In Local News as of March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025 at 1:06 p.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 pancake breakfast with a visit from the Easter Bunny March 30 from 8 a.m. to noon in St. Mary School Hall, Bordentown. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Cost is $15 per adult, $8 for children 6-12; children 5 and under are admitted free. Proceeds benefit the council’s various charitable programs.

Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro, will hold an Easter Food Drive to benefit Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton’s Emergency Services March 29-30. Perishable and non-perishable food donations may be dropped off outside Bogdan Hall. Most needed food items are peanut butter, canned foods – vegetables, fruits, meat/fish, soups as well as pasta, pasta sauce, spices, rice, dried beans, grain products, cold cereal, biscuit or baking mixes, crackers, tortillas, olive/canola oil, coffee/tea, desserts, powdered milk and snacks for children. Motel-compatible foods are also needed. Monetary donations will also be accepted. Make checks payable to St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly, will hold 40 Hours Devotion April 10-12.

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.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, will hold a Lenten Soup Sale March 22 and 23 after all Masses in Nolan Hall. A 12-ounce container of soup is $5. Proceeds will benefit the Kentucky Mission parishes.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Youth Group, Maple Shade, will hold a clothing and shoe drive fundraiser April 6. Donations will be accepted every Wednesday and Sunday leading up to April 6. Donations may be dropped off outside the old school building parking lot on Wednesdays from 5 to 6:15 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon. Items, which should be gently used, should e placed in tightly tied bags. Items accepted will be clothing, shoes, apparel, handbags, purses, wallets, sandals, sneakers, boots, jackets, coats, rain gear, leathers, belts, ties, pants, shirts, sweaters, vests, blouses, dresses, skirts, robes, undergarments, sheets, towels, linens, tablecloths, hats, scarves, gloves, jewelry, watches, uniforms, jerseys, backpacks, new diapers, household items, utensils, hard and soft toys, electronics, small bric-a-brac. Donations of thrift store goods, furniture, books, pillows, curtains and anything that is torn or dirty, will not be accepted. For information, visit clothgingshoedrive.com.

Sacred Heart Parish Bereavement Ministry, Riverton, will hold a bereavement session March 27 at 6 p.m. in the Family Center Room 6. The sessions will run for six consecutive Thursdays. Each session will focus on the process from grief to healing. For information, call 856-979-2401.

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

St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Marlton, will hold a blessing of the new Adoration Chapel  March 30 following the 11 a.m. Mass. The chapel will be open during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, is holding an Easter Basket Drive the weekend of April 5-6. Donations of Easter baskets for children ages 3-12 as well as turkeys and canned hams will be accepted. The baskets will be given to Mount Carmel Guild, Trenton, for underprivileged children locally and in Trenton. Completed, cellophane-wrapped baskets can be left in Pedata Hall before weekend Masses. All baskets must be received before noon April 6. For questions, email [email protected].

St. Joan of Arc Parish Women of Faith, Marlton, will meet March 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Pedata Hall. Focusing on the theme, “Journey with Jesus,” the evening will feature guest speaker Jackie Veasy who will talk about her journey and focus on the role Jesus has in the lives of people. Table discussions and fellowship will be included. New members welcome. Call 609-923-7222 or more information.

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. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington, is hosting an Easter Giving Baskets event. The parish is collecting baby items for First Way of Burlington County. Baskets with Easter eggs are placed in the back of both churches. The eggs will have tags listing the baby items that are needed. The eggs will be in the baskets the weekend of March 22-23, March 29-30 and April 5-6. Items needed include baby wash/shampoo, lotion, wipes, hooded towels, diapers (sizes 4, 5 and 6) and pull-ups (4T/5T and 5T/6T). similac advance, Enfamil, baby outfits for boys and girls and stretch sleepers 0-6 months are needed.

St. Mary of the Lakes Council, Knights of Columbus, Medford, will hold a “Chip in for Charity” golf tournament to benefit the homeless, less fortunate, women in crisis and children June 16 at Medford Lakes Country Club. Proceeds will benefit Medford’s St. Vincent de Paul conference, Promise of Burlington County and 1st Way of Burlington County. Golf registration is $225 per person or $240 after April 8 and includes golf with cart, lunch, beverages on the course, hors d’oeuvres and dinner. Also included are prizes for top teams, closest to the pin, longest drive, hole-in-one car, putting contest prize and mulligan tickets. For questions about registration, donating merchandise and sponsorship opportunities, email [email protected].

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 Respect Life Ministry, Medford, will hold a Community Baby Shower March 30 after all Masses in the Emmaus Center. Refreshments, shower games and an opportunity to meet team members will be available. Donations of diapers (newborn-size 4); Pull-ups (2T/3T and 4T/5T); baby bowls with lids and utensils; bottles (small and large); wipes; sippy cups; pacificers; receiving blankets and gift cards will be collected. Bins to drop off items will be at the parking lot and Jackson Road engrances.

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.

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].

Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing, will hold a Pro-Life Baby Shower March 23 after the 11 a.m. Mass in the Incarnation worship site. The event will support the work of Choice One. The event will correlate with the parish’s Fellowship Sunday in which refreshments will be served.

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.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, West Trenton, will observe the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel April 27 at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. A catered lunch will follow in the parish hall.

St. David the King Council, Knights of Columbus, Princeton Junction, will hold a “Fish Fryday” March 28 from 5 to 7 p.m., in the Great Hall. Tickets are $15 for the fish fillet dinner or $12 for the mac & cheese dinner. Dinners are served with coleslaw, dinner roll, beverage and dessert. Tickets are on sale after all Masses March 22-23.

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 host a presentation, “Ministry of Presence, Mercy Behind Bars,” March 25 at 7 p.m. in the chapel. Speaker will be Dominican Sister Elizabeth Gnam, who ministers to inmates at NJ State Prison in Trenton.

St. Paul Parish, Princeton, will host a tour of the stained glass windows in the church March 29 following the 8:15 a.m. Mass. Descriptions on how the windows reflect the Catholic faith will be presented. Participants are to gather by the baptismal font where the tour will begin.

St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, will hold a Lenten parish mission March 31-April 2. Presenter is Father Paul R. Fagan. On March 31 and April 1, the schedule will be Mass and mission talk at noon and a mission talk at 7 p.m. On April 2, Mass and mission talk will be held at noon and 7 p.m. Donations for the parish food pantry will be accepted.

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.

The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley will hold an Easter Basket Drive March 29 to April 6 for children ages 2 to 12. Filled baskets with candy, coloring books, toys, should be dropped off at any of the three parishes – St. James, Pennington; St. Alphonsus, Hopewell, or St. George Titusville. Baskets will be given to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, and Mount Carmel Guild. For questions, call 908-310-8797 or [email protected].

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.

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. 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. 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 Personal Retreat Day will be offered April 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The day begins and ends with brief prayer. Participants should bring a lunch. Fee is $10 or $40 with spiritual direction. A presentation on Pope Francis’ Encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us) will be offered April 4 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Presenter is Sister of St. Joseph Marcy Springer, Francis House executive director. Fee is $20. An in-person only retreat, “Embracing the Way of the Cross Through Art” will be held April 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Through prayer and reflection, participants will consider how they can unite their own life experiences with those of Christ’s Way of the Cross. Since each Station often carries a specific theme, such as betrayal, denial, the weight of the cross or the love of a mother, participants will create their own original station in the medium of choice – poetry, drawing, music or painting. Some art materials will be provided but participants can bring their own. Presenter is Sister of St. Joseph Celeste Mokrzycki. Fee is $40 and includes lunch. A Silent, Directed Retreat Weekend is scheduled for April 11, 6:30 p.m. to April 13 at noon. Mass, spiritual direction and optional contemplative prayer periods are included. Donation is $200 with a $100 non-refundable deposit. Full payment is required two weeks in advance of the 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 Academy, Rumson, will hold its third annual golf outing May 19 at Beacon Hill Country Club. For more information, visit hcarumson.org/golf.

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.

Ladies of St. Joseph Parish, Millstone Township, will hold a Women’s Retreat March 29 from noon to 3:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Speaker will be Nancy Aikin, director of faith formation in St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel. Topic will be “Miracles Can Happen – How to Strengthen Our Spiritual Growth. Admission is free but registration is required. To register, use the sign-up sheet on the table in the church gathering space or email [email protected] by March 15.

Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park, will hold a Lenten Retreat, “I Can Do All Things in Christ Who Strengthens Me,” April 5 from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. in Carmel Hall of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Asbury Park. The retreat will be led by Msgr. Joseph Curry, pastor of Mary Mother of God Parish, Hillsborough. Lunch will be served and a freewill offering will be accepted. To make a reservation, call/text 732-660-0070.

Nativity Parish, Fair Haven, and the Knights of Columbus, will hold a Lenten Fish Fry April 4 at 6 p.m. in the parish hall. Menu will include broiled or fried fish, French fries, coleslaw, pizza and water. A freewill offering will be taken and reservations are required by March 28 at noon. To make a reservation, email [email protected] or call 732-741-1714, ext. 210. Stations of the Cross for Children will be held at 5:30 p.m. and for all parishioners at 7 p.m.

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.

San Alfonso Retreat House, West End, will hold a retreat for liturgical musicians, “Resounding Peace,” will be held April 22-24. Presenter is Father Ricky Manalo, a liturgical composer and retreat leader. Fee is $400. For more information, visit www.sanalfonsoretreats.org; call 732-222-2731 or email [email protected].

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.

Society of St. Cecelia at The Oratory Church of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank, will present Mozart’s Requiem April 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the church. The choirs of the Red Bank Oratory, the Diocesan Festival Choir with the Orchestra of St. Cecelia will be featured. A free-will offering will be collected.

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

St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel, holds Soup and Scripture every Wednesday during Lent through April 19. The evening includes Stations of the Cross at 5:30 p.m. followed by soup dinner at 6 in the FAL. At 7 p.m., a speaker will present a reflection on the Scriptures of the upcoming Sunday. No registration is necessary. For information, email [email protected].

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. Catherine of Laboure Parish, Middletown, will hold a Solemn Evening Prayer and Eucharistic Adoration March 23 at 5 p.m. in the church. The parish will hold a Scripture Study on the Gospel of John on Tuesdays beginning April 1 from  7:15 to 8:30 p.m. in the religious education building. For questions, email [email protected] or call 732-769-6262.

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 Elizabeth Ministry, Manasquan, will hold a Blessing for Pregnant Women and Couples Hoping to Conceive, Adopt or Foster a Child March 30 during the 9:30 a.m. Mass in the church. Attendees will also receive a blessed St. Gerard medal and prayer card. For questions, email [email protected].

St. Denis Parish, Manasquan, will hold a Fish & Chips Dinner April 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the parish center. Take-out dinners will begin at 5:30. Cost is $20 per dinner of fish & chips; $25 per dinner of shrimp & chips, and $15 per dinner of macaroni  and cheese. Coffee and soda will be provided; participants should bring dessert. Make checks payable to St. Denis Church. For information, call 732-223-0287 or email [email protected]. If using reservation forms found in the parish bulletin, complete and return with payment to the parish office by April 1.

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. James Knights of Columbus Council, Red Bank, will hold a blood drive April 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Eck Center. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment, visit www.nybc.org/drive and enter the sponsor code 71294.

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 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 Rummage Sale April 25-26 from 8 a.m. to noon. Donations of gently used items may be dropped off April 23-24 from 3 to 7 p.m.; April 25, from 8 a.m. to noon. Unpurchased item will be given to local charities. For questions, email JoanKret2stleothegreat.com.

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. Leo the Great Young Disciples Ignite, Lincroft, will accept donations of gently used items for a rummage sale April 23-24 from 3 to 7 p.m. and April 25 from 8 a.m. to noon. For questions, email [email protected].

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. 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. Michael Parish, West End, has scheduled three Lenten offerings. “A Jubilant Lent: Celebrating God’s Grace in a Penitential Season” will be held March 26 with presenter is Father Daniel Kirk, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson; “Lent and Personal Growth: Observations from a Sabbatical at the Jersey Shore During the Season of Lent; Seeking, Embracing, Harvesting the Richness of Silence and Tranquility,” April 2 with presenter Redemptorist Father James Szobonya, who resides in San Alfonso Retreat House, West End; “Lent and Family: Sharing a Priest’s and Son’s Insights from His Series of “Dear Mom” Letters,” April 2 Father Szobonya. Sessions will be in the church at 7 p.m. Hospitality and refreshments will follow in the lower church.

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. in the 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 Parish, Belmar, will hold a Sensory Friendly Mass March 23 at 2 p.m. The Mass will be adapted to accommodate individuals with autism or other sensory needs. Refreshments and crafts will follow. For questions, email [email protected].

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 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); April. 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. Veronica Parish, Howell, will hold a Lenten parish mission March 30 to April 1 at  7 p.m. in the church. Speaker will be Gary Zimak, author and retreat leader. His topic will be “Give Up Worry for Lent.”

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.

Vincent’s Legacy Furniture Outreach of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul conference in St. Rose Parish, Belmar, is hosting an indoor golf fundraising event April 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. in Golf Kings, Wall Township. Catered meal and prizes for the winning team. Vincent’s Legacy is a 100% volunteer-driven organization now in its 15 th year serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The ministry collects donated, quality furniture and household items and deliver free of charge to families in need. Proceeds from the golf event benefit operating expenses and assist with recruiting and acknowledging volunteers. To register, visit https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/vflm-masters-weeeknd-indoor-golf-tournament.

Ocean County

Annunciation Council, Knights of Columbus, Barnegat, will host a Past Grand Knights dinner dance April 5 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. in The Waterfront Restaurant, Forked River. Grand Knights Edward Massari and Michael Rua will be honored. Cost is $60 per person. For more information, call 609-913-7022, 914-830-5956.

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.

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. Dominic Parish, Brick, will hold All Night Eucharistic Adoration April 4-5. Mass of the Sacred Heart will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Friday evening followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with Confessions and prayers. On Saturday, Mass for the Immaculate Heart of Mary will be celebrated at 8 a.m. and concludes with Adoration. To serve as an adorer, call 973-698-6863.

St. Dominic St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Brick, will hold its Monthly Food Gathering after all Masses April 5-6. A white van will be parked outside the church to collect donations. Items most especially needed are coffee, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pancake mix/syrup, gravy, instant potatoes/yams, canned fruit, juice, cake mix/icing, jello/pudding, paper products, laundry/dish detergent, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting, is holding an Easter Basket Project to benefit children ages 3, 4 and 5 years old served by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton. Easter pails will be filled with donations of coloring books, crayons, books, small toys, stuffed animals and candy. A collection box will be in the church breezeway and one in front of the parish office from March 19-April 1. For questions, call 848-227-3900.

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 Community Center, Long Beach Island, will hold a Fish Fry April 12. Take-out orders maybe picked up by 4:30 p.m. Doors open at 5. Dinner is fish & chips, shrimp & chips. Live music will be featured. Tickets are $30.

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.  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. John Parish Respect Life Committee, Lakehurst, is hosting a drive to benefit Birthright and Open Door pregnancy centers. Items needed include: powder, lotion, shampoo, baby soap, diaper rash cream, Vaseline, wipes, baby towels, wash cloths and size large diapers. Items may be brought to the carriage container in the church hall.

St. John Parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Lakehurst, are collecting the following items during Lent for its food pantry: coffee/tea, Chef Boyardee products, jarred pasta sauce. Food can be drooped in the blue bin in the church hall.

St. Joseph by the Sea Retreat House, South Mantoloking, will hold a “Lenten Saints to Celebrate” 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. 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 Academy, Manahawkin, will hold a clothing drive May 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parish center; May 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parish center and from 5 to 7 p.m. in Msgr. Reinbold Hall; May 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the parish center, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Msgr. Reinbold Hall. Tax receipts are available upon request. For questions, call 609-488-5432.

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, is observing the Jubilee Year of Hope by hosting “Miracle Mondays” on the last Monday of each month. The events are held from 4 to 7 p.m. in St. Mary Church, Barnegat, where there is exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, meditative music, time for personal prayer and Benediction. Visitors to St. Mary Church, one of four designated pilgrim churches in the Diocese, can receive a plenary indulgence. The next gathering is March 31.

St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, will hold  a Three-Day Lenten Retreat April 6-8. On April 6 will be the “Seven Sorrows of Mary” which focuses on the Seven Sorrows Rosary. The event will begin in the parish center and process into St. Mary of the Pines Church. Women who wish to participate in the procession should call the rectory at 609-698-5531. Women are asked to wear black clothing. Speaker will be Father Dean Gaudio, parochial vicar of St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor. On April 7 will be veneration of the Cross with the placing of nails. On April 8, the focus will be on the growing devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus.

St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, will hold a Women’s Lenten Day of Prayer April 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the parish center. Speakers are Liz and Bob Filoramo. Bob is a Christian musician and will present some of his music. Liz will share a testimony. Cost is $25 per person and includes a hot lunch. Coffee, tea and water will be provided. Donations may be mailed to Peggy Kinahan, 33 5th St., Barnegat, N.J. 08005.

St. Maximilian Kolbe Council Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes, Toms River, will hold a pancake breakfast March 30 from 8 a.m. to noon in the parish hall. Cost is $6 and proceeds will benefit the parish.

St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River, will hold Lenten Meal Fridays March 14, 21 and April 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Kolbe Parish Hall. Tickets are $12 and sold after Sunday Mass. Meals include salad, bread, dessert and soft drinks. Main meals are: eggplant parmigiana with cheese ravioli, March 14; linguini with four jumbo shrimp or white clam sauce, March 21, and linguini was marinara or white clam sauce April 4.

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. Michael the Archangel Pregnancy Help Center will hold a fundraising banquet April 10 at noon in The Captain’s Inn, Forked River. Speaker is Sister Deidre Byrne.

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 Holy Name Society, Lavallette, will hold a “Doo Wop Saturday Night” with Jukebox Legends May 3 in the parish hall. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. with the show being held from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be made payable to St. Pio Holy Name Society. For information, call 732-259-3577, 732-995-0044, 908-672-6710 or 347-668-6046.

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 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, 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].