Judy Lamborn – Saint Polycarp Church

Weekend Update May 31/June 1

May 30, 2025

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ Do you consider yourself a witness for Christ?
~ What delays you from letting others know of God’s work in your life?
~ How do you find reason to rejoice amidst your trials?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060125.cfm

DAILY BIBLE READINGS: https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

LIVE-STREAMING FROM ST. POLYCARP: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am, Tuesdays & Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays. (Once at the site, click on “Live”.) Please note: At times the live-stream fails to work. We apologize for the inconvenience. Live stream from the Cathedral of St. Peter can be viewed on the Diocesan YouTube channel (DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING) at 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! NEW BULLETIN WEB PAGE: When you click on the link for the Bulletin, you will see a new look. You will see a picture of our current bulletin (click on it to enlarge). You will also find our past bulletins on this page. (Previously our past bulletins were found under “Bulletin Archives”. Now, the current and past Bulletins are all found on the one page. Try it! Use the QR code or CLICK HERE

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: There’s always information that doesn’t fit in our Bulletin – Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE or use this QR code

IMPORTANT REMINDERS: When receiving the Blessed Sacrament at Mass, please consume the Eucharist in front of the Priest, Deacon, or Eucharistic Minister prior to stepping away. It is not permitted to walk away with the Blessed Sacrament, take it back to your pew or leave Church with Jesus in your hand. When approaching the altar to receive Holy Communion, please approach with reverence (folding hands and being in a prayerful mode) and after receiving the Sacrament. Remember, it is the Body and Blood of Jesus that you just received.

THIS WEEKEND, May 31/June 1 (and Monday, June 2^nd– Friday, June 6^th )

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is for the Ascension.

SQUIRES CIRCLE: We are asking for your support by sponsoring the Squires annual fundraiser. The Squires will be at the doors of the Church after all Masses this weekend, May 31/June 1. (If you wish to make a monetary gift by check please make the check out to ‘St. Polycarp Squire Circle’). Funds collected will be split between St. Polycarp and the State Police K9 Unit.

Make this summer one for heaven. Sign up for SUMMER WITH THE SAINTS to get to know 12 saints better and honor them on their feast days. You’ll get a weekly email with a featured saint and titles for accompanying content on FORMED. These titles range from 20-minute episodes to feature-length, acclaimed dramas that bring the saints to life. Join Summer with the Saints and get weekly emails to reflect on the lives of the saints delivered right to your inbox. Take advantage of your free subscription to FORMED.
Visit www.formed.org.
Type in our Parish zip code (19977),
Click on St. Polycarp Church then enter your name and email address!
You can also scan this QR code.

FATHER’S DAY NOVENA OF MASSES: 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. The best gift you can give this loved one is the gift of the Mass. 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. The Novena will begin at the Vigil Mass on the eve of Father’s Day.

WHAT TO GET DAD? FATHER’S DAY IS JUNE 15^th. Remember him by ordering a MEMORIAL BRICK! Father’s Day is just around the corner. What to get Dad? 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 that Dad’s are special as well as loved and remembered 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 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, 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). Forms can be found on our parish website or at the doors of the Church.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR FAITH? The Ascension commemorates the fortieth day after the Resurrection when Jesus ascended body and soul into heaven. The Assumption commemorates the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Assumption into heaven, body and soul. Ascension? Assumption? What’s the difference?

NEXT WEEKEND, June 7/8 (and Monday, June 9^th– Saturday, June 14^th )

WEAR RED NEXT WEEKEND! PENTECOST SUNDAY!
Be with the Spirit and remember to WEAR RED NEXT WEEKEND, June 7/8, as we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Flames of the Holy Spirit rested upon each Apostle as they received the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL – THREE YEARS OF ABUNDANT GRACE AND TRANSFORMATION – 2022-2025
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.”
Year One – Year of Diocesan Revival (2022-2023)
Year Two – Year of Parish Revival (2023-2024)
Year Three – Year of the National Eucharistic Congress and Missionary Sending (July 17^th, 2024–Pentecost 2025)
HAS YOUR LOVE OF THE EUCHARIST GROWN DURING THE THREE YEARS?
Have you spent time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament on Tuesdays or at the Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of the month, this month, June 7^th?
Our Saturday Eucharistic Adoration grew out of the Eucharistic Revival and will continue once a month.

UNLOCKING THE MYSTERY OF THE BIBLE: You’re Invited to Join “Faith with Friends”. MARK YOUR CALENDAR: JUNE 8^th at 9am in the Library. “Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible” — an enlightening DVD study series that makes Scripture come alive in fresh, meaningful ways. We’re Off to a Great Start! Our first session was a tremendous success! Everything went off without a hitch as we began our journey through salvation history together. The feedback has been wonderful, and now we’re excited to welcome even more friends to join us for Session Two.

SECOND COLLECTION: How can you support the retired priests of the Diocese of Wilmington? By your prayers, and by your generous contribution to the Diocesan Priest Retirement Fund collection taking place the weekend of June 7/8. Find out more and see a new video featuring three retired priests of the Diocese of Wilmington, at www.cdow.org/PriestRetirementFund. Thank you.

UPCOMING
MARRIAGE ANNULMENTS: The Tribunal Marriage Annulments – A Ministry of Healing. Tribunal Advocates are appointed by the Bishop to assist divorced parishioners with the marriage annulment process. You are invited to come to the parish meeting room #7 (please ring the bell under the portico, near the office/chapel door) on Monday, June 16^th from 6-7 pm to meet our Tribunal Advocates and to learn about this opportunity of healing. All are welcome!

BLESSING OF FATHERS will take place at the 4 pm Mass on Saturday, June 14^th and at the 10:30 am Mass on Sunday, June 15^th.

2025 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL
Did you know that through your support of the Faith and Charity Appeal, Catholic Charities is able to serve thousands of families each year providing housing, food, pregnancy support and so much more? Our parish is committed to supporting the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. While we are most grateful for the generosity already shown by 152 donors, we are still $6,258.34 short of our goal of $61,500 in pledges. (Pledge to date – $55,241.66 representing 89.82% of parish goal.) When our parish reaches its goal in money collected, we receive back half of the money collected over the goal which we can use for our parish. So far, $32,975.26 has been collected.

We encourage all parishioners to participate so that we once again can reach that goal. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. This appeal supports vital ministries across the Diocese and our own parish community. Pledge envelopes are available at the doors of the Church. Envelopes can be placed in the offertory basket.
If you have already pledged, you can expect to receive your first payment reminder on or about May 31^st. Please mail all payments in the self-addressed, return envelope provided with your payment reminder. To learn more about the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal or pledge online, visit www.cdow.org or scan this
QR code.

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: Saturdays, June 7, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 12, November 8, December 13.

TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 11 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 11 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

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP (Pathway to Peace) meets on Saturday afternoons at 1 pm in Room 8. Please contact the parish office if you are considering joining us. 302-653-8279 or office@saintpolycarp.org

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 11 am. 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.

PLANNING PRAYER: Please join our Facilities Planning Committee in prayer as we seek God’s guidance for updating our Parish kitchen. We will be praying the “Planning Prayer” immediately following the Prayer of the Faithful. Prayer cards will be available in the pews. We would encourage you to take one home and pray it there also. Do you know who is pictured on these prayer cards?

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 through 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 Boyardee 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 CHANNEL/LIVE STREAM: 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
ST DENNIS CHURCH LIVE STREAM: https://www.youtube.com/@stdennisparish_galenamd/streams
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:

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week. May 31/June 1 – This week, tune in to hear an interview with Francis Pileggi, Esq., and learn about the work of the Wilmington Chapter of Legatus. The Catholic Forum podcast on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music podcasts and YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm debuts every Wednesday at 12:00 pm and on Relevant Radio 640 every Saturday afternoon at 1:30 pm. More information is available at https://cdow.org/ministries/catholic-forum-podcast-radio-program/

Are you a Jeopardy watcher? Do you participate in Trivia Challenges?
Will you be able to answer the questions on religion?
Check this spot each week!

DO YOU KNOW YOUR FAITH? The Ascension commemorates the fortieth day after the Resurrection when Jesus ascended body and soul into heaven. The Assumption commemorates the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Assumption into heaven, body and soul. Ascension? Assumption? What’s the difference?
ANSWER: Only Jesus and His Blessed Mother have entered into the glories of heaven, body and soul. Jesus’ Ascension implies that He did so by His own authority and power. The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Assumption implies that she entered heaven, body and soul, by God’s power, and not her own. Both remind us that death is not the end.

Weekend Update May 24/25

May 22, 2025

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ Jesus gives the gift of peace to the apostles. How can you give that to another this week?
~ When do you praise God?
~ How are disagreements in your parish, family, or community resolved peacefully?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052525.cfm

DAILY BIBLE READINGS: https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

LIVE-STREAMING FROM ST. POLYCARP: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am, Tuesdays & Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays. (Once at the site, click on “Live”.) Please note: At times the live-stream fails to work. We apologize for the inconvenience. Live stream from the Cathedral of St. Peter can be viewed on the Diocesan YouTube channel (DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING) at 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! NEW BULLETIN WEB PAGE: When you click on the link for the Bulletin, you will see a new look. You will see a picture of our current bulletin (click on it to enlarge). You will also find our past bulletins on this page. (Previously our past bulletins were found under “Bulletin Archives”. Now, the current and past Bulletins are all found on the one page. Try it! Use the QR code or CLICK HERE

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: There’s always information that doesn’t fit in our Bulletin – Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE or use this QR code

IMPORTANT REMINDERS: When receiving the Blessed Sacrament at Mass, please consume the Eucharist in front of the Priest, Deacon, or Eucharistic Minister prior to stepping away. It is not permitted to walk away with the Blessed Sacrament, take it back to your pew or leave Church with Jesus in your hand. When approaching the altar to receive Holy Communion, please approach with reverence (folding hands and being in a prayerful mode) and after receiving the Sacrament. Remember, it is the Body and Blood of Jesus that you just received.

THIS WEEKEND, May 24/25 (and Monday, May 26^th– Friday, May 30^th )

DEDICATION OF ST. POLYCARP CHURCH: This weekend we celebrate the anniversary of the dedication of St. Polycarp Church here in Smyrna. St. Polycarp Church was solemnly dedicated by Bishop Thomas Mardaga on May 26, 1968. Fifty-Seven years building the Kingdom of God!

We will be reciting the Prayer to St. Polycarp before Masses this weekend instead of the Eucharistic Adoration Prayer. Prayer cards will be in the pews. The prayer can also be found in this weekend’s bulletin.

OFFICE CLOSED: The office will be closed on Monday, May 26^th in observance of Memorial Day.

PAINTING SCHEDULED TO BEGIN! The painting of the interior of our Church is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 27^th following the 8:30 am Mass.
Masses will continue to be celebrated at the regularly scheduled times.

THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD is celebrated on the weekend of May 31/June 1.

Make this summer one for heaven. Sign up for SUMMER WITH THE SAINTS to get to know 12 saints better and honor them on their feast days. You’ll get a weekly email with a featured saint and titles for accompanying content on FORMED. These titles range from 20-minute episodes to feature-length, acclaimed dramas that bring the saints to life. Join Summer with the Saints and get weekly emails to reflect on the lives of the saints delivered right to your inbox. Take advantage of your free subscription to FORMED.
Visit www.formed.org.
Type in our Parish zip code (19977),
Click on St. Polycarp Church then enter your name and email address!
You can also scan this QR code.

WHAT TO GET DAD? FATHER’S DAY IS JUNE 15^th. Remember him by ordering a MEMORIAL BRICK! Father’s Day is just around the corner. What to get Dad? 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 that Dad’s are special as well as loved and remembered 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 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, 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). Forms can be found on our parish website or at the doors of the Church.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR FAITH? The part of the church building where the faithful assemble to celebrate in the Mass is called the what????

NEXT WEEKEND, May 31/June 1 (and Monday, June 2^nd– Saturday, June 7^th )

SECOND COLLECTION next week is for the Ascension.

SQUIRES CIRCLE: We are asking for your support by sponsoring the Squires annual fundraiser. The Squires will be at the doors of the Church after all Masses on the weekend of May 31^st / June 1^st . (If you wish to make a monetary gift by check please make the check out to ‘St. Polycarp Squire Circle’). Funds collected will be split between St. Polycarp and the State Police K9 Unit.

UPCOMING

WEAR RED! PENTECOST SUNDAY!
Be with the Spirit and remember to wear red the weekend of June 7/8, as we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.

UNLOCKING THE MYSTERY OF THE BIBLE: You’re Invited to Join “Faith with Friends”. MARK YOUR CALENDAR: JUNE 8^th at 9am in the Library. “Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible” — an enlightening DVD study series that makes Scripture come alive in fresh, meaningful ways. We’re Off to a Great Start! Our first session was a tremendous success! Everything went off without a hitch as we began our journey through salvation history together. The feedback has been wonderful, and now we’re excited to welcome even more friends to join us for Session Two.

SECOND COLLECTION: How can you support the retired priests of the Diocese of Wilmington? By your prayers, and by your generous contribution to the Diocesan Priest Retirement Fund collection taking place the weekend of June 7/8. Find out more and see a new video featuring three retired priests of the Diocese of Wilmington, at www.cdow.org/PriestRetirementFund. Thank you.

FATHER’S DAY NOVENA OF MASSES: 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. The best gift you can give this loved one is the gift of the Mass. 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. The Novena will begin at the Vigil Mass on the eve of Father’s Day.

MARRIAGE ANNULMENTS: The Tribunal Marriage Annulments – A Ministry of Healing. Tribunal Advocates are appointed by the Bishop to assist divorced parishioners with the marriage annulment process. You are invited to come to the parish meeting room #7 (please ring the bell under the portico, near the office/chapel door) on Monday, June 16th from 6-7 pm to meet our Tribunal Advocates and to learn about this opportunity of healing. All are welcome!

2025 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL
Did you know that the Faith and Charity Appeal funds the Diaconate program, forming deacons who serve in our parishes and communities with humility and devotion? Our parish is committed to supporting the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. While we are most grateful for the generosity already shown by 141 donors, we are still $6,964 short of our goal of $61,500 in pledges. When our parish reaches its goal in money collected, we receive back half of the money collected over the goal which we can use for our parish? So far, $30,906 has been collected.

We encourage all parishioners to participate so that we once again can reach that goal. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. This appeal supports vital ministries across the Diocese and our own parish community. Pledge envelopes are available at the doors of the Church. Envelopes can be placed in the offertory basket.
If you have already pledged, you can expect to receive your first payment reminder on or about May 31^st. Please mail all payments in the self-addressed, return envelope provided with your payment reminder. To learn more about the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal or pledge online, visit www.cdow.org or scan this
QR code.

EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL – THREE YEARS OF ABUNDANT GRACE AND TRANSFORMATION – 2022-2025
National Year of Mission: July 17^th, 2024–Pentecost 2025
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.”