30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.  

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102421.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.

DIGITAL MINISTRY: Thanks to those who stepped forward and attended our meeting this past Thursday. This new ministry will work with IT solutions and digital communications as we move forward. This process will be ongoing and take time. One of the areas in most need of knowledge and capabilities is our live streaming. For now, we will be live streaming the two weekday Masses at 8:30 am and the Saturday at 4pm.  Masses can be viewed live at those times, or later. 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.

FOOD PANTRY – IMPORTANT NOTICE: Temporarily, we have suspended collecting food for the local food pantry. The Smyrna-Clayton Ministerium’s Food Pantry located at Asbury Methodist Church has closed. It will be re-opening sometime at its new location at St. Peter’s Church.  Until it re-opens, we ask that you not leave food in the hallway bins. As soon as it reopens, we will collect once again. You have consistently seen the needs of our community and stepped up to help meet those needs.

THIS WEEKEND, OCTOBER 23/24

PSR REMINDER: Classes will meet in person this week. If you have not done so already, please remember to sign and return all forms. (Acceptable Use of Technology & Annual Consent and Release).

SECOND COLLECTION – WORLD MISSION SUNDAY: This weekend’s second collection is for World Mission Sunday. Pope Francis invites the entire Church to support mission dioceses in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe, where priests, religious and lay leaders serve the world’s most vulnerable communities. Please keep the Pope’s missions in your prayers and be generous in this week’s second collection for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) begins again this Sunday, October 24 during the 10:30am Mass. All children ages PreK-4^th grade are welcome to attend. Masks must be worn. CLOW is a worship experience geared especially for their age level. It 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. 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. We can use your help! Become involved in this wonderful ministry which will be offered twice a month. If you are interested in helping, please contact our CRE at dre@saintpolycarp.org

ST. JUDE BIKE-A-THON: All donations collected will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital!. Come one, come all…everyone is welcome to join us. Our PSR is once again hosting our annual St. Jude Bike-a-thon this Sunday, October 24^th at 1pm. Registration begins at 12:30pm. Meet in front of the Blessed Mother Statue.  Helmets are required. Please help our children help the sick children at St. Jude’s Hospital. Donations may also be made online at http://fundraising.st.jude.org/stpolycarp2021  We will also be collecting donations after Masses this weekend. Thank you in advance for your continued support.

 

NEXT WEEKEND, OCTOBER 30/31

VIGIL MASS FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS will be celebrated on Sunday, October 31 at 4pm. Because All Saints’ Day falls on a Monday, the obligation to attend Mass is removed but it remains a Holy Day. All Saints Day has been deemed important enough by the Church to be recognized as “Holy” and remains a great day to attend Mass whether at St. Polycarp, St. Dennis (All Saints’ Day Mass at St. Dennis is on Monday, Nov. 1st at 12 pm) or elsewhere. The question always arises “Can I attend the Sunday, Oct. 31st  4 pm Mass to fulfill the obligation for Sunday’s Mass?”.  It doesn’t work that way. At the 10:30 am Sunday Mass on October 31st we celebrate the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time with the appropriate readings for the day. The 4 pm Mass is for the Solemnity of All Saints and we hear the appropriate readings for All Saints. So, no – the Sunday 4 pm Mass does not fulfill the Sunday obligation to attend Mass.

ALL SAINT’S PARADE “TRUNK OR TREAT”: Come out and enjoy our All Saint’s Parade during PSR on October 31 at 9:00am. All children of the parish are welcome to attend. Children must dress as a saint and/or hold an object that represents their saint. Each child should wear a sign or tag saying what saint they are representing. After our Parade of Saints, the children will walk around to collect candy/goodies given out by the different ministries/committees and groups of our parish. If you would like to donate candy or hand out candy with your family, contact us (302)653-4101. This will be an exciting way to celebrate All Saints Day!

 

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AT SEA PROGRAM: The last day donations will be accepted is Sunday, October 31^st.  This annual program helps the Seamen’s Center of Wilmington deliver the gift of a Ditty Box for Christmas.  The crews of the container vessels and tankers that dock at Wilmington are typically at sea for 9 months, working 12 hour shifts, seven days a week.  This Ditty Box filled with essentials like toothpaste and toothbrushes, razors, soap, candy, hats, gloves and more. St. Polycarp will be accepting donations, cash or check, throughout the month of October, to purchase the needed items.  To donate, please put your cash or check (made payable to St. Polycarp) into an envelope and clearly mark “Christmas at Sea Program” on the front of the envelope.  Place your envelope into the collection basket or the black box located under the portico.  Questions? Contact Tracie at (302) 242 – 4150 or email Tracie.Bruno@comcast.net

 

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ONGOING/UPCOMING

CHALICE MINISTRY: We are all aware of the need for vocations to the priesthood, the diaconate, and to the religious life.  Praying for vocations is the most powerful way to support vocations.  The purpose of the Chalice Ministry is to encourage families to pray and promote vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life.  The consecrated Chalice is a tangible reminder of this special intention for the Church.  Sign up to bring the Chalice into your home to pray for vocations for a week.  Visit the parish web site or call / text Alice at (302)670–7924 to sign-up.

The RCIA is the process by which such individuals become full members of the Catholic Church. We are called to share the “Good News” and you can make a difference by simply asking! If you are aware of someone who is looking for a spiritual and emotional change in their life, “personally invite” them to our RCIA sessions, taking place at the Parish campus on Monday evenings at 6:30 PM. Again, these sessions are for those unbaptized, baptized in other Christian or faith traditions or adult Catholics who are interested in receiving the
sacrament of Confirmation. For information, please contact Deacon Frank Weber at DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

BIRTHRIGHT OF DELAWARE – BOTTLE FOR BABIES:  Please take a bottle home today, fill it with loose change, cash, or checks and return it to the parish at the beginning of November.  Please do not write or place stickers on the bottles. Birthright reuses the bottles year after year.  The proceeds from this fundraiser benefit pregnant women and their babies.  Thank you for supporting Birthright! Bottles need to be returned the beginning of November.

2021 ST. POLYCARP CHURCH ORNAMENT FUNDRAISER: This unique glass Christmas Ornament is 3 1/4” in diameter and comes packaged in its own gift box for safe keeping. This beautiful ornament is also the perfect gift for friends or family that have moved out of the area. These ornaments are sure to become a cherished keepsake and heirloom. LIMITED EDITION – only $12 each ($15 w/Silver Hanger). Order yours now before they are gone! All proceeds benefit Parish School of Religion (PSR). Order forms are available at the doors of the Church, online at https://saintpolycarp.org/2021-st-polycap-christmas-ornament/, or you may order online using a credit card at https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/7693

MEMORIAL BRICKS:  Now is a perfect time to add your Memorial Brick to the walkway of our outdoor Blessed Mother Shrine.  We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to have our Blessed Mother looking down upon a memory of our loved one, a special occasion or just your family name. You can order through Faith Direct at https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/5644, (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), or return your form (forms may be found at the Church doors) with payment to St. Polycarp Church in an envelope labeled “Memorial Brick”. 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, hear excerpts from Bishop Koenig’s Synod 2021-2023 opening Mass homily and excerpts from Bishop John Barres’ homily at the Mass of Christian Burial of Msgr. Joseph Rebman. Listen anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum or search Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify or iHeartRadio podcasts.

LET US PRAY: World Mission Sunday

Let us pray:
For an increase in our own missionary spirit, that we may be fervent in our faith and in experiencing the power of God’s love, that we cannot help but proclaim and share what we have seen and heard with the entire world.

For all missionaries who give their lives to tell the glory of the Lord among the nations, that they may be loving, wise and holy witnesses of Christ, our Savior.

Lord, we ask that you protect the missionaries around the world, especially those in Haiti who have been abducted.

Lord, hear our prayer.              (adapted from General Intercessions)

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.  

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101721.cfm

LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream. As you may have noticed, our live streaming is not always working. We apologize for this inconvenience. Please see below:
LIVE STREAMING HELP NEEDED: Our live stream continues to be important to many of our parishioners who are homebound or unable to attend Mass but want to view Mass and remain connected to our parish. We are in urgent need of someone to help with the live streaming. As of now, we do not have anyone with the capabilities to set up and maintain streaming. We are confident that God has given our parishioners all of the gifts to build up His Kingdom here at St. Polycarp. Let us all pray that someone with those gifts will step forward and offer to help with our live streaming. Please join us this Thursday at 6:30pm in the Parish Library or contact Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org

ONLINE BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf    

TODAY – DIVINE MERCY: Join us on Fridays at 3pm in Church  to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Questions? Contact Janet at (302) 399–9066 or janethovis7@gmail.com

TONIGHT – ADULT FAITH FORMATION: Jesus is truly present – in his Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist!!! Did you realize that not all Catholics truly believe that? Perhaps you yourself are not quite sure about this truth. Or, maybe, you receive Holy Communion automatically, without truly thinking about or appreciating this Mystery of The Eucharist. Now is your chance to explore this central reality of our faith. Come share with other members of our faith community on four (4) consecutive Friday evenings, at 7 pm, starting on October 15, in the Parish Library, where we will present the Augustine Institute’s compelling series on “Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist”.  Pre-registration is required to assure you a space. Contact Peggy at 302-514-9913; peggyo52@aol.com.

THIS WEEKEND, OCTOBER 17/18

TOMORROW – PUBLIC SQUARE ROSARY CRUSADE –   Please join us in praying for our nation tomorrow, Saturday, October 16^th, at noon.  The local Public Square Rosary will take place at St. Polycarp Church. Our nation is in great need of public prayer, repentance and conversion.  We ask God to save America through the Rosary of His Most Holy Mother.

THE BLESSING OF MARRIED COUPLES will take place on Saturday, October 16th at the 4pm Mass.

2021 ANNUAL FORUM: Come join us for Saint Polycarp’s 2021 Annual Forum this Sunday, October 17^th, at 12 pm in the Hall.  There will be presentations about our accomplishments over the last year and a chance for you to give your ideas of what you would like to see in the future.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Light refreshments will be provided. Bring your ideas, suggestions and dreams!

PSR REMINDER: Classes will meet in person this week. If you have not done so already, please remember to sign and return all forms. (Acceptable Use of Technology & Annual Consent and Release).
SACRAMENTAL PREP MEETING: Sunday at 9 am in Room 3 for PSR parents who have a child in Grade 2 or in our Intermediate Sacramental Program (ISP) preparing for First Reconciliation/Eucharist. These families will then attend Mass for the Rite of Enrollment.

 

For information about the Synod, read Bishop Koenig’s letter by clicking on the following link:

https://thedialog.org/featured/bishop-koenig-journey-together-as-part-of-the-diocese-of-wilmington-pre-synod-oct-17/

 

 

WEEK OF OCTOBER 17th

WE ARE HAVING A TECH PARTY this Thursday, October 21^st, at 6:30 pm in the Library. !!! We need your help to grow our important Digital Ministry. Please join us if you are willing to lend your knowledge in any of the following areas: *Computer hardware/software/networks/Wifi, *Audio/Video/Projector equipment/Phone systems, *Social media/Website/YouTube/Live Streaming. If you can help in any way, come share your knowledge. Together we can do this! We need you! We look forward to working with you to embrace technology in the Church and spread the Good News in the digital world!

NEXT WEEKEND, OCTOBER 23/24

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) will begin again on October 24 during the 10:30am Mass. All children ages PreK-4^th grade are welcome to attend. Masks must be worn. CLoW is a worship experience geared especially for their age level. It 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. 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. We can use your help! Become involved in this wonderful ministry which will be offered twice a month. If you are interested in helping, please contact our CRE at dre@saintpolycarp.org

ST. JUDE BIKE-A-THON: Our PSR is once again hosting our annual St. Jude Bike-a-thon next Sunday, October 24^th at 1pm. Come one, come all…everyone is welcome to join us. Can’t join us? Support us by making a donation. We will be collecting donations after Masses next weekend. Help our children help the sick children at St. Jude’s Hospital. Thank you in advance for your continued support.

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY. Next weekend we will celebrate World Mission Sunday. Pope Francis invites the entire Church to support mission dioceses in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe, where priests, religious and lay leaders serve the world’s most vulnerable communities. Please keep the Pope’s missions in your prayers and be generous in next week’s second collection for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.

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ONGOING/UPCOMING

CHALICE MINISTRY: We are all aware of the need for vocations to the priesthood, the diaconate, and to the religious life.  Praying for vocations is the most powerful way to support vocations.  The purpose of the Chalice Ministry is to encourage families to pray and promote vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life.  The consecrated Chalice is a tangible reminder of this special intention for the Church.  Sign up to bring the Chalice into your home to pray for vocations for a week.  Visit the parish web site or call / text Alice at (302)670–7924 to sign-up.

The RCIA is the process by which such individuals become full members of the Catholic Church. We are called to share the “Good News” and you can make a difference by simply asking! If you are aware of someone who is looking for a spiritual and emotional change in their life, “personally invite” them to our RCIA sessions, taking place at the Parish campus on Monday evenings at 6:30 PM. Again, these sessions are for those unbaptized, baptized in other Christian or faith traditions or adult Catholics who are interested in receiving the
sacrament of Confirmation. For information, please contact Deacon Frank Weber at DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AT SEA PROGRAM: This annual program helps the Seamen’s Center of Wilmington deliver the gift of a Ditty Box for Christmas.  The crews of the container vessels and tankers that dock at Wilmington are typically at sea for 9 months, working 12 hour shifts, seven days a week.  This Ditty Box filled with essentials like toothpaste and toothbrushes, razors, soap, candy, hats, gloves and more. St. Polycarp will be accepting donations, cash or check, throughout the month of October, to purchase the needed items.  To donate, please put your cash or check (made payable to St. Polycarp) into an envelope and clearly mark “Christmas at Sea Program” on the front of the envelope.  Place your envelope into the collection basket or the black box located under the portico.  The last day donations will be accepted is Sunday, October 31^st.  Questions? Contact Tracie at (302) 242 – 4150 or email Tracie.Bruno@comcast.net

BIRTHRIGHT OF DELAWARE – BOTTLE FOR BABIES:  Please take a bottle home today, fill it with loose change, cash, or checks and return it to the parish at the beginning of November.  Please do not write or place stickers on the bottles. Birthright reuses the bottles year after year.  The proceeds from this fundraiser benefit pregnant women and their babies.  Thank you for supporting Birthright!

2021 ST. POLYCARP CHURCH ORNAMENT FUNDRAISER: This unique glass Christmas Ornament is 3 1/4” in diameter and comes packaged in its own gift box for safe keeping. This beautiful ornament is also the perfect gift for friends or family that have moved out of the area. These ornaments are sure to become a cherished keepsake and heirloom. LIMITED EDITION – only $12 each ($15 w/Silver Hanger). Order yours now before they are gone! All proceeds benefit Parish School of Religion (PSR). Order forms are available at the doors of the Church, online at https://saintpolycarp.org/2021-st-polycap-christmas-ornament/, or you may order online using a credit card at https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/7693

MEMORIAL BRICKS:  Now is a perfect time to add your Memorial Brick to the walkway of our outdoor Blessed Mother Shrine.  We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to have our Blessed Mother looking down upon a memory of our loved one, a special occasion or just your family name. You can order through Faith Direct at https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/5644, (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), or return your form (forms may be found at the Church doors) with payment to St. Polycarp Church in an envelope labeled “Memorial Brick”. 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, Dennis Turner, author of the new book, “What Did You Do In The War, Sister?: Catholic Sisters in the WWII Nazi Resistance,” will discuss his book. Listen anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum or search Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify or iHeartRadio podcasts.

LET US PRAY: Prayer to Your Guardian Angel

Angel of God, my guardian dear,
to whom God’s love commits me here,
ever this day be at my side,
to light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.

 

This unique glass,” Limited Edition” Christmas Ornament is 3 1/4” in diameter and comes packaged in its own gift box for safe keeping. Our goal is to create a unique series of tree ornaments that depict a new theme each year.  Collect the entire series! This beautiful ornament is the perfect gift! You have until Sunday, November 7^th, to order and pay for your ornaments. Click on the link below for the order form. Order forms are also available at the doors of the Church or can be ordered online using a credit card at https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/7693

CLICK HERE Christmas Order Form 2021

Thank you for supporting our PSR!

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fill us with your love, O Lord, we will sing for joy!  

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101021.cfm

LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream. Masses may also be viewed at a later time. As you may have noticed, our live streaming is not always working. We apologize for this inconvenience.
LIVE STREAMING HELP NEEDED: Our live stream continues to be important to many of our parishioners who are homebound or unable to attend Mass for other reasons but want to view Mass and remain connected to our parish. We are in urgent need of someone to help with the live streaming. As of now, we do not have anyone with the capabilities to set up and maintain streaming. We are confident that God has given our parishioners all of the gifts to build up His Kingdom here at St. Polycarp. Let us all pray that someone with those gifts will step forward and offer to help with our live streaming. Please contact Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org

ONLINE BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf    

THIS EVENING – DIVINE MERCY: Beginning Friday, October 8^th, we will once again gather to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet every Friday at 3:00 pm in the Church.   All are invited to join us. Questions? Contact Janet at (302) 399–9066 or janethovis7@gmail.com

THIS WEEKEND, OCTOBER 9/10

THE BLESSING OF THE PARISH PROFESSIONAL STAFF will take place on Saturday, October 9th at the 4pm Mass.

SECOND COLLECTION this week is for Parish Maintenance. Thank you for your ongoing generosity.

PSR REMINDER: No in-person classes for Grades P/K – 8 this week. Lessons will be posted online.

WEEK OF OCTOBER10th

WEEKDAY MASS: Reminder : There will be 8:30 am Mass on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only.

The RCIA is the process by which such individuals become full members of the Catholic Church. We are called to share the “Good News” and you can make a difference by simply asking! If you are aware of someone who is looking for a spiritual and emotional change in their life, “personally invite” them to our RCIA sessions, taking place at the Parish campus on Monday evenings at 6:30 PM. Again, these sessions are for those unbaptized, baptized in other Christian or faith traditions or adult Catholics who are interested in receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. For information, please contact Deacon Frank Weber at DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION: Jesus is truly present – in his Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist!!! Did you realize that not all Catholics truly believe that? Perhaps you yourself are not quite sure about this truth. Or, maybe, you receive Holy Communion automatically, without truly thinking about or appreciating this Mystery of The Eucharist. Now is your chance to explore this central reality of our faith. Come share with other members of our faith community on four (4) consecutive Friday evenings, at 7 pm, starting on October 15, in the Parish Library, where we will present the Augustine Institute’s compelling series on “Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist”.  Pre-registration is required to assure you a space. Contact Peggy at 302-514-9913; peggyo52@aol.com.

PUBLIC SQUARE ROSARY CRUSADE –    Saturday, October 16^th at St. Polycarp Church. Please join us in praying for our nation next Saturday, October 16^th, at noon.  The local Public Square Rosary will take place at St. Polycarp Church. Our nation is in great need of public prayer, repentance and conversion.  We ask God to save America through the Rosary of His Most Holy Mother.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AT SEA PROGRAM: This annual program helps the Seamen’s Center of Wilmington deliver the gift of a Ditty Box for Christmas.  The crews of the container vessels and tankers that dock at Wilmington are typically at sea for 9 months, working 12 hour shifts, seven days a week.  This Ditty Box filled with essentials like toothpaste and toothbrushes, razors, soap, candy, hats, gloves and more, may be the only Christmas gift these crew members receive. This year St. Polycarp will be accepting donations, cash or check, throughout the month of October, to purchase the needed items.  To donate, please put your cash or check (made payable to St. Polycarp) into an envelope and clearly mark “Christmas at Sea Program” on the front of the envelope.  Place your envelope into the collection basket or the black box located under the portico.  The last day donations will be accepted is Sunday, October 31^st.  If you have any questions, please contact Tracie Bruno by phone at (302) 242 – 4150 or by email Tracie.Bruno@comcast.net

NEXT WEEKEND, OCTOBER 16/17

THE BLESSING OF MARRIED COUPLES will take place on Saturday, October 16th at the 4pm Mass.

2021 ANNUAL FORUM: Come join us for Saint Polycarp’s 2021 Annual Forum on Sunday, October 17^th, at 12 pm in the Hall.  There will be presentations about our accomplishments over the last year and a chance for you to give your ideas of what you would like to see in the future.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Light refreshments will be provided.

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ONGOING/UPCOMING

WE ARE HAVING A TECH PARTY!!! We need your help to grow our important new Digital Ministry. Bring your knowledge (and devices!)
WHEN:  Thursday, October 21^st, at 6:30 pm in the Library. RSVP to Judy (communications@saintpolycarp.org) or Lisa (lisa.titus@saintpolycarp.org) if you are willing to lend your expertise in any of the following areas: *Computer hardware/software/networks/Wifi, *Audio/Video/Projector equipment/Phone systems, *Social media/Website/YouTube/Live Streaming. We look forward to working with you to embrace technology in the Church and spread the Good News in the digital world!

BIRTHRIGHT OF DELAWARE – BOTTLE FOR BABIES: Throughout the whole month of October, “Respect Life Month”, Birthright of Delaware will host its Annual Bottles for Babies Fundraiser.  Please take a bottle home today, fill it with loose change, cash, or checks and return it to the parish at the beginning of November.  Please do not write or place stickers on the bottles. Birthright reuses the bottles year after year.  The proceeds from this fundraiser benefit pregnant women and their babies.  Thank you for supporting Birthright!

2021 ST. POLYCARP CHURCH ORNAMENT FUNDRAISER has begun! This unique glass Christmas Ornament is 3 1/4” in diameter and comes packaged in its own gift box for safe keeping. This beautiful ornament is also the perfect gift for friends or family that have moved out of the area. These ornaments are sure to become a cherished keepsake and heirloom. LIMITED EDITION – only $12 each ($15 w/Silver Hanger).All proceeds benefit Parish School of Religion (PSR). You may order online using a credit card at https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/7693

MEMORIAL BRICKS:  Now is a perfect time to add your Memorial Brick to the walkway of our outdoor Blessed Mother Shrine.  We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to have our Blessed Mother looking down upon a memory of our loved one, a special occasion or just your family name. You can order through Faith Direct at https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/5644, (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), or return your form (forms may be found at the Church doors) with payment to St. Polycarp Church in an envelope labeled “Memorial Brick”. 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, Ms. Colleen  Lindsey, Director of Religious Education and Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese of Wilmington and Ms. Eileen Gaus, Coordinator of the new Footprints ministry designed to assist families by providing resources after the loss of their unborn child, will discuss this new effort. Listen anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum or search Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify or iHeartRadio podcasts.

LET US PRAY:

Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.