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 of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, will host the viewing of Season Four of “The Chosen” during the month of May. The series will be shown in Nolan Hall, 236 E. Main St., on Thursday afternoons at 12:30 p.m. May 2, 9, 16 and 30 and on Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m. on May 3, 10, 17 and 31. Participants can bring their own food and beverages. To sign up or for more information, email JNapoli@OLPHParish.com or call 856-667-8850, ext. 107.
St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Marlton, will host an American Red Cross blood drive May 14 from 2 to 7 p.m. in t-he church, 349 Evesboro-Medford Rd. to schedule an appointment, call 800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “St Isaac”.
St. John Neumann Altar-Rosary Society, Mount Laurel, will host a “Stock’s Classic Pound Cake” fundraiser. Cakes are vanilla with vanilla icing and cost $20 each. All orders must be received by May 10. The cakes will be ready for pick-up following all Masses June 1-2. Orders forms may be found in the parish bulletin. Make checks payable to St. John Neumann and put “Pound Cake Sale” on memo line. Orders may be placed after all Masses prior to May 10 or mailed to St. John Neumann Church, 560 Walton Ave., Mount Laurel, N.J. 08054. For questions, call 856-983-9989.
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 Council, Knights of Columbus, Princeton Junction, will host a Cinco De Mayo pancake breakfast May 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church’s Great Hall, 1 New Village Rd. Tickets are $12 per person or $30 for family tickets. Tickets will be available after all Masses April 27-28. Make check payable to KOC Council #14716.
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 24th 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.
The Diocese of Trenton, Catholic Charismatic Renewal will host a Charismatic Healing Mass May 3 at 6:30 p.m. in St. Mary, Mother of God Church, 19 Cherry Tree Farm Rd., Middletown. Father Jeffrey Kegley, pastor of St. Mary Parish and liaison to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, will be the principal celebrant.
Francis House of Prayer, 84 Walnford Rd., Allentown, will host a retreat, “Lessons From Silver-Haired Saints In The Secret of My Heart,” May 19 from 1 to 4 pm. Presenter, Brother Mickey McGrath will use art and stories from saints and prophets across the ages to help participants grow in their appreciation of the second half of life. Fee is $35 for in-person or zoom participants. 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.
Nativity Parish’s Basic Needs Food Pantry, Fair Haven, supports local organizations in need of food, toiletries, diapers, baby food. Items may be donated to the parish food pantry and to Eagles Up, which supports deployed troops. Signs are posted around the church highlighting items in need. Persons in need of assistance, can contact the Basic Needs committee at 732-741-1714, ext. 244.
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.
San Alfonso Retreat House, 755 Ocean Ave., West End, will host a retreat, “Balancing Mind, Body and Spirit” May 6-8. The retreat offers a private, safe space for those suffering from the effects of trauma to share experiences and build resilience. The retreat will focus on inspirational stories and group support; improve social well-being; professional health education; self-care practices; yoga, meditation, spirituality, personalized coaching. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit pausetothrive.org or call 732-493-0852.
St. Anselm Parish, Wayside, will host its annual Easter concert May 5 at 3 p.m. in the church. The choir will sing traditional Easter hymns as well as contemporary music. Refreshments will follow the concert.
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. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro, welcomes all to pray the Patriotic Rosary every Wednesday night, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the church hall. Intentions are offered for the nation and all who serve on national and state levels as well as those in the military, both active and veterans, law enforcement officials and first responders.
St. Leo the Great Social Concerns Committee, Lincroft, is hosting a “Mary’s Cradle Collection” of baby items to benefit Birthright in Red Bank and Madonna House, Neptune. Items needed include: diapers (sizes newborn to 6), wipes, toiletries, summer wear, summer hats and sandals, crib sheets, layettes, and onesies (size 0 to 4T).
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 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. Francis of Assisi Parish, Brant Beach, will host its “Annual Garden Party By The Sea” fashion show June 19 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Barret Island Estate. Tickets go on sale at the parish office front desk May 1. Cost is $60.
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 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 present the veneration of Our Lady of Sorrows May 20 at 8:30 p.m. in St. Mary of the Pines Church Manahawkin. The veneration is open to all wishing to attend including those from other parishes. The program will be presented by more than 80 women from the parish who have registered to venerate “Our Lady” by wearing black and participating in a procession from the parish center to the church. Registration to participate in the procession is open. Contact the parish at 609-698-5531 for more information.
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, will host its next spirituality day May 8 at 1 p.m. in the Barnegat church. The day will begin with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, recitation of a decade of the Rosary, readings, a healing service and a presentation by speaker, Ann Kirms. The spirituality day is open to all who wish to participate.
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. 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.