Living & Deceased Parishioners & Parish Benefactors
Giuseppe Valenti * Tagliavia Family
Al Miller * Susan Miller
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Mark of Arethusa, Bishop, d. c. 365
The emperor Constantine ended the bloody persecution of Christians and declared Christianity to be the state religion. But persecution did not end with Constantine. Some years after his death, his half-brother, Julian, became emperor in 361. While initially raised as a Christian, Julian, as a young boy, came under the influence of a pagan philosopher. When he became emperor, Julian, who came to be known as Julian the Apostate, sought to re-impose paganism as the state religion. He issued several edicts stripping Christian churches of property and ordering all towns to re-establish pagan temples for worship. Mark, the bishop of Arethusa (in present day Syria), had gained many converts to Christianity beginning in the reign of Constantine. He demolished pagan temples and replaced them with churches. Read more...
LIFELONG CATECHESIS: Week of March 8 to 14
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday, March 8
Exodus 17:3-7 / Romans 5:1-2,5-8 / John 4:5-42
Monday, March 9
2 Kings 5:1-15 / Luke 4:24-30
Tuesday, March 10
Daniel 3:25,34-43 / Matthew 18:21-35
Wednesday, March 11
Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9 / Matthew 5:17-19
Thursday, March 12
Jeremiah 7:23-28 /Luke 11:14-23
Friday, March 13
Hosea 14:2-10 / Mark 12:28-34
Saturday, March 14
Hosea 6:1-6 / Luke 18:9-14
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?
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist
The Way of the Cross has its roots in the early centuries of the Church as pilgrims would walk the Via Dolorosa (the way of sorrows) in Jerusalem, tracing the route Jesus would have taken from his trial to his crucifixion. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Franciscans in Europe began to build outdoor shrines to duplicate the experience found in the Holy Land.
While the number of stations has varied widely (as few as seven and as many as 30) the tradition of saying prayers and chanting at each station has continued through the centuries, and eventually the 14 stations we know today came into fashion. There were still variations, and in response to this, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted the Scriptural Way of the Cross in 1991 as a means of unifying (at the very least) the events which each station depicted.
Therefore, the proper Catholic Way of the Cross has 14 stations, beginning with Jesus condemned to death and ending with the laying of the body in the tomb.
In the Roman Catholic Church, the devotion may be conducted personally by the faithful, making their way from one station to another and saying the prayers, or by having an officiating celebrant move from cross to cross while the faithful make the responses.
There are several published versions of the way of the cross, and we have some available in the chapel on the side altar for your use during Lent. We have also published the times for communal stations of the cross at our cohort parish of Saint Catharine in Holmdel. While the stations may be prayed at any time, Friday is considered the penitential day and when they are prayed most often, especially the Fridays of Lent.
Saturday, March 14
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 14 & Sunday, March 15
Altar Server Cantor Reader 1 Reader 2 EMHC
4 PM NOT FILLED Jonathan Stubbs
Sunday, March 15
8 AM NOT FILLED Jacob Barasky
Sunday, March 15
10 AM
Sunday, March 15
Marybeth Jacobson
Jennifer Stubbs NOT FILLED
Carly York Rita Duenas Kevin Swan
Grace Collins Julianna Dukes
12 Noon NOT FILLED Jack Schatzle
Choir with Cantor Julia Cullen Rita Duenas
Carly York Mary Ellen Griffin
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 (2/20 3/27)
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
Jane Slattery, Organ Host
Emily Santangelo, Tabernacle Host
Tom Kinlin, Tabernacle Host
Louise Habrack, Alternate
Michael Staub, Organ Host
Maureen Staub, Tabernacle Host
Mary Aiello, Tabernacle Host
Joseph Flangan, Alternate
Tom Nathanson, Organ Host
Sue Fitzpatrick, Tabernacle Host
Michal Kalisz, Tabernacle Host
Linda Dickinson-Pancila, Alternate
Liz Turkovic, Organ Host
Charles
Parish of St. Catharine
March 11 6:30 PM
March 25 6:30 PM
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 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
We had a great turn out for our Confirmation Prep parent retreat “Parenting Courageously” and look forward to retreating with all CP-1&2 children this weekend. These important topics of Theology of the Body, help us to consider the bible teachings about the purposefulness, value and even sacredness of our bodies. Developing a biblical theology of our bodies provides crucial context for how we treat each other and how we engage in numerous cultural questions.
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
8 March 2026
Happiest Middle Schoolers Retreat 10 AM in Church / Madonna Hall For CP students
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
Easter Vigil INT 8 PM Church
12 April 2026
Easter Egg Hunt INT 12 Noon, Parish Grounds
CONFIRMATION PREP
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
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
Stuffing Easter Eggs for Easter Egg Hunt
Summer Intensive Volunteers
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. Look for link in the coming weeks!
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
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 / Gr. 8: Men’s socks & travel size lotion
CF-1 / Gr. 7: Travel size deodorant, disposable razors
Please keep our OCIA Candidates 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.
Child Care Resources of Monmouth County and Logan’s League extends sincere thanks to the children and families of St. Mary’s for the generous diaper drive donations!
The Martha Mary Guild
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Meeting starts with Rosary at 11:30 a.m. in Chapel
“Bring Your Own Lunch
Please note: Members of the Board are supplying soup and bread to add to your lunch. speaker to follow lunch at approximately 12:45 PM.
Special Guest Speaker: Fr. Tony Carotenuto
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Third Sunday of Lent. Coming to know Jesus as the savior of the world requires a constant deepening of faith, a faith that comes from the “gift of God.” Our lives constantly play out the struggle to deepen our faith and get to know Jesus better; the journey of all disciples is to come to deeper belief. One way to deepen our faith and come to know Jesus better is by spending more time with him as a Friend. Lent is an opportune time to become more attentive to Jesus’ presence—especially in prayer—and encounter him as One who loves us. Another way is to enumerate the blessings God has already given us and remember that these truly are gifts from God. Yet another way to deepen our faith and come to know Jesus better is by coming to a deeper selfunderstanding of ourselves as body of Christ and make concrete efforts to act like Christ’s body. Something so simple as saying thank you or smiling at another who looks sad or depressed are simple acts, but they remind us of who we are: Christ for others.
Our Parish Lenten Penance & Reconciliation is scheduled for Sunday, 22 March at 3:00 PM in our parish church. I am pleased to inform you that we have a number of priest confessors scheduled for your convenience. Please come with your family, children, neighbors and friends to receive the grace of this awesome sacrament of God’s Mercy. We are in the process of scheduling ministers for Holy Week, the Triduum & Easter Sunday. Please be open to serving our parish on these most days when the Sacred Liturgy calls us to reflect the great sacrifice of Christ for us.
We are in the early preparation stages for the
July 2026 – June 2027 Master Calendar. Preparations for the 2026-2027 Budget is beginning. Input for Capital Projects from the Staff and other Pastoral Committees are being considered by the Parish Team. It is essential that these Pastoral Leadership Groups assist in the process of forming the budget and prioritizing the capital projects each year. It is imperative that we move toward “mission-directed budgeting” and move away from “budgeting the mission.” The Parish Trustees and Parish Finance Council along with the Pastor make the final determination for staff salary proposals with the Diocese of Trenton setting the standards for Clergy and Religious and compensation packages in the parish. Please continue to pray for and support all of those parishioners who generously share their time and talent to ensure good stewardship of our parish resources and a sense of shared ownership that is critical as we continue to move forward.
Progress continues to be made in our steady progression toward attaining our goal for the 2026 Annual Catholic Appeal. As we make progress toward our parish goal, it remains important that we continue to expand the number of participants in this important initiative. We need broad support in order to achieve our goal. May God bless you for your tremendous spirit of sharing.
This weekend we move the clocks one hour forward…don’t forget. The mornings will be dark again! The afternoons will be filled with light until the early evening. 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
TemporalAdmin@StMarysColtsNeck.org
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.
Offerings at Francis House of Prayer
Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center and Retreat House www.FHOP.org * 609-877-0509 * FHOP@verizon.net
THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS
Thursday, March 12
C.S. Lewis gifts us with a very cleverly written treatment of discernment of spirits. We will use the book The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Letters to guide our discussion. Come and enjoy this classic! Donation: $25, includes lunch. Zoom $20.
LENTEN RETREAT FOR MARRIED COUPLES
Step away from the busyness of daily life and give yourselves the gift of time to breathe, reconnect, and be renewed together afternoon, you’ll be gently guided through reflections and discussions designed to help you focus on the sacred bond you share. There will a be dedicated moments for private conversation and prayer, allowing you to deepen your connection with one another and with Go $50 per couple. Mass included.
THE IMITATION OF CHRIST: THE BEATITUDES EDITION
Let’s enjoy the wisdom of this timeless classic by Thomas Beatitudes Edition. Listen as Jesus speaks right to you as a friend with loving advice. tion: $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 templation may be a new way to pray for you. The gospel story is about YOU! 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 to accompany Mary at the moment of the Annunciation - where her openness to God's will changed everything. Discover how saying "yes" can transform your own life, deepen your faith, and open your heart to new possibilities. Through prayer, quiet, and community, experience the echo of Mary’s courageous response and prepare to encounter God’s invitation anew. Led by JoLynn Krempecki. Donation: $25, includes lunch. Zoom: $20 $20.
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 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.
