The following parishes, schools and organizations in the Diocese of Trenton have announced these upcoming events:
Burlington County
Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle, holds Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday following the 9 a.m. Mass until 4 p.m. Benediction in the daily chapel. For more information on Eucharistic Adoration, scan the QR code found in the parish bulletin.
Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle, will host a Country Western Food and Wine Fest Jan. 31 from 7-10 p.m. Snow date is Feb. 7. Tickets, if purchased by Dec. 14 are $55 or $60 after Dec. 14. To order tickets, visit the QR code in the parish bulletin or visit holyeucharist.org.
Holy Eucharist St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Tabernacle, will prepare Christmas Food Baskets for approximately 150 families in need. Donations of the following foods are needed: macaroni and cheese, hams, canned pineapple, apple sauce, soups – vegetable, chicken noodle, tomato, canned fruit, turkey gravy, canned cranberry sauce, napkins, tin foil. Perishable items may be brought during food pantry hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-noon. Donations of non-perishable items should be dropped off by Dec. 19 and brought to the food pantry foyer or the garage; basket distribution is Dec. 20 from 1-3 p.m.
Medford Council, Knights of Columbus, will hold a showing of the movie “King of Kings” Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. in St. Mary of the Lakes Emmaus Center. The movie follows Jesus’ Birth, ministry and Resurrection, highlighting themes of faith, love and redemption. The film is loosely based on Charles Dickens’ children’s book The Life of Our Lord and features a voice cast, including Kenneth Branagh as Dickens and Oscar Isaac as Jesus.
Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, prays the Rosary Chaplet and Miraculous Medal on Saturday mornings at 7:50 a.m. in the church. Daily Mass follows at 8:30 a.m.
St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson, will host its first annual CYO Alumni Tournament Jan. 3 at noon in Holy Cross Preparatory Academy, Delran. Team registration is $30 for 3-5 players per team or $10 for individual registration. To volunteer as a referee or with organization, email awojnar@comcast.net.
St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson, collects frozen casseroles to be given to the poor of the area. Donations are made on the second Thursday of each month and given to Catholic Charities Emergency Services. Casseroles may be dropped off in the barn at any time between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. For questions, call 856-904-8632.
St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, will hold an American Red Cross Blood Drive Jan. 17 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit htttps://tinyurl.com/sja-blood-drive.
St. John Neumann Lay Scripture Discussion Group, Mount Laurel, meets Thursdays at 2 p.m. in the parish hall For questions, email ccb138@gmail.com or call 856-296-3882.
St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, will offer a series on “Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible” on the following Wednesdays from 7-8:30 p.m.: Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 9, Dec. 3, 10, Jan. 7 and 14. To purchase a workbook, visit ascensionpress.com. Videos will be presented during the study. Online access is optional and can be purchase after the start of the study. For more information, email leonorczarnecki@gmail.com.
Mercer County
Ewing Council, Knights of Columbus, will participate in the “Coats for Kids” program. Donations of $20 will allow council members to purchase coats. If making a monetary donation, make check payable to Ewing Knights of Columbus Council 3756 and send to the following address: Coats for Kids, Knights of Columbus, Ewing Council #3756, P.O. Box 7674, Ewing, NJ 08628.
Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing, is holding a Children’s Giving Tree through Jan. 5. Donations of gloves, hats, scarves and socks to be given to the Salvation Army are being collected.
Lumen Christi Cohort’s Food Pantry, Hamilton, is in need of the following items: non-perishable food, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, paper and plastic bags and pantry staples. Items may be placed in the bins near the entrances of Our Lady of Sorrows Church and St. Anthony Church, Hamilton. The food pantry is located on the campus of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton. The food pantry will be open Dec. 6 and Dec. 20 from 9-11 a.m. The cohort also provides assistance to Mount Carmel Guild, Trenton.
St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction, will observe the Feast of St. Sebastian Jan . 24. An international food festival will be included.
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 hold a Sensory Friendly Mass Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. in St. James Church, Pennington. A Sensory Friendly Mass provides a safe, comfortable and stigma-free environment for children and adults with sensory challenges or any kind of disability to feel engaged and experience Mass in a meaningful way. Accommodations include softer music and lighting, bell free, shorter more literal homilies and gluten free hosts.
Monmouth County
Francis House of Prayer, 84 Walnford Rd., Allentown, will host a series on, “St. Teresa of Avila: The Way of Perfection,” will be held Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3, Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4, April 1 and May 6 from 9:30 to 11: 30 a.m. Participants will read “The Way of Perfection” from Volume Two of “The Collected Works of ST. Teresa of Avila.” Presenter is Sister Marcy Springer. Donation is $200. A “Reading of Teilhard’s The Mass on the World” is a retreat series scheduled Sept. Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5 from 1-2:30 p.m. Participants will meditate on the Eucharist and Paschal Mystery. Presenter is Sister Kathy Duffy. Fee is $100. A nine-session online offering, “Praying Our Experiences: Where is God In My Life?” will be held Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12, Dec. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 16 and May 13 from 7-8 p.m. Donation is $175. A Friday morning retreat series will be held Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 9, Feb. 6, March 6, April 10 and May 8 from 9:15 a.m. to noon. Participants will read “The Book of Joy” by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. Fee is $250. An “Invitation to Love: Centering Prayer” will be held on Tuesdays Sept. 9, Oct. 7, Nov. 11, Dec. 9, Jan. 6, Feb. 10, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The series is open to those wanting to learn Centering Prayer. Each evening includes two 20-minute Centering Prayer periods, Scripture, a short Thomas Keating video and discussion of his classic “Invitation to Love.” Donation is $200. “Encounter with Silence: Karl Rahner” will be offered on Mondays Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15, Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 16, April 20, May 18 from 7-8:15 p.m. Ten brief experiences will be explored. Donation is $175. “Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius” will be offered as an online program on Tuesdays Sept. 16-May 19 from 3-4:30 p.m. In this full version of the Spiritual Exercises, corresponding to a 30-day retreat, participants commit to one hour of daily prayer and weekly meetings. “The Ignatian Adventure” by Kevin O’Brien, SJ, will be used for prayer and “Spiritual Freedom” by John English, SJ, for reading between sessions. Fee is $450. A nine-part series, “Prayer & Action for Earth” will be held on the following Tuesdays from 9:30-11 a.m.: Sept. 16, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10, April 14 and May 12. Participants will use “Come Have Breakfast: Meditations on God and the Earth” by Elizabeth Johnson. Fee is $175. A personal retreat day, “Discernment Makes All The Difference In Your World” will be held Sept. 19 form 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The retreat includes the full teaching of Ignatian discernment. Presenter is Sister Marcy Springer. Fee for in-person participants is $35 and includes lunch and materials or $30 for online participants. A six-session offering on “St. Edith Stein – A Spiritual Portrait” will be offered on Wednesdays Sept. 24, Oct. 22, Nov. 19, Dec. 17, Jan. 14 and Feb. 18 from 7-8:15 p.m. Fee is $100 which includes purchase of the book. A nine-week online offering “St. Augustine’s Story – Full of Grace” will be offered on the following Wednesdays Sept. 24, Oct. 22, Nov. 19, Dec. 17, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 15 and May 13 from 7-8:15 p.m. Participants will explore St. Augustine’s story in is Confessions as translated by Sarah Ruden. Fee is $175. An online offering “The Impact of God” will be offered on the following Thursdays: Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Dec. 18, Jan. 22, Feb. 26, March 26, April 23 and May 21 from 7-8 p.m. Fee is $175. A nine-part online session, “St. Elizabeth of the Trinity” will be offered on the following Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Dec. 18; Jan. 22, Feb. 26, March 26, April 23 and May 21. Participants will read four of Elizabeth’s major works using “St. Elizabeth of the Trinity: The Complete Works, Vol. 1, Revised Edition, translated by Aletheia Kane, OCD. Fee is $175. A nine-part series, “The Divine Dance” with Father Richard Rohr will be held Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Dec. 18, Jan. 22, Feb. 26, March 26, April 23 and May 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will use Father Rohr’s book “The Divine Dance.” Participants will spend time in contemplative prayer at each session. Fee is $200. To register, visit FHOP@verizon.net; call 609-877-0509 or visit FHOP.org.
Francis House of Prayer, Allentown, has scheduled the following one-day offerings: An End of The Year Retreat is planned for Dec. 31 from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The day will focus on goals, hopes and desires for 2026. A freewill offering will be accepted and participants should bring their lunch. A retreat “God Cannot Fill an Occupied Space! Cleaning Up &Cleaning Out” is planned Jan. 6 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Fee for in-person attendees is $25 and includes lunch or $20 for online participants. A program on “Infant Jesus of Prague” will be held Jan. 12 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Fee is $25 and includes lunch and materials. To register, visit FHOP@verizon.net; call 609-877-0509 or visit FHOP.org.
Holy Cross Academy, Rumson, will host a spaghetti dinner Jan. 23 from 5-7:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. Tickets are $20 for adults; $5 for children, and no admission for children under age 3. Make online reservation at hcarumson.org/pasta by Jan. 19.
Holy Family Parish, Hazlet, will begin a 10-week Scripture series on Exodus: Called to Freedom Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. and repeated Jan. 20 at 9:30 a.m. Sessions will meet weekly during which they will view a video followed by discussion and fellowship. For more information or to register, call 732-673-1893.
Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune, offers an Online Rosary Group that meets Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. online or over the phone. The Rosary is also prayed in-person Monday through Saturday in the church at 8:25 a.m. Mass follows at 9. For information, email Kathy.lynch65@gmail.com.
Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune, is hosting two Scripture offerings. The 24-week Great Adventure Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation will begin Sept. 10. All sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon in the Building 2. Cost is $39.95 and includes hard copy of workbook, Bible Timeline chart and bookmark or $6.95 for online video, workbook, Bible Timeline chart and bookmark. Video presenter is Jeff Cavins, noted Scripture scholar. For more information, email biblholyinnocents@gmail.com.
Mary’s Child Pro-Life Ministry, a non-profit organization that serves Monmouth and Ocean County mothers, is collecting the following items throughout the year in Duffy Hall of St. Margaret Church, Spring Lake. Donations are given to Madonna House, Inc., Neptune. Needed items include diapers (size newborn, 12, 18, 24 months; sizes 3, 4, 5); baby clothing (new or gently used and clean) sizes 3 -24 months (spring and fall weather); baby onesies (undershirts) sizes 3-9 months; wipes, baby wash, baby shampoo.
Mercy Center, Asbury Park, is in need of donations of diapers size 4 and larger; baby wipes; coffee/tea; mayonnaise; mustard; ketchup, and salad dressing. Donations of clothing are no longer being collected.
Oratory Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Red Bank, hosts a Bi-Monthly Marriage Program on the second Friday of the month or a social event on the fourth Saturday of the month. The first meeting of the year will be Oct. 10 from 6-9 p.m. in St. Crispin House. Participants are asked to bring an entrée and dessert to share as part of a potluck supper. Program dates are Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, May 8. For reservations email StAnthonyBeloved@gmail.com.
Our Lady of Fatima Bereavement Ministry, Keyport, holds bereavement sessions for persons grieving the loss of a loved one on Monday at 7 p.m. in the parish center bereavement room. To attend, contact the office at 732-264-0322.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Food Pantry, Highlands, is open Sundays from 10:30 a.m.-noon and Mondays from 5:30-7 p.m. Donations of juice are needed.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands, invites all knitters and crocheters to volunteer their time to make hats, blankets and scarves for donation. Yarn is supplied. Participants can knit/crochet from home or join the group which meets on Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 732-921-4450.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Book Club, Atlantic Highlands, will meet Jan. 7 at 12:30 p.m. in the pastor’s room of St. Agnes Church hall. The book for discussion will be Mitch Albom’s “Finding Chika: a little girl, an earthquake, and the making of a family.” Free copies of the book are available by calling 732-291-8804 while supplies last.
Rev. Joseph J. Donnelly Council, Knights of Columbus, will hold an Italian Night Jan. 31 in the gym of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Highlands. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner being served from 6-9. Tickets for the dinner package are $30 and includes dinner and games of chance tickets or $25 for only dinner. For tickets, call 732-725-3010; email stevebagnetto61@yahoo.com or return form found in parish bulletin to the parish office along with payment.
Selective Seconds, the Furniture Ministry of St. Rose Parish, Belmar, operates Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Proceeds from the sales of the high-quality, new and gently used furniture and home décor benefit the parish St. Vincent de Paul Society which assists people in need. The stores is in need of more volunteers to help with furniture pick-up and deliveries on Mondays from 8 to 11 a.m. Volunteers are also needed to work in the store. For more information, visit www.selectivesecondsfurniture.com.
St. Agnes Thrift Shoppe, Atlantic Highlands, is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Donations are accepted during these hours. For larger donations, call 732-291-2156.
St. Anselm Parish, Wayside, will celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany with a choir concert Jan. 4 at 2 p.m. in the church. There is no admission fee but a freewill offering will be collected. Light refreshments will be served.
St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake, will present Seasons 4 & 5 of The Chosen. Season 4 will be presented Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Season 5 March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23. All sessions are at 1 p.m. in Duffy Hall of St. Margaret Church.
St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Spring Lake, will hold a Good Drive Dec. 29-Jan. 12. Food donations will be given to St. Peter Claver Food Pantry, Asbury Park, and diapers will be given to Madonna House, Neptune. Food items may be donated by scanning the QR code in the parish bulletin or by visiting https://yougivegoods.com/drive-landing/mjzllratutqvfr7raoyrcxg46. Diaper donations may be donated by scanning the QR code in the parish bulletin or by visiting https://yougivegoods.com/drive-landing/mjzllratutgvfr7raoyrcxg46. Donations will also be collected the weekend of Jan. 10-11 in both churches.
St. Catherine Laboure Parish, Middletown, will hold the following events: On Dec. 28, in honor of the Feast of the Holy Family, a Family Gathering with refreshments, movie and family-oriented teaching will take place in the parish hall following the 11 a.m. Mass. The parish will hold a Lessons & Carols Jan. 4 at 7 p.m.
St. Crispin Society on the campus of the Oratory Church of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank, announced the schedule of its food pantry and clothing shop. The St. Crispin House Food Pantry is open Monday-Tuesday, 5:30 to 7 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and Thursday from 6:30-8 p.m. Volunteers are needed Mondays from 9 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, 5 to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 10-11:30 a.m.; Thursday, 10-11 a.m. and from 6-8 p.m., and Friday, 10-11:30 a.m. The St. Crispin House Salve Regina Clothing Shop is open Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon. Food and clothing donations are accepted during pantry hours; in the basket located in the church gathering area or by scheduling an appointment, 732-747-0813, ext. 109.
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: jelly, small boxes of sugar, instant oatmeal, complete pancake mix and syrup, canned fruit, cereal, canned tuna and boxed milk. The pantry is located in Msgr. O’Connor Hall. The pantry operates on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Items may also be left in the shopping cart in the gathering space of the church or in the plastic box at the beach chapel. 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. Make checks payable to St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Denis Conference. 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. James Parish, Red Bank, will hold a 24-week Bible Study on the Story of Salvation starting Nov. 5. For more information and to register, contact the parish office at 732-741-0500.
St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown, will hold a Parish Game Night and Meatball Cook-Off Jan. 17 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Admission is free. A variety of games will be featured and foods including hotdogs and soft drinks will be provided. If entering the cook-off, participants should bring a dozen meatballs.
St. Joseph Council, Knights of Columbus, Keyport, holds line dancing every Thursday from 7:30-10:30 p.m. in the council home. Admission is $10 and proceeds benefit the council’s various charitable organizations. To learn more about the council, email williamhortonjr@verizon.net or call 732-320-0950.
St. Joseph Parish, Readers’ Club, Millstone Township, will meet Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. The club will discuss “Mere Christianity” by C.S.Lewis which explores the core beliefs of Christianity by providing an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear a powerful, rational case for the Christian faith. For more, email ambiofran@gmail.com.
St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, holds Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Monday-Friday from 8-8:50 a.m. in the chapel. Mass follows at 9.
St. Mark Parish Bereavement Ministry, Sea Girt, meets Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in the parish. For more information, call 718-637-1162.
St. Mary Parish, Middletown, is in need of committed adorers to tend to the Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Shrine, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For questions, call 732-671-0071, ext. 1233 or jguzman@stmarychurchnj.org.
St. Rose of Lima School, Freehold, has partnered with New Legacy Books. Donations of used books may be brought to the bin located in the car rider parking lot at anytime and the school will receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the books. Books must be in good, readable condition that have an ISBN barcode label on the book cover. For questions, email eiosue@stroseoflima.com.
St. Rose Parish, Belmar, is offering Scripture sessions on the Book of Acts on Monday evenings from 6:45-8:45 p.m. in the parish center Pasko Room. To register or for more information, call 732-280-5658 or email pphillips913@gmail.com.
St. Veronica Parish Food Pantry, Howell, needs the following items: coffee, tea, tuna, Spam, juice, pasta, rice, jelly, mayonnaise, crackers, potatoes (canned or boxed), pasta sauce, canned fruit, macaroni and cheese, canned chicken, peanut butter, shelf stable milk, cereal and oatmeal, Chef Boyardee, canned vegetables, paper towels, toilet tissue, laundry detergent, dish soap. Items may be dropped off in the bins in the church narthex. Pantry hours are Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-noon. For information on food availability and pick-up, contact office@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.
The Ladies of St. Joseph of St. Joseph Parish, Millstone Township, will hold a bake sale Feb. 8 following both Masses. For any questions, email Jannkronenthal@gmail.com.
The Oratory Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Red Bank, will hold a bi-monthly Marriage Program on the second Friday of the month for the program and the fourth Saturday of the month for a social event. The program begins with the first meeting Oct. 10 from 6-9 p.m. in St. Crispin House on Oratory Way. The program dates are Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13, April 10 and May 8. Each meeting includes a shared potluck meal. Participants should bring entrée and dessert to share and beverages. For reservations, email StAnthonyBeloved@gmail.com.
Vincent’s Legacy, the furniture outreach of the St. Vincent de Paul conference works with local St. Vincent de Paul conferences to serve neighbors in need of furniture and household items. Donations of furniture and household items that are in good condition to redistribute are accepted. The outreach offers many opportunities for people to serve, whether it’s with donating furniture, volunteering or offering financial support to help cover warehouse and truck expenses. Visit https://vincentslegacy.wixsite.com/furniture or on Facebook at https://www.facebookcom/FurnitureMinistry.com. For more information, email Furniture@svdptrenton.org or call 609-557-7837. To make a financial contribution, send check payable to Vincent’s Legacy Furniture Outreach Conference, P.O. Box 526, Manasquan, N.J. 08736 or use the DONATE button on the Facebook page.
The following parishes in Monmouth and Ocean Counties hold Eucharistic Adoration on the following days and times: Monday: St. Rose, Belmar, 7-8 p.m.; Tuesday, St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, 12:10 p.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesday, St. Catharine, Spring Lake, following the 9 a.m. Mass until 11:45 a.m.; Ascension Church, Bradley Beach, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Epiphany, Brick, 3-6 p.m.; Thursday, Holy Innocents, Neptune, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; St. Maximilian Kolbe, Toms River, prayer and Adoration from 9-10 a.m. with silent Adoration being held from 10 a.m.-noon. Friday: Holy Innocents, Neptune, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; St. Mark, Sea Girt, after 7:30 a.m. Mass until Benediction at 10:45 a.m.; St. Denis, Manasquan, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; St. Thomas More, Manalapan, 9 a.m.-noon.
Ocean County
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 syrup, cheese, assorted dried beans, butter, whole wheat pasta, white rice, coffee, frozen vegetables, fresh fruit and vegetables, snacks cooking oil, dairy free/nut free/gluten free foods.
Epiphany Parish Bethany Bereavement Support Group, Brick, offers peer support for those grieving the death of a loved one. A series of six sessions of information, mutual sharing and peer support in a spiritual, caring and confidential setting is provided. For information, call 732-458-0220.
Epiphany Parish, Brick, will hold a Healing Mass Jan. 16. Prayer and reflection begin at 6:30 p.m. with Mass starting at 7. The Mass will be followed with prayers of healing and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
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.
Sacred Heart Bereavement Breakfast Group, Bay Head, meets on the second Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. in the parish hall. The group is open to persons who suffered the loss of a loved one.
Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head, will host a 20-part Bible Study on Acts of the Apostles beginning Sept. 21. Sessions will meet Sundays from 3-5 p.m. or Wednesdays from 9:15-11:15 a.m. in the parish center. Cost is $35 and includes workbook and on-line access. The study will feature a video series presented by renowned Scripture scholar Jeff Cavins. For more information, email barbara.turro@gmail.com or call 732-903-7551.
Sacred Heart Divine Mercy Prayer Group, Bay Head, meets on Tuesday mornings in the parish hall. Recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet begins in church following the 8:30 a.m. Mass then continues in the parish hall with breakfast; the Seven Sorrows of Mary Rosary and prayers to St. Anthony.
Sacred Heart Altar-Rosary Society, Bay Head, will hold a bakeless cake sale as a fundraiser for St. Gregory’s Pantry, Seeds of Service, Providence House Domestic Violence Services, St. Vincent de Paul Society and the St. Teresa Scholarship at Georgian Court University. Monetary donations contributing to the cost of baking and/or buying a cake are requested. Checks may be made payable to SHC-Rosary Altar Society and mailed to Pat Donovan, RAS Treasurer, 226 Fernando Drive, Lavallette, N.J. 08735.
St. Aloysius Parish Christian Book Study, Jackson, meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. in the parish meeting room. The group selects books with the goal to learn more about the Catholic faith. For questions, call 862-432-9358.
St. Barnabas Parish Food Pantry, Bayville, needs donations of the following items: crackers, canned potatoes, baked beans, pancake mix and syrup, coffee/tea, detergent, toiletries, toilet tissue. Persons in need of food should call 732-269-2208, ext. 107.
St. Dominic Parish, Brick, will host a New Year’s Eve party Dec. 31 from 7:30 p.m.-3 a.m. in the parish center. Fee is $130 per person (adults); $50 per person (for students under age 21), and children under age 15 will be admitted free of charge. Included is a five-course dinner buffet, dinner and DJ. Tickets are available in the parish office or by contacting Father Marian Kokorzycki at 732-737-1205.
St. Dominic Parish, Brick, will hold its annual Pasta Dinner Fundraiser Jan. 17 in the parish center. Seating is at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and are on sale before and after all weekend Masses. For more information, email stdomstorch@gmail.com.
St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry, Long Beach Island, is open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Items needed include: canned goods: fruit, corn, black beans, kidney beans, instant mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, pasta-spaghetti, coffee and tea. Needed hygiene products: laundry detergent, toilet tissue, toothpaste, shampoo, men’s and women’s deodorant. 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 the website: www.stfranciscenterlbi.org/donate.
St. Francis of Assisi Community Center, Long Beach Island, will host a Chili Cook-Off Feb. 15 from noon-4 p.m. The event, in partnership with the Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean County, aims to raise awareness and support for the community center’s food pantry and other essential programs. The event will feature local business vendors, live music, youth activities. Local restaurants will compete. For information, call 609-494-8861, ext. 107 or email MDiBella@stfrancislbi.org.
St. John Parish, Lakehurst, offers Sign Language Classes. Meetings are held on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m.-noon in the parish center. Signers attend the Saturday 4 p.m. Mass. No prior knowledge of signing is needed; experienced signers can build on what they know. For questions, call 732-773-4322.
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 St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Lakehurst, is accepting donations of the following items: coffee/tea, Chef Boyardee products (SpaghettiOs, raviolis), white tuna or white chicken, jarred pasta sauce, boxed pasta, cereal. Items can be placed in the blue bin in the church hall. Frozen or refrigerated items may be brought to the pantry on Monday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m.
St. Justin the Martyr’s St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Toms River, will hold a blanket/toiletries drive Jan. 10-11. Donations of new and gently used blankets (twin, full, queen), sleeping bags will be collected for those in need in the area. Toiletries will also be collected.
St. Luke Parish St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Toms River, distributes food to those in need Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food recipients must bring current identification and proof of residence. The food pantry is need of the following items for Christmas needs: turkeys, turkey breasts, hams, cranberry sauce, aluminum pans, turkey stuffing, boxed mashed potatoes, gravy, canned sweet potatoes, canned vegetables, soup and broth (onions, green beans, corn), pasta & sauce, canned pumpkin, applesauce, pie crust mix, cornbread mix, biscuit mix, frozen pies, cookies.
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, is holding its annual “Christmas in a Box” clothing drive. Needed items include gently used clothes, hats, scarves, gloves, socks and blankets. Donations may be dropped off at the parish center or the rectory. For more information, call 609-713-7171.
St. Monica Parish Social Concerns Ministry, Jackson, provides nonperishable food items to local families in need. The ministry is in need of the following items: assorted canned beans, canned vegetables, tuna, soups, tomato sauce, pasta, boxed potatoes, pancake mix and syrup, cereal, coffee, tea, sugar, flour.
St. Peter Parish, Point Pleasant Beach, will host a concert featuring Father Alphonse Stephenson and the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. No reserved seating, first come, first served basis. Tickets, at $50, are on sale in the parish office. For questions, call 908-917-9234 or email bonzrep@comcast.net or 732-892-0049 or email office@saintpetersonline.org.
St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette, is hosting a “Paper Shower for the Homeless.” Paper goods (napkins, toilet tissue, facial tissues), baby wipes, diapers and female products are suggested items that are needed. Donations may be placed in the baskets at the front entrance of St. Pio Church or at the parish hall office entrance near the chapel library.
St. Pio of Pietrelcina Holy Name Society, Lavallette, will host a New Year’s Eve Gala Dec. 31 in the parish hall from 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Fee is $25 pre person and includes coffee, dessert, soda, water and party favors. Attendees can bring their own food and beverages. Make checks payable to St. Pio Holy Name Society. For information, call 908-672-6710, 732-995-0044or 347-668-6046.
St. Pius X Parish, Forked River, will hold a Christmas Concert Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
St. Pius X Parish Journey Through Grief Bereavement Support Group, Forked River, will begin an eight-week series Jan. 6. Sessions will be held on Tuesday afternoons at 2 p.m. in the parish meeting room. There is no registration and participation is limited to those who suffered a loss prior to Oct. 2025. Registration forms, information sheets and brochures are available in the church narthex and parish office. Mail form to Paula Little, 24 Cedar St., Barnegat, N.J. 08008 by Jan. 1.
St. Theresa Parish Food Pantry, Little Egg Harbor, operates Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. Needed items include: canned soups and pastas as well as Hamburger Helper, ravioli, rice side dishes, cake mixes and frosting, small jars of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, peanut butter, jelly, pancake syrup and mix, apple juice, pasta and toilet tissue. For more information, call 609-296-1345.
St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor, will hold its annual Christmas Sharing Program that provides toys for needy children ages 1-13 years old. Gift tags with the age and gender of a child will be placed in baskets at the doors of the church. The toy or gift card with the tag attached should be returned to church the weekend of Dec. 13-14.
All parishes and schools are welcome to submit their events to Monitor-News@dioceseoftrenton.org.