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
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - Sunday, May 17, 2026
Saturday May 9
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
4 PM
Marge Eastman *Barbara and Joe Verga
Rachel Verga *Barbara and Joe Verga
Mr. and Mrs. F. Fusco *Franceschetti Family
Sunday May 10
8 AM
Antonina Ficarra * Cappelleri Family
DeStefano/Albruno Families *Franceschetti Family
Peter Caronna *Theresa and Vinny Rago
10 AM
Living & Deceased Parishioners & Parish Benefactors
Maria Blaffard and Philomena Iacono *Catherine
Gloria J. Ziemienski by Susan Gobat
12 PM
Maria and Camillo Gerbino *Richard and Maria Gerbino
Loving Family Members *Janet Munger
Emilia Chavez *Barbara Saake
Monday, May 11
9 AM
Intentions of Lisa Lowe *Lisa Lowe (for a successful surgery and recovery)
Matthew Peterson *Spengler Family
Tuesday, May 12
9 AM
Virginia and William Endlicher *Bob Endlicher
John McInerney *Fredda Family
Church Sanctuary Lamps
Chief Tim Pfleger
Wednesday, May 13
9 AM
Intentions of Loving Family Members *Janet Munger
Thursday, May 14
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
Friday, May 15
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
Saturday May 16
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
4 PM
Joseph Merck *Barbara Saake
Christopher Munger *The Grabowski and Munger Families
Renato Poscablo *Drs. Gener and Elvira Dapul
Sunday May 17
8 AM
Anne Marie Barth *Alice Ganley
Arnold, Marie and Richard Brundage *Huntley Family
John Grabowski *Eileen and Michael Stivala
10 AM
Eleanore P. Salvo *Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Longobardi
Raymond P. Shebell, Jr. *Linda and Michael Appolonia
Emma Rita Baudanza *Rima & Peter Goranites
12 PM
Living & Deceased Parishioners & Parish Benefactors
Richard Gerbino *Richard and Maria Gerbino
Loving Family Members *Janet Munger
The Amato Family
urday every week. You can request it at the parish office or accessing our online system HERE The stipends is $25.
Please pray for the following members of our parish community who are ill:
Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Walsh
Kathy Weber
Jack Coppola
Fr. William Bausch
Joe Brando
Lori Lettieri
Edward Habrack
Mario Geneve
To add or remove a family member from the sick list, please email parishbulletin@stmaryscoltsneck.org. Names will be removed from the list after 3 months. Thank for keeping us updated on your loved one’s health. ($10 stipend)
LIFELONG CATECHESIS:
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday, May 10—6th Sunday of Easter
Acts 6:1-7/1 Pt 2:4-9/Jn 14:1-12
Monday, May 11
Acts 14:5-18/Jn 14:21-26
Tuesday, May 12
Acts 14:19-28/Jn 14:27-31a
Wednesday, May 13
Acts 15:1-6/Jn 15:1-8
Thursday, May 14
Acts 15:7-21/Jn 15:9-11
Friday, May 15
Acts 15:22-31/Jn 15:12-17
Saturday, May 16
Acts 16:1-10/Jn 15:18-21
Week of May 10 to May 16
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION
We have the spirit of truth to guide us.
Question for Children: ises to be our friend forever. How do friends treat each other?
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: Jesus promised us that the Holy Spirit (the Advocate) would remain with us always. When have you experienced the Spirit?
Question for Adults: Which one of the promises in today’s Gospel gives you the most hope?
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Justin, Martyr, c. 100-165
Justin, a layman, was the first great apologist of Christianity and a number of his lengthy writings remain with us today. Born of Greco-Roman parents, Justin received the best liberal education available in his day. He studied rhetoric, history, poetry, and was especially interested in philosophy. But none of the philosophers whom he studied seemed to have exactly what he was looking for.
One day, as Justin was walking near the seashore pondering one of Plato’s maxims, he found himself being followed by a venerable looking old man. This stranger aroused Justin’s interest by telling him of a philosophy more virtuous and satisfying than any he had studied to that time. It was one, the man told him, revealed by God to the Israelite prophets of ancient times which had reached its culmination in Jesus Christ. Inspired by the man’s words, Justin began a study of Scripture and undertook to learn more about Christianity. Justin was baptized when he was about thirty
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org
Our Lady of Fatima - May 13
The month of May is dedicated to our blessed mother. One of her many titles, Our Lady of Fatima, refers to her appearances to three shepherd children Lucia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto in 1917 in the small village of Fatima, Portugal. Between May 13 and October 13, Mary appeared to the children six times, bringing a message of prayer, repentance, and conversion. She urged the daily praying of the Rosary for peace in the world and an end to World War I, which was then devastating Europe. Her message was simple but powerful: turn away from sin, return to God, and pray for the salvation of souls.
During the apparitions, Mary shared three important “secrets” with the children. These included a vision of hell, a prediction of another great war if people did not stop offending God, and a call for the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart. On October 13, 1917, tens of thousands gathered at Fatima and witnessed what became known as the “Miracle of the Sun,” when the sun appeared to dance and move in the sky. This extraordinary event strengthened belief in the apparitions, which were officially approved by the Church in 1930.
The message of Our Lady of Fatima remains deeply relevant today. She calls us to daily prayer especially the Rosary—penance, and trust in God’s mercy. Her devotion to the Immaculate Heart reminds us that God desires peace in our hearts, our families, and our world. As we honor Our Lady of Fatima, may we respond to her motherly request: pray faithfully, offer sacrifices for sinners, and live lives rooted in faith and hope.
Planning a Catholic Wedding?
First step is to make sure it is valid. (click for more info)
“Easter
Duty”
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, February 22, 2026 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.
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17 Altar Server Cantor Reader 1 Reader 2
Saturday, May 16
4:00 PM
Sunday,
May 17
8 AM
Sunday,
May 17
10 AM
Sunday, May 17 12 Noon
Suanne Duarte
Sophia Duarte (Sub Requested) Carly York
Jacob Barasky (Sub Requested) Carly York
RJ Vaina
Olivia Linquinto (Sub Requested) Carly York
Michele Gruenling Charles Young
Kevin Swan Joe Ventura
OH-Liz Turkovic
TH-Richard Gerbino
TH-Nick Turkovic
ALT-Susan Murphy
OH-Marsha Grigoli
TH-Richard Gerbino
TH-Mary Aiello
ALT-Joyce Flynn
OH-Fran Vaina
Barbara Schaflin Rita Duenas
Julia Dukes (Sub Requested)
Choir with Cantor (Sub Requested) Jennifer Stubbs
Fun and Games for the Martha Mary Guild meeting May
All women of the parish and our cohorts are welcome to join in the fun on May 13, the last Martha Mary meeting of the year. (Note: We will start working on the Clothing Sale in August.) We are going to "wrap it up" with a wonderful lunch for everyone from No Limits Cafe and we will enjoy a variety of games, with prizes! Rosary is at 11:30 a m , followed by a delicious lunch at noon. Then "Let the Games Begin"!!
Our generous members are asked to bring donations for the children (ages 5-13) of Kateri Day Camp at Collier. They need: one piece bathing suits, beach towels, pool toys, games, puzzles and books. Thank you in advance for your continual kindness.
TH-Steve Stanley
TH-Carol Donahue (Sub Requested)
ALT-Martha-Jean Rosiello
OH-Michal Kalisz
TH-Dolores Lembo
TH- (Sub Requested)
ALT– Ron Gabbard
MASS
Memorial Day Weekend
Saturday, May
Mass at 4 PM
Sunday, May 24
Mass at 10 AM
GROTTO CANDLES
The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions. Offering is $3.00 per candle.
Julia
FAITH FORMATION
Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
We had a beautiful and busy few days at the parish last weekend in RE! Thanks to all our elementary RE families who attended our final INTERGENERATIONAL of the year before the 4pm mass. The crowning of Mary, pics on page 7 was a beautiful ceremony.
Our Confirmation Prep students finished their year strong by packing 352 Blessing Bags for the poor and needy and showing their creativity and heart with their thoughtful Bible Projects in CP-1 and Confirmation interviews in CP-2 who will be making their Confirmation this October.
As a reminder, the Confirmation Retreat is scheduled for 19 September, beginning at the 4pm mass and following in Madonna Hall. Please take note of the new time
Fall registration is open and the link for all learners in Elementary RE and Confirmation Prep will remain open until the end of May. LINK TO REGISTER HERE
We are looking for more CP volunteers for our summer intensive program in July and August. Please SIGN-UP HERE We are also in need of a few more parents to assist as well, please email for more information and to sign-up at religioused@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Parents & Family at the center of FAITH FORMATION
The Parents & Families at the Center of Faith Formation project is brought to you by NCCL.
The National Community of Catechetical Leaders is dedicated to promoting the ministries of evangelization and catechesis in the U.S. Catholic Church by fostering a community of leaders who proclaim and teach the Word of Jesus Christ through the witness of accompaniment, education, and formation in the Catholic faith. This past year of RE, we implemented the NCCL project in 6 different ways to better meet families in faith with children from 0-18 years old. Beginning next week, we will highlight each one.
Congratulations to our newly initiated who came into Full Communion with the Church at the Easter Vigil.
Being a registered and active member of a parish is an important part of living out our Catholic faith in community. The Parish of St. Mary considers someone an active member when they:
Attend Mass regularly
Participate in the life of the parish
Juniper Barasky
Rachelle Deyo
And financially support the parish as they are able. We also encourage adult children over the age of 25 to register separately as parishioners, even if they continue to live in the same household. This helps them take personal responsibility for their faith journey and stay connected to the life of the Church. Non-residents are encouraged to register in the parish where they reside or attend Mass regularly.
Kirsten Lawson
Lucianna Manza
Angelica Weber
If you're interested in becoming a registered member of our parish, or need help with the process, we’d love to assist you. Please visit our parish website for more information or contact the parish office, we're here to help! Main Phone Number 732-780-2666
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.
MyDearParishioners:
Quo vadis...
Today we celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter. So much of resurrection belief rests in intimacy with Jesus and we know such intimacy is to characterize all of Christian life. Yet it’s difficult to keep things in perspective: so much of our life seems anything but connected to Jesus let alone his resurrection. Our sheer busyness hardly leaves us with a moment to catch our breath let alone be concerned about intimacy with Jesus! We have difficulty being intimate with those we love with whom we work and spend our lives; how in the world can we talk in any practical terms about intimacy with Jesus? Intimacy with Jesus doesn’t require that we pray all the time or that we are consciously aware of Jesus’ presence. Intimacy with Jesus is a simple matter of keeping his commandments—being gentle and reverent toward others, having a clear conscience, doing good (see second reading). For most of us we are already doing what we need to do to be good Christians; what more is needed is to recognize that these good actions are already receiving the intimacy Jesusoffers. Hemakesall good possible.
The Solemnity of Pentecost is observed on the 50th Day of Easter. This Solemnity marks the completion of the New Covenant of the Almighty with the People of God in promising to remain with us always…until the end of the age. The outpouring of the Paraclete is in essence the birthing of the Church, enabling the Apostles and their successors to continue the Mission of Christ by evangelizing and sacramentally
initiating new members into the Body of Christ the Church. This Pentecost is observed Memorial Day Weekend this year. Make a point to go to church wherever you mayfindyourself andwearsomething red!
The 2026 Easter Collection report will be published the weekend after the Solemnity of Pentecost. Those who have not made their gift to the 2026 Easter collection are encouraged to do so ASAP. Those who have made their gift, Thank You. We continue to make slow steady progress toward achieving our goal for the 2026 Annual Catholic Appeal Thank you for your generous sharing to support His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bishop of Trenton. Our rebate money is applied toward the continued replacement of all light fixtures throughout our parish campus…from fluorescent to LED…less energy used…no bulbs and ballasts…less maintenancerequired.
Enjoy these beautiful Spring Days. Remember all those who embrace the Vocation of Motherhood in your prayer. Thanks to all those who participated in the Annual May Crowning last weekend. It is a lovely custom honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary and entrusting our parish to her maternal care and intercession. Have a great week. Let us remember one another inprayer. HappySunday.
Have a great week. Let us remember one anotherin prayer. Peace.FatherJeff
TEMPORAL ADMINISTRATION & STEWARDSHIP
Edwin A. Sevillano— Pastoral Associate for Temporal Administration & Stewardship TemporalAdmin@StMarysColtsNeck.org
Please Remember Our Parish this Easter Season
Our 2026 Easter Collection is a major annual collection to support our parish.Ithelps to fund capital projects as well as our regular operational expenses. If you haven’t madean Ester offering yet, kindly use theEaster envelopeyour received in themail and drop it in thecollection box as soon as you are able. Alternatively,you may make an offering electronically at our online giving system HERE
Celebrating 100 years of retreat ministry in Long Branch, NJ
San Alfonso Retreat House
755 Ocean Avenue
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
"COME TO THE WATER" RELAX
& RENEW WEEK
JULY 19 - 24
We invite you for a week of rest and renewal at San Alfonso. Design your own schedule with time for quiet prayer, daily Mass, and various optional activities.
Note: This retreat is open to all; women and men, clergy, and religious sisters.
To Register, click HERE
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
MINDFULNESS AND CONTEMPLATION
Monday, May 11 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
There are similarities and differences between these two practices. Contemplation is essentially prayer. God and you are in a mutual exchange of love. Prayer always involves two persons, one is God. Mindfulness, on the other hand, is an awareness practice. Mindfulness helps you pay attention. Prayer is attentiveness and response to God and is an active engagement in your personal relationship. We will practice both during this retreat morning, so you experience the differ- ence. Donation: $25, Zoom, $20.
THE LOVING-KINDNESS PRAYER: COMPASSION FOR THE DIFFICULT ONES
Monday, May 11 1:00 – 3:30 PM
All the holiness we need lies in the true love of neighbor. The Loving-Kindness Prayer fills us with compassion for ourselves first and with all others. Sprinkle this Easter Season with the unconditional love of Jesus Risen. Let the risen Jesus in you reach out with love and compassion to all others, especially to those difficult to love. Like all prayer, this prayer is life-changing. Donation: $25. Zoom, $20.
IN PERSON ONLY
PERSONAL RETREAT DAYS
Wednesday, May 13 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.
UNCEASING PRAYER THE WAY OF A PILGRIM
Friday, May 15 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Life is above all, a pilgrimage! Most of us find ourselves praying on the run, pleading for help as we move about from one urgent task to the next. We will follow the advice of the pilgrim in the classic, The Way of a Pilgrim whose mastery of the Jesus Prayer fulfilled his desire for unceasing prayer and brought him peace and healing on his lifelong pilgrimage. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $30, includes lunch. Zoom $25.
FULL Admission Ticket ($70):
Includes: Admission to Six Flags Great Adventure, Opening Ceremony, Mega meal food voucher (a drink, meal and a snack) to be used anywhere in the park, and Sunday Liturgy. FREE Parking Vouchers for your group (upon request) Must be requested by Wednesday, May 13th.
For Season Pass Holders:
Season Pass holders can enter the Park with their pass anytime during the event, including entering early for the Opening Presentation and joining us for Mass in the evening.
Important Dates:
May 13th 2026: LAST DAY to request a Free Parking Voucher to be mailed
May 15th 2026:
LAST DAY to Pre-order admission tickets and food vouchers. (you can walk up and purchase tickets the day of the event but it may take you longer to get into the park).
