The Parish of Saint Mary
The parish of saint Mary
A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in Our Time
A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in our Time OnePhalanxRoad,ColtsNeck,NJ07722
One Phalanx Road • Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Phone:732-780-2666 Fax:732-780-0394
Phone: (732) 780-2666 • Fax: (732) 780-0394
Email: ParishOffice@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Website: StMarysColtsNeck.org
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
Presidents’ Day Weekend
Saturday, February 14
Mass at 4 PM
Sunday, February 15
Mass at 10 AM
ASH WEDNESDAY February 18, 2026
Parish of SAINT MARY
Mass at 9AM Prayer Services at 4 PM & 5 PM
Parish of SAINT catharine
Mass at 12 Noon Prayer Services at 6 PM & 7:30 PM
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, February 14, 2026 - Sunday, February 22, 2026
Saturday, February 14
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
4 PM
Florence Luzzi * Rich Luzzi
Frances M. Iadevaio * Jack & Rorie Coppola
Sergio & Antonio Dos Santos * Dos Santos Family
Sunday, February 15
10 AM
Carl F. Simone * Martha Mary Guild
Pro Populo
Antoinette Tommolino * Marie Artale
Monday, February 16
9 AM
Eleanor Coleman * Carol Ann Donahue
Frank Ferri * Janine Roth
Tuesday, February 17
9 AM
Intentions of Maria Grande * Richard & Maria Gerbino
Lillian Corcoran * Francine & Joseph Corcoran
Wednesday, February 18
9 AM
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Intentions of the Tobin Family * The Fredda Family
12 Noon, at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
Thursday, February 19
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
Friday, February 20
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
Saturday, February 21
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
4 PM
Pro Populo
Robert P Ward * Family
Bill O' Doherty * Freda O'Doherty & Family
Sunday, February 22
8 AM
Andrew Lotano * Martha Leonhardt
DeStefano/Albruno Families * Franceschetti Family
Madeline Cretella * Kate O'Rourke & Jareth Fant
10 AM
Jack Davis * John & Molly Aiello
Jose Santos * Dos Santos Family
Sergio Dos Santos & Antonio Ferreira * Dos Santos Family
12 Noon
Michael Barbera * Richard & Maria Gerbino
Gaetano Tagliavia & Giuseppa Catalano * Tagliavia Family
Ilario Nicoletta * Filomena Nicoletta
Parish of SAINT MARY
Mass at 9AM Prayer Services at 4 PM & 5 PM
Parish of SAINT catharine
Mass at 12 Noon Prayer Services at 6 PM & 7:30 PM Ash Wednesday February 18
MASS INTENTIONS &
Please pray for the following members of our parish community who are ill:
Joe Brando
Lori Lettieri
Edward Habrack
Father William Bausch
To add or remove a family member from the sick list, please e -mail parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org Names will be removed from the list after 3 months. Thank for keeping us updated on your loved one’s health.
SANCTUARY LAMPS
Click below to submit request online
Request a Mass Intention ($10 stipend)
Request a Sanctuary Lamp ($25 stipend)
LIFELONG CATECHESIS: Week of February 15 to 21
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday, February 15
Sirach 15:15-20 /1 Corinthians 2:6-10/Matthew 5:17-37
Monday, February 16
James 1:1-11 / Mark 8:11-13
Tuesday, February 17
James 1:12-18/Mark 8:14-21
Wednesday, February 18 (Ash Wednesday)
Joel 2:12-18 / 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 / Matthew 6:1 6, 16 18
Thursday, February 19
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 / Luke 9:22-25
Friday, February 20
Isaiah 58:1-9a / Matthew 9:14-15
Saturday, February 21
Isaiah 58:9b-14 / Luke 5:27-32
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
God’s Commandments are a way of life.
Question for Children:
Which rules cause you the most difficulty? Why?
Question for Youth:
In your own words, describe what the spirit of God’s law is.
Question for Adults: Have you considered that laws are made with love? Do you accept God’s love through his laws?
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Cyril, Monk, 825-869 & Methodius, Bishop, 826-884
Cyril and Methodius were brothers born at Thessalonika, Greece, of a senatorial family. Cyril was sent to study at the imperial university in Constantinople at an early age. In time, he was ordained and assumed the chair of his teacher, Photius. In this position, he became known as "The Philosopher." Methodius, meanwhile, became governor of one of the Slavic colonies in Greece before becoming a monk.
Both brothers wanted to live out their lives in a monastery. In 861, however, Emperor Michael III sent them to convert the Khazars in the Dneiper-Volga regions of Russia. The brothers learned the Khazar language and made many converts before returning to their monastery several months later. In 863, Photius, now the patriarch of Constantinople sent the two brothers to Moravia (now part of the Czech Republic) to convert the Moravian people, since German missionaries had achieved little success in their evangelization efforts there.
The brothers put their knowledge of the Slavonic language to good use. They invented an alphabet, based largely on Greek capital letters which marked the beginnings of Slavonic literature.
Read more...
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org
• Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org
Ash Wednesday
This coming week, we observe Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting, prayer, and penitence. There is an ancient tradition, in the times of the Old Testament, of people using ashes to express grief or sorrow for sins. Pope Gregory the Great is credited for starting the custom of imposing ashes on penitents in the 6th century.
In the time before the second the Second Vatican Council, ashes were usually sprinkled on the crown of the head of men, while women (who had their heads covered in church) received ashes on their forehead. This later custom soon became the norm in most English-speaking countries, although in some parts of the world, the former is still common.
The ashes used on Ash Wednesday come from burning the palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday services, and are mixed with olive oil to provide a thicker consistency. They are then blessed before the imposition on the faithful.
The imposition of ashes is a sacramental of the church. Sacramentals are sacred signs which signify effects of a spiritual nature, obtained through the intercession of the Church. (Sacrosanctum Concilium) While the bearer of ashes need not have them remain on their forehead throughout the entire day, many do, as an outward profession of faith. Sacramentals should not be confused with Sacraments or obligations. The receiving of ashes is an optional symbol of our faith - the more true importance of the day is on inner reflection on how we may observe the Lent.
Lenten Regulation Guidelines of the Universal Church
Days of Fast AND Abstinence
Ash Wednesday (February 18) and Good Friday (April 3).
Days of Abstinence Only
All other Fridays of Lent (February 20 through March 27)
Fast: Consume only one full meal. Water may be taken throughout day.
Abstinence: Consume no meat; this obligation prohibits the eating of meat but not eggs, milk products or condiments of any kind, even though made from animal fat.
Tuesday, February 3
BLESSING OF THROATS
Memorial of St. Blaise
Baptized Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast and those from the age of 14 are also obliged to abstain. Those who are automatically dispensed from fast and abstinence regulations outside the age limits noted above include: the physically or mentally ill, especially individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also included in the dispensation are women who are pregnant or nursing. In all cases, common sense should prevail and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting.
All are encouraged to embrace these practices as part of our spiritual journey.
9 AM Mass, Chapel
Click here for more
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Ash Wednesday, February 18; Saturday, February 21 & Sunday, February 22 Altar Server Cantor Reader 1 Reader 2 EMHC
Wednesday, Feb. 18
9 AM NA Carly York NOT FILLED Julia Cullen
Saturday,
Feb. 21
4 PM NOT FILLED (2)
Sunday, Feb. 22
Carly York Mary Ellen Griffin NOT FILLED
8 AM NOT FILLED (2) Carly York Kevin Swan Rita Duenas
Sunday,
Feb. 22
10 AM
Sunday, Feb. 22
12 Noon
Olivia Linquito NOT FILLED Choir with Cantor Julia Cullen Charles Young
Jacob Barasky NOT FILLED
ASH WEDNESDAY, February 18
Parish of Saint Mary Mass at 9AM Prayer Services at 4 PM & 5 PM
Richard Gerbino, Organ Host
Martha Jean Rosiello, Tabernacle Host
Louise Habrack, Tabernacle Host NOT FILLED, Alternate
Louise Habrack, Organ Host
Jane Slattery, Tabernacle Host
Michal Kalisz, Tabernacle Host
Susan Murphy, Alternate
Joyce Flynn, Organ Host
Mary Aiello, Tabernacle Host
Marsha Grigoli, Tabernacle Host
Gina Shute, Alternate
Steve Stanley, Organ Host
Richard Gerbino, Tabernacle Host
Carol Donahue, Tabernacle Host
Maureen Geiger, Alternate
Mass at 12 Noon Prayer Services at 6 PM & 7:30 PM
Dolores Lembo, Organ Host
Ron Gabbard, Tabernacle Host
Nick Turkovic, Tabernacle Host
Tom Nathanson, Alternate
STATIONS OF THE CROSS at Saint Catharine’s, Holmdel
Fridays at 6:30 PM during Lent: 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20 & 3/27
Parish of Saint Mary Sunday, March 22 at 3 PM
Area Parishes: March 1 at 3 PM
St. Catharine, Holmdel March 15 at 3 PM
St. Benedict, Holmdel
April 1 at 7 PM
St. Gabriel, Marlboro
LENTEN HOLY HOURS Parish of St. Catharine March 11 6:30 PM March 25 6:30 PM LENT CONFESSIONS
Julia
FAITH FORMATION
Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation
/ Religious Education
ReligiousEd@StMarysColtsNeck.org • (732) 780-2666 x. 309
A Message to Our Families
As Lent approaches, we have many opportunities for community building and service work. This also includes liturgical, with both Ash Wednesday services and Lenten Penance and Reconciliation. Our Confirmation retreat for both parents and children in CP is next month.
Mark your calendars for our Spring clean-up, this year on Sunday, March 22 beginning at the 8am and 10am masses and continuing outside on our grounds. Many hands make light work!
18 February 2026
Ash Wednesday
Diaper Drive begins in Narthex (see Pastoral Care & Outreach page for details)
Fishers of Men Intergenerational Click to register
21 February 2026
Diaper Drive Wrapping Event Click to register
22 February 2026
Family Catechesis Day Click to register
3 March 2026
Parenting Courageously 7 PM in Madonna Hall
For CP Parents
8 March 2026
Happiest Middle Schoolers Retreat 10 AM in Church / Madonna Hall For CP students
22 March 2026
Lenten Penance & Reconcilation 3 PM Chapel
Mandatory for CP 1&2 & Elementary RE
Spring Cleanup Parish Grounds
Confirmation Prep Schedule Fall RE Schedule 2025-2026
29 March 2026
Palm Sunday Palm Weaving 10 AM in Church & Madonna Hall
CONFIRMATION PREP
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Session #12: February 22 & February 24
Session #13: March 8
10 AM Mass followed by Happiest Middle Schoolers retreat in Madona Hall
Session #14: March 22
Lenten Penance & Reconciliation
3PM in Chapel Mandatory
Session #15: April 19 & April 21
Session #16: May 2: Spring Service Project
Session #17: May 3
Bible Project Display in Madonna Hall & Confirmation Interviews in Spiritual Center
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Click each opportunity for details
Diaper Wrapping
Passing Out Lenten Books
Stuffing Easter Eggs for Easter Egg Hunt
Summer Intensive Volunteers
Family Catechesis Day
February 22—10 AM Mass
“Let’s Pray as a Family” Looking for ways to deepen your family’s prayer life? Come to this special event to learn about the Domestic Church. Learn how to bring church into your home, praying as a family together and making family time holy. Click to register!
MARCH 22, 2026
TWO SESSIONS AVALABLE FOR SERVICE!
Attend Mass at 8 AM or 10 AM and then join the cleanup on Parish grounds after!
Sign-in will be through the QR code in the narthex before mass begins.
Pre-registration required. Look for link in the coming weeks!
RE SUMMER INTENSIVE 2026
Registration is OPEN! Click here
Looking for certified teachers, alive in their faith, to teach in the RE summer intensive August session. It runs August 3-14, M-F, 8:30am to 12:30pm. Paid positions available. For more information, email j.cullen@stmaryscolsneck.org.
PASTORAL CARE & OUTREACH
Rosemarie Farrow Pastoral Coordinator
of Pastoral Care & Outreach
R.Farrow@StMarysColtsNeck.org • (732) 780-2666 x. 310
DIAPER DRIVE!
Diapers & wipes wanted
The Parish of St. Mary will be running a diaper drive for those in need! Please drop off your donations in the Narthex between February 18 and February 21 in the Narthex.
All donations welcome, but note the greatest need is for diapers size 4-6, size 4/5T pull ups and wipes!
What is diaper insecurity?
•The condition where families cannot afford a sufficient supply of diapers to ensure their children are clean, dry, and healthy.
•Diaper cannot be obtained with Food Stamps, WIC, or any other federal or state “safety-net” program.
•Diapers cost approximately $90 per month for one infant. Every child in Monmouth County deserves to be clean, dry, and
1 Hour = 3 packs of diapers 1/2 Hour = 3 packs of wipes MAX: 2.5 hours total
Donations accepted ONLY at Ash Wednesday prayer services at 4 PM or 5 PM
25 registered participants Participants grade 7 through adult must register Children under 12: Welcome with parental supervision (one adult per every two children); registration not required for children under 12
MyDearParishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. We continue to be taught through the scriptures the practice of authenticity. That is, we, as Catholic Christians, are to strive for transparency and to avoid all temptations of cunning or deceit. We are to seek to find the Lord in the everydayness of daily living. We are to recognize the sacramentality of relationships and our leadership role in family life, civic community and church. When we abrogate these responsibilities, we are not living the paschal mystery as we ought. These are all part of what it means for us to become more Christ-like, better witnesses to our faith, strongerambassadors forChrist.
Co-hort 13 is a configuration of parishes in our area: Saint Gabriel, Marlboro; Saint Catharine, Holmdel; Saint Leo the Great, Lincroft and Saint Mary Colts Neck. We continue to support one another by advertising formational and sacramental activities. We also help out when needed to provide clergy coverage. As we prepare for the Liturgical Season of Lent, you will notice opportunities sponsored by other parishes in our bulletin and vice versa. This year, Ash Wednesday is 18 February 2026. We will list in our parish e-bulletin opportunities to receive ashes during and services of God’s Word both here in 07722 and at Saint Catharine, Holmdel. We will continue to coordinate and stagger opportunities in the future to provide the best services and greater opportunity for our parishioners. We will also share in
providing Holy Hours during the weeks of Lent. These will consist of prayer, readings from Sacred Scripture and Exposition/ Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The Way of the Cross will be offered weekly at Saint Catherine, Holmdel. We continue to share the OCIA ministry, preparing seekers to become full members of the Roman Catholic Church this coming Easter. The Rites will be celebrated in each Church. We will continue to collaborate and share services in the future to better care for our parishioners. Stay tuned…more to come!
Last weekend, we kicked off the 2026 Annual Catholic Appeal. Our Parish Goal is $84,000.00. I invite you to consider what your gift might be this year. His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton, has invited us all to participate in this necessary programming to continue to support the many programs and ministries provided for and overseen by our Diocese of Trenton. Please make yourgift orpledge today.
This weekend we will observe an abbreviated Mass schedule: Saturday 4pm; Sunday 10am. Many of our parishioners travel during these long weekends. Last month, there were several hundred less here for masses during the MLK holiday weekend. Please consider car pooling for the Ash Wednesday services in order to accommodate as many as possible. Thank you for your spirit of hospitality and welcoming. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. FatherJeff
VIGIL INFORMATION
Location: Planned Parenthood in Shrewsbury 69 East Newman Springs Road Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday at will For
40
TEMPORAL ADMINISTRATION & STEWARDSHIP
Edwin A. Sevillano— Pastoral Associate for Temporal Administration & Stewardship
TemporalAdmin@StMarysColtsNeck.org
An Ash Wednesday Offering Envelope can be found in your quarterly package of envelopes. Also, additional envelopes may be found on the side tables in the nave of the Church. You can also make your Ash Wednesday donation online! Click here to
We are grateful to all those who “took a step” in the 2025 Increased Offertory Program, “A Future Filled with Hope.” Whether you pledged to increase weekly contributions, made a one-time gift or already raised your weekly contribution online, the community at the Parish of Saint Mary is grateful for this vital support.
Come join us in prayer as we celebrate mass together in honor of St Padre Pio by Celebrant Fr. Jack C. Grimes.
Mass will be celebrated on Saturday February 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM followed by veneration of a first class relic of St Padre Pio.
St Ambrose Parish 83 Throckmorton Lane
Offerings at Francis House of Prayer
Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House 84 Walnford Road • Allentown, NJ 08501 www.FHOP.org * 609-877-0509 * FHOP@verizon.net
ASH WEDNESDAY RETREAT Wednesday, February 18 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM (Liturgy at Noon)
We love beginning Lent together with this retreat at Francis House because it provides a gentle structure for the six-week journey ahead. This year I think you will enjoy reading Give Up Worry for Lent by Gary Zimak … to guide your Lenten journey. Liturgy is included with the reception of ashes within it. Donation: $40, includes lunch and book for your Lenten journey. Zoom $25
MEETING CHRIST IN PRAYER 8 Mondays (2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13) 7:00 – 8:30 PM (Evening ZOOM only) This is a wonderful introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius….the eight-week version? You will be invited to pray about 30 minutes each day. You will learn to pray more deeply; grow in friendship with God and come to know Jesus more intimately. This at-home retreat assures you of a very meaningful and prayerful Lent. We will use Meeting Christ in Prayer. Donation: $150
A CONTEMPLATIVE TELLING OF THE STORY: MARY & HER SON Thursday, February 19 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Many people attended Fr. Bill’s one day retreat on the Reed of God in the Fall. Father Bill Lago now invites us during this Lenten season to enter the heart of Mary as she accompanies her son and all of us in the Passion of our lives. Donation: $30, lunch included. Zoom: $20
PASSION OF CHRIST, STRENGTHEN ME Friday, February 20 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
If you need strength to deal with your life at this time, come. The Passion of Christ IS your strength! You will receive The Passion and the Cross by Ronald Rolheiser, OMI to accompany you on your Lenten journey. What a wonderful way to begin Lent! Donation: $45, includes lunch and book. Zoom: $20.
SAN
ALFONSO RETREAT HOUSE
755 Ocean Avenue Long Branch, NJ 07740
Twilight Evening of Recollection
400 Route 35 North South Mantoloking, NJ 08738 732-892-8494 www.sjbsea.org
Our mission as Religious Teachers Filippini is to “Go forth and teach the Word of God.” Our ministry on this holy ground is for the people of God who come to St. Joseph By the Sea for soul searching, trying to find peace in their lives and a God who understands them.
UPCOMING RETREATS
February 18, 2026 – ASH WEDNESDAY RETREAT – On this day we will acquaint ourselves with the two devotions to our Blessed Mother: Our Lady undoer of Knots and Our Lady of Silence. Included will be a virtual pilgrimage to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. Lunch and Eucharistic Liturgy with distribution of ashes included. Arrival: 9:00 a.m./Departure: 2:30 p.m. (Presenter: Janice Santanello, M.Th., CLEM, CSG, CPC) Cost: $75.
March 14, 2026 – SELF CARE FOR AA WOMEN - Take time to be still and know God loves you. Rest, read and take walks on the beach and bayside. Yoga, breath work, meditation and massage will be available. Continental breakfast and lunch included. Arrival: 9:00 a.m./Departure: 2:30 p.m. (Presenters: Avita Kennedy, RYT and Colleen Longo, Breath work practitioner) Cost: $75.
March 19, 2026 – HONORING ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER - In honor of our patron St. Joseph, the staff cordially invites you to join us at Eucharistic Liturgy as we celebrate this special day. We will pray for peace and healing for ourselves and for our world. Please call to register by March 15. SPACE WILL BE LIMITED TO 40 PEOPLE. Refreshments and Blessed Bread after the program. Arrival: 10:30 a.m. Mass: 11:00 a.m./Departure: 1:00 p.m. (Presenters: Staff) Donation
April 24-26, 2026 – WELLNESS WEEKEND FOR WOMEN – How can we continue to not just survive but thrive after 50: At this retreat, we will explore creative ways to keep body, ind and soul active in the second half of life. Eucharistic Liturgy included. Massage will be available. No Supper on Friday. Arrival: 5:00-6:00 p.m./ Departure: 12:00 p.m. (Presenter: Janice Santanello, M.Th., CLEM, CSD, CPC) Cost: $425.