The following parishes, schools and organizations in the Diocese of Trenton have announced these upcoming events:
Burlington County
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 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.
Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton, will host an American Red Cross blood drive May 30 from noon to 5 p.m. in a classroom in the parish family center. For an appointment, call 800-733-3767 and use sponsor code: Sacred Heart Church.
St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills, will host an American Red Cross blood drive May 30 from 2 to 7 p.m. in the meeting room, 22 Trenton Rd.
St. Katharine Drexel Food Pantry, Burlington, provides food and hygiene products to Burlington Township and Burlington City residents who meet income specifications and/or receive public assistance, unemployment benefits or disability benefits. In addition registered parishioners experiencing food shortages are encourage to contact the food pantry for assistance. The pantry is open every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. except for Thanksgiving week when the pantry is open on Monday. Persons wishing to help can call 609-386-3650.
St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington, hosts a “Catholic Traditions Q&A” every first Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m., where participants can learn more about the Catholic faith. In-person sessions are held in the rectory, 223 E. Union St. and online which is accessible on the parish Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stkatsburlington.
St. Paul School, Burlington, will hold “Cars and Coffee” events May 25 and June 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. on the school grounds, 250 James St. For more information, email saintpaulburlington@gmail.com or call 609-414-1686.
Mercer County
Ewing Columbiettes, will host a May Tea in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all mothers May 19 following the 10:30 a.m. Mass in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 137 W. Upper Ferry Rd., West Trenton. For reservations and more information, call 609-963-7121, 609-883-1559 or 609-532-2113.
Ewing Council, Knights of Columbus, will host “Knight Out for Charity” May 29at the Firkin Tavern, 1400 Parkway Ave., Ewing, from 5 to 10 p.m. Firkin’s will donate 10 precent of the cost of the food purchased that evening (dine-in or takeout) to benefit the Ewing Knights charitable works.
Lawrence Council, Knights of Columbus, Lawrenceville, is hosting a shoe drive during the month of May. A drop-off box is located in the entrance of the Faith Development Center of St Ann Parish, 1253 Lawrence Rd. The council will host an American Red Cross blood drive June 5 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, will serve as the site for the presentation of The Elements by the Capital Singers of Trenton Women’s Ensemble May 19 at 4 p.m. in the church, 343 South Broad St. the concert will feature: “Day of Fire and Sun” – Kate Crellin; “May Wind (Set Me Free)” – Jacob Narverud; “After the Rain” – Sarah Quartel, and “Earth Song” – Frank Ticheli. For tickets and information, call 609-434-2781 or visit capitalsingers.org.
St. Anthony High School’s Class of 1974 will hold a 50th year reunion Oct. 5 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Route 130, Hamilton. Cost is $80 per person and covers a buffet dinner and dancing. Full details may be found at SAHSHamiltonNJ.com to register or call 609-731-1609. Persons needing hotel accommodations should call 609-578-6789 and use code STAH50.
St. Anthony of Padua Respect Life Ministry, Hightstown, will hold a Respect Life Baby Shower May 18-19 to benefit Options for Her, located at 945 West State St., Trenton, a pregnancy center that assists pregnant women who choose to keep their babies. Items will be collected after all weekend Masses. Items needed include diapers – sizes newborn, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; baby shampoo; baby wash; baby lotion; hairbrush sets; baby wipes; towels and wash cloths; receiving blankets and baby blankets; newborn baby buntings; clothing sizes up to 24 months. All clothing must be brand new.
The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley will host a six-week support group for persons grieving the loss of a loved one beginning May 30. The group is led by volunteer, trained facilitators from the parish. space is limited to eight participants per group and pre-registration is required. Persons who are not members of the parish are invited to participate. For more information, email mriley@stgeorgetitusville.org or call 609-902-2022. All calls are confidential.
Monmouth County
St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown, will hold its annual Forty Hours devotion May 30-June 1. On May 30, Mass the opening Mass will be celebrated at 7 a.m. with a Traditional Latin Mass and outdoor procession. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament begins after Mass and continues throughout the night. On May 31, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continues throughout the day and night. On June 1, Adoration will take place from Midnight to 1 p.m. at which time the Closing Mass will be celebrated in Ordinary Form. The parish is located at 1282 Yardville-Allentown Rd.
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 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.
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.
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.
Nativity Parish, Fair Haven, is collecting the following items for military troops: any kind of nuts: peanuts, sunflower seeds, etc.; trail mix; beef jerky; powdered drink mix that can be poured into water bottles; protein and granola bars; dried fruit snacks; popcorn (microwavable); gum and hard candy; Rice Krispie treats; feminine hygiene products; laundry soap sheets; tissues in small packs; sunscreen; socks and cooling bandanas. Collection boxes are located at the entrance to the church.
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. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown, will present a “Musical Showcase” May 25 at 7 p.m. in the music room in the religious education building, 1282 Yardville-Allentown Rd. Piano solos, opera arias, Broadway showtunes and more will be featured. Suggested donations of $10 for adults and $5 for children will be directed toward Music Lesson Scholarship for parish families.
St. Leo the Great Bereavement Ministry, Lincroft, will hold a six-week guided grief series for adults suffering the loss of a loved one. Sessions will be held June 5, 12, 19, July 3, 10 at 11 a.m. and repeated at 6 p.m. The morning session on June 10 will be at 1 p.m. The sessions provide a safe space for participants to share their grief experiences with others. Registration is required. To register, visit https://stleothegreat.com/bereavement-support. To speak with a bereavement miniter, email PaulaDeStefano@stleothegreat.com or call 732-747-5466, Option 2.
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. Leo the Great Athletic Association, Lincroft, will hold its 2024 annual Golf Classic May 20 at the Suneagles Golf Course, 2000 Lowther Dr., Eatontown. Registration is at 7:30 a.m., followed by breakfast from 8-9 and tee-off at 9. Cost is $300 per person and includes greens fees, golf cart, beverages, breakfast and lunch. To register, visit www.stleothegreat.com/golf.
St. Mark CYO, Sea Girt, will present the fourth annual Emily Walker Memorial Day Walk for Hunger May 27 at 7 a.m. starting point will be at the North End Pavilion in Spring Lake. Participants are asked to collect $5 for from people ($25). Proceeds will benefit Manasquan Food Pantry, Fulfill, Missionaries of Charity Meals for the Homeless, Jersey Shore Rescue Mission, Metanoia Manor and World Villages for Children. Permission slips are required for CYO members. If inclement weather is expected, the event will be moved to May 26. Parishioners may donate by mailing a check made payable to St. Mark’s and sent to the rectory. For more information, email mary33angels@aol.com.
St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, 61 Georgia Rd., Freehold, will host a parish mission, “Speak Lord, Your Servant Is Listening,” June 1-4 at 7 p.m. Morning sessions will be held at the 9 a.m. Mass. Presenter will be Redemptorist Father Kevin McDonald, who is currently assigned to San Alfonso Retreat House, West End.
St. Rose of Lima School, Freehold, has partnered with New Legacy Books and is collecting used books. Books may be placed in the donation bin in the car rider parking lot (South St.) at any time. The school will receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the books. Books that will be accepted must be in good, readable condition that have an ISBN barcode label on the book cover. Books that won’t be accepted are those without the ISBN barcode on the cover, encyclopedias, library references, magazines or water-damaged books. For questions, email eiosue@stroseoflima.com
Ocean County
Annunciation Council, Knights of Columbus, will host a Trivia Night May 31 in St. Mary Parish Center, Barnegat. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the event starting at 7. The trivia will be played among teams of 4 to 6 players. Admission is $20 per person and food will be available for purchase. To secure a spot, visit ticketor.com/kofc3826.
Maris Stella Retreat Center, Harvey Cedars, will host a guided retreat, “Images of God in Sky, Sea and Sand” June 16-22. Presenter Sister of Charity Ellen Dauer will assist participants in focusing on an element of creation, water, wind, sun, clouds, sand, etc. through poetry and photography. For more information or to register, visit marisstella.org or call 609-494-1182 or pdotzauer@comcast.net.
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, will host a Summer Solstice Craft Show June 15 from 9:30a.m. to 3 p.m.
St. Francis of Assisi Community Center, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach Island, hosts blood pressure screenings on the second Tuesday of each month from 11 to 11:30 a.m. in the senior lounge. The screenings are conducted by the LBI Health Department. Call 609-494-8861, ext. 111.
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 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. 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. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River, and Christ the King Mausoleum, Toms River, will host a mausoleum open house June 3-6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A 10 percent discount will be given for purchases of crypts or niches if paid in full. Appointments are required. Call 732-914-0300.
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. Peter Respect Life Ministry, Point Pleasant Beach, is sponsoring a “Cradle of Love” fundraiser to support Madonna House, Birthright and Open Door Pregnancy. The Cradle of Love will be positioned by the St. Joseph altar the weekend of May 11-12 in which parishioners will be able to pick a tag and purchase the gift indicated on the tag. Gifts should be returned to the St. Joseph altar May 19. For more information, call 732-322-1873.
St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette, will serve as the site of a Healing Mass June 13 at 7 p.m. in the church, 103 Grant Ave. Father Joseph Hlubik, pastor, will be principal celebrant. Music will be provided by Mark J.L. Mattheiss from NJ Campus Graduates/Students of Encounter School of Ministry. Prayer teams will be available. Contact DawnRusinko@yahoo.com for more information.
All parishes and schools are welcome to submit their events to
Monitor-News@dioceseoftrenton.org.