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The Dialog News Feed
- Knights of Columbus complete long-term project of placing memorial benches at foot of Blessed Mother Shrine at Holy Spirit parish July 11, 2025
- Authentic Intentional Catholic Families provides members a space to share faith, fun: Photo gallery July 11, 2025
- Teacher Feature: Music-loving teacher Andrew Bozanic is in tune with his students at Padua Academy July 10, 2025
- ‘Little living’ — With affordable housing scarce and cost of living high, Bethany Beach parishioner uses skills to help, Photo gallery July 10, 2025
- Crab dinners and more: Check out these upcoming happenings in the Diocese of Wilmington July 10, 2025
- Find out how The Fund for Vocations makes vocation callings possible on the latest Catholic Forum July 9, 2025
- One of Us: Holy Family parishioner and Saint Mark’s graduate Cadesh Odou finds security in her faith July 9, 2025
Weekend Update March 4/5
2nd 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
THIS WEEKEND, MARCH 4/5 (& Monday, March 6th – Friday, March 10th)
The SECOND COLLECTION this weekend, March 4th and 5th, 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 5th during the 10:30 am Mass. All children ages PK – 4th 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 5th 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 5th, has been rescheduled. This Agape, hosted by the Liturgy Committee, has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 19th 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 18th 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
NEXT WEEKEND, MARCH 11/12 (& Monday, March 13th – Friday, March 17th)
TIME CHANGES next weekend!!!! Set clocks forward one hour!
BLESSING OF ALTAR SERVERS AND SACRISTANS takes place next Saturday, March 11th at the 4:00 pm Mass.
GIRL SCOUT SUNDAY is next Sunday, March 12th. Please keep all Girl Scouts and their leaders in your prayers!
THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: March 12th 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.
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 – 4th 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 5th 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 12th at the 10:30 am Mass – Neda Biggs; March 26th at the 10:30 am Mass – Laura Pajerowski, April 16th 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!
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, March 4th, 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.
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
Weekend Update February 25/26
1st 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
THIS WEEKEND, FEBRUARY 25/26 (& Monday, February 27th – Friday, March 3rd)
THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Tomorrow, February 25th 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 25TH – You are invited to a Parish Baby Shower: Sponsored by Brother Vincent Columbiettes on March 5th 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 25th.
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
NEXT WEEKEND, MARCH 4/5 (& Monday, March 6th – Friday, March 10th)
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 5th, has been rescheduled. This Agape, hosted by the Liturgy Committee, has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 19th 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 4th and 5th, 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 5th during the 10:30 am Mass. All children ages PK – 4th 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.
UPCOMING/ONGOING
ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER: The Knights of Columbus will again be sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Dinner on Saturday March 18th 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 12th, 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 – 4th 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 5th 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 25th at the 4 pm Mass – Penny Gugliuzzo; March 12th at the 10:30 am Mass – Neda Biggs; March 26th at the 10:30 am Mass – Laura Pajerowski, April 16th 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!
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, February 25h, 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.
LET US PRAY:
Lord,
May your light guide my day and your Spirit bring me peace.
Amen
Appreciation Dinner 2023
Once again, our Parish said “thank you” to those who share their time, talents and treasure by actively serving in one of our church organization or ministries.
Palms to Ashes 2023
Did you know that the ashes that are distributed on Ash Wednesday come from the palms that you previously received and returned? It is tradition here at St. Polycarp to burn some of the palm during our Palms to Ashes Service on the eve of Ash Wednesday. We continued this tradition again this year.
Weekend Update February 18/19
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~How should you respond to someone who has wronged you?
~ Have you ever had to let go of a grudge? What helped you?
~ What does Jesus mean by “be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect”?
(Pastoral Liturgy)
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021923.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, FEBRUARY 18/19 (& Monday, February 20th – Friday, February 24th)
BLESSINGS: Saturday, February 18th – Blessing of Parish Ministries will take place tomorrow, Saturday, February 18th, at the 4 pm Mass
PARISH APPRECIATION DINNER takes place tomorrow, Saturday, February 18th, 2023, following the 4:00 pm Mass. Reservations required. If, for some reason, you have reservations but are unable to attend, even if you find out on the day of the dinner, please call Kathy at 302-222-9326 to let her know so that someone on the waiting list will be able to attend in your place.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW): Cancelled for this Sunday, February 19th. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Erica Taylor at (302) 653-4101.
PSR WORLD’S FINEST CHOCOLATE : The PSR Candy Sale was a success!!! Thank you so much to those who supported us! If you missed picking up your ordered CHOCOLATE BARS after Masses last weekend, 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
PSR GRADE 7 STUDENTS AND FAMILIES – This Saturday, February 18th, attend 4pm Mass.
PSR – GRADES P/K – 4, February 19th, – ONLINE LESSONS posted, No in-person classes.
PSR – GRADES 5 – 8, February 21st, – IN Person classes this week. ARRIVE BY 6:45 pm.
PARISHIONER COFFEE: Parishioners are welcome to share a morning of light food and conversation after the 8:30 am Mass this coming Tuesday, February 21st. This invitation is open to all parishioners who would like to enjoy some coffee and good company. Feel free to bring snacks or anything else you would like to share. Let us know if you plan to come, so that we will have plenty of coffee or juice. Call Cookie Ruane at (302) 540 – 6429 or Joyce Tolson at (302) 448 – 9678.
PANCAKES! Shrove Tuesday is almost here! The Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring a pancake and sausage dinner in Mother Drexel Hall, this coming Tuesday, February 21st from 5:00 pm until 6:30 pm prior to the Palms to Ashes Service. All are welcome to join us. No cost to you but donations are greatly appreciated!
PALMS TO ASHES: It is tradition here at St. Polycarp to burn some of the palm during our Palms to Ashes Service on the eve of Ash Wednesday. We will continue this tradition again this year. We hope you will join us. Service begins in the Church at 7 pm this coming Tuesday, February 21st.
LENT BEGINS!
ASH WEDNESDAY: Ash Wednesday Masses & Distribution of Ashes – February 22nd
St. Polycarp – 8:30 am and 7 pm
St. Dennis – 5:30 pm (Hispanic) & 7 pm
FASTING AND ABSTINENCE: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. For members of the Roman Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. 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 beginning February 24th at 7 pm in the Church.
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.
NEXT WEEKEND, FEBRUARY 25/26 (& Monday, February 27th – Friday, March 4th)
You are invited to a Parish Baby Shower: Sponsored by Brother Vincent Columbiettes on March 5th 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 LindaMontouri at 302-270-5347 or lindamontouri@yahoo.com by February 25th.
THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Next Saturday, February 25th at the 4 pm Mass – Penny Gugliuzzo
UPCOMING/ONGOING
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 12th, 2023. Line-up at St. Polycarp. Parade begins at 2:00 pm
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesday 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.
THE PARISH OFFICE is in need of volunteers to help out at the front desk on Wednesday mornings from 9 am to noon. Other morning and afternoon time slots are also available. 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.
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 – 4th 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 5th 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 25th at the 4 pm Mass – Penny Gugliuzzo
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, February 18th, Learn about the best new books for Lent when Therese Brown from the Association of Catholic Publishers is the guest. 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 Fast Life
Fast from judging others; Feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from fear of illness; Feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute; Feast on speech that purifies.
Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; Feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; Feast on hope.
Fast from negatives; Feast on encouragement.
Fast from bitterness; Feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion.
Fast from suspicion; Feast on truth.
Fast from gossip; Feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm; Feast on prayer that sustains.
Fast from anxiety; Feast on faith.
– Author Unknown