In Local News as of Dec. 6, 2025

December 6, 2025 at 9:19 a.m.

The following parishes, schools and organizations in the Diocese of Trenton have announced these upcoming events:

Burlington County

Bordentown Council, Knights of Columbus, will hold a Breakfast with Santa Dec. 7 from 9 a.m.-noon in St. Mary School Hall, Bordentown. Tickets, if purchased at the door, are $15 for adults and teens; $8 for children ages 6-12; no charge for children ages 5 and under. If purchased in advance, tickets are $12 for adults and teens; $6 for children ages 6-12, and no charge for children ages 5 and under. For information, call 609-865-0014.

Burlington Council, Knights of Columbus, will hold an American Red Cross Blood Drive Dec. 11 from 2-7 p.m. in the council hall, 366 E. Broad St. For an appointment, call 609386-5622 or email [email protected].

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.

Mary, Mother of the Church Parish Food Pantry, Bordentown, is holding a Christmas Food Drive Dec. 1-19. Needed items include turkeys, hams and Walmart gift cards. The pantry is open Monday-Wednesday-Friday from 2-3 p.m.; Tuesday from 6-7 p.m., and Thursday from 9-10 a.m.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish Music Ministry, Moorestown, will hold “Lessons and Carols” Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. in the church. Featured groups will include the children’s choir, adult choir, praise band, bell choir, orchestra and soloists. The event will feature Readings and music.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, will hold a six-week Bible Study on The Gospel According to Matthew. Sessions will be held on Monday evenings Nov. 3-Dec. 8 from 7-9 p.m. in Nolan Hall. Facilitator Tim Poole. Sign up using the QR code in the parish bulletin.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, will host a  “Family Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols” Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. in the church.

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.

Sacred Heart School, Mount Holly, will hold a Breakfast with Santa Dec. 13 from 9-11 a.m. Arts and crafts, photos with Santa will be available. Fee is $12 per person; children age 2 and under are free. Youngsters can dress in their favorite holiday pajamas or in or wear a holiday sweater. Items including ornaments and cookie decorations will be available for an additional fee.  Make checks payable to Sacred Heart PTA and send reservations and payment to Mrs. Wright by Dec. 10. Registration form is found in the parish bulletin. 

Sacred Heart Parish Music Ministry, Riverton, will hold a Christmas presentation Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the church. The Christmas story will be  presented through Scripture, song and the singing of Christmas carols.

St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson, will hold a Festival of Lessons and Carols Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. in the church. The festival is a liturgy of song in which nine lessons are told, recounting Scripture.

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. Isaac Jogues Parish, Marlton, will hold a 22-week Women’s Bible Study Series beginning Sept. 11. Sessions will meet on Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. and again in the evenings at 7 p.m. The series, “Keeping in Balance,” is designed to build a deeper relationship with Jesus. Cost of the book is $50 and cash or check payment may be made. Make checks payable to Church of St. Isaac Jogues. To register, email [email protected] or [email protected] or stop by the welcome desk in the

St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, will hold “Advent by Candlelight,” an evening of reflection for women Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. Advent by Candlelight is a time for fellowship, conversation and a presentation by Mary Neary on the theme “Reflecting on Our Spiritual Journey with the Blessed Mother.” Registration in advance by Dec. 1 is required. For additional details or to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/s6j889x8 or scan the QR code in the parish bulletin.

St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, will hold a Christmas Carol Festival Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. in the church. The event will highlight the singing of and meaning behind Christmas carols. Attendees are invited to bring bells and Christmas cookies.

St. John Neumann Lay Scripture Discussion Group, Mount Laurel, meets Thursdays at 2 p.m. in the parish hall For questions, email [email protected] or call 856-296-3882.

St. John Neumann Mother’s Ministry, Mount Laurel, meets every first and third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. in Room 2 in the parish hall. The gatherings offer times of reflection, joy and community. The group is open to mothers with children five years of age or younger. For more information, call 856-571-2945 or [email protected] or 201-878-7083 or [email protected].

St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington, will hold “Follow that Star Through the Stations of Advent” Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. in St. Paul Church, Burlington. These Stations are a Devotional Service being held in Celebration of the Advent Season. There are 15 Stations which take us from “The Prophesy of Isiah” to “The Glory of the Lord” Each Reflection has a reading which is followed by A Salutation from the Leader: We Adore You O Christ and we Praise Thee All Respond: Because by Your Holy Birth You have redeemed the world That will be followed by a Prayer – concluding with one Our Father…Hail Mary…and Glory Be… Each station will conclude with a Song (sung by all) from the Breaking Bread Missal 2026 Before the beginning of the 11th Reflection – The Nativity of the Lord We will expose the Blessed Sacrament at the altar.

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 [email protected].

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.

Ewing Council, Knights of Columbus, will have “Keep Christ in Christmas” car magnets and Christmas cards available for purchase at all weekend Masses Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21. Cost is $4 per magnet and $10 per box of cards. Proceeds will benefit the council’s various charities.

Hamilton Council, Knights of Columbus, will hold its 14th annual Children’s Christmas Party Dec. 13 from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Ferrante Hall of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square. Photos with Santa, arts and crafts and breakfast will be included. Reservations can be made through the parish website by Dec. 9. For questions, email [email protected] or call 609-649-3635.

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.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, West Trenton, will serve as the site for the Annual Messiah Sing presented by the Central Jersey Choral Society Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Suggested donation is $10 and is payable at the door.

Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, will serve as the site for a concert, “Winter Songs XIX: Cold Air … Warm Hearts” by the Capital Singers of Trenton Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. The concert will feature the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams, Robert Shaw, Joseph Martin and many others. Members of The Trenton Children’s Chorus will participate. Tickets purchased by Dec. 6 are $20 or are $25 the day of the event. Tickets for seniors and students are $20. To purchase tickets, visit www.//capitalsingers.org/events/winter-songs-xix-cold-air-warm-hearts.

St. Ann Parish Youth Choir, Lawrenceville, will hold a Christmas Concert Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. Refreshments will follow.

St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, will host a performance of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah Part 1  Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. in the main church. The performance will be presented by the Diocesan Festival Choir, the Choir of the Red Bank Oratory and the Orchestra of St. Cecilia. Shawn Mack is conductor. Admission is $20 for adults; $15 for students and seniors; children under age 8 are free. Tickets will be sold at the door or online at https://dioceseoftrenotn.org/diocesan-festival-choir.

St. Paul Parish, Princeton, will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 13 following the 5:30 p.m. Mass. A gathering will follow in the Spiritual Center.

St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish Bereavement Support, Hamilton, meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the Spiritual Center. The meetings provide an environment that allows individuals the freedom to share stories and faith experiences. Support groups provide safety, community, spiritual consolation, understanding and opportunities for growth beyond the pain and sorrow of grief. For more information, call 609-890-1011.

Monmouth County

Christ the King Parish Food Pantry, Long Branch, will be open Wednesdays from 2:30 to 5 p.m. in the parish hall.

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, Dc. 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 [email protected]; call 609-877-0509 or visit FHOP.org.

Francis House of Prayer, Allentown, has scheduled the following one-day offerings: A presentation, “Childlike Faith – Big Things Come in Small Packages” will be held Dec. 8 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The retreat focuses on the Blessed Mother and the values of true  humility, wonder, trust and hope are essential to a strong relationship with God. Mass will be celebrated. Fee is $25 and includes lunch or $20 for online participants. A Personal Retreat Day will be held Dec. 10 from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The day begins and concludes with brief prayer together. Participants should bring lunch. Fee is $10 or $40 with spiritual direction. A Centering Prayer Weekend Retreat will be held Dec. 12 starting at 6:30 p.m. and ending Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. Fee is $200 with a $100 non-refundable deposit with registration. Commuters are welcome. Balance is required two weeks in advance of the start date. To register, visit [email protected]; call 609-877-0509 or visit FHOP.org.

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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.

Nativity Parish Basic Needs Committee, Fair Haven, is hosting a Holiday Food Collection to benefit families in need through Dec. 18. Online donations may be made by visiting nativitychurchnj.org (food collection.)

Nativity Parish, Fair Haven, will offer “Mary: A Biblical Walk With the Blessed Mother” from Oct. 1-Dec. 10. Sessions meet on Wednesday mornings from 9-10 a.m. in the parish library. For more information, call 732-610-4378.

Nativity Parish, Fair Haven, will serve as the site of a Winter Performance presented by the Mastro Montessori Academy Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m.

Nativity Parish, Fair Haven, will hold a Breakfast with St. Nicholas Dec. 14 at 10:30 a.m. in the parish hall. The event will include food, crafts, a Nativity play presented by children of the parish and a visit from St. Nicholas. Members of the Knights of Columbus will be present with a Christmas giving opportunity for “Coats for Kids.” Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for children age four and older, and no admission fee for children 3 and under. For tickets, see the QR code in the parish bulletin or visit www.NativityChurchNJ.org.

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 [email protected].

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 the Most Blessed Sacrament Shrine, Middletown, will hold a Holy Hour for Life on the second Monday of each month: Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8 from 7-8 p.m. The evening will include exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Recitation of the Rosary for Life, and praying the Stations of the Cross for victims of abortion.

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, will hold a Christmas Market Dec. 14 from 1-6 p.m. in St. Agnes Church hall, Atlantic Highlands. For information, email [email protected].

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.

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. Ann Parish, Keansburg, will hold a Healing Mass Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.

St. Anselm “Knit Pray Crochet” Ministry meets on Tuesday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The ministry is working on preemie hats for the NICU of Monmouth Medical Center, Baptism blankets for St. Anselm Parish, and hats, scarves and mittens for the Asbury Park Warming Cetner. All supplies are provided and ministry members can teach. For more information, call 732-740-4242 or email [email protected].

St. Clement Parish, Matawan, announced the upcoming holiday events. The parish tree lighting will take place Dec. 6 following the 5 p.m. Mass. A Family Movie Night will be held Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. in the gym. First and second grade students in the parish religious education program will present a Nativity Play Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. in the church.  The parish will host a visit from Santa Dec. 14 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the school.

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 [email protected].

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 Rorate Caeli Mass in honor of the Blessed Mother Dec. 13 at 6 a.m. The Traditional Latin Mass will be celebrated by Father Michael Wallack, pastor.

St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown, will hold an America Needs Fatima Public Square Rosary Dec. 18 at noon. Participants will gather by the outdoor statute of the Blessed Mother. For more information, call 609-501-3515.

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 [email protected] or call 732-320-0950.

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 [email protected].

St. Mary Parish, Middletown, will hold a “Surviving the Holidays” seminar for persons who are separated and divorced Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. in the basement of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Shrine. The group is led by facilitated by persons who have experienced divorce. For more information, email [email protected].

St. Michael Parish, West End, will host a Christmas Concert featuring Father Alphonse Stephenson and the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea Dec. 21 at 1:30 p.m. in the Upper Church.

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 [email protected].

St. Rose Parish, Belmar, offers free weekly English classes to the community for adults ages 18 and older on Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the parish center. For more information, email [email protected].

St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach, is hosting an Advent series in O’Hara Hall in the Ascension Church worship site. Sessions will meet on the following Saturday mornings at 9 a.m.: Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13 and 20. Sessions will also be held on the following evenings at 7 p.m.: Dec. 1, 9, 16 and 22. Participants can attend as many sessions as possible. Facilitator is Deacon Rich Coscarelli.

St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, is holding a Blanket Drive through Dec. 8. Donations may be dropped off Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the parish office or in Petri Hall before and after all weekend Masses. Blankets must be brand new with tags. Adult blankets or children’s themed blankets are welcome; no receiving blankets needed. Donors should include a prayer intention with their blanket.

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 [email protected].

St. Veronica Parish, Howell, will hold an Advent Mission Dec. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. Presenter for Dec. 9 will be Deacon Gez Ford, a Catholic speaker, evangelist and currently serves on the staff of St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction. He was ordained a deacon on Nov. 15 by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. The mission’s theme is “Restoration of Hearts in Families! How Jesus Comes to Us in the Midst of Struggles and How We Can Remain Faithful To Him Through It All.” Presenter for Dec. 10 will be Father Peter James Alindogan, parish pastor. The theme is “Preparing Our Hearts for the Coming of Our Lord.” The evening will include a Penance Service, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions.

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 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected] 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.; 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 mix and syrup, /sweet cereal, assorted dried beans, pasta sauce, canned pasta, whole wheat pasta, cheese, coffee, frozen vegetables, fresh fruit and vegetables, snacks, tea, dairy free/nut free/gluten free foods.

Epiphany Parish, Brick, will hold Lessons and Carols Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.

Epiphany Parish, Brick, will hold a Healing Mass Dec. 19. Prayer and worship begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by Mass at 7. After Mass prayers of healing and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place.

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.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Lakewood, announced that the new schedule for food pantry hours is Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The food pantry is in need of help to load and shelve items at the pantry on Mondays at 10 and Fridays at noon. To volunteer, text 732-275-7199. Persons who wish to join the conference in assisting people in need should visit during food pantry hours or call the hotline at 732-534-9375.

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 [email protected] 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. Barnabas Parish, Bayville, will serve as the site of a holiday concert to be presented by the Toms River Multigenerational Orchestra Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. in the church. Music for all ages will be featured. Admission is free.

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. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting, will  hold an Advent Day of Recollection, “Awaiting Pure Love” Dec. 13 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the chapel. Participants should bring lunch or can purchase from the parish kitchen.

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. Isidore the Farmer Parish, New Egypt, will hold Advent Reflection Evenings Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 6-7 p.m. in Classroom 1 of the Assumption worship site. For more information, email [email protected].

St. John Parish, Lakehurst, offers a Bible Study. The next meeting will be Dec. 11 during which the Christmas stories will be discussed. Meetings are held at 1:30 p.m. in the church hall.

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. Joseph Parish, Toms River, will observe the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a “Night of Candles” Dec. 7 following the 5 p.m. Mass in the Rosary Garden. The bilingual prayer service will include prayer, reflection and recitation of the Rosary. Refreshments will follow.

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: soups, meal in a can (ravioli, etc.), canned and dry beans, coffee, tea, toilet tissue, laundry detergent, soap and toothpaste. Donations may be placed in the wooden box in the narthex or by the parish office. Persons in need of financial assistance should call 732-244-3916.

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. Mary Parish, Barnegat, will hold its annual Christmas Concert featuring Father Alphonse Stephenson and the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. in St. Mary of the Pines Church, Manahawkin. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $36 per person. To order tickets, mail checks made payable to St. Mary’s Church and mail to Beth Carroll, 140 Spring Lake Blvd., Waretown N.J. 08758. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. For more information, call 609-242-0668.

St. Maximilian Kolbe Altar-Rosary Society, Toms River, along with the Columbiettes, are collecting new, unwrapped gifts for The Hope Center, a local non-profit organization that serves families in crisis. Tags will be on the Christmas Giving Tree from Nov. 15 to Dec. 8. Gifts will not be accepted after Dec. 8. Gift cards and checks may be placed in the secured box. Checks may also be made to benefit the St. Michael the Archangel Pregnancy Help Center. For questions, call 732-581-2247.

St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River, will host a New Years Eve Community Luncheon Dec. 31 from noon-3pm. The event is open to those in need of a hot meal or those seeking fellowship. For reservations, call 732-914-0300 by Dec. 18.

St. Monica Council, Knights of Coumbus and the Women of St. Monica, Jackson, will hold a Breakfast  in Bethlehem Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. Religious education students will present the Nativity. Also the breakfast will include a visit from Santa.

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 [email protected] or 732-892-0049 or email [email protected].

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 Parish, Lavallette, will hold a Healing Mass Dec. 11 at noon. Celebrant is Father Joy Chacko, parochial vicar. Prayer teams and music by Mark J.L. Mattheiss from NJ Campus graduates/students of Encounter School of Ministry. For information, email [email protected].

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 a Tree Lighting and Concert Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. The concert will be held in the church. Refreshments will follow in the faith formation center.

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.

Visitation Parish St. Vincent De Paul Society, Brick, hosts the “Blessings of Love Sandwich Project.” Every Tuesday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. in the parish hall, junior Vincentians and Mini-Vinnies gather with family, friends and neighbors to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the homeless. Persons wishing to donate items can ship to the Society at 730 Lynnwood Ave., Brick, N.J. 08723.

Visitation Parish, Brick, will offer Bereavement Sessions from Sept. 9-Dec. 9 from 10:30 a.m.-noon in Room C of the rectory. For more information, call 732-477-7059, ext. 101 or email [email protected].

Visitation Parish Music Ministry, Brick, will host a Christmas Concert Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. in the church. A free-will offering will be collected and all proceeds will benefit the parish’s St. Vincent de Paul conference.

Women of St. Monica Parish, Jackson, will host a “Christmas Around the World Parish Social” Dec. 7 from 2-5 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring a cultural food dish to share.

All parishes and schools are welcome to submit their events to [email protected].