3rd Sunday of Lent

“Whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.
Visit our home page to view Reconciliation, Holy Week & Easter Schedules. www.saintpolycarp.org

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032022.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. If you are interested in being involved in this ministry, please email Lisa at lisa.titus@saintpolycarp.org or Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org.

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

FACEBOOK:  Help needed! We are looking for someone to take over posting to our Facebook page beginning in May. Do you know how to find appropriate material and schedule posts?  We have from now until the beginning of May to help you get started!  If interested, contact Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org.

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STATIONS OF THE CROSS
St. Polycarp  – 7 pm on the Fridays in Lent in Church (and live streamed).
St. Dennis – 5 pm and 7 pm (Hispanic) on Fridays in Lent

Remember, Fridays in Lent are obligatory days of abstinence from meat for those age 14 onwards.

THIS WEEKEND, MARCH 19/20

PSR GRADES P/K – 4, Sunday, March 20 at 9am, in person classes. Make sure you see the handout your child will be bringing home this weekend regarding our Lenten Almsgiving Activity!

THE BLESSING OF PRAYER GROUPS will take place tomorrow, Saturday, March 19^th, at the 4 pm Mass

CALLING ALL CHOCOLATE LOVERS! – LAST CHANCE! 
We have a limited supply of the World’s Finest Chocolate that we will be selling after Masses this weekend at the doors of the church. Bars are $1 each.
Don’t miss out – when they’re gone…they are GONE!

 

PASTORAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS: The annual Pastoral Council elections are approaching. We are seeking candidates to fill open positions for the new term. The Pastoral Council meets monthly to provide input to Father Jim of the needs of our Parish, planning events such as the Picnic, annual forum, and ministry fair. This is a wonderful opportunity to work with and for our parish community. If you or someone you know would like information please contact Angela Gibson at  starrinhaven@yahoo.com or call (302)270–4100.

THE WEEK OF MARCH 20

PSR GRADES 5-8, Tuesday, March 22nd at 7pm, in person classes. Make sure you see the handout your child will be bringing home on Tuesday evening regarding our Lenten Almsgiving Activity!

NEXT WEEKEND, MARCH 26/27

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Sunday, March 27th at the 10:30 am pm Mass – G. Burns – Please arrive 15 minutes before your mass time and pick up (or drop off) materials in the sacristy.

UPCOMING/ONGOING

LENTEN RETREAT – DO YOU LIKE YOUR LIFE BUT CRAVE A LITTLE TIME FOR YOURSELF? The Brother Vincent Columbiettes invite the ladies in the parish to our 2022 LENTEN RETREAT being held on Saturday, April 2^nd, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.  Mass at 8:30am with the Retreat following immediately after in Mother Drexel Hall. The topic of the retreat is Reflections on the Seven Sorrows of Mary.  Come away from the busyness of life for a day of spiritual enlightenment and discover the voice of God who longs to speak to your heart.  Sr. Miriam Catherine NEVINS O.P. will be our presenter this year. Contact:  Maureen Robinson at (302) 653 – 4654 or send an email to bragh1@comcast.net   Please RSVP by Monday, March 28^th.

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RECONCILIATION

Has it been a long time since your last confession?  “Bless me Father for I have sinned. I forget what to say and how long it’s been since my last confession!” Always remember that the priest will help you through this Great Sacrament of Mercy. Don’t stay away because you forget the “how to”.   Just bring your desire to be forgiven. Come renew & strengthen your soul! (You can also visit  https://saintpolycarp.org/reconciliation-refresher/ and  Examine your conscience

CONFESSIONS AT ST. POLYCARP are Saturdays from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. (No confessions on Holy Saturday, April 16th.)

THE DEANERY LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE will take place at Holy Cross Church, Dover on Monday, April 4^th, at 7 pm. Several priests will be present to hear confessions.

RECONCILIATION MONDAY – April 11th: Bishop Koenig, after consulting with the Priests’ Council, has decided to launch Reconciliation Monday in our diocese. Held on the Monday of Holy Week, every parish will offer Confessions from 3 to 8 pm. Pastors with multiple churches may not be able to have each church covered during that time. Here at St. Polycarp, on Monday, April 11th, Confessions will be heard from 3-5pm (Fr. Gerres) and then from 6-8pm (Fr. Jim). Visit our home page to view Reconciliation, Holy Week & Easter Schedules. www.saintpolycarp.org

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CRS RICE BOWLS: Please pick-up a rice bowl as you leave Mass today. Rice bowls can be found on the tables at the doors of the church. Rice bowls are returned to Church at the end of Lent. Each Lent, Catholic families across the country unite to put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  Through CRS Rice Bowl, 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 crsricebowl.org.

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EASTER MASS REMEMBRANCE: Easter is the greatest celebration in the Catholic Church because it is the completion of the Holy week that ends with the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus was raised from the dead, and by that He conquered sin and death.  Living or deceased, the best gift you can give a loved one is the gift of the Mass.  Please use the Easter Mass Remembrance envelope to enjoin your friends and family in our MOST HOLY CELEBRATION.

EASTER FLOWERS: The Easter Flowers, particularly the white lilies with their large white trumpet flowers, proclaim that spring is upon us and they symbolize hope and new life.   Add to the beauty of our church during this joyful season by using your Easter flower envelope to help us proclaim that Jesus has risen!

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! If you know someone who is looking for a new beginning and wants to learn more about the Catholic Church, “personally invite” them to our RCIA sessions, Monday evenings at 6:30pm. The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is for individuals who are unbaptized, baptized in other faith traditions or Catholic adults wishing to receive Confirmation and Holy Eucharist and seeking full membership in the Catholic Church. We are all called to share the “Good News” and you can make a difference by simply asking! Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information at DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please sign up to take home the Vocation Chalice for one week. Call or text Alice Gaston 302-670-7924 to sign up.  Each week a family will receive the Vocation Chalice at Mass and take it home with the promise to “pray for vocations” during that week.  The family should place the chalice in a prominent place in their home and gather together each day to pray for the awareness of vocations.  At the end of the week, the family will bring the chalice back to church so the next family can take it home.  A booklet will accompany the chalice that has prayers and instructions.  We need your prayers and for you to sign up. See the Bulletin for schedule. Sunday, March 27th – G. Burns; Sunday, April 10th – Netz Family.

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 receipts months old in!

Thank you to our Bulletin advertisers! We appreciate your support! – Thank you to this week’s advertiser A-1 Kevin’s Landscaping 302-653-6246 / www.a1kevinslandscaping.com

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USEFUL LINKS:

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

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FROM THE DIOCESE:
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640.  Two Sisters of Life will preview their upcoming Lenten Mission on the March 19th Catholic Forum podcast. Listen online anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum, or by searching “Catholic Forum” on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Amazon Music podcasts.

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LET US PRAY:  Solemnity of St. Joseph – March 19th

Composed by Fr. Paul Mast a “Litany of St. Joseph”.

Joseph of Nazareth, husband of Mary, Intercede for us.
Joseph of Nazareth, foster-father of Jesus, Intercede for us.
Joseph of Nazareth, New Testament promise keeper, Intercede for us.
Joseph of Nazareth, capable woodworker, Intercede for us.
Joseph of Nazareth, sojourner to Bethlehem, Intercede for us.
Joseph of Nazareth, care-giver in Egypt, Intercede for us.
Joseph of Nazareth, seeker in Jerusalem, Intercede for us.
Joseph of Nazareth, family man in Galilee, Intercede for us.
Joseph of Nazareth, touched by many angels, Intercede for us.
Joseph of Nazareth, servant of God, Intercede for us.

Joseph of Nazareth, bless those who minister to unwed mothers, Inspire us to minister.
Joseph of Nazareth, protect those who seek a lost child, Inspire us to protect.
Joseph of Nazareth, care for those raising independent teenagers, Inspire us to care.
Joseph of Nazareth, befriend those who are friends of illegal aliens, Inspire us to befriend.
Joseph of Nazareth, encourage those who desire fatherhood, Inspire us to encourage.
Joseph of Nazareth, strengthen those who advocate family life, Inspire us to strengthen.
Joseph of Nazareth, sustain those who are believers in God’s dreams, Inspire us to sustain.
Joseph of Nazareth, reverence those who are obedient to God’s plan, Inspire us to reverence.
Joseph of Nazareth, guide those who desire intimacy with God, Inspire us to guide.
Joseph of Nazareth, nourish those who hunger for peace, Inspire us to nourish.

St. Joseph, a man of compassion, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man of justice, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man of contemplation, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man who reverences all life, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man filled with gentle strength, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man in solidarity with the poor, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man of hope for the unborn, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man of intercession for the holy innocents, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man with a spiritual life, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man centered in the love of God, Pray for us.

Let us pray:
Loving God,
In Joseph, Son of David, you have given us an example of one who is a true servant of your Word. As a faithful Jew, his life echoes obedience to the Law of Moses. As a faithful parent, he cooperates with the Virgin Mary in enabling Jesus to grow and fulfill his calling as teacher, prophet and king. As a gentle servant, he is a role model for all who desire a more loving and passionate relationship with you. In honoring Joseph, we honor your Son, Jesus, through whom you are given all glory and praise, today and every day, now and forevermore. Amen.

 http://paulmast.com/Litanies.html

 

 

2nd Sunday of Lent

 “This is my chosen; listen to Him.”
Visit our home page to view Reconciliation, Holy Week & Easter Schedules. www.saintpolycarp.org

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031322.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. If you are interested in being involved in this ministry, please email Lisa at lisa.titus@saintpolycarp.org or Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org.

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

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STATIONS OF THE CROSS
St. Polycarp  – 7 pm on the Fridays in Lent in Church (and live streamed).
St. Dennis – 5 pm and 7 pm (Hispanic) on Fridays in Lent

Remember, Fridays in Lent are obligatory days of abstinence from meat for those age 14 onwards.

THIS WEEKEND, MARCH 12/13

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Saturday, March 12 at the 4:00 pm Mass – B. &  J. Watson – Please arrive 15 minutes before your mass time and pick up (or drop off) materials in the sacristy.

IMPORTANT NOTICE – SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND: Parish Utilities and Special Collection for the Church in Easter Europe – Especially Ukraine
Our regularly scheduled second collection this weekend is for Parish Utilities.  Please make sure to use your envelopes to contribute to Utilities.  All of the loose donations in the second collection will go towards helping the Church in Eastern Europe – especially Ukraine. (See below.) Please be as generous as your means allow.  Thank you for your assistance in taking care of our parish utilities and the people of Ukraine.

The people of Ukraine need our help! Bishop Koenig has asked that all parishes in the Diocese of Wilmington conduct a special collection this weekend, March 12/13 to aid the Church in Eastern Europe – especially Ukraine. There is great risk of additional suffering both within Ukraine and for those who may flee to neighboring countries for safety.  Additionally, you may help by making a secure on-line donation to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) at www.crs.org. Thank you for your generosity.

COOKIES! Girl Scout Troop 547 will be selling Girl Scout Cookies outside the FRONT DOORS only, after both Masses this weekend. (If it rains, they will be in the hall.)

PSR GRADES P/K – 4, Sunday, March 13 at 9am, in person classes. 

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD will take place this Sunday, March 13th during the 10:30am Mass. All children ages PreK-4^th grade are welcome to attend. Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLoW) is a worship experience geared especially for their age level. Children will be called to come forward before the First Reading. A catechist and assistant will lead the children to the hall. They will return to you after the General Intercessions. All catechists and assistants have a cleared background check. CLoW mirrors the worship experience of the larger community in an engaging and interactive style. This opportunity allows children to hear Scripture in words they understand and to share their own understanding of God’s Word. Whether or not your child has attended before, we hope you take advantage of this opportunity by attending the 10:30 am Mass this weekend and having your child join us! It’s heart-warming to hear how the children respond to God’s Word.

THE BLESSING OF ALTAR SERVERS AND SACRISTANS will take place this Sunday, March 13th, at the 10:30 am Mass.

CRS RICE BOWLS: Please pick-up a rice bowl as you leave Mass today. Rice bowls can be found on the tables at the doors of the church. Rice bowls are returned to Church at the end of Lent. Each Lent, Catholic families across the country unite to put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  Through CRS Rice Bowl, 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 crsricebowl.org.

THE WEEK OF MARCH 13

PSR GRADES 5-8, Tuesday, March 15th at 7pm, in person classes. 

NEXT WEEKEND, MARCH 19/20

The BLESSING OF PRAYER GROUPS will take place on Saturday, March 19^th, at the 4 pm Mass.

UPCOMING/ONGOING

DO YOU LIKE YOUR LIFE BUT CRAVE A LITTLE TIME FOR YOURSELF? The Brother Vincent Columbiettes invite the ladies in the parish to our 2022 LENTEN RETREAT being held on Saturday, April 2^nd, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.  Mass at 8:30am with the Retreat following immediately after in Mother Drexel Hall. The topic of the retreat is Reflections on the Seven Sorrows of Mary.  Come away from the busyness of life for a day of spiritual enlightenment and discover the voice of God who longs to speak to your heart.  Sr. Miriam Catherine NEVINS O.P. will be our presenter this year. Contact:  Maureen Robinson at (302) 653 – 4654 or send an email to bragh1@comcast.net   Please RSVP by Monday, March 28^th.

PASTORAL COUNCIL – The annual Pastoral Council elections are approaching. We are seeking candidates to fill open positions for the new term. The Pastoral Council meets monthly. This is a wonderful opportunity to work with and for our parish community. If you or someone you know would like additional information please contact Angela Gibson (302) 270 – 4100 or starrinhaven@yahoo.com.

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RECONCILIATION MONDAY – April 11th: Bishop Koenig, after consulting with the Priests’ Council, has decided to launch Reconciliation Monday in our diocese. Held on the Monday of Holy Week, every parish will offer Confessions from 3 to 8 pm. Pastors with multiple churches may not be able to have each church covered during that time. Here at St. Polycarp, on Monday, April 11th, Confessions will be heard from 3-5pm (Fr. Gerres) and then from 6-8pm (Fr. Jim). Visit our home page to view Reconciliation, Holy Week & Easter Schedules. www.saintpolycarp.org

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EASTER MASS REMEMBRANCE: Easter is the greatest celebration in the Catholic Church because it is the completion of the Holy week that ends with the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus was raised from the dead, and by that He conquered sin and death.  Living or deceased, the best gift you can give a loved one is the gift of the Mass.  Please use the Easter Mass Remembrance envelope to enjoin your friends and family in our MOST HOLY CELEBRATION.

EASTER FLOWERS: The Easter Flowers, particularly the white lilies with their large white trumpet flowers, proclaim that spring is upon us and they symbolize hope and new life.   Add to the beauty of our church during this joyful season by using your Easter flower envelope to help us proclaim that Jesus has risen!

 

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! If you know someone who is looking for a new beginning and wants to learn more about the Catholic Church, “personally invite” them to our RCIA sessions, Monday evenings at 6:30pm. The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is for individuals who are unbaptized, baptized in other faith traditions or Catholic adults wishing to receive Confirmation and Holy Eucharist and seeking full membership in the Catholic Church. We are all called to share the “Good News” and you can make a difference by simply asking! Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information at DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please sign up to take home the Vocation Chalice for one week. Call or text Alice Gaston 302-670-7924 to sign up.  Each week a family will receive the Vocation Chalice at Mass and take it home with the promise to “pray for vocations” during that week.  The family should place the chalice in a prominent place in their home and gather together each day to pray for the awareness of vocations.  At the end of the week, the family will bring the chalice back to church so the next family can take it home.  A booklet will accompany the chalice that has prayers and instructions.  We need your prayers and for you to sign up. See the Bulletin for schedule. Sunday, March 27th – G. Burns; Sunday, April 10th – Netz Family.

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 receipts months old in!

Thank you to our Bulletin advertisers! We appreciate your support!

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USEFUL LINKS:

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

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FROM THE DIOCESE:

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640. Ukrainian Catholic Priest, Fr. Volodymyr Klanichka, will be the guest on the March 12th Catholic Forum program/podcast. Listen online anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum, or by searching “Catholic Forum” on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Amazon Music podcasts.

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LET US PRAY:    Irish Blessing – Happy St. Patrick’s Day – March 17th

1st Sunday of Lent

 “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”
Visit our home page to view Reconciliation, Holy Week & Easter Schedules. www.saintpolycarp.org

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030622.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. If you are interested in being involved in this ministry, please email Lisa at lisa.titus@saintpolycarp.org or Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org.

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

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STATIONS OF THE CROSS
St. Polycarp  – 7 pm on the Fridays in Lent beginning March 4th
St. Dennis – 5 pm and 7 pm (Hispanic) on Fridays in Lent beginning March 4th

Remember, Fridays in Lent are obligatory days of abstinence from meat for those age 14 onwards.

 

THIS WEEKEND, MARCH 5/6

PSR GRADES P/K – 4, Sunday, March 6 at 9am, in person classes. 

CRS RICE BOWLS: Please pick-up a rice bowl as you leave Mass today. Rice bowls can be found on the tables at the doors of the church. Rice bowls are returned to Church at the end of Lent. Each Lent, Catholic families across the country unite to put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  Through CRS Rice Bowl, 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 crsricebowl.org.

OFFERTORY REFLECTION: CALL TO GIVING:  Lent is the time where we are called to consider how we are making personal and spiritual sacrifices to renew our faith and thank God for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Almsgiving is one way that we can honor Christ’s sacrifice while providing our parish the financial means to continue our work in the community to share the Gospel. We have been blessed at St. Polycarp parish by the support we have received during the pandemic. You should have received The Offertory Reflection Letter this past week. If not, expect to see it soon!

NO MARCH AGAPE:  Agape will return next month on the first Sunday of April following the 10:30 am Mass. Hope to see you then!  Thank you to the Knights of Columbus, Columbiettes and all those who attended the Shrove Tuesday Breakfast!

THE WEEK OF MARCH 6

CONNECTED IN CHRIST ADULT FORMATION: The gospel stories of the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus are at the core of Christian faith.  Connected in Christ will explore these essential stories in the unique accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, on six consecutive Tuesdays, beginning March 1^st in the library. We will begin at 9:30 am and each session will be about 90 minutes. To enroll and receive a book in advance, please contact Peggy O’Connor – peggyo52@aol.com; 302-514-9913.  A suggested donation of $10 for the book would be appreciated, though not required, to defray the cost of materials to the parish.

PSR GRADES 5-8, Tuesday, March 8th at 7pm, in person classes. 

NEXT WEEKEND, MARCH 12/13

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Saturday, March 12 at the 4:00 pm Mass – B. &  J. Watson – Please arrive 15 minutes before your mass time and pick up (or drop off) materials in the sacristy.

THE BLESSING OF ALTAR SERVERS AND SACRISTANS will take place next Sunday, March 13th, at the 10:30 am Mass.

COOKIES! Girl Scout Troop 547 will be selling Girl Scout Cookies outside the Church doors after both Masses next weekend. (If it rains, they will be in the hall.)

UPCOMING/ONGOING

DO YOU LIKE YOUR LIFE BUT CRAVE A LITTLE TIME FOR YOURSELF? The Brother Vincent Columbiettes invite the ladies in the parish to our 2022 LENTEN RETREAT being held on Saturday, April 2^nd, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.  Mass at 8:30am with the Retreat following immediately after in Mother Drexel Hall. The topic of the retreat is Reflections on the Seven Sorrows of Mary.  Come away from the busyness of life for a day of spiritual enlightenment and discover the voice of God who longs to speak to your heart.  Sr. Miriam Catherine NEVINS O.P. will be our presenter this year. Contact:  Maureen Robinson at (302) 653 – 4654 or send an email to bragh1@comcast.net   Please RSVP by Monday, March 28^th.

EASTER MASS REMEMBRANCE: Easter is the greatest celebration in the Catholic Church because it is the completion of the Holy week that ends with the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus was raised from the dead, and by that He conquered sin and death.  Living or deceased, the best gift you can give a loved one is the gift of the Mass.  Please use the Easter Mass Remembrance envelope to enjoin your friends and family in our MOST HOLY CELEBRATION.

 EASTER FLOWERS: The Easter Flowers, particularly the white lilies with their large white trumpet flowers, proclaim that spring is upon us and they symbolize hope and new life.   Add to the beauty of our church during this joyful season by using your Easter flower envelope to help us proclaim that Jesus has risen!

PASTORAL COUNCIL – The annual Pastoral Council elections are approaching. We are seeking candidates to fill open positions for the new term. The Pastoral Council meets monthly. This is a wonderful opportunity to work with and for our parish community. If you or someone you know would like additional information please contact Angela Gibson (302) 270 – 4100 or starrinhaven@yahoo.com.

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! If you know someone who is looking for a new beginning and wants to learn more about the Catholic Church, “personally invite” them to our RCIA sessions, Monday evenings at 6:30pm. The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is for individuals who are unbaptized, baptized in other faith traditions or Catholic adults wishing to receive Confirmation and Holy Eucharist and seeking full membership in the Catholic Church. We are all called to share the “Good News” and you can make a difference by simply asking! Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information at DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please sign up to take home the Vocation Chalice for one week. Call or text Alice Gaston 302-670-7924 to sign up.  Each week a family will receive the Vocation Chalice at Mass and take it home with the promise to “pray for vocations” during that week.  The family should place the chalice in a prominent place in their home and gather together each day to pray for the awareness of vocations.  At the end of the week, the family will bring the chalice back to church so the next family can take it home.  A booklet will accompany the chalice that has prayers and instructions.  We need your prayers and for you to sign up. See the Bulletin for schedule. March 12 – B & J Watson

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 receipts months old in!

Thank you to our Bulletin advertisers! We appreciate your support!

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USEFUL LINKS:

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

 

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FROM THE DIOCESE:

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640.Married couples can learn how to increase their emotional intimacy on the March 5th Catholic Forum program/podcast. Listen online anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum, or by searching “Catholic Forum” on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Amazon Music podcasts. 

LET US PRAY: 

God of infinite mercy and goodness, with grateful hearts we pray to you today for Peace. You offer us your peace continually (Jn.14:27) and constantly remind us that peacemakers are blessed, “for they shall be called children of God” (Mt.5:9). May your voice resound in the hearts of all, as you call us to follow the path of reconciliation and peace, and to be merciful as you are merciful.

We pray to you for the people of the Ukraine who are experiencing conflicts and deaths. Bless the leaders with wisdom, vision and perseverance needed to build together a world of justice and solidarity, and to break down walls of hostility and division.

To you we entrust all families and pray that they may never yield to discouragement and despair, but become heralds of new hope to one another in this challenging time.

May you continue to inspire all of us to oneness of heart and mind, to work generously for the common good, to respect the dignity of every person and the fundamental rights which have their origin in the image and likeness of God impressed upon every human being.

Grant eternal rest to the dead and quick recovery to the wounded, we pray through Christ our Lord, Amen!

Prayer adapted from: Pope JPII’s Prayer for Peace, shared by St. Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church, Calgary

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 “Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022722.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. If you are interested in being involved in this ministry, please email Lisa at lisa.titus@saintpolycarp.org or Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org.

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

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UPDATE: In light of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in our Diocese and both Delaware and Maryland, here at St. Polycarp, we will still encourage safety measures that include a consistent sanitizing of common areas and  hand sanitizer available at all entrances. We will support a welcoming environment for those members in our parish who wish to continue to wear masks. In person events and meetings may resume. During PSR classes/events, our PSR students, catechists, assistants and all those visiting, are required to wear masks until further notice.

ATTENTION MINISTRY LEADERS: If your ministry is remaining virtual, please send Kathy an email at office@saintpolycarp.org. If we do not here from you, the room you requested will be on the calendar.

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LENT BEGINS, THIS WEDNESDAY. WHAT WILL YOU DO THIS LENT?

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE AND SAUSAGE DINNER
St. Polycarp –  4 – 6 pm on Tuesday, March 1st

PALMS TO ASHES
St. Polycarp – 7 pm (in Church) on Tuesday, March 1^st  
St. Dennis – 5 pm on Tuesday, March 1^st

ASH WEDNESDAY MASSES with distribution of ashes  (Day of Fast & Abstinence)
St. Polycarp – 8:30 am and 7 pm on Wednesday, March 2^nd
St. Dennis – 7 pm on Wednesday, March 2^nd

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
St. Polycarp  – 7 pm on the Fridays in Lent beginning March 4th
St. Dennis – 5 pm and 7 pm (Hispanic) on Fridays in Lent beginning March 4th

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THIS WEEKEND, FEBRUARY 26/27

OLD PALMS: Old palms may be brought to church and placed in the baskets at the entrances. These palms are burned for ashes.

RCIA RITE OF SENDING at the 4pm Mass.

PSR GRADES P/K – 4, Sunday, February 27th at 9am, in person classes. Masks will still be worn by everyone.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Sunday, February 27th at the 10:30 am Mass – L. Sanez Family – Please arrive 15 minutes before your mass time and pick up (or drop off) materials in the sacristy.

DELAWARE STATE COLUMBIETTES VIRTUAL BASKET AUCTION FUNDRAISER – Virtual Auction takes place on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 1 pm on Zoom. If you purchased tickets (advanced tickets were required), don’t forget to join in the fun!

THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 27

CONNECTED IN CHRIST ADULT FORMATION: The gospel stories of the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus are at the core of Christian faith.  Connected in Christ will explore these essential stories in the unique accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, on six consecutive Tuesdays, beginning March 1^st in Mother Drexel Hall. We will begin at 9:30 am and each session will be about 90 minutes. To enroll and receive a book in advance, please contact Peggy O’Connor – peggyo52@aol.com; 302-514-9913.  A suggested donation of $10 for the book would be appreciated, though not required, to defray the cost of materials to the parish.

The Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes will be hosting a SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE AND SAUSAGE DINNER on Tuesday March 1st from 4pm-6pm in the parish hall. (Palms to Ashes service to follow at 7pm in the church.) Come join us as we enter the Lenten season. To help get a count for attendance please rsvp to Angela Gibson via phone or text at 302-270-4100 or Darlene Sanphy via email Darpete87@comcast.net

PALMS TO ASHES: Tuesday evening, March 1^st, at 7 pm. Come Join Us in Church! All are welcome!!! 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 will continue this tradition again this year. We hope you will join us

PSR GRADES 5-8, Tuesday, March 1st. Students are expected to arrive by 6:45pm. PSR will attend the Palms to Ashes Service. Dismissal will be at normal time 8:15 pm. Masks will still be worn by everyone. 

ASH WEDNESDAY, Wednesday, March 2nd. See above for Mass schedule.

 

UPCOMING/ONGOING

PASCHAL CANDLE – LENTEN GIVING OPPORTUNITY: Each year the Church purchases a new Paschal Candle to be displayed on the altar at the commencement of the Easter season.  Each candle is truly a majestic celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord and the gift of eternal life.  What a wonderful way to contribute to beautifying our worship space.   If you are interested in making a donation towards this year’s Paschal Candle, please call or email Lisa at the office.  Thank You

OFFERTORY REFLECTION: CALL TO GIVING: The Offertory Reflection letter will be coming soon.  Lent is the time where we are called to consider how we are making personal and spiritual sacrifices to renew our faith and thank God for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Almsgiving is one way that we can honor Christ’s sacrifice while providing our parish the financial means to continue our work in the community to share the Gospel. We have been blessed at St. Polycarp parish by the support we have received during the pandemic. “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

PASTORAL COUNCIL – The annual Pastoral Council elections are approaching. We are seeking candidates to fill open positions for the new term. The Pastoral Council meets monthly. This is a wonderful opportunity to work with and for our parish community. If you or someone you know would like additional information please contact Angela Gibson (302) 270 – 4100 or starrinhaven@yahoo.com.

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! If you know someone who is looking for a new beginning and wants to learn more about the Catholic Church, “personally invite” them to our RCIA sessions, Monday evenings at 6:30pm. The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is for individuals who are unbaptized, baptized in other faith traditions or Catholic adults wishing to receive Confirmation and Holy Eucharist and seeking full membership in the Catholic Church. We are all called to share the “Good News” and you can make a difference by simply asking! Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information at DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please sign up to take home the Vocation Chalice for one week. Call or text Alice Gaston 302-670-7924 to sign up.  Each week a family will receive the Vocation Chalice at Mass and take it home with the promise to “pray for vocations” during that week.  The family should place the chalice in a prominent place in their home and gather together each day to pray for the awareness of vocations.  At the end of the week, the family will bring the chalice back to church so the next family can take it home.  A booklet will accompany the chalice that has prayers and instructions.  We need your prayers and for you to sign up. See the Bulletin for schedule. March 12 – B & J Watson

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 receipts months old in!

Thank you to our Bulletin advertisers! We appreciate your support!

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USEFUL LINKS:

WEBSITE: www.saintpolycarp.org.
BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: https://saintpolycarp.org/this-weeks-bulletin/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SaintPolycarpCatholicChurch/
ONLINE GIVING: Please consider becoming an e-giver. It is easy to make your weekly or one time contributions in support of the Parish.  For more information and to sign up for online giving, visit  faith.direct/DE831
ST DENNIS: http://www.stdennischurch.org
DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm
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 640. Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, discusses her new Lent book, “Restore,” on the Feb. 26th edition of the Catholic Forum program/podcast. Listen online anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum, or by searching “Catholic Forum” on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Amazon Music podcasts. 

LET US PRAY: 

“Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.”

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 “To you I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022022.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. If you are interested in being involved in this ministry, please email Lisa at lisa.titus@saintpolycarp.org or Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org.

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

---

UPDATE: In light of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in our Diocese and both Delaware and Maryland, here at St. Polycarp, we will still encourage safety measures that include a consistent sanitizing of common areas and  hand sanitizer available at all entrances. We will support a welcoming environment for those members in our parish who wish to continue to wear masks. In person events and meetings may resume. During PSR classes/events, our PSR students, catechists, assistants and all those visiting, are required to wear masks until further notice.

ATTENTION MINISTRY LEADERS: If your ministry is remaining virtual, please send Kathy an email at office@saintpolycarp.org. If we do not here from you, the room you requested will be on the calendar.

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THIS WEEKEND, FEBRUARY 19/20

THE BLESSING OF PARISH MINISTRIES will take place this weekend – Saturday, February 19th at the 4pm Mass and Sunday, February 20th at the 10:30am Mass.

PSR GRADES P/K – 4, Sunday, February 20th at 9am. IN PERSON CLASSES RESUME. Remember to bring books back and return Mission Advent Boxes. Masks will still be worn by everyone! Important!!! ALL Online Lessons MUST be completed before your child’s NEXT CLASS. If they are not completed, your child will be marked absent for that class.

THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 20

OFFICE CLOSED – Monday, February 21st.

PSR GRADES 5-8, Tuesday, February 22nd at 7pm. IN PERSON CLASSES RESUME. Remember to bring books back and return Mission Advent Boxes. Masks will still be worn by everyone! Important!!! ALL Online Lessons MUST be completed before your child’s NEXT CLASS. If they are not completed, your child will be marked absent for that class. 

ST. POLYCARP – Feast Day, February 23rd.   How much do you know about St. Polycarp. “POLYCARP” (the movie) can be viewed free on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njp3WNVQ9O4

DELAWARE STATE COLUMBIETTES VIRTUAL BASKET AUCTION FUNDRAISER – TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BY THIS COMING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd.  Auction takes place on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 1 pm on Zoom. There will be dozens of wonderful baskets to take a chance on.  Tickets may be purchased by sending a check made payable to Delaware State Columbiettes with your name, email and phone number, to Arlene Brown, 87 Paige Place, Felton, DE 19943 (amb550@hotmail.com). We will email you your ticket number and the Zoom information prior to the event if you would like to attend.  If you cannot attend, we will contact you if you win!  We look forward to having you join us for a fun filled afternoon.

NEXT WEEKEND, FEBRUARY 26/27:

RCIA RITE OF SENDING at the 4pm Mass.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: February 27th – L. Sanez – Please arrive 15 minutes before your mass time and pick up (or drop off) materials in the sacristy.

 

THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 27:

The Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes will be hosting a SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE AND SAUSAGE DINNER on Tuesday March 1st from 4pm-6pm in the parish hall. (Palms to Ashes service to follow at 7pm in the church.) Come join us as we enter the Lenten season. To help get a count for attendance please rsvp to Angela Gibson via phone or text at 302-270-4100 or Darlene Sanphy via email Darpete87@comcast.net

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR LENT?

PALMS TO ASHES
St. Polycarp – 7 pm (in Church) on Tuesday, March 1^st  
St. Dennis – 5 pm on Tuesday, March 1^st

ASH WEDNESDAY MASSES with distribution of ashes  (Day of Fast & Abstinence)
St. Polycarp – 8:30 am and 7 pm on Wednesday, March 2^nd
St. Dennis – 7 pm on Wednesday, March 2^nd

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
St. Polycarp  – 7 pm on the Fridays in Lent beginning March 4th
St. Dennis – 5 pm and 7 pm (Hispanic) on Fridays in Lent beginning March 4th

CONNECTED IN CHRIST ADULT FORMATION: The gospel stories of the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus are at the core of Christian faith.  Connected in Christ will explore these essential stories in the unique accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, on six consecutive Tuesdays, beginning March 1^st in Mother Drexel Hall. We will begin at 9:30 am and each session will be about 90 minutes. To enroll and receive a book in advance, please contact Peggy O’Connor – peggyo52@aol.com; 302-514-9913.  A suggested donation of $10 for the book would be appreciated, though not required, to defray the cost of materials to the parish.

UPCOMING/ONGOING
CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! If you know someone who is looking for a new beginning and wants to learn more about the Catholic Church, “personally invite” them to our RCIA sessions, Monday evenings at 6:30pm. The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is for individuals who are unbaptized, baptized in other faith traditions or Catholic adults wishing to receive Confirmation and Holy Eucharist and seeking full membership in the Catholic Church. We are all called to share the “Good News” and you can make a difference by simply asking! Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information at DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please sign up to take home the Vocation Chalice for one week. Call or text Alice Gaston 302-670-7924 to sign up.  Each week a family will receive the Vocation Chalice at Mass and take it home with the promise to “pray for vocations” during that week.  The family should place the chalice in a prominent place in their home and gather together each day to pray for the awareness of vocations.  At the end of the week, the family will bring the chalice back to church so the next family can take it home.  A booklet will accompany the chalice that has prayers and instructions.  We need your prayers and for you to sign up. See the Bulletin for schedule. February 27th – L. Sanez, March 12 – B & J Watson

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 receipts months old in!

Thank you to our Bulletin advertisers! We appreciate your support!

---

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
THE DIALOG: http://thedialog.org/  Newspaper of the Diocese, copies available as you leave Church or online

---

FROM THE DIOCESE:

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640. Learn about persecuted Christians when author, Casey Chalk is the guest on the Feb. 19th edition of the Catholic Forum program/podcast. Listen online anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum, or by searching “Catholic Forum” on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Amazon Music podcasts. 

LET US PRAY:   Collect Prayer of St. Polycarp
God of all creation, who were pleased to give the Bishop Saint Polycarp a place in the company of the Martyrs, grant, through his intercession, that sharing with him in the chalice of Christ, we may rise through the Holy Spirit to eternal life.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen