3^rd Sunday of Lent

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ What are you thirsting for at this time of your life?
~ When have you experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?
~ How has your knowledge of who Jesus is deepened?
(Pastoral Liturgy)

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031223.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 .       BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE

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THIS WEEKEND, MARCH 11/12 (& Monday, March 13^th –  Friday, March 17^th) 

TIME CHANGES this weekend!!!!  Set clocks forward one hour! Don’t be late for Sunday Mass or PSR!

BLESSING OF ALTAR SERVERS AND SACRISTANS takes place this Saturday, March 11^th at the 4:00 pm Mass.

WELCOME BISHOP KOENIG! (pronounced Kay–nig)
We are privileged and happy to welcome Bishop Koenig to our Parish this Sunday. Bishop Koenig will celebrate the 10:30 am Mass.

 

GIRL SCOUT SUNDAY is this Sunday, March 12^th.  Please keep all Girl Scouts and their leaders in your prayers!

 

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: March 12^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Penny Gugliuzzo. Please arrive 15 minutes before Mass starts to pick up (or drop off) materials in the sacristy.

 

PSR will be selling chocolate bars at the doors of the Church this weekend after both Masses. Still only $1 per bar!

 

 

PSR – ALL GRADES  – In-Person classes this week. Don’t be late!  (Time changes.)

 

DO YOU HAVE ONE HOUR ON TUESDAYS FOR EUCHARISTIC ADORATION? Come, humbly kneel before Him. Give Him an hour of adoration on Tuesday. We need adorers for the following timeslots: 9:30 & 10:00 am, 12:00, 2:00 & 3:00 pm. Call or email: Cheryl Thomas at salcrest7@gmail.com  or 302 363-0404

 

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO AID IN YOUR LENTEN JOURNEY? Try a wonderful series of reflections that can be found on Formed. Click on ‘Lent’ at the top of the home page. Restore is a weekly reflection by Sr. Miriam James Heidland SOLT five or six minutes long. Connected in Christ Tuesday morning group is using that series to begin our morning. www.formed.org

 

THE DIALOG: Pick-up the latest edition as you leave Mass this weekend!

 

REMINDER: Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.   The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Roman Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.                          ~USCCB

STATIONS OF THE CROSS & BENEDICTION: Fridays in Lent at 7pm.

 

EASTER FLOWERS: As spring unfolds with all of its promise and beauty, let us decorate our Church to reflect the promise and beauty of the risen Lord. Please help our altar reflect the glory of this season by placing your intentions and the names of your loved ones in the Easter flower envelope. (Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church.)

 

EASTER NOVENA: The miracle of Easter joins all of us in the lifesaving joy of Christ, making it the perfect time to draw upon the most sacred of graces from our risen Lord.  To remember your loved ones, both living and deceased, with the sacred gift of the Mass offered in their honor, please complete the Easter Novena envelopes. (Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church.)

 

THE PARISH OFFICE is in need of volunteers to help out at the front desk. Please consider helping in this important role. Various times and dates available. Let us know what is convenient for you!  If you are interested in helping or would like more information, please contact Kathy Watts at the church office 302-653-8279 or via email office@saintpolycarp.org.

 

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Check out our “Bulletin Overflow” to learn about various Lenten activities around the Diocese.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW BULLETIN OVERFLOW

ADOPTION NOVENA: Leading up to the Solemnity of St. Joseph on March 20, join in praying the St. Joseph Adoption Novena. Visit respectlife.org/adopti… for the novena, which begins March 11. Invoking the intercession of St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, we will pray the Lord blesses all who travel upon the path of adoption.

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NEXT WEEKEND, MARCH 18/19 (& Monday, March 20^th –  Friday, March 24^th) 

Corned Beef & Cabbage on Saint Patrick’s Day? But it’s a Friday in Lent! No problem for area Catholics this year. The Most Rev. William E. Koenig, Bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington, has granted Catholics in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, a dispensation from the obligation to abstain from meat on Saint Patrick’s Day, Friday, March ^17th, 2023. This dispensation is given in recognition of the contributions of Irish immigrants to the life of the Diocese and their indebtedness to St. Patrick for the gift of their Catholic faith. Catholics who take advantage of the dispensation, are encouraged to, “undertake a work of charity, an exercise of piety, or an act of comparable penance on some other occasion during the Third Week of Lent,” according to the dispensation decree. To read the decree CLICK HERE

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION: The Knights of Columbus will again be sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on Saturday March 18^th at 5:00 pm in the Mother Drexel Hall. Menu: Corned Beef & Cabbage or Ham & Cabbage, Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad.  $15 per person, $25 per family, children under 12 – free.  TAKE OUTS AVAILABLE!.

BLESSING OF THE STATUE OF ST. JOSEPH AND MARCH AGAPE:  The March Agape, hosted by our Liturgy Committee, will take place next Sunday, March 19th following Mass and the Blessing of the new Statue of St. Joseph in the Sanctuary.   Unfortunately, the dedication of the outside statue of St. Joseph and the shrine will not take place on the 19th. The outside statue of St. Joseph has not yet arrived. A new date will be set. Please join us.

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UPCOMING/ONGOING     

THE DEANERY LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE will take place on  Thursday, March 30^th at 7 pm at Holy Cross Church (Dover, DE). Several Priests will be available to hear Confessions.

RECONCILIATION MONDAY: Catholics from throughout the Diocese of Wilmington are invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) at any of the 56 parish churches in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., during the second annual diocesan-wide ‘Reconciliation Monday.’ The event is designed to make it more convenient for Catholics to receive the sacrament at the end of Lent and beginning of Holy Week, in anticipation of the celebration of Easter. Here at St. Polycarp and at St. Dennis, Confessions will be heard from 3-5 pm & 6-8 pm. This allows for Fr. Jim to be able to hear Confessions at both parishes.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:  Visit our home page at www.saintpolycarp.org to see this year’s Holy Week Schedule.

EASTER EGG HUNT: Our Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 2^nd, following the 10:30 am Mass. All children are invited to attend.
There will be prizes! Children are asked to bring their own baskets! 

EARLY BULLETIN DEADLINE: Please have all articles for the Easter Bulletin, April 9th, submitted to submission@saintpolycarp by 8:00 am on Monday, March 27^th.  Thank you for your cooperation. 

SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!  Time to think about ordering your  MEMORIAL BRICK! After the cold dark days of winter, the spring season brings new life; everything comes alive.  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.

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. Please consider this devotion. You can come to the adoration chapel and in the peacefulness there He will speak to your heart, and you will return eagerly because He has so much to share with you. There are hours available on Tuesday, Call or Email Cheryl Thomas; salcrest7@gmail.com, 659-3388

 

FINANCE COUNCIL: The Finance Council is looking to increase its membership. If you would like to be a part of the Finance Council, please reach out to John Fcasni at (609) 529-1986 or john.fcasni@gmail.com.

 

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! Is there someone you would like to invite to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized, or baptized in a non-Catholic Christian tradition? Do you know someone who needs Confirmation and/or First Eucharist? Perhaps, the Catholic faith can fulfill their desires for a closer relationship with Our Lord. Then, the RCIA process is for them. Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information. DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) takes place on the first and third Sundays of the month during 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. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Erica Taylor at (302) 653-4101. Next CLOW – Sunday, March 19^th at the 10:30 am Mass.

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/  Penny Gugliuzzo; March 12^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Neda Biggs; March 26^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Laura Pajerowski, April 16^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Pete Sanphy

 

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!

                                                                               

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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

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FROM THE DIOCESE:     

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday, March 11^th,  tune-in to hear an interview with Benedictine Sister Laura Swan and learn about her book, “The Forgotten Desert Mothers.”  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.

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LET US PRAY for Bishop Koenig:

O God, eternal shepherd of the faithful, who tend your Church in countless ways and rule her in love, grant, we pray, that William, your servant, whom you have set over your people, may preside in the place of Christ over the flock whose shepherd he is, and be faithful as a teacher of doctrine, a Priest of sacred worship and as one who serves them by governing.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Most Reverend William E. Koenig was ordained as Bishop and installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington on July 13, 2021.

2^nd Sunday of Lent

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ Is it easy or difficult for you to trust where God is leading?
~ How is grace essential to living a holy life?
~ How do you listen to the voice of Jesus in your life?
(Pastoral Liturgy)

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030523.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 .       BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE

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THIS WEEKEND, MARCH 4/5 (& Monday, March 6^th –  Friday, March 10^th) 

The SECOND COLLECTION this weekend, March 4^th and 5^th, is for Catholic Relief Services and Church in Latin America.  This collection allows the Church to help our neighbors around the world.  Please be as generous as your means allow.  THANK YOU!

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) will take place this Sunday, March 5^th during 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.

PARISH BABY SHOWER: Sponsored by Brother Vincent Columbiettes this Sunday March 5^th from 12-2 pm at St. Polycarp Mother Drexel Hall.  Supporting the Wilmington Pregnancy Center and the families the center serves.  Please bring your gift unwrapped. NO RSVP NEEDED. Please come support this special event!
Questions? Contact  Linda Montuori at  (302) 270 – 5347 or lindamontuori@yahoo.com

 

PSR – ALL GRADES  – In-Person classes this week.
PSR Grade 2 and ISP – Sacramental Prep meeting for parents at 9am in Room 3.

 

COOKIES! Our Girl Scout Troop will be selling Girl Scout Cookies at the doors of the Church this weekend after Masses.

 

AGAPE RESCHEDULED:  The March Agape scheduled for Sunday, March 5^th, has been rescheduled. This Agape, hosted by the Liturgy Committee, has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 19^th to coincide with the Blessing of the two St. Joseph Statues.   The inside statue of St. Joseph will replace the statue on the St. Joseph’s side in the Sanctuary. The outside statue of St. Joseph will be placed next to the Parish Hall on the South Street side of the building. Please join us for the blessings and Agape.

 

REMINDER: Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.   The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Roman Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.                          ~USCCB

 

Corned Beef & Cabbage on Saint Patrick’s Day? But it’s a Friday in Lent! No problem for area Catholics this year. The Most Rev. William E. Koenig, Bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington, has granted Catholics in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, a dispensation from the obligation to abstain from meat on Saint Patrick’s Day, Friday, March ^17th, 2023. This dispensation is given in recognition of the contributions of Irish immigrants to the life of the Diocese and their indebtedness to St. Patrick for the gift of their Catholic faith. Catholics who take advantage of the dispensation, are encouraged to, “undertake a work of charity, an exercise of piety, or an act of comparable penance on some other occasion during the Third Week of Lent,” according to the dispensation decree. To read the decree CLICK HERE

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER: The Knights of Columbus will again be sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Dinner on Saturday March 18^th after the 4:00 pm Mass. More information will follow with flyers on the bulletin boards and in Sunday bulletins. We again look forward to seeing you at this event.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS & BENEDICTION: Fridays in Lent at 7pm.

 

THE PARISH OFFICE is in need of volunteers to help out at the front desk. Please consider helping in this important role. Various times and dates available. Let us know what is convenient for you!  If you are interested in helping or would like more information, please contact Kathy Watts at the church office 302-653-8279 or via email office@saintpolycarp.org.

 

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Check out our “Bulletin Overflow” to learn about various Lenten activities around the Diocese.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW BULLETIN OVERFLOW

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NEXT WEEKEND, MARCH 11/12 (& Monday, March 13^th –  Friday, March 17^th) 

TIME CHANGES next weekend!!!!  Set clocks forward one hour!

BLESSING OF ALTAR SERVERS AND SACRISTANS takes place next Saturday, March 11^th at the 4:00 pm Mass.

GIRL SCOUT SUNDAY is next Sunday, March 12^th.  Please keep all Girl Scouts and their leaders in your prayers!

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: March 12^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Penny Gugliuzzo. Please arrive 15 minutes before Mass starts to pick up (or drop off) materials in the sacristy.

PSR will be selling chocolate bars at the doors of the Church next weekend after both Masses.

 

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UPCOMING/ONGOING     

SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!  Time to think about ordering your  MEMORIAL BRICK! After the cold dark days of winter, the spring season brings new life; everything comes alive.  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.

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. Please consider this devotion. You can come to the adoration chapel and in the peacefulness there He will speak to your heart, and you will return eagerly because He has so much to share with you. There are hours available on Tuesday, Call or Email Cheryl Thomas; salcrest7@gmail.com, 659-3388

 

FINANCE COUNCIL: The Finance Council is looking to increase its membership. If you would like to be a part of the Finance Council, please reach out to John Fcasni at (609) 529-1986 or john.fcasni@gmail.com.

 

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! Is there someone you would like to invite to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized, or baptized in a non-Catholic Christian tradition? Do you know someone who needs Confirmation and/or First Eucharist? Perhaps, the Catholic faith can fulfill their desires for a closer relationship with Our Lord. Then, the RCIA process is for them. Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information. DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) takes place on the first and third Sundays of the month during 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. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Erica Taylor at (302) 653-4101. Next CLOW – Sunday, March 5^th at the 10:30 am Mass.

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/  Penny Gugliuzzo; March 12^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Neda Biggs; March 26^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Laura Pajerowski, April 16^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Pete Sanphy

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!

                                                                               

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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

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FROM THE DIOCESE:     

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday, March 4^th,  Marlene Watkins will discuss her book, “Everyday Miracles of Lourdes”,  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.

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LET US PRAY: 

Dear God,
You teach us the Corporal Works of Mercy so that we can live out the lessons of Christ in today’s world. During this Season of Lent, help us to live your teachings throughout our families, our communities and the world. Amen.

The Corporal Works of Mercy are acts of love that address the physical and material needs of others. The Corporal Works of Mercy are:

• Feed the hungry.
• Give drink to the thirsty.
• Shelter the homeless.
• Visit the sick.
• Visit the imprisoned.
• Bury the dead.
• Give alms to the poor.

To learn more about the Corporal Works of Mercy CLICK HERE

1^st Sunday of Lent

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~Like Adam and Eve, what lies do you believe about God that tempt you to doubt his goodness?
~ When are you most tempted?
~ How has Scripture helped you in the face of temptation?
(Pastoral Liturgy)

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022623.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 .       BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE

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THIS WEEKEND, FEBRUARY 25/26  (& Monday, February 27^th –  Friday, March 3^rd)  

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Tomorrow, February 25^th at the 4 pm Mass –  Penny Gugliuzzo. Please arrive 15 minutes before Mass starts to pick up (or drop off) materials in the sacristy.

 

RSVP BY FEBRUARY 25^TH – You are invited to a Parish Baby Shower: Sponsored by Brother Vincent Columbiettes on March 5^th from 12-2 pm at St. Polycarp Mother Drexel Hall.  Supporting the Wilmington Pregnancy Center and the families the center serves.  Please bring your gift unwrapped. RSVP to Linda Montouri at 302-270-5347 or lindamontouri@yahoo.com by February 25^th.

 

PSR GRADE P/K AND GRADE 1, STUDENTS AND FAMILIES attend 10:30 am Mass, this Sunday, February 26th.

PSR – ALL GRADES  – IN Person classes this week.

CRS RICE BOWLS will be available this weekend at the doors of the Church.  Each Lent, Catholic families across the country unite to put their faith into action through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  Through the CRS (Catholic Relief Services) Rice Bowl program, families learn about how our sisters and brothers across the globe overcome hardships like hunger and malnutrition, and how through Lenten alms, we have the power to make the world a better place for all. For more information, visit https://www.crsricebowl.org/. Return your Rice Bowl to the Church at the end of Lent.  Thank you for considering the needs of your neighbors!

THE DIALOG: Newspaper of the Diocese.  Pick-up the newest edition as you leave Church today.

Many thanks to all who helped with the Shrove Pancake Dinner. Without the participation of our Brother Knights and the help of our volunteers, events like the Shrove Pancake dinner cannot happen. There was a great turn out, with delicious pancakes, sausages, and Edible Temptations (desserts).

 

PSR WORLD’S FINEST CHOCOLATE : The PSR Candy Sale was a success!!! Thank you so much to those who supported us! If you haven’t picked up your chocolate yet, we ate it!  Just kidding! Bars may be picked up at the Parish Office between 9 am and 3 pm, Mondays to Fridays; or contact Erica Taylor, CRE at (302) 653-8279 or dre@saintpolycarp.org ; or at your child’s next in-person PSR class.

 

REMINDER: Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.   The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Roman Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.                          ~USCCB

STATIONS OF THE CROSS & BENEDICTION: Fridays in Lent at 7pm.

 

VESTMENTS MAINTENANCE COORDIANTOR:
Are you looking for a way to help the Parish? Do you have a few hours to spare on a limited basis? Well, we have just the opportunity for you!  The vestments worn by Father Jim and Deacon Frank are routinely dry cleaned and we need a volunteer to help facilitate this vital duty.  If interested, please call Kathy Curlett at 302 222 9326 for more information.

 

THE PARISH OFFICE is in need of volunteers to help out at the front desk. Various times and dates available. Let us know what is convenient for you! Please consider helping in this important role. If you are interested in helping or would like more information, please contact Kathy Watts at the church office 302-653-8279 or via email office@saintpolycarp.org.

 

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Check out our “Bulletin Overflow” to learn about various Lenten activities around the Diocese.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW BULLETIN OVERFLOW

 

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NEXT WEEKEND, MARCH 4/5 (& Monday, March 6^th –  Friday, March 10^th) 

COOKIES! Our Girl Scout Troop will be selling Girl Scout Cookies at the doors of the Church next weekend after Masses.

 

AGAPE RESCHEDULED:  The March Agape scheduled for Sunday, March 5^th, has been rescheduled. This Agape, hosted by the Liturgy Committee, has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 19^th to coincide with the Blessing of the two St. Joseph Statues.   The inside statue of St. Joseph will replace the statue on the St. Joseph’s side in the Sanctuary. The outside statue of St. Joseph will be placed next to the Parish Hall on the South Street side of the building. Please join us for the blessings and Agape.

The SECOND COLLECTION next weekend, March 4^th and 5^th, is for Catholic Relief Services and Church in Latin America.  This collection allows the Church to help our neighbors around the world.  Please be as generous as your means allow.  THANK YOU!

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) will take place on Sunday, March 5^th during 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.

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UPCOMING/ONGOING     

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER: The Knights of Columbus will again be sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Dinner on Saturday March 18^th after the 4:00 pm Mass. More information will follow with flyers on the bulletin boards and in Sunday bulletins. We again look forward to seeing you at this event.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE: The Parish & Family Life would love to have your participation by representing our Parish by either walking with our Banner or helping/making a Parade Float.  Please contact Chairperson Deanna Lail at dlail14@comcast.net or (302) 535 – 2957. The Parade is March 12^th, 2023. Line-up at St. Polycarp. Parade begins at 2:00 pm

 

SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!  Time to think about ordering your  MEMORIAL BRICK! After the cold dark days of winter, the spring season brings new life; everything comes alive.  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.

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. Please consider this devotion. You can come to the adoration chapel and in the peacefulness there He will speak to your heart, and you will return eagerly because He has so much to share with you. There are hours available on Tuesday, Call or Email Cheryl Thomas; salcrest7@gmail.com, 659-3388

 

FINANCE COUNCIL: The Finance Council is looking to increase its membership. If you would like to be a part of the Finance Council, please reach out to John Fcasni at (609) 529-1986 or john.fcasni@gmail.com.

 

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! Is there someone you would like to invite to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized, or baptized in a non-Catholic Christian tradition? Do you know someone who needs Confirmation and/or First Eucharist? Perhaps, the Catholic faith can fulfill their desires for a closer relationship with Our Lord. Then, the RCIA process is for them. Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information. DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) takes place on the first and third Sundays of the month during 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. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Erica Taylor at (302) 653-4101. Next CLOW – Sunday, March 5^th at the 10:30 am Mass.

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/  February 25^th at the 4 pm Mass –  Penny Gugliuzzo; March 12^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Neda Biggs; March 26^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Laura Pajerowski, April 16^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Pete Sanphy

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!

                                                                               

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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

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FROM THE DIOCESE:     

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday, February 25^h,  Learn about the Miraculous Medal Shrine in Philadelphia  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.

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LET US PRAY: 

Lord,
May your light guide my day and your Spirit bring me peace.
Amen