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 29,
2026
PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION
PALM WEAVING
SUNDAY, March 29 10 AM
Church & Madonna Hall Click to register
Sunday, April 5 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, March 28, 2026 - Sunday, April 5, 2026
Saturday, March 28
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
4 PM
Emilia Chavez * Jack & Rorie Coppola
Jack Davis * Donna & Frank Sikorskas
Carl Endlicher * Bob Endlicher
Sunday, March 29—Palm Sunday
8 AM
Living & Deceased Parishioners & Parish Benefactors
Fr. Phil Brada * Phyllis & Hugh Murphy
Anne Kenty * Katherine Bernardini
10 AM
Intentions of Rev. Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee * Staff & Parishioners
Dawn Schwartz * Kate Brody Insana & Family Intentions of Paula Natale * Natale Family
12 Noon
Loving Family Members * Janet Munger
Peter P. Caronna, Jr. * Bette & Tony Attanasio
Modestino Lucarelli * Pat Balbo
Monday, March 30
9 AM
Connie Weighell * Diane Carnevale
Teresita Blake * Kerry Higgins
Tuesday, March 31
9 AM
Peter Griffin * Mary Ellen Griffin
Ed McLeod * Una McLeod
Wednesday, April 1
9 AM
Renato Poscablo * Drs. Gener & Elvira Dapul
Eileen Ladley * Providence Zumbo
Thursday, April 2—Holy Thursday
7 PM
Living & Deceased Parishioners & Parish Benefactors
Friday, April 3—Good Friday
Noon —Passion of the Lord
Saturday, April 4—Holy Saturday
7:30 PM – (No intentions for this Mass)
Sunday, April 5—Easter
8 AM
Living & Deceased Parishioners & Parish Benefactors
10 AM
Living & Deceased Parishioners & Parish Benefactors
12 Noon
Living & Deceased Parishioners & Parish Benefactors
Kathy Weber
Jack Coppola
Father William Bausch
Rev.Msgr. Michael J. Walsh
Joe Brando
Lori Lettieri
Edward Habrack
LIFELONG CATECHESIS:
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday, March 29
Isaiah 50:4-7 / Philippians 2:6-11 / Matthew 26:14 27:66
Monday, March 30
Isaiah 42:1-7 / John 12:1-11
Tuesday, March 31
Isaiah 49:1-6 / John 13:21-33, 36-38
Wednesday, April 1
Isaiah 50:4-9a / Matthew 26:14-25
Thursday, April 2 Holy Thursday
Exodus 12:1-8,11-14 / 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 / John 13:1-15
Friday, April 3 Good Friday
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 / Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9 / John 18:1-19:42
Saturday, April 4 Holy Saturday
Genesis 1:1-2:2 / Genesis 22:1-18 / Matthew 28:1-10
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
Week of March 22 to 28
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION
Holy Week the mystery of our faith.
Question for Children:
Share how you sometimes make sacrifices for the good of others.
Question for Youth:
Today begins the holiest week of the year. It is a once-a-year opportunity to really reflect on Jesus life, death, and resurrection. How will you enter into this experience? How will you be open to how you might be changed?
Question for Adults:
Name one specific way that you live your baptismal call to enter into the death of the Lord by forgiveness, generosity, hospitality, or other ways.
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org
Palm Sunday
The Commemoration of the Lord’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem commonly known as Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar. This solemnity uniquely unites two dimensions of the Paschal Mystery: the joyful entrance of Christ into Jerusalem and the proclamation of His Passion. The liturgy begins with the Gospel account of Christ’s triumphant entry, followed by the reading of the Passion narrative, drawing the faithful into the full mystery of His suffering, death, and eventual Resurrection.
A central element of the day is the procession with blessed palm branches, which recalls the Gospel accounts of the people who welcomed Our Lord by spreading cloaks and branches along His path, acclaiming Him as King. In the cultural context of the Holy Land, palm branches especially those of the date palm were long regarded as symbols of victory, triumph, and royal dignity. Their notable height, often reaching between 15 and 50 feet, and their full, radiant fronds contributed to their association with majesty. Thus, their use in the liturgy underscores Christ’s kingship, even as He enters Jerusalem in humility, riding on a donkey.
The blessing and distribution of palms have been part of the Church’s liturgical tradition since at least the ninth century. In many Catholic homes, it is customary to weave these blessed palms into crosses or other devotional forms and to display them throughout Holy Week and the Easter season. In this way, they serve as sacramentals visible signs that dispose the faithful to receive grace and to reflect more deeply on the mysteries being celebrated.
Because these palms have been blessed, they are treated with reverence and may not be discarded casually. Instead, they are either buried or burned in a dignified manner. It is a longstanding Catholic custom for parishes to collect the previous year’s palms and burn them to produce the ashes used on Ash Wednesday. This practice beautifully expresses the unity of the Church’s liturgical year, linking the beginning of Lent with its culmination in the celebration of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
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
The Parish of Saint Mary 3 pm
Area Parishes:
April 1 at 7 PM St. Gabriel, Marlboro
Worship Aids
PALM SUNDAY
The Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem
HOLY THURSDAY Mass of the Lord’s Supper
GOOD FRIDAY
The Passion our Lord, Jesus Christ
GOOD FRIDAY Stations of the Cross
HOLY SATURDAY Morning Prayer
HOLY SATURDAY
The Paschal Vigil in the Holy Night
EASTER SUNDAY
The Resurrection of the Lord
2026HolyWeekandEaster
Saturday, March 28/Sunday, March 29
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, Masses: Sat 4 pm, Sunday 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm
Holy Week Schedule Monday, March 30
9:00 am Mass - Chapel
7:30 pm Chrism Mass
Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, Freehold
Tuesday, March 31 9:00 am Mass
Wednesday, April 1 9:00 am Mass
Holy Thursday, April 2
7 pm Mass of the Lord's Supper
Eucharistic Procession from the Church to the Chapel of Repose following Mass. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continues in the Chapel of Repose until 10:00 pm.
Good Friday, April 3
10:30 am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel of Repose
12:00 pm Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion - in the Church
3:00 pm Outdoor Stations of the Cross
Holy Saturday, April 4
9:00 am Prayer Service/ Blessing of FoodChapel NOPenance&Reconciliation
7:30 pm Solemn Vigil of the Lord’s Resurrection
* no 4:00 pm Mass or Confessions
Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection Sunday, April 5, 2026
Holy Saturday, April 4
7:30 PM
Easter
Sunday, April 5
8 AM
Easter
Sunday, April 5
10 AM
Easter
Sunday, April 5
12 Noon
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, April 4 & Sunday, April 5
Altar Server Cantor Reader 1 Reader 2
Chloe Cullen
Jonathan Stubbs NOT FILLED (2)
Joseph Brando NOT FILLED
Reagan Royal Grace Collins
Jack Main
Jacob Barasky
Choir with Cantor
Carly York
Angela Kinlin, Julia Cullen, Jennifer Stubbs, Rita Duenas NOT FILLED (4)
Joe Ventura Kevin Swan
Carly York
Rita Duenas Steve Rumsby
Carly York
“Easter Duty”
Charles Young Jennifer Stubbs
The Catholic Church requires of us as baptized Catholics to observe the following:
The obligation, the privilege really, of receiving the Eucharist at least once a year often called “Easter duty” for those in the state of grace should still be fulfilled during the period from the First Sunday of Lent to Trinity Sunday, May 31, 2026.
However, the Church’s law does permit this precept to be fulfilled at another time during the year when there is a just cause.
EMHC
Tom Kinlin, Organ Host
Martha-Jean Rosiello, Tabernacle Host
Elvira Dapul, Tabernacle Host NOT FILLED, Alternate
Mike LaCava, Organ Host
Maureen Staub, Tabernacle Host
Michael Staub, Tabernacle Host
Mary Aiello, Alternate
Fran Vaina, Organ Host
Sue Fitzpatrick, Tabernacle Host
Steve Stanley, Tabernacle Host
Linda Dickinson-Pancila, Alternate
Ron Gabbard, Organ Host
Richard Gerbino, Tabernacle Host
Dolores Lembo, Tabernacle Host
Michal Kalisz, Alternate
12 April 2026 12 Noon Parish Grounds
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
“Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest. When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken and asked, who is this?. And the crowds replied, this is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matt 21:9-10)
Please join us for Palm Weaving this Sunday, beginning at the 10am mass, following in Madonna Hall. All are welcome to come and learn how to weave the palms into crosses by parishioners.
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. Click here to volunteer your time and talents.
Important reminders: CP-1&2 paperwork and bible projects are due by the end of April. Please drop off at the parish office.
INTERGENERATIONAL reporting sheets for elementary RE must be completed by May 8, 2026. There are many INT coming up, please check the list
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
Easter Vigil INT 7:30 PM Church
12 April 2026
Easter Egg Hunt INT 12 Noon, Parish Grounds Click to RSVP
14 April 2026
Last Day of RE Class
3/31!
CONFIRMATION PREP UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Session #15: April 19 & April 21
Session #16: May 2: Spring Service Project Blessing Bag Outreach, 9:30am on the sidewalk by the spiritual center
Session #17: May 3
Bible project presentation and group picture: 1pm in Madonna Hall; Confirmation Interviews begin at 3pm for last names beginning with A-D, 3:20pm E-K, 3:40pm L-P, 4pm R-Z.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Click each opportunity for details
Palm Sunday Mass—Book Distribution
Easter Egg Hunt Prep Volunteer
Summer Intensive Volunteers
We are pleased to announce the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation
Date: Friday,16October2026 Time: 4:00pmsharp
PleasekeeptheConfirmandiinyourprayers
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
Please keep our OCIACandidates in your prayers as they prepare to complete their Christian Initiation:
Juniper Barasky
Rachelle Deyo
Kirsten Lawson
Lucianna Manza
Angelica Weber
As we intercede for them, may this Lenten season invite us to reflect on and renew our own sacramental life.
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
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
Quo vadis...
My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate Palm Sunday of Our Lord’s Passion and Death. We cry this day, “Hosanna!,” but unlike the people of the city of Jerusalem long ago, we need not ask, “Who is this?” This is the one who models for us the mystery of life: die to self so that we might be exalted, raised to new life. This week we celebrate in pointed liturgies the meaning of our whole Christian living: dying to self so that God can raise us up, too. This dying can be as simple as setting aside the time to participate in all the Triduum liturgies or as demanding as to recognize what in our lives we still need to abandon to be exalted as sons and daughters of God living new life.
There are many opportunities for prayer and worship during this Holy Week. The Chrism Mass at our Co-Cathedral of Saint Robert Bellarmine, Freehold, is held annually Monday at 7:30 PM. This is the time when His Excellency, The Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, CM, Bishop of Trenton, blesses the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens and consecrates the Sacred Chrism. These are the gifts given by the Most Reverend Bishop to each parish as they celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter Vigil and throughout the Liturgical Year. There is much preparation here in our parish for the Liturgies of Holy Week. Thanks to all those who have helped to prepare our parish facilities & liturgies. Andrew Macirowski has posted links for these liturgies in our e-bulletin. You may print them at home to bring with you or download on your device to follow along and fully participate in the sacred liturgy.
You should have received our Easter Mailer for your convenience. Please refer to it regarding the Triduum and Easter Sunday
Mass Schedule with all masses in the Church. Please note that the Solemn Easter Vigil will be celebrated at 7:30 PM in accord with universal church norms. Pray for those who will be Confirmed and receive Holy Communion during this mass. Invite your family members and friends who might be marginalized or alienated from the church community to join in the Eucharist this Easter. Remember that visitors will be with us and hospitality can be a wonderful hallmark of our community. Please welcome those who might be joining us even if they are in “your seat.” The Easter Collection is a major source of revenue for our parish community. This year, due to the severe cold and numerous snow storms your support is more important than ever. Thank you for your continued deliberate, generous stewardship in support of our parish and the many ministries and projects which are underway. I encourage you to carpool when coming to mass on Easter Sunday. It will take a few extra minutes to get here, park and enter the church. I ask that you please be kind and cooperative with the ushers and hospitality ministers especially at the 10am and 12noon masses on Easter Sunday. It is important that all of the seats in the nave of the church are completely filled before seating in the narthex gathering area.
We order enough palm for everyone to take what is needed. Should you require a lot more check back after the Sunday 12 Noon mass and help yourself. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Palm Sunday. Peace! Father Jeff
TEMPORAL ADMINISTRATION & STEWARDSHIP
Edwin A. Sevillano— Pastoral Associate for Temporal Administration & Stewardship
TemporalAdmin@StMarysColtsNeck.org
Thank you for your generosity!
Parking head-in on the grass
It is so wonderful that we are blessed with many parishioner families & visitors to our parish during this sacred season. Please be reminded that all staff, ministry volunteers & choir members should park head-in on the grass around the parish campus. Visitors are invited to do the same for additional parking especially during Palm Sunday and Easter Masses.
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 TimorLeste 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
Please Remember Our Parish this Easter
Our 2026 Easter Collection is a major annual collection to support our parish. It helps to fund capital projects as well as our regular operational expenses. Kindly use the Easter envelope your received in the mail for your offering and drop it in the collection box as you come to celebrate our Easter liturgies. Alternatively, you may make an offering electronically at our online giving system HERE.
Thank you for your generosity and HAPPY EASTER!
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 84 Walnford Road • Allentown, NJ 08501 www.FHOP.org * 609-877-0509 * FHOP@verizon.net
WE HAD HOPED! Wednesday, April 8 12:00 Noon – 3:00 PM
I would love to spend Easter Wednesday afternoon praying over the Emmaus story with you. The story is full of both disappointment and surprise as they meet the Lord along the way. Bring your life along with you with its disappointments. You too may discover Jesus walking along the way with you. What a surprise! Come at noon. We will begin with a delicious lunch. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $25. Zoom: $20
PRAYING WITH OUR EXPERIENCES Thursday, April 9 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Often the content of our prayer is the life of Jesus. Other times, we can use the events of our own life as the content of our prayer and our meeting place with God. As we pray, we become aware of God's presence and how God uses every event of our daily life for our good and the good of others. God doesn’t waste anything! Everything is a gift! You will receive Joseph Schmidt’s book, Praying Our Experiences. Donation: $35, includes lunch and book. Zoom: $20
A GLIMPSE OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA Monday, April 13 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
St. Teresa has a way of talking us into keeping God first! Enjoying her maxims and touring her Interior Castle provide a short and reliable way to let her do that for you!. Let's enjoy them together! She will add some spark to your Easter season. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $25, includes lunch. Zoom: $20
WHAT’S YOUR DECISION? MAKING CHOICES WITH CONFIDENCE AND CLARITY Tuesday, April 14 9:30 AM –1:00 PM
We all have important decisions to make, decisions that radically alter our lives. Without a sound process in place for making key decisions, we are likely to question whether our final decision was a good decision and is what God truly desires for us. Decision making is complex at best. Having the Ignatian discernment process at hand for when you need it will clear your path to peaceful assurance that you are in fact doing the will of God. Led by S. Marcy. 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 together. Please bring a bag lunch. Donation: $10; $40 with spiritual direction.
DESIDERATA: THE PEACE OF THE RISEN CHRIST Friday, April 17 9:30 AM – Noon
We will spend the morning unpacking this ancient prayer as our participation in the mystery of Christ’s Resurrection with his gift of peace to us all. You will receive a framed copy of the prayer to enhance your celebration of these 50 days of Easter. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $30, with materials. Zoom $20
Holy Week Retreat
April 1 - 5, 2026
Begins Wednesday, April 1 at 3PM and ends after 7AM Sunrise Mass on Easter Sunday. Join us as we reflect on our Lord's Passion, Death, and Resurrection as we celebrate the Sacred Triduum together. CLICK TO REGISTER
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
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.
May 1-3 RESTORE AND RENEW
Relax and renew at the beautiful St. Joseph by the Sea retreat house at the Jersey shore. The weekend is the ideal getaway from a busy life. The program consists of daily gentle yoga, meditation, walks on the beach, fellowship and breathwork. You will leave refreshed and better prepared to share your best self with your family and community. Massage therapy will be available. Eucharistic Liturgy included. No Supper on Friday. Arrival: 5:00-6:00 p.m. Departure: 12:00 p.m. Presenter: Avita Kennedy, RYT Cost: $425
