St. Polycarp Church, Smyrna, DE
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.
Lent 2026
Fridays in Lent at 7 pm
RECONCILIATION
Saturdays, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Sundays during Lent following the 10:30 am Mass
The Deanery Lenten Penance Service
Thursday, March 26 at 7 pm at Holy Cross Church
631 S. State Stree, Dover, DE 19901
Several Priests will be available to hear confessions.
Reconciliation Monday
March 30th, Monday of Holy Week
3 pm – 5 pm & 6 pm – 8 pm
For Holy Week Schedule – CLICK HERE
MANY HANDS, ONE MISSION: A 50-YEAR LEGACY
This year marks the golden jubilee of the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal — fifty years of carrying faith into the future through ministries that serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of God’s people across Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. As we celebrate this milestone, we are being asked not only to give, but to participate. Every parish has both a financial goal and a participation goal. Bishop Koenig hopes every household will join in — because when every hand is part of the mission,
our Church grows stronger for the next generation. For those participating for the first time, 50% of your gift will stay right here in our parish to support local needs. And once our parish exceeds its goal, a portion of all funds raised above it will remain here as well. Let us honor the generosity of those who built our Church before us by strengthening it for those who will come after. Together, with many hands and one mission, we can ensure our faith endures for the next fifty years and beyond. To learn more or make your pledge, visit www.cdow.org, click Donate → Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, or scan this QR code.
Welcome New Parishoners!
Parishioners new to our parish family – please complete the registration below or stop by our office!
Registration – CLICK HERE
“God doesn’t expect us to do great things. He expects us to do little things with great love.”
~ St. Teresa of Calcutta
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!
For more information about our Ministries – CLICK HERE
Live Streaming
St. Polycarp Live Stream – Saturdays at 4:00pm. 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.
St. Dennis Live Stream – Sundays at 8:00am. Click on the link or picture below:
https://www.youtube.com/@stdennisparish_galenamd/streams
For Responses and Prayers for The Mass with Spiritual Communion – CLICK HERE
You can also view weekend Masses at www.cdow.org or youtube.com/dioceseofwilm
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) 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.
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 11:00am-8:00pm & 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).
For more information about religious education for children – CLICK HERE
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
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.
For Adult Faith Formation Opportunities – CLICK HERE
Our eGiving Program is NOW available – ParishSOFT
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 ParishSOFT. Recurring, catch up or one-time gifts can be made. Your gift helps support our parish. Convenient. Secure. Consistent.
For more information or to sign up – 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!