55 Ransom Lane Smyrna, DE 19977 (302)653-8279
WELCOME to ST. POLYCARP
St. Polycarp Church – Our Mission
We, the family of faith at St. Polycarp, are a welcoming Roman Catholic community,
a thankful holy people, sent forth from our celebration of the Eucharist to walk in faith, live in hope, and act with love for God and for one another. Through our ministry we embrace the poor, the suffering, and the lost. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are committed to justice and peace through prayer, Christian formation, evangelization, and stewardship.
Rev. James D. Hreha, Pastor
Deacon Frank Weber
In addition to being Pastor at St. Polycarp, Fr. Jim is also Pastor at St. Dennis, Galena, MD.
Let us pray for Fr. Jim as he continues to shepherd both parishes.
Fridays in Lent at 7pm 
(No Stations of the Cross on Good Friday)
This Lent, come and experience God’s mercy, peace, and forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
It doesn’t matter how long you have been away from this sacrament, now is the time to go! The priest will gladly assist you during this awesome sacrament of forgiveness and mercy.
“God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.” Pope FranciS
ST. POLYCARP CHURCH:
Saturdays, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm &
Sundays following the 10:30 am Mass, through April 13th
Deanery Lenten Penance Service – Thursday, April 3rd at 7 pm at Holy Cross, Dover
(Several priests will be available to hear confessions)
Reconciliation Monday, April 14th – Monday of Holy Week
3 pm – 5 pm and 6 pm – 8 pm
ST. DENNIS CHURCH (Galena, MD):
Sundays, 7 – 7:30 am & Thursdays, 5:30 – 6:00 pm
Reconciliation Monday, April 14th – Monday of Holy Week
3 pm – 5 pm and 6 pm – 8 pm
Holy Week 2025 Schedule – Click here
WELCOME NEW PARISHIONERS!
Parishioners new to our parish family –
please complete the registration below or stop by our office!
We hope that you will participate one of our many ministries!
No matter what your talents or interests are, if you have 15 minutes or days, we have something for you!
“God doesn’t expect us to do great things. He expects us to do little things with great love.”
~ St. Teresa of Calcutta
LIVE-STREAMING:
Masses are live-streamed Tuesday & Wednesday at 8:30 am and Saturday at 4pm.
Good Friday – Liturgy of the Passion & Death of Our Lord
Friday, April 18 at 3 pm
Holy Saturday – The Easter Vigil in the Night
Saturday, April 19 at 8 pm
Easter Sunday – The Resurrection of the Lord
Sunday, April 20 at 8 am
St. Polycarp Live Stream: Click on the link or picture below:
https://www.youtube.com/@StPolycarpSmyrnaDE/streams
Our live stream continues to be important to many of our parishioners who are homebound or unable to attend Mass for other serious reasons
but still want to view Mass and remain connected to our parish.
Holy Thursday – Mass of the Lord’s Supper from St. Dennis Church
Thursday, April 17 at 7 pm
St. Dennis Live Stream: Click on the link or picture below:
https://www.youtube.com/@stdennisparish_galenamd/streams
CLICK HERE for Responses and Prayers for The Mass with Spiritual Communion
You can also view weekend Masses at www.cdow.org or youtube.com/dioceseofwilm
We invite you to join us in our 2025 Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal under the theme “Together in Hope.” This Appeal is a call for us to unite in faith, as a community bound by hope, trusting in God’s providence and guided by the Spirit.
Just as hope sustains us through life’s challenges, our collective generosity will bring forth abundant blessings for those in need within our diocese. Your giving is not only a response to the call of Christ but a powerful expression of our shared hope and solidarity. Let us unite in giving, confident that together, we can make a transformative difference in the lives of thousands. “Together in Hope,” we can achieve more than we ever could alone. Join the Appeal and be a vital part of the hopeful journey we share in faith and charity.
Thank you to everyone who has already pledged to the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. Your participation is a beacon of hope that strengthens our community. If you have not yet participated, please consider doing so today. Your gift makes a real and lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families across our 12-county diocese. Pledge envelopes are available in the pews and can be placed in the offertory basket. Thank you for your generosity and support.
To learn more about the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, or make a donation online, visit www.cdow.org; click “Donate” then “Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal,” or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.
CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME A CATHOLIC! 
Do you know someone who is searching for a Church to call their own? Do you know someone who struggles with questions of life, death, suffering, hope, forgiveness, love… and God? OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, formerly RCIA) is for individuals who are unbaptized, baptized in other faith traditions or Catholic adults wishing to receive Confirmation and Holy Eucharist and seeking full membership in the Catholic Church. For more information, please contact Deacon Frank Weber at DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653 – 8279.
United to Christ thru Baptism, we are called to share the gift of our Catholic faith. You can make a difference by simply asking.
To view Bishop Koenig’s new Pastoral Letter “United in Christ” CLICK HERE
FORMED – SIGN UP TODAY!
Have you had the opportunity to dive into FORMED? If not, take some time to do so. You won’t be disappointed!!
Visit www.formed.org. Type in our Parish zip code (19977) and follow the steps to sign up.
Take advantage of your free subscription to FORMED! Enjoy thousands of hours of quality Catholic content!!!
We Gather for Prayer
Eucharistic Adoration: Tuesdays from 11 am to 8:pm & at the end of the 4 pm Vigil Mass before the Second Sunday of the month
Flame of Love: Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Chapel (use doors near the office)
Divine Mercy: Fridays at 3:00 pm in the Chapel (use doors near the office)
Faith Formation /Religious Education
Please contact our Christian Formation Office at dre@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message at (302) 653-4101 for more information about our religious education for children and youth
(PSR – Parish School of Religion).
CLICK HERE for more information about religious education for children.
ADULTS
Are you an adult interested in becoming Catholic or are in need of Sacraments?
Contact Deacon Frank at deaconfrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message at (302) 653-8279.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES
CLICK HERE
Our eGiving Program is NOW available.
What is eGiving? eGiving is a convenient way to support St. Polycarp by electing to use direct deposit from you bank or credit card to make it easier for you to support our parish.
Please consider signing up for our online giving program or making a one-time gift through eGiving.
Recurring, catch up or one-time gifts can be made. Your gift helps support our parish including our live streaming.
Visit faith. direct/DE831.
For more information or to sign up 
eGiving CLICK HERE
Text-to-Give: Text “Enroll” to (302) 202 – 2251 or you can use this QR code.
Thank you for your generosity.
Parking in our lots is for Church Masses, services and functions. Any other parking is at your own risk.
Please do not park in front of the dumpsters on weekdays. This prevents the trash/recycling from being picked-up!