDATION SUMMARY
(**from
SHORT-TERM RESTRICTED RESERVED FUNDS
balloon and SBA EIDL. Goal $650,000 by 2026.
donation to be spent in the new baptismal font for our church.
LONG-TERM RESTRICTED FUNDS
funds for specific capital projects. Only capital gains can be used on each project when maintenance work may be needed. Investment strategy: Growth
in Faith Irrevocable Trust Fund
to establish a Trust and provide an endowment for the future of the parish. Investment
Religious Education
Julia Cullen, PCL Pastoral Coordinator for Faith Formation & Religious Education
This has been a busy and exciting year in our parish. As Pilgrams of Hope, Religious Education implemented the Jubilee year into the Religious Education curriculum, emphasizing that the "Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope” refers to the Jubilee Year 2025. A special time within the Catholic Church where the faithful are invited to renew their faith, seek forgiveness, and embark on a spiritual journey. The children received coloring booklets in the classrooms and were sent home (virtually and on campus) with infors Jubilee.
Our journey began this year in religious education with a focus on the 10 Commandments. Beginning in summer 2024 and continuing throughout the school year, the children listened to scripture, watched videos and discussed and learned about the 10 Commandments. This was integrated into their grade appropriate religious education curricu-
The children have continued to flourish in both on campus, in person classes and live, online classes, along with many great events and programs throughout the year.
Our total number of Religious Education students in the program for grades 1 through 8 totaled 340 children for the 2024/2025 school year.
The Summer Intensive Program for grades 1 through 6 ran two weeks in July and two weeks in August. During the July session, we engaged the children in a live Google Classroom setting. The online classes were three hours each day for a total of 30 hours in the two-week period. During the August session, the children learned on campus at the in-person module. This session ran for four hours each day including breaks, snack time and “specials”. Both the virtual and on campus included opening and closing prayers and special presentations. We had a total of 187 students in grades 1 through 6 participate overall in our summer program. With 77 students enrolled in July and 110 students enrolled in August.
Professional schoolteachers successfully taught and guided the children through their faith journey. The curriculum this year consisted of Loyola Press’ Growing with God Safe Environment program with a total of six lessons. This was completed along with the 25 lessons in Loyola Press’ Finding God series. We surveyed the parents at the conclusion of each session for honest feedback. Overwhelmingly, the RE families were very happy with our instructors and format of the program.
Since the implementation of theme days last year were such a big hit, we continued again this year with Theme Days in both the July and August sessions.
Some Theme days that were implemented this year in the summer program:
• God Bless America- wear red, white and blue
• Two by Two-wear an animal print or bring in a stuffed animal friend
• Favorite Saint Day-wear a name tag or dress as your favorite Saint
• Jesus is the Light of the World: dress in bright colors
• Mother Mary-dress in light blue
Our fall program consisted of both an on campus and virtual module, available as an option for grades 1 through 8.
A total of 153 students were enrolled in the fall program. The classes ran from late September 2024 to early May 2025. This fall program proved to be a success.
Our fall on campus religious education program for grades 1 and 2 took place on campus in the Spiritual Center. This two-year, First Communion Prep program had a total of 25 first and second graders who came to the church Tuesday afternoons for in person religious education classes. Families registered their child for the Tuesday on campus class that ran from 4:50 PM to 6:00 PM each week. Classes began in the theater with a group opening prayer and announcements and then the children went to their perspective classrooms.
Our fall students in grades 3 through 6 met on Tuesdays from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM virtually. This was a live module using Google classroom, with the teachers and students interacting with each other and completing the lessons together.
Opening prayer was a recorded video that the catechist played to the class in screen share mode. This way, the whole fall program prayed together each week to begin their studies. The curriculum, the same as the summer, consisted of Loyola Press’ Growing with God Safe Environment program with a total of six lessons. This was completed along with the 25 lessons in Loyola Press’ Finding God series.
Our fall Confirmation Prep students, grades 7 and 8, met bi-monthly beginning in mid-September 2024 and were given the option of meeting on Sundays virtually from 5 PM to 6:30 PM or Tuesdays in person on campus from 4:15 PM to 5:45 PM. This two-year preparatory program utilizes Saint Mary Press’ The Catholic Youth Bible and Ascension Press’ Chosen Confirmation prep book.
Each 7th grader was asked to complete the Bible Project, which is a walk through the Old Testament, following and learning about Jesus’ genealogy. Projects were presented in May of 2025. The 8th graders continued with their studies preparing for Confirmation.
They completed the 20 hours of service work over the twoyear period, a Saint report with their chosen Saint name for Confirmation, as well as all of their important Sponsor paperwork. All Confirmation Prep students in grades 7 and 8 were asked to attend the Lenten Penance & Reconciliation service as part of their class requirement.
Religious Education (continued)
We celebrated the Sacrament of First Holy Communion with a total of 50 children. They all received the beautiful Sacrament on one of three Sundays October 6, 13 and 20, 2024.
We were sure to have one retreat and rehearsal to ensure the children were prepared. They practiced what to do and how to make this a wonderful experience for them and their families. Focusing on the true presence in the Eucharist, we explained what that means and why this is the cornerstone of our Catholic faith.
In December 2024, all students preparing to receive First Communion in fall 2025 attended their first Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. We were blessed with 12 priests to administer the Sacrament. A parish-wide event, many parishioners attended this Advent Penance service. It was a great opportunity for these young children to see and experience this sacrament with a sense of community. The children attended both a retreat day and a rehearsal day to prepare. A total of 42 second-graders made their First Penance and Reconciliation.
Beginning at Baptism, continuing with First Holy Communion, Confirmation officially seals the gifts of the Holy Spirit onto these now fully initiated young men and woman. Not an end, but a beginning, of living out their faith in the Catholic Church. On October 18, 2024, we celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation, fully initiating 43 High School aged children.
These young adults experience both a retreat (September 15, 2024) and a rehearsal (October 12, 2024) as they prepared to receive the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Confirmation.
All our Religious Education students in grades 1 through 6 have an Intergenerational component to complete each year. Religious education students must attend at least six of these programs or events throughout the year. This year we had a grand total of 22 events the children could choose to participate in. For the first time, these events were broken down into three categories. The students in grades 1 through 6 were asked to attend at least two in each category to fulfill their Religious Education requirement for the year. The three categories were Community Building, Liturgical and Service Projects
Intergenerational Events offered:
Grandparents Day Mass & Breakfast
Fall Movie Day
Halloween Halls
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Parish Clean-up
Decorating the Spiritual Center Rotunda for Christmas
Advent Wreath Making
The Parish of Saint Mary
Advent Penance and Reconciliation
Light up a Memory-Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Carols
Christmas Party-Nativity reading
Blessing of the Infant Jesus
Fishers of Men-Food collection
Lenten Penance and Reconciliation
Palm Sunday Palm Weaving class
Holy Thursday Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Good Friday Passion of the Lord
Easter Vigil
Easter Egg Hunt
Spring Movie Day
May Day-May Crowning of Mary
There were many opportunities for religious education families to engage in the parish as well as opportunities for parishioners to join in. Many of the intergenerationals were met with record setting numbers, including our Halloween Halls. The theme this year was “Saints & Superheroes” and for the first time ever, we hosted a “not so haunted, haunted house” in Madonna Hall. We were blessed with over 300 in attendance and even had a Pumpkin carving contest. We can’t thank the 26 RE families enough for signing up to decorate a table to make this new event a huge success. We also would like to take this opportunity to thank all the RE families for helping with all of the many events and programs throughout the year, as we couldn’t do it without them!
As a Catholic Christian community of faith, we are called to follow Jesus into loving service to others. Part of the Confirmation Prep requirements is Christian service work in the amount of 10 hours per year, for a total of 20 hours. Some service hour opportunities that the Confirmation Prep students participated in included:
• RE/Summer intensive volunteer
• Halloween Halls
• Thanksgiving Baskets / other parish collections
• Parish clean ups
• Sponsor-a-family
• Parish Christmas decorating
• Easter egg hunt
• May Day
• Blessing Bag Outreach
• Passing out Advent and Lenten books to parishioners before and after mass
We had a very successful year in our parishes Religious Education program, continuing to make positive changes and streamlining the program for all participating. Instituting a Faith Formation/Religious Education Advisory Board has helped us to improve our program. It is important that we hear from RE families, and this parent board is helping to facilitate that. In this Jubilee year, we must be pilgrims of hope, constantly striving to improve how we pass on the faith, journeying as pilgrims together. Attending regular weekly mass, supporting our parish and being invested in our programs, all help to make this happen. May God continue to bless us and fill us with the hope of tomorrow.
Pastoral Care & Outreach
Rosemarie Farrow
Pastoral Coordinator of Pastoral Care & Outreach
As Catholics, we are called to the importance of Christian community, service, and accompaniment as we journey together in faith. We are all Pilgrims of Hope. At the Parish of St. Mary, we accompany the community at large as well as those within our parish in several ways.
The Parish of St. Mary supports the community in a variety of merciful works.
s Day Service Project yielded 200 Valentine’s Day cards and treats to be distributed to military members at Earle Naval Base, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Air Force Base along with Veterans facilities in New Jersey.
s Fishers of Men Diaper Drive, the Parish of St. Mary donated 2,640 diapers and 2,480 wipes to the Diaper Bank at Childcare Resources of Monmouth County.
In caring for the homeless, the Confirmation Prep Blessing Bag Brigade service project yielded 262 complete Blessing Bags which were donated to St. Peter’s Community Lunch. Extra supplies were docathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, the collection center for Blessing Bag. Additionally, the parish collected 152 bars of soap for Soap Sack which distributes soap to homeless shelters and
Our parish wide Thanksgiving food drive continues to give us the opportunity to share our blessings with those in need. This year saw an increase in donations as well as participation from parishioners to sort, pack, and load trucks with groceries. St. Mary provided 333 total bags of food along with 200 turkeys and fresh vegetables to five different charities.
OCIA
Advent 2024 saw a name change in what once was known as RCIA, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, to OCIA, Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. OCIA is the process adults and youth go through to become fully initiated into the Catholic church. Every year, tens of thousands of people come into the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Moving from the word “Rite” to “Order” comes from the Latin word ordo, which refers to the book as a process of rites; Rite of acceptance/Welcome, Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, Rite of Call to Continue Conversion, Rite of Initiation.
Becoming Catholic isn’t just going through a checklist of Rites. OCIA is a formation process and period of evangelization for the Catechumenate (the unbaptized) and candidate (those with Christian baptism) alike. It requires discernment, prayer, and an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ.
The OCIA team continues to work with our Cohort parish of St. Catharine to bring people into Church. The Parish of St. Mary brought two young people into Full Communion this year at Pentecost and continues to accompany others who hope to join us in faith in the year ahead. Please continue to hold the
OCIA candidates and team members in prayer.
The catechumenate is the responsibility of every member of the parish. The parish exists to make disciples. Formation is handed down to each of us by the faithful who have come before us. We are all members of the Body of Christ. We are pilgrims called to accompany one another on the journey. The parish receives, inquirers accept, the Church welcomes.
Walking With Purpose
Walking with Purpose is a parish-based Catholic bible study program for women. The studies are comprised of scripture reading, catechism clips, study guide questions to answer at home and weekly discussions in small groups. Each study is coordinated and facilitated by volunteers.
The ministry offered three studies and a book discussion between October 2024 and June 2025:
• Opening Your Heart (22-week Foundational Study): 7 participants
• Rooted and Radiant (10-week study of Colossians): 24 participants
• Passionate Discipleship (9-week study of 2 Timothy: 9 participants
• Rekindled Book (4-week study, Reigniting the Catholic Faith): 4 participants
The studies were augmented by Connect Coffees throughout the year to which all women were invited to share in hospitality, view a video and enjoy meaningful conversation. Members of the ministry have participated in the Adopt-a-Family program and have made frequent donations to the Poor and Needy fund of St Mary’s. They have also attended events at local churches where WWP authors have been the guest speakers. Social gatherings were hosted at Christmas and at the conclusion of the study season.
The Walking with Purpose annual survey for 2025 indicated that most women who participated in in the program at St Mary’s, feel that their prayer life has improved, their relationship with Christ is stronger as is their Catholic faith, and they have a greater appreciation for the sacraments. Most also said that their relationships and friendships have improved, they manage stress better and are more patient with others.
This year, a directory of members was established for those who opt to share their contact information. This directory helps the women stay in touch with and be supportive of one another throughout the year.
Men’s Morning Office
The Thursday Men’s Morning Office (TH AM MMO ) continues to go strong since 1981 when it was formed by now Pastor Emeritus William J. Bausch.
The parish has recently welcomed on Thursday mornings, men from other parishes in our now COHORT 13 including St. Benedict in Holmdel, St. Catharine in Holmdel and St. Gabriel in Marlboro.
18 – 25 men gather every Thursday for a 7:00 – 7:30 AM morning prayer service in the Daily Mass Chapel, followed by coffee, donuts, and fellowship. Ages range from 30 – 94 years old, and all cherish the Brotherhood and spiritual time together! An Annual weekend Retreat during Lent was launched two years ago. 15 or so men have convened at the Thomas Berry Retreat Center at the Passionist Monastery in Jamaica Queens hosted by Fr. Victor Hoagland.
All men from the Parish of St. Mary are encouraged and welcome to join on any Thursday morning. Feel free to contact Bob Lutkewitte for any more information at boblutkewitte@gmail.com
Baptisms
Leila Amanda Barr
Giulia Beninato
Liliana Lucy Caruso
Kevin Timothy Cassidy
Juliet Lily Clemente
Salvatore Enrico Denora
Cameron Matthew DuCharme
Elodie Deva Haddad Bernardeau
Jackson Anthony Harakal
Carmine William Joseph
First Eucharist
Santino Alagna
Giuliana Eleni Rose Alexander
Callie Lin Alicea
Mia Angelina Alicea
Giancarlo Croce Amato
Alivia Louise Annunziata
Connor William Baione
Gregory Nicholas Carmignani
Declan Thomas Christensen
Matthew Christopher Cicero
Daniel Louis Clune
Quinn Coppola
Maverick Richard Keller
Vincent James Kelly
Nico Nathaniel Kramer
Matthew Patrick Liang
Keira Rose Lucas
Aiden Michael Murugesan
Louis Musto
Emilia Ann O’Mahony
Sophie Marie O’Mahony
Caiden Colton Payne
Niko Rado Petric
Ana Marysol Rembecky
Luciano Jeffrey Santos
Julianna Jo Segreti
Patrick Timothy Stanton
Cole Parker Swiss
Jack Salvatore Talarico
Violet Grace Vidolin
Catherine Elizabeth Covalesky
Kelly Elizabeth Daly
Joseph Nicholas DePierro IV
Louisa Irene Dillon
Sophia Laura Duarte
Kimberly Ann Eachus
Gage Michael Fedina
Elizabeth Noelle Galletta
Tanner Grigoli
Ryder Gene Grigoli
Sienna Jean Hanley
Jax Vincent Heal
Scarlett Amelia Helms
Luke Albert Johnston
Frank Joseph LaRocca
Jack Theodore LaRocca
Mario Brennan Liberatore
Jacob Thomas Lopusznick
Jack Julian Luthmann
Gianna Elizabeth Minucci
Jacob Louis Monteforte
John Stephen Novelli
Rocco Anthony Novelli
Camilla Mia Pace
Gianluca Palmeri
Emma Katherine Perrine
Luca Paul Pesce
Charlotte Hope Reinfurt
Daniel James Roach
Nicholas Michael Sarapochillo
Maximus James Schibell
Eric Schrider
Faye Marie Sette
Angelina Giulia Settineri
Quinn Teagan Sweeney
Olympia Ward Toolan
Brian James Toolan II
Austin Ryan Umans
Carina Lucille Williams
Brielle Aurora Young
Katelyn Elise Ziobro
Christopher Joseph Cascone
Michael Joseph Collins
James Patrick Conrey
Madeline Alexandra Cullen
Ryan John Dailey
Caterina Rosalia DeSerio
Marissa Elizabeth DiNapoli
Kimberly Helen Eachus
James Patrick Ecklord
Martina Joan of Arc Fabbricatore
Angelina Mary Favilla
Christian Gabriel Favorito
Christian Albertus Gallello
Julia Elizabeth Ann Gibson
Ryder Sebastian Grigoli
Tanner Peter Grigoli
Nathan Joshua Habbib
Brooke Rose Howard
Gavin Andrew Kane
Isabella Cecilia Lauro
Jack Thomas Manfredonia
Siena Gemma Nicholson
Maria Christopher Nicosia
Giuseppe Philip Palmeri
Connor Gregory Paszkiewicz
Noah Oliver Plunkett Pazmino
Ross Anthony Petrini
Kayla Teresa Powell
Emma Therese Reisinger
Giuliana Mary Ronco
Anna Catherine Savino
Sean Anthony Sciarrillo
David Renee Sette
Giuliana Elizabeth Viola
Jason Jerome Ward
Hailey Elizabeth Willis
Larissa Veronica Yaninas
Marriages
Natalie Gorga and Daniel Sobieski
Leigh Ann Howe and David Joseph Zeitzer Eugenio
Francesca Maglara and Nicholas Bonura
Stephanie Romanelli and Joseph Anthony Imbriale
Julianne Schumacher and Brennen Carroll
Danielle Christine Simko and Matthew Edward Tkac
Alyssa Marie Sita and Brian Swan
MaryAnn Anselmo
Mary Blatz
Concetta Ciccone
Raymond Czarnecki
Charles Devito
Richard J. Doherty
Clementine Foley
Robert Giordano
Virginia Ann Hamlin
Doris Sciscente Hudak
Thomas Hudak
Thomas Jacobson
Richard Kollarits
Funerals
Dolores Ladley
Clive Lay
John Maggs
Michael Mokris
Joseph Morreale
Pasquale Pace
John Palladino
Maria Ruiz
Maria Pilar Ruiz Arciniega
Lisa Russo
Monico Chiego Ryan
Desmond Smyth
Ryan Stevens
Stephen Tropiano
Claudia Torres
Michelle Busch Vlahos
Sadie Vulpis
Gloria Apgar Ziemienski
Theodore Ziemienski
Parish Statistics (continued)
1,238,906
The Vatican
This year, we mourned the loss of one pope and welcomed another. Let us continue to pray for both Pope Leo XIV and the late Pope Francis.
Assumed the Papacy on May 8, 2025
O God, eternal shepherd, who govern your flock with unfailing care, grant in your boundless fatherly love a pastor for your Church who will please you by his holiness and to us show watchful care.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
~The Roman Missal, Prayer for a New Pope
December 17, 1936 - April 21, 2025
Lord Jesus, you have called Pope Francis to yourself. Thank you for the gift of his papacy. When he was with us, he tirelessly showed the Church your constant mercy toward sinners. Grant him now your mercy and let him rest eternally with you in your Kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
~ Prayer for Pope Francis from The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word