THE PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED, MONDAY, JANUARY 17, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 
Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.

 

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011622.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/.

With the rising number of covid cases and after receiving new recommendations from the diocese, our Pastoral Council, Liturgy Committee and our staff came to the consensus with the following recommendations:
To help control the spread of covid-19, particularly the Omicron variant, it is highly recommended that masks be worn during all Masses and while inside all buildings. Please sanitize your hands upon entering.  With the exception of devotionals (Flame of Love, Divine Mercy, Eucharistic Adoration, Confessions, Mass) committees/ministries will not be meeting in-person. Please check with your ministry chairperson for virtual links. PSR classes will be determined before classes on the 23rd/25th. (This week’s PSR classes, January 16/18, are already scheduled to be posted online.) Thank you.

THIS WEEKEND, JANUARY 15/16

PSR GRADES P/K – 4, Sunday, January 16. As scheduled, no in person classes. Lessons will be posted on PSROnline..

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is for the Catholic University and Catholic Communications.

TAX LETTERS: The office is working on the tax letters for your 2021 donations.  There will be an email sent out sometime during the coming week with the pertinent information.

THE WEEK OF JANUARY 16

PSR GRADES 5-8, Tuesday, January 18th.  As scheduled, no in person classes. Lessons will be posted on PSROnline..

Bishop Robert Barron’s series “THE CREED”. Connected in Christ’s presentation of Bishop Barron’s ‘The Creed’ begins this Tuesday, January 18th at 10:00 a.m.  via Zoom. If you wish to receive a link to this six-week program, please email Peggy O’Connor at peggyo52@aol.com.

9 DAYS FOR LIFE: JANUARY 19-27, 2022. Sign up at https://www.respectlife.org/9-days-signup  to receive 9 Days for Life, the U.S. bishops’ annual Respect Life novena, January 19-27. Receive the daily prayers by email or text message in English or Spanish.

THE NATIONAL PRAYER VIGIL FOR PRO-LIFE ACTIVITIES will take place from Thursday, January 20 through Friday, January 21 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Tune into EWTN (online on your laptop or television) for live coverage of the 2022 MARCH FOR LIFE including:
Opening Vigil Mass at 5:30 pm (followed by Holy Hour for Life) on Thursday, January 20^th from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception; Closing Mass at 8 am on Friday, January 21^st, from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Complete coverage of the March for Life at 9:30 am on Friday, January 21^st from Washington, D.C. https://www.ewtn.com/tv/watch-live
To find what channel EWTN is on your television, use https://www.ewtn.com/tv/channel-finder.
For more pro-life information, visit this website: https://www.ewtn.com/prolife/
For additional information, please visit https://www.usccb.org/national-prayer-events-for-life or  https://www.nationalshrine.org/event/2022-national-prayer-vigil-for-life.

NEXT WEEKEND, JANUARY 22/23

BLESSING OF LECTORS will take place on Saturday, January 22nd at the 4:00pm. Mass.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS POLAR BEAR PLUNGE for SPECIAL OLYMPICS collection to support this event will take place outside at the Church doors next weekend after both Masses.          
This year’s Polar Bears will be in-person and virtual this year due to the ongoing pandemic.  More than ever Special Olympics still needs our support.   So no matter how you Plunge, what’s most important is that you Plunge in support of 4,200 Special Olympics Delaware athletes. Our Knights of Columbus will once again be collecting donations to support this annual plunge. The Polar Bear Plunge/Special Olympics collection will take place this weekend, January 22-23, 2022.  Your generous donations should be placed in an envelope marked Polar Bear Plunge or Special Olympics and then placed in the collection basket, the black box under the portico, or mailed to St. Polycarp Church, 55 Ransom Lane, Smyrna DE 19977.  Checks should be made out to Knights of Columbus-Brother Vincent Council.  Please make all donations by Sunday, January 30th.  Thank you for your generous support.

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:  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 30th – Brimson Family, February 13th – Marshall 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

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FROM THE DIOCESE:

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640. On the January 15, 2022 episode, tune-in to learn about Saint Norbert and the Norbertine Fathers, when the Right Reverend James B. Herring, O.Praem, Prior of the Immaculate Conception Priory in Middletown, Delaware, is the guest. Listen anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum or search Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify or iHeartRadio podcasts.

LET US PRAY:

TENDER JESUS, so meek, so mild, teach us to be like You in all our ways. Teach us kindness, gentleness, generosity, and to be giving, forgiving, loving and caring. Teach us to follow in Your humble footsteps. Guide us to the place You want us to be, take control. Mold and shape us into the brilliant beings we were always destined to become. I pray these in Your most holy Name, Amen.

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!

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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!)

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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.

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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!

 

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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 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

---

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