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 $60. In the event of inclement weather, the event will take place Feb. 8.
Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle, holds Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday following 9 a.m. Mass until 4 p.m. in the daily chapel. Adoration will be extended to 8 p.m. on Feb. 12 for Adoration.
Moorestown Council, Knights of Columbus, will hold a blood drive in Our Lady of Good Counsel School cafeteria Feb. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter KOCM1082.
Our Lady Queen of Peace Council, Knights of Columbus, will host a Super Bowl Hoagie Sale. Footlong hoagies will be available for $15. Orders with payment will be taken up after all Masses the weekend of Jan. 25-26 and Feb. 1-2. Pick up date is after all Masses Feb. 9 in the parish center.
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown, will host “The Chosen” series following the 9 a.m. Mass in Heritage House. Presentations will be held Jan. 21, Feb. 4, 18, March 4 and 18.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Council, Knights of Columbus, Maple Shade, will host a blood drive Jan. 28 from 2 to 7 p.m. in the Maple Shade Independent Fire Company #1, 53 S. Maple Ave., Maple Shade. To register, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter KOCMS or call 267-621-2206.
Sacred Heart Parish Religious Education’s Mini Vinnies and Young Vincentians, Mount Holly, have organized a Winter Blessing Bag event to assist people in need. Donations of the following items are needed: Chapstick, Band-Aids, deodorant, hand/toe warmers or gloves, snacks (preferably protein), travel soap, body wash or body/hand wipes; travel hand lotion and packs of travel tissues; men’s socks (new); toothbrushes and travel-size toothpaste. Donations can be dropped off to a marked “Blessing Bag” collection box in the back of the church until Feb. 8. For information, email barbkane@sacredheartre.org.
Sacred Heart Parish St. Vincent de Paul Conference Food Pantry, Mount Holly, operates Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon and Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the conference serves resident of Springfield and Mansfield Townships Mount Holly, Hainesport, Lumberton, Eastampton and Westampton. Persons in need of food or financial aid should call 609-267-9600 and leave name and phone number. Intake is handled via phone only.
Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton, will hold a Blood Drive Feb. 17 from 1 to 6 p.m. in the school gym. To schedule an appointment, call 800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Sacred Heart Church.
St. Ann Confirmation Class, Browns Mills, will hold a Pancake Breakfast Jan. 26 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Tickets are $10 for adults if purchased in advance or $12 at the door; $6 for children 12 and under; no fee for children three and under.
St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, will hold its first annual Sparkle of Hope Charity Gala Jan. 31 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. in the Westin Hotel, Mount Laurel. Funds will be raised for neighbors struggling with everyday expenses. Cost is $125 per person and includes hors’d’oeuvres, gourmet dinner, dancing with orchestra. Tickets are limited and are available at stjoans.org/gala.
St. John Neumann Council, Knights of Columbus, Mount Laurel, will host an Arc of Burlington Dance Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. in Burlington County Special Services School, Westampton. The event will benefit adults with special needs. Refreshments will be available.
St. John Neumann Council, Knights of Columbus, Mount Laurel, will host a Basketball Free Throw Contest Jan. 25 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Resurrection Parish Gym, 260 Conrow Rd., Delran. The contest is open for boys and girls ages 9-14. For more information, call 856-630-0329/email rdklein@comcast.net or 609-230-5287/email amazed@comcast.net.
St. Joseph Council, Knights of Columbus, Riverton, will host a Free Throw Championship for boys and girls ages 9-14 Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Sacred Heart Family Center gym. For information, call 609-634-8750.
St. Katharine Drexel Parish Food Pantry, Burlington, provides food and personal hygiene products to residents of Burlington City and Burlington Township who meet income specifications and/or receive public assistance, unemployment benefits or disability benefits. In addition, registered parishioners experiencing food shortages are encouraged to contact the 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. Currently, the pantry is not in need of volunteers but persons wishing to assist when needed, can leave a message by calling 609-386-3650.
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.
St. Mary of the Lakes School, Medford, will hold its 42nd annual fashion show Feb. 2 from 4 to 8 p.m. in The Merion, Cinnaminson. Fee is $85 per person and includes admission, appetizers, sit-down dinner. Tickets are available at https://buytickets.t/stmaryofthelakes/1517626. Forms may be found in the parish bulletin. Return form with payment to the school. Make checks payable to SML PTA.
St. Paul PTA, Burlington, will host “Sole Mate Sneaker Ball” Feb. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the school gym. Attendees are asked to wear formal attire paired with favorite sneakers. Music and dancing will be featured. Children must be accompanied by an adult. To register, email Tammykarpac@yahoo.com or visit https://givebutter.com/USE8qW.
Mercer County
Lumen Christi Cohort Food Pantry is in need of non-perishable foods, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, paper and plastic bags and pantry staples. The parishes of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony, St. Raphael-Holy Angels, both Hamilton, and St. Gregory the Great, Hamilton Square, comprise the cohort. The pantry is located on the campus of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish and will operate Jan. 11 and Jan. 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. Needed items for January include soups, rice, spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese, instant mashed potatoes, tuna fish, cereal, peanut butter and jelly. Monetary donations are accepted. Persons who may need help with making a donation should call the parish office at 609-585-7049.
Marian Servants of the Holy Family will host “Abide In Me,” a nine week program created for one to deepen their prayer life and relationship with the Lord through personal prayer using Scripture and weekly group sharing experiences. The program is based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Sessions will be held Feb. 4 to April 1 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square. For registration information, email marianservantsholyfamily@gmail.com by Jan. 29. Enter Abide in Me Holy Eucharist in the subject line. Participation is limited to eight adults.
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, West Trenton, will hold a Family Game Night Jan. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the parish hall. The event will follow the 5 p.m. Mass. Pizza will be served; attendees are asked to bring a dessert or snack to share. For reservations, email nfinn1121@gmail.com.
Princeton Council, Knights of Columbus, will hold a Free Throw Contest for boys and girls ages 9-14 in the gym of St. Paul School, Princeton, Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Winners advance to regional and state competitions. Registration is not necessary. The council will hold a Family Movie Night Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. The movie “Frozen” will be shown.
Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, will hold a sweat sock drive the weekend of Jan. 25-26 Donations of new sweat socks may be brought to the altar rail. Donations will be given to needy persons of the area.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish Helping Hands Ministry, Hightstown, assists the nearby RISE organization with non-perishable food, paper supplies, hygiene products and first aid items each month. Monetary donations have also assisted more than 50 local families with various needs. The next food collection for RISE will be held Jan. 25-26. Canned tomatoes, tomato sauce and pasta sauce will be accepted.
St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction, will celebrate the feast of St. Sebastian Jan. 25. The Mass, which will also include a St. Sebastian procession, will be celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. After Mass an international food festival will be held in the Gret Hall.
St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, will host a video series, “Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues” Jan. 9-Feb. 12. Sessions will meet on Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Evening sessions will be at 7 p.m. Registration fee is $14 per person and includes workbook. Completed registration forms with payment may be mailed; dropped in the collection basket or poor box in the gathering space. Make checks payable to St. Gregory the Great. To pay by credit card, register online at StGregorytheGreatChurch/Seven. Registration forms can be found in the parish bulletin.
St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, will hold its seventh annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Soiree Feb. 28 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Stone Terrace by John Henry’s, Hamilton. The evening will honor the youth group’s Appalachia team, Jet Electrical Testing and Carrie Jordan (posthumously). Dinner, dancing and silent auction will be featured.
St. Paul Parish, Princeton, is partnering with the Diocese of Trenton in hosting a Mother-Daughter Tea event Feb. 1 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Geared for mothers with daughters in grades 5-8, the event focuses on building trust and open communication between mothers and daughters. A presentation on chastity and human dignity, a mothers-only panel discussion and a craft activity for daughters will be included.
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.
The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley will present The Search, a video series hosted by Chris Stefanick, guiding viewers through seven episodes examining life and death, sorrow and happiness, and science and faith all pointing to one big conclusion: Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. Episode topics are: What Do You Seek? Who Are You? Why a God? What’s Our Story? Who Is Jesus? Am I Saved? Why a Church? Sessions will be held in the following locations: St. Alphonsus, Hopewell, on Sundays at 11:30 a.m. (after the 10:30 a.m. Mass): Jan 19, Jan 26, Feb 2, Feb 9, Feb 16, Feb 23 and Mar 2; • St. James, Pennington in the Matthew/Mark Room on Mondays at 7 p.m.: Jan 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 • St. George, Titusville, on Wednesdays after 12:15pm Mass: Jan 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26.
The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley will host a seminar for married couples, “Go for the Gold: 7 Skills for Winning at Marriage,” Feb. 22 from 1:30 to 4:45 p.m. in the parish center of St. James Church, Pennington. Presenter will be Coleen Kelly Mast, life coach, national speaker and EWTN radio talk show host of “Mast Appeal.” Couples are invited to attend the parish’s 5 p.m. Mass where they will receive a blessing. Babysitting will be available upon request. For registration information, click here.
The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley will hold a blood drive Feb. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the hall/gym of St. James Church, Pennington. Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Caroline to schedule an appointment.
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.
Bishop John C. Reiss Council, Knights of Columbus will hold a Souper Bowl Sunday Food Drive before and after all weekend Masses Feb. 8-9. Items will be collected for the Mercy Center Food Bank in Asbury Park. Needed items include soups, stews, tuna fish, canned chicken, vegetables and fruit, cereal, dry foods, instant potatoes, peanut butter and jelly, non-perishable milk and canned or boxed juices. No glass items. Monetary donations and gift cards to Shop Rite are also accepted.
Catholic Women of Zion Chapter 1 will hold a retreat Feb. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in St. William the Abbot Church, Howell. Mass will be celebrated at 9a.m. by Father Thomas Maher, pastor. Retreat speaker will be Ana Maria Garcia will present “Behold, I Make All Things New.” Garcia is a Catholic evangelist who has served as a team member of Good News International, a lay ministry that carried the Gospel to parishes in the United States as well as South America and Europe. She has presented at retreats, Communion breakfasts, women’s groups, prayer meetings and Life in the Spirit Seminars and has also presented witnesses at the Catholic Tent Revival of New Jersey and the New Jersey Catholic Charismatic Conference. She appeared on Religion and Ethics Newsweekly on PBS. She has been a member of St. Luke Parish, Toms River, for more than 30 years where she and her husband served as coordinators of the parish evangelization team, Bible studies and Renew 2000. She recently began Our Lady’s Power of Prayer Group in the parish. Retreat fee is $25 and is payable at the door and includes a boxed lunch. Registration is required. Visit https://www.cwoz.org.
Francis House of Prayer, 84 Walnford Rd., Allentown, will host a presentation on “Gandhi: Prophet of Peace” will be held Jan. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The movie “Ghandi” will be shown and conversation will be held Fee is $25 for in-person participants and includes lunch or $20 for online participants. Presenters are Sister Marcy and Jerry Washko. An In-Person Only Silent Directed Retreat Weekend will be held Jan. 31-Feb. 2. Liturgy, spiritual direction and optional contemplative prayer periods are included. Fee is $200 with a $100 non-refundable deposit. Full payment is required two weeks in advance of start date. A retreat on St. Teresa’s Interior Castle will be held Jan. 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants may want to read the book, “The Interior Castle” prior to the retreat. Fee for in-person participants is $40 and includes lunch or $20 for online registration. Sister Marcy is the presenter. A retreat on Art Journaling will be held Feb. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The retreat is designed to help participants express the content of prayer in color. Jill Snyder is the presenter. Fee is $30 for materials and lunch. A Personal Retreat Day will be offered Feb. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Participants should bring a lunch. Fee is $10 or $40 with spiritual direction. A weekend retreat for certified spiritual directors will be held Feb. 7 starting at 6:30 p.m. to noon on Feb. 9. The weekend of prayer is for spiritual directors who accompany others in their life and prayer. Fee is $200 with a $100 non-refundable deposit. Commuters are welcome. Full payment is required two weeks in advance of the start date. A presentation, “Writing and Journaling – Deepen Our Friendship with God” will take place Feb. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fee for in-person participants is $30 and includes lunch or $25 for online participants. Presenter is Jill Snyder. 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.
Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune, holds an Online Rosary Group Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. The group meets online or over the phone Persons wishing to pray the Rosary in-person can do so Monday through Saturday starting at 8:25 a.m., before the 9 a.m. Mass. For information, email Kathy.lynch65@gmail.com.
Ladies of St. Joseph Parish, Millstone, will hold a bake sale Feb. 9 after both Masses in the parish hall. Donations of baked goods will be accepted that day. For questions, email Jannkronenthal@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.
Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park, will hold a Women’s Gathering on “Women of Hope” Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon in the parish chapel and conference room. Simple refreshments will be served. A freewill offering will be collected. Reservations are recommended. Call or text 201-259-4294.
Nativity Parish, Fair Haven, will hold a blood drive Feb. 11 from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome. To register, visit www.nybc.org/drive and use sponsor code 70277. Donors are to bring nybc donor card or a photo ID and should eat and drink fluids before their appointment.
Nativity Parish, Fair Haven, is hosting a Prom Dress Drive through Jan. 27. Dresses can be drooped off at the church outside the religious education office. The drive is being held in honor of the Norah Elizabeth Bruther Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Prince of Peace Council, Knights of Columbus will hold its third annual Valentine’s Dinner Dance Fundraiser Feb. 8 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. in Petri Hall of St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan. Tickets are $50 per person and includes buffet, cake, dancing and music provided by the Chimetones. Proceeds will benefit the Make A Wish Foundation. For ticket information, call 646-499-1449 or 732-598-9782.
Rev. Joseph J. Donnelly Council, Knights of Columbus, will hold an Italian Night and Gift Auction Jan. 25 in Our Lady of Perpetual Help gym, Highlands. Check-in time is 5:30 p.m. Dinner and ticket package is $25 and dinner-only package is $20. Dinner is $15 for children ages 12 and under. To purchase tickets, visit highlandskoc11660.org.
San Alfonso Retreat House, West End, will hold an extended weekend Contemplative Guided Retreat for Beginners Feb. 14-17. Presenters are Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters Kathryn Benham and Rose Marie Adams. Fee is $450 with a $50 deposit. A “Valentine Twilight Evening of Recollection for Married Couples” will be held Feb. 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. Theme is “Hope Springs Eternal.” Fee is $140 per couple and includes dinner package or $240 for an overnight package. A $50 deposit is required. To register online, visit www.info@sanalfonsoretreats.org. For more information, call 732-222-2731, ext. 140.
Sisters of St. Joseph Center for Spirituality, Ocean Grove, will offer a virtual retreat, “Beauty Beyond Loss: Finding Your Way through the Mystery of Grief and Gratitude” Feb. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. Presenter will be Paula D’Arcy, a writer, retreat leader and conference and seminar speaker who travels widely in the United States, Canada and abroad. She is also president of the Red Bird Foundation which supports the growth and spiritual development of those in need. Suggested offering is $15-$20. To register, email jcassidy@ssjphila.org.
St. Benedict Food Pantry, Holmdel, is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 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. Benedict Parish, Holmdel, will hold a Women’s Retreat and Brunch Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Father Anderson Library. The parallels between the relationships, experiences and challenges of women in the Bible will be discussed. Fee is $10 per person for the adults-only event. Make reservation by Jan. 28 by emailing mccahill@stbenedictnj.org.
St. Catherine of Siena Parish Adult Faith Formation, Farmingdale, will hold a five-week study series on Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession starting Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. in the parish hall. The series will explore the grace and healing offered in Confession and shows how the Sacrament of Mercy reveals the depth and bounty of God’s love. To register, call 732-938-5373 or email passociate@sienachurch.org.
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. Denis Parish, Manasquan, and Holy Trinity Church, Manasquan, will hold a discussion on “the amen effect: Ancient Wisdom to Men Our Broken Hearts and World” by Rabbi Sharon Brous Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 12 and 19 from 11 a.m. to noon in Holy Trinity Church and from 7 to 8 p.m. in St. Denis Parish Center. Brous writes about the healing power of showing up for individuals and the community in times of pain and sorrow. Presenters will be Father William Lago, St. Denis pastor, and Pastor Mary Farnham of Holy Trinity.
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 celebrate Candlemas on the Presentation of Our Lord with a Solemn High Traditional Latin Mass Feb. 2 at 12:30 p.m. Candles will be blessed and distributed. A lunch will follow in the parish hall.
St. Joseph Council, Knights of Columbus, Keyport, will hold its annual Peter Cassidy Baby Diaper Drive through March 28. Diapers and wipes will be given to Birthright of Monmouth County. Sizes needed are 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6. Donations may be brought to the council home daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. or they can be ordered online and delivered to 54 Route 35 North, Keyport, N.J. 07735.
St. Joseph Parish, Millstone Township, accepts donations of food, paper goods and toiletries that can be placed in the bins located inside the church entrances. After the first and third Sundays of the month, volunteers deliver the items to the Millstone Community Center.
St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, will hold its next “Faith-Filled Flicks” Jan. 27 and Feb. 3 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Good Shepherd Media Room. The Movie, “The Way” will be shown and will also include commentary by Father John Folchetti, parish pastor. To register, visit www.stleothgreat.com/father-john-explains.
St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, will hold “Gourmet Gatherings,” a teach and taste event on a culinary theme, Jan. 30 from 6 to 8 pm. Pre-registration is required. To register, visit stleothegreat.com/gourmet-gatherings.
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. Rose of Lima School, Freehold, has partnered with New Legacy Books and is accepting donations of used books. Donations may be left in the bin located in the car rider parking lot. The school will receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the books.
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.
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’s Bereavement Support Group offers peer support for those grieving the death of a loved one. Six sessions are offered during which information is provided and mutual sharing and peer support is presented in a spiritual, caring and confidential setting. For more information, call 732-458-0220.
Epiphany Parish Helping Hands, Brick, operates a food pantry on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon. Donations of the following are needed: meat/chicken/pork/hamburgers, pancake mix and syrup, canned pasta, brown rice, jars of pasta sauce, assorted canned beans, butter, eggs, soup, jelly, coffee, frozen vegetables, fresh fruit and vegetables, snacks, cooking oil, tea, canned tuna.
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. 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. Items needed include: canned goods: chicken, tuna, soup, beef stew, chili, SpaghettiOs, pork & beans, black beans, kidney beans, corn & peas. Needed non-perishable items: cereal, oatmeal, pasta & jarred pasta sauce, pancake mix & syrup, snacks & instant mashed potatoes. Needed hygiene products: laundry detergent, bar soap/body wash, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper. Non-perishable food donations for the pantry can be dropped off in the designated bins at the Community Center entrance. Online monetary donations may be made through PayPal: www.stfranciscenterlbi.org/donate. To stay updated on the pantry’s services, text “PANTRY” to 833-511-0760.
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. John Parish Altar-Rosary Society, Lakehurst, will hold a Valentine’s Sock Hop Feb. 14 from 6 to 10 p.m. in the parish hall. Fee is $25 per person and includes subs, soda, water, coffee and tea. For tickets, make checks payable to St. John’s and in memo line indicate Rosary Sock Hop. Checks may be dropped in the collection basket at Mass. For questions, call 917-922-2565 or 732-618-6481.
St. Joseph by the Sea Retreat House, South Mantoloking, will hold an Ash Wednesday Retreat March 5 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mass will be celebrated with the distribution of ashes. Lunch will be served. Presenter is Janice Santanello. Cost is $6 per person. To register, call 732-892-8494.
St. Joseph Council, Knights of Columbus, Toms River, will hold its annual “Blast from the Past” event for children and adults with special needs Feb. 8 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the council home. Cost is $25 per person and includes food, dessert and entertainment featuring Stilletto and Saxman. For tickets call 732-604-3962.
St. Joseph Parish Carpenter Shop, Toms River, is open after all Sunday Masses from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:45 to 8 p.m. The shop is closed Mondays and is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday after the Vigil Mass from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. For information, call 732-349-0018, ext. 2248.
St. Justin the Martyr St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Toms River, will hold a “Share the Warmth” blanket and toiletries drive the weekend of Feb. 1-2 after all weekend Masses. New or gently used blankets of all sizes and sleeping bags will be collected in the parish conference room and distributed locally.
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. Luke Parish, Toms River, will serve as the site of a workshop on Utility Assistance and Resource Day Feb. 19. The workshop will be presented by New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. Several agencies will be available to address questions. For information, call 800-624-0241.
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, will hold a Beefsteak Dinner and Comedy Night Feb. 7 in the parish center. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person and includes beefsteak dinner and entertainment by JPZ Entertainment. To order tickets, call 609-698-5531.
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, holds “Bagels & Bibles for Men” for Catholic men on the first Saturday of the month after the 8 a.m. Mass in Monsignor Reinbold Hall.
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. Maximilian Kolbe Columbiettes, Toms River, will hold a bake sale Feb. 8-9 after all Masses. Proceeds will benefit the charities the group supports.
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, 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.
St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor, will serve as the site of a Free Income Tax Preparation sponsored by AARP/IRS Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees must schedule an appointment in person; no walk-ins or phone appointments will be accepted. Tax preparation will be offered on Wednesdays beginning Feb. 12 form 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parish center. Those seeing services must bring: last year’s federal and state tax returns; Social Security cards and photo ID; Social Security statements (1099s); tax forms W2, 1099R, 1098T; brokerage statements; self employment income and expense information; all interest and dividend statements; health insurance information – 1095 A,B or C; medical, dental prescription expenses; all tax statements – property tax, state tax refunds; last year’s PTR (blue book); unemployment paperwork; voided bank check to verify information for direct deposit on refund.
All parishes and schools are welcome to submit their events to
Monitor-News@dioceseoftrenton.org.