The following parishes, schools and organizations in the Diocese of Trenton have announced these upcoming events:
Burlington County
Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle, will hold a Food and Wine Fest Luau Jan. 25 from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase on Dec. 7. Cost is $55 if purchased between Dec. 7-15 or $60 after Dec. 15.
Holy Eucharist St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Tabernacle, has a food pantry that operates by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Persons in need of assistance and reside in Chatsworth, Vincentown, Shamong, Tabernacle or Southampton can call the hotline 609-268-0005 and leave a message with name and number and type of assistance needed. A Society member will return the call within 24 hours. All information remains confidential.
St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, is holding a 16-week series to prepare high school students to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation as well as adults with a deeper understanding or the Catholic faith. Classes are held on Sundays from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Class dates are Nov. 25, Dec. 15, Jan. 5, 12, 19 and 26, Feb. 2, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 23, 30, April 6, 13, May 4 and 18. Presenters are parish clergy and staff. To attend, email father_dan@smlparish.org or sign up in the parish parking lot entrance.
Tabernacle Council, Knights of Columbus, is hosting a Christmas tree fundraiser. Orders for Christmas trees are being accepted. Families can purchase a cut Christmas tree in memory of or in honor of a family member or loved one to be lit on the parish grounds. Trees are $125.
Mercer County
Hamilton Council, Knights of Columbus, will hold its annual Free Throw Competition Jan. 11 in the gym of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, from noon to 4 p.m. The competition is open to boys and girls between 9 and 14 yeas old as of Jan. 1, 2025. Registration forms will be available onsite and proof of age should be provided (photo of child’s birth certificate is needed).
Incarnation-St. James Religious Education Program, Ewing, will hold a sock drive from Dec. 1-31 to benefit the Salvation Army. Donations may be placed in the boxes found at the front entrance of both worship sites. Donations may also be purchased through the Amazon Wish list using the QR code in the parish bulletin.
Lawrence Council, Knights of Columbus, is participating in the “Send Heroes Home for the Holidays.” Monetary donations are being collected to help send active duty military personnel home for the holidays. To make a donation, send check made payable to “Lawrence Council #7000″ SHH and mail to KofC Lawrence Council #7000 SHH, P.O. Box 6425, Lawrenceville, N.J. 08648.
Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, will hold an “Adopt a Child/Family” in which gifts will be collected for children and families in need. Sign up online at www.ols-sa.org/adopt or fill out the form found in the parish bulletin and return in the collection basket at Mass or drop off at the parish office. The information, including the name, age, size and gift wish of each child will be emailed or mailed. Gifts will be collected at Our Lady of Sorrows School cafeteria Dec. 8 from noon to 2 p.m. Gift cards are also accepted. For information, call 609-220-8181 or email tawells919@gmail.com.
St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, will host a 24-week Bible study on Matthew’s Gospel. The study will begin Sept. 25 and will be held for 24 Wednesdays from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the All Purpose Room. Fee is $35 and registration is required. During the study, participants will explore how Jesus is challenging and empowering his people to new levels of holiness. To register, call the Faith Formation Office at 609-585-0542.
St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish Bereavement Support, Hamilton, meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the Spiritual Center. The meetings provide an environment that allows individuals the freedom to share stories and faith experiences. Support groups provide safety, community, spiritual consolation, understanding and opportunities for growth beyond the pain and sorrow of grief. For more information, call 609-890-1011.
Monmouth County
Bishop John C. Reiss Council, Knights of Columbus, will hold a Free-Throw Contest Jan. 26 from noon to 2 p.m. in the gym of St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro. Registration begins at noon with the competition starting at 12:30. An awards’ ceremony will be at 1:30. Winners in all categories will advance to the District Competition in February. For information, call 570-370-6119 or email leonardograci@gmail.com.
Christ the King Parish, Long Branch, will present “Blessed Christmas Story” Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. The presentation will highlight the Blessed Mother’s words to the four mystics. Traditional Christmas carols will also be performed.
Francis House of Prayer, 84 Walnford Rd., Allentown, will host an End of the Year Retreat will be held Dec. 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day will focus on goals, hopes and desires for 2025. Participants should bring a lunch and a free-will offering will be collected. Sister Marcy is the presenter. An online retreat, “Off To a Prayerful Start Focusing the New Year” will be held Jan. 2 from 7 to 8 p.m. Fee is $15 and materials will be provided. A retreat, “Setting the Direction for 2025″ will be held Jan. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee for in-person participants is $25 and includes lunch or $20 for online participants. A Silent Directed Retreat Weekend will be held Jan. 10 starting at 6:30 p.m. to Jan. 12 at 1 p.m. Mass, spiritual direction and optional Centering Prayer periods are included. Donation is $200 with a $100 non-refundable deposit. A seven-day Silent Directed Retreat will be held Jan. 19-26. Arrival time on Jan. 19 is 6:45 p.m. and departure is at 10 a.m. Jan. 26. Daily Mass, spiritual direction and optional Centering Prayer periods are included. Fee is $700 with a $100 non-refundable deposit with registration. A nine-part retreat, “First Belong to God: A Retreat with Pope Francis” will be held Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 12, 26, March 12, 26, April 9, 23 and May 7 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. or from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The writings of Pope Francis will be explored using “First Belong to God” by Austen Ivereigh. Fee is $150. To register, visit FHOP@verizon.net; 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.
Freehold Council, Knights of Columbus, is collecting used and unused eyeglasses for the Lions Club. Eyeglasses may be deposited in the drop-off baskets located at the main entrances of St. Rose of Lima Church and Chapel, Freehold.
Holy Family Parish, Hazlet, will offer “Five First Saturday in Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 4 and Feb. 2. All are invited to join in making this devotion to the Blessed Mother by partaking in making the five first Saturdays in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Participants will have the opportunity to make a good Confession, attend 8 a.m. Mass, receive Holy Communion and pray five decades of the Holy Rosary. For questions, call 908-461-5980.
Holy Family Parish, Hazlet, will hold an eight-week Bible Study on the Book of Romans, “The Gospel of Salvation.” Evening sessions will begin on Jan. 20 and held on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Morning sessions will begin on Jan. 22 and held on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. To register and reserve a workbook, call 732-673-1893.
Holy Innocents Parish St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Neptune, is in need of non-perishable items, paper products, personal hygiene products, and cleaning supplies. The pantry is open after the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday and after the 10 a.m. and noon Masses. The conference provides assistance to the needy of the Neptune area with rent, utilities and other basic necessities. Persons in need of assistance can call 732 922-4242, ext. 124.
Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune, will hold a 10-week Scripture Study, “What We Believe – The Beauty of the Catholic Faith,” Dec. 4, 18, Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 and March 5. Cost is $29.95 for workbook, book and “What We Believe” chart. Register by sending a registration form (available here) along with payment to the parish rectory or during the registration weekend Nov. 23-24. Make checks payable to Holy Innocents Church and send to 3455 West Bangs Ave., Neptune, N.J. 07755. To request financial assistance or for questions, email bibleholyinnocents@gmail.com.
Mary, Queen of the Knights Council, Knights of Columbus, Neptune, is sponsoring a Youth Free-Throw Championship Jan. 25 in Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park. All boys and girls ages nine to 14 are invited to participate. Check-in time is 8 a.m. the contest is sponsored annually with winners progressing through local, district and jurisdictional competitions. International champions are announced by the Knights of Columbus international headquarters in New Haven, Conn., based on scores from the jurisdiction-level competitions. All contestants on the local level are recognized for their participation. Participants are required to furnish age, written parental consent and an entry form. Details are available at knights816.org.
Mercy Center, Asbury Park, is in need of the following items: diapers sizes three and higher; baby wipes; coffee/tea; mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup; deodorant; toothpaste and toothbrushes; soap. Containers are located at the entrances to St. Mark Church, Sea Girt.
Prince of Peace Council, Knights of Columbus, will hold a Christmas Tree Program in St. Thomas More Church, Manalapan. Fee to dedicate a tree in memory of a loved one or to wish others a Merry Christmas is $175 per tree. Proceeds will benefit the parish and The Make a Wish Foundation. Applications are available in the parish bulletin. Payments by cash, check or Venmo are accepted. Make checks payable to Knights of Columbus #5903. For more information, call 646-499-1449.
St. Anselm Parish, Tinton Falls, will hold a blood drive Jan.7 from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the learning center. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins will be accepted. To sign up, visit www.nybc.org/drive and use code 70459. Donors should bring nybc donor card or a photo ID. Donors 76 years and over need a one-time doctor’s note unless one is already on file. For information about eligibility, call 800-688-0900 or visit nybc.org.
St. Benedict Food Pantry, Holmdel, is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 to 6 p.m.; Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays by appointment. 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. Denis Bereavement Support Group, Manasquan, meets on Thursdays. Morning sessions are from 10 to 11 a.m. in the parish office conference room. For questions or to attend, call 732-223-0287 or email eileenziesmer@gmail.com.
St. Denis Parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Conference Food Pantry, Manasquan, is accepting donations of the following items: toilet tissue, detergent, crackers, cookies, cereal, juice, small boxes of sugar, tea and ketchup. The pantry is located in Msgr. O’Connor Hall. The pantry operates on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Cash and check donations are welcome and can be left in the envelopes with the donated food. Indicate “Food Pantry” in the memo line of the checks. For questions or special food needs, call 732-223-1383.
St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro, prays a Patriotic Rosary every Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the church hall. Prayers are offered for the Executive (president), Judicial (Supreme Court) and Legislative (Senate and House of Representatives) branches. Prayers are also offered for active U.S. Military as well as veterans and emergency personnel.
St. Gabriel Parish, St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Marlboro, is collecting the following items: laundry detergent, dish detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, canned chicken, spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables, macaroni & cheese (box mixes), mashed potato flakes, peanut butter, rice, grape jelly, spaghetti /pasta, cereals that are kid friendly. Persons who are in need in the Marlboro/Morganville area or are members of the parish, call the conference hotline at 732-946-4487, ext. 240 and leave a message for the intake coordinator. All calls are kept confidential.
St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown, will host a presentation of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. Admission is $5 per person and all proceeds will benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
St. Michael Parish, West End, will host a Christmas concert with Father Alphonse Stephenson and the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea Dec. 22 at 1:30 p.m. in the upper church. Tickets go on sale in mid-October and may be purchased online at stmichaelnj.com. In mid-November, the tickets may be purchased in-person in the church vestibule after some of the weekend Masses. Tickets may be paid for with cash or check. The pricing levels are $55, $50, $45 and $40. Tickets will not be available for purchase in the parish business office or by phone. Visit stmichaelnj.com for more information.
St. Rose Parish Legion of Mary, Belmar, will host a Movie Night Presentation showing The Chosen Jan. 10 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Pasko Conference Room. The last episodes – Parts 7 & 8 from Season 1 — will be shown. Discussions will be held and pizza and snacks will be available. For more information, email michelle.masarik@outlook.com or call 908-309-2807.
St. Rose Parish Thomas Merton Discussion Group, Belmar, meets online on the first Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8 p.m. The group is currently reflecting on The Road to Joy: Letters to New and Old Friends, Volume 2, of Merton’s published correspondence. To join the group email GJRyan@WCCM.org or call 732-681-6238.
St. Veronica Food Pantry, Howell, is hosting a Christmas food collection through Dec. 20. Needed items include: boxed or canned potatoes, canned yams/sweet potatoes, canned corn/green beans, stuffing/corn bread mix, non-perishable canned ham, cranberry or applesauce, gravy, macaroni and cheese, canned fruit, fried onions, oil, boxed milk/juice, coffee, cookies/snacks, pancake mix/syrup. Pantry hours are Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information on food availability and pick up, email pantry@stveronica.com.
St. William the Abbot Parish, Howell, accepts donations of used eye glasses to benefit the Joe Mazzarella Eye Glass Donation Program. Donations may be placed in the receptacle located in the parish hall. All eye glasses are donated to the Eyes for Needy Program.
St. William the Abbot Parish, Howell, will hold its third annual New Year’s Ladies Vision Board Night Jan. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Participants will decorate a vision board and set goals for the new year. Materials will be provided. Participants should bring a snack or beverage to share. To register, call 732-910-9402 by Jan. 1.
Trenton Diocesan Federation and the Father McGivney Council, Knights of Columbus are participating in the “Send a Hero Home for the Holidays.” Contributions are being collected to transport an enlisted member of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard Home. Make checks payable to KOC Council 6392 and mail to P.O. Box 322, Lincroft, N.J. 07738.
Ocean County
Epiphany Parish, Brick, and Epiphany Council, Knights of Columbus, Brick, will present “The First Christmas: A Life Nativity” Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. in the worship area.
Ken’s Kitchen is a free social lunch program sponsored by St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, which welcomes people of all faiths from Barnegat and surrounding communities. Ken’s Kitchen operates each Thursday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the parish center for coffee, followed by informative speakers and entertainment. Soup and lunch will be served from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Meals are available for take-out after 11:30. Free bread and baked goods are distributed as well. Parish nurses are available twice per month for blood pressure screenings. For more information, call 609-618-9381.
St. Barnabas Parish Food Pantry, Bayville, is in need of the following donations: crackers, pancake mix, pancake syrup, canned potatoes, baked beans, toiletries, bars of soap, tea, coffee, juice, toilet tissue. Persons in need of food should call 732-269-2208, ext. 107.
St. Dominic Parish, Brick, will hold a New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance party from 7:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. in the parish center. Fee is $120 per adult and $45 per person under 21 years old. Music, dancing, hors d’ourves, five course dinner buffet, Viennese table with homemade pastries and desserts. Cash bar is available. Tickets are available at the rectory office or call Father Marian Kokorzycki at 732-737-1205.
St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry, Long Beach Island, is open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The pantry provides a wide range of food items, personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies. Specialty options such as dairy free, gluten free and vegan products, along with baby formula and diapers are available. Spanish speaking staff are available. To stay updated on the pantry’s services, text “PANTRY” to 833-511-0760.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Long Beach Island, offers a Fellowship Bible Study every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the Sr. Kate Room of the church. The next meeting is Dec. 19 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. For information, call 609-713-2622.
St. John Parish, Food Pantry, Lakehurst, needs the following items: sugar-free jams, jellies, pancake syrup as well as regular canned fruit, canned coffee, tea bags, pasta sauce, pasta, hearty canned soups, canned white tuna and chicken, cereal, oatmeal. Food can be dropped in the blue bin in the church hall anytime the church is open. Foods that are frozen or need refrigeration should not be placed in the bin; perishables may be brought to the pantry Monday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m.
St. John Parish Respect Life Committee, Lakehurst, is hosting 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, Toms River, is holding Giving Trees to help brighten the holidays for less fortunate. The trees will be in the church’s gathering space and adorned with gift tags indicating needed gifts. All gifts must be returned to the church unwrapped no later than Dec. 15. Attach the tag to the gift.
St. Luke Parish St. Vincent dePaul Conference, Toms River, has a food pantry that distributes food to those in need Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those in need of food should bring current identification and proof of residence. Persons wishing to donate food for the food pantry may place items in the wooden box in the church narthex. Needed food donations include coffee, tea, canned fruit, laundry detergent, toothpaste, paper towels and toilet tissue.
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, will hold a Mass for families of loved ones who died by suicide Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Barnegat church. Persons who have been affected by suicide and those who support them are encouraged to attend.
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, will host its First Annual “Polar Plunk” parish fundraiser Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the parish center. Food, balloons, fun, games and contestants taking turns being dunked in the dunk tank will be featured.
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, hosts Scripture sharing sessions every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. in the rectory. The Readings for the upcoming Sunday are reviewed and discussed. For more information, call 609-339-8969. The parish hosts Ken’s Kitchen, a free social lunch program every Thursday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the parish center. Coffee, speakers and entertainment are provided and soup and lunch is served from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Meals are available for take-out after 11:30 a.m.; free bread and baked goods are distributed. Parish nurses are available twice a month for blood pressure screenings. For more information, call 609-618-9381.
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, along with the Knights of Columbus, will host “Christmas In A Box” meals-to-go program for all who are in need of a Christmas dinner. This will take place Dec. 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parish center. To register, call 732-779-4064.
St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette, is holding its annual Christmas Giving Tree Campaign. Donations of gifts will be given to Madonna House, Neptune, which serves women and their children by providing clothing, toys, formula, diapers and life necessities to needy families. Donations will also be given to The Downey Side Adoption Agency which focuses on adoptions for a distinct age group of children 2-17, who are physically and emotionally challenged. The tree will be at the main entrance of the church with tags designated for either girls or boys and their age. Gifts may be brought to the parish office Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gift cards and checks are also welcome. Make checks payable to Madonna House and mail them to the parish office. Do not wrap gifts. Last day for providing gifts is Dec. 8. For questions, call 732-793-7291 or email office@stpioparish.com.
St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette, will hold a 24-part Bible study on Matthew’s Gospel. Afternoon sessions beginning Sept. 22 and will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Morning sessions will begin Sept. 25 and will be held from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. Fee is $25 and includes workbook and online access. Make checks payable to Sacred Heart Church. For more information, call 732-903-7551 or email barbaraturro@gmail.com.
St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish will hold a New Year’s Eve Gala Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the parish hall. Doors open at 8 p.m. Fee is $25 per person and includes dessert, coffee, soda, water, party favors. Music and dancing will be available. Make checks payable to St. Pio Holy Name Society. For information, call 908-672-6710; 732-995-0044 or 732-259-3577.
St. Pius X Journey Through Grief Bereavement Support Group, Forked River, will meet for eight consecutive Tuesday afternoons at 2 p.m. in the meeting room. The first session begins Jan. 7. The group is led by certified bereavement facilitators. Registration forms, brochures and information sheets are available in the church narthex and office. Mail completed forms to Paula Little at 24 Cedar St., Barnegat, N.J. 08005. A facilitator will contact the inquirer.
St. Theresa Food Pantry, Little Egg Harbor, is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. Needed items for October include: Spaghettios and Beefaroni; Hamburger Helper-type packaged products, rice; side dishes; cake mix and frosting; children’s cereal; small jars of mayonnaise; ketchup; mustard; peanut butter; pancake syrup; pancake mix; apple juice; toilet tissue; pasta and canned soup. For questions, call 609-296-1345.
St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor, will hold a Christmas Cookie Walk Dec. 21 and 22 to benefit the parish youth ministry. Donations of Christmas cookies are needed for the bake sale to be held Dec. 21-22 after all Masses. To donate, complete form found in the parish bulletin or by visiting www.sttheresa450.org/cookie-walk. Donations should be placed in an air-tight bag or container and brought to the parish office on Dec. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Dec. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be sure to label container so that it can be returned to the owner.
St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor, has added a second day and time for praying the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows and Divine Mercy Chaplet. In addition to Tuesdays, the prayers will be held on Fridays at 3 p.m.
All parishes and schools are welcome to submit their events to
Monitor-News@dioceseoftrenton.org.