MEMORIAL BRICKS

Have you noticed the beautiful ‘Memory’ walkway leading to our outdoor Blessed Mother statue? There’s no time like the present to add your memorial brick. Whether you desire to commemorate a loved one, a special occasion, or simply your family name, the choice is yours. It is a way to remind us of all those special loved ones forever.
Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Graduation, Mother’s Day, Fathers Day. Honor family and friends. In memory of someone. Share a favorite quote and more!

There are two ways to order your bricks. You can order through Faith Direct at https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/org/831, scroll down to St. Polycarp Memorial Brick Fund Raiser, (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), or return your form with payment to St. Polycarp Church in an envelope labeled “Memorial Brick”. Please place the completed order form and a check for $100.00, made payable to St. Polycarp Church, in the envelope. You can place it in the Offertory collection, deliver it to the Parish Office (place in black box), or mail it to the parish office.

Weekend Update May 4/5

May 3, 2024

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

The Season of Easter began on Easter Sunday, March 31^st, and will end on Sunday, May 19^th, with the Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday. The Easter Season lasts for 50 days.
During the Easter Season, we will be praying the Apostle’s Creed instead of the Nicene Creed. The Apostle’s Creed can be found on pg. 10 of Breaking Bread. It is the Baptismal symbol of our Church during this season.

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ When have you seen the Holy Spirit at work in people very different from yourself? How has this enriched your own faith?
~ How are you being called to imitate divine love this week?
~ What does friendship with Jesus require of us?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050524.cfm

LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am, Tuesdays & Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.
We are experiencing some issues with our live streaming. We are trying to resolve these issues as soon as possible. The stream may not work for some Masses. Thank you for understanding.
DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm

PARISH WEBSITE: Visit: www.saintpolycarp.org/.

WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE . (New Bulletins are posted on Fridays.) Thank you to all of our weekly bulletin sponsors for your support during the year! Your support has not gone unnoticed by our parish community and is so appreciated!

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: There’s always information that doesn’t fit in our Bulletin – Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE

THIS WEEKEND, MAY 4/5 (and Monday, May 6^th – Friday, May 10^th)

FIRST EUCHARIST: Please pray for those children who will be receiving Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time this Saturday, May 4^that the 4 pm Mass

PSR CLASSES – Last Class Celebration for all Grades PK/K – 8, this Sunday at 9am. We ask that at least one parent attend with student.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD will take place this Sunday during the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for children in PreK-4^th grade. Children will be called forward before the First Reading and will return to you after the General Intercessions. Our leaders and assistants have cleared background checks.

MAY CROWNING: Everyone is invited! Looks like it’s going to be a rainy Sunday, so chances are that we will be holding our May Crowning in the Church. Join us this Sunday, May 5^th, following the 10:30 am Mass for a short ceremony to honor Mary “the Queen of Heaven”. All are invited to bring a single flower or bouquet of flowers and place them in the baskets in front of the altar before Mass begins. Our young children of the parish will carry these flowers during the procession and will place them in front of the statue of Mary during the ceremony. Everyone is invited to the May Crowning! Join us for lunch afterwards in the hall. The May Agape is hosted by the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality.

Our next AGAPE is this Sunday, May 5^th, following the May Crowning. Come join us as we enjoy food, fun, and fellowship. All are invited. May’s Agape is hosted by the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality.

CONCRETE REPLACEMENT WORK UNDER PORTICO THIS COMING WEEK!
The portico and all portico doors will be inaccessible the week of May 6^th. If you need to access the office, hall, chapel, library, or meeting rooms, during office hours, please knock at the staff door. The staff door is the single door located to the left of the portico. If you have an evening meeting, you will need to use the PSR entrance located on the side of the classroom building along the driveway. Questions? Call or email the office. Thank you for your cooperation.

LAST CHANCE TO ORDER! APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS: Brother Vincent Columbiette’s, are now taking orders. Order a beautiful locally grown,11″ colorful hanging basket for only $25.00! Your choice of Petunias, Begonias or Geraniums. Orders need to be placed by Monday, May 6^th. Baskets will be ready for pick-up at St. Polycarp Church or delivered if needed on Friday May 10^th. To place your order or for any questions contact: Jill Mercer- 518-795-7579 jll_mercer@yahoo.com or Darlene Sanphy – 302-270-3915 darpete87@comcast.net

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD: Thursday, May 9, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, has been transferred to Sunday, May 12^th.

MOTHER’S DAY NOVENA: We are part of this world today because our mothers have given us life. Each one of us has several special women who have enriched our lives: Grandmothers, Aunts, Cousins, Caregivers, Godmothers, Friends, and others. Living or deceased, the best gift you can give a loved one is the gift of the Mass. Please use the Mother’s Day Mass Remembrance envelopes to enlist these special women in the masses offered by our parish.

MEMORIAL BRICKS: After the cold dark days of winter, spring season brings new life. Adding your MEMORIAL BRICK to the walkway of our Blessed Mother is a
unique way to keep your memories alive. It is a way to remind us of all those special loved ones forever. Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Graduation!
Mother’s Day, Father’s Day! Honor family and friends! Share a favorite quote, and more! If you would like to become a part of the walkway to our Blessed Mother, with your name or the name of a loved one, now is a good time to do so! You can order through Faith Direct at: https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/org/831 Scroll down until you see “Memorial Bricks” (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), or use this QR code or return your form with payment of $100 to St. Polycarp Church. Envelopes marked with “Memorial Brick” may be placed in the Offertory collection, mailed or delivered to the Parish Office (place in black box).

FAITH AND CHARITY APPEAL – One Body, One Spirit in Christ: Participants in the 2024 Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal can expect to receive their first payment reminder on or about May 31^st. Additional reminders will continue through December. Please mail all payments in the self-addressed, return envelope provided with your mailing. Do not submit payments to the parish office or through the Offertory collection.

To learn more about the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, visit
www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal”,
or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.

SAVE THE DATE: DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND: On October 5, 2024, our Diocese of Wilmington will be hosting the Eucharistic Congress at the Ocean City Convention Center. We will gather under the theme “The Eucharist: The Source and Summit,” an opportunity to come together as a community to reflect on and celebrate the central mystery of our faith. The congress will feature an inspiring keynote address from Bishop Richard Henning of the Diocese of Providence. We will also have faith-based vendors, a variety of ministry showcases, and breakout sessions designed for different ages and interests. Plus, there will be ample opportunities for Adoration and Reconciliation as well as celebration of Mass. Please save the date and stay tuned for more details. We hope you can join us for this wonderful day of faith, fellowship, and renewal. Thank you!

PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE HAS PASSED THE DELAWARE HOUSE AND IS NOW BEFORE THE STATE SENATE: Delaware is closer than ever to legalizing assisted suicide! It is an affront to our Catholic faith that calls for respect for life from conception to natural death! Advocates for those with disabilities oppose physician assisted suicide. The most vulnerable Delawareans need protection from dangerous House Bill 140. It would fundamentally change Delaware’s legal approach to medical ethics, medical practice, and health care decision-making. The Psychiatric Society of Delaware, the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians oppose involving practitioners of the healing arts in the intentional ending of a person’s life by medically assisted suicide. Physician assisted suicide legalizes and normalizes the taking of a human life. There are enough tragic suicides in our community already. What message are we giving our young people when the state sanctions suicide? We need to help and support the physically and mentally ill in our community, not assist them in taking their own lives. We ask all Delaware Catholics to contact their Delaware State Senator to not support HB 140. For more information on HB 140 and to send an email to your Senator, visit www.cdow.org/StopAssistedSuicide.

NEXT WEEKEND, MAY 11/12 (and Monday, May 13^th – Friday, May 17^th)

THE BLESSING OF MOTHERS will take place next weekend at the 4 pm Mass on Saturday, May 11^th and at the 10:30 am Mass on Sunday, May 12^th.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Saturday, May 11^thExposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place at the end of the 4 pm Vigil Mass next Saturday, May 11^th. Please plan to stay and spend some time with Jesus.

SECOND COLLECTION NEXT SUNDAY is for the Ascension. (The Feast of the Ascension is celebrated next weekend.)

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Next Sunday, May 12^th, at the 10:30 am Mass, Donna Adams will receive the Vocation Chalice. Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week. Families and individuals are encouraged to sign up! Text or call Alice Gaston at (302) 670 – 7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/

ANNUAL MOTHER’S DAY ROSE SALE: Birthright of Delaware will host its Annual Mother’s Day Rose Sale at our parish next weekend. Please support Birthright’s pregnancy services by purchasing roses after Masses on Mother’s Day weekend, May 11^th – 12^th. Roses cost: $3/one rose, $5/three roses, $20/dozen roses, $45/Twenty-five Roses (Bouquet).Your help will truly make a difference! Thank you! We deeply appreciate your support!! You can also make a donation to Birthright of DE in lieu of roses, our address is: 1311 North Scott Street Wilmington, DE 19806.

UPCOMING

PENTECOST SUNDAY – May 18/19! WEAR RED! Be with the Spirit and remember to wear red May 18^th & 19^th as we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. Flames of the Holy Spirit rested upon each Apostle and they received the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

ST. POLYCARP’S 5^th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT & DINNER: JUNE 30, 2024
GARRISON LAKE GOLF CLUB, 101 West Fairways Circle, Smyrna, DE.
$130 per individual golfer includes lunch, Green fee, Golf Cart, on course beverages including beer, complimentary gift bags, prizes for best teams, long drive/closest to pin, followed by a buffet dinner.
Don’t golf? That’s ok. Join us at St. Polycarp Church for a delicious Italian Feast just $40.00 per person.
For more information and registration, Dennis Skinner (papadskinz@yahoo.com (302-981-8743) Anna Skinner (ANNA.SKINZ@gmail.com) (302-883-5647) or use this QR code. CLICK HERE TO SEE FLYER

FORMED: Thanks to a very generous and thoughtful parishioner, our FORMED Subscription has been RENEWED for another year! Please SIGN UP NOW and begin enjoying the abundant amount of Catholic content that FORMED has to offer! You won’t be disappointed! To gain full access to FORMED; follow these simple steps:
~Go to: www.formed.org or scan QR Code
~Enter our parish’s zip code (19977)
~Click on St. Polycarp Church
~Enter your name and your email address

ONGOING

THREE YEARS OF ABUNDANT GRACE AND TRANSFORMATION – EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

MISSION: To renew the church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

VISION: To inspire a movement of Catholics across the United States who are healed, converted, formed, and unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist—and who are then sent out on mission “for the life of the world.”

HOLY COMMUNION TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND – Do you know someone who is sick or homebound and not able to make it to Mass? We would love to give them the opportunity to receive Holy Communion in their homes. Please contact April Corrales at (302) 220 – 9616 or Lori Ostrowski at (302) 540 – 6522

SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION at St. Polycarp will take place monthly at the Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of the month. Eucharistic Adoration at St. Dennis Church (Galena MD) will take place on the Fourth Sunday of the month following the 8 am Sunday Mass.
Upcoming Saturday Eucharistic Adoration at St. Polycarp: Saturday, May 11^th, Saturday, June 8^th, Saturday, July 13^th, Saturday, August 10^th

TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 9 am to 8 pm in the Chapel. Do you have one hour to spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament? Call Cheryl Thomas at (302) 363 – 0404 or email her at salcrest7@gmail.com. All are welcome to stop in and adore Jesus between 9 am and 8 pm in the Chapel on Tuesdays. Stay for 10 minutes, 1 hour…

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week. Families and individuals are encouraged to sign up! Text or call Alice Gaston at (302) 670 – 7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/ Sunday, May 12^th – Donna Adams; Sunday May 26^th – Garrity Family

CONNECTED IN CHRIST (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets every Tuesday after the 8:30 am Mass in the Parish Library – ALL are welcome. We begin with prayer, then watch a video, usually from FORMED and follow up with a discussion. We close with prayer by 11am. Come and share your faith with us. Any questions, call Cookie Ruane, 302-540-6429

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD: Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered every 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of the month during the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for children in PreK-4^th grade. It mirrors the worship experience of the larger community in an engaging and interactive style. They will listen to Scripture and engage in discussions about what they have heard at their age level. Children will be called forward before the First Reading and will return to you after the General Intercessions. Our lead catechist is Anna Skinner. She, along with her assistants, have cleared background checks.

GLUTEN FREE? Do you have an intolerance to gluten? If so, our parish offers gluten-free wafers to be consecrated for you. Please see our Sacristan 10 – 15 minutes before Mass and let them know that you need a gluten-free wafer put in the pyx. At Communion, please proceed down the aisle to the priest who will have the pyx in his hand and let him know you need a gluten-free host.

IS THAT YOU, FR. JIM? If you receive emails or texts from Fr. Jim asking for favors, gift cards or gifts or stating something similar to “I am currently busy in a meeting now, no calls so just reply to my email.”, please ignore and delete. If an email looks suspicious and you’re not sure, give the office a call.

REDNER’S MARKETS 1% SAVE-A-TAPE FUNDRAISER: Turn your food shopping into cash for our parish. Simply be sure to obtain and scan your Redner’s Rewards Card each time you shop. Save your whole receipt. Bring your receipts to the Parish Office or put them into the collection basket. There is no expiration date – you can turn in receipts months old!

THE SMYRNA/CLAYTON MINISTERIUM FOOD PANTRY is located downstairs at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 22 N. Union St., Smyrna. The pantry is open from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, Monday thru Friday. Due to the increased need in the community, the Pantry is in great need of cereal, juice boxes or pouches, peanut butter & jelly, hamburger helper, tuna helper, canned tuna, sloppy joe sauce (Manwich), boxed spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, vegetable beef and chicken noodle soups, macaroni & cheese, and Chef Boy Ardee canned pastas. No canned vegetables or beans are currently needed. Please, no expired items. Here at St. Polycarp we have bins under the coat rack in the hallway near the bathrooms to accept your donations.

BULLETIN SPONSORS: Thank you to all of our weekly bulletin sponsors for your support during the year!

USEFUL LINKS:

WEBSITE: www.saintpolycarp.org.
BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: https://saintpolycarp.org/this-weeks-bulletin/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SaintPolycarpCatholicChurch/
ONLINE GIVING: Please consider becoming an e-giver. It is easy to make your weekly or one time contributions in support of the Parish. For more information and to sign up for online giving, visit faith.direct/DE831
ST DENNIS CHURCH: http://www.stdennischurch.org 153 N. Main St. Galena, MD 21635 (410) 648-5145
DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm
FOR THE SAKE OF GOD’S CHILDREN: https://www.cdow.org/giving/fsgc/
THE DIALOG: http://thedialog.org/ Newspaper of the Diocese, copies available as you leave Church or online. Published every other week.
EWTN: ewtn.com

FROM THE DIOCESE:

NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS – BE THERE WHEN GOD MOVES: The 10^th National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN. From July 17^th–21^st, 2024, thousands of passionate Catholics will gather for a transformative experience on a scale this generation has never seen. Whether you join us for one day or all five, the grace you receive will spill out into our community when you return home—deeply in love with the Eucharist and excited about the future of the Church in America. Visit EucharisticCongress.org to learn more about the event and explore the full schedule for each day.

BISHOP KOENIG INVITES YOU TO THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE ON JULY 17^th-21^st, 2024, IN INDIANAPOLIS, IN. To read the letter of invitation, CLICK HERE
FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION FLYER CLICK HERE

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday, May 4^th, Dr. Mark Giszczak will discuss his book: Suffering: What every Catholic Should know about suffering? CLICK HERE You can listen online at cdow.org/CatholicForum, or by searching “Catholic Forum” on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Amazon Music podcasts. “Like” Catholic Forum on Facebook at facebook.com/CatholicForum @CatholicForum.

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Visit Bulletin Overflow https://saintpolycarp.org/overflow/ for details on the following and more!:
UNITY IN THE PARK: Sunday, May 19^th sponsored by Smyrna Wesleyan Church
ST. THOMAS MORE SOCIETY ANNUAL DINNER– Sunday, May 5^thRETREAT FOR CATHOLICS AFFECTED BY DIVORCE AND SEPARATION – Saturday, June 15^{th

RETROUVAILLE:}^{The Retrouvaille Program is for married couples facing challenges in their relationship. Upcoming programs: A}^{ugust 9th – 11th and October 4th – 6th , 2024 at the Family Life Center in Malver, PA}

LET US PRAY:

God of all life,

Help us to appreciate the great gift that is human life
formed in your image, a reflection of your holiness.

Help us to recognize you in all whom you have created:
children not yet born,
families affected by poverty and war,
people of different abilities,
people from other lands, and
all who are victims of hatred and racism.

Help us to bear witness to the dignity of all whom you have created,
regardless of stage of life,
or wealth,
or ability,
or color, or creed,
for every person is fully equal in your loving eyes.

Share with us your holy knowledge
that we are all your children,
each bestowed with inherent dignity.

May your justice reign forever!

Amen.

Weekend Update June 24/25

June 23, 2023

12^th SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME
June 24/25, 2023

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER

~ How have you experienced God as your defender?
~ What does the word grace mean to you?
~ What gives you courage to proclaim Christ in difficult circumstances?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062523.cfm

LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.

PARISH WEBSITE: Visit: www.saintpolycarp.org/.

WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE . (New Bulletins are posted on Fridays.)

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE

THIS WEEKEND, JUNE 24/25(& Monday, June 26^th – Friday, June 30^th)

SQUIRE’S LOCK-IN: Please remember our Squires in your prayers as they gather for their Annual Lock-In today and tomorrow. All are welcome to join the Squires as they lead the rosary tomorrow, at 3:20 pm before the 4 pm Mass. The Squire Circle would like to thank all parishioners that contributed to support their Lock In. The collection during the first weekend in June raised over $500 just from you. Funds are still coming in from the various Councils across the state.

BLESSINGS: The Blessing of the Pastoral and Finance Councils will take place tomorrow at the 4:00 pm Mass.

SECOND COLLECTION: The Second Collection this weekend will be for the Works of the Holy Father, also known as Peter’s Pence. Your donation will enable Pope
Francis to continue his ministry of helping others.

ST. DENNIS CHURCH – COME ONE COME ALL – to the ST. DENNIS PARISH FAMILY PICNIC! – THIS SUNDAY!
WHEN – Sunday June 25^th at NOON until the fun is over!
WHERE – St Dennis School Building LAWN, (153 N Main St, Galena, MD 21635)
WHAT – Please pack your own/family’s picnic lunch
– Bring your lawn chairs or blanket for seating.
– St. Dennis parish will provide ice cream from a glorious ice cream truck, and beverages like sodas, water and juice boxes.
– There will be lawn games, zany races, face painting and fun for children/adults and whole families.
– If you have missed this picnic before, you missed a lot of fun

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – 2023 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL: As of the last report, $58,249.03 (97.08%) of our $60,000 goal has been pledged. Thank you to those who have already contributed to this year’s campaign and to those parishioners who have signed pledge cards. We are $1750.97 from our goal!!! We’re getting there, but we still need your help! If you haven’t already done so, please consider supporting this year’s appeal, no matter the amount. Pledge cards can be found in the pews and at the doors of the church. It is important that everyone follows through with payments on pledges. Please mail all payments in the self-addressed, return envelope provided with your payment reminder mailings. If our parish exceeds the $60,000 goal in paid pledges , we will receive back half of the money collected above the goal for projects around our campus. Together we can reach our goal!

To learn more about the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, visit www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal,” or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Our Parish School of Religion (PSR) offers religious education classes for grade PK – 9. Register before July 1^st. Visit https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/
for more information.

IS GOD CALLING YOU! Join our PSR family and share your gifts and talents with us. We need YOU to help US spread God’s message to our youth. Where is God calling you to serve?
We currently need to fill the following positions:
3rd grade: Catechist (Sunday mornings)
5th grade: Catechist (Tuesday evenings)
Please contact our CRE, Erica Taylor, at (302) 653 – 4101 or dre@saintpolycarp.org for more information.

NOTE: The floors in the meeting/class rooms will be stripped, buffed, waxed this weekend. Please do not enter this area.

UPCOMING
FAITH WITH FRIENDS A new Catholic Formation Opportunity is available! Please join us to watch videos and learn about our faith with friends. Sessions will be on the first Thursday of the month from 6 pm to 8 pm. Our first session is on Thursday, July 6^th, in Room 7. (Please use the Office/Chapel door under the portico.) Light refreshments will be provided. Please contact Ashley Wilson at (302)535 –4118 for more details! Looking forward to seeing you!

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION will take place on Saturday, July 8^th following the 4 pm Mass. There will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction lasting for an hour after Mass. Please plan to attend these future Adorations in conjunction with the second year of the Eucharistic Revival.

ATTENTION MINISTRY LEADERS! SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendar now for our Annual Leadership Organizational Meeting on TUESDAY, July 25^th, at 7 pm in Mother Drexel Hall. Two representatives from each ministry are expected to attend this important meeting.

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! Is there someone you know who would like to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized, or baptized in
the Catholic or another Christian tradition? Do you know someone who needs First Eucharist and/or Confirmation? The Catholic faith can fulfill their desire
for a closer relationship with Our Lord by participating in the RCIA process.

If interested, the parish will hold three Inquiry Sessions:
Monday, August 14^th, at 6:30 pm,
Wednesday, August 23^rd, at 10:30 am
Monday, August 28^th, at 6:30 pm.
Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information: DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653 – 8279.

ST. POLYCARP PARISH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT AND BUFFET DINNER – Sunday, September 10^th
The Annual Golf Tournament and Buffet Dinner will be at Garrison Lake Golf Club, 101 West Fairways Circle, Smyrna, DE . For more information and registration, contact Dennis Skinner at papadskinz@yahoo.com or (302) 981 – 8743 and Anna Skinner at ANNA.SKINZ@gmail.com or(302) 883 – 5647. You can also scan this QR Code found below.

ONGOING

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from noon to 8pm in the Chapel. We need a few more people to sign up for a scheduled Adoration time slot so we can expand our Adoration hours. We need adorers for these timeslots on Tuesday: 9:30 am, 12:30 and 3:00 pm. Call or email Cheryl Thomas salcrest7@gmail.com or (302) 363 – 0404.
All are welcome to stop in and adore Jesus between 12 pm and 8 pm in the Chapel on Tuesdays. Stay for 10 minutes, 1 hour…

MEMORIAL BRICKS! Adding your MEMORIAL BRICK to the walkway of our Blessed Mother is a unique way to keep your memories alive. It is a way to remind us of all those special loved ones or occasions forever. If you would like to become a part of the walkway to our Blessed Mother, with your name or the name of a loved one, now is a good time to do so! There are several ways to order your bricks. You can order through Faith Direct at: Faith Direct MEMORIAL BRICK (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), use the QR code below or return your form* with payment of $80 to St. Polycarp Church. Envelopes marked with “Memorial Brick” may be placed in the Offertory collection, delivered to the Parish Office (place in black box), or mailed to the Parish Office.*Forms can be found on our parish website or at the entrances into the church.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week. Text or call Alice Gaston at (302) 670 – 7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/

CONNECTED IN CHRIST (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets every Tuesday at 9:30 am in the Parish Library – ALL are welcome. Please join us. If you have any questions, please call Cookie Ruane at (302) 540 – 6429.

GLUTEN FREE? Do you have an intolerance to gluten? If so, our parish offers gluten-free wafers to be consecrated for you. Please see our Sacristan 10 – 15 minutes before Mass and let them know that you need a gluten-free wafer put in the pyx. At Communion, please proceed down the aisle to the priest who will have the pyx in his hand and let him know you need a gluten-free host.

IS THAT YOU, FR. JIM? If you receive emails or texts from Fr. Jim asking for favors, gift cards or gifts or stating something similar to “I am currently busy in a meeting now, no calls so just reply to my email.”, please ignore and delete. If an email looks suspicious and you’re not sure, give the office a call.

FORMED: Have you had the opportunity to dive into FORMED? To sign up visit www.formed.org. Type in our Parish zip code (19977) and follow the steps to sign up or you can use the QR code below. Take advantage of your free subscription to FORMED! Enjoy thousands of hours of quality Catholic content!

REDNER’S MARKETS 1% SAVE-A-TAPE FUNDRAISER: Turn your food shopping into cash for our parish. Simply be sure to obtain and scan your Redner’s Rewards Card each time you shop. Save your whole receipt. Bring your receipts to the Parish Office or put them into the collection basket. There is no expiration date – you can turn in receipts months old!

BULLETIN SPONSORS: Thank you to all of our weekly bulletin sponsors for your support during the year! Your support has not gone unnoticed by our parish community and is so appreciated!

USEFUL LINKS:

WEBSITE: www.saintpolycarp.org.
BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: https://saintpolycarp.org/this-weeks-bulletin/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SaintPolycarpCatholicChurch/
ONLINE GIVING: Please consider becoming an e-giver. It is easy to make your weekly or one time contributions in support of the Parish. For more information and to sign up for online giving, visit faith.direct/DE831
ST DENNIS: http://www.stdennischurch.org
DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm
FOR THE SAKE OF GOD’S CHILDREN: https://www.cdow.org/giving/fsgc/
THE DIALOG: http://thedialog.org/ Newspaper of the Diocese, copies available as you leave Church or online
EWTN: ewtn.com

FROM THE DIOCESE:

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. Attorney and Deacon Matt Boyer will discuss Religious Freedom Week on the June 24^th episode of Catholic Forum. CLICK HERE You can listen online at cdow.org/CatholicForum, or by searching “Catholic Forum” on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Amazon Music podcasts. “Like” Catholic Forum on Facebook at facebook.com/CatholicForum @CatholicForum.

LET US PRAY: Prayer for the Summer Solstice

Jesus, thank you for Summer. Thank you for light and warmth. Thank you for the sun. Thank you for the gifts of nature and for the annual cycles and seasons. Today, give us that grace again, to see you as the Creator, the One who lifts us up to be with you forever, even now. Amen.

– Source Unknown; Adapted by Bill Huebsch

Weekend Update June17/18

June 16, 2023

11^th SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME
June 17/18, 2023

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER

~ How do we live out our baptismal call to be God’s priestly people?
~ What does unconditional love mean to you?
~ How do you witness to Christ’s care and compassion for others in your daily life?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061823.cfm

LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.

PARISH WEBSITE: Visit: www.saintpolycarp.org/.

WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE . (New Bulletins are posted on Fridays.)

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE

THIS WEEKEND, JUNE 17/18(& Monday, June 19^th – Friday, June 23^rd) Wishing all Fathers a Blessed and Happy Father’s Day!

The BLESSING OF FATHERS will take place at both Masses this weekend, June 17^th and 18^th.

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is for Parish Maintenance.

Please remember to pick up the newest edition of the Dialog as you leave Mass this weekend. Our local Catholic newspaper is dedicated to news, features and more of interest to those of us here in the Diocese of Wilmington. This week’s issue includes complete coverage of graduations from our seven Catholic high schools in the annual graduation section.

FATHER’S DAY NOVENA MASS: Honor the Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Father-figures and other special men in your life on their special day. Whether they are living or deceased, the gift of prayer is a beautiful way to show your deep appreciation for their sacrificial love. Please use the Father’s Day Mass Remembrance envelopes to inscribe the names you wish to be remembered in the Masses offered by our parish beginning tomorrow afternoon at the 4 pm Mass.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – 2023 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL: As of the last report, $57,149.03 (95.25%) of our $60,000 goal has been pledged. Thank you to those who have already contributed to this year’s campaign and to those parishioners who have signed pledge cards. We are $2850.97 from our goal!!! We’re getting there, but we still need your help! If you haven’t already done so, please consider supporting this year’s appeal, no matter the amount. Pledge cards can be found in the pews and at the doors of the church. It is important that everyone follows through with payments on pledges. Please mail all payments in the self-addressed, return envelope provided with your payment reminder mailings. If our parish exceeds the $60,000 goal in paid pledges , we will receive back half of the money collected above the goal for projects around our campus. Together we can reach our goal!

To learn more about the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, visit www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal,” or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.

THE PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED on Monday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Our Parish School of Religion (PSR) offers religious education classes for grade PK – 9. Register before July 1^st. Visit https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/
for more information.

IS GOD CALLING YOU! Join our PSR family and share your gifts and talents with us. We need YOU to help US spread God’s message to our youth. Where is God calling you to serve?
We currently need to fill the following positions:
3rd grade: Catechist (Sunday mornings)
5th grade: Catechist (Tuesday evenings)
Please contact our CRE, Erica Taylor, at (302) 653 – 4101 or dre@saintpolycarp.org for more information.

NEXT WEEKEND, JUNE 24/25

SQUIRE’S LOCK-IN: Please remember our Squires in your prayers as they gather for their Annual Lock-In next Friday & Saturday. The Squires will lead the rosary before the 4 pm Mass next Saturday, June 24^th, for our parishioners intentions. All are welcome to join them at 3:20 pm next Saturday.

Our Squire Circle will soon celebrate its 15th year!!!

BLESSINGS: The Blessing of the Pastoral and Finance Councils will be next Saturday, June 24^th, at the 4:00 pm Mass.

SECOND COLLECTION: The Second Collection next weekend (June 24th and 25th) will be for the Holy Father also known as Peter’s Pence. Your donation will enable Pope
Francis to continue his ministry of helping others.

ST. DENNIS CHURCH – COME ONE COME ALL – to the ST. DENNIS PARISH FAMILY PICNIC!
WHEN – Sunday June 25^th at NOON until the fun is over!
WHERE – St Dennis School Building LAWN, (153 N Main St, Galena, MD 21635)
WHAT – Please pack your own/family’s picnic lunch
– Bring your lawn chairs or blanket for seating.
– St. Dennis parish will provide ice cream from a glorious ice cream truck, and beverages like sodas, water and juice boxes.
– There will be lawn games, zany races, face painting and fun for children/adults and whole families.
– If you have missed this picnic before, you missed a lot of fun

Summer Carnivals & Festivals around the Diocese:

June 11-18: Italian Festival at St. Anthony of Padua, 901 N. DuPont Street, Wilmington. For more information sapde.org/italianfestival
June 13-17: St. Joseph Carnival, 319 E. Main Street, Middletown. For more information www.stjosephmiddletown.com/news/the-st-joseph-parish-carnival

UPCOMING

FAITH WITH FRIENDS A new Catholic Formation Opportunity is available! Please join us to watch videos and learn about our faith with friends. Sessions will be on the first Thursday of the month from 6 pm to 8 pm. Our first session is on Thursday, July 6^th, in Room 7. (Please use the Office/Chapel door under the portico.) Light refreshments will be provided. Please contact Ashley Wilson at (302)535 –4118 for more details! Looking forward to seeing you!