THE PARISH OF SAINT MARY A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in our Time One Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722 Phone: 732-780-2666 Fax: 732-780-0394 parishoffice@stmaryscoltsneck.org 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 Trustees: Bill LaMorte Irene Weller Worship schedule inside. Refer to website for more detailed information www.stmaryscoltsneck.org Deacon: John Wedemeyer
December 27, 2020
THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH
An Abbreviated Mass schedule will be observed for the Holy Family and Epiphany weekends. Holy Family Saturday, December 26 - 4 pm Sunday, December 27- 10 am Epiphany of the Lord Saturday, January 2 - 4:00 pm Sunday, January 3 - 10:00 am Baptism of the Lord Saturday, January 9- 4:00 pm Sunday, January 10 - 8:00 am, 10:00 am 12:00 pm
...This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel... Luke 2:34
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Octave Day of Christmas) Thursday, December 31st No 9 am 4:00 pm Vigil Mass Friday , January 1st No 9 am *Broadcast Mass available on Youtube Channel
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Mass Intentions for the Week of December 26 - January 3 For * Requested by Saturday, December 26 4 PM – Church Pro Populo Dorothy Deckert * John and Susan Murphy Terry Hulse * Joann and Robert Buhler Sunday, December 27 – Church - The Holy Family 10 AM Eleanor and Patrick Walsh * Maureen Beyer Tom Walsh * Maureen Beyer Rose Lunz * Maureen Beyer Monday, December 28 – 9 AM Church Sergio Dos Santos * Dos Santos Family Joseph Nogueira * Marie Nogueira Tuesday, December 29 – 9 AM Church Jean Noto * John and Darlene Lee Bernadette Shine * Marsha Grigoli Wednesday, December 30 – 9 AM Church Joan Jennings * Cheryl and Rick Joyce Thursday, December 31 – 4 PM Church William Gorman Jr. * Carol McKay Friday, January 1- No Mass Saturday, January 2 – 4 PM Church Pro Populo Intentions of Leonidas Mavrookas * Suzanne Schlesinger Helen Ostrander * Weighell Family Sunday, January 3 – Church The Epiphany of the Lord 10 AM Salvatore Castro * Castro Family Robert A. McNamara * McNamara Family DeStefano/Albruno Families * Mr. and Mrs. Franceschetti
Christmas Season All Masses will be celebrated in the Church through the Octave of Christmas
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Please pray for the following members of our parish family who are ill: Marcela Abril Kathleen Amatel Fr Bill Bausch Eileen Beckley Janice Basilice Christen Chellis Bob Cicero Blake Conley John DeSimone Kaitlin Donahue Nagle Joann Feliciti James Fiedler Cynthia Fiedler Emily Gioacchini Edward Habrack Tom Hudak
Anton Kopp Bridget Korn Lori Lettieri Donna Lodi Ludwig Mendola Leonidas Mavrookas Mary Joan McNamara Walter Moeller Kevin O’Shea Stanley Rembisz Paola Richmond Owen Shoemaker Victoria Slater Gerard P. Thompson Seneida Tomasetti Lauren Vinci
To add a family member to the sick list for 8 weeks, please call or e-mail the Parish Office. Thank you! 732-780-2666 or parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Mass Intention Request ONLINE Available through the link below is an online form to request Mass Intentions for the remainder of the 2021 calendar. https://bit.ly/3dbHyip
GROTTO CANDLES The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions. Offering is $3.00 per candle. The Parish Office will be closed for New Years Wednesday, Dec. 31. Reopen on Sunday, Jan. 3 at 9 am.
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December 27, 2020
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 SN Colton Boag, USCG LCpl Devon Francis Chrzan, USMC Lt. Col. John Anthony Coppola, US Army Major Douglas Coppola, US Army Lt. Mary Herman, USN SN Christian Houlihan, USN Ensign Jason Joseph Howe, USN SPC Michael John Mento, US Army PFC Nicholas Poskonka, US Army Captain Richard Savo, US Army 1st Lt. Adam Sjoholm, US Army 1st Lt. Ryan Tanguay, US Army TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC
3 Lifelong Catechesis Week December 28 - January 3 READINGS FOR THE WEEK
28 Mon 29 Tues 30 Wed 31 Thurs 1 Fri
1 Jn 1:5—2:2/Mt 2:13-18 1 Jn 2:3-11/Lk 2:22-35 1 Jn 2:12-17/Lk 2:36-40 1 Jn 2:18-21/Jn 1:1-18 Nm 6:22-27/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16-21
Sunday, January 3rd The Epiphany of the Lord Is 60:1-6/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12 Questions for Deeper Reflection Question for Children: In your life, who helps you to see Jesus in other people such as a classmate or a friend? Question for Youth: The star guided the Magi to Jesus. What are the people or events who have guided you in your relationship with Jesus? Question for Adults: How this past week did you demonstrate God’s love at home and at work? - Lifelong Catechesis
If there is a family member you wish to be placed on the list, please contact the Parish Bulletin at 732780-2666 or parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org.
They shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” — Matthew 1:23
Sanctuary Lamp Consider donating the sanctuary lamp that burns in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the Church or in the Chapel in honor of a living or deceased loved one. The suggested donation is $25. ONLINE https://bit.ly/37RKz5p Intentions are available in the Church & Chapel in January & February 2021
NEW YEAR The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year, but rather that we should have a new soul. ―G. K. Chesterton
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Andrew J. Macirowski Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org Christmas Carols The oldest of Christmas Carols, can be traced back to early Christianity, when hymns that related specifically to Christmas were first recorded as being sung. One of these, “Of the Father’s Love Begotten”, dates back to the 4th century, as is sometimes thought of as the world’s oldest Christmas Carol. The Advent Hymn, “O Come O Come Emmanuel” has text that dates to the 5th century, and there is a noticeable gap in carols for many centuries, mostly due to the fact that music was mainly an aural tradition until notation systems developed in Greece around the 4th century, but still struggled to carry on through history. The development of Gregorian chant in the 9th century helped some music remain through the ages. There was a resurgence of carols in the style of sacred motets during the Renaissance, and at the same time the singing of carols gained popularity in Russia, Poland, Hungary, and other Eastern European nations. In Eastern Europe, carols were common in some countries like Spain and Portugal around the same time, but became even more commonplace in the rest of Europe in the 18th century, and, after becoming popular in England, found their way to the colonies we now call home. Their popularity has remained ever since, and composers are writing new carols to this day.
We wish you health, happiness, much peace, and many blessings throughout the Christmas Season and in 2021. Rev. Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee & Parish Staff
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Worship Schedule: December 31 - Mary Mother of God & January 2, & 3 The Epiphany Altar Server Thursday, 4:00 PM Solemnity: Mary, Mother of God Saturday, 4:00 PM (Church)
Sunday, 10:00 AM (Church)
EMHC
Reader 1
Reader 2
Cantor
Usher
NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
NOT FILLED - Organ Host NOT FILLED - Tabernacle Host NOT FILLED - Alt
NOT FILLED
NOT FILLED
David Maliakel
NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Mark Hines William Hines NOT FILLED
Louise Habrack - Organ Host Ann Byrnes - Tabernacle Host Emily Santangelo - Alt
Carl Simone
T Mullin
Bridget Farrow
NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Christopher Montefusco Valeska Yaninas Tesya Yaninas
Barbara Moskal - Organ Host Dawn Reinhardt - Tabernacle Host Sandra Montefusco - Alt (sub req.)
Matt Yaninas
Steve Rumsby
David Maliakel
Greg Penczak NOT FILLED
EXPECTATIONS AS WE GATHER FOR MASS Please arrive earlier than usual to search for seating that observes social distancing. Masks, Hand Sanitizer, and Social/Physical distancing are required. There can be no physical collection of Stewardship Offerings; A designated box(es) will be placed in the
Narthex/Gathering Space for the placement of envelopes or offerings. Thank you for your generosity. Missals, Missalettes, Bulletins, and other papers have been removed. Holy Water has been drained from all locations. Parish Clergy will distribute Holy Communion; we ask all coming forth to observe distancing front to back and side to side. Remove mask (and gloves) as you approach the Eucharist; put mask back in place as you return to your pew Volunteers are greatly needed to wipe down the wood of the pews after all Masses (weekend and weekday). We will have a cleaning crew take care of the floors, bathrooms, etc, but need this little bit of additional help. Please contact Andrew if you are able. We have been advised that socializing before or after the Mass inside or outside is to be discouraged; clergy are not permitted to greet parishioners before or after the Mass. NOTE: For those Catholic faithful that need to consider any possible health and safety risks involved with attending a public gathering the weekend Mass will be available online. Monday through Friday 9 am Daily Mass in the chapel in the Parish Hall - do not arrive prior to 8:30 AM
Online Mass viewing continues with the newest weekend Mass becoming available on Saturdays after 4 pm The Parish of Saint Mary - You Tube Channel (https://bit.ly/2SkpRET) Worship aid for weekend Mass at https://tinyurl.com/y4xhvqz8
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Dr. Jim Bridges Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Adult Catechesis FaithFormation@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 x 305
Julia Cullen Pastoral Coordinator of Elementary Religion Education - Grade 1 -6 ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309
Rose Farrow Coordinator of Faith Formation for Youth Catechesis & Service - Grade 7 & 8 YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 310
Offered in January 2021 at the Parish of Saint Mary 10 sessions Starting January 12/13, 2021 Tuesdays at 7:30 pm or Wednesdays at 10 am Remote access option available The Way, the Truth, and the Life is a new and fresh look at Jesus—who he is, what he is really like, what he taught, and what he did for our salvation. This encounter with Christ will inspire and empower you to center your entire life on him as you come to know and love him in an ever-deeper and more intimate way.
8th-12th grade teens invited YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org
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Quo vadis… My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. God so cared for the family of humanity that God gave us the only-begotten Son; we show our acceptance of membership in God’s family by caring for each other. Of course, this begins with our own family members. This feast calls us to care for one another in practical ways. Perhaps this means phoning an elder who lives alone or is in a retirement center or nursing home. Maybe this means sharing toys more generously on the part of little ones or pitching in to help without being asked on the part of adolescents or husband and wife listening more intently to each other. At the same time these family ways of showing caring relationships are “practice” for what is even more important: recognition that in Christ we are all brothers and sisters. “Our own” must include the family of humanity. Dying to self for the sake of the other is what builds up families and makes them holy. This is the way to having the “favor of God” upon us. Our celebration of Christmas Day was truly inspiring even though the there are so many public health concerns. Please make every effort to participate in the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and begin the New Year 2021 with the celebration of Eucharist. Mass will be celebrated 31 December at 4:00 pm in the Church. There will be a broadcast mass available on our YouTube channel for your edification. We will observe the abbreviated mass schedule for the Solemnity of the Epiphany next weekend. Remember that Christmas is a Season. The Liturgical Cycle
observes this season through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. I invite you to keep your decorations out until the end of the season. I realize that some of the live trees may need to come down, especially if they were decorated before Thanksgiving; however, other decorations and lights could remain. Remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Many thanks to all those who sent greetings and goodies to the parish house for enjoyment. Your talents and commitment to preserving the customs of your ancestors is a special treat for all, especially the children and young people. Let us continue to invite others to be a part of our prayer, service and special customs. Many thanks to all those who so generously participated in our various opportunities to provide for the poor and needy this year. There was an excellent response to all of the opportunities. Your commitment to the poor and the needy in our midst is an important sign of putting feet on our faith. May God reward you for your commitment to the poor and the needy in our midst. We now stand looking out into the New Year 2021. It is my hope that we will continue to nurture the bonds of communion that make us such a powerful community of prayer and service. Together may we receive God’s grace to be empowered for the work of ministry in our world at this time in history. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Buon Natale. Feliz Navidad. Merry Christmas. Peace. Father Jeff
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Temporal Administration, Stewardship & Outreach Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Sharing Our Treasure December 20 - 4th Sunday of Advent Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship
$ 18,191
Envelope Contributions
$ 11,483
Electronic/Online Contributions
$ 6,349
Loose Contributions
$ 359
Avg. Contribution per Household this week $ 76.53 # of Contributing Households
233
# Registered Parishioner Households
989
2020 Christmas Collection: We will provide you with a report of this collection at the conclusion of the Christmas Season. We are grateful to all who contributed; if you have not yet participated, please do so this coming week so that we can offer a timely proper accounting to you. The direct link to Christmas Fund is http://bit.ly/2Ec6vu5
THANK YOU for the Sacrificial Stewardship Offerings as we support the ministries, programs and facilities of our parish. May God Bless you for the sacrifices that you make.
End Of Year Contribution Statement If you wish to receive a statement of your 2020 contributions, please provide a selfaddressed stamped envelope to the parish office by mail or drop it in the collection basket by January 31, 2021. Requests will be processed & mailed by the end of January. Please do not make your request by phone.
The Diocese of Trenton has issued an alert regarding reports of email and text scams that will use the name of a pastor to solicit funds in the form of gift cards or cash donations. Please note: Official electronic communications from the parish will always come from the @stmaryscoltsneck.org domain
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION: TOTAL ACCOUNTABILITY The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has defined stewardship as a “life of total accountability and responsibility, acknowledging God as Creator and responsibility, acknowledging God as Creator and owner of all.” As we travel our faith journey through the Church Year, following in the footsteps of Jesus as His disciples, let us reflect on how accountable and responsible we have been with the gifts God has given us. Were we the good stewards that we are called to be? Did we give back with increase a portion of what we have received from our abundantly generous God? Have we grown in our faith and shared our time, talent, and treasure with others? It is not too late. “Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10: 43-45)
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Thank you! Saint Mary Parishioners for your generous support
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