Judy Lamborn – Page 15 – Saint Polycarp Church

Weekend Update August 19/20

August 18, 2023

20^th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
August 19/20, 2023

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER

~In what ways does your life model the all-embracing love of God?
~ What can you do to bring unity to the Christian community?
~ When have you been moved by another’s example of faith?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082023.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: There’s always information that doesn’t fit in our Bulletin – Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE

THIS WEEKEND, August 19/20 (and Monday, August 21 – Friday, August 25)

CHEER ON THE GOLFERS! If you can’t make it to the St. Polycarp’s 4^th Annual Golf Tournament, how about sending the golfers YOUR CHEERS! Donation is only $5 per square. Add your personal wish. Boards will be outside the Church this weekend after Masses, Saturday, August 19^th and Sunday August 20^th. Come with your $5 and wishes!

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: This Sunday, August 20^th, 10:30 am Mass – Sanphy Family. (Please arrive 15 minutes before your Mass time to pick up, or drop off, materials in the sacristy.) Families and individuals are encouraged to 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/

PARISHIONER COFFEE – TUESDAY, AUGUST 22^{nd –}ADULT FAITH FORMATION – CONNECTED IN CHRIST: The Tuesday morning Adult Faith Formation group is once again sponsoring a Parishioner Coffee on Tuesday, August 22^nd, after the 8:30 am Mass in Mother Drexel Hall. Please join us for a few hours of delicious treats and coffee and wonderful conversation. Feel free to bring your favorite morning snack. For questions, call Cookie Ruane at (302) 540 – 6429 or Joyce Tolson at (302) 448 – 9678.

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! INQUIRY SESSIONS THIS MONDAY, AUGUST 23^rd! 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 two Inquiry Sessions:
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.

SAVE THE DATE! ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC: Sunday, September 17^th, following the 10:30 am Mass. More details coming soon!

NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: This past June, we entered the 2^nd Year of the National Eucharistic Revival. This is the Year of Parish Revival. Last year was the Year of Diocesan Revival. The Year of Parish Revival will end with the culmination of the National Eucharistic Congress. This event will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Lucas Oil Stadium from July 17^th – July 21^st, 2024. They are expecting approximately 80,000 people to attend. The cost per person is $375.00 (this does not include meals, lodging or transportation). If our parish can get 15 parishioners or more to attend, the cost drops to $299.00 per person. If you are interested in attending this magnificent event, please call Kathy MacDonald at 1-302-653-8976 and leave me a voice mail or see Kathy after Mass.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Our Parish School of Religion (PSR) offers religious education classes for grade PK – 9. Register now! Visit https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/ for more information or contact our Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE), Erica Taylor, at dre@saintpolycarp.org or (302) 653-4101. Forms are also located in the black drop box under the portico, use the QR code below or you can register by visiting https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/org/831

PSR WISH LIST: Our catechists are committed to teaching and helping our children grow in love and faith by donating their time all year. Our catechists often use their own money for supplies throughout the year. Please consider helping them out by purchasing an item or two from their wish list below. Items can be dropped off Monday-Friday at the parish office between 9 am & 3 pm, anytime in the bins under the black drop box, or after Masses in the marked bins in the vestibule, and under the coat racks near the bathrooms, across from the hall. Thank you for your continued support of our PSR! Your support of PSR and the supplies you have already donated is so appreciated!
–Plastic Folders with pockets (no prongs) , Card Stock…white, White Poster Board (11×14), Small White Envelopes (6 3/4”), Disinfecting Wipes, Gallon Size Ziploc Bags, Boxed Tissues, Paper Towels, AA & AAA Batteries, Linens for Prayer Tables (At least 5’ x 4’ – Liturgical Colors; green, purple, white), Monetary Donations & Gift Cards (Amazon, Walmart, Target) are always appreciated.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – 2023 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL: Congratulations! We’ve reached our PLEDGED goal! Those who pledged and are making payments, receive reminders from the Diocese. If we are to reach our goal in collected donations, 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. To date, our parish has pledged $62,660.88 (104.43% of our goal)! Total collected towards the pledge amount is $47,013.54. Remember – Once 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.

Of our 715 households at St. Polycarp, 193 have participated in the campaign to date. Our parish participation rate is 26.99%. Every gift is valued and appreciated. Thank you to the 26.99% of households who have participated in this year’s Appeal. If your household has not participated, it’s not too late! As a parish community, we are asked to assist our brothers and sisters in overcoming obstacles, guided by the light of Christ and the strength of our unity. Please prayerfully consider a donation and help Shine the Light of Christ throughout our Diocese.(Pledge cards can be found in the pews and at the doors of the Church.)
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.

DISASTER RESPONSE – WILDFIRES IN MAUI:
Help families recover from fires on the island of Maui. Make an emergency donation to Catholic Charities today to help provide lifesaving resources, and 100% of your gift will be sent where it’s needed most! CLICK HERE

NEXT WEEKEND, August 26/27

SMYRNA CLAYTON MINISTERIUM invites you to the Annual Prayer for Our Schools Night on Sunday, August 27^th at 6 pm at any of the Smyrna School District Schools. Local pastors or one of the community’s church leaders will lead the prayer. Attend the prayer time and join in praying for our schools, students, teachers, staff, administrators and bus drivers. (What is the Ministerium? The Ministerium is an organization where local churches have joined together to serve those who live within the Smyrna School District area in a variety of ways.)

UPCOMING

ST. POLYCARP PARISH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT AND BUFFET DINNER – Sunday, September 10^thGolfing at 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.

Not interested in golfing? No problem! Join us for a delicious Buffet Dinner for just $40.00 per person in Mother Drexel Hall at Saint Polycarp Church. 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 the QR Code below or click on the following link https://saintpolycarp.org/st-polycarp-annual-golf-tournament-and-dinner-2023/

QUARTER AUCTION: St. Polycarp’s Parish & Family Life Ministry will be holding its 1^st Quarter Auction on Friday, October 27, 2023. Doors will open at 5 pm, auction starts at 6 pm. Proceeds raised will benefit Parish operational expenses and Ministry needs. Discounted advanced purchase of All-in Paddles will be $40 through Friday, September 15^th. All-in Paddles will be $45 after Friday, September 15^th. If you have any questions or would like to purchase an All-in Paddle, contact Darlene Sanphy (at (302) 270 – 3915 or darpete87@comcast.net) or Linda Montuori (at (302) 270 – 5347 or lindamontuori@yahoo.com). More information will be posted in future bulletins.

ONGOING

The SHARE THE HARVEST TABLE is now under the Portico. This allows our parishioners to share their abundant garden yield with their Church family.
All are welcome to share and receive.

SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION at St. Polycarp will take place monthly at the Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of the month. September 9^th, October 7^th, November 11^th & December 9^th. Eucharistic Adoration at St. Dennis Church (Galena MD) will take place on the Fourth Sunday of the month following the 8 am Sunday Mass. Sundays, August 27^th, September 24^th, October 22^nd, & November 26^th.

TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 9 am to 8pm in the Chapel. We are still in need of people to fill in when others are ill or cannot attend. Do you have one hour to spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament on an occasional basis? 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/ August 20^th, 10:30 am Mass – Sanphy; September 3^rd, 10:30 am Mass – Irwin.

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.

FAITH WITH FRIENDS (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets the first Thursday of every month at 6 pm in Room 7. Everyone is invited. Questions? Contact Ashley Wilson at 302.535.4118.

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: 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

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. On Saturday, August 19^th, Teresa Mull will tell us how to woke-proof our lives. 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: Act of Faith

O my God, I firmly believe
that you are one God in three divine Persons,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
I believe that your divine Son became man
and died for our sins and that he will come
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe these and all the truths
which the Holy Catholic Church teaches
because you have revealed them
who are eternal truth and wisdom,
who can neither deceive nor be deceived.
In this faith I intend to live and die.
Amen.

Weekend Update August 12/13

August 11, 2023

19th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
August 12/13, 2023

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER

~ Where is it easiest for you to hear the whisperings of God?
~ What would you be willing to give up for others to come and to know Jesus?
~ What stormy sea is Jesus calling you to trust him in?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081323.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, August 12/13 (and Monday, August 14^th – Friday, August 18^th)

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION will take place tomorrow, Saturday, August 12^th, following Communion at the 4 pm Mass. Staying for an hour may be difficult for some. You may want to start by staying 5 minutes. If you stayed for 5 minutes last month, try staying for 10 minutes this month. You will soon find out that 10 minutes isn’t long enough! (You should always stay for the Exposition and until Fr. Jim leaves. When you leave, please remember to do so quietly.)

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is to support the maintenance and ministry of the Cathedral of St. Peter (the Bishop’s own parish and the center of Catholicism in our Diocese).

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: This Sunday, August 13^th, 10:30 am Mass – Cuttingham. (Please arrive 15 minutes before your Mass time to pick up, or drop off, materials in the sacristy.) Families and individuals are encouraged to 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/

CHEER ON THE GOLFERS! If you can’t make it to the St. Polycarp’s 4^th Annual Golf Tournament, how about sending the golfers YOUR CHEERS! Donation is only $5 per square. Add your personal wish. Boards will be outside the Church this Sunday, August 13^th, Saturday, August 19^th and Sunday August 20^th. Come with your $5 and wishes!

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! INQUIRY SESSIONS THIS MONDAY, AUGUST 14^th! 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.

THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (August 15^th) – HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION. Masses at St. Polycarp: 4 pm on Monday, August 14^th, 8:30 am on Tuesday, August 15^th, and 7 pm on Tuesday, August 15^th. Mass at St. Dennis, Galena, MD: 7 pm on Tuesday, August 15^th. The St. Polycarp Parish Office will be closed on Tuesday, August 15^th. One of the fundamental teachings of the Roman Catholic Church – the belief that Mary was taken up, body and soul, into heaven.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Our Parish School of Religion (PSR) offers religious education classes for grade PK – 9. Now is the time to register to avoid additional late fees! Class lists are being prepared now. Register now! Visit https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/ for more information or contact our Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE), Erica Taylor, at dre@saintpolycarp.org or (302) 653-4101. Forms are also located in the black drop box under the portico, use the QR code below or you can register by visiting https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/org/831

PSR WISH LIST: It’s that time of year again! Our PSR catechists are preparing for the upcoming PSR school year. Our catechists are committed to teaching and helping
our children grow in love and faith by donating their time all year. Our catechists often use their own money for supplies throughout the year. Please consider helping them out by purchasing an item or two from their wish list below. Items can be dropped off Monday-Friday at the parish office between 9 am & 3 pm, anytime in the bins under the black drop box, or after Masses in the marked bins in the vestibule, and under the coat racks near the bathrooms, across from the hall. Thank you for your continued support of our PSR!
–Plastic Folders with pockets, Card Stock…white and color, White Poster Board (11×14), Crayola Crayons (8 ct.), Colored Pencils (12 ct.), Dry Erase Markers (Expo Brand),
Post It Notes, Small White Envelopes (6 3/4”), Disinfecting Wipes, Gallon Size Ziploc Bags, Boxed Tissues, AA & AAA Batteries, Linens for Prayer Tables (At least 5’ x 4’ – Liturgical Colors; green, purple, white), Monetary Donations & Gift Cards (Amazon, Walmart, Target) are always appreciated.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – 2023 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL: Congratulations! We’ve reached our PLEDGED goal! Those who pledged and are making payments, receive reminders from the Diocese. If we are to reach our goal in collected donations, 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. To date, our parish has pledged $62,660.88 (104.43% of our goal)! Total collected towards the pledge amount is $47,013.54. Remember – Once 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.

Of our 715 households at St. Polycarp, 193 have participated in the campaign to date. Our parish participation rate is 26.99%. Every gift is valued and appreciated. Thank you to the 26.99% of households who have participated in this year’s Appeal. If your household has not participated, it’s not too late! As a parish community, we are asked to assist our brothers and sisters in overcoming obstacles, guided by the light of Christ and the strength of our unity. Please prayerfully consider a donation and help Shine the Light of Christ throughout our Diocese.(Pledge cards can be found in the pews and at the doors of the Church.)
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.

UPCOMING

ST. POLYCARP PARISH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT AND BUFFET DINNER – Sunday, September 10^thGolfing at 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.

Not interested in golfing? No problem! Join us for a delicious Buffet Dinner for just $40.00 per person in Mother Drexel Hall at Saint Polycarp Church. 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 the QR Code below or click on the following link https://saintpolycarp.org/st-polycarp-annual-golf-tournament-and-dinner-2023/

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! SAVE THE DATE! – SAINT POLYCARP ANNUAL PICNIC! The Saint Polycarp Annual Parish Picnic is scheduled for Sunday, September 17^t^h, 2023, after the 10:30 am Mass. Our Pastoral Council and Parish Picnic Committee are once again planning a fun-filled event. The Knights of Columbus will be cooking up hot dogs, hamburgers and French fries, and there will be three flavors of Rita’s Water Ice. Kids and the young-at-heart will enjoy the inflatable obstacle course. We are looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. Please call Kathy Curlett at (302) 222-9326, if interested in helping.

QUARTER AUCTION: St. Polycarp’s Parish & Family Life Ministry will be holding its 1^st Quarter Auction on Friday, October 27, 2023. Doors will open at 5 pm, auction starts at 6 pm. Proceeds raised will benefit Parish operational expenses and Ministry needs. Discounted advanced purchase of All-in Paddles will be $40 through Friday, September 15^th. All-in Paddles will be $45 after Friday, September 15^th. If you have any questions or would like to purchase an All-in Paddle, contact Darlene Sanphy (at (302) 270 – 3915 or darpete87@comcast.net) or Linda Montuori (at (302) 270 – 5347 or lindamontuori@yahoo.com). More information will be posted in future bulletins.

ONGOING

The SHARE THE HARVEST TABLE is now under the Portico. This allows our parishioners to share their abundant garden yield with their Church family.
All are welcome to share and receive.

SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION at St. Polycarp will take place monthly at the Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of the month. September 9^th, October 7^th, November 11^th & December 9^th. Eucharistic Adoration at St. Dennis Church (Galena MD) will take place on the Fourth Sunday of the month following the 8 am Sunday Mass. Sundays, August 27^th, September 24^th, October 22^nd, & November 26^th.

TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 9 am to 8pm in the Chapel. We are still in need of people to fill in when others are ill or cannot attend. Do you have one hour to spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament on an occasional basis? 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/ August 13^th, 10:30 am Mass – Cuttingham; August 20^th, 10:30 am Mass – Sanphy; September 3^rd, 10:30 am Mass – Irwin.

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.

FAITH WITH FRIENDS (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets the first Thursday of every month at 6 pm in Room 3. Everyone is invited. Questions? Contact Ashley Wilson at 302.535.4118.

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: 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

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. On Saturday, August 12^th, Sr. Margaret Cunniffe and Dr. Maria Finamore in part-two of a two-part remembrance of the life of Fr. Roberto Balducelli. 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: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Lord Jesus Christ, You have destroyed the power of death and given the hope of eternal life for body and soul. You granted your Mother a special place in your glory, and did not allow decay to touch her body. As we rejoice in the Assumption of Mary, grant us renewed confidence in the victory of life over death. Amen

americaneedsfatima.org

Weekend Update August 5/6

August 4, 2023

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD
August 5/6, 2023

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ How do you strive to listen to Jesus?
~ Have you ever had a powerful experience of God and wanted to linger in that space? What was it like?
~ What do Jesus’ words “Rise, and do not be afraid” mean to you today?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080623.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, August 5/6 (and Monday, August 7^th – Friday, August 11^th)

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) will take place this Sunday, August 6^thduring the 10:30 am Mass. All children ages PK – 4^th grade are welcome to join us. Children will be called to come forward before the First Reading. They will return to you after the General Intercessions. All catechists and assistants have a cleared background check.

AGAPE: Please join us this Sunday, August 6^th, following the 10:30 am Mass. Everyone is invited to join us for food and fellowship! The Agape will be hosted by our Parish & Family Life Ministry. Take the opportunity to meet the members of this Ministry who help bring positive actions to our Parish.

BULLETIN INSERT: See the insert in this weekend’s Bulletin to find out information about this year’s PSR Wish List and registration information for religious education (PSR). To view the insert CLICK HERE Thank you for your ongoing support of the religious education of our parish youth!

The SHARE THE HARVEST TABLE is now under the Portico. This allows our parishioners to share their abundant garden yield with their Church family.
All are welcome to share and receive.

TUESDAYS – EUCHARISTIC ADORATION – EXTENDED HOURS! We are blessed to have had enough adorers step forward so that we were able to extend Adoration hours on Tuesdays. Eucharistic Adoration is now offered weekly on Tuesdays in the Chapel from 9 am to 8 pm. We are still in need of people to fill in when others are ill or cannot attend. Do you have one hour to spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament on an occasional basis? Call Cheryl Thomas at (302) 363 – 0404 or email her at salcrest7@gmail.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! SAVE THE DATE! – SAINT POLYCARP ANNUAL PICNIC! Our next planning meeting is this Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 6 pm in the library. Please call Kathy Curlett at 302 222 9326, if interested in helping. The Saint Polycarp Annual Parish Picnic is scheduled for Sunday, September 17^t^h, 2023, after the 10:30 am Mass. Our Pastoral Council and Parish Picnic Committee are once again planning a fun-filled event. The Knights of Columbus will be cooking up hot dogs, hamburgers and French fries, and there will be three flavors of Rita’s Water Ice. Kids and the young-at-heart will enjoy the inflatable obstacle course. We are looking for volunteers to help make this event a success.

QUARTER AUCTION: St. Polycarp’s Parish & Family Life Ministry will be holding its 1^st Quarter Auction on Friday, October 27, 2023. Doors will open at 5 pm, auction starts at 6 pm. Proceeds raised will benefit Parish operational expenses and Ministry needs. Discounted advanced purchase of All-in Paddles will be $40 through Friday, September 15^th. All-in Paddles will be $45 after Friday, September 15^th. If you have any questions or would like to purchase an All-in Paddle, contact Darlene Sanphy (at (302) 270 – 3915 or darpete87@comcast.net) or Linda Montuori (at (302) 270 – 5347 or lindamontuori@yahoo.com). More information will be posted in future bulletins.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – 2023 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL: We’re waiting for the latest up-to-date figures for our parish. If you have already donated to the appeal, Thank you! If you have yet to make a gift, please prayerfully consider a generous donation and help our parish achieve our goal. (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. Remember – 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. 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.

NEXT WEEKEND, August 12/13 (and Monday, August 14^th – Friday, August 18^th)

SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION will take place next Saturday, August 12^th, following Communion at the 4 pm Mass. Staying for an hour may be difficult for some. You may want to start by staying 5 minutes. If you stayed for 5 minutes last month, try staying for 10 minutes this month. You will soon find out that 10 minutes isn’t long enough! (You should always stay for the Exposition and until Fr. Jim leaves. When you leave, please remember to do so quietly.)

SECOND COLLECTION next weekend is to support the maintenance and ministry of the Cathedral of St. Peter (the Bishop’s own parish and the center of Catholicism in our Diocese).

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Next Sunday, August 13, 10:30 am Mass – Cuttingham. (Please arrive 15 minutes before your Mass time to pick up, or drop off, materials in the sacristy.) Families and individuals are encouraged to 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/

THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (August 15) – A Holy Day of Obligation. Masses at St. Polycarp: 4 pm on Monday, August 14^th, 8:30 am on Tuesday, August 15^th, and 7 pm on Tuesday, August 15^th. Mass at St. Dennis, Galena, MD: 7 pm on Tuesday, August 15^th. The St. Polycarp Parish Office will be closed on Tuesday, August 15^th.

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! INQUIRY SESSIONS HELD SOON! 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.

CHEER ON THE GOLFERS! If you can’t make it to the St. Polycarp’s 4th Annual Golf Tournament, how about sending the golfers YOUR CHEERS! Donation is only $5 per square. Add your personal wish. Boards will be outside the Church on Sunday, August 13^th, Saturday, August 19^th and Sunday August 20^th. Come with your $5 and wishes!

ST. POLYCARP PARISH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT AND BUFFET DINNER – Sunday, September 10^thGolfing at 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.

Not interested in golfing? No problem! Join us for a delicious Buffet Dinner for just $40.00 per person in Mother Drexel Hall at Saint Polycarp Church. 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 the QR Code below or click on the following link https://saintpolycarp.org/st-polycarp-annual-golf-tournament-and-dinner-2023/

UPCOMING

SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION at St. Polycarp will take place monthly at the Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of the month. Saturdays: August 12^th, September 9^th, October 7^th, November 11^th & December 9^th.
Eucharistic Adoration at St. Dennis Church (Galena MD) will take place on the Fourth Sunday of the month following the 8 am Sunday Mass. Sundays, August 27^th, September 24^th, October 22^nd, & November 26^th.

ONGOING

SACRISTANS: We are looking for more people to serve as sacristans! Sacristans have the duty to arrive early to the Church in order to unlock it and set up for Mass. Becoming a sacristan would be a great way to learn more about our beautiful liturgy and become more involved in carrying it out. No previous knowledge is required. If you are interested, please contact the head sacristan Adam Bauer at the email ajpd.bauer@gmail.com.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 9 am to 8pm in the Chapel. We are still in need of people to fill in when others are ill or cannot attend. Do you have one hour to spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament on an occasional basis? 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…

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Our Parish School of Religion (PSR) offers religious education classes for grade PK – 9. Now is the time to register!
Visit https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/ for more information or contact our Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE), Erica Taylor, at dre@saintpolycarp.org or (302) 653-4101.

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/ August 13, 10:30 am Mass – Cuttingham; August 20, 10:30 am Mass – Sanphy; September 3, 10:30 am Mass – Irwin.

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.

FAITH WITH FRIENDS (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets the first Thursday of every month at 6 pm in Room 3. Everyone is invited. Questions? Contact Ashley Wilson at 302.535.4118.

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: 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

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. On Saturday, August 5^th, tune-in for part-one of a two-week salute to Father Roberto Balducelli, OSFS, who passed away 10 years ago, on August 9, 2013. On this episode, hear highlights from an interview with Father Roberto from 2006. 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: The Transfiguration of the Lord

You were transfigured on the Mountain, O Christ God, showing Your Disciples as much of Your glory as they could hold.
Let Your eternal light shine also upon us sinners, through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Giver of Light, glory to You. Amen.

aleteia.org

Weekend Update July 29/30

July 28, 2023

17^th SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME
July 29/30, 2023

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ If God promised to grant one thine you request, what would it be and why:?
~ How would you define wisdom?
~ How precious is the kingdom of God to you? What are you willing to let go of to possess it?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/073023.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, JULY 29/30(& Monday, July 31^st – Friday, August 4^th)

ST. DENNIS CHURCH BULL ROAST FUND RAISER – TOMORROW – Saturday, July 29^th – 153 N. Main Street, Galena, MD
Come One, Come All, Please! This year’s fund raiser will be a “Drive Thru” event with optional outdoor seating (weather permitting). There will also be a Corn Hole game.
MENU – Back by popular request – ½ a fried chicken, delicious PIT roasted beef, 2 ears of locally-grown corn on the cob, homemade potato salad plus 2 rolls with butter and bottled water for $25. The famed St Dennis Bake Sale will also be available for purchasing dessert as you exit the property. Advance ticket purchases are recommended as a limited number of meals will be prepared. Drive up ticket purchases on the day of the event are possible. Tickets may be purchased at St. Dennis Church before and after the weekend Sunday Masses (8am and 11am in Spanish) OR by calling Jim at 717-575-1235. Pick up of meals with curb-side service is on July 29^th from 11am until 2pm. Please follow the directed traffic pattern.

SECOND COLLECTION this week is for Parish Maintenance.

THE DIALOG: Don’t forget to pick up this weekend’s Dialog as you leave Mass this weekend. Make sure you check out the article on our Squires on page 6!

PRIESTHOOD DISCERNMENT EVENT: Have you been thinking about the priesthood as a possibility for you? Do you need questions answered? Would it help to talk with other young men with the same questions? Then come to the Priesthood Discernment Event this Sunday, July 30^th, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Peter the Apostle, Harmony Street in Historic New Castle, Delaware for a Holy Hour, Conversation and Hospitality with diocesan seminarians and Father Norm Carroll. Let us know to expect you at vocations@cdow.org or 302-573-3113.

TUESDAYS – EUCHARISTIC ADORATION – EXTENDED HOURS! We are blessed to have had enough adorers step forward so that we can extend Adoration hours on Tuesdays. Beginning August 1^st, Eucharistic Adoration will take place in the Chapel from 9 am to 8 pm, weekly on Tuesdays. We are still in need of people to fill in when others are ill or cannot attend. Do you have one hour to spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament on an occasional basis? Call Cheryl Thomas at (302) 363 – 0404 or email her at salcrest7@gmail.com.

FAITH WITH FRIENDS will meet this Thursday, August 3^rd at 6 pm in Room 3. (Ring the bell at the Office/Chapel door under the portico.) Faith with Friends is a new Adult Faith Formation group that meets monthly on the first Thursday of the month from 6 pm to 8 pm. Give us a try! Looking forward to seeing you Thursday! If you have questions, contact Ashley Wilson at (302) 535 – 4118.

QUARTER AUCTION: St. Polycarp’s Parish & Family Life Ministry will be holding its 1^st Quarter Auction on Friday, October 27, 2023. Doors will open at 5 pm, auction starts at 6 pm. Proceeds raised will benefit Parish operational expenses and Ministry needs. Discounted advanced purchase of All-in Paddles will be $40 through Friday, September 15^th. All-in Paddles will be $45 after Friday, September 15^th. If you have any questions or would like to purchase an All-in Paddle, contact Darlene Sanphy (at (302) 270 – 3915 or darpete87@comcast.net) or Linda Montuori (at (302) 270 – 5347 or lindamontuori@yahoo.com). More information will be posted in future bulletins.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – 2023 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL: We’re waiting for the latest up-to-date figures for our parish. If you have already donated to the appeal, Thank you! If you have yet to make a gift, please prayerfully consider a generous donation and help our parish achieve our goal. (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. Remember – 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. 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.

NEXT WEEKEND, August 5/6 (and Monday, August 7^th – Friday, August 11^th)

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) will take place next Sunday, August 6^thduring the 10:30 am Mass. All children ages PK – 4^th grade are welcome to join us. Children will be called to come forward before the First Reading. They will return to you after the General Intercessions. All catechists and assistants have a cleared background check.

AGAPE: Please join us next Sunday, August 6^th, following the 10:30 am Mass. Everyone is invited to join us for food and fellowship! The Agape will be hosted by our Parish & Family Life Ministry. Take the opportunity to meet the members of this Ministry who help bring positive actions to our Parish.

UPCOMING

SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION will take place monthly at the Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of the month. Our next Saturday Eucharistic Adoration will take place on Saturday, August 12^th, following Communion at the 4 pm Mass.

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^thGolfing at 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.

Not interested in golfing? No problem! Join us for a delicious Buffet Dinner for just $40.00 per person in Mother Drexel Hall at Saint Polycarp Church. 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 the QR Code below or click on the following link https://saintpolycarp.org/st-polycarp-annual-golf-tournament-and-dinner-2023/

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! SAVE THE DATE! – SAINT POLYCARP ANNUAL PICNIC! The Saint Polycarp Annual Parish Picnic is scheduled for Sunday, September 17^t^h, 2023, after the 10:30 am Mass. Our Pastoral Council and Parish Picnic Committee are once again planning a fun-filled event. The Knights of Columbus will be cooking up hot dogs, hamburgers and French fries, and there will be three flavors of Rita’s Water Ice. Kids and the young-at-heart will enjoy the inflatable obstacle course. We are looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. Our next planning meeting is Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 6 pm in the library. Please call Kathy Curlett at 302 222 9326, if interested in helping.

ONGOING

2024 MASS INTENTION BOOK is now open. You can reserve a Mass or offering by calling the parish office between the hours of 9 am – 3 pm, or anytime via email at office@saintpolycarp.org.
– The Mass Intention is $10.00.
– The Sanctuary Lamp may be lit for an entire week (Sunday through Saturday) either in the Church or Chapel for $10.00.
– Bread and Wine Offering for daily Mass is $10.00.
– Purgatorial Society Enrollment is $25.00 for Mass Intentions every 1^st Wednesday for one year.
The Maximum number of Mass cards and/or offerings is six per person since the availability of Mass intentions and offerings is limited. We are continuing with what we started last year, a maximum of three Intentions per Mass.

SACRISTANS: We are looking for more people to serve as sacristans! Sacristans have the duty to arrive early to the Church in order to unlock it and set up for Mass. Becoming a sacristan would be a great way to learn more about our beautiful liturgy and become more involved in carrying it out. No previous knowledge is required. If you are interested, please contact the head sacristan Adam Bauer at the email ajpd.bauer@gmail.com.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Beginning Tuesday, August 1,Tuesdays from 9 am 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…

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Our Parish School of Religion (PSR) offers religious education classes for grade PK – 9. Now is the time to register!
Visit https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/ for more information or contact our Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE), Erica Taylor, at dre@saintpolycarp.org or (302) 653-4101.

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: 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

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. On July 29^th , Hear an interview with Bear Woznick and Fr. Roberto Balducelli to be featured on upcoming Catholic Forum programs. 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: A Prayer for Making Decisions

Holy Spirit, Wisdom of the Father, grant that I may see with the eyes and heart of Jesus. As I ponder the choices before me, help me remember that I am a beloved child of God, and that you always want the best for me, today and forever. Bring me closer to you, that your priorities may become mine as well.. Amen.

Weekend Update July 22/23

July 21, 2023

16^th SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME
July 22/23, 2023

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ How have you experienced God’s mercy in your life?
~ Have you ever felt like you didn’t have the words to pray? How can the Holy Spirit come to your aid at those time?
~ How can you imitate God’s patience this week?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072323.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, JULY 22/23(& Monday, July 24^th – Friday, July 28^th)

The BLESSING OF GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY will take place at the 10:30 am Mass this Sunday, July 23^rd.

2024 MASS INTENTION BOOK will open on Monday, July 24^th. It is a beautiful part of our Catholic tradition to have Masses celebrated for the repose of the soul of a departed loved one or for the living intention of an individual. You can reserve a Mass or offering by calling the parish office between the hours of 9 am – 3 pm, or anytime via email at office@saintpolycarp.org.
– The Mass Intention is $10.00.
– The Sanctuary Lamp may be lit for an entire week (Sunday through Saturday) either in the Church or Chapel for $10.00.
– Bread and Wine Offering for daily Mass is $10.00.
– Purgatorial Society Enrollment is $25.00 for Mass Intentions every 1^st Wednesday for one year.
The Maximum number of Mass cards and/or offerings is six per person since the availability of Mass intentions and offerings is limited. We are continuing with what we started last year, a maximum of three Intentions per Mass.

ATTENTION MINISTRY LEADERS! SAVE THE DATE! Our Annual Parish Leadership Organizational Meeting is this TUESDAY, July 25^th, at 7 pm in Mother Drexel Hall. Leaders from these ministries are expected to attend this important meeting.

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

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! SAVE THE DATE! – SAINT POLYCARP ANNUAL PICNIC! The Saint Polycarp Annual Parish Picnic is scheduled for Sunday, September 17^t^h, 2023, after the 10:30 am Mass. Our Pastoral Council and Parish Picnic Committee are once again planning a fun-filled event. The Knights of Columbus will be cooking up hot dogs, hamburgers and French fries, and there will be three flavors of Rita’s Water Ice. Kids and the young-at-heart will enjoy the inflatable obstacle course. We are looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. Our next planning meeting is Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 6 pm in the library. Please call Kathy Curlett at 302 222 9326, if interested in helping.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – 2023 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL: We’re waiting for the latest up-to-date figures for our parish. As of the last report, our parish has pledged $59,019.03 and collected $40,403.16 toward our goal of $60,000. We are $980.97 from our goal!!! We’re getting there, but we still need your help! Remember – 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 work toward Shining the Light of Christ. If you have already donated to the appeal, Thank you! If you have yet to make a gift, please prayerfully consider a generous donation and help our parish achieve our goal. 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. 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.

FORMED: Recommended Video – WHAT IS A CHARISM? A Charism is a gift from God, freely given. Charisms are not rewards for good works or a proof of holiness but are unmerited gifts to be given away toward service to others, to help build up other members of the Body of Christ. These gifts may be newly given, or an enhancement of a natural gift that the Spirit elevates to a supernatural level. Some Charisms are leadership, teaching, acts of mercy, and hospitality, as well as, more recognized ones of prophecy, speaking in tongues, performing miracles, and healing. Check out the FORMED video “Evangelization and the Acts of the Apostles” – Dr. Mary Healy, Session 8-Charisms of the Spirit. www.formed.org

NEXT WEEKEND, JULY 29/30 (and Monday, July 31^st – Friday, August 4^th)

ST. DENNIS CHURCH BULL ROAST FUND RAISER – Saturday, July 29^th – 153 N. Main Street, Galena, MD
Come One, Come All, Please! This year’s fund raiser will be a “Drive Thru” event with optional outdoor seating (weather permitting). We will also have a Corn Hole game.
MENU – Back by popular request – ½ a fried chicken, delicious PIT roasted beef, 2 ears of locally-grown corn on the cob, homemade potato salad plus 2 rolls with butter and bottled water for $25. The famed St Dennis Bake Sale will also be available for purchasing dessert as you exit the property. Advance ticket purchases are recommended as a limited number of meals will be prepared. Drive up ticket purchases on the day of the event are possible. Tickets may be purchased at St. Dennis Church before and after the weekend Sunday Masses (8am and 11am in Spanish) OR by calling Jim at 717-575-1235. Pick up of meals with curb-side service is on July 29^th from 11am until 2pm. Please follow the directed traffic pattern.

SECOND COLLECTION next week is for Parish Maintenance.

TUESDAYS – EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: We are blessed to have had enough adorers step forward so that we can extend Adoration hours on Tuesdays. Beginning August 1^st, Eucharistic Adoration will take place in the Chapel from 9 am to 8 pm, weekly on Tuesdays. We are still in need of people to fill in when others are ill or cannot attend. Do you have one hour to spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament on an occasional basis? Call Cheryl Thomas at (302) 363 – 0404 or email her at salcrest7@gmail.com.

PRIESTHOOD DISCERNMENT EVENT: Have you been thinking about the priesthood as a possibility for you? Do you need questions answered? Would it help to talk with other young men with the same questions? Then come to the Priesthood Discernment Event on Sunday, July 30^th, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Peter the Apostle, Harmony Street in Historic New Castle, Delaware for a Holy Hour, Conversation and Hospitality with diocesan seminarians and Father Norm Carroll. Let us know to expect you at vocations@cdow.org or 302-573-3113.

UPCOMING

SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION will take place monthly at the Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of the month. Our next Saturday Eucharistic Adoration will take place on Saturday, August 12^th, following Communion at the 4 pm Mass.

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^thGolfing at 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.

Not interested in golfing? No problem! Join us for a delicious Buffet Dinner for just $40.00 per person in Mother Drexel Hall at Saint Polycarp Church. 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 the QR Code below or click on the following link https://saintpolycarp.org/st-polycarp-annual-golf-tournament-and-dinner-2023/

ONGOING

SACRISTANS: We are looking for more people to serve as sacristans! Sacristans have the duty to arrive early to the Church in order to unlock it and set up for Mass. Becoming a sacristan would be a great way to learn more about our beautiful liturgy and become more involved in carrying it out. No previous knowledge is required. If you are interested, please contact the head sacristan Adam Bauer at the email ajpd.bauer@gmail.com.

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…