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 : Worship schedule inside. Refer to website for more detailed information www.stmaryscoltsneck.org
The Second Sunday of Advent John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” - Luke 3:3-4
December 5, 2021 ADVENT PENANCE & RECONCILIATION Sunday, December 5th 3:00pm - 2nd Graders First Penance 3:15pm - Last name A-H 3:30pm - Last name I-P 3:45pm - Last name Q-Z
LIGHT UP A MEMORY December 11, 2021 4:00pm Mass Please join us for this very special event.
www.stmaryscoltsneck.org
December 5, 2021
Mass Intentions for: Saturday, December 4th - Sunday, December 12th For * Requested by
Saturday, December 4 – 4 PM Church Sharon Sturchio * Barbara Saake Lawrence Patrick Dickinson * Dickinson- Pancila Family Petolino and Corcoran Families * Francine and Joe Corcoran Sunday, December 5 – Church 8 AM Robert Arcoleo * Ed Brock DeStefano/Albruno Families * Mr. and Mrs. Franceschetti 10 AM Hans Moeller * Reinhardt Family Joseph Walsh III * Florence and Kevin Swan and Family James Brennan * Susan and Neil Brunner and Family 12 PM Pro Populo Robert A. McNamara and Mary Joan McNamara * McNamara Family Rosaria Pati * Richard and Maria Gerbino Monday, December 6 – 9 AM Chapel Souls in Purgatory * Mary Soyka Tuesday, December 7 – 9 AM Chapel Larry Ferrante * Lorraine Lee 7 PM – Vigil - Church Michael Moscarello * John and Darlene Lee Wednesday, December 8 – 9 AM Chapel Anthony Carnevale * Diane Carnevale
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Please pray for the following members of our parish family who are ill: Kathleen Amatel Janice Basilice Fr Bill Bausch Eileen Beckley Rita Bonamo John Boyle Anne Boyle Christen Chellis Blake Conley Kaitlin Donahue Nagle Sharon Evangellista Joann Feliciti Cynthia Fiedler James Fiedler Emily Gioacchini Edward Habrack Tom Hudak Elizabeth Lind Huseby
Anton Kopp Bridget Korn Bob Lind Lori Lettieri Donna Lodi Melissa Love Leonidas Mavrookas Ludwig Mendola Walter Moeller Kevin O’Shea Stanley Rembisz 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
Thursday, December 9 – 9 AM Chapel Souls in Purgatory * Mary Soyka Friday, December 10 – 9 AM Chapel Dominic Gervasio * Lorraine Lee Pauline Maria Lilly Savarimuthu * Neil and Jane Slattery Saturday, December 11 – 4 PM Church Pro Populo Sharon Sturchio * Diane Carnevale Bill O’Doherty and Noreen Cacchione * Freda O’Doherty Sunday, December 12 – Church 8 AM Helen and John Sionas * Eileen and Michael Stivala Cecilia Friedman * Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren 10 AM David Hamlin * Hamlin Family Stephen Daisak * Barbara Daisak and Family Lloyd Petillo * Stephanie Petillo 12 PM Mary Joan McNamara * Lee and Patty Gesner
GROTTO CANDLES The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions. Offering is $3.00 per candle.
Parish Office Hours Monday 9 am – 2 pm Tuesday 2 pm -7:30 pm Wednesday 9 am – 2 pm Thursday 9 am – 2 pm Sunday 9 am -12 noon No office hours on Friday or Saturday
www.stmaryscoltsneck.org
December 5, 2021
3 Lifelong Catechesis Week of December 13th-19th
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 LT. Jason Joseph Howe, USN SPC Michael John Mento, US Army SPC Nicholas Poskonka, US Army Captain Richard Savo, US Army 1st Lt. Adam Sjoholm, US Army Captain Ryan Tanguay, US Army TSgt Stephen Witherow, USAF LCpl Edward Zarzecki, USMC 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.
Congratulations to
Gianna Grace Nicholson who received her First Communion at Saint Mary on November 28, 2021
Baptism Preparation Sessions St Mary is offering Baptismal Preparation Sessions on:
READINGS FOR THE WEEK 13 Monday: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a / Matthew 21:23-27 14 Tuesday: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 / Matthew 21:28-32 15 Wednesday: Isaiah 45:6c-8,18, 21c-25 / Luke 7:18b-23 16 Thursday: Isaiah 54:1-10 / Luke 7:24-30 17 Friday: Genesis 49:2, 8-10 / Matthew 1:1-17 18 Saturday: Jeremiah 23:5-8 / Matthew 1:18-25 19 Sunday: 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Micah 5:1-4a / Hebrews 10:5-10 / Luke 1:39-45
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:
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. Request Envelopes available at the office.
The suggested donation is $25. Honor a loved one Weekly Intentions are available in the Chapel. Available weeks listed below.
Chapel - 12/12, 12/19, 12/26
Kevin A. Clemenza and Nana/ Grandpa requested by Mom and Dad
December 14, 2021 at 6:00 PM Pre-registration is required. Contact Us
Special Intention
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December 5, 2021
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Andrew J. Macirowski Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@stmaryscoltsneck.org Music@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Saint of the Week: St. Ambrose Bishop and Doctor Ambrose was a brilliant lawyer and while speaking to an assembly at a church while they were selecting a bishop, was nominated for bishop himself. He had never been baptized, but when he did decide to become baptized, was elected bishop one week later. He began studying Sacred Scripture and the writings of great religious scholars. He spoke against the Arian heresy and had it mostly eliminated from his diocese. Saint Augustine studied with him, was baptized by him, and was a strong supporter. Saint Ambrose was a strong political and religious figure who used his power to fair and just ends. Read More...
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Worship Schedule: December 11/12 Second Sunday of Advent Altar Server
Saturday, 4:00 PM (Church)
Mark Hines
Sunday, 10:00 AM (Church)
Sunday, 12:00 PM (Church)
Reader 1
Reader 2
EMHC
Magnificat Choir
Bruno Savo
Kathy Maher
AVAILABLE Organ Host Emily Santangelo Tabernacle Host Susan Murphy Tabernacle Host AVAILABLE - Alternate
Damian McDermott
Annette Raynor
Rita Duenas
Marsha Grigoli Organ Host Joseph Flanagan Tabernacle Host Gina Shute Tabernacle Host Jane Slattery - Alternate
Jill Russo
Julia Cullen
Matt Yaninas
Steve Stanley Organ Host Maureen Geiger Tabernacle Host Sue Fitzpatrick Tabernacle Host Amy Orrico - Alternate
Jill Russo
Richard Gerbino
Carl Simone
Patricia Gesner Organ Host Lee Gesner Tabernacle Host Monica Barr Tabernacle Host Irene Weller - Alternate
William Hines Jack Schatzle
Sunday, 8:00 AM (Church)
Cantor
Jimmy Schatzle
Gabriella Penczak SERVER NEEDED
Jonathan Stubbs SERVER NEEDED
Speak with a Priest Struggling
with a life event and in need of spiritual assistance? Want to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance outside the normal Confession times? Trying to find your way back to engagement with the Church? Discerning vocation? Looking to complete your Sacraments of Initiation and wish to chat about the journey? St Mary is offering the opportunity for parishioners to chat with a priest who is only indirectly engaged with the parish. If interested please contact Fr Mike Walsh by phone 732-780-2666 x205 or email frmike.walsh@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Please plan on helping us to decorate this year! SIGN UP HERE Narthex - Join us on December 8th, beginning at 5:00PM. Poinsettias - Date TBD (December 20-22) Most of the decorating responsibilities are geared toward pre-teens through adults, unfortunately this is not an appropriate volunteer opportunity for the entire family or small children.
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Faith Formation Rose Farrow
Julia Cullen
Pastoral Coordinator of Religion Education Grade 1–8 ReligiousEd@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 309
Coordinator of Faith Formation for Youth & Adult Catechesis YouthRE@stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666 X 310
Christmas Sponsor-A-Family Program Grades 1-8 You may recall that Jesus tells us “Whatsoever you do for the least of my people, that you do unto me.”
In this spirit, thank you for participating in our annual program and making a difference in one family’s life at Christmas. The Religious Education classes will be assisting families in need this Christmas. We are asking that you contribute the following items:
A $25 gift card (Visa or Mastercard) A non-perishable food/household item A stocking stuffer Please drop off food items or stocking stuffers at the parish office window during office hours. Please put your gift card in an envelope clearly marked Sponsor-a-family and drop in the collection box in the Narthex of the Church or at the parish office during office hours.
Thank you for your generosity.
DECEMBER Religious Education News We are happy to announce that we will be distributing and collecting the MCA mite boxes again this year as part of our RE program for Advent. Pick up the box at the parish at your convenience. They will be outside the parish window. There are plenty of resources for all grades, artwork, etc. at: https:// www.missio.org/resources.aspx? localization=EN
For updates, and more information about all Faith Formation programs please see the website: HERE
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities for Youth & Families: Click an event below to Sign Up—space is limited!
Sponsor-A-Family Shopping Sponsor-A-Family Wrapping Sponsor-A-Family Delivery Christmas Decorating (Ages 10+)
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Men’s Morning Office The Thursday Men’s Morning Office has been meeting since 1981 when it was formed by now Pastor Emeritus William J. Bausch. As of September 2021, we have about 20 men meeting in person every Thursday morning at 7:00 am in the Chapel for prayer. We usually conclude our prayer service by 7:30 am, and then enjoy some coffee, donuts & camaraderie for 15-20 minutes before all are on their way. With an active roster of 40 or so men ranging in age from their early 20s to 90+, we welcome any men in the Parish or cohort to come join us any Thursday morning for prayer & fellowship! Feel free to CONTACT Bob Lutkewitte for more information.
An Invitation from The Martha Mary Guild
Please join us on Wednesday, December 8th Our Pastor, Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee, is known for his inspiring homilies and the Martha Mary Guild is in for a treat on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021. Fr. Jeff has the unique gift of keeping the interest of his audience and educating them at the same time. At this meeting, Father will help us to understand the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops - "A Call to Communion, Participation & Mission". To quote, Fr. Jeff: "His Holiness, Pope Francis, has issued a call to the whole church in every corner and on every continent to become engaged in this process of Listening, Hope-filled Prayer & Deliberation. It is customary at the conclusion for His Holiness to issue a written statement, usually an 'Apostolic Exhortation'. This statement can be a vision statement for the way forward." Meredith Geneve will help us "get into the Christmas spirit" by leading us in a medley of Christmas songs - which is always fun! Special treats will be offered, keeping our COVID restrictions in mind. In keeping with our tradition of many years, we will be collecting all kinds of baby items for Birthright. Our generous members always donate a wonderful assortment of baby clothes, diapers, blankets and various other baby items. It is heartwarming to know that many new mothers will be thrilled with our gifts. We are looking forward to welcoming many members and guests from our Cohort parishes at 11:30 a.m. for the rosary, followed by BYOB (Bring Your Own Lunch) at noon. Fr. Jeff will speak right after lunch and then we will have our "Sing-a-long".
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Prepare your heart and mind this Advent by watching or listening to one of these FORMED reflections! Advent - Rethinking the Season The true meaning of Christmas Mary of Nazareth Second Sunday of Advent Third Sunday of Advent Fourth Sunday of Advent Saint Nicholas (adults) The Immaculate Conception Our Lady of Guadalupe Making Advent great for Kids FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES Saint Nicholas (kids) Juan Diego & Our Lady (kids) What is Christmas about? (kids)
Get the best Catholic media at your fingertips! Learn and enjoy your faith at home and on the go, from any device. Create your free account on the FORMED app or at www.stmaryscoltsneck.formed.org Parish Access Code: KQ4VQ3
ADVENT PENANCE & RECONCILIATION Sunday, December 5th 3:00pm - 2nd Graders First Penance 3:15pm - Last name A-H 3:30pm - Last name I-P 3:45pm - Last name Q-Z Aside from Lent, a time of preparation for the celebration of the Pascal Mystery during the Triduum, Advent is the best possible time for us to repent and ready our hearts in order to fully celebrate the Incarnation of Christ. The sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is the most powerful way by which we can prepare to engage whole-heartedly in the extraordinary event we know as Christmas.
The annual Advent Letter with Christmas Giving envelope & Quad-fold was mailed to all recently. Please contact us via email - HERE if you did not receive one.
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Quo vadis… My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent. Last Sunday’s gospel directed our attention to the end times and gave us a glimpse of those times, both in terms of the calamities that will befall those who are not ready as well as the promise of safety and security for those who are vigilant. This Sunday both the gospel and first reading give us a glimpse of the fullness of the end days. Our natural tendency is to want to get to the fullness and bypass the hard work of daily dying to self that is required to reach the glory and joy that is promised. Let’s be honest: it’s not just the busyness of Christmas preparations now in full December fury that distract us from our ongoing work of repentance. Every day of the year we tend to be distracted by mountains of work, paths of indecision, valleys of doubt and fear. This would be a good Sunday in Advent to take some special time to reflect on God’s forgiveness and mercy and how it is God who gives sure direction to our lives and will eventually bring us home to eternal glory if we are faithful partners in the gospel. Our Advent watchfulness and waiting includes taking time to rest in the security of God’s nearness. Don’t forget to make time for the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (Confession) before Christmas. Our Advent Parish Penance and Reconciliation (confessions) is today, Sunday, 5 December 2021 at 3:00pm in the Church. I believe that there will be 14 or so priests available for individual confession. What an awesome sacrament this is for us as we prepare to welcome Christ into our life this Christmas. We also welcome those families who are presenting their children for First Penance & Reconciliation. We thank them for their care in forming and educating their children in the practice of our Catholic Faith. This coming week the
universal church observes the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, next weekend the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. It is one of the rare images depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary as a pregnant woman anticipating the birth of her child. What a beautiful image for all of us to consider during this joyful season of preparation. Next weekend we will have the annual Light Up a Memory mass Saturday at 4:00pm followed by the lighting of the Tree on our parish grounds. Kudos to all of our parishioners for your faithfilled and generous response to the Advent Tree of Love. All of the tags were taken this year! This is an awesome witness to your children and family that this is a season of sharing, especially with the poor, needy and marginalized. I know that there are a number who are also involved with the Adopt a Family Program through our parish. Thank you for sharing with the poor and needy in our midst. May God continue to bless you and your family. The Advent-Christmas-Epiphany quadfold mailer has been sent through the postal service. Please keep it in a conspicuous place for ease of reference. As we continue our journey through Advent to the Christmas Season I ask that you have greater patience when driving into or departing our parking lot. Be mindful that there are 97 parking spaces underneath certain sections grass. Only in 07722! Our staff usually park there to show where they are located. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace! Father Jeff
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Christmas Mass Schedules: Solemnity: The Nativity of the Lord (All Masses will be celebrated in the Church)
Christmas Eve - Friday, December 24th 3:00 pm Mass , 5:00 pm Mass, 10:00 pm Mass (9:30pm Choral Prelude)
Christmas Day - Saturday, December 25th Special Mass Schedule 9:00 am Mass, 11:00 am Mass No 4pm Mass December 25th
9:00AM Daily Mass will be held in the Church for the Octave of Christmas December 27th - December 30th Feast: Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Solemnity: Mary, Mother of God
26th
Friday, December 31st 4:00 pm Mass
Special Mass Schedule No 4pm Mass December 25th 9:00 am Mass , 11:00am Mass
Saturday, January 1st 10:00am Mass No 4pm Mass January 1st
Sunday, December
Solemnity: Epiphany of the Lord Sunday, January 2nd Special Mass Schedule No 4pm Mass January 1st 9:00 am Mass, 11:00am Mass
Feast: Baptism of the Lord Saturday, January 8th 4:00pm Mass Sunday, January 9th 8:00 am Mass , 10:00am Mass, 12:00 noon Mass
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Temporal Administration, Stewardship & Outreach Edwin A. Sevillano TemporalAdmin@stmaryscoltsneck.org Sharing Our Treasure November 28, 2021 Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship
$13,015
Envelope Contributions
$7,547
Electronic/Online Contributions
$4,965
Loose Contributions
$503
Weekly Avg. Contribution per Household $41.84 # of Contributing Households
299
# Registered Parishioner Households
997
This week is our building and mortgage collection.
THANK YOU! We have reached our goal this year! If you have not made your pledge yet you can do so now. Please select St Mary Catholic Church in the Parish Affiliation drop down menu so our parish can receive credit for your gift. Please continue to make your pledge payments so we can receive an ACA rebate. Thank you for your generosity!
Our monthly mortgage payment is $7,966.25.
"In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'." - Acts 20:35 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.
New Parishioner Orientation
Support The Parish of Saint Mary through Online Giving! https://giving.parishsoft.com/smcn Sign-in for our Online Giving system to make your parish offerings from your bank account or Credit Card! You can also download the ConnectNow Giving App for Android or iOS
Thank you for your continuous support! Remember St. Mary Parish when you shop!!!
Sunday, January 30, 2022 11:00AM Madonna Hall Attendance is mandatory for those wishing to become parishioners at the Parish of St. Mary.
Shop now
Please Contact the Parish Office if you wish to attend 732-780-2666
and AmazonSmile donates to St. Mary Parish!
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Simbang Gabi, which means "Night Mass," in Filipino, is a novena — a nine-day series of Masses in anticipation of Christmas and to honor the Blessed Mother. The tradition has been celebrated by Filipino Catholics area for decades. Novena prayers began in homes around the 1960s, and it became more formalized in the 1980s, with Masses being offered in church.
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December 5, 2021
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 registration, directions and for our other offerings! All programs will be offered online and in person unless otherwise indicated.
Offerings at The Upper Room Spiritual Center 3455 West Bangs Avenue, Building 2 Neptune, NJ 07753 e-mail: office@theupper-room.org
Please check www.theupperroom.org for registration, directions and for our other offerings!
St. Joseph By the Sea Retreat Center 400 NJ-35, South Mantoloking, NJ 08738
Please see the website for more information www.sjbsea.org or call St. Joseph By the Sea at 732-892-8494 to register.
Saint Leo the Great Religious Store St Leo has offered a donation of up to 10% of our purchases back to the Parish.
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