The following parishes, schools and organizations in the Diocese of Trenton have announced these upcoming events:
Burlington County
Holy Cross Preparatory Academy’s Student Theater, Delran, will present “Mean Girls – the Musical” May 12 at 8 p.m. and May 13 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the school, 5035 Route 130 South. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Check or cash payments preferred.
Mary, Mother of the Church Parish Bereavement Ministry, Bordentown, will host a six-session “Grieving the Death of a Loved One” April 10 through May 22. Sessions will meet every Wednesday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in St. Mary School, 45 Crosswicks St., Bordentown. Topics include “The Search for Acceptance: Beginning the Journey,” April 10; “Bumps Along the Way: The Emotional Journey,” April 17; “Is This the Right Road? Adjusting to the Journey,” April 24; “The Search for Meaning: The Spiritual Journey,” May 1; “The Search for Connectedness: The Continuing Journey,” May 8. To attend, contact the rectory at 609-298-0261; email: bereavement@mmotcp.org and a bereavement facilitator will return the message. Non-parishioners are welcome to attend.
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown, will host a six-week presentation for married couples April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 21 and 28. Participants must register by calling the parish office for limited seating. The book: “Falling In Love … Finding God: Marriage and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola,” may be purchased on Amazon at $9 for Kindle version or $16 for paperback. Father Jim Grogan, parish pastor, will facilitate the presentation. The parish is located at 42 W. Main St.
Our Lady Queen of Peace Council, Knights of Columbus, will host its ninth annual golf outing May 10 at Golden Pheasant Golf Club, 141 Country Club Dr., Lumberton. Fee is $150 per person and includes golf with a cart, lunch and buffet dinner. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.Proceeds will benefit the parish and Knights of Columbus charities which include the ultrasound initiative, send a hero home, mission of honor and various disaster relief efforts. Registration forms and sponsor ad forms can be found on the parish website at ourladyqop.org.
Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Hainesport, will host an American Red Cross blood drive April 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parish center, 1603 Marne Highway. Sign-ups will be held April 13-14 and April 20-21.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, will host an American Red Cross blood drive April 25 from 2 to 7 p.m. in Nolan Hall, 236 E. Main St. To register, call 800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter KOCMS.
St. Joseph Council, Knights of Columbus (Palmyra-Riverton) is offering scholarship money to students accepted to Holy Cross Preparatory Academy, Delran, in the fall of 2024. Applicants are open to graduating eighth grade students and students who had not previously applied. Scholarship money will be awarded to a limited number of applicants based on their responses to two essay questions, “What does your faith mean to you?” and “Why do you want to continue your education at a Catholic high school?” Applications must include; student name and signature; parent name and signature; home address; telephone number; email address; student’s parish; student’s current school; a list of the student’s extracurricular activities. Essays and complete application should be emailed to zks0007@verizon.net by June 1.
Mercer County
Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, will serve as the site of a “Shout for Joy” concert presented by the Capital Singers of Trenton May 5 at 4 p.m. in the church, 343 South Broad St. featured selections include “Let God Arise (George Frideric Handel); “Great Day” (Marques L.A. Garrett); “Trinity Te Deum” (Eriks Esenvalds); “Shout for Joy” (Adolphus Hailstork). For tickets and information, call 609-434-2781 or visit capitalsingers.org.
St. David the King Parish, 1 New Village Rd., Princeton Junction, will host a four-week bereavement series beginning April 9. The series will offer an overview of loss and grief. Each session will address how to slowly integrate the loss one has experienced and the grief that comes with it. sessions will meet Tuesday evenings April 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Registration is limited. No pre-work or reading is required. For details visit stdavidtheking.com/bereavement or leave a message at 609-785-1118 (Google Voice.)
St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, will hold a Life In The Spirit Seminar April 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. and April 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the school cafeteria, 4620 Nottingham Way. Sessions will include a teaching, witness, small group sharing, music and fellowship. Register by email at MarianServantsHolyFamily@gmail.com. For questions, call 609-477-8243.
Hamilton Council, Knights of Columbus, will hold a pro-life baby shower April 28 from noon to 2:30 p.m. in St. Gregory the Great Parish’s Ferrante Hall, 4620 Nottingham Way. Tickets are $10 and lunch is included. Monetary donations will be accepted. Make checks payable to Knights of Columbus 7677. Donations of diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6, 2t-3t for boys and girls, 4t-5t boys, baby wipes, gift cards to Walmart, Giant, gas cards. Donations will benefit Options for Her and Legacy of Life Foundation. For more information, email Rpieslak@optonline.net.
Hopewell Columbiettes will host a tea party with a flower arrangement workshop May 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. in St. Alphonsus Parish Hall, 54 E. Prospect St. Hopewell. The workshop will be presented by Flowers by Brooke. Flowers and vases will be available for purchase. Admission is $15 and cash or checks will be accepted at the door. For reservations, email dgaluchie@stalphonsushopewell.org by April 30.
Mercer County CYO will hold its 24 th golf tournament May 16 at Mountainview Golf Course. This year the CYO will honor Msgr. Dennis Apoldite as “Man of the Year.” Msgr. Apoldite is pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, and episcopal vicar of Mercer County. For more information, contact Pat Hardiman at phardiman@cyomercer.org or 609-585-4280, ext. 102.
St. Paul Parish, Princeton, will host the 28th annual Bob Cronin Memorial Golf Outing May 17.
The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley will present season four of The Chosen. On Friday evenings, the presentations will be held in St. Alphonsus Parish Hall, 54 E. Prospect St., Hopewell, starting at 6:30 p.m. on the following Fridays: April 19, 26, May 3, 10. A pizza dinner will be provided. The series will be offered in St. George Church, 1370 River Rd., Titusville, at 1 p.m. on April 17, 24, May 1, 8. In St. James Parish, 115 E. Delaware Ave., the presentations will be held at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: April 16, 23, 30 and May 7.
Monmouth County
Court St. Elizabeth, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, is sponsoring its annual baby shower for local community charities. Donations of the following baby items are needed: diapers, baby wipes, infant clothes, baby shampoo, lotion and bath items. Collection baskets will be available at the entrances of both St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Avon, and Ascension Church, Bradley Beach.
Francis House of Prayer, 84 Walnford Rd., Allentown, will host a personal retreat day May 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 pm. The day begins and ends with brief prayer. Participants should bring a lunch. Fee is $10 or $40 with spiritual direction. To register, call 609-877-0509 or visit fhop.org.
Francis House of Prayer, 84 Walnford Rd., Allentown, will hold an in-person retreat “Jesus Was Talking about Mary: The Beatitudes,” May 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Presenter will be JoLynn Krempecki. Donation is $30 and includes lunch. To register, call 609-877-0509 or visit fhop.org.
Freehold Birthright, an organization that assists girls, women, families, during their pregnancy and after the baby is born, is in need of prolife volunteers. Training will be provided; volunteers who speak Spanish are encouraged. To volunteer, call 732-462-2888 during office hours Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or email freehold@birthright.org. The agency is also in need of baby clothes which are gently used, stain free, seasonal appropriate, sizes newborn to 18 months. The agency is located at 41 E. Main St.
Greater Freehold Clergy Association is partnering with RISE Against Hunger to pack meals for people in need of food May 5 in the First United Methodist Church of Frehold from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers from all faith communities are needed to assist. To volunteer sign up http://tselinks.org/rise.
Holy Family Parish, Hazlet, will host “Biblical Walk with Our Blessed Mother Mary, a video presentation featuring Dr. Edward Sri. Evening sessions will be held on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall on the following dates: April 15, 22, 20, May 6, 13, 20 and June 3. Morning sessions will be held at 9:30 a.m. on the following dates: April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21 and June 4. To register, call 732-673-1893.
Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune, has scheduled its spring Bible Study on The Prophets. Sessions will meet March 6, 13, 20, April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15 and, if needed, May 22. No session on May 27. Participants are to purchase materials directly from Ascension Press at https://ascensionpress.com/collections/prophets-messengers-of-gods-mercy. The hard copy of The Prophets workbook is $27.95. In addition, the online access option is $6.95 that includes the digital workbook and the weekly video to review at home. Persons in need of assistance with registration can contact Kim DiBiase at bibleholyinnocents@gmail.com. Otherwise registration forms may be found online by clicking here. Once forms are completed, they must be submitted t the parish office or given directly to Kim DiBiase.
Mary Queen of the Knights Council, Knights of Columbus, will host a charity golf outing May 15 at Pebble Creek Golf Club. Registration fee is $170 per person and includes greens fees, golf carts, breakfast, lunch and refreshment cart. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with shotgun start at 8. For information, call 609-439-7750 or 732-832-5798.
Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park, will host a women’s gathering May 4 from 10 a.m. to noon in the chapel and conference room, 1212 First Ave. Attendees will reflect on the life of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. Simple refreshments will be served and a free-will offering will be collected. Reservations are not required. For information, call 201-259-4294.
Nativity Parish, Fair Haven, will hold a blood drive May 7 from 12:30-6 p.m. in the parish hall at 180 Ridge Rd. To register, visit tinyurl.com/churchofthenativity1. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome.
Red Bank Council, Knights of Columbus will hold a 150th Kentucky Derby watch party May 4 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in Nativity Parish Hall, 180 Ridge Rd., Fair Haven. Admission is free and includes lite fare and refreshments. Families are welcome and games and prizes will be offered. To be a sponsor, call 732-320-5192 or email mlosch@signumbio.com.
St. Benedict Food Pantry, Holmdel, is in need of donations of the following items: diapers (all sizes especially 5 and 6), baby food (stages 2/3), baby wipes, children’s cereal and snacks, coffee and tea, juice for adults and children, soup, bar soap, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes and mouthwash, laundry detergent, dish detergent, paper products – toilet tissue, paper towels.
St. Michael Parish, Long Branch, will host a Bible study on the Book of Exodus on Thursdays from April 18 to May 23 in the lower church. Morning session will run from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and evening session will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. To reserve a seat and obtain a study guide, call 732-222-3164. The church is located at 800 Ocean Ave.
St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral’s Mary, Queen of Peace Prayer, Group, Freehold, will hold a healing Mass May 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel, 61 Georgia Rd. Celebrant is Father Jun Pateno. Fellowship and potluck will follow in Dentici Hall.
St. Rose of Lima School, Freehold, is hosting Touring Tuesdays in which tours of the school will be offered during school hours. To schedule a tour, call 732-462-2646 or email Kleonetti@stroseoflima.com.
St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish Women’s Bible Study, Bradley Beach, will host “A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother” on Tuesdays from March 26 to May 14. Sessions will be held at 9:30 to 11 a.m. in O’Hara Hall of Ascension Church, 501 Brinley Ave. The sessions include 30-minute video followed by discussion. The workbook is $24.95 or for Online Access at $5.95 and includes video access and online workbook and may be purchased at Ascension Press. To register, contact Janice Cuttingham, 732-539-9915 or janicecuttingham@aol.com.
St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, will offer a seven-week Bible study on “The Prophets: Messenger of God’s Mercy: April 9-May 21. Sessions will meet on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. in Petri Hall. Msgr. Peter Kochery, parochial vicar, will facilitate the study. Fee is $40. To register, call 732-277-5560 or email: fmg4@aol.com.
Ocean County
St. Dominic Parish St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Brick, operates a food pantry with hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Donations of food are accepted. The conference’s thrift shop hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday are from 9 a.m. to noon. Donations of spring and summer clothing are being collected.
St. Francis Community Center, Long Beach Island, will host a Family Health and Safety Fair April 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the gym, 4700 Long Beach Island Blvd., Brant Beach. Free continental breakfast and many free health screenings will be available. The event is co-sponsored by Long Beach Island Health Department and Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean Medical. For more information, contact Michelle DiBella at midbella@stfrancislbi.org or call 609-494-8861, ext. 107.
St. Francis of Assisi Community Center Food Pantry, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach Island, is open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The pantry is accepting donations of: pop tarts and cereal, cake mix and icing, chicken and beef broth, instant potatoes, jar pasta sauce, juice, canned chicken, canned fruit, cranberry sauce, canned corn, spinach, beets and yams, pancake mix and syrup, pudding, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, coffee (regular and instant).
St. Francis of Assisi Life Ministry, Long Beach Island, is collaborating with Southern Ocean Medical Center and Interfaith Health & Support Services to assist mothers in need. Beginning April 28, baskets will be in the lobbies of the Brant Beach church (St. Francis of Assisi), the Surf City church (St. Thomas of Villanova) and the Beach Haven church (St. Thomas Aquinas) with cards identifying needed items to purchase. Once purchased, the items can be dropped off in the lobbies of the churches for distribution on May 12.
St. John Parish Respect Life Committee, Lakehurst, is collecting a drive to benefit Birthright and Open Door pregnancy centers. Items needed include: powder, lotion, shampoo, baby soap, diaper rash cream, Vaseline, wipes, baby towels, wash cloths and size large diapers. Items may be brought to the carriage container in the church hall.
St. John Parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Lakehurst, needs the following items for its food pantry: coffee (canned), tea bags, pasta sauce, boxed pasta (except elbow macaroni and spaghetti), hearty soups, canned white tuna and chicken, cereal for children and oatmeal, canned ravioli. Sugar free items such as jams, jellies, pancake syrup are also needed. food can be drooped in the blue bin in the church hall anytime the church is open. Frozen or refrigerated food should be brought to the pantry on Monday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m.
St. Joseph by the Sea Retreat House, South Mantoloking, will host a weekend retreat “The Spiritual Principles of the Twelve Steps” May 3-5. Women working a Twelve-Step recovery program are invited to seek the spiritual freedom needed to go about making decisions in their lives. The weekend will include spiritual practices and prayer exercises to aid in making life’s choices with clarity and confidence. Mass will be celebrated. The retreat begins at 5 p.m. May 3 and ends at 1 p.m. May 5. Presenter is Maryallyn Black. Cost is $400. Call 732-892-8494 to register.
St. Joseph by the Sea Retreat House 400 Route 35 North, South Mantoloking, will host a retreat April 26 starting at 6 p.m. and ending April 28 at 11 a.m. Theme is “Spending Time With Mary.” Presenter Ellen Murphy and Kathy Rivera, will lead participants to learn how to trust as the Blessed Mother did. Mass will be celebrated. Fee is $400. For information or to register, call 732-892-8494.
St. Joseph Parish Altar-Rosary Society, Toms River, in collaboration with Altar-Rosary Societies from other Ocean County parishes, will host a virtual pilgrimage to Lourdes, France June 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the church located at 685 Hooper Ave. During the two-hour guided tour presented by North American Lourdes Volunteers, participants will reflect on the experience of the Blessed Mother’s appearance to St. Bernadette. They will also receive a Eucharistic blessing and pray a candlelight Rosary. A plenary indulgence will be granted to attendees. There is no admission fee but a free-will offering will be collected. For information, contact the parish office at 732-349-0018, ext. 2223.
St. Justin the Martyr Holy Name Society, Toms River, will host a pancake breakfast after all Masses April 28 in the parish hall. On May 4, the society will host a spaghetti and meatball dinner following the 5 p.m. Mass.
St. Mary Academy, Manahawkin, will hold a clothing drive May 18 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the parish center in Manahawkin and from 5 to 7 p.m. in Msgr. Reinbold Hall in Barnegat. The following day, the drive will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Manahawkin and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Msgr. Reinbold Hall. Donations of clean, used or new men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, footwear, outerwear, sleepwear, swimwear, hosiery, undergarments, belts, ties, scarves, hats, gloves, handbags, wallets, towels, linens, blankets, comforters, bicycles and stuffed animals will be accepted for distribution to local thrift shops. For information, call 609-488-5432.
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, will host a four-week study, “Eternal Rest: The Art of Dying Well” April 17, 24, May 1 and May 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Monsignor Reinbold Hall of St. Mary Church in Barnegat. Presented by Augustine Institute, the study is open to anyone who has grieved the loss of a loved one or has not and wants to learn more. A study guide will be available for purchase at $15.95. Make checks payable to St. Mary’s. To sign-up, contact the rectory in-person or call 609-698-5531. Limit is 40 participants. For more information, call 609-994-6011.
St. Mary Parish Respect Life Committee, Barnegat, will host a Respect Life Giving Tree the weekends of April 27-28; May 4-5, and May 11-12. Donated items will be put into packages for mothers in difficult or desperate situations. The parish will work with local agencies – the Archangel Pregnancy Help Center, Southern Ocean Medical Center, other churches and Family Promise. Tags with items needed are on the tree; items should be returned by May 12. A sealed box for monetary donations is near the giving tree. Donors should place contribution in an envelope. For information, contact Mary Anne Moresco, respect life coordinator, at Maryannemoresco333@gmail.com.
St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River, will host its 39th anniversary dinner dance Aug. 18 from 2 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 and includes music, dancing, dinner by Luigi’s Italian Market and more. Tickets are available for purchase. Contact Marian Austin at 732-914-0300.
St. Pius X Parish, Forked River, is observing the parish phase of the Eucharistic Revival with the offering of Holy Hours on: Feb. 22, March 21, April 18 and May 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the church, 300 Lacey Rd.
St. Pius X Parish, Forked River, will present St. John the Apostle’s Gospel Bible Study March 5 to April 30. Sessions will meet on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in the meeting room, 300 Lacey Rd. The DVD series will be presented by biblical scholar Timothy Gray and a group of college students involved in FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). Participants should bring a Bible and notebook. Seating is limited. To register, call 609-693-5107.
St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor, will hold a golf outing and banquet May 20 at the LBI National Golf and Resort, 99 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor. Brochures to register for golf and/or the banquet are located on the poster in the gathering space or at the parish office. Sponsorships are also available. For more information, email joana.schmmidt@sttheresa450.org or call 609-296-2504, ext. 224.
The Toms River Multigenerational Orchestra will hold a spring concert May 6 at 7 p.m. in St. Justin the Martyr Church, 975 Fischer Blvd. the group is comprised of 75 musicians. A freewill offering will be collected to help defray the orchestra expenses and to donate to local food bnaks.
All parishes and schools are welcome to submit their events to
Monitor-News@dioceseoftrenton.org.