Judy Lamborn – Page 24 – Saint Polycarp Church

Weekend Update December 10/11

December 9, 2022

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ How does your parish help members realize their mission to seek justice for the oppressed?
~ Which virtues have you tried to cultivate in yourself this Advent?
~ What good works do you see lived out in your community that tell of Christ’s presence in the world?

GAUDETE SUNDAY – REJOICE!

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121122.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.
Thank you for your patience as we experienced some issues last week with our live stream.

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

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

THIS WEEKEND, DECEMBER 10/11 (& week of December 11)

The BLESSING OF USHERS and GREETERS will take place this Sunday, December 11th, during the 10:30 am Mass.

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS: There is a limited supply of Christmas Ornaments available for purchase this weekend after both Masses at the doors of the Church. They are beautiful!
Come check them out! Ornaments are $15. If you already ordered one, see Erica at the front doors for pickup. As always, 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.

DEANERY ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE will be held this Thursday, December 15^that 7 pm, at Holy Cross Church in Dover.
Several priests will be available to hear confessions. Need a refresher? CLICK HERE

THE DEACON CHARLIE MEMORIAL ADVENT POSTER CONTEST: This is an annual event that our students participate in each year. Each poster was special in its own way which made it very difficult for Deacon Charlie’s family to choose the winners. Make sure you stop by the hall during the month of December to check out the wonderful display of posters! The winners will be showcased in the bulletin and will be at the Church doors for all to see! To see the 3rd Place poster and Honorable Mention poster, visit this weekend’s bulletin! https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf

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 1, submit by Thursday, December 15; Bulletin Date January 8, submit by December 28th.

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

BREAKFAST WITH JESUS: 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!

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
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

COME TO THE BROTHER VINCENT CHUCK WAGON! Tickets for the January 14^th Dinner and Show, 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.

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 on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month 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.

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.

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 BEGINNNING —December 16th, 2023 AT 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 Saturday December 10th, Teresa Brown from the Catholic Publishers Association will tell us about some of the great new Catholic Advent and Christmas books that are on the market. 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 symbolism of the Advent wreath is quite beautiful. The circle of the wreath, with no beginning or end and made with evergreens, represents eternity and the everlasting life found in Christ.
The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent whose progressive lighting expresses the expectation and hope surrounding the coming of the Messiah. There are different systems of considering the four weeks. For example, Week 1 evokes the patriarchs and the virtue of hope. Week 2 recalls the prophets and peace. Week 3 recalls John the Baptist and joy while Week 4 presents the figure of Mary and the virtue of love.

Week 3: Light the first and second purple candles and the pink candle

Scripture Reflection: “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Luke 2:20

*pause for reflection

Advent Wreath Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. Amen.

https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/advent/advent-wreath-prayers.html

Weekend Update December 3/4

December 2, 2022

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ How can your parish help members unite with the poor?
~ How does your parish welcome people with genuine concern?
~ What good fruit is being produced this Advent as you prepare to welcome the Lord?
(Pastoral Liturgy)

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120422.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

THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION – A Holy Day of Obligation.
Thursday, December 8^th, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
MASSES FOR THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
St. Polycarp: Wednesday, December 7 at 6:30 pm & Thursday, December 8 at 8:30 am
St. Dennis: Thursday, December 8 at 8:30 am & 6:30 pm

Readings for the Immaculate Conception: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120822.cfm
(There will be a collection at all of the Masses for the Immaculate Conception. Thank you!)

FROM OUR BROTHER VINCENT COUNCIL #7517 – KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FUNDRAISER – TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER if you would like to receive your treats for Christmas! 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. This fundraiser continues, so you can still order. Please support your Council. To order visit https://council-7517-kofC.terrilynn.com

THIS WEEKEND, DECEMBER 3/4 (& week of December 4)

Our Giving Tree Committee coordinates the Christmas gifts for needy children in our community. Please return gifts to the Parish Hall no later than Sunday, December 4^th. Questions? Contact Fran Walls at (302) 653 – 1450. Thank You!

COME ONE – COME ALL! COLUMBIETTES COOKIE WALK 2022: After Masses this weekend!
Homemade cookies lovingly baked by our Columbiettes!
Many varieties to tickle your taste buds! One dollar per bag!

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD takes place this Sunday, December 4, during the 10:30 am Mass. All children ages PreK – 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 BLESSING OF SODALISTS will take place this Sunday, December 4th, during the 10:30 am Mass.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: This Sunday, December 4 at the 10:30 am Mass – Brink Family. Please arrive 15 minutes before your Mass time and pick up materials in the sacristy.

AGAPE: Come join us this Sunday, December 4^th, following the 10:30am Mass for Agape. We gather together to enjoy food, fellowship and fun!

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS: The PSR Christmas Ornaments have arrived and they are BEAUTIFUL! If you ordered an ornament, you can pick it up at this Sunday’s Agape.
If you wished you had purchased one, but missed the deadline, you’re in luck! We will be selling ornaments at the Agape too.
Come check them out! Ornaments are $15. As always, thank you for supporting PSR.

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is for the Retirement Fund for Religious. Aging religious need your help. Senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests have offered their lives in service to others — educating the young, comforting the sick, and seeking justice for the oppressed. Today, many are frail, elderly, and in need of assistance. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious helps to furnish medications, nursing care, and other necessities. Please give generously to today’s second collection. For more information, visit cdow.org/ReligiousRetirementFund or RetiredReligious.org

PARISH APPRECIATION DINNER ~ Planning Meeting – December 7: Mark your calendars! We have been waiting several years, but the Parish Appreciation Dinner is back. The Pastoral Council is planning a celebration for Saturday, February 18, 2023, after the 4 pm Mass. Check the bulletin and weekly updates for more information. Our first planning meeting is on Wednesday, December 7^th, at 5 pm, in the library. Please contact Kathy Curlett (kathleencurlett19@gmail.com), if interested in attending this first meeting. We are looking forward to honoring our parishioners who volunteer in the many ministries here at Saint Polycarp Parish.

THE SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY – 2022 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GIFT PROGRAM: Our St. Vincent de Paul Society members are asking Parishioners, if they are able, to please donate a turkey or ham. Gift cards are also greatly appreciated; however, the maximum dollar amount is $30.00. On Thursday evening, December 8^th, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, kindly bring your frozen turkey, ham or gift card to St. Polycarp’s Church Parking Lot. If anyone knows of anybody who would like to have a turkey, ham and/or gift card please call Saint Vincent de Paul at (302) 264 – 6630. Saint Vincent de Paul members will deliver the turkeys and gift cards to children and families on Saturday, December 10^th, between 9 am and 12 noon. You must be home to receive these gifts.

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.

WINNER OF PARKING SPOT: We have a winner! The highest bidder in our annual parking spot auction wishes to remain anonymous and would like the parking spot to go to Deacon Frank Weber in gratitude for his ministry here at St. Polycarp. Enjoy the parking spot for another year, Deacon Frank! Thanks to everyone who submitted a bid.

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 December 18, submit by noon Monday, December 5; Bulletin Date December 25, submit by noon Friday, December 9; Bulletin Date January 1, submit by Thursday, December 15; Bulletin Date January 8, submit by December 28th.

NEXT WEEKEND, DECEMBER 10/11 (& week of December 11)

The BLESSING OF USHERS and GREETERS will take place next Sunday, December 11th, during the 10:30 am Mass.

DEANERY ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE will be held on Thursday, December 15^that 7 pm, at Holy Cross Church in Dover.
Several priests will be available to hear confessions.

St. Polycarp:
Saturday, December 24 at 4 pm
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
Sunday, December 25 at 10 am

UPCOMING/ONGOING

BREAKFAST WITH JESUS: Sunday, December 18th following the 10:30 Mass in the hall. Come enjoy “Breakfast with Jesus” and share the blessings of the season with each other as we await the coming of our Lord! Hosted by our wonderful Knights of Columbus! There will be photo opportunities for all! Hope to see you there!

COME TO THE BROTHER VINCENT CHUCK WAGON! Tickets for the January 14^th Dinner and Show, 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.

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.

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 4 at the 10:30 Mass – Brink, 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-UP BEGINNNING —December 16th, 2023 AT 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 3rd episode, author Susan De Bartoli will talk about her book, “Welcoming the Christ Child with Padre Pio”. 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 symbolism of the Advent wreath is quite beautiful. The circle of the wreath, with no beginning or end and made with evergreens, represents eternity and the everlasting life found in Christ.
The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent whose progressive lighting expresses the expectation and hope surrounding the coming of the Messiah. There are different systems of considering the four weeks. For example, Week 1 evokes the patriarchs and the virtue of hope. Week 2 recalls the prophets and peace. Week 3 recalls John the Baptist and joy while Week 4 presents the figure of Mary and the virtue of love.

Week 2. Light the first and second purple candles

Scripture Reflection: “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:4-7

Pause for reflection

Advent Wreath Prayer: Dear Jesus, you entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace. This Advent, as we strive to become the-best-version-of-ourselves, fill us with a deep and abiding peace. Help us share that peace with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most. Amen.

https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/advent/advent-wreath-prayers.html

Weekend Update November 26/27

November 23, 2022

PARISH OFFICE: The Parish Office will close at noon today, Wednesday, November 23^rd, and remain closed until Monday, November 28^th, for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving! – May your Thanksgiving be full of peace, love and gratitude.

THANKSGIVING DAY MASS: Thanksgiving Day Mass will be celebrated at St. Dennis Church in Galena, MD at 9 am on Thursday, November 24^th. All are invited to attend this special Mass. St. Dennis is encouraging those who attend to bring canned goods and boxed cereals to donate. Please place these items in the wicker baskets in front of the St. Joseph statue in the sanctuary before Mass. Mass will not be celebrated at St. Polycarp on Thanksgiving Day, so join us at St. Dennis.

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ How can you be more open to God’s ways during Advent?
~ What will you change in your way of living to take in God’s light during Advent?
~ How can you be more awake to the ways of God in your life?
(Pastoral Liturgy)

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112722.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, NOVEMBER 26/27 (& week of November 27)

Our Giving Tree Committee coordinates the Christmas gifts for needy children in our community. The Giving Tree, with the children’s requests, are set up inside the Main Entrance of the Church. Please purchase a gift for the child on the tag you choose and return it to the Parish Hall no later than Sunday, December 4^th. Questions? Contact Fran Walls at (302) 653 – 1450. Thank You!

PARISHIONER COFFEE: Parishioners are welcome to share a morning of snacks, conversation and a short video after the 8:30 am Mass on Tuesday, November 29^thin the parish hall.. This invitation is open to all parishioners who would like to enjoy some coffee and good company. Feel free to bring snacks or anything you would like to share. For additional information, contact Cookie Ruane, (302) 540 – 6429.

BIDS ACCEPTED UNTIL 3PM ON DECEMBER 1ST!

WHAT: Help out the church with this annual fundraiser and Parish tradition of putting up a parking spot to the highest bidder! You will have the reserved spot (with your name on it) for one year. With the winter weather coming, you will want to have that close spot for you or a loved one. Makes a perfect gift!

WHERE: Back parking lot by the brick wall around the HVAC unit, practically right under the portico!

HOW: Please submit your bid amount by December 1st at 3pm by emailing financialmanager@saintpolycarp.org with the Subject Line: “Parking Spot Bid” or dropping it in the collection basket or black drop box under the portico labeled “Parking Spot Bid” with your name & phone number on it. Besides individual bidders, Parish organizations or groups can consider putting in a collective bid for your group. All bids MUST be in writing.

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 December 11, submit by noon Thursday, December 1; Bulletin Date December 18, submit by noon Monday, December 5, Bulletin Date December 25, submit by noon Friday, December 9. To view all early submission dates CLICK HERE.

NEXT WEEKEND, DECEMBER 3/4 (& week of December 4)

COME ONE – COME ALL! COLUMBIETTES COOKIE WALK 2022: Saturday, December 3^rd, after the 4 pm Mass and Sunday, December 4^th, after the 10:30 am Mass. Homemade cookies lovingly baked by our Columbiettes!
Many varieties to tickle your taste buds!
One dollar per bag!

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD is offered on the 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of the month at the 10:30 am Mass. Next CLoW is December 4th. All children ages PreK – 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 BLESSING OF SODALISTS will take place on Sunday, December 4th at the 10:30 am Mass.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Sunday, December 4 at the 10:30 am Mass – Brink Family. Please arrive 15 minutes before your Mass time and pick up materials in the sacristy.

AGAPE: Come join us next Sunday, December 4^th, following the 10:30am Mass for Agape. We gather together to enjoy food, fellowship and fun!

PARISH APPRECIATION DINNER ~ Planning Meeting – December 7: Mark your calendars! We have been waiting several years, but the Parish Appreciation Dinner is back. The Pastoral Council is planning a celebration for Saturday, February 18, 2023, after the 4 pm Mass. Check the bulletin and weekly updates for more information. Our first planning meeting is on Wednesday, December 7^th, at 5 pm, in the library. Please contact Kathy Curlett (kathleencurlett19@gmail.com), if interested in attending this first meeting. We are looking forward to honoring our parishioners who volunteer in the many ministries here at Saint Polycarp Parish.

THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION – A Holy Day of Obligation. Thursday, December 8^th, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
MASSES FOR THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
St. Polycarp: Wednesday, December 7 at 6:30 pm & Thursday, December 8 at 8:30 am
St. Dennis: Thursday, December 8 at 8:30 am & 6:30 pm

THE SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY – 2022 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GIFT PROGRAM: Our St. Vincent de Paul Society members are asking Parishioners, if they are able, to please
donate a turkey or ham. Gift cards are also greatly appreciated; however, the maximum dollar amount is $30.00. On Thursday evening, December 8^th, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, kindly bring your frozen turkey, ham or gift card to St. Polycarp’s Church Parking Lot. If anyone knows of anybody who would like to have a turkey, ham and/or gift card please call Saint Vincent de Paul at (302) 264 – 6630. Saint Vincent de Paul members will deliver the turkeys and gift cards to children and families on Saturday, December 10^th, between 9 am and 12 noon. You must be home to receive these gifts.

UPCOMING/ONGOING

DEANERY ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE will be held on Thursday, December 15^that 7 pm, at Holy Cross Church in Dover. Several priests will be available to hear confessions.