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.
WELCOME NEW PARISHIONERS!
Parishioners new to our parish family –
please complete the registration below or stop by our office!
LIVE-STREAMING:
Masses are live-streamed Tuesday & Wednesday at 8:30 am and Saturday at 4pm.
St. Polycarp Live Stream: Click on the link or picture below:
https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
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.
The Most Reverend W. Francis Malooly, Bishop Emeritus and Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, lifted the dispensation and reinstated the obligation to attend Sunday and Holy Day Masses effective June 26, 2021. The obligation does not apply to those who are ill, have been exposed to the Corona virus, or have any serious underlying health conditions or other serious reasons.
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
LENTEN RECONCILIATION SCHEDULE
Saturdays – 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm at St. Polycarp Church (No Confessions on Holy Saturday, April 8th)
Sundays – 7 am to 7:30 am at St. Dennis Church Galena, MD (No Confessions on Easter Sunday, April 9th)
Deanery Lenten Penance Service – Thursday, March 30th at 7 pm at Holy Cross Church (Dover, DE)
(Several priests will be available to hear confessions)
Reconciliation Monday – Monday, April 3rd, 3 pm to 5 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm at St. Polycarp Church and St. Dennis Church
Has it been a long time since your last confession? “Bless me Father for I have sinned. I forget what to say and how long it’s been since my last confession!” Always remember that the priest will help you through this Great Sacrament of Mercy. Don’t stay away because you forget the “how to”. Just bring your desire to be forgiven. No matter how long it’s been just come renew & strengthen your soul! (If you’d like a refresher, visit https://saintpolycarp.org/reconciliation-refresher/ and Examine your conscience)
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord – April 1/2
Saturday, April 1st at 4 pm – St. Polycarp
Sunday, April 2nd at 10:30am – St. Polycarp
Reconciliation Monday – Monday, April 3rd
Confessions from 3pm – 5pm & 6pm – 8pm St. Polycarp & St. Dennis
Chrism Mass -Tuesday, April 4th
at Holy Cross Church, Dover DE – 7pm
Holy Thursday – Thursday, April 6th
Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Polycarp – 7pm
Good Friday – Friday, April 7th
Passion of the Lord at St. Dennis – 3pm
Holy Saturday – Saturday, April 8th
No Confessions either Parish
Easter Vigil at St. Polycarp – 8pm
Easter Sunday – Sunday, April 9th
St. Polycarp at 8am and 10am
St. Dennis at 8am, 9:30am and 11am (Hispanic)
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!!!
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?
Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information at DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.
RCIA (Rite 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.
United to Christ thru Baptism, we are called to share the gift of our Catholic faith. You can make a difference by simply asking.
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!
Check out the many opportunities – 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 Gather for Prayer
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.
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 dumpster on weekdays. This prevents the trash/recycling from being picked-up!