2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ Do you consider that you have a responsibility to be a light for others?
~ Is God’s will a regular consideration in your life?
                                     ~ What does it mean to keep God’s law in your heart?
(Pastoral Liturgy)

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011523.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

THIS WEEKEND, JANUARY 14/15 (& week of January 15) 

PSR CLASSES – ONLINE LESSONS THIS WEEK. No in-person classes for Grades PK-8 this Sunday/Tuesday, January 15/17.

CHURCH CALENDARS are available at the doors of the Church.

SECOND COLLECTION this week is for Catholic University and Catholic Communications.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) takes place THIS Sunday, January 15  during the 10:30 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.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: This Sunday, January 15 at the 10:30 am Mass – Hogrebe Family. Please arrive 15 minutes before your Mass time and pick up materials in the sacristy.

PARISH APPRECIATION NIGHT: Time again for our Parish to say “thank you” to its many volunteers. If you are active in a church organization or serve in any ministry, the parish would like to invite you to a parish appreciation evening in the Parish Hall on Saturday, February 18, 2023, following our 4:00 PM Mass. The appreciation committee has been working to plan a wonderful, enjoyable evening. RSVP REQUIRED. Seating is limited, so reserve your seats today using this QR code, the link below or by calling Kathy Curlett at 302 222 9326.   https://forms.gle/kvRVfNUABkEVu4nj9

2022 Tax Statements will be sent out via email during the third week of January.
If you do not receive one within a reasonable timeframe, then please contact the office.

RESPECT LIFE: The Respect Life Ministry will have a guest speaker from New Day Pregnancy Center at our Tuesday, February 7^th, meeting. If you are interested in attending, please email: eckard.margie@gmail.com. We need a head count by Friday, January 27^th.  Thank you.

The parish office is in need of volunteers to help out at the front desk on Wednesday mornings from 9 am to noon, and Friday afternoons from noon to 3 pm.  If you are willing and able we would greatly appreciate your assistance in this ministry.  Please contact Kathy Watts at the church office 302-653-8279 or via email office@saintpolycarp.org for further information.

FORMED: If you would like to learn more about Pope Benedict XVI, you will want to watch Benedict XVI – A Love Affair with the Truth. This video on FORMED explores Joseph Ratzinger’s early life in war-torn Germany, his early friendship and collaboration with Pope John Paul II, his rise to the Papacy, and his philosophy and life as a leader of the Catholic Church. https://watch.formed.org/videos/benedict-xvi-a-love-affair-with-the-truth

REMEMBERING POPE BENEDICT XVI:  Make sure to pick up a copy of The Dialog as you leave Mass this weekend. This week’s edition contains a section
entitled “POPE BENEDICT XVI REMEMBERED”. Please keep Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in your Prayers.

NEXT WEEKEND WEEKEND, JANUARY 21/22 (& week of January 22) 

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE for SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Our Knights of Columbus will once again be collecting donations to support this annual plunge for Special Olympics. Collection to support this event will take place outside the Church doors next weekend, January 21^st and 22^nd after both Masses. Your generous donations should be placed in an envelope marked Polar Bear Plunge or Special Olympics and then placed in the collection basket or given to one of the Knights and their families on your way out the door.  (Checks should be made out to Knights of Columbus-Brother Vincent Council.) The Plunge will occur on February 5^th at 1 pm in Rehoboth Beach.

The Blessing of Lectors will take place next Saturday, January 21^st, at the 4 pm Mass.              

STUFF THE TRUCK: January 21, 2023 10 am – 4pm at the First Presbyterian Church. Collecting: Supplies for Code Purple – hats, sweaters, long underwear, new socks in bags, gloves, sleeping bags, backpacks, etc.;Non-Perishable Food for the Smyrna-Clayton Food Pantry – Hot & cold cereals, Peanut Butter, Canned fruits, canned meats, canned vegetables, spaghetti sauce, etc.; Used Eyeglasses for re-use.  CLICK HERE to see flyer    
 

UPCOMING/ONGOING       

SOUP AND BAKE SALE – BVM Sodality will be holding their annual Soup & Bake Sale following Masses the weekend of January 28 & 29.  Please stop by Mother Drexel Hall to pick up some delicious soups & some tasty treats!  Thank you for supporting the Sodality!

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, January 15th 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/  Sunday, January 15, 10:30 am Mass – Hogrebe Family; Sunday January 29, 10:30 am – Stephanie Roch

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

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

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

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

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

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

USEFUL LINKS:

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

FROM THE DIOCESE:     

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday January 14th, learn about the new book, “The Prayer Book for Tired Parents” by Debbie and David Cowden.  A 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: 

Father and maker of all, 
you adorn all creation
 with splendor and beauty, 
and fashion human lives 
in your image and likeness. 
Awaken in every heart 
reverence for the work of your hands,
 and renew among your people
 a readiness to nurture and sustain
 your precious gift of life. Grant this through our Lord
 Jesus Christ, your Son,
 who lives and reigns with you in 
the unity of the Holy Spirit,
 God forever and ever.
 Amen   (USCCB)

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ How can your parish reach out in service with fellow Christians in your community?
~ During Advent and Christmas Time, has your faith journey led you to see places where Christ’s light is shining?
~ During these seasons, have you found ways to be Christ’s light to others?
(Pastoral Liturgy)

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010823.cfm

LIVE-STREAMING: PLEASE NOTE: We are experiencing some technical issues with our live streaming. We hope to live stream at 4pm on Saturday. Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays. (Mass from the Cathedral of St. Peter in Wilmington may be viewed on live stream at 9:30 am on Sunday at www.cdow.org.)

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

WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE .       BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE

THIS WEEKEND, JANUARY 7/8 (& week of January 8) 

CHURCH CALENDARS are available at the doors of the Church.

SECOND COLLECTION this week is for our Parish School of Religion (PSR). Thank you for your continued generosity in supporting the religious education of our youth.

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON will end on Monday, January 9^th with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. May the joy and peace of Christmas remain with you all year long!

CHURCH ENVELOPES – We have been notified that due to the winter storm there has been a delay in the delivery of the offering envelopes.  If you could temporarily please place your offering in a regular envelope and put your full name and address (if you know your envelope number, please add that as well) on the front of the envelope until they arrive, we would greatly appreciate it.  Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.

NEXT WEEKEND WEEKEND, JANUARY 14/15 (& week of January 15) 

COME TO THE BROTHER VINCENT CHUCK WAGON!  January 14^th Dinner and Show (5:30-9 pm in the hall), sponsored by the Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes. The show features The Legends of Country Music – Sean Jamison and Jenna Young with Country Music. Tickets are $40.00 each. Tickets may be purchased by check (made payable to Brother Vincent Council), by credit card through Faith Direct CLICK HERE, or by using the QR code. Have questions? Contact: Dennis Skinner papaskinz@yahoo.com or (302) 981 – 8743.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) takes place next Sunday, January 15  during the 10:30 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.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Next Sunday, January 15 at the 10:30 am Mass – Hogrebe Family. Please arrive 15 minutes before your Mass time and pick up materials in the sacristy.

THE PARISH APPRECIATION DINNER IS BACK! If you are active in a church organization or serve in any ministry at Saint Polycarp Parish, the parish would like to show their appreciation by inviting you to the Parish Appreciation Dinner. This year the event will take place on Saturday, February 18, 2023, following the 4 pm Mass. Seating will be limited, so reserve your spot today. You may make your reservations using the link  below or simply scan the QR code. Not a fan of online formats? Call Kathy Curlett at (302) 222 – 9326  to reserve your seats.   https://forms.gle/kvRVfNUABkEVu4nj9

2022 Tax Statements will be sent out via email during the third week of January.
If you do not receive one within a reasonable timeframe, then please contact the office.

UPCOMING/ONGOING       

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 this Sunday during the 10:30 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, January 15th 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/  
Sunday, January 15, 10:30 am Mass – Hogrebe Family; Sunday January 29, 10:30 am – Stephanie Roch

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

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

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

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

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

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

USEFUL LINKS:

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

FROM THE DIOCESE:     

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday January 7th. tune-in to hear an interview with Allison Gingras, author of the new book, “Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God.: A 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:   Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, 265^th Pope of the Catholic Church.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger on April 16, 1927 passed into eternal life on December 31, 2022
Pope Benedict’s election as Pope occurred in the 2005 papal conclave that followed the death of Pope John Paul II. Pope Benedict chose to be known by the title “pope emeritus” upon his resignation on February 28, 2013.

If you would like to learn more about Pope Benedict XVI, you will want to watch “Benedict XVI – A Love Affair with the Truth” on FORMED.  This video explores Joseph Ratzinger’s early life in war-torn Germany, his early friendship and collaboration with Pope John Paul II, his rise to the Papacy, and his philosophy and life as a leader of the Catholic Church.

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ When do you see God’s blessings in your life?
~ When do you reflect upon God’s presence in the world?
~ Do you tell others of the ways that you have seen and heard God manifested?
(Pastoral Liturgy)

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010123.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. (Christmas Eve – 4pm)

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

WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE .       BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE

THIS WEEKEND, DECEMBER 31/JANUARY 1 (& week of January 1) 

THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY,  HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
New Year’s Day
MASS SCHEDULE:
Saturday, December 31^st, at 4 pm (Blessing of Calendars)
Sunday, January 1^st, at 10 am       (not 10:30)

THE BLESSING OF CALENDARS takes place this Saturday, December 31st, at the 4pm Mass. Special thanks to Matthews – Bryson Funeral Home & Cremation Services for once again donating our beautiful Church calendars!

CHRISTMAS IS MORE THAN JUST 1 DAY! THE CHRISTMAS SEASON began on Saturday, December 24^th with the Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, and will end on Monday, January 9^th with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

OFFICE CLOSED: The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, January 2^nd.

CHURCH ENVELOPES – We have been notified that due to the winter storm there has been a delay in the delivery of the offering envelopes.  If you could temporarily please place your offering in a regular envelope and put your full name and address (if you know your envelope number, please add that as well) on the front of the envelope until they arrive, we would greatly appreciate it.  Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.

COME TO THE BROTHER VINCENT CHUCK WAGON! Tickets for the January 14^th Dinner and Show (5:30-9 pm in the hall), sponsored by the Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes, are on sale this weekend after Masses at the Church exits. The show features The Legends of Country Music – Sean Jamison and Jenna Young with Country Music. Tickets are $40.00 each. Tickets may be purchased by check (made payable to Brother Vincent Council), by credit card through Faith Direct CLICK HERE, or by using this QR code. 

THE PARISH APPRECIATION DINNER IS BACK! If you are active in a church organization or serve in any ministry at Saint Polycarp Parish, the parish would like to show their appreciation by inviting you to the Parish Appreciation Dinner. This year the event will take place on Saturday, February 18, 2023, following the 4 pm Mass. Seating will be limited, so reserve your spot today. You may make your reservations using the link  below or simply scan the QR code. Not a fan of online formats? Call Kathy Curlett at (302) 222 – 9326  to reserve your seats.   https://forms.gle/kvRVfNUABkEVu4nj9

UPCOMING/ONGOING       

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 takes place this Sunday during the 10:30 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.

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.

MARCH FOR LIFE: January 20, 2023. The right to life is a human right. Our defense of that right is a joyful witness to the beauty and dignity of every human person. St. Joseph the Apostle Church in Milford has a bus going to the March for Life. The cost is $15 per seat. Reservations must be made by January 6th. The contact person is Ramone Quinene, 302-423-1525.

The March for Life is an inspiring, peaceful, vibrant, and joy-filled rally of women, men, young people, and children from all across the country. Every year, tens of thousands of pro-lifers converge on the National Mall and march on Capitol Hill on the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling which legalized abortion in all 50 states. It’s the largest annual human rights demonstration in the world. But this is not just a protest… TOGETHER, WE GATHER TO CELEBRATE LIFE. We celebrate each and every life, from the moment of conception. We envision a world where every life is celebrated, valued, and protected.

REMINDER ABOUT THE PARKING: Please do not park in front of the dumpsters on Monday through Friday.  This prevents the Waste Management Collection and the Recycling Collection from being picked up.  Please make sure all visitors are aware of this!  Thank you for your cooperation!

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.

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

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

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

USEFUL LINKS:

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

FROM THE DIOCESE:     

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday December 31^st. tune-in to hear an interview with Jeremy Christiansen, author of the new book, “From the Susquehanna to the Tiber: A Memoir of Conversion from Mormonism to the Roman Catholic Church.” 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:     New Year’s Prayer

As the dawn breaks on a new year, let us give thanks for all we hold dear: our health, our family and our friends.
Let us release our grudges, our anger and our pains, for these are nothing but binding chains.
Let us live each day in the most loving ways, the God-conscious way.
Let us serve all who are in need, regardless of race, color or creed.
Let us keep God of our own understanding in our hearts and to chant God’s name each day.
Let us lead the world from darkness to light, from falsehood to truth and from wrong to right.
Let us remember that we are all one, embracing all, discriminating against none.
May your year be filled with peace, prosperity and love.
May God’s blessings shower upon you and bestow upon each of you a bright, healthy and peaceful new year.

(www.xavier.edu)

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE –  QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ Which name of Jesus resonates with you – Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace?
~ During Christmas Time, can you make time to consider our call to justice?
~ Why do you think that the infant Jesus was born to a poor couple in a meager stable?
(Pastoral Liturgy)

Fr. Jim, Deacon Frank, Erica Taylor (CRE) and the staff here at St. Polycarp wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year! May you be blessed with hope, peace and love this Christmas and in the New Year. Enjoy one another, be kind to one another, spread love to all those you meet and remember the true meaning of Christmas…

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122522.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. (Christmas Eve – 4pm)

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

WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE .       BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE

OFFICE CLOSED: The Parish Office will close at noon on Thursday, December 22^nd, and remain closed through Monday, December 26^th.

There are no Confessions on Saturday, December 24.

THIS WEEKEND, DECEMBER 24/25 (& week of December 25)  There are no Confessions on Saturday, December 24.

St. Polycarp:
Saturday, December 24 at 4 pm (Live Streamed)
Children’s Nativity Pageant follows the 4pm Mass – see below*
Saturday, December 24 at 9 pm
Sunday, December 25 at 10 am

St. Dennis:
Saturday, December 24 at 4 pm
Saturday, December 24 at 6 pm (Spanish)
Sunday, December 25 at 10 am

* O Come, O Come Emmanuel: We are happy to announce that our PSR students will once again be performing our annual Nativity Pageant immediately following the 4 pm Christmas Eve Mass. All are welcome to join us! Our 1^st and 2^nd graders will surely put you into the Christmas Spirit with their lively personalities and the jolly songs they sing!!! Merry Christmas to all!

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS & NOVENA
Gifts are usually given at the birth of a child. Let us generously give the Holy Family beautiful flowers representing the intentions of our loved ones. Christmas is a magical time of year for LOVE and PEACE and time to reflect and BELIEVE that God gave us His Son to be with us always. There is much comfort in knowing that God loves us unconditionally. Share the joy of Christmas by adding all your loved ones to our Christmas Novena of Masses. Envelopes are available at the doors of the Church.

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is the Christmas Offering.

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.

EARLY SUBMISSION DATES FOR THE WEEKLY BULLETIN:  Early submission dates have been set by our bulletin publisher for the holiday season. All submissions that you would like to appear in the bulletin will need to be submitted earlier. These dates seem weeks away but they will be here before we know it. Plan now and submit early.   Bulletin Date January 8, submit by December 28th.

COME TO THE BROTHER VINCENT CHUCK WAGON! Tickets for the January 14^th Dinner and Show (5:30-9 pm in the hall), sponsored by the Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes, are on sale this weekend after Masses at the Church exits. The show features The Legends of Country Music – Sean Jamison and Jenna Young with Country Music. Tickets are $40.00 each. Tickets may be purchased by check (made payable to Brother Vincent Council), by credit card through Faith Direct CLICK HERE, or by using this QR code. 

NEXT WEEKEND, DECEMBER 31/January 1 (& week of January 1)           

THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY,  HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
New Year’s Day
MASS SCHEDULE:
Saturday, December 31^st, at 4 pm (Blessing of Calendars)
Sunday, January 1^st, at 10 am       (not 10:30)

UPCOMING/ONGOING       

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD takes place this Sunday during the 10:30 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.

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/  

SIGNAGE COORDINATOR NEEDED
Are you looking for an opportunity to serve our parish and help fellow parishioners navigate our campus? The Pastoral Council is searching for a volunteer to coordinate the Parish Signage project.  This person will work with Father Jim and the Pastoral Council to assess the signage needs for our campus and to facilitate the implementation of this project. If interested, please contact Kathy Curlett at kathleencurlett19@gmail.com.  

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.

MARCH FOR LIFE: January 20, 2023. The right to life is a human right. Our defense of that right is a joyful witness to the beauty and dignity of every human person. St. Joseph the Apostle Church in Milford has a bus going to the March for Life. The cost is $15 per seat. Reservations must be made by January 6th. The contact person is Ramone Quinene, 302-423-1525.

The March for Life is an inspiring, peaceful, vibrant, and joy-filled rally of women, men, young people, and children from all across the country. Every year, tens of thousands of pro-lifers converge on the National Mall and march on Capitol Hill on the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling which legalized abortion in all 50 states. It’s the largest annual human rights demonstration in the world. But this is not just a protest… TOGETHER, WE GATHER TO CELEBRATE LIFE. We celebrate each and every life, from the moment of conception. We envision a world where every life is celebrated, valued, and protected.

REMINDER ABOUT THE PARKING: Please do not park in front of the dumpsters on Monday through Friday.  This prevents the Waste Management Collection and the Recycling Collection from being picked up.  Please make sure all visitors are aware of this!  Thank you for your cooperation!

FROM OUR BROTHER VINCENT COUNCIL #7517 – KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FUNDRAISER You can help our Knights as they work to help our church and community by purchasing these premium nuts, gourmet confections and sweet and savory snack mixes. They make great gifts. Orders shipped right to your door! A portion of every product sold benefits Brother Vincent Council #7517. Our fundraiser will continue until we reach our goal!  Please support your Council.  To order visit https://council-7517-kofC.terrilynn.com

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.

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

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

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

USEFUL LINKS:

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

FROM THE DIOCESE:     

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday December 24th. we will feature Bishop William Koenig’s Christmas message to the people of the Diocese of Wilmington.  Due to special programming, Catholic Forum will not air on Relevant Radio 640 on Christmas Eve, however; you can listen online any time after 2:00 p.m. 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:

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE –  QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ Each of us is called to be holy.  How can you nurture that call?
~ As Christmas nears, what can you do to set aside space to notice the presence of God?
~ What circumstance in your life is calling you to trust in God?
(Pastoral Liturgy)

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121822.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

THIS WEEKEND, DECEMBER 17/18 (& week of December 18)

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD takes place this Sunday during the 10:30 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.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: This Sunday, December 18 at the 10:30 am Mass – Bobeck Family. Please arrive 15 minutes before your Mass time and pick up materials in the sacristy.

BREAKFAST WITH JESUS: THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18^TH FOLLOWING MASS: Come enjoy “Breakfast with Jesus” and share the blessings of the season with each other as we await the coming of our Lord! Breakfast hosted by the Knights of Columbus. There will be photo opportunities!  Hope to see you there!

COME TO THE BROTHER VINCENT CHUCK WAGON! Tickets for the January 14^th Dinner and Show (5:30-9 pm in the hall), sponsored by the Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes, are on sale this weekend after Masses at the Church exits. The show features The Legends of Country Music – Sean Jamison and Jenna Young with Country Music. Tickets are $40.00 each. Tickets may be purchased by check (made payable to Brother Vincent Council), by credit card through Faith Direct CLICK HERE, or by using this QR code. 

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS: There is a limited supply of Christmas Ornaments available for purchase this weekend at the Breakfast with Jesus. Come check them out! Ornaments are $15. Thank you for supporting PSR.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS & NOVENA
Gifts are usually given at the birth of a child. Let us generously give the Holy Family beautiful flowers representing the intentions of our loved ones. Christmas is a magical time of year for LOVE and PEACE and time to reflect and BELIEVE that God gave us His Son to be with us always. There is much comfort in knowing that God loves us unconditionally. Share the joy of Christmas by adding all your loved ones to our Christmas Novena of Masses. Envelopes are available at the doors of the Church.

OFFICE CLOSED: The Parish Office will close at noon on Thursday, December 22^nd, and remain closed through Monday, December 26^th.

SIGNAGE COORDINATOR NEEDED
Are you looking for an opportunity to serve our parish and help fellow parishioners navigate our campus? The Pastoral Council is searching for a volunteer to coordinate the Parish Signage project.  This person will work with Father Jim and the Pastoral Council to assess the signage needs for our campus and to facilitate the implementation of this project. If interested, please contact Kathy Curlett at kathleencurlett19@gmail.com.

EARLY SUBMISSION DATES FOR THE WEEKLY BULLETIN:  Early submission dates have been set by our bulletin publisher for the holiday season. All submissions that you would like to appear in the bulletin will need to be submitted earlier. These dates seem weeks away but they will be here before we know it. Plan now and submit early.   Bulletin Date January 8, submit by December 28th.

NEXT WEEKEND, DECEMBER 24/25 (& week of December 25)           There are no Confessions on Saturday, December 24.

St. Polycarp:
Saturday, December 24 at 4 pm (Followed by the Children’s Christmas Pageant – see below*)
Saturday, December 24 at 9 pm
Sunday, December 25 at 10 am

St. Dennis:
Saturday, December 24 at 4 pm
Saturday, December 24 at 6 pm (Hispanic)
Sunday, December 25 at 10 am

* O Come, O Come Emmanuel: We are happy to announce that our PSR students will once again be performing our annual Nativity Pageant immediately following the 4 pm Christmas Eve Mass. All are welcome to join us! Our 1^st and 2^nd graders will surely put you into the Christmas Spirit with their lively personalities and the jolly songs they sing!!! Merry Christmas to all!

UPCOMING/ONGOING

 THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY,  HOLY MOTHER OF GOD (New Year’s Day) – MASS SCHEDULE:
Saturday, December 31^st, at 4 pm (Blessing of Calendars)
Sunday, January 1^st, at 10 am                           

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.

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.

REMINDER ABOUT THE PARKING
Please do not park in front of the dumpsters on Monday through Friday.  This prevents the Waste Management Collection and the Recycling Collection from being picked up.  Please make sure all visitors are aware of this!  Thank you for your cooperation!

FROM OUR BROTHER VINCENT COUNCIL #7517 – KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FUNDRAISER You can help our Knights as they work to help our church and community by purchasing these premium nuts, gourmet confections and sweet and savory snack mixes. They make great gifts. Orders shipped right to your door! A portion of every product sold benefits Brother Vincent Council #7517. Delivery is no longer guaranteed for the holidays, but our fundraiser will continue until we reach our goal!  Please support your Council.  To order visit https://council-7517-kofC.terrilynn.com

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.

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/  December 18 at the 10:30 Mass – Bobeck

VIA CRUCIS: (The Way of the Cross – Lent 2023)The Via Crucis was first presented in St. Anthony of Padua Church in 1933.  It was revived in 1961 and has been presented continuously from 1961 to the present. All grade-school age to college-age boys and girls are welcome to participate..  The presentation is open to participants from any parish. Bring along your friends and relatives as well!  NEW VIRTUAL SIGN-UPS HAVE BEGUN: stanthony.viacrucis@gmail.com. Please include name, age and contact information. For more information CLICK HERE

IS THAT YOU, FR. JIM? If you receive emails or texts from Fr. Jim asking for favors 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.

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

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

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

USEFUL LINKS:

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

FROM THE DIOCESE:     

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On the December 17th edition of Catholic Forum, Susan De Bartoli will discuss Christmas in Italy, Father Carlos Ochoa will tell us about Christmas in Mexico, and Father Volodymyr Klanichka will tell us about Ukrainian Christmas. 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: