In Local News as of March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.

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

Burlington County

Holy Eucharist Parish Bereavement Support Ministry, Tabernacle, invites anyone who has lost a loved one, either recently or in past years, to gather in prayer and conversation with bereavement ministers during the monthly meeting held on the first Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m. in the Pope John XXIII Room in the Faith Formation center. For information, call 609-268-8383, ext. 100.

Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown, operates food pantries in both worship sites – St. Mary, Bordentown, and Holy Assumption, Roebling. The food pantry in Bordentown is open Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 2 to 3 p.m.; Tuesday, 6-7 p.m., and Thursday, 9 to 10 a.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. Food donations are need; the following items may be brought to St. Mary Church: peanut butter and jelly, soup, oatmeal, dog food, canned fruit, bar soap, toilet tissue. The food pantry in Roebling is open Tuesday from 2 to 3 p.m. Donations may be brought on Monday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. The following items may be brought to Holy Assumption Church: cereal, canned fruit, pasta sauce, boxed milk, canned carrots and mixed vegetables, water, paper towels, cooking oil, mayonnaise, facial tissues.

Northern Burlington County Cohort Parishes will hold Soup & Scripture during Lent on the following dates: March 12 and April 9, St. Mary Church, Bordentown; March 19 and April 2, St. Katharine Drexel Parish Knights of Columbus Hall; March 26, Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro. All sessions begin at noon.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown, will host “The Chosen” series following the 9 a.m. Mass in Heritage House. Presentations will be held Jan. 21, Feb. 4, 18, March 4 and 18.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown, will hold a gathering for young adults ages 18-39 March 8 at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria. A pizza dinner will be served followed by a showing of Sight and Sound Theatres’ “Jesus.” Participants may bring snacks to share. For reservations, email [email protected] by March 7.

Sacred Heart P. Proceeds will arish St. Vincent de Paul Conference Food Pantry, Mount Holly, operates Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon and Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the conference serves resident of Springfield and Mansfield Townships Mount Holly, Hainesport, Lumberton, Eastampton and Westampton. Persons in need of food or financial aid should call 609-267-9600 and leave name and phone number. Intake is handled via phone only.

Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton, will host its annual Women’s Retreat March 21-23 at Maris Stella Retreat House, Harvey Cedars. Theme is “Pilgrims of Hope - The Jubilee Year 2025 in the Steps of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.” Presenter is Mary Neary.  For information or to make reservations, email [email protected].

Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton, will hold a Lenten Mission March 12-14, each evening at 6:30 p.m. Presenter Father Martin O’Reilly, pastor of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown, and episcopal vicar of Burlington County, will focus on the theme, “Eucharist: The Sacrament of Hope.” Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated March 14. For more information, call 856-291-0480 or [email protected].

Sacred Heart Parish Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Riverton, will hold a Day of Recollection March 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the gym. The day will be led by Father Ronan Murphy, a Marian priest from Ireland. Fee is $25. Send payment to Catholic Daughters, Sacred Heart Parish, 103 Fourth St., Riverton, N.J. 08077. For questions, call 609-330-0231.

Sacred Heart School, Mount Holly, will host a St. Patrick’s Beef & Beer March 15 from 6 to 11 p.m. in the school hall. Fee is $50 per person and includes traditional Irish buffet and music. Registration forms are in the parish bulletin or by visiting https://link.clover.com/urlshortener.Q9btLp. If paying by check, make payable to SHS-PTA. For questions, email [email protected].

St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Marlton, will hold a “Soups & Stations” March 7 at 6 p.m. in the parish hall. A soup and bread supper will be served after which a presentation on the Stations of the Cross will be given by the religious education students at 7 p.m. in the church. For more information, contact [email protected]. The parish will host Lenten Friday Fish Bake Dinners March 14 and April 4 at 6:30 p.m. Sit-down and take-out options are available. Menu selections include baked cod fillets for $20 and crab cakes for $25. Meals come with coleslaw and macaroni and cheese. Kids’ meals of macaroni and cheese are $5. Desserts come with sit-down dinners. Orders will be taken the weekend of March 1-2; orders will not be taken at the door. For questions, email [email protected] or [email protected]. 

St. John Neumann Parish Lay Scripture Discussion Group, Mount Laurel, gathers each Thursday at 2 p.m. in the parish hall Room 1B. for questions, email [email protected] or call 856-296-3882.

St. Katharine Drexel Parish Food Pantry, Burlington, provides food and personal hygiene products to residents of Burlington City and Burlington Township who meet income specifications and/or receive public assistance, unemployment benefits or disability benefits. In addition, registered parishioners experiencing food shortages are encouraged to contact the pantry for assistance. The pantry is open every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m., except for Thanksgiving week when the pantry is open on Monday. Currently, the pantry is not in need of volunteers but persons wishing to assist when needed, can leave a message by calling 609-386-3650.

St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, is holding a 16-week series to prepare high school students to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation as well as adults with a deeper understanding or the Catholic faith. Classes are held on Sundays from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Class dates are Nov. 25, Dec. 15, Jan. 5, 12, 19 and 26, Feb. 2, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 23, 30, April 6, 13, May 4 and 18. Presenters are parish clergy and staff. To attend, email [email protected] or sign up in the parish parking lot entrance.

St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, will hold “Scripture with Father Dan” on Mondays March 3 to April 7 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Emmaus Center and via WebEx. Father Daniel Swift, pastor, will offer a five-week Lenten Intergenerational Scripture Study on the Last Supper based on Brant Pitre’s Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper.  “Studying Isaiah” will be the focus of a Scripture study on Thursdays March 6 to April 10 starting at 6 p.m. in the Emmaus Center and via WebEx. Presenter Father Kevin Hrycenko, parochial vicar is the presenter. Participants should bring a Bible. “Living the Eucharist – Year C” will be the theme of a presentation being held on Fridays March 7 to April 11 at 9:30 a.m. in Emmaus Center. Presenter is Sister of St. Joseph Judy Cianfrogna. The sessions are designed to help participants experience the Mass in a more meaningful way. For more information, email [email protected] or call 609-654-8208, ext. 113.

St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, will hold a Lenten Parish Mission March 16-18, each evening in the church. Presenter is Dr. Roy Schoeman, an MIT/Harvard educated Jewish convert to Catholicism. His presentations will focus on his journey to the Catholic faith and the relationship of the Jewish and Catholic faiths.

Mercer County 

Hamilton Council, Knights of Columbus, will collect food donations at their tent on the grounds of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, during special events and not every Saturday morning. The next collection will be April 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. Food donations may be dropped off on any weekend and placed in the food bins in the church’s gathering space.

Hightstown Council, Knights of Columbus, will hold a St. Patrick’s Day celebration March 8 from 6 to 11 p.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Parish Hall, Hightstown. Tickets are $45 per person; discount is available for parties of 8 or 10. Live band, Irish dancers, appetizers, dinner and desserts will be included. For tickets, call 609-578-0446 or email [email protected].

Incarnation-St. James Confirmation Candidates, Ewing, will collect cash donations to benefit Anchor House Street Outreach Program the weekend of March 8-9. Candidates will be present at the main door of both worship sites. The donations will be used to purchase and assemble hygiene bags for local homeless teens.

Incarnation-St. James St. Joseph’s Society, Ewing, will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph March 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. in The Stone Terrace, Hamilton. Tickets are $65 per adult and $16 per child and include dinner of salad, chicken francaise of pan seared Atlantic salmon, potatoes, vegetables and dessert. Reservations are accepted until March 16. For tickets, call 609-304-7185 or email [email protected].

Lawrence Council, Knights of Columbus, will hold a Lenten retreat March 15 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Pope John Paul Community Room of St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville. Presenter Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, diocesan episcopal vicar of Clergy and Consecrated Life and director of seminarians will focus on the theme “God’s Plan: The Path to Heaven.” To register in advance, email [email protected]. In-person registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the retreat. There is no admission charge but a freewill offering will be collected.

Marian Servants of the Holy Family will host “Abide In Me,” a nine week program created for one to deepen their prayer life and relationship with the Lord through personal prayer using Scripture and weekly group sharing experiences. The program is based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Sessions will be held Feb. 4 to April 1 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square. For registration information, email [email protected] by Jan. 29. Enter Abide in Me Holy Eucharist in the subject line. Participation is limited to eight adults.

Notre Dame High School Performing Arts, Lawrenceville, will present the school edition of “Les Miserables” March 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for seniors and $10 for students and seniors. Purchase tickets online at www.ndnj.org/the-arts.

St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, will hold a day of recollection, “Finding Hope in the Paschal Mystery” March 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church. Presenter is Josue Arriola, a parishioner and diocesan director of the Department of Evangelization and Family Life. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. A free-will offering will be collected. For reservations, call 609-448-0141, ext. 12 or email [email protected].

St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction, will hold a Lenten Mission, “Virtues, Vices, Sin & the Conscience” April 8-9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the church. Presenter is Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, renowned Catholic speaker, theologian and EWTN host. To learn more about Dr. D’Ambrosio, visit crossroadsinitiative.com/dr-italy.

St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, will hold a Lenten Day of Recollection March 22. Presenter will be Father Patrick McDonnell, a retired priest of the Diocese. Topic will be “God Made me. God Doesn’t Make Junk.”

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.

St. Raphael-Holy Angels Food Pantry, Hamilton, is in need of the following items: soups, rice, spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese, instant mashed potatoes, tuna fish, cereal, peanut butter and jelly. Persons in need of assistance with drooping off food or perishable items should call 609-585-7049  to make arrangements. The next “Reach Out Saturday” is Feb. 8 from 9 to 11 a.m.

Villa Victoria Academy, West Trenton, will present its spring musical, “Once Upon A Mattress” March 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. and March 9 at 2 p.m. in the theatre. Tickets are $16 and are available at the door or online at www.villavictoria.org.

Monmouth County

Catholic Women of Zion Chapter 1 will hold a women’s conference, “Step into New Beginnings” April 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in St. William the Abbot Church, Howell. The day will begin with Mass celebrated by Father Thomas Maher, pastor, at 9. Six speakers will be hosting workshops and participants will have the choice of attending two workshops, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Admission is $35 and includes boxed lunch. For further information on the speakers, click here and to register, click here or call 732-475-7113.

Cardinal Newman Council, Knights of Columbus, Matawan, will host an American Red Cross blood drive March 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in St. Clement Church, Matawan. Appointments are preferred. To schedule an appointment, call 800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter code Knights of Columbus council 5324.

Francis House of Prayer, 84 Walnford Rd., Allentown, will host a showing of “The Chosen” Season One will take place on four Wednesdays, Feb. 19, March 26, April 16 and May 14 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Two episodes will be shown per month. Prayer and discussions will be included. Fee is $65. An Ash Wednesday Retreat will be held March 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at noon and ashes will be distributed. Fee for in-person participants is $40 and includes lunch and book or $25 for online participants. A presentation on “The Imitation of Christ The Beatitudes Edition” will be presented March 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Time will be allotted for contemplative prayer. Fee for in-person participants is $25 and includes lunch or $20 for online participants. Online sessions on “Meeting Christ in Prayer: Experience of the Spiritual Exercises” will be held on the following Monday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m.: March 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21 and 28. The program is a shortened version of the Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Participants will be invited to pray for 30 minutes each day. Fee is $150. A retreat, “A Lenten Hobo Honeymoon” will be held March 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Based on the book by Edward Hays, the retreat will explore Lent as an important part of a Homeward Bound journey to heaven. Fee for in-person participants is $25 and includes lunch or $20 for online participants.  Online sessions on Pope Francis’ new encyclical Dilexit Nos “He Loved Us” will be held March 11, 18 and 25 from 7 to 8 p.m. The encyclical is available online and on Amazon. Fee is $50. A three-part offering on “Forgiveness: A Gift of Loving As God Loves” will be held March 14, 28 and April 11 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Participants will reflect on the words of Henri Nouwen in The Return of the Prodigal Son. Fee is $60. A Centering Prayer Retreat Weekend is scheduled March 14 starting at 6:30 p.m. to March 16 at noon. Fee is $200 with a $100 non-refundable deposit. Commuters are welcome. Full payment is requited two weeks in advance of start date. To register, visit [email protected]; call 609-877-0509 or visit FHOP.org.

Freehold Birthright, an organization that assists girls, women, families, during their pregnancy and after the baby is born, is in need of prolife volunteers. Training will be provided; volunteers who speak Spanish are encouraged. To volunteer, call 732-462-2888 during office hours Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or email [email protected]. The agency is also in need of baby clothes which are gently used, stain free, seasonal appropriate, sizes newborn to 18 months. The agency is located at 41 E. Main St.

Freehold Council, Knights of Columbus, is collecting used and unused eyeglasses for the Lions Club. Eyeglasses may be deposited in the drop-off baskets located at the main entrances of St. Rose of Lima Church and Chapel, Freehold.

Holy Cross Parish, Rumson, will host two 12-week online Spring Bible Studies. “The Bible and the Virgin Mary”  begins March 18 at 7 p.m. and will focus on the Catholic teachings on the Blessed Mother. “Genesis to Jesus” begins March 20 at  8 p.m. Questions such as “What is the Bible?” “Where does it come from?” “What is its purpose?” will be addressed. The course surveys the principal covenants that God made with his people through figures such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and David and how each of the covenants points forward to and is fulfilled by Jesus Christ and his  or Church throughout Salvation history. Presenter is Andrew Bustillo. For more information, call 917-324-4861 or email [email protected].

Holy Innocents Parish St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Neptune, is in need of non-perishable items, paper products, personal hygiene products, and cleaning supplies. The pantry is open after the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday and after the 10 a.m. and noon Masses. The conference provides assistance to the needy of the Neptune area with rent, utilities and other basic necessities. Persons in need of assistance can call 732 922-4242, ext. 124.

Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune, will hold a Praise Concert with Organ Hymn Sing March 15 at 1 p.m. in the church. The concert will feature well-known contemporary praise songs and traditional hymns. There is no admission fee and refreshments will follow the concert.

Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune, holds an Online Rosary Group Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. The group meets online or over the phone Persons wishing to pray the Rosary in-person can do so Monday through Saturday starting at 8:25 a.m., before the 9 a.m. Mass. For information, email [email protected].

Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Keyport, will hold a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner, March 8. Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. in St. Joseph Church with the dinner following in the gym. dinner will be corned beef and cabbage and Irish Stew. Irish music including bagpipes and Irish Step Dancers will be featured. Fee is $25 for adults; $15 for children ages 8 to12; no fee for children under 8. For reservations, email [email protected] or call 347-866-2610 by March 2.

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-St. Agnes Parish Book Club, Atlantic Highlands, will meet March 5 at 1 p.m. on the campus of St. Agnes Church. The club will read “The Ride of Her Life” by Elizabeth Letts. Participants who have not read the book can still join in the discussion.

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. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, will hold a St. Patrick’s Day event March 16 at noon in Morello Hall. The afternoon will include performances by Irish step dancers, music and an Irish soda bread contest. For more information, contact the parish office at 732-350-0500.

St. Benedict Food Pantry, Holmdel, is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m.; Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays by appointment. is in need of donations of the following items: diapers (all sizes especially 5 and 6), baby food (stages 2/3), baby wipes, children’s cereal and snacks, coffee and tea, juice for adults and children, soup, bar soap, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes and mouthwash, laundry detergent, dish detergent, paper products – toilet tissue, paper towels.

St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake, will show Season 1 of The Chosen on the following Thursdays during Lent: March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10 and 17. The viewings and discussions will take place at 1 p.m. in Duffy Hall of St. Margaret Church. For more information, email [email protected].

St. Catharine-St. Margaret Rosary Prayer Group, Spring Lake, prays the Rosary on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in the chapel of St. Catharine Church. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call 732-449-4424, ext. 208.

St. Clement Hospitality Group, Matawan, will hold a St. Patrick & St. Joseph Day Spring Dinner Dance March 15 from 6 to 10 p.m. in The Reception Area, 172 Freneau Ave., Matawan. Tickets are $60 per person and $30 for children ages 10 and under. Tickets may be purchased after all Masses or online. For more information, email [email protected].

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: bar soap, small containers/bottles of laundry detergent, Ramen Noodles, canned beef stew and canned chicken. 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. For questions or special food needs, call 732-223-1383.

St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro, prays a Patriotic Rosary every Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the church hall. Prayers are offered for the Executive (president), Judicial (Supreme Court) and Legislative (Senate and House of Representatives) branches. Prayers are also offered for active U.S. Military as well as veterans and emergency personnel.

St. Gabriel Parish, St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Marlboro, is collecting the following items: laundry detergent, dish detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, canned chicken, spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables, macaroni & cheese (box mixes), mashed potato flakes, peanut butter, rice, grape jelly, spaghetti /pasta, cereals that are kid friendly. Persons who are in need in the Marlboro/Morganville area or are members of the parish, call the conference hotline at 732-946-4487, ext. 240 and leave a message for the intake coordinator. All calls are kept confidential.

St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown, will hold an Emergency Preparedness Seminar March 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Emergencies including power failures, major weather events, flooding, evacuations will be discussed.

St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown, will hold Spring Ember Days with Traditional Latin Low Masses March 12 at 7 p.m., March 14 at 8 a.m. and March 15. In the Traditional Catholic calendar, Ember Days fall on the Wednesday, Friday and Saturday after the First Sunday of Lent, after Pentecost Sunday, during the third full week of September and after the third Sunday of Advent.

St. John the Baptist Maidens of the Miraculous Medal, Allentown, will hold an Easter Flower Sale. Pre-orders must be placed by April 7 and orders may be picked up April 12-13 in the church hall. Pre-order forms may be found in the parish bulletin. Completed forms, along with payment, may be placed in the collection basket, campus mailboxes, parish office or mailed to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1282 Yardville-Allentown Rd., Allentown, N.J. 08501. Call 609-259-3391 with questions.

St. Joseph Council, Knights of Columbus, Keyport, will hold its annual Peter Cassidy Baby Diaper Drive through March 28. Diapers and wipes will be given to Birthright of Monmouth County. Sizes needed are 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6. Donations may be brought to the council home daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. or they can be ordered online and delivered to 54 Route 35 North, Keyport, N.J. 07735.

St. Joseph Council, Knights of Columbus, Keyport, will hold breakfast March 9 from 8 a.m. to noon. Cost is $12 for adults; $11 for seniors and children over age 10; children 10 and under eat free. Proceeds will benefit the council’s various charities.

St. Joseph Parish, Millstone Township, accepts donations of food, paper goods and toiletries that can be placed in the bins located inside the church entrances. After the first and third Sundays of the month, volunteers deliver the items to the Millstone Community Center.

St. Joseph Parish, Millstone Township, will hold a potluck/covered dish Mardi Gras celebration March 4 starting at 6 p.m. in the parish hall. Attendees are asked to bring a favorite main dish, dessert, side dish or salad. Beverages will be provided. Sign-up sheets are on the parish bulletin board. After dinner a prayer service will be held to usher in the season of Lent.

St. Joseph Parish Readers Club, Millstone Township will meet March 25 at 7:30 p.m. The club has chosen to focus on “The Ministry of Time” by Kaliane Bradley, a time travel romance, a spy thriller, a workplace comedy and an exploration of the nature of power and the potential for love to change it. For more information, email [email protected].

St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, will hold a 12-week support group for separated and divorced persons. The program begins March 6 and runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the parish center meeting room. The program is led by trained and certified facilitators who are divorced and have completed the program. To register, email [email protected]. For  more information, on the program, visit https://www.mylifechangecoach.com/divorceministry. 

St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, will hold a six-week bereavement series, “A Way Forward” March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9 and 16. Sessions will be held at 11 a.m. or 6 p.m. in the parish center. Sessions will be held by a team of bereavement ministers. Register at www.stleothegreat.com/bereavement-support.

St. Mark Social Concerns Committee, Sea Girt, is collecting travel-size toiletry items (soap, shampoos, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, etc.) to be delivered to persons in need in the Asbury Park area. Containers are located at the church entrances. The committee is resuming the Frozen Meals Program to benefit the Center in Asbury Park, a volunteer-based New Jersey not-for-profit organization providing support services for people living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers since 1992. Prospective donors can pick up food trays and lids found next to the kitchen refrigerator in Father Child’s Hall in the parish basement; fill the trays with generous portions of food; label the tray lids with the contents and date of preparation, and return the meals to the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. The meals will be delivered to The Center by parish volunteers. For questions, call 732-449-5656.

St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, will serve as the site of "A Musical Celebration of St. Patrick" March 16 at 4 p.m. The Tim Keyes Consort, under the direction of Tim Keyes, will perform "St. Patrick's Breastplate" and "The Irish Blessing." St. Patrick's Breastplate is an ancient Celtic prayer ascribed to St. Patrick. The Gaelic prayer blends ancient Druid beliefs with Christian tenets of faith. The eight movement work is scored for soprano, alto, tenor, baritone soloists, chorus and orchestra. "The Irish Blessing" is the well-known Irish blessing prayer invoked as a prayer of hopefulness on life's journey. The arrangement is scored for tenor soloist, chorus and orchestra. A freewill offering will be collected. For more information on The Tim Keyes Consort, visit www.timkeysconsort.org.

St. Michael Parish, West End, will hold a Mass marking the feast of St. Patrick March 23 at 11 a.m. The Mass will be celebrated in Gaelic by Father Daniel Cahill, a retired priest of the Diocese.

St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, will hold “Christ Life: Discovering Christ” Feb. 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, April 3 and 10 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. int eh parish hall. The retreat will be held March 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The evenings begin with dinner followed by presentations and discussion. There is no fee. To sign up, visit www.strobert.cc/christlife. For more information, call 732-462-7429, ext. 134.

St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold, will hold a Shrove Tuesday celebration March 4 following the 8:30 a.m. Mass. Refreshments will be served in the main entrance of the church.

St. Rose Parish Justice and Peace Ministry’s 2025 Lenten Book Circle, Belmar, will meet in-person March 5 to April 23 at 1 p.m. and in the evenings at 7 p.m. in the convent. Online presentations will be held March 3 to April 21 at 4 p.m. and in the evening at 7 p.m. The featured book will be “Station to Station: An Ignatian Journey Through The Stations of the Cross” by Gary Jansen and “Extravagant Love: The Self-Emptying of Jesus” by Ruth Burrows. Facilitator will be Sister of St. Joseph Jeanette Weychert, who serves the parish as a member of the Justice and Peace Ministry and offers spiritual guidance. Participants will have to purchase the books. To obtain the link for the online sessions, information about purchasing the book and registration, email [email protected].

St. Rose Parish Thomas Merton Discussion Group, Belmar, meets online on the first Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8 p.m. The group is currently reflecting on The Road to Joy: Letters to New and Old Friends, Volume 2, of Merton’s published correspondence. To join the group email [email protected] or call 732-681-6238.

St. Rose Parish, Belmar, will host a Lenten presentation, “Heroic Clarity and Catholic Confidence,” March 8 from 9 to 12:30 p.m. in the parish center Pasko Room. Led by parishioners Tim Dowd and Kathleen Brady, the presentation will focus on tools needed to develop a Lenten experience. Through guided prayer and meditation, introspective journaling, engaging in group discussions and practical exercises rooted in Catholic teaching, participants will learn to identify and overcome obstacles to spiritual growth. The workshop is open to all teenage and adult parishioners. Register by emailing [email protected] by March 4.

St. Rose of Lima School, Freehold, has partnered with New Legacy Books and is accepting donations of used books. Donations may be left in the bin located in the car rider parking lot. The school will receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the books.

St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach, will host a six-week study session on “Lenten Journey with Mary.” The series will be held on Saturday mornings from March 8 to April 12 at 9 a.m. in O’Hara Hall and light refreshments will be served. Evening sessions will also be offered on Thursday evenings from March 6 to April 10 at 7 p.m. in O’Hara Hall. The series includes watching videos and participating in discussions. The parish will sponsor a Lenten Food Drive to benefit The Bradley Food Pantry and Mercy Center, Asbury Park. The following items will be collected: weekend of March 8-9, canned items – soup, stew, Chef Boyardee; March 15-16, granola/breakfast protein bars, pop tarts and oatmeal; March 22-23, canned meat or tuna, macaroni and cheese; March 29-30, dry beans (bags) and spices (salt, pepper, garlic or onion powder, oregano and cinnamon); Apri. 5-6, baking products (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda (regular or gluten free); April 12-13, toiletries (soap, toothpaste, shaving cream, deodorant, shampoo).

St. William the Abbot Parish, Howell, accepts donations of used eye glasses to benefit the Joe Mazzarella Eye Glass Donation Program. Donations may be placed in the receptacle located in the parish hall. All eye glasses are donated to the Eyes for Needy Program.

Trenton Diocesan Federation and the Father McGivney Council, Knights of Columbus are participating in the “Send a Hero Home for the Holidays.” Contributions are being collected to transport an enlisted member of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard Home. Make checks payable to KOC Council 6392 and mail to P.O. Box 322, Lincroft, N.J. 07738.

Ocean County

Epiphany Parish’s Bereavement Support Group offers peer support for those grieving the death of a loved one. Six sessions are offered during which information is provided and mutual sharing and peer support is presented in a spiritual, caring and confidential setting. For more information, call 732-458-0220.

Epiphany Parish Helping Hands, Brick, operates a food pantry on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon. Donations of the following are needed: meat/chicken/pork/hamburgers, pancake mix and syrup, canned pasta, brown rice, jars of pasta sauce, assorted canned beans, butter, eggs, soup, jelly, coffee, frozen vegetables, fresh fruit and vegetables, snacks, cooking oil, tea, canned tuna.

Epiphany Parish, Brick, holds a Healing Mass from September to May. Prayers and reflection begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by Mass at 7 and then Adoration and prayers of healing. The next Healing Mass will be Feb. 21.

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 Parish, Bay Head, will hold a St. Patrick’s Day Social March 15 at 5:30 p.m. Traditional Irish fare including corned beef, cabbage, ham, carrots, boiled potatoes, Irish soda bread, desserts will be served. Irish dancing and a sing-along will be featured. Tickets are $35 per person or $30 per person for a table of 10. Forms may be found in the parish bulletin; complete and send with payment to to Sacred Heart Parish, 751 Main Ave., Bay Head, N.J. 08742, ATTN: Pags

St. Barnabas Parish Food Pantry, Bayville, is in need of the following donations: jars of pasta sauce, crackers, pancake syrup, condiments, oatmeal, desserts, baked beans, toiletries, coffee, toilet tissue. Persons in need of food should call 732-269-2208, ext. 107.

St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville, will hold Lectio Divina every second Sunday of the Month from 9:10 to 9:55 a.m. in the meeting room of the spiritual center. “Lectio Divina” is Latin for “sacred reading” and is an ancient monastic practice of quiet prayer and reflecting and reading Scripture. The next session will be March 9.

St. Francis Food Pantry, Seaside Heights, is open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Donations of food may be left in the bin in the narthex of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Church, Lavallette. Donations may also be picked up by calling 732-606-3656.

St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry, Long Beach Island, is open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The pantry provides a wide range of food items, personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies. Specialty options such as dairy free, gluten free and vegan products, along with baby formula and diapers are available. Spanish speaking staff are available. Items needed include: canned goods: chicken, tuna, soup, beef stew, chili, SpaghettiOs, pork & beans, black beans, kidney beans, corn & peas. Needed non-perishable items: cereal, oatmeal, pasta & jarred pasta sauce, pancake mix & syrup, snacks & instant mashed potatoes. Needed hygiene products: laundry detergent, bar soap/body wash, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper. Non-perishable food donations for the pantry can be dropped off in the designated bins at the Community Center entrance. Online monetary donations may be made through PayPal: www.stfranciscenterlbi.org/donate. To stay updated on the pantry’s services, text “PANTRY” to 833-511-0760.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish and Center, Long Beach Island, will host “Super Plunge XXI” March 15 at 1 p.m., taking place at the 48th St. Beach, Brant Beach. An after-plunge party will follow in the Center’s gym from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Fee is $20 for students and $30 for adults. In-person registration and plunge check-in will be held at the Community Center from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Plunge check-in will be from noon to 12:30 p.m. For online registration or to be a sponsor, see page 8 of the parish bulletin by clicking here.

St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, New Egypt, will hold a Women’s Lenten Retreat March 22 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Church of the Assumption Chapel.  Check-in time is 11:30-11:45 a.m. Presenter will be Celeste Grant, parish catechetical leader. There is no fee but a freewill offering will be accepted and lunch will be served.

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, Columbiettes, Lakehurst, will hold a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance March 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and includes corned beef, Irish bourbon chicken, steamed cabbage, parsley potatoes, garden tossed salad, rye bread, Irish soda bread and other desserts. For tickets, call 732-914-2201.

St. John Parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Lakehurst, needs the following items for its food pantry: coffee (canned), tea bags, pasta sauce, boxed pasta (except elbow macaroni and spaghetti), hearty soups, canned white tuna and chicken, cereal for children and oatmeal, canned ravioli. Sugar free items such as jams, jellies, pancake syrup are also needed. food can be drooped in the blue bin in the church hall anytime the church is open. Frozen or refrigerated food should be brought to the pantry on Monday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m.

St. Joseph by the Sea Retreat House, South Mantoloking, will hold an Ash Wednesday Retreat March 5 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mass will be celebrated with the distribution of ashes. Lunch will be served. Presenter is Janice Santanello. Cost is $6 per person. A retreat honoring St. Joseph the Worker will be held March 19. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. and participants are asked to arrive by 10:30. After Mass, refreshments will be served and blessed St. Joseph bread will be distributed. Space is limited to 40 people. The retreat concludes at 1 p.m. A Self-Care for AA Women” retreat will be held March 21 starting at 5 p.m. and ending March 23 at noon. Yoga and meditation will be available. Mass will be celebrated. Presenters are Sister Brunilda Ramos, retreat house director, and Avita Kennedy. Cost is $400. “Lenten Saints to Celebrate” will serve as the theme of a retreat March 27 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The saints to be discussed will be Patrick, Joseph, Mother Cabrini and Brigid of Ireland. Janice Santanello is the presenter. Cost is $65 and includes lunch.  Mass will be celebrated. To register, call 732-892-8494.

St. Joseph Parish Carpenter Shop, Toms River, is open after all Sunday Masses from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:45 to 8 p.m. The shop is closed Mondays and is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday after the Vigil Mass from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. For information, call 732-349-0018, ext. 2248.

St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, will hold its annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance March 15 from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and includes traditional Irish food, beverages, door prizes and music by the Ballyhaunis Irish Band. Tickets may be purchased in the parish office or by calling 732-349-0018, ext. 2204.

St. Junipero Serra Parish Religious Articles Shop, Seaside Park, will hold a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper March 4 in the parish hall of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Doors open at 6:30 and dinner will be served from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, sausage, coffee, water and desserts will be served. Music will be provided. Admission is $25 per person. For tickets, call 908-616-3213 or 732-429-9972. Tickets are limited and will not be sold at the door.

St.  Junipero Serra Growing in Faith Formation for Adults Young and Older, Seaside Park, will host a Lenten reflection series on CREDO “I believe” starting March 10. The series will study the Creed, which was established at the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. Topics will be March 10 – “I believe in God, the Father;” March 24 – “I believe in Jesus Christ;” March 31 – “I believe in the Holy Spirit;” April 7 – “I believe in the Catholic Church.” All sessions will meet at 6:45 p.m. in St. Catharine of Siena Parish hall, Seaside Park.

St. Justin the Martyr Parish Bereavement Group, Toms River, will meet March 10 at 7 p.m. in the conference room. The group, open to anyone who has lost a loved one, includes time for prayer and sharing. For information, call 732-929-9094.

St. Luke Parish, Toms River, will hold a “Feast Before You Fast” Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner March 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the parish center. Cost is $5 per person. To make a reservation, call 848-226-6235 and leave message with number of guests in party.

St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, will hold “One Step At A Time” March 5 at 6:15 p.m. in Monsignor Reinbold Hall for the second in a series of mini workshops on the 12 steps of recovery as presented in the New Testament. The presentation will feature a guest speaker with more than 30 years experience practicing the 12 steps. Participants should bring Bibles.

St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, will hold Lenten Fish Fridays beginning March 7 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the parish center.

St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, holds Scripture sharing discussions every Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the rectory. Scripture Readings are reviewed for the upcoming Sunday. For more information, call 609-339-8969.

St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, holds weekly Scripture Study sessions for young adults ages 18-39 at 7 p.m. in the Charlie Kiger Conference Room. For information, call 609-698-8619.

St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River, holds Eucharistic Adoration every Thursday after the 8:30 a.m. Mass in the chapel. Stations of the Cross will be held every Friday during Lent, March 7-April 11, at  noon in the church. For information, call 732-914-0300.

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. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette, will hold a Lent Bible Study March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3 and 10 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in St. Pio’s church hall. Registration is $20 and includes book. To register, visit dawnrusinko@yahoolcom. The parish will hold a Mass with healing prayers March 13 at noon. Celebrant will be Father Joy Chacko, parochial vicar. Prayer teams and music will be provided by NJ Campus graduates and students of Encounter School of Ministry. For more information, email [email protected]. A Lenten Movie and Soup & Salad Luncheon will be held March 12 at 11 a.m. in St. Pio Parish Hall. Fee is $5 for the lunch; the movie “Mother Cabrini” will be featured. For reservations call 908-591-1284 by March 5.

St. Theresa Parish, Knights of Columbus Council, Little Egg Harbor, will hold Fish and Chips Friday Dinners on March 7, 21 and April 4. Menu includes fish and chips, choice of either clam chowder or vegetable soup, macaroni and cheese, dessert, soda, coffee and tea. Tickets are $17 per person. Dinners for persons who don’t eat fish are also available and include vegetable soup, macaroni and cheese, French fries, dessert, coffee, tea and soda. Cost is $10. Take-out orders are available.

St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor, offers free income tax preparation sponsored by AARP/IRS Tax Aides of Southern Ocean County on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the faith formation center.

Visitation Parish, Brick, will host Grief Share Bereavement Sessions beginning Feb. 4 and continuing through April 29. Sessions will meet on Tuesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the daily chapel. For information, call 732-477-7059, ext. 101 or email [email protected].

Visitation Parish Holy Name Society, Brick, will hold a Fish Fry March 7 in the parish hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6. Cost is $20 for dinner of fish, soup, rice and coleslaw or $10 for pasta and soup. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available in the rectory office and in the church narthex after Mass.  Proceeds will benefit Catholic high school scholarships.

Visitation Parish, Brick, will host a theatrical experience, “Murder on the Menu,” March 30 at 2 p.m. The interactive musical mystery theater is presented by The Mystery Players, Inc., from Manhattan. Tickets are $30 and includes light refreshments. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit visitationRCchurch.org/social-events or call 732-475-0048. Tickets are also available in the narthex after Mass and in the rectory office.

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