Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton: Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C. M.
Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee
Pastor: Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee
Pastor Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch
Pastor Emeritus: Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch
Parish Trustees: Linda Dickinson-Pancila & Tom Nathanson
Parish Trustees: Annette Raynor & Roger Zurro
8, 2026
Presidents’ Day Weekend
Saturday, February 14 Mass at 4 PM Sunday, February 15 Mass at 10 AM
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 7, 2026 - Sunday, February 15, 2026
Saturday, February 7
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
4 PM
Mona Fitzpatrick * Liz & Bob Vallis
Paul Saake * Barbara Saake
John M. Grabowski, Sr. * The Grabowski Family
Sunday, February 8
8 AM
Barwick and Ganley Families * Alice Ganley & Family
Louis Geneve * Francine & Joseph Corcoran
Vincent Kirchdoerffer * Nancy & George Stillwell
10 AM
Pro Populo
Gerard Carney Sr. * The Brown Family
Cynthia Gearin * Sandra Montefusco
12 Noon
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Antonio DeVito * Bree Parker
Barbara Pellecchia * James Dolan
Monday, February 9
9 AM
Ruby Poscablo Lim * Drs. Gener & Elvira Dapul
Mildred Scarpati * Margaret Sciandra
Tuesday, February 10
9 AM
Ana Bertha Valbuena * Maureen Valenziano
Margaret Miller * Susan Miller
Wednesday, February 11
9 AM
Sal Aiello * The Aiello Family
Intentions of Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Thursday, February 12
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
Friday, February 13
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
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 * The Dos Santos Family
Sunday, February 15
10 AM
Pro Populo
Carl F. Simone * Martha Mary Guild
Requested by
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
MASS INTENTIONS & SANCTUARY LAMPS
Request a Mass Intention ($10 stipend)
Antoinette Tommolino * Marie Artale Request a Sanctuary Lamp ($25 stipend)
What can you do to bring the light of Jesus into the lives of your family, friends, and people you meet?
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
Question for Youth: How do you feel when Jesus says that YOU are the salt of the earth and that YOU are called to be the light for others?
Question for Adults:
What specific efforts do you take to maintain your light? Do you let your light dim? Why?.
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Scholastica, Religious, 480-543
Scholastica was the twin sister of Saint Benedict and was a member of a wealthy family from the central area of present-day Italy. Like her brother, Scholastica was drawn early on to a religious life. After Benedict founded a monastery at Monte Cassino, south of Rome, she joined a convent in Plombariola, which was a town located a few miles away from Monte Cassino. Scholastica became Abbess of the convent and is considered to be the first Benedictine nun. Scholastica and her brother visited each other once each year. Because Scholastica was not permitted in the monastery, they met at a nearby farmhouse. In these meetings, the twins discussed spiritual matters. At their last meeting, Scholastica sensed that her death was near at hand. She asked her brother to remain overnight so that they might continue their discussion. Benedict refused because he did not want to remain outside of the monastery overnight as this would break his own rule.
World Marriage Day is celebrated annually on the 2nd Sunday of February, which usually falls on or near St Valentine’s Day. World Marriage Day honors husband and wife as the foundation of the family, the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of their faithfulness, sacrifice and joy in daily married life. More intently, the focus of this day is to remind married couples to maintain an open and honest relationship within marriage. In addition, couples by nature of their sacred vows are charged with living out a sacramental relationship in the service of others only their children, but their families and communities as well.
In recent years, the awareness has broadened and the week of February 7-14 has been designated as World Marriage Week. At Sunday Masses, there is a special blessing for married couples. During the week, couples are encouraged to participate in activities with each other to strengthen their marriages. Resources have been compiled and can be found at the link below:
World Marriage Week 2026: Source of Hope, Spring of Renewal. Pursue a Lasting Love!
national-marriage-week/
Parish of SAINT MARY
Mass at 9AM
Prayer Services at 4 PM & 5 PM
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.
Parish of SAINT catharine Mass at 12 Noon
Prayer Services at 6 PM & 7:30 PM
FEBRUARY 18, 2026
Saturday, Feb. 14
4 PM
Sunday, Feb. 15
10 AM
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, February 14 & Sunday, February 15
Altar Server Cantor Reader 1 Reader 2 EMHC
Jonathan Stubbs Joseph Brando Diane Dragone Jennifer Stubbs Charles Young
Tesya Yaninas
RJ Vaina Carly York Steve Rumsby Matt Yaninas
Tom Kinlin, Organ Host
Susan Murphy, Tabernacle Host
Tom Nathanson, Tabernacle Host
Louise Habrack, Alternate
Linda Dickinson-Pancila, Organ Host
Carol Donahue, Tabernacle Host
Richard Gerbino, Tabernacle Host
Fran Vaina, Alternate
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.
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.
Click here for more information regarding 2026 Lenten Guidelines from the Diocese of Trenton
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
RE Summer Intensive Registration/ReRegistration will remain open through March 31, 2026. Sessions are filling up fast, please use the link to register at your earliest convenience. We will be collecting Diapers for our Diaper Drive- this is a great opportunity to receive both INTERGENERATIONAL credit and Service hours for all children in RE. The link to RSVP for Fishers of Men INTERGENERATIONAL is in the RE calendar; craft/presentation will be in Madonna Hall, followed by the Ash service in the church.
RE teachers wanted! See page 4 for details!
RE SUMMER INTENSIVE 2026
Registration is OPEN!
Click here
Session Dates: Virtual: July 13 through 24
On-Campus: August 3 through14
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Click each opportunity for details
Diaper Wrapping
Passing Out Lenten Books
Stuffing Easter Eggs for Easter Egg Hunt
Summer Intensive Volunteers
18 February 2026
Ash Wednesday
Diaper Drive begins in Narthex (see Pastoral Care & Outreach page for details)
Fishers of Men Intergenerational Click to register
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 healthy! The diaper drive benefits the needy through Childcare Resources of Monmouth County! www.CCRNJ.org Diaper Wrapping Party! Saturday, February 21, 2026 in Madonna Hall 2:30 pm concludes with 4:00pm Mass Service Hours Eligible! ALL parishioners are invited to participate! Come and prepare diaper bundles for distribution through the Diaper Bank of Monmouth County! CLICK TO REGISTER! Limited to 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 * ASH WEDNESDaY ONLY * SERVICE
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!
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
Let’s tackle hunger this Super Bowl!
Kick off the Super Bowl by stocking the shelves of local food pantries.
Drop your canned goods in the box of your “team” in the Narthex February 7 and 8.
The Martha Mary Guild
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Meeting starts with Rosary at 11:30 a.m. in Chapel “Bring Your Own Lunch” at Noon in Madonna Hall Program to follow
Special Guest Speaker:
Lisa Shimrock, Senior Fund Development Manager of Mary’s Place by the Sea in Ocean Grove, a very special place where women with cancer can meet, laugh, and feel like women again. It is a place of love, peace and energy.
We will be collecting the following so kindly bring a donation:
• Plain journals/notebooks
• Tissues (unscented)
• Paper towels
• Paper napkins
• Toilet paper (Scott)
• Tall kitchen bags
• Small bathroom trash bags
Jesus calls us to be earth and the light of the world reminding us that our faith is meant to be lived through loving action. Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Click below to watch how others made Super Bowl Sunday a win against hunger! Not Your Typical Super Bowl Party
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time. We speak of the paschal mystery in terms of dying and rising. Perhaps the gospel this Sunday offers another way of putting it: taste or be thrown out; be a light that shines, hidden is no good for anyone. Practically speaking, this might mean that we get involved in some of the visible parish ministries, not only liturgical ones but perhaps social outreach or tutoring one of the school children. Maybe being salty or shining simply means that we take stock of our already too-busy days and reflect on what has value or meaning for the good of others and what has become habit to no real avail. Discipleship always involves ongoing discernment.
Our OCIA candidates continue their journey toward the Easter Sacraments. Let us continue to pray for them and their families. The month of February is a time for us to reflect on the great gift of God’s love present in the Sacrament of Marriage. The love of a man and a woman is a revelation of God’s love. Through their love and openness to God’s grace, family life is another way in which God’s presence is made known. The Sacrament of Marriage is not something that ought to be taken for granted. It deserves the very best we can offer as we prepare couples for this sacrament and as we support married couples throughout their life journey. Let us continue to pray for women and men who commit themselves to the noble vocation of married life. I hope that some from our parish
community will participate in the Catholic Men’s Rally. It is a time for men as well as their sons to discover how God is calling them to share their faith in the family and the workplace.
Religious Education registration for the Summer Program has begun. I am grateful to our parish staff for their care in preparing the registration process and making it as accessible as possible for our parish families. Each year we evaluate the process to make it as “user friendly” as possible. We have assembled a group of committed teachers of religion top staff this program each year. The instructors are persons of faith who have obtained a teaching certificate, catechetical certificate and are fully compliant with the expectations of our church to serve the needs of our parish children.
This weekend we kick off the 2026 Annual Catholic Appeal along with all the parishes throughout our Diocese of Trenton. I know there are many request for philanthropic support/charitable giving. Please consider making your gift/pledge sooner rather than later. Let us continue to demonstrate our support for His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton. More to come…. Next weekend we will observe an abbreviated mass schedule. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in our prayer. HappySunday. Peace. Father Jeff
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Shortly after the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV spoke words that continue to echo in my heart and in the heart of the Church: “This is the hour for love.” His message was not just poetic—it was prophetic. Love is not meant for later. Love is for now strong, courageous, joyful, and true.
That same love shapes our 2026 Annual Catholic Appeal, “Love That Strengthens, Joy That Sustains.” We are invited not only to give, but to love to care boldly and act with faith. Your gift joins you to something much greater than yourself:
•You sustain joy in our schools, parishes, and youth ministries.
•You walk with the elderly, the poor, the sick, and our retired priests, ensuring they are never forgotten.
•You support future priests, deacons, catechists, and leaders of our Church, investing in the future with love.
This Appeal is not about numbers but about hearts saying “yes” to love, joy, strength, and courage, all lived out through our diocesan ministries. I have seen the grace that flows when we come together in faith. Love gives strength, and joy sustains us. Even in difficult times, it is the joy of Christ, not the ease of life, that carries us through.
Your continued support of the Annual Catholic Appeal is a beautiful act of faith, an expression of love that continues to touch countless lives within our parish and beyond. Every gift you make is a living witness to your faith and compassion, and I am deeply grateful for your commitment each year.
With all my heart, I ask you to continue with me in this holy work. Give as you are able—generously, joyfully, and with great hope. Your gift is a declaration of faith, proclaiming that love is stronger than fear and that Christ’s joy is for everyone.
Yours in Christ,
TEMPORAL ADMINISTRATION & STEWARDSHIP
Edwin A. Sevillano— Pastoral Associate for Temporal Administration & Stewardship
TemporalAdmin@StMarysColtsNeck.org
Thank You for Helping Us Meet Winter Needs
BULIDING FUND COLLECTION
FEBRUARY 2026
$2,106.26
Monthly payment: $7,996
Difference funded with general fund monies
2025 END-OF-YEAR CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS
Statements of charitable contributions for calendar year 2025 are available! Your personal statement can be retrieved online. Click here to sign in
Our parish is deeply grateful for the continued generosity of our community. Your weekly offerings make it possible for us to sustain our ministries, care for our facilities, and support those in need. The recent snowstorms for two consecutive weekends including the MLK holiday long weekend have had a noticeable impact on our Sunday collections. We saw a drop of approximately 60–80 giving households on those weekends, creating a significant gap in our regular operating support. In addition to our usual expenses, we are also facing increased snow-removal costs and higher heating expenses due to the extended stretch of frigid temperatures. If you were unable to attend Mass due to the weather or travel, we kindly ask you to consider catching up on your offering as soon as you are able. We are especially grateful for those who support the parish through online giving, which helps us remain steady during challenging winter weeks.
Thank you for your faithfulness and for all the ways you support our parish family.
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
PERSONAL RETREAT DAY (In person only) Wednesday, February 11 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Come to Francis House for silence, personal prayer and optional spiritual direction. The day begins and ends with a brief prayer together. Please bring a bag lunch. Donation: $10; $40 with spiritual direction.
UNDERSTANDING & BEFRIENDING DIFFERENCES Monday, February 16 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Why is it so difficult to relate to those who are different from us? If you need a little understanding and compassion in dealing with challenging personalities to learn the art of accepting and appreciating people with personalities contrary to our own. Please bring your own lunch. Donation: $50
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.
SAN ALFONSO RETREAT HOUSE
Twilight Evening of Recollection
Married Couples
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.
