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
MAY 24, 2026
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, May 23, 2026 - Sunday, May 31, 2026
Saturday May 23
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
4 PM
Living & Deceased Parishioners & Parish Benefactors
Dr. Jack Dugo Sr. *Coppola Family
William Lauto *Richard and Maria Gerbino
Sunday May 24
10 AM
Intentions of Loving Family Members *Janet Munger
Elizabeth Joyce *Joyce Family
Theodoor and Linda Damen *Janet and Scott Cinfio Family
Monday, May 25
9 AM
Intentions of Loving Family Members *Janet Munger
Al Spino *Ann Marie Dayton
Tuesday, May 26
9 AM
George Hurley *Mr. and Mrs. Michael Arki
Modestino Lucarelli *Angelo and Marsha Grigoli
Wednesday, May 27
9 AM
George DePalma *Pat DePalma
Tom Telesca *Michele Telesca
Church Sanctuary Lamps
to Saturday every week. You can request it at the parish office or accessing our online
Thursday, May 28
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
Friday, May 29
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
Saturday May 30
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
4 PM
Loving Family Members *Janet Munger
Jack Davis *Diane Carnevale
Harold J. Fiedler *Susan and James Gobat
Sunday May 31
8 AM
Living & Deceased Parishioners & Parish Benefactors
Ray Shebell, Jr. *Alice Ganley
Helen and John Sionas *Eileen and Michael Stivala
10 AM
Margaret Costanzo *Cianci Family
Carol Bocchiccio *Marone Family
Genevieve Motola *Byer Family
12 PM
Intentions of Loving Family Members *Janet Munger
Ilario Nicoletta *Filomena Nicoletta
Michael Barbera *Richard and Maria Gerbino
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
The stipends is $25.
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 24—Pentecost Sunday
Acts 2:1-11/1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13/Jn 20:19-23
Monday, May 25
Gn 3:9-15, 20 or Acts 1:12-14/Jn 19:25-34
Tuesday, May 26
1 Pt 1:10-16/Mk 10:28-31
Wednesday, May 27
1 Pt 1:18-25/Mk 10:32-45
Thursday, May 28
1 Pt 2:2-5, 9-12/Mk 10:46-52
Friday, May 29
1 Pt 4:7-13/Mk 11:11-26
Saturday, May 30
Jude 17, 20b-25/Mk 11:27-3
Week of May 24 to May 30
FOR DEEPER REFLECTION
We have been given the breath of God Spirit.
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 Children: you heard your inner voice or conscience guiding you to do what is right?
Question for Youth: On Pentecost, the apostles were able to speak in a language that everyone could understand. As a young person, you have your own way of communicating Jesus’ importance in your life. How will you make Jesus more known to others in your own way this week?
Question for Adults: Share about times when you felt the power of the Spirit, giving you the right words, giving you insight into a dilemma, or in other ways.
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor, 1195-1231
Born Ferdinand de Bulhoes in Lisbon, Portugal, Anthony was the son of a knight in King Alphonso’s court. He began his studies at the cathedral in Lisbon and joined the Augustinians when he was fifteen. Ordained in about 1219, Anthony transferred to the Franciscans in 1221 at which time he took the name Anthony.
Sent to Morocco to preach to the Moors, Anthony was soon forced to return because of illness. He was stationed at a small hermitage in Italy, where he spent his time studying Scripture, praying, and doing menial tasks. Once, at an ordination when no one was prepared to speak, Father Anthony hesitantly accepted the task. His fellow Franciscans, expecting little from Anthony, were astounded by his sermon and Anthony began a new ministry as a preacher.
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org
WORSHIP & MUSIC
The Solemnity of Pentecost occurs 50 days after Easter. Because Easter is a moveable feast without a fixed date, and Pentecost depends on the timing of Easter, Pentecost can fall anywhere between May 10 and June 13.
The timing of these feasts is also where Catholics get the concept of the Novena - nine days of prayer - In Acts 1, Mary and the Apostles prayed together continuously for nine days after the Ascension (40 days after Easter) as they awaited the coming of the Spirit. Pentecost is the celebration of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus, who were gathered together in the Upper Room. A “strong, driving” wind filled the room where they were gathered, and tongues of fire came to rest on their heads, allowing them to speak in different languages so that they could understand each other, and also gave the apostles the other gifts and fruits necessary to fulfill the great commissionto go out and preach the Gospel to all nations. It fulfills the New Testament promise from Christ (Luke 24:46-49) that the Apostles would be “clothed with power” before they would be sent out to spread the Gospel. This is also considered to be the birth of the Church, as after this, the Apostles were confident to travel far and wide, and make disciples of all the nations.
Planning a Catholic Wedding?
First step is to make sure it is valid. (click for more info)
Why should Catholics celebrate America’s 250th birthday?
“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.
Saturday, May 30
4:00 PM
Sunday, May 31
8 AM
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 30 & Sunday, May 31
Sub Requested Eva Tomasetti (Sub Requested) Marybeth Jacobson Mary Ellen Griffin Michele Gruenling
Sophia Duarte (Sub Requested) Suzanne Duarte (Sub Requested) Carly York Rita Duenas Kevin Swan
Sunday, May 31 10 AM RJ Vaina (Sub Requested) Chloe Cullen Choir with Cantor Barbara Schaflin Julia Cullen
Sunday, May 31 12 Noon
Julianna Dukes Jacob Barasky Carly York Charles Young Jennifer Stubbs
Pentecost Sunday Come, Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. Let us pray.
O God, who have taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that in the same Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in his consolation.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
OH-Louise Habrack
TH-Susan Murphy
TH-Michal Kalisz
ALT-Elvira Dapul MD
OH-Joseph Flanagan
TH-Maureen Staub
TH-Michael Staub
ALT-Mary Aiello
OH-Sue Fitzpatrick
TH-Tom Nathanson
TH-Dawn Burtone
ALT-Joseph Burtone
OH-Dolores Lembo
TH-Richard Gerbino
TH-Patricia Gesner
ALT-Lee Gesner May 2026 Baptisms
Welcome to the newest members of our Saint Mary’s Parish who were recently Baptized.
Leonardo Scott Saenz
Marcella Rose Lewaine
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
The Religious Education department is proud to present the 7th grade Bible Project. It will be on display in Madonna Hall for all to enjoy and will also be featured in the Narthex. CP-1 (7th grade) learners worked hard on these projects all year learning about the genealogy of Jesus. Please check out the whole display at your convenience.
As a reminder, the Confirmation Retreat is scheduled for 19 September, beginning at the 4pm mass and following in Madonna Hall. This is for all children who will be making their Confirmation in October 2026.
Fall registration is open and the link for all learners in Elementary RE and Confirmation Prep will remain open until the end of May. REGISTER HERE
We are still in need of some adult and young adult volunteers for our summer intensive program in July VIRTUAL and August ON CAMPUS. Confirmation prep students will receive service hours Please SIGN-UP HERE
Children’sLiturgyOftheWord(CLOW) Is seeking Facilitators & Assistants— To sign up or for more information please complete this form.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Up Here
Beginning at 10 A.M. mass, following in Madonna Hall
In an effort to provide the best faith formation experience, we kindly request everyone complete the RE surveys that were recently sent to your email
Visit the NCLL site for more information
This week we highlight the NCCL initiative: Advent Wreath Making~ “Advent Wreath Making” is an annual Intergenerational during Advent. This year we welcomed over 30 families to this popular event to learn about what we are preparing for during the four weeks of Advent and to decorate their own Advent Wreath. Each family was encouraged to complete the written evaluation and we received great feedback: “Super cute way to encourage kids to celebrate Advent traditions”, “This was an excellent opportunity to teach Advent hands on with wreath making”. Interested in presenting at our “Advent Welcome” this Advent? Please email RE at: religiosed@stmaryscoltsneck.org
PASTORAL CARE & OUTREACH
Rosemarie Farrow Pastoral Coordinator of Pastoral Care & Outreach
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
My Dear Parishioners:
Quo vadis...
My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost. Pentecost is more than celebrating the “birthday” of the Church—it celebrates our “birth” into resurrection life and being sent to forgive others. We can speak of a “birthday” of the Church—the Church being the body of Christ only when we make the Church a reality through forgiveness of one another. Forgiveness is sometimes the most difficult thing we do; so many simple acts in our everyday living demand that we seek and give forgiveness. This is why Jesus sent the Spirit: to empower us, through the common resurrection life we share, to forgive, to heal divisions in the community, to be peacemakers.
Getting back into the habit of living our Catholic Christian Life is an important aspect of Pentecost. I am so pleased and thankful that many of you participate regularly in the celebration of mass and reception of Holy Communion which is the center of our Catholic Life. This Eucharistic Communion nourishes the communion of the faithful in our desire to serve others and transform the world. I continue to pray for all those who struggle to get back into the habit of participating in Sunday Mass. Through the outpouring of the Paraclete may we continue to encourage one another to fully participate in the Sacramental Life of our Catholic Church. Together may we continue to be good stewards of the mysteries of our faith in service to our missionof buildingGod’sKingdom.
This weekend 23/24 May 2023 we will observe an abbreviated Mass schedule. The Saturday Mass at 4:00pm; The Sunday Mass at 10:00am. Please note this in your personal diaries.
This coming week we observe the Memorial Day holiday. This civic observance encourages us to remember, pray for, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am, Monday, 25 May 2026 in the Chapel.
The Annual Colts Neck Memorial Day Parade begins at 10:00am at the Township Complex proceeding up Heyers Mill Road. This is a great tradition of our town. Come and be a part of it. Let us teach our children and young people the importance of patriotism and gratitude for the freedom we enjoy.
In the coming weeks ahead we will keep the wonderful customs of our liturgical year: Saint Anthony of Padua; Holy Trinity; Solemnity of Corpus Christi; Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul; Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus are all observed this year during the month of June. Please make every effort to participate in these spiritual exercises.
Let us also congratulate all those who have graduated during the months of May and June as they begin a new chapter in their life’s journey. I plan to participate in the Baccalaureate Masses for Red Bank Catholic and Saint John Vianney High Schools.
We will offer a report of the 2026 Easter Collection next weekend. I will be away this coming weekend to attend the high school graduation of my third oldest grand-nephew in Houston Texas. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Pentecost Sunday. Peace. Father Jeff
TEMPORAL ADMINISTRATION & STEWARDSHIP
Edwin A. Sevillano— Pastoral Associate for Temporal Administration & Stewardship
Please Remember Our Parish this Easter Season
2026 Annual Catholic Appeal Parish Progress:
Goal: $84,000.00
Pledged: $ 66,812.99 (80%) Paid: $58,017.99 (69%)
Total Donors: 159
(63% towards participation incentive)
Average Gift: $420.21
Total donors needed to qualify for the participation increase incentive: 251
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
Save the Date Annual ~ Family Pilgrimage Day ~ Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 9AM - 3:30PM
This year the annual family day pilgrimage will be hosted by the Franciscan community, in the Diocese of Trenton at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Long Beach Island (Southern Ocean County), New Jersey. It is the perfect place for families to enjoy quality time together. Truly a family-friendly pilgrimage offering a range of activities, and quality time together. All are Welcome! We invite you to spend the day with us at St. Francis, Long Beach Island, NJ. For more information please contact: Josue Arriola 609-403-7155
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
SPRING CLEANING WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
Thursday, May 28 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Spring is the perfect time to refresh not only our homes and gardens, but our spiritual lives as well. Spend the afternoon with the Holy Spirit as we “dust off” His gifts and discover how they are alive within us. Enjoy quiet moments of personal prayer and guided reflection, as together we open ourselves to grace, clarity, and renewal. Led by Laura Sarubbi. Donation: $25, with lunch; Zoom $20.
IN-PERSON AND ON ZOOM THE CHALLENGE OF WAITING
Wednesday, June 3 9:30 AM – Noon
If you are challenged by having to wait for God, others, and circumstances, please join us! We will open our hearts to the wisdom of Scripture, Teilhard, Merton and Hildegard so we can discover the peace that comes from praying, waiting, and trusting in God. Donation: $25.
IN-PERSON AND ON ZOOM
THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD
Friday, June 5 9:30 AM – Noon
Brother Lawrence had the knack of teaching us how to stay close to God when we are “not praying.” So many people notice that they lose focus during the day as the demands of everyday life capture them. How can we be more attentive? Donation: $25.
IN PERSON ONLY
PERSONAL RETREAT DAYS
Wednesday, June 10 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.
The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions.
