In Local News as of March 14, 2024
March 14, 2024 at 2:18 p.m.
The following parishes, schools and organizations in the Diocese of Trenton have announced the following events:
St. William the Abbot Parish, Howell, collects used eye glasses to be donated to the Joe Mazzarella Eye Glass Donation Program. An eye receptacle is located in the parish hall.
St. Theresa Parish Food Pantry, Little Egg Harbor, which is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m., is in need of items including canned Spaghettios and ravioli as well as Hamburger Helper-type packaged products, rice side dishes, cake mixes and frosting, children’s cereal, small jars of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, tuna fish, peanut butter, grape jelly, pancake mix, pancake syrup, apple juice and pasta.
St. William the Abbot Parish, Howell, is collecting used eye glasses to be donated to the Joe Mazzarella Eye Glass Donation Program. An eye receptacle is located in the parish hall. All eye glasses are donated to the Eyes for Needy Program who, since 1932, provide more than eight million needy people in the United States and throughout the world.
Selective Seconds, a furniture ministry of the St. Vincent de Paul Conference in St. Rose Parish, Belmar, sells high-quality, new and gently used furniture and home décor to benefit the conference. Selective Seconds, located at 911 Main St. Belmar, is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For information, call 732-894-9393
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, holds “Bagels & Bibles for Men,” a gathering of men who meet in Msgr. Reinbold Hall on the first Saturday of the month after the 8 a.m. Mass. the group provides an opportunity for fellowship and to share and grow in faith. Each gathering includes a speaker, whether it is a priest, deacon, ministry head, Catholic psychologist or a person giving testimony on how they became Catholic or returned to the faith. For more information, call 609-698-5531
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, holds weekly Bible studies on Friday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Charlie Kiger Conference Room (upstairs in the rectory office.) Participants do not need to make a longterm commitment. For information, call 609-698-8619.
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, is hosting its second annual pierogi sale. Choices are potato/cheese and/or sauerkraut. Kielbasa rings, cheese babkas as well as nut, poppy seed and cheese rolls will also be available for purchase. Order forms are available at the rector or the welcoming centers in both St. Mary Church and St. Mary of the Pines Church. Pre-orders only. Orders with payment can be dropped off at the rectory. Pickup dates are March 22 and March 24. For information, call 609-815-6969 or 973-647-0716.
Holy Innocents Parish Online Rosary Group, Neptune, meets Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. online or over the phone. For more information, email Kathy.lynch65.gmail.com. The Rosary is also prayed in-person every morning before the 9 a.m. Mass located at 3455 W. Bangs Ave.
St. Rose of Lima Parish Respect Life Committee, Freehold, is sponsoring a collection of baby items during Lent. Collection boxes will be available in both the entrance of the church and chapel. Needed items include disposable diapers and clothing sizes from newborn to age 2 and accessories such as baby bottles, thermometers, clothes, blankets and diaper bags. The items will be distributed as requested and needed. After Lent, the remaining items will be donated to Freehold Birthright.
Hamilton Council, Knights of Columbus, has clothing donation bins located on the campus of St. Gregory the Great Parish, 4620 Nottingham Way. Accepted items including all clothing, shoes, sneakers, textiles, linens, bedding and handbags. Items should be in decent, reusable condition and securely bagged. No toys or household items.
Persons wishing to donate items such as strollers, car seats, highchairs or cribs are asked to be sure they are modern and fully functioning. Such items are not to be brought to the parish; donors are asked to contact a committee member who will inspect the items to ensure their safety. Contact Jim Meyer, 973-583-0245; Estela Valladares, 732-900-2624; Lillian Eagan, 732-431-4366.
The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley is hosting a Lenten food drive to benefit Mount Carmel Guild, an inner-city Trenton diocesan outreach that assists people in need. Needed items include peanut butter, jelly, cereal, canned tuna, macaroni and cheese, shelf-stable milk, canned vegetables, tea/coffee and rice. Bring donations to the foyer of St. George Church, 13270 River Rd., Titusville. For information, email [email protected].
Epiphany Parish Altar-Rosary Society, Brick, is hosting its annual baby shower for mothers in crisis. All donations will benefit The Sisters of Life. Only new items will be accepted. No furniture donations. Donations can be dropped off in the commons area until March 20.
The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley will host a small group Lenten study program on “Who Am I To Judge?” Participants will explore morality and establishing it as a way of life. Sessions will be held in St. James Church 115 E. Delaware Ave., Pennington March 4, 11 and 18 in the morning from 10-11:30 a.m. and in the evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Matthew/Mark Room St. Alphonsus Church, 54 E. Prospect St., Hopewell, will host sessions on Thursdays, March 7, 14 and 21 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the parish hall. St. George Church, 1370 River Rd., Titusville, will host sessions on Tuesdays, March 5, 12 and 19 from 1-2:30 p.m. in the cry room.
St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, will host a Lenten offering “Shall I Play For Him … on my Drum” Feb. 20, 27, March 5, 12 and 19 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the parish center chapel, 50 Hurleys’ Lane. Facilitator will be Barbara Woodzell and drums will be provided. The program will focus on how God uses drums as another tool to enhance his powers to improve the lives of his people. To register, visit stleothegreat.com/drumming-for-him.
Francis House of Prayer, 84 Walnford Rd., Allentown, will host an in-person Mass for the Feast of St. Joseph March 19 at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments will follow the Mass.
St. Joseph by the Sea Retreat House, 400 Route 35 North, South Mantoloking, will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph with a Mass March 19 at 11 a.m. Attendees are asked to register by March 15 since seating is limited to 40 people. Refreshments and blessed bread will be available after the Mass. For more information, visit sjbsea.org.
Virtua Hospitals in Burlington and Camden Counties are in need of volunteer chaplain aides and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. There are openings for trained lay visitors every day of the week. following a training and orientation process, an aide may donate two to four hours each week to visit patients, offering them friendship and spiritual comfort, prayer and Holy Communion. The next chaplaincy orientation is March 20 and March 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Marge McGinley at 609-914-6365 or [email protected].
St. Pius X Parish, Forked River, is observing the parish phase of the Eucharistic Revival with the offering of Holy Hours on: Feb. 22, March 21, April 18 and May 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the church, 300 Lacey Rd.
St. Rose Parish, Belmar, will host a new eight-session Scripture study on the Gospel of St. John Feb. 28-April 24. Sessions will meet on Wednesdays from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. in the parish center, 603 Seventh Ave. (Participants should enter through Eighth Ave. parking lot.) There will be no class March 27. Coffee will be available at 9:30. Registration/book cost is $25. Participants may attend in-person or online. Contact is Mercy Sister Donna D’Alia, 732-681-0512, ext. 419 or [email protected].
St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish Spirituality Committee, Spring Lake, will host a four-part Lenten lecture series. The schedule is as follows, Feb. 28, 6 p.m., “How to Read the Bible in the 21st Century,” Mercy Sister Judith Schubert; March 6, 6 p.m., “Journey to the Cave of Your Heart,” Mercy Sister Carole MacKenthun; March 13, 6 p.m., “The Destructive Power of Negative Thinking,” Divine Word Father Martin Padovani, and March 20, 6 p.m., “The Kingdom is Here,” Father Damian McElroy. Sessions will be held in St. Catharine Church 215 Essex Ave. All lectures will be livestreamed at SCSMSL.org.
St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor, will host a Lenten Fish Fry March 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. Cost for dinners is $15 for adults and fish sticks dinners for children are $5. Eat in or take out is available. Following dinner, Evening Prayer with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by Stations of the Cross will be prayed in church at 450 Radio Rd.
St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, will hold a Lenten fish fry March 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the school cafeteria, 50 Hurley’s Lane. Tickets are $5 per person; $8 per couple, and $10 per family with up to four members. Along with fish dinners, pizza by the slice will be available for children. Take-out orders available. Limit is 325 attendees. To sign up, visit stleothegreat.com/FISH-FRY.
Hamilton Council, Knights of Columbus, will accept donations of ham and turkey for the Easter basket delivery on March 2 through March 23 between 9 and 11 a.m. the donations may be dropped off outside at the Knights’ tent in the shopping carts.
Cardinal Newman Council, Knights of Columbus, Matawan, will host a pancake breakfast on Palm Sunday, March 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in St. Clement Parish, 172 Freneau Ave. tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for senior citizens; $5 for children ages 6-12; no charge for children 5 and under. Proceeds will benefit the council’s local charitable activities.
The Knights are also hosting a “40 Cans for Lent” campaign. Council members request one can of food for each day of Lent. The collection runs through March 30. Non-perishable food may be dropped off at any time in the bin located in the church gathering space or at the Knights tent located in the church parking lot March 30 between 9 and 11 a.m.
Hamilton Council, Knights of Columbus, will be collecting ham and turkey donations for the Easter basket delivery on Saturdays, from March 2 through March 23 between 9 and 11 a.m. Donations may be brought to the Knights’ tent on the campus of St. Gregory the Great Parish, 4620 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square
St. Pius X Parish, Forked River, will present St. John the Apostle’s Gospel Bible Study March 5 to April 30. Sessions will meet on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in the meeting room, 300 Lacey Rd. The DVD series will be presented by biblical scholar Timothy Gray and a group of college students involved in FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). Participants should bring a Bible and notebook. Seating is limited. To register, call 609-693-5107.
St Leo the Great Religious Store Ministry and Ignite Youth Group, Lincroft, will host a Lenten book club March 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Using Matthew Kelly’s “The Rocking Chair Prophet,” the club will breakdown the concepts of suffering and renewal. For online registration, visit stleothegreat.com/book-club.
Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune, has scheduled its spring Bible Study on The Prophets. Sessions will meet March 6, 13, 20, April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15 and, if needed, May 22. No session on May 27. Participants are to purchase materials directly from Ascension Press at https://ascensionpress.com/collections/prophets-messengers-of-gods-mercy. The hard copy of The Prophets workbook is $27.95. In addition, the online access option is $6.95 that includes the digital workbook and the weekly video to review at home. Persons in need of assistance with registration can contact Kim DiBiase at [email protected]. Otherwise registration forms may be found online by clicking here. Once forms are completed, they must be submitted t the parish office or given directly to Kim DiBiase.
St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, will host an Easter basket/bag collection March 16-17 at all Masses. Suggested items for children are new coloring books, crayons, small puzzles, sidewalk chalk, stickers, matchbox cars, small stuffed animals and hair accessories. Items for seniors include new socks, travel-sized hand cream and other personal items such as lip balm, crossword and word-find books, playing cards, pens, body sprays. Individually wrapped candy (no nuts or peanut butter) also welcome. To participate, select a paper Easter egg(s) from the bulletin board in the gathering space or visit the parish website, StGregorytheGreatChurch.org/Easter. Items may be brought to church March 16-17 or drop off items March 18 at 6:30 p.m. in Ferrante Hall in the parish center. For more information, contact Michele DeRezze, social concerns ministry chair at [email protected].
Holy Family Parish, Hazlet, will host a St. Patrick’s Day dinner dance March 16 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. in the VFW Post 4303, 18 Davern St., Hazlet. Tickets are $35 per person and includes corned beef and cabbage dinner, soda, coffee and dessert and music by a disc jockey. For tickets, contact 732-739-2578 or 732-739-2252.
St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills, will hold a St. Patrick’s Day dinner March 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the parish hall, 22 Trenton Rd. Tickets are available for purchase in the parish office or after Mass. Cost is $22 for adults and children over age 12; $8 for children ages 3 to 11 and children under age 3 are free of charge.
St. Joseph Parish, 685 Hooper Ave., Toms River, will hold its annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner dance March 16 from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $35 and includes traditional Irish foods, soda, beverages, door prizes and entertainment by The Ballyhaunis Irish Band. Tickets may be purchased by calling 908-910-1911 or at the parish office.
Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown, will celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick with a March 17 Mass in St. Mary Church, 45 Crosswicks St., Bordentown. A reception will follow in the school hall.
Club Faith of St. Rose Parish, Belmar, is collecting Easter Candy as well as gifts for children including coloring books, crayons and small stuffed animals. The club is making Easter baskets for children on low-income families of Asbury Park. The drop-off box for all donations is on the “E Street” entrance of the church. The last day of the collection is March 17. For questions, call Italia Testa at 732-604-9449.
Incarnation-St. James St. Joseph’s Society, Ewing, will host a Feast of St. Joseph celebration March 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Stone Terrace, Kuser Rd., Hamilton. Tickets are $65 per adult and $15 per child. Dinner, music and dancing will be included. Deadline for reservations is March 9. Contact 609-306-7185 or [email protected].
Freehold Council, Knights of Columbus, will host a corned beef dinner March 17 from noon to 7 p.m. in the council home, 70 E. Main St. Corned beef sandwiches with chips or corned beef dinner with potatoes, cabbage and Irish soda bread will be available. Eat-in or take-out orders are available. Entertainment by DJ Duke.
St. Joseph Parish, 685 Hooper Ave., Toms River, will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph with a Mass March 19 at 7 p.m. in the church. A reception will follow.
St. Joseph by the Sea, 400 Route 35 North, South Mantoloking, will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph with a March 19 Mass at 11 a.m. Refreshments and blessed bread will be available after Mass. Space is limited to 40 people. Registration deadline is March 15. For information, call 732-892-8494 or visit sjbsea.org.
Francis House of Prayer, 84 Walnford Rd., Allentown, will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph with a Mass March 19 at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments will follow. For information, call 609-877-0509 or visit fhop.org.
St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction, will host a Lenten Mission March 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. in the church, 1 New Village Rd. Speaker Dr. Daniel Cosacchi, vice president of mission and ministry in the University of Scranton. His topic will be “From Ashes to the Living Font.”
Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly, will hod 40 Hours Devotion March 21-23. Opening Mass will be march 21 at 5 p.m.. A reconciliation service will be celebrated March 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. Closing Eucharistic Adoration will be held march 23 at 4:30 p.m. The church is located at 805 Warren St.
St. Leo the Great Religious Store Ministry, Lincroft, will present “Gourmet Gatherings,” an interactive culinary “teach and taste night” March 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is required. For information, visit stleothegreat.com/gourmet-gatherings.
Freehold Council, Knights of Columbus, will host The Randy Butters Magic Show March 22 at 8 p.m. in the Columbian Club Ballroom, 70 East Main St., Freehold. Doors open at 7. Admission is $25 if paid in advance or $30 at the door. Cash or check made payable to the Freehold Columbian Club. For reservations, email [email protected].
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, West Trenton, will host a “Soup for the Soul” reflection evening March 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The evening will begin with soup and fellowship followed by a presentation on “Hope in Suffering” given by Dan Palmieri of JMJ Missions, and concluding with Stations of the Cross. The church is located at 137 West Upper Ferry Rd.
St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach, will host a Fish Fry March 22 at 6 p.m. in the Avon Municipal Building. Admission is free but donations will be accepted. Sign-up sheets are at the entrances to St. Elizabeth of Hungary and Ascension Churches.
St. Mary’s Women’s Ministry, Barnegat, will host a Lenten day of prayer March 23 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the parish center, 1 Bishop Way, Manahawkin. Guest speaker will be Keaton Douglas, professor at Seton Hall University, South Orange, and leader of a ministry called, “I Thirst For People Addicted to Drugs.” The day will consist of praying, singing and sharing. Cost is $25 per person and includes hot lunch and refreshments. Make checks payable to St. Mary Church and mail to Jean Esposito, 9 Kettle Creek Court, Barnegat, N.J. 08005. For information, call 609-607-1731. Deadline to register is March 18.
Rev. Gebhard Braungart Council, Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary, Lavallette, will hold a pancake breakfast March 24 from 8 a.m. to noon in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish Center, Route 35N and Washington Ave., Lavallette. Tickets are $10 for adults; kids ages five and under are admitted free. Pay at the door.
St. Leo the Great Parish Social Concerns Committee, Lincroft, uses The Butterfly for a Lenten project as a symbol of hope in the Resurrection. In the spirit of fasting and alms, parishioners are asked to take a butterfly envelope from the Sharing Tree and return it with a donation by March 25. Funds will be used to feed those in need in the community. Butterfly envelopes may be returned in the collection box, mailed or dropped off at the parish center, 50 Hurley’s Lane. To make an online donation, visit stleothegraet.com/sharing-tree.
St. Joseph Parish, 685 Hooper Ave., Toms River, will hold a Lenten parish mission, “Speak Lord, Your Servant is Listening” March 25-27, each evening at 7 p.m. The parish mission will focus on the Eucharist and will be led by Redemptorist Father Kevin McDonald, a former professional baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He is currently based in San Alfonso Retreat House, West End.
St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, will host a presentation of “The Living Last Supper” March 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Arts and Athletic Center, 50 Hurleys Lane. Admission is free.
Christ the King Parish, Long Branch, will hold a Mass with the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick March 26 at 4 p.m. in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Chelsea and Second Ave., Long Branch.
Francis House of Prayer, 84 Walnford Rd., Allentown, will host a Triduum Retreat from Tuesday of Holy Week, March 27 starting at 7 p.m. and ending Easter Sunday, March 31 at 9 a.m. Participants will reflect on the Paschal Myster of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection. They will also join a neighboring parish for the various liturgies. Fee is $350 with a $100 non-refundable deposit. To register, call 609-877-0509; email [email protected] or visit fhop.org.
St. Peter School PTA, Point Pleasant Beach, will hold an Easter Monday gift auction April 1 in the school, 415 Atlantic Ave. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Reservations at $20 per person are required. Visit spspta.org/emga. For more information, email [email protected]. Persons must be 18 years or older in order to attend.
St. Raphael-Holy Angels Health Ministry, Hamilton, will host an American Red Cross blood drive April 3 from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the gym, 3500 S. Broad St. Appointments are required. To schedule, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: StRaphael/HolyAngels. The link may also be found on the parish website at straphael-holyangels.com.
St. Joseph Bereavement Group, Toms River, will host an eight-week session starting April 4. Sessions will meet on Thursday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. No evening group will be available. For more information, call 732-349-0018, ext. 2219 or [email protected]
Santa Marai Council, Knights of Columbus, Mount Holly, will host a “Theology on Tap” inspired event April 4 at 7 p.m. in Spellbound Brewery, Mount Holly. Deacon Jim Casa from Sacred Heart Parish will present “Lent, 2024? How was the experience? Really good … maybe , not so good.” The event is open to Catholic men ages 21 and over. There is no fee. The Knights will provide snacks but participants will be responsible for their own beverage. For a reservation, email [email protected].
All parishes and schools are welcome to submit their events to
[email protected].
St. Leo the Great Ignite Youth Group, Lincroft, will host a rummage sale April 6 for the general public. Donations will be collected April 3, noon-3 p.m.; April 4, 3 to 6 p.m., and April 5, 5-7 p.m. For questions, email [email protected].
Bordentown Council, Knights of Columbus, will host a pasta dinner fundraiser April 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Riverbank Charter School, 1300 Hornberger Ave., Roebling. Tickets are $12 presale; $15 per person at the door. Kids ages 3 and under are admitted free. Takeout orders will be available. For tickets, call 609-865-9881 or 732-598-4910.
St. David the King Parish, 1 New Village Rd., Princeton Junction, will resume having the celebration of the weekly "Last Chance" Mass on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. starting April 7, Divine Mercy Sunday.
Also, the adult faith enrichment ministry in St. David the King Parish, is hosting "Mystagogy Study Sessions" with Father Jason Parzynski, pastor. Sessions will be held April 3, 10 and 17 at 7 p.m. in the church and youth hall. Sessions will: examine the Old Testament foundations; study the writings of the Church Fathers; explore the Church's response to heresies to gain a more profound understanding of early Christianity.
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Events
The following parishes, schools and organizations in the Diocese of Trenton have announced the following events:
St. William the Abbot Parish, Howell, collects used eye glasses to be donated to the Joe Mazzarella Eye Glass Donation Program. An eye receptacle is located in the parish hall.
St. Theresa Parish Food Pantry, Little Egg Harbor, which is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m., is in need of items including canned Spaghettios and ravioli as well as Hamburger Helper-type packaged products, rice side dishes, cake mixes and frosting, children’s cereal, small jars of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, tuna fish, peanut butter, grape jelly, pancake mix, pancake syrup, apple juice and pasta.
St. William the Abbot Parish, Howell, is collecting used eye glasses to be donated to the Joe Mazzarella Eye Glass Donation Program. An eye receptacle is located in the parish hall. All eye glasses are donated to the Eyes for Needy Program who, since 1932, provide more than eight million needy people in the United States and throughout the world.
Selective Seconds, a furniture ministry of the St. Vincent de Paul Conference in St. Rose Parish, Belmar, sells high-quality, new and gently used furniture and home décor to benefit the conference. Selective Seconds, located at 911 Main St. Belmar, is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For information, call 732-894-9393
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, holds “Bagels & Bibles for Men,” a gathering of men who meet in Msgr. Reinbold Hall on the first Saturday of the month after the 8 a.m. Mass. the group provides an opportunity for fellowship and to share and grow in faith. Each gathering includes a speaker, whether it is a priest, deacon, ministry head, Catholic psychologist or a person giving testimony on how they became Catholic or returned to the faith. For more information, call 609-698-5531
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, holds weekly Bible studies on Friday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Charlie Kiger Conference Room (upstairs in the rectory office.) Participants do not need to make a longterm commitment. For information, call 609-698-8619.
St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, is hosting its second annual pierogi sale. Choices are potato/cheese and/or sauerkraut. Kielbasa rings, cheese babkas as well as nut, poppy seed and cheese rolls will also be available for purchase. Order forms are available at the rector or the welcoming centers in both St. Mary Church and St. Mary of the Pines Church. Pre-orders only. Orders with payment can be dropped off at the rectory. Pickup dates are March 22 and March 24. For information, call 609-815-6969 or 973-647-0716.
Holy Innocents Parish Online Rosary Group, Neptune, meets Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. online or over the phone. For more information, email Kathy.lynch65.gmail.com. The Rosary is also prayed in-person every morning before the 9 a.m. Mass located at 3455 W. Bangs Ave.
St. Rose of Lima Parish Respect Life Committee, Freehold, is sponsoring a collection of baby items during Lent. Collection boxes will be available in both the entrance of the church and chapel. Needed items include disposable diapers and clothing sizes from newborn to age 2 and accessories such as baby bottles, thermometers, clothes, blankets and diaper bags. The items will be distributed as requested and needed. After Lent, the remaining items will be donated to Freehold Birthright.
Hamilton Council, Knights of Columbus, has clothing donation bins located on the campus of St. Gregory the Great Parish, 4620 Nottingham Way. Accepted items including all clothing, shoes, sneakers, textiles, linens, bedding and handbags. Items should be in decent, reusable condition and securely bagged. No toys or household items.
Persons wishing to donate items such as strollers, car seats, highchairs or cribs are asked to be sure they are modern and fully functioning. Such items are not to be brought to the parish; donors are asked to contact a committee member who will inspect the items to ensure their safety. Contact Jim Meyer, 973-583-0245; Estela Valladares, 732-900-2624; Lillian Eagan, 732-431-4366.
The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley is hosting a Lenten food drive to benefit Mount Carmel Guild, an inner-city Trenton diocesan outreach that assists people in need. Needed items include peanut butter, jelly, cereal, canned tuna, macaroni and cheese, shelf-stable milk, canned vegetables, tea/coffee and rice. Bring donations to the foyer of St. George Church, 13270 River Rd., Titusville. For information, email [email protected].
Epiphany Parish Altar-Rosary Society, Brick, is hosting its annual baby shower for mothers in crisis. All donations will benefit The Sisters of Life. Only new items will be accepted. No furniture donations. Donations can be dropped off in the commons area until March 20.
The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley will host a small group Lenten study program on “Who Am I To Judge?” Participants will explore morality and establishing it as a way of life. Sessions will be held in St. James Church 115 E. Delaware Ave., Pennington March 4, 11 and 18 in the morning from 10-11:30 a.m. and in the evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Matthew/Mark Room St. Alphonsus Church, 54 E. Prospect St., Hopewell, will host sessions on Thursdays, March 7, 14 and 21 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the parish hall. St. George Church, 1370 River Rd., Titusville, will host sessions on Tuesdays, March 5, 12 and 19 from 1-2:30 p.m. in the cry room.
St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, will host a Lenten offering “Shall I Play For Him … on my Drum” Feb. 20, 27, March 5, 12 and 19 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the parish center chapel, 50 Hurleys’ Lane. Facilitator will be Barbara Woodzell and drums will be provided. The program will focus on how God uses drums as another tool to enhance his powers to improve the lives of his people. To register, visit stleothegreat.com/drumming-for-him.
Francis House of Prayer, 84 Walnford Rd., Allentown, will host an in-person Mass for the Feast of St. Joseph March 19 at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments will follow the Mass.
St. Joseph by the Sea Retreat House, 400 Route 35 North, South Mantoloking, will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph with a Mass March 19 at 11 a.m. Attendees are asked to register by March 15 since seating is limited to 40 people. Refreshments and blessed bread will be available after the Mass. For more information, visit sjbsea.org.
Virtua Hospitals in Burlington and Camden Counties are in need of volunteer chaplain aides and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. There are openings for trained lay visitors every day of the week. following a training and orientation process, an aide may donate two to four hours each week to visit patients, offering them friendship and spiritual comfort, prayer and Holy Communion. The next chaplaincy orientation is March 20 and March 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Marge McGinley at 609-914-6365 or [email protected].
St. Pius X Parish, Forked River, is observing the parish phase of the Eucharistic Revival with the offering of Holy Hours on: Feb. 22, March 21, April 18 and May 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the church, 300 Lacey Rd.
St. Rose Parish, Belmar, will host a new eight-session Scripture study on the Gospel of St. John Feb. 28-April 24. Sessions will meet on Wednesdays from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. in the parish center, 603 Seventh Ave. (Participants should enter through Eighth Ave. parking lot.) There will be no class March 27. Coffee will be available at 9:30. Registration/book cost is $25. Participants may attend in-person or online. Contact is Mercy Sister Donna D’Alia, 732-681-0512, ext. 419 or [email protected].
St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish Spirituality Committee, Spring Lake, will host a four-part Lenten lecture series. The schedule is as follows, Feb. 28, 6 p.m., “How to Read the Bible in the 21st Century,” Mercy Sister Judith Schubert; March 6, 6 p.m., “Journey to the Cave of Your Heart,” Mercy Sister Carole MacKenthun; March 13, 6 p.m., “The Destructive Power of Negative Thinking,” Divine Word Father Martin Padovani, and March 20, 6 p.m., “The Kingdom is Here,” Father Damian McElroy. Sessions will be held in St. Catharine Church 215 Essex Ave. All lectures will be livestreamed at SCSMSL.org.
St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor, will host a Lenten Fish Fry March 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. Cost for dinners is $15 for adults and fish sticks dinners for children are $5. Eat in or take out is available. Following dinner, Evening Prayer with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by Stations of the Cross will be prayed in church at 450 Radio Rd.
St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, will hold a Lenten fish fry March 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the school cafeteria, 50 Hurley’s Lane. Tickets are $5 per person; $8 per couple, and $10 per family with up to four members. Along with fish dinners, pizza by the slice will be available for children. Take-out orders available. Limit is 325 attendees. To sign up, visit stleothegreat.com/FISH-FRY.
Hamilton Council, Knights of Columbus, will accept donations of ham and turkey for the Easter basket delivery on March 2 through March 23 between 9 and 11 a.m. the donations may be dropped off outside at the Knights’ tent in the shopping carts.
Cardinal Newman Council, Knights of Columbus, Matawan, will host a pancake breakfast on Palm Sunday, March 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in St. Clement Parish, 172 Freneau Ave. tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for senior citizens; $5 for children ages 6-12; no charge for children 5 and under. Proceeds will benefit the council’s local charitable activities.
The Knights are also hosting a “40 Cans for Lent” campaign. Council members request one can of food for each day of Lent. The collection runs through March 30. Non-perishable food may be dropped off at any time in the bin located in the church gathering space or at the Knights tent located in the church parking lot March 30 between 9 and 11 a.m.
Hamilton Council, Knights of Columbus, will be collecting ham and turkey donations for the Easter basket delivery on Saturdays, from March 2 through March 23 between 9 and 11 a.m. Donations may be brought to the Knights’ tent on the campus of St. Gregory the Great Parish, 4620 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square
St. Pius X Parish, Forked River, will present St. John the Apostle’s Gospel Bible Study March 5 to April 30. Sessions will meet on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in the meeting room, 300 Lacey Rd. The DVD series will be presented by biblical scholar Timothy Gray and a group of college students involved in FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). Participants should bring a Bible and notebook. Seating is limited. To register, call 609-693-5107.
St Leo the Great Religious Store Ministry and Ignite Youth Group, Lincroft, will host a Lenten book club March 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Using Matthew Kelly’s “The Rocking Chair Prophet,” the club will breakdown the concepts of suffering and renewal. For online registration, visit stleothegreat.com/book-club.
Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune, has scheduled its spring Bible Study on The Prophets. Sessions will meet March 6, 13, 20, April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15 and, if needed, May 22. No session on May 27. Participants are to purchase materials directly from Ascension Press at https://ascensionpress.com/collections/prophets-messengers-of-gods-mercy. The hard copy of The Prophets workbook is $27.95. In addition, the online access option is $6.95 that includes the digital workbook and the weekly video to review at home. Persons in need of assistance with registration can contact Kim DiBiase at [email protected]. Otherwise registration forms may be found online by clicking here. Once forms are completed, they must be submitted t the parish office or given directly to Kim DiBiase.
St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, will host an Easter basket/bag collection March 16-17 at all Masses. Suggested items for children are new coloring books, crayons, small puzzles, sidewalk chalk, stickers, matchbox cars, small stuffed animals and hair accessories. Items for seniors include new socks, travel-sized hand cream and other personal items such as lip balm, crossword and word-find books, playing cards, pens, body sprays. Individually wrapped candy (no nuts or peanut butter) also welcome. To participate, select a paper Easter egg(s) from the bulletin board in the gathering space or visit the parish website, StGregorytheGreatChurch.org/Easter. Items may be brought to church March 16-17 or drop off items March 18 at 6:30 p.m. in Ferrante Hall in the parish center. For more information, contact Michele DeRezze, social concerns ministry chair at [email protected].
Holy Family Parish, Hazlet, will host a St. Patrick’s Day dinner dance March 16 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. in the VFW Post 4303, 18 Davern St., Hazlet. Tickets are $35 per person and includes corned beef and cabbage dinner, soda, coffee and dessert and music by a disc jockey. For tickets, contact 732-739-2578 or 732-739-2252.
St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills, will hold a St. Patrick’s Day dinner March 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the parish hall, 22 Trenton Rd. Tickets are available for purchase in the parish office or after Mass. Cost is $22 for adults and children over age 12; $8 for children ages 3 to 11 and children under age 3 are free of charge.
St. Joseph Parish, 685 Hooper Ave., Toms River, will hold its annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner dance March 16 from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $35 and includes traditional Irish foods, soda, beverages, door prizes and entertainment by The Ballyhaunis Irish Band. Tickets may be purchased by calling 908-910-1911 or at the parish office.
Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown, will celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick with a March 17 Mass in St. Mary Church, 45 Crosswicks St., Bordentown. A reception will follow in the school hall.
Club Faith of St. Rose Parish, Belmar, is collecting Easter Candy as well as gifts for children including coloring books, crayons and small stuffed animals. The club is making Easter baskets for children on low-income families of Asbury Park. The drop-off box for all donations is on the “E Street” entrance of the church. The last day of the collection is March 17. For questions, call Italia Testa at 732-604-9449.
Incarnation-St. James St. Joseph’s Society, Ewing, will host a Feast of St. Joseph celebration March 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Stone Terrace, Kuser Rd., Hamilton. Tickets are $65 per adult and $15 per child. Dinner, music and dancing will be included. Deadline for reservations is March 9. Contact 609-306-7185 or [email protected].
Freehold Council, Knights of Columbus, will host a corned beef dinner March 17 from noon to 7 p.m. in the council home, 70 E. Main St. Corned beef sandwiches with chips or corned beef dinner with potatoes, cabbage and Irish soda bread will be available. Eat-in or take-out orders are available. Entertainment by DJ Duke.
St. Joseph Parish, 685 Hooper Ave., Toms River, will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph with a Mass March 19 at 7 p.m. in the church. A reception will follow.
St. Joseph by the Sea, 400 Route 35 North, South Mantoloking, will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph with a March 19 Mass at 11 a.m. Refreshments and blessed bread will be available after Mass. Space is limited to 40 people. Registration deadline is March 15. For information, call 732-892-8494 or visit sjbsea.org.
Francis House of Prayer, 84 Walnford Rd., Allentown, will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph with a Mass March 19 at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments will follow. For information, call 609-877-0509 or visit fhop.org.
St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction, will host a Lenten Mission March 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. in the church, 1 New Village Rd. Speaker Dr. Daniel Cosacchi, vice president of mission and ministry in the University of Scranton. His topic will be “From Ashes to the Living Font.”
Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly, will hod 40 Hours Devotion March 21-23. Opening Mass will be march 21 at 5 p.m.. A reconciliation service will be celebrated March 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. Closing Eucharistic Adoration will be held march 23 at 4:30 p.m. The church is located at 805 Warren St.
St. Leo the Great Religious Store Ministry, Lincroft, will present “Gourmet Gatherings,” an interactive culinary “teach and taste night” March 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is required. For information, visit stleothegreat.com/gourmet-gatherings.
Freehold Council, Knights of Columbus, will host The Randy Butters Magic Show March 22 at 8 p.m. in the Columbian Club Ballroom, 70 East Main St., Freehold. Doors open at 7. Admission is $25 if paid in advance or $30 at the door. Cash or check made payable to the Freehold Columbian Club. For reservations, email [email protected].
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, West Trenton, will host a “Soup for the Soul” reflection evening March 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The evening will begin with soup and fellowship followed by a presentation on “Hope in Suffering” given by Dan Palmieri of JMJ Missions, and concluding with Stations of the Cross. The church is located at 137 West Upper Ferry Rd.
St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach, will host a Fish Fry March 22 at 6 p.m. in the Avon Municipal Building. Admission is free but donations will be accepted. Sign-up sheets are at the entrances to St. Elizabeth of Hungary and Ascension Churches.
St. Mary’s Women’s Ministry, Barnegat, will host a Lenten day of prayer March 23 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the parish center, 1 Bishop Way, Manahawkin. Guest speaker will be Keaton Douglas, professor at Seton Hall University, South Orange, and leader of a ministry called, “I Thirst For People Addicted to Drugs.” The day will consist of praying, singing and sharing. Cost is $25 per person and includes hot lunch and refreshments. Make checks payable to St. Mary Church and mail to Jean Esposito, 9 Kettle Creek Court, Barnegat, N.J. 08005. For information, call 609-607-1731. Deadline to register is March 18.
Rev. Gebhard Braungart Council, Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary, Lavallette, will hold a pancake breakfast March 24 from 8 a.m. to noon in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish Center, Route 35N and Washington Ave., Lavallette. Tickets are $10 for adults; kids ages five and under are admitted free. Pay at the door.
St. Leo the Great Parish Social Concerns Committee, Lincroft, uses The Butterfly for a Lenten project as a symbol of hope in the Resurrection. In the spirit of fasting and alms, parishioners are asked to take a butterfly envelope from the Sharing Tree and return it with a donation by March 25. Funds will be used to feed those in need in the community. Butterfly envelopes may be returned in the collection box, mailed or dropped off at the parish center, 50 Hurley’s Lane. To make an online donation, visit stleothegraet.com/sharing-tree.
St. Joseph Parish, 685 Hooper Ave., Toms River, will hold a Lenten parish mission, “Speak Lord, Your Servant is Listening” March 25-27, each evening at 7 p.m. The parish mission will focus on the Eucharist and will be led by Redemptorist Father Kevin McDonald, a former professional baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He is currently based in San Alfonso Retreat House, West End.
St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, will host a presentation of “The Living Last Supper” March 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Arts and Athletic Center, 50 Hurleys Lane. Admission is free.
Christ the King Parish, Long Branch, will hold a Mass with the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick March 26 at 4 p.m. in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Chelsea and Second Ave., Long Branch.
Francis House of Prayer, 84 Walnford Rd., Allentown, will host a Triduum Retreat from Tuesday of Holy Week, March 27 starting at 7 p.m. and ending Easter Sunday, March 31 at 9 a.m. Participants will reflect on the Paschal Myster of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection. They will also join a neighboring parish for the various liturgies. Fee is $350 with a $100 non-refundable deposit. To register, call 609-877-0509; email [email protected] or visit fhop.org.
St. Peter School PTA, Point Pleasant Beach, will hold an Easter Monday gift auction April 1 in the school, 415 Atlantic Ave. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Reservations at $20 per person are required. Visit spspta.org/emga. For more information, email [email protected]. Persons must be 18 years or older in order to attend.
St. Raphael-Holy Angels Health Ministry, Hamilton, will host an American Red Cross blood drive April 3 from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the gym, 3500 S. Broad St. Appointments are required. To schedule, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: StRaphael/HolyAngels. The link may also be found on the parish website at straphael-holyangels.com.
St. Joseph Bereavement Group, Toms River, will host an eight-week session starting April 4. Sessions will meet on Thursday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. No evening group will be available. For more information, call 732-349-0018, ext. 2219 or [email protected]
Santa Marai Council, Knights of Columbus, Mount Holly, will host a “Theology on Tap” inspired event April 4 at 7 p.m. in Spellbound Brewery, Mount Holly. Deacon Jim Casa from Sacred Heart Parish will present “Lent, 2024? How was the experience? Really good … maybe , not so good.” The event is open to Catholic men ages 21 and over. There is no fee. The Knights will provide snacks but participants will be responsible for their own beverage. For a reservation, email [email protected].
All parishes and schools are welcome to submit their events to
[email protected].
St. Leo the Great Ignite Youth Group, Lincroft, will host a rummage sale April 6 for the general public. Donations will be collected April 3, noon-3 p.m.; April 4, 3 to 6 p.m., and April 5, 5-7 p.m. For questions, email [email protected].
Bordentown Council, Knights of Columbus, will host a pasta dinner fundraiser April 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Riverbank Charter School, 1300 Hornberger Ave., Roebling. Tickets are $12 presale; $15 per person at the door. Kids ages 3 and under are admitted free. Takeout orders will be available. For tickets, call 609-865-9881 or 732-598-4910.
St. David the King Parish, 1 New Village Rd., Princeton Junction, will resume having the celebration of the weekly "Last Chance" Mass on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. starting April 7, Divine Mercy Sunday.
Also, the adult faith enrichment ministry in St. David the King Parish, is hosting "Mystagogy Study Sessions" with Father Jason Parzynski, pastor. Sessions will be held April 3, 10 and 17 at 7 p.m. in the church and youth hall. Sessions will: examine the Old Testament foundations; study the writings of the Church Fathers; explore the Church's response to heresies to gain a more profound understanding of early Christianity.