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
MARCH 15, 2026
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
LENTEN CONFESSION
Sunday, March 22 at 3 PM at The Parish of Saint Mary
Arrival time by last name: A-H: 3:05 PM I-P: 3:15 PM Q-Z: 3:25 PM
Confession at Area Parishes:
St. Benedict, Holmdel, March 15 at 3 PM
St. Gabriel, Marlboro , April 1 at 7 PM
SPRING CLEANUP
Come to 8 AM or 10 AM Masses & help us out! Sunday, March 22
Click here to sign up! Bring your rakes and gloves!
Get together with friends, family and fellow parishioners to help clean-up our parish grounds from the winter months!
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, March 14, 2026 - Sunday, March 22, 2026
Saturday, March 14
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
4 PM
Gloria McGrath * Rich Luzzi
Francisca Dapul * Drs. Gener & Elvira Dapul
Jack Davis * Rorie & Jack Coppola
Sunday, March 15
8 AM
Andy Lotano * Susan & Ken Davis
Connie Weighell * Alice Ganley
Nancy Vida * Denise Adams
10 AM
Joaquin Duenas * Rita & Michael Duenas
James Britton * Joy Barbara & Walsh Family
Richard Fess * Allen & Sandra Montefusco
12 Noon
Living & Deceased Parishioners & Parish Benefactors
Giuseppe Valenti * Tagliavia Family
Al Miller * Susan Miller
Monday, March 16
9 AM
Mario Grillo * Carol Grillo & Family
Joseph Nogueira * Marie M. Nogueira
Tuesday, March 17
9 AM
William O'Doherty * Florence & Kevin Swan & Family
Robert A. Daly * Rebecca Roach
Wednesday, March 18
9 AM
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Mary Dohan * Rorie & Jack Coppola
Thursday, March 19
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
Friday, March 20
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
Saturday, March 21
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
4 PM
Living & Deceased Parishioners & Parish Benefactors
Frank Saake * Barbara Saake
Veronica Grabowski * The Grabowski Family
Sunday, March 22
8 AM
DeStefano/Albruno Families * Franceschetti Family
Esther DePaola * Natalie Weinhofer
Allan Kenty * Katherine Bernardini
10 AM
Pvt. Charles H. Haber * Carol Ann Donahue
Antoinette Tommolino * Marie Artale
Philomena Iacono * Catherine Rennhack
12 Noon
Angelo & Antoinette Lucarelli * Richard & Maria Gerbino
Modestino Lucarelli * Leanne Lucarelli
Christopher Billingslea * Chris Kehoe
Please pray for the following members of our parish community who are ill:
Jack Coppola
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.
LIFELONG CATECHESIS: Week of March 15 to 21
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday, March 15
1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a/ Ephesians 5:8-14 / John 9:1-41
Monday, March 16
Isaiah 65:17-21 / John 4:43-54
Tuesday, March 17
Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 John 5:1-16
Wednesday, March 18
Isaiah 49:8-15 / John 5:17-30
Thursday, March 19
2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 /Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a
Friday, March 20
Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22 / John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Saturday, March 21
Jeremiah 11:18-20 / John 7:40-53
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
Jesus is the Living Water
Question for Children:
How do you experience Jesus helping and loving you?
Question for Youth:
Question for Youth: Jesus revealed himself to an outcast of society. How can you be “living water” to the outcasts of your school? Society? The world?
Question for Adults:
When you are tempted to try to satisfy your “thirst for meaning” through some other means, what keeps you coming back to the living water of intimacy with Christ? Through what means do you experience Christ’s power in your life: Sacraments? Scripture? Prayer? Others?
Andrew J. Macirowski Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org
Fourth Sunday of Lent
The 4th Sunday of Lent, also known as Antiphon for the day. The full translated text reads: Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her.
Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast
The readings for the day take a more hopeful turn as we are now 21 days from the celebration of Easter. proclaimed. In Year B, the famous John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.
Some differences from the rest of the Lenten season:
The clergy wear Rose-colored vestments, not unlike Gaudate Sunday, the day of rejoicing during the Advent season.
The organ may be used as a solo instrument, a departure from its otherwise restricted use during the season of Lent.
Flowers may be temporarily used in church decorations.
The sense of being able to rejoice with the hope of the resurrection can be reassuring for some and the Church gives us this day for that reason.
With the 5th Sunday of Lent, a more somber tone returns as we enter passiontide, Palm Sunday with the commemoration of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper and the crucifixion, followed by Holy Week and the Sacred Paschal Triduum.
Saturday, March 21
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 21 & Sunday, March 22
Altar Server Cantor Reader 1 Reader 2
4 PM NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Sunday, March 22
8 AM NOT FILLED NOT FILLED
Sunday, March 22
10 AM
Sunday, March 22
Chloe Cullen Julianna Dukes
12 Noon Jacob Barasky NOT FILLED
Bridget Farrow Mary Ellen Griffin NOT FILLED
Carly York Joe Ventura Kevin Swan
Carly York Julia Cullen Richard Gerbino
Choir with Cantor Charles Young Jennifer
Lenten Regulation Guidelines of the Universal Church
Days of Fast AND Abstinence
Ash Wednesday (2/18) & Good Friday (4/3).
Days of Abstinence Only
All other Fridays of Lent
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
EMHC
Richard Gerbino, Organ Host
Louise Habrack, Tabernacle Host
Nick Turkovic, Tabernacle Host
Moncia Barr, Alternate
Marsha Grigoli, Organ Host
Cindy Ventura, Tabernacle Host
Steve Stanley, Tabernacle Host
Justine Buzzetta, Alternate
Linda Dickinson-Pancila, Organ Host
Joseph Burtone, Tabernacle Host
Dawn Burtone, Tabernacle Host
Sue Fitzpatrick, Alternate
Tom Nathanson, Organ Host
Parish of St. Catharine, Holmdel March 25 6:30 PM
STATIONS OF THE CROSS at
Parish of St. Catharine Holmdel Every Friday during Lent through 3/27
Sunday, March 22
Starting at 3 PM by last name A-H: 3:05 PM I-P: 3:15 PM Q-Z: 3:25 PM
Area Parishes: March 15 at 3 PM
St. Benedict, Holmdel
April 1 at 7 PM
St. Gabriel, Marlboro
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
CP-1&2 attended a very impactful Theology of the Body retreat last weekend; we offer this retreat every two years at the parish. We encourage parents to fill out the follow up survey, as your thoughtful feedback is important.
We are looking for RE parents and CP children or older to help with the Easter Egg Hunt. This includes set-up, working the event and clean-up crews. Use this the link on the next page under “Service Opportunities” to volunteer your time and talents.
Penance & Reconciliation is on Sunday, March 22 at 3pm in the chapel. This counts as session #14 for all CP children, as attendance will be taken. Please be sure to sign-in using the QR code in the narthex and check page 5 for times by last name.
Important reminders: CP-2 paperwork is due soon. Please drop off at the parish office as completed: Saint Name & Report, Service Hour log & Report, Sponsor certificate & Magazine lessons. All paperwork must be complete and submitted before Confirmation Interviews. CP-1 Bible projects should be almost complete and dropped off at the parish by the end of April. INTERGENERATIONAL reporting sheets for elementary RE must be completed by May 8, 2026. There are many INT coming up, please check the list in the link/resource box below!
22 March 2026
Lenten Penance & Reconciliation INT
3 PM Chapel Mandatory
Attendance will be taken for all RE
Spring Cleanup INT
Beginning at both 8 AM & 10AM Masses Following on Parish Grounds
29 March 2026
Palm Sunday Palm Weaving INT
10 AM in Church & Madonna Hall Click to register
30 March—6 April 2026
Easter Break No RE Classes
2 April 2026
Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper INT 7 PM Church
3 April 2026
Good Friday
12 Noon: Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion INT 3 PM: Outdoor Stations of the Cross INT
4 April 2026
Morning Prayer & Blessing of Food 9 AM Chapel
RELIGIOUS ED LINKS & RESOURCES
RE Calendar RE Handbook
Intergenerational List/Descriptions
Intergenerational Recording Sheet
Confirmation Prep Schedule Fall RE Schedule 2025-2026
Easter Vigil INT 7:30 PM Church
12 April 2026
Easter Egg Hunt INT 12 Noon, Parish Grounds Click to RSVP
WE ARE SEEKING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TEACHERS!
We are in need of practicing Roman Catholics, alive in their faith, who possess a teaching certification to teach our summer RE program! The RE summer intensive August session runs August 3-14, M-F, 8:30am to 12:30pm. Paid positions available.
For more information, email j.cullen@stmaryscoltsneck.org
CONFIRMATION PREP
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
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 &
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Click each opportunity for details
Stuffing Easter Eggs for Easter Egg Hunt
Summer Intensive Volunteers Spring Cleanup
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. Preregistration required.
CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER!
RE SUMMER INTENSIVE 2026
Limited spots open Click here to register Registration to close 3/31
Session Dates: Virtual: July 13 to 24 On-Campus: August 3 to 14
Blessing Bag Gathering Event through May 2
Drop-Off Location: Rear of Madonna Hall PleasedonotleavedonationsinNarthex
Click here for Amazon Wish List
You can choose to have items delivered directly to the Parish! Just choose “Blessing Bags Gift
Religious Education Children Requested Donations by Session
CF-2: Men’s socks & travel size lotion
CF-1: Travel size deodorant, disposable razors
CF-D: Small (8oz.) water bottles
CF-C: Travel size shampoo
CF-B: Travel size toothpaste
CF-A: Toothbrushes
FHC-2: Snack bars/breakfast bars
FHC-1: Soap/travel size body wash
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:
Are you looking to grow in your faith, make new friends and get involved in your Catholic community?
You are invited to connect with youth ministry groups at our neighboring parishes! These vibrant communities offer great opportunities for prayer, service, and fun!
Click to learn more about a youth group at the neighboring parish of your choice:
•The Church of St. Catharine, Holmdel
•St. Gabriel’s Parish, Marlboro
•Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, Freehold
•Church of St. Leo the Great, Lincroft
Thinking of Becoming Catholic?
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the Church's process of welcoming newcomers into full communion with the Catholic Church. As you enter the Church, the parish community and the OCIA Program will walk with you on your journey of faith.
Click here for more information
Email PastoralCare-OCIA@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Quo vadis...
My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Lent also known as Laetare Sunday. Rose Vestments (not pink) are worn today to mark the progression of the Christian faithful through the Season of Lent toward Palm Sunday and the conclusion of the Lenten Season on Holy Thursday at sundown. Baptism is a ritual sign of coming to belief and admits one to full participation in worship. This statement doesn’t imply that those who have not been baptized or fully received into the Church haven’t worshiped God. They have or they probably wouldn’t be seeking to be initiated. Initiation changes the way one can worship and the sign of this is admittance to Eucharist and reception of the Body and Blood of our Lord. Worship, however, is far more than attendance and involvement in ritual acts, as important as that is. Worship includes a mission to reach out to others who are in need of spiritual insight, a deepened faith, or healing in any way. Authentic worship always requires a response of charity on behalf of others.
This coming week we observe the optional memorial of Saint Patrick; the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church. Mass will be celebrated 19 March; The Solemnity of the Annunciation is observed 25 March. We begin the Spring Season this week. As announced last year we will continue with the Saturday 4 PM Mass throughout the year; since Saint Catharine parish has Mass each Saturday at 5 PM.
Plans are underway for the preparation of our grounds for springtime. We will be cleaning up some of the planting beds throughout the property on Sunday, 22 March come to the 8am mass or 10 am mass and then help with the clean up. Please join us for the Spring Clean Up of our 25-acre property. It is a great time to come together and help make our parish church property ready for all of the festivities this time
of the year offers. Sign up using the link in the e-bulletin.
Preparations are well underway for Holy Week, The Triduum, and the Easter Season. I am grateful to all of our volunteers and those who serve in the various ministries. The customs of our Church are only possible when we pull all of our resources together working toward a common goal. The Liturgical Prayer for these seasons (Lent-Triduum-Easter) are rich in symbol and metaphor. They serve to remind us of God’s Steadfast Love for us and the call for us to Love One Another.
If you have not made your gift to the 2026 Annual Catholic Appeal please do so as soon as possible. Our parish continues to make progress toward reaching the minimum goal. We need you to participate this coming week. Please consider making your gift this week. Every gift counts.
Preparations for the Lenten Penance & Reconciliation Service next Sunday afternoon 22 March in the afternoon. We have a number of priests scheduled for your convenience. This is a great opportunity for families to come together and to witness to children the importance of seeking reconciliation. The Easter Quadfold and 2026 Easter Stewardship Envelope were mailed late last week. You should be receiving them in the coming days. Please keep the schedule in a convenient spot for easy reference. Invite your friends and relatives to join with us in prayer. Remember to car pool for Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. This weekend I will be celebrating the 10 AM and 12 Noon masses at Saint Catharine Parish. Father Patrick McPartland will be at Saint Mary this weekend. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
TEMPORAL ADMINISTRATION & STEWARDSHIP
Edwin A. Sevillano— Pastoral Associate for Temporal Administration & Stewardship
Ending Hunger with CRS Rice Bowl
This Lent, our community will participate in CRS Rice Bowl connecting our prayers, fasting and almsgiving to encounter God through our global family. We’ll meet, pray for and learn from families in Ghana, Guatemala and Timor-Leste who are rising above the challenges of hunger and malnutrition.
Please collect your offerings during Lent in the Rice Bowl provided. At the conclusion of Lent count the total offering, write a check to St Mary Parish for the total amount indicating CRS Rice Bowl in the memo line and drop it in the offerings box by April 12.
Click here to donate online
Thank you for supporting Catholic Relief Services.
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 more information: Email monmouth4life@hotmail.com Visit 40daysforlife.com/shrewsbury
40 days for Life/Shrewsbury is a peaceful, prayer witness. There is no shouting, foul language or graphic signs. As aways, stay on the sidewalk or public right of way. Do not go on private property, block driveway or park in Planned Parenthood lot.
Offerings at Francis House of Prayer
Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House www.FHOP.org * 609-877-0509 * FHOP@verizon.net
THE IMITATION OF CHRIST: THE BEATITUDES EDITION
PM
Let’s enjoy the wisdom of this timeless classic by Thomas The Beatitudes Edition. Listen as Jesus speaks right to you as a friend with loving advice. prayer. Donation: $25, includes lunch; Zoom $20.
IGNATIAN CONTEMPLATION: PLACE YOURSELF IN THE SCENE Wednesday, March 18
Sometimes a morning of prayer is just what you need to keep going in your life! This will be a morning of prayer, deep prayer contemplation may be a new way to pray for you. The gospel story is about YOU! in your life follow also. Wonderful for Lent. Donation: $25, includes lunch. Zoom: $20
ECHOES OF "YES": A RETREAT INSPIRED BY THE ANNUNCIATION
Embrace God’s invitation with Mary’s courage by stepping away from the noise of stepping away from the noise of your life and enter a sacred space of reflection, hope, and trust. This retreat invites you t Mary at the moment of the Annunciation - where her openness to God's will changed everything. Discover how saying "yes" can tran form your own life, deepen your faith, and open your heart to new possibilities. Through prayer, quiet, and community, experi echo of Mary’s courageous response and prepare to encounter God cludes lunch. Zoom: $20 $20.
PRAYER
OF
ABANDONMENT THE BEAUTY OF SURRENDER
We need to abandon ourselves to God more than ever these days. God has repeatedly proven himself trustworthy.This Lenten retr invites us, like Jesus, to grow in trust as we lay down our burdens & abandon ourselves and our future to the loving Providence of God. We will use Charles De Foucauld's Prayer of Abandonment to guide our prayer. Lent is coming to a close, so please spend this special time with Jesus today. Donation: $30, includes materials and lunch. Zoom, $20
IN PERSON ONLY PERSONAL RETREAT DAY Wednesday, April 15 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 togeth- er. Please bring a bag lunch. Donation: $10; $40 with spiritual direction.
San Alfonso Retreat House 755 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch
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
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.
