Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God – Holy Day of Obligation (see below*)
(New Year’s Day)
MASSES: Friday, December 31st at 4pm and Saturday, January 1st at 10:00am.
Our Church Calendars will be blessed at these Masses.

*The obligation to attend Mass has been removed but this day remains a Holy Day.
This Solemnity has been deemed important enough to be recognized as “Holy” and remains an important day to attend Mass. A great way to start a new year!

Blessings in the New Year!

---

The Epiphany of the Lord 
MASSES: Saturday, January 1st at 4pm and Sunday, January 2nd at 10:30 am.

We have seen His star in the East, and have come with gifts to adore the Lord.

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010222.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. Please bear with us as we work through the challenges with our live streaming. 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/.

DIVINE MERCY: We will not gather to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet tomorrow, Friday, December 31st.

THIS WEEKEND, JANUARY 1/2

Don’t put those decorations away yet! The joy and wonder of Christmas is not limited to just Christmas Day but lasts for a period of time.
The Christmas Season begins with the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas – December 25th) and ends with the Baptism of the Lord, this year, January 9th.
Celebrate the true Christmas Season!

RECONCILIATION: There will be confessions on January 1st from 2:30-3:30pm.

VOCATION CHALICE: January 2nd – The Ruane Family

AGAPE: Due to the recent uptick in COVID cases in Delaware, the January 2nd Agape has been canceled. This decision was made with input from the leaders of both the Liturgy Committee and the Parish and Family Life Committee.  We look forward to being able to gather safely with our parish family.

THE WEEK OF JANUARY 2

NO PSR JANUARY 2nd or JANUARY 4th. PSR CLASSES resume for Grades P/K – 4 on Sunday, January 9th at 9am (in-person). Classes for Grades 5-8 resume Tuesday, January 11th at 7pm (in-person). 

NEXT WEEKEND, JANUARY 8/9

SECOND COLLECTION next week is for our Parish School of Religion. Thank you for your continued generosity in supporting the religious education of our parish youth

Bishop Robert Barron’s series “THE CREED”. Please join Connected in Christ on Tuesday mornings beginning January 11, 2022, at 9:15 am in Mother Drexel Hall to watch and reflect on Bishop Robert Barron’s series “The Creed”. Explore the meaning of “belief” and whether it contradicts reason, the creative love of God the Father, the shocking mystery of his Son’s Incarnation and the great drama of his Crucifixion and Resurrection, the life-giving power of the Spiritus Sanctus, or “Holy Breath,” shared between them, and the mystical reality of the Church, which calls all of humanity out of the world of sin to receive forgiveness and participate in Christ’s divinity—not only in the next world, but here and now. Bring your own coffee!

UPCOMING/ONGOING

LONG TERM PLANNING:  The Finance Council here at Saint Polycarp Parish is looking towards the future with the development of a long-range plan.  While we have always had an annual plan, the long-range plan will help steer and direct the parish for the next 3 – 5 years and longer. To help make this endeavor a success, we want to have several parishioners who would bring different viewpoints and perspectives and would be willing to actively participate in the 3 sessions we are anticipating.  The sessions would take place on weekends for 2 – 3 hours.  There will also be some prayer, reading and thinking to take place in between sessions. If you would like to participate or to learn more, please reach out to John Fcasni.  He can be reached at john.fcasni@gmail.com or call or text him at (609) 529-1986.

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, taking place at the Parish campus on 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:  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. Call or text Alice Gaston 302-670-7924 to sign up. See the Bulletin for schedule.  January 2nd – The Ruane 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!

 

---

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. Listen anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum or search Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify or iHeartRadio podcasts. Listen anytime to the Annual Christmas Program. On the Christmas episode of Catholic Forum, after news from The Dialog, we will hear Bishop William E. Koenig’s first Christmas message to the people of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Christmas greetings from some of the great priests and deacons of the Diocese of Wilmington, a report from The Vatican, and some great Christmas music.  https://catholicforumradio.libsyn.com/catholic-forum-dec-18-2021-annual-christmas-program

LET US PRAY:
Prayer for the New Year

Let us live each day in the most loving ways, the God-conscious way. Let us serve all who are in need, regardless of race, color or creed. May our year be filled with peace, prosperity and love. May God’s blessings shower us and bestow upon each of us a bright, healthy and peaceful new year.                                     (adapted xavier.edu)

 

For unto Us a Child is born…

May the joy and promise of Jesus’ birth fill you with the spirit of hope and peace.
Merry Christmas.

 

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE:
Christmas Eve – Friday, December 24th at 4 pm and 9 pm,
Christmas Day – Saturday, December 25th at 10 am.
There are still a few bags of Blessed Straw at the doors of the Church for parishioners to take home for their Nativities.

 

LIVE STREAM: Christmas Eve – Friday, December 24th at 4 pm and 9pm.  (Can also be viewed at a later time.) https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
(We are still experiencing some issues with our live stream, so please say a prayer that all goes well!)

---

Calendar notes: Reconciliation will not take place on Saturday, December 25th.  There is no 4pm Vigil Mass (for Sunday the 26th) on December 25th.
THE PARISH OFFICE will close at noon on Wednesday, December 22nd  and remain closed until 9 am on Tuesday, December 28^th.  The office will also be closed on Friday, December 31^st.

---

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph – Sunday, December 26th – 10:30 am Mass (No 4pm Vigil Mass on Saturday, the 25th)

The shepherds went in haste, and found Mary and Joseph and the Infant lying in a manger.

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/12262021.cfm

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY, Sunday, December 26th: Mass at 10:30 am only on Sunday the 26th. There is no Saturday, 4 pm Vigil Mass on December 25th.

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. Please bear with us as we work through the challenges with our live streaming. If you are interested in being involved in this ministry, please email Lisa at lisa.titus@saintpolycarp.org or Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org.

DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm

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

THIS WEEKEND, DECEMBER 26 – 10:30 am Mass only

CHRISTMAS NOVENA REMEMBRANCE  AND CHRISTMAS FLOWER OFFERING: Christmas is a time to reflect on the blessings of family and shared togetherness. We exchange gifts as an act of love and appreciation. Find the peace that only God can provide by enrolling all your loved loves, living and deceased, in the most powerful of all prayers, the gift of Holy Mass, or through a contribution towards the beautiful Christmas flowers.   Please use the Christmas Novena Remembrance and Christmas Flower Offering envelopes as gifts to show your loved ones they have not been forgotten. Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church.

WEEK of DECEMBER 26TH

DECEMBER 26TH: Don’t put those decorations away yet! The joy and wonder of Christmas is not limited to just Christmas Day but lasts for a period of time. The Christmas Season begins with the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas – December 25th) and ends with the Baptism of the Lord, this year, January 9th.  Celebrate the true Christmas Season!

 

DIVINE MERCY: We will not gather to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet on Friday, December 24th or Friday, December 31st.

RECONCILIATION: Confessions will not take place here at St. Polycarp on Saturday, December 25th. There will be confessions on January 1st.

THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY MOTHER OF GOD (New Year’s): Masses will be celebrated on Friday, December 31st at 4pm and Saturday, January 1st at 10am. Our Church calendars will be blessed and available at these Masses.

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, taking place at the Parish campus on 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:  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. Call or text Alice Gaston 302-670-7924 to sign up. See the Bulletin for schedule.  January 2nd – The Ruane Family

LONG TERM PLANNING:  The Finance Council here at Saint Polycarp Parish is looking towards the future with the development of a long-range plan.  While we have always had an annual plan, the long-range plan will help steer and direct the parish for the next 3 – 5 years and longer. To help make this endeavor a success, we want to have several parishioners who would bring different viewpoints and perspectives and would be willing to actively participate in the 3 sessions we are anticipating.  The sessions would take place on weekends for 2 – 3 hours.  There will also be some prayer, reading and thinking to take place in between sessions. If you would like to participate or to learn more, please reach out to John Fcasni.  He can be reached at john.fcasni@gmail.com or call or text him at (609) 529-1986.

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
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. Listen anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum or search Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify or iHeartRadio podcasts.

LET US PRAY:

Blessing of a Crèche
God of every nation and people,
From the very beginning of creation
You have made manifest your love:
When our need for a Savior was great
You sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary.
To our lives He brings joy and peace, justice, mercy and love.

Lord,
Bless all who look upon this manger;
May it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus,
And raise up our thoughts to him,
Who is God-with-us and Savior of all,
And who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son; and his name will be called Emmanuel.

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/12192021.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. Please bear with us as we work through the challenges with our live streaming. If you are interested in being involved in this ministry, please email Lisa at lisa.titus@saintpolycarp.org or Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org.

DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm

PARISH WEBSITE: Visit: www.saintpolycarp.org/. Don’t forget to checkout our BULLETIN OVERFLOW for information that doesn’t fit in our weekly Bulletin!  Bulletin Overflow – Saint Polycarp Church

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE:
Christmas Eve – Friday, December 24th at 4 pm and 9 pm,
Christmas Day – Saturday, December 25th at 10 am.

LIVE STREAM: Christmas Eve – Friday, December 24th at 4 pm, (Can also be viewed at a later time.) https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY, Sunday, December 26th: Mass at 10:30 am only on Sunday the 26th. There is no Saturday, 4 pm Vigil Mass on December 25th.

THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY MOTHER OF GOD (New Year’s): Masses will be celebrated on Friday, December 31st at 4pm and Saturday, January 1st at 10am. Our Church calendars will be blessed and available at these Masses.

THIS WEEKEND, DECEMBER 18/19

BLESSED STRAW: This weekend, bags of Blessed Straw will be available for parishioners to take home for their Nativities.

PSR GRADES P/K – 8: In person classes – Sunday, December 19th for Grades P/K – 4 and Tuesday, December 21st for Grades 5-8.
PSR GRADE 4 families attend 10:30 am Mass this Sunday, December 19th.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD will take place during the 10:30 am Mass this Sunday, December 19th. All children ages PreK-4th grade are welcome to attend.

CHRISTMAS NOVENA REMEMBRANCE  AND CHRISTMAS FLOWER OFFERING: Christmas is a time to reflect on the blessings of family and shared togetherness. We exchange gifts as an act of love and appreciation. Find the peace that only God can provide by enrolling all your loved loves, living and deceased, in the most powerful of all prayers, the gift of Holy Mass, or through a contribution towards the beautiful Christmas flowers.   Please use the Christmas Novena Remembrance and Christmas Flower Offering envelopes as gifts to show your loved ones they have not been forgotten. Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church.

WEEK of DECEMBER 19TH

THE DEANERY PENANCE SERVICE will be held at Holy Cross, Dover on Monday, December 20^th, at 7 pm.
Various priests will be available to hear confessions.
Need a refresher? See the insert in this weekend’s Bulletin or visit https://saintpolycarp.org/reconciliation-refresher/

ST. POLYCARP 2021 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT SALE: Don’t miss out. We have five – 2021 ornaments left!  If you are interested in purchasing an ornament, email Mrs. Taylor at dre@saintpolycarp.org or call (302)653-4101.

MEMORIAL BRICKS: Do You Have Someone on Your Gift List Who Has Everything? Give the gift of a memorial brick as a Christmas gift. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved except in memory. Order forms can be found at the doors of the Church or order through Faith Direct at https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/5644, (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct). You can also CLICK HERE FOR ORDER FORM 

THE PARISH OFFICE will close at noon on Wednesday, December 22nd  and remain closed until 9 am on Tuesday, December 28^th.  The office will also be closed on Friday, December 31^st.

DIVINE MERCY: We will not gather to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet on Friday, December 24th or Friday, December 31st.

RECONCILIATION: Confessions will not take place here at St. Polycarp on Saturday, December 25th.

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, taking place at the Parish campus on 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:  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. Call or text Alice Gaston 302-670-7924 to sign up. See the Bulletin for schedule.  This weekend, December 19th – the Taylor Family. January 2nd – The Ruane Family

LONG TERM PLANNING:  The Finance Council here at Saint Polycarp Parish is looking towards the future with the development of a long-range plan.  While we have always had an annual plan, the long-range plan will help steer and direct the parish for the next 3 – 5 years and longer. To help make this endeavor a success, we want to have several parishioners who would bring different viewpoints and perspectives and would be willing to actively participate in the 3 sessions we are anticipating.  The sessions would take place on weekends for 2 – 3 hours.  There will also be some prayer, reading and thinking to take place in between sessions. If you would like to participate or to learn more, please reach out to John Fcasni.  He can be reached at john.fcasni@gmail.com or call or text him at (609) 529-1986.

DECEMBER 26TH: Don’t put those decorations away yet!
The joy and wonder of Christmas is not limited to just Christmas Day but lasts for a period of time. The Christmas Season begins with the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas – December 25th) and ends with the Baptism of the Lord, this year, January 9th.  Celebrate the true Christmas Season!

 

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
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. On tomorrow’s episode, December 18, 2021, tune-in to hear Bishop William Koenig’s first Christmas message as Bishop of Wilmington and greetings from priests and deacons from across Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Listen anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum or search Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify or iHeartRadio podcasts.

THE DIALOG: Don’t miss the Christmas edition of The Dialog that will be available at the door this weekend. The first Dialog edition in the new year will be Jan. 14. The newspaper will not have a print edition on Friday, Dec. 31.

LET US PRAY: AN ADVENT WREATH BLESSING

 

Third Sunday of Advent

Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say rejoice!

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/12122021.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. Please bear with us as we work through the challenges with our live streaming. 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/. Don’t forget to checkout our BULLETIN OVERFLOW for information that doesn’t fit in our weekly Bulletin!  Bulletin Overflow – Saint Polycarp Church

LIVE NATIVITY: Ewell’s-Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Clayton, presents “A View-from-Your Car Drive-by Version of SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT – A LIVE NATIVITY“ tonight and tomorrow night, December 10th and 11th,  6 pm – 8 pm. 

Do You Have Someone on Your Gift List Who Has Everything? Happiness blooms where seeds of love and joy are planted. Give the gift of a memorial brick as a Christmas gift. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved except in memory. Order forms can be found at the doors of the Church or order through Faith Direct at https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/5644, (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct). You can also CLICK HERE FOR ORDER FORM 

THIS WEEKEND, DECEMBER 11/12

TOMORROW – BLESSED VIRGIN MARY SODALITY ADVENT RETREAT: Saturday December 11, 2021 Mother Drexel Hall – 9:00 am -1:00 pm.   This retreat is open to all.  Deacon Frank Weber will be the Retreat Master.  Donut holes, coffee, tea, and orange juice will be provided in the morning. Please bring your own lunch

PSR GRADES P/K – 8: Online lessons posted this week. No in-person classes Sunday, December 12th; Tuesday, December 14th

ST. POLYCARP 2021 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT SALE: Do you wish that you had ordered an ornament? You’re in luck! They turned out so nice that we ordered extras! Ornaments are $12 each and will be available for purchase after Masses this weekend, December 11th and 12th, at the doors of the Church. If you already placed an order and have not picked it up yet, stop by the front doors of the Church and we will have it for you. Do you wish you had purchased last year’s ornament? It’s your lucky day! We have two left for purchase.

THE BLESSING OF USHERS AND GREETERS will take place at the 10:30 am Mass this Sunday, December 12.

BREAKFAST WITH JESUS: Thank you to all who attended Breakfast with Jesus on December 5th. For those who had photos taken at the event, your pictures have been printed and will soon be available for pick up.   Details coming soon.

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.

WEEK of DECEMBER 18/19

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD will take place during the 10:30 am Mass next Sunday, December 19th. All children ages PreK-4th grade are welcome to attend.

THE DEANERY PENANCE SERVICE will be held at Holy Cross, Dover on Monday, December 20^th, at 7 pm.  Various priests will be available to hear confessions. Need a refresher? https://saintpolycarp.org/reconciliation-refresher/

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, taking place at the Parish campus on 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:  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. Call or text Alice Gaston 302-670-7924 to sign up. See the Bulletin for schedule.  December 19th – the Taylor Family. January 2nd – The Ruane 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!

 

---

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

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FROM THE DIOCESE:

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640. On tomorrow’s episode, December 11, 2021, tune-in to hear an interview with seminarian Manuel Vaz Guedes from the Seminary of Saint Peter Wigratzbad in the German Alps, and hear samples from their new CD, “Sancta Nox: Christmas Matins from Bavaria. Listen anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum or search Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify or iHeartRadio podcasts.

LET US PRAY: AN ADVENT WREATH BLESSING

 

Second Sunday of Advent

The Lord has done great things for us: we are filled with joy! 

THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON THE HOLY DAY, THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, DECEMBER 8th. 

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/12052021.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. Please bear with us as we work through the challenges with our live streaming. 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/. Don’t forget to checkout our BULLETIN OVERFLOW for information that doesn’t fit in our weekly Bulletin!  Bulletin Overflow – Saint Polycarp Church

THIS WEEKEND, DECEMBER 4/5

FIRST RECONCILIATION: PLEASE PRAY for our Parish children who will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time tomorrow morning.

SECOND COLLECTION this week is for the RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS. Elderly Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priest have offered their lives in service to others-educating the young, comforting the sick, and ministering to the less fortunate.  Today, many are frail and need assistance.  Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious helps furnish medications, nursing care, and more.  Please give generously to today’s second collection.

THE BLESSING OF SODALISTS will take place this Sunday at the 10:30 am Mass.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD will take place during the 10:30 am Mass this Sunday. All children ages PreK-4th grade are welcome to attend.

BREAKFAST WITH JESUS: Please join us for a very special Agape this Sunday, December 5^th following the 10:30 am Mass. Come enjoy “Breakfast with Jesus” and share the blessings of the season with each other as we await the coming of our Lord! A pancake breakfast hosted by the Knights of Columbus will be served. There will be photo opportunities for the children. Hope to see you there!   The photo used on the flyer is the background that will be available for photos on Sunday. Breakfast with Jesus flyer CLICK HERE

COOKIES!! Please stop by the portico after Mass tomorrow, Saturday, December 4th or at the Agape on Sunday, the 5th and pickup some homemade cookies from Brother Vincent Columbiettes. The funds raised are returned to St. Polycarp over the year as our Columbiettes support various parish projects.

THE GIVING TREE: All gifts should be returned to the hall by this Sunday, December 5th.

PSR REMINDER: In person class this week for Grades P/K to 8. IMPORTANT:GRADES 5-8 – Check for an important email from Mrs. Taylor about this week’s upcoming class.

DEACON CHARLIE MEMORIAL ADVENT POSTER CONTEST: Mrs. Maureen Robinson and her family judged the 47 posters that were submitted. It was a difficult task! The family enjoyed seeing the talent of each and every entrant!  See this week’s Bulletin for announcement of the winners!

WEEK of DECEMBER 5

HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION – DECEMBER 8TH – THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. Masses for the Holy Day are:
St. Polycarp: Tuesday, December 7^th, at 6:30 pm and Wednesday, December 8^th, at 8:30 am
St. Dennis: Wednesday, December 8^th, at 6:30 pm
READINGS FOR THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120821.cfm

 

PSR REMINDER – GRADES 5-8: IN PERSON CLASS week. Check for an important email from Mrs. Taylor about this week’s upcoming class. You should have received the email on Thursday…

 ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TURKEY/HAM/GIFT CARD DROP-OFF AT ST. POLYCARP: Once again, it’s time for SVDP’s annual Christmas “Turkey Drive” to benefit our neighbors in need. Can you donate a turkey or ham? Gift cards are also greatly appreciated. ($30 maximum).DONATIONS – Drop off your donation at the St. Polycarp parking lot this coming Thursday, December 9^th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm. If you know of anyone who would like to have a turkey, ham, or gift card please call the Saint Vincent de Paul Society  at 302-264-6630. Saint Vincent de Paul members will deliver the turkeys and gift cards to peoples’ homes on  Saturday, December 11, between 9 am and Noon. (Weather permitting.)

SODALITY ADVENT RETREAT: Saturday December 11, 2021 Mother Drexel Hall – 9:00 am -1:00 pm.   Please join the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality for an Advent Retreat.  This retreat is open to all.  Deacon Frank Weber will be the Retreat Master.  Donut holes, coffee, tea, and orange juice will be provided in the morning. Please bring your own lunch

WE NEED YOUR TIME AND TALENT ! We are looking for someone to help with the three bulletin boards outside of the church doors including the one under the portico. Do you have time to create a background for Christmas or stop by once a week to post flyers? Do you have time to do just one of the boards? If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org or call the Parish Office at (302) 653-8279

LIVE NATIVITY: Ewell’s-Saint Paul United Methodist Church, Clayton, presents “A View-from-Your Car Drive-by Version of SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT – A LIVE NATIVITY on Thursday – Saturday, December 9^th, 10^th and 11^th  6 pm – 8 pm. See the Bulletin for details.

NEXT WEEKEND, DECEMBER 11/12

THE BLESSING OF USHERS AND GREETERS will take place at the 10:30 am Mass next Sunday, December 12.

ST. POLYCARP 2021 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT: Do you wish that you had ordered an ornament? You’re in luck! They turned out so nice that we ordered extras! Ornaments are $12 each and will be available for purchase after Masses next weekend, December 11th and 12th. If you already placed an order, you will be receiving an email about pick-up times.

 

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, taking place at the Parish campus on 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:  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. Call or text Alice Gaston 302-670-7924 to sign up. See the Bulletin for schedule.  December 5th – the Brimson Family.

 

Got Someone on Your Gift List Who Has Everything? Happiness blooms where seeds of love and joy are planted. Give the gift of a memorial brick as a Holiday gift. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved except in memory. Order forms can be found at the doors of the Church or order through Faith Direct at https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/5644, (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct). You can also CLICK HERE FOR ORDER FORM 

 

 

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

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FROM THE DIOCESE:

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640. On tomorrow’s episode, December 4, 2021, tune in to hear an interview with Kathleen Beckman as she discussed her new book, “A Family Guide to Spiritual Warfare.” Listen anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum or search Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify or iHeartRadio podcasts.

 

LET US PRAY: AN ADVENT WREATH BLESSING