The Parish of Saint Mary
The parish of saint Mary
A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in Our Time
A Catholic Community Proclaiming the Greatness of God in our Time OnePhalanxRoad,ColtsNeck,NJ07722
One Phalanx Road • Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Phone:732-780-2666 Fax:732-780-0394
Phone: (732) 780-2666 • Fax: (732) 780-0394
Email: ParishOffice@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Website: StMarysColtsNeck.org
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 31, 2026
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
To all the people at St. Mary's and St. Catharine's,
As you all know, what had been a relatively good health cycle in my life took a different turn this year. I am so grateful to all of you for your wonderful support and caring.
Your spirit of prayer has been so encouraging for me during this time, and I greatly appreciate it.
Fr. Jeff and Fr. Pat have been so kind to me. The fraternity of the priesthood is a great gift in sickness and in health.
God bless all of you. May the Holy Spirit shower everyone with his strengthening presence and may the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit be always evident among you.
Sincerely, Fr. Mike
Why Should Catholics celebrate
Saturday May 30
MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS
Saturday, May 30, 2026 - Sunday, June 7, 2026
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
Monday, June 1
9 AM
Michael Capardi *Capardi Family
Rev. Albert Ricciardelli *Rev. Fr. Jeffery E. Lee, Staff and Parishioners
Tuesday, June 2
9 AM
Joan Scibetta *Ann Marie Dayton
Intentions of Marian Lombardi *Richard Lombardi
Church Sanctuary Lamps
Wednesday, June 3
9 AM
Teodulo Poscablo *Drs. Gener and Elvira Dapul
Victor Fredda, Jr. *Fredda Family
Thursday , June 4
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
Friday, June 5
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
Saturday June 6
9 AM at Saint Catharine, Holmdel
4 PM
Loretta Saake *Barbara Saake
Gertrude Brier *Turkovic Family
Edmund Baranoski *Jack and Rorie Coppola
Sunday June 7
8 AM
Santiago Tapia *Rita and Michael Duenas
Father Xavier *Eileen and Michael Stivala
Katherine E. Borghetti *Maritza Melone and Lindsay Ambrosia
10 AM
Living & Deceased Parishioners & Parish Benefactors
Anna Pancilla *Linda Fredda
Beverly A. Luttgens *Jeanette and Ed Melando
12 PM
Gaetano Tagliavia and Giuseppa Catalano *Tagliavia Family
Modestino Lucarelli *Constance Gerbino
Jame and Mimi Pellicano *Gabbard Family
Please pray for the following members of our parish community who are ill:
Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Walsh
Kathy Weber
Consider requesting a Sanctuary Lamp in and chapel, Sunday to Saturday every week.
($10 stipend)
You can request it at the parish office or accessing our online system HERE The stipends is $25.
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.
Request a Sanctuary Lamp ($25 stipend)
LIFELONG CATECHESIS: Week of May 31 to June 6
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday, May 31- The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Ex 34:4b-6, 8-9/2 Cor 13:11-13/Jn 3:16-18
Monday, June 1
2 Pt 1:2-7/Mk 12:1-12
Tuesday, June 2
2 Pt 3:12-15a, 17-18/Mk 12:13-17
Wednesday, June 3
2 Tm 4:1-8/Mk 12:38-44
Thursday, June 4
2 Tm 2:8-15/Mk 12:28-34
Friday, June 5
2 Tm 3:10-17/Mk 12:35-37
Saturday, June 6
Tm 4:1-8/Mk 12:38-44
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
The mystery of the Trinity
Question for Children: ple love each other, how do they treat each other?
Question for Youth: The Trinity is celebrated today. How would you describe your relationship with God the Father? With Jesus? With the Spirit?
Question for Adults: If you were to encourage the members of your own parish to live as a “community of love,” which is how we define the Trinity, how would you advise them to live? Use St. Paul’s list of exhortations as your starting point.
SAINT OF THE WEEK
John Fisher, Bishop and Martyr, 1469-1535
John was born in Beverly, York, England, the son of Robert and Mary Ann Fisher. His father died when he was very young, but his mother saw to it that John was well educated.
From early on, John was recognized as a gifted student. He entered the University of Cambridge where he received his Master of Arts degree, and he was ordained a priest in 1491. Chosen as proctor of the university, John continued his studies earning the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1501. In the same year, he was named vice chancellor of the university.
Fisher’s reputation was widespread in England, particularly in intellectual circles. Lady Margaret, the Countess of Richmond and mother of King Henry VII, soon called him into service as her councilor. Already generous in her good works, Lady Margaret became more so under the influence of John Fisher. She gave alms to the needy, provided dowries for poor brides, distributed food, and provided shelter. In addition, John’s influence caused her to establish two colleges at Cambridge.
Andrew J. Macirowski - Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist Worship@StMarysColtsNeck.org • Music@StMarysColtsNeck.org
WORSHIP & MUSIC
The
Solemnity
of the Most Holy Trinity
The mystery of the Holy Trinity one God in three Persons is both central to Christian faith and deeply woven into Catholic worship. From the very beginning of our lives of faith, we are marked in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Every Mass opens and closes with the Sign of the Cross; every baptism is celebrated using the Trinitarian formula; and each time we enter a sacred space, we bless ourselves invoking the Triune God. For the faithful, then, the existence of a feast dedicated to the Trinity is hardly surprising. What is more significant, however, is why the Church chose to establish this feast and when it came to be celebrated. In the early Church, there was no distinct feast day devoted solely to the Trinity. Nevertheless, belief in the Triune God stood at the very heart of Catholic doctrine, inspiring numerous devotions and prayers centered upon the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. By the eleventh century, petitions arose requesting a formal liturgical celebration in honor of the Trinity. Pope Alexander II declined these requests, reasoning that the Church already glorified the Trinity daily through its prayers and liturgy. The Trinitarian doxologies embedded within the Mass such as the concluding “Through him, and with him, and in him…” of the Eucharistic Prayer as well as the Gloria Patri recited at the end of psalms and prayers, continually proclaimed the mystery of the Triune God. The Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Spirit, and the Spirit is not the Father yet each is fully and eternally God.
It was not until the fourteenth century that Pope John XXII formally established Trinity Sunday, placing it on the Sunday following Pentecost. In the modern era, particularly after the Second Vatican Council, the celebration was elevated to the rank of a Solemnity, underscoring its importance within the liturgical year. The placement of the feast immediately after Pentecost is profoundly meaningful: it follows the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples. The Father sent the Son into the world, and through the Son’s saving work and intercession, the Spirit descended upon the Church. In this sequence, the fullness of the Trinity was revealed to the apostles and recognized by the early Christian community. Thus, Trinity Sunday stands not merely as a doctrinal commemoration, but as a celebration of the living God who continually reveals Himself to His people as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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.
Saturday, June 6
4:00 PM
Sunday, June 7 8 AM
Sunday,
June 7 10 AM
Sunday, June 7 12 Noon
Anthony Gruenling Alex Gruenling
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
Saturday, June 6 & Sunday June 7
Bridget Farrow
Angela Kinlin (sub made) Michele Gruenling
(Sub Requested) Eva Tomasetti (Sub Requested) Carly York
Charles Young Joe Ventura
OH-Tom Nathanson
TH– Liz Turkovic
TH-Monica Barr
ALT-Nick Turkovic
OH– Joyce Flynn
TH-Marsha Grigoli
TH-Cindy Ventura
ALT-Gina Shute
OH-Steve Stanley
TH-Maureen Geiger
(Sub Requested) Eva Garcia Carly York Rita Duenas Kevin Swan
Jack Schatzle Sophia Duarte Choir with Cantor (Sub Requested) Richard Gerbino
TH-Sue Fitzpatrick
ALT-Michal Kalisz
OH-Richard Gerbino
TH-Lee Gabbard
TH-Ron Gabbard
ALT-Patricia Gesner
keep your children engaged this summer? Here is curated summer reading list for kids from babies through high school! This carefully-chosen collection includes stories that nurture faith, spark imagination and support your child’s spiritual and moral growth. Perfect for summer afternoons, family reading time, or quiet moments with God.
Liturgy of the Word Dismissal
This is the practice of having children, ages 4-12, leave the Sunday assembly during the Liturgy of the Word (readings) and gather in the chapel to engage in the Liturgy of the Word at a level more appropriate to the children’s understanding.
CLOW is seeking Facilitators & Assistants—to sign up or for more information complete this form.
FAITH FORMATION
Julia Cullen — Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation / Religious Education
ReligiousEd@StMarysColtsNeck.org • (732) 780-2666 x. 309
A Message to Our Families
Fall registration closes at the end of the day on May 31, 2026 for Religious Education families with learners in Elementary RE and Confirmation Prep.
Please REGISTER HERE as we are in the process of planning for the Fall program.
We are still in need of some adult and young adult volunteers for our summer intensive program for July VIRTUAL and August ON CAMPUS. Confirmation prep students will receive service hours. SIGN-UP HERE to volunteer.
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. Confirmandi are asked to attend with their Confirmation sponsor or a parent. A light dinner will be provided.
Grandparents Day INTERGENERATIONAL, our first INT of the 26/27 RE year, is on July 26, 2026. This important and special day begins with 10am mass and continues in Madonna Hall. This is an RSVP only event, as breakfast will be served. Please use this link to sign-up to attend. This event is for Grandparents and Grandchildren.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CALENDAR
30 May 2026
Fall Registration/ Reregistration closes 12 July 2026
Blessing Mass 12 P.M. Mass & Orientation
Summer Intensive July VIRTUAL 13-24 July 2026
Summer Intensive July Virtual M-F, 9 A.M. 12 P.M. 26 July 2026
Grandparents Day
INTERGENERATIONAL Sign 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 to complete the RE surveys that were recently sent to your email. Thank you!
This week we highlight the NCCL initiative: Fishers of Men Diaper Wrapping Service Project~ This year we hosted a Diaper Wrapping event to engage our parish community in a Respect Life initiative to embody the Corporal Work of Mercy, clothing the naked. We worked with the Diaper Bank of Monmouth County and received great reviews from parishioners who attended. A grandparent emphasized “the importance of children learning about ways to support the needy and to hear and see the Catholic message pertaining to the dignity of life lived out in practice, not only in theory.”
https://www.strobert.cc/get-involved/youth-group
PASTORAL CARE & OUTREACH
Rosemarie Farrow Pastoral Coordinator of Pastoral Care & Outreach
R.Farrow@StMarysColtsNeck.org • (732) 780-2666 x. 310
How to become a registered Parishioner:
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
Have you been Confirmed?
Were you married in the Church?
Did you know without Confirmation you will not meet the requirements to be a Godparent or a Sponsor?
According to the Code of Canon Law 874, there are a few requirements for becoming a sponsor. You must:
•Be at least 16 years old and mature enough to understand and embrace the responsibilities of being a godparent.
•Have received the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation within the Catholic Church.
•If married, your marriage must be recognized as valid by the Catholic Church. Civil marriages must be convalidated.
•If divorced, you may not be remarried outside of the Catholic Church.
•Be living in accordance with the faith and morals taught by the Catholic Church and registered at a parish for at least six months.
•Not be the mother or father of the child.
Interested in completing your Sacraments? Send an inquiry to :
PastoralCare-OCIA@stmaryscoltsneck.org
Quo vadis...
My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Solemnity of The Most Holy Trinity. Last Sunday, Pentecost, we celebrated the power given to us by the Spirit to forgive one another. On this Sunday honoring the Trinity we ponder the Source of all forgiveness, our merciful and loving God. We are invited to be gracious as God is gracious. It is awesome to think that God invites us to share in such a great mystery as the Trinity! It seems as though God’s graciousness never ends—not only with sending the Son but further with inviting us into God’s saving work. In this contextwe might think of the simple,ordinary ways we reach out to others a smile, a helping hand, a kind word—as ways we actually manifest the mystery and majesty of our Triune God. Such love as this can only be matchedbythosewhosharethedivinelife!
This weekend we present an accounting of our 2026 Easter Collection. I am very grateful to all those who have participated. We continue to make progress each year as we strive to serve the needs of our parishioners. Your generous support continues to provide services and facilities that aid us in fulfilling our mission. This year especially the snow removal and utility costs pushed the budget to itslimitand then some. Many,Manythanks.
The Solemnity of Pentecost concluded the liturgical Season of Easter. We now begin the Liturgical Season of Ordinary Time. The color is Green. The ritual is simpler. The music is also simpler. The recessional is generally an Organ Instrumental except on those Solemnities that are during Ordinary Time.
Next Sunday is the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. In some parishes there is a special solemn mass celebrated followed by a simple indoor procession, Eucharistic adoration and benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament later in the day. Other parishes have an outdoor procession with three stations prepared for adoration of the most blessed sacrament. It is important for us as a parish to consider how we might insert opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction into our calendar of liturgical prayer. The later this month is the civic observance of Father’s Day. We pray that through the intercession of Saint Joseph God will continue to bless all those who live the vocation of Fatherhood.
The summer months are upon us. Make time to celebrate the mass each Sunday whether here at home or while you are enjoying vacation time. Our need to praise and thank God does not diminish when we are on holiday. In fact, when we are on holiday it is important that we embrace the idea of being re-created.
Preparations continue for our Summer Session Religious Education Programs for children and young people. Registration for Fall Programming has concluded. Thank you for helping us to provide the very best for our families. Enjoy these beautiful Spring/ Summer Days. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer. Happy Sunday. Peace. FatherJeff
TEMPORAL ADMINISTRATION & STEWARDSHIP
Edwin A. Sevillano— Pastoral Associate for Temporal Administration & Stewardship
TemporalAdmin@StMarysColtsNeck.org
OUR TREASURE
Please consider remembering the Parish of Saint Mary in your will...
By naming the Parish of Saint Mary in your will or trust, you will provide a lasting gift that will greatly help your Parish and fellow parishioners.
Annual Catholic Appeal Parish Progress:
Goal: $84,000.00
Pledged: $68,137.99 (81%)
Paid: $59,492.99 (71%)
Total Donors: 164
(65% towards participation incentive)
Average Gift: $413.08
Total donors needed to qualify for the participation increase incentive: 251
The Parish of Saint Mary
Next Week on June 6 & June 7 CLICK
OUR PROMISE TO PROTECT
The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and to its own policies and guidelines in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors.
If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan ABUSE HOTLINE: 1-888-296-2965 or via e-mail at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org.
The Diocese of Trenton reports any allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Anyone with an allegation is also encouraged to provide that information to local law enforcement authorities. Child Protection Efforts
Dear Parishioners & Friends,
2026 Easter Collection: $95,295 as of 5/26/26
CONGRATULATIONS & THANK YOU!
Below is a simple accounting of our 2026 Easter Collection. The sacrificial sharing of many has enabled us to exceed our expectations. Your contributions will continue to enable us to regain our financial solvency. Please know that the sacrifices we make for the future of our parish do not go unnoticed and I pray that each of us will receive the blessing promised us. This year especially your financial support helps to avoid large deficits due to excessive snow and sustained cold temperatures. Again, thank you for this sacrifice and the sacrifices that you make each and every week so that our Saint Mary Parish continues to proclaim God in word and deed # of Parishioner gifts: 351 Average Gift: 256.40
Pattern of Giving
DearParishioners&Friends,
Below is a simple accounting of our 2025 Easter Collec-
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
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.
IN-PERSON AND ON ZOOM DRAWN TO GOD THROUGH CREATION
Wednesday, June 17 9:30 AM – Noon
Come and enjoy the awesome beauty, deep serenity, joy, excitement and gratitude creation can give you as it leads you into the heart of God.. Donation: $25.
The Grotto Candles are available for your prayer intentions.
Offering is $3.00 per candle.
