Announcements – Saint Polycarp Church

Weekend Update November 16/17

November 15, 2024

33^rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER

~ Who in your life exemplifies wisdom? What light do you receive from his or her example?
~ How do you look to the Lord for the path to life, as the psalm states?
~ What do you think about when you think of the end of times and the life of the world to come?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111724.cfm

LIVE-STREAMING FROM ST. POLYCARP: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am, Tuesdays & Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays. DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMINGhttps://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm

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

WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE . (New Bulletins are posted on Fridays.) Thank you to all of our weekly bulletin sponsors for your support during the year! Your support has not gone unnoticed by our parish community and is so appreciated!

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: There’s always information that doesn’t fit in our Bulletin – Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE or use this QR code

UPDATE: FAITH AND CHARITY APPEAL – One Body, One Spirit in Christ: Our Parish has pledged $67,505.52 surpassing our goal of $61,500. Of the pledged $67,505.52 pledged we have collected $63,532.54, leaving $3972.98 in outstanding payments. Thank you to all our parishioners who contributed to the 2024 Appeal. For those who haven’t fulfilled their pledges, kindly remember to send in your payments.
Now that we have reached our goal in money collected, we will receive back half of the money collected above the goal. For years the generosity of our folks has enabled us to do parish projects with the funds we receive. Your generosity in supporting this year’s appeal once again demonstrates that you understand the mission of our Church.

As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to consider a special gift to the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. Your generous support enables vital ministries across our diocese, including Catholic education, family life, and outreach to those in need. Every gift, no matter the size, helps bring hope and faith to our communities. If you haven’t yet had the chance to contribute, now is a perfect time to make a meaningful impact. Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church. You can also support the appeal online at www.cdow.org or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.

THIS WEEKEND, November 16/17 (and Monday, November 18^th – Friday, November 22^nd)

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is for the Catholic Campaign of Human Development. In the United States, over 11% of the population lives in poverty. Through this collection, you support programs that address the root causes of poverty and provide a sustainable future for those struggling across the country. In addition, 25% of the funds we collect remain in our diocese to fund local antipoverty projects. Please prayerfully consider how you can support this collection. For more information visit www.usccb.org/cchd.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD takes place this Sunday during the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for children in PreK-4^th grade. They will listen to Scripture and engage in discussions about what they have heard at their age level. Children will be called forward before the First Reading and will return to you after the General Intercessions. Our lead catechist is Anna Skinner. She, along with her assistants, have cleared background checks.

THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17^th! ST. POLYCARP’S 2^nd ANNUAL QUARTER AUCTION in Mother Drexel Hall! Questions? Contact Darlene at (302) 270-3915 or darpete87@comcast.net or Deanna at 302-535-2957 or Deannasanphy@yahoo.com . Doors open at 3 pm. Auction starts at 4 pm. Paddles may be purchased at the door (cash only). All-in Paddles $45, Regular Paddles $5 (You will need quarters to bid).

OUR GIVING TREE Committee coordinates the Christmas gifts for needy children in our community. We work closely with our Parish School of Religion and the Smyrna School District to identify children in need. The Giving Tree is set up inside the Main Entrance of the church with the children’s requests this weekend. Please purchase a gift for the child on the tag you choose and return it to the Parish Hall no later than Sunday, December 1^st. Contact Fran and Jim Walls at 302-359-9152, if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support and generosity!

THE DIALOG: Newspaper of the Diocese, Published every other week. Newest edition at the Church doors as you leave Mass this weekend! View online at http://thedialog.org/

EVENING BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: The evening “Pathway to Peace” bereavement support group meets weekly on Thursdays at 7 pm in Classroom 8.

RESERVED PARKING SPOT: Help out the church with this annual fundraiser and Parish tradition of putting up a parking spot to the highest bidder! You will have the reserved spot (with your name on it) for one year. With the winter weather coming, maybe you will want to have that close spot for you or a loved one (maybe as an early Christmas gift). Please submit your bid amount by December 1^st at 3 pm by emailing financialmanager@saintpolycarp.org with the Subject Line: “Parking Spot Bid” or dropping it in the collection basket or black drop box under the portico. Your bid should be labeled “Parking Spot Bid” with your name & phone number on it. Individual parishioners, as well as, groups are welcome to bid. All bids MUST be in writing.

SMYRNA/CLAYTON CHRISTMAS PARADE: Parish & Family Life is representing St. Polycarp in the Smyrna/Clayton Christmas Parade being held Sunday, December 1^st! Parade will begin at Clayton Elementary at 5pm. If you can not join us, consider supporting with a bag of candy which will help us spread Christmas cheer & Welcome members in our Community! Contact Deanna Lail @ dlail14@comcast.net or 302-535-2957 or Ashley Wilson ashfran8587@gmail.com

NEXT WEEKEND, November 23/24 (and Monday, November 25^th – Friday, November 29^th)

NEXT SUNDAY, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE: The celebration of Jesus as the King of the Universe is the start of the last week of the Church’s Liturgical Year. A new liturgical year begins with the season of Advent on Sunday, December 1^st.
THE DEANERY ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE will be held at Holy Cross Church in Dover on Thursday, December 5^th.
For Advent Reconciliation information click here or scan the QR code

SMYRNA-CLAYTON MINISTERIUM THANKSGIVING DINNER: The Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at Smyrna Elementary School the Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 24^th, from 2 pm to 5 pm. Everyone is encouraged to come and enjoy the tasty dinner and the company of other community members. Youth volunteers will serve the dinner. Church members are asked to donate pies and bring them to Smyrna Elementary School that day between 1 and 2 pm.

PLANNING PRAYER BEGINNING NEXT WEEKEND: Please join our Facilities Planning Committee in prayer as we seek God’s guidance for updating our Parish kitchen. Your prayers are essential as we make important decisions about this project that will serve our congregation for years to come. We will be reciting the “Planning Prayer” immediately following the Prayer of the Faithful starting next weekend of November 23^rd and 24^thand continue until the project is completed. Prayer cards will be available in the pews next weekend.

The yearly SMYRNA-CLAYTON MINISTERIUM INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE will be held the evening before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 27^th, at 7 pm. This year it will be located at Asbury Methodist Church, with participation of pastors from local churches.

THANKSGIVING DAY – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, MASS – 9 AM: Mass will be at 9:00 am at St. Polycarp. The Liturgy Committee is asking that all those who attend this Mass, to please bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Pantry. The Pantry is in need of cereal, instant oatmeal, juice boxes or pouches, peanut butter & jelly, hamburger helper, tuna helper, canned chicken, tuna, or Vienna sausages, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, Chef Boyardee canned pasta, canned beef stew or chili, rice or noodle side dishes, applesauce or canned fruits, powdered or boxed milk, Ritz or saltine crackers. Please, no expired items. There will be baskets near the entrances to place the food items. The baskets will then be brought up during the Offertory Procession. Thank you for your kind hospitality for those in need!

WHY CATHOLICS CANNOT RECEIVE THE EUCHARIST AT OTHER DENOMINATIONS OF FAITH: Read more at https://saintpolycarp.org/liturgy-committee/

UPCOMING:

ANNUAL FALL CLEANUP: Saturday, November 30^th, 2024 9am – Noon. Come join us for the Annual Fall Cleanup. We need you to help beautify the campus by clearing the ground of leaves, branches and debris Please bring a rake, blowers, gloves and your friends. Great opportunity for Confirmandi volunteer hours. We welcome folks on riding mowers that can vacuum up the leaves. We appreciate any amount of time you are able to give. Light refreshments will be available. Please text or call Michael Pyle at 302-423-9732 or email him at mjpyle58@msn.com so we can know how many folks to expect.

THE FACILITIES PLANNING COMMITTEE has been established and meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the hall. We are looking for parishioners with backgrounds in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting and other construction expertise needed for our project. If God has blessed you with a gift you can share, please contact John Irwin, Executive Officer of Facilities Planning at 740-317-3617. Our next meeting is Tuesday, December 3^rdat 6:30 pm in the hall.

COLUMBIETTES ANNUAL COOKIE WALK: Join us on Saturday, December 21^st after the 4 pm Mass or on Sunday, December 22nd after the 10:30 am Mass. You will be able to purchase delicious homemade cookies lovingly baked by our Columbiettes! Many varieties. Only $1 per bag!

COME JOIN THE BROTHER VINCENT #7517 K of C & COLUMBIETTES on Saturday, January 18^th, 2025 from 5:30 – 9 pm in St. Polycarp Parish Hall. A fun filled night with dinner…show…dancing! Tickets $45. Call or email Anna Skinner at 302-883-5647 ANNA.SKINZ@gmail.com or Mike Cunningham at 302-389-8952 mikec923@yahoo.com. Look for the insert in next weekend’s bulletin!

ONGOING:

VIDEOGRAPHERS NEEDED: Are you interested in helping to promote Saint Polycarp Parish? Do you have videography skills? The Pastoral Council is looking for someone to help us make a video to showcase our parish campus. Please contact our Executive Officer, Ken Eckard at kennetheckard9@gmail.com.

EARLY DEADLINES FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY BULLETINS: As we enter the busy holiday season, the bulletin is due earlier to the publisher because of expected delays in delivery time. All submissions will need to be submitted earlier than usual. PLAN NOW! If you are requesting to do an insert in December, please contact Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org by November 18^th. To see full list of deadlines – CLICK HERE

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Visit Bulletin Overflow https://saintpolycarp.org/overflow/ for details on the following and more!: (or use this QR code)

Xavier Society for the Blind: provides braille, large print, and audio materials in the Catholic tradition, free-of-charge, to blind/visually impaired people worldwide. To learn more visit xaviersocietyfortheblind.org or call 800-637-9193.

Catholic High School Placement Tests: The Diocese of Wilmington will administer the High School Placement Test (HSPT) at our diocesan and parish high schools (Padua Academy, Saint Elizabeth High School, Saint Mark’s High School, Saints Peter & Paul High School) the third weekend in November. Register now for the November 16/17 test at www.cdow.org/HSPT

2024 BISHOP’S 5K RUN/WALK: Saturday, November 23^rd, 2024 Saint Mark’s High School Registration starts at 8am; Race begins at 9am . https://runsignup.com/Race/DE/Wilmington/TheBishops5K

St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation Advent Retreat: Saturday, November 30^th Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19301 https://www.nonnatus.org/advent-retreat-2024.html

FORMED: Thanks to a very generous and thoughtful parishioner, our FORMED Subscription has been RENEWED for another year! Please SIGN UP NOW and begin enjoying the abundant amount of Catholic content that FORMED has to offer! You won’t be disappointed! To gain full access to FORMED; follow these simple steps:
~Go to: www.formed.org or scan QR Code
~Enter our parish’s zip code (19977)
~Click on St. Polycarp Church
~Enter your name and your email address

ONGOING

THREE YEARS OF ABUNDANT GRACE AND TRANSFORMATION – EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

MISSION: To renew the church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

VISION: To inspire a movement of Catholics across the United States who are healed, converted, formed, and unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist—and who are then sent out on mission “for the life of the world.”

HOLY COMMUNION TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND – Do you know someone who is sick or homebound and not able to make it to Mass? We would love to give them the opportunity to receive Holy Communion in their homes. Please contact April Corrales at 302-220–9616 or Lori Ostrowski at 302-540–6522

SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION at St. Polycarp will take place monthly at the Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of the month. Eucharistic Adoration at St. Dennis Church (Galena MD) will take place on the Fourth Sunday of the month following the 8 am Sunday Mass.
Upcoming Saturday Eucharistic Adoration at St. Polycarp: Saturdays, December 7^th, January 11^th, February 8^th, March 8^th, April 12^th, May 10^th.

TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 11 am to 8 pm in the Chapel. Do you have one hour to spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament? Call Cheryl Thomas at 302-363–0404 or email her at salcrest7@gmail.com. All are welcome to stop in and adore Jesus between 11 am and 8 pm in the Chapel on Tuesdays. Stay for 10 minutes, 1 hour…

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week. Families and individuals are encouraged to sign up! Text or call Alice Gaston at 302-670–7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/ Sunday, November 10 – A. Wilson & Family; Sunday, November 24 – Willson Family , Sunday, December 10 – Lail Family, Sunday, December 29 – Netz Family

CONNECTED IN CHRIST (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets every Tuesday after the 8:30 am Mass in the Parish Library – ALL are welcome. We begin with prayer, then watch a video, usually from FORMED and follow up with a discussion. We close with prayer by 11am. Come and share your faith with us. Any questions, call Cookie Ruane, 302-540-6429

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD: Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered every 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of the month during the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for children in PreK-4^th grade. It mirrors the worship experience of the larger community in an engaging and interactive style. They will listen to Scripture and engage in discussions about what they have heard at their age level. Children will be called forward before the First Reading and will return to you after the General Intercessions. Our lead catechist is Anna Skinner. She, along with her assistants, have cleared background checks.

GLUTEN FREE? Do you have an intolerance to gluten? If so, our parish offers gluten-free wafers to be consecrated for you. Please see our Sacristan 10 – 15 minutes before Mass and let them know that you need a gluten-free wafer put in the pyx. At Communion, please proceed down the aisle to the priest who will have the pyx in his hand and let him know you need a gluten-free host.

IS THAT YOU, FR. JIM? If you receive emails or texts from Fr. Jim asking for favors, gift cards or gifts or stating something similar to “I am currently busy in a meeting now, no calls so just reply to my email”, please ignore and delete. If an email looks suspicious and you’re not sure, give the office a call.

MEMORIAL BRICKS: Adding your MEMORIAL BRICK to the walkway of our Blessed Mother is a unique way to keep your memories alive. Honor family and friends! Share a favorite quote, and more! You can order through Faith Direct at: https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/org/831 Scroll down until you see “Memorial Bricks” (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), or use this QR code or return your form with payment of $100 to St. Polycarp Church. Envelopes marked with “Memorial Brick” may be placed in the Offertory collection, mailed or delivered to the Parish Office (place in black box).

REDNER’S MARKETS 1% SAVE-A-TAPE FUNDRAISER: Turn your food shopping into cash for our parish. Simply be sure to obtain and scan your Redner’s Rewards Card each time you shop. Save your whole receipt. Bring your receipts to the Parish Office or put them into the collection basket. There is no expiration date – you can turn in receipts months old!

THE SMYRNA/CLAYTON MINISTERIUM FOOD PANTRY is located downstairs at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 22 N. Union St., Smyrna. The pantry is open from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, Monday through Friday. Due to the increased need in the community, the Pantry is in great need of cereal, juice boxes or pouches, peanut butter & jelly, hamburger helper, tuna helper, canned tuna, sloppy joe sauce (Manwich), boxed spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, vegetable beef and chicken noodle soups, macaroni & cheese, and Chef Boyardee canned pastas. No canned vegetables or beans are currently needed. Please, no expired items. Here at St. Polycarp we have bins under the coat rack in the hallway near the bathrooms to accept your donations.

BULLETIN SPONSORS: Thank you to all of our weekly bulletin sponsors for your support during the year!

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 CHURCH: http://www.stdennischurch.org 153 N. Main St. Galena, MD 21635 410-648-5145
DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm
FOR THE SAKE OF GOD’S CHILDREN: https://www.cdow.org/giving/fsgc/
THE DIALOG: http://thedialog.org/ Newspaper of the Diocese, copies available as you leave Church or online. Published every other week.
EWTN: ewtn.com

FROM THE DIOCESE:

HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT TESTS: The Diocese of Wilmington will administer the High School Placement Test (HSPT) at our diocesan and parish high schools (Padua Academy, Saint Elizabeth High School, Saint Mark’s High School, Saints Peter & Paul High School) the third weekend in November. The HSPT is an important step in the process of successful admission and placement in a Catholic diocesan or parish high school. This test is used for admission, scholarship, and placement decisions. Register now for the November 16/17 test at www.cdow.org/HSPT

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week. The Catholic Forum debuts every Wednesday at 12 p.m. This week, author Heather Khym will discuss her new Advent book, “Encountering Emmanuel”. The Catholic Forum podcast on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music podcasts and YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm debuts every Wednesday at 12:00 p.m.; and on Relevant Radio 640 every Saturday afternoons at 1:30. More information is available at cdow.org/CatholicForum CLICK HERE

LET US PRAY:

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against
the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
cast into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.

Early Deadlines for December & January Bulletins

November 11, 2024

EARLY DEADLINES FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY BULLETINS

As we enter the busy holiday season, the bulletin is due earlier to the publisher because of expected delays in delivery time. All submissions will need to be submitted earlier than usual. PLAN NOW! If you are requesting to do an insert in December, please contact Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org by November 18^th.

ALL articles for the bulletin should be emailed to submission@saintpolycarp.org

For the December 1^st Bulletin: Submit your articles by noon on Tuesday, November 19^th.

For the December 8^th Bulletin: Submit your articles by noon on Tuesday, November 26^th.

For the December 15^th Bulletin: Submit your articles by noon on Tuesday, December 3^rd.

For the December 22^nd Bulletin: Submit your articles by noon on Monday, December 9^th.

For the December 29^th Bulletin: Submit your articles by noon on Monday, December 16^th.

January 5^th Bulletin (2025): Submit your articles by noon on Wednesday, December 18^th.

Weekend Update November 9/10

November 8, 2024

32^nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER

~ What helps you to trust in God’s providence in your life?
~ In what ways do you offer yourself and your daily life in union with Christ’s sacrifice?
~ How would you define true generosity?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111024.cfm

LIVE-STREAMING FROM ST. POLYCARP: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am, Tuesdays & Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays. DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMINGhttps://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm

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

WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE . (New Bulletins are posted on Fridays.) Thank you to all of our weekly bulletin sponsors for your support during the year! Your support has not gone unnoticed by our parish community and is so appreciated!

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: There’s always information that doesn’t fit in our Bulletin – Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE or use this QR code

Ever feel like someone you know or have met would make a good Priest, Sister, Brother or Deacon? If you’ve never spoken to them about it, the Called-By-Name program is your chance to lovingly nudge them to explore God’s calling. We encourage you to use the white response cards in your pews to nominate that person. This weekend, please place the cards in the boxes at each of the exits. You can CLICK HERE or scan the QR Code for a response card.

FAITH AND CHARITY APPEAL – One Body, One Spirit in Christ: Thank you to all those parishioners who contributed to the 2024 Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. Our parish has achieved our goal in pledges and money collected. Our goal was $61,500 and we have now collected $61,878.08. Now that we have reached our goal in money collected, we will receive back half of the money collected above the goal. For years the generosity of our folks has enabled us to do parish projects with the funds we receive. For those who haven’t fulfilled their pledges, kindly remember to send in your payments. Your generosity in supporting this year’s appeal once again demonstrates that you understand the mission of our Church. We invite those who haven’t yet had the opportunity to give to the Appeal to join us in spreading the spirit of gratitude. Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church. You can also support the appeal online at www.cdow.org or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.

THIS WEEKEND, November 9/10 (and Monday, November 10^th – Friday, November 15^th)

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Saturday, November 9^th,Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place at the end of the 4 pm Vigil Mass this Saturday, November 9^th. Please plan to stay and spend some time with Jesus. When you do leave, please do so in silence as others are praying.

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. “How much our hearts should be on fire with love for this ministry of assisting poor people and for devoting ourselves earnestly to it, because the need is so great, and God expects this of us.” – Saint Vincent de Paul

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: This Sunday, Ashley Wilson & Family. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/

OUR GIVING TREE Committee coordinates the Christmas gifts for needy children in our community. We work closely with our Parish School of Religion and the Smyrna School District to identify children in need. The Giving Tree is set up inside the Main Entrance of the church with the children’s requests this weekend. Please purchase a gift for the child on the tag you choose and return it to the Parish Hall no later than Sunday, December 1^st. Contact Fran and Jim Walls at 302-359-9152, if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support and generosity!

GRAB YOUR PADDLES NOW! GET EXCITED 🎉THE COUNTDOWN IS ON…ST. POLYCARP’S 2^ND ANNUAL QUARTER AUCTION IS NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17^th! 🎯 Grab your paddles at https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/org/831, scan this QR code or contact Darlene at (302) 270-3915. Some of the items received from our local supporters include a “you pick 2 for a year” from Panera Bread, Meal Cards from Chick-fil-A and so much more!

HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION NIGHT AT ST. POLYCARP, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12: Holy Cross High School will be holding an information session for prospective families on Tuesday, November 12^th, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, in Mother Drexel Hall. The session is open to families with students in grades 7 thru 9. Come learn about this new, independent, classical curriculum high school opening next fall in Dover! Questions? Contact Tom Fertal, President, at tfertal@hchs.org

EVENING BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: The evening “Pathway to Peace” bereavement support group meets weekly on Thursdays at 7 pm in Classroom 8.

VIDEOGRAPHERS NEEDED: Are you interested in helping to promote Saint Polycarp Parish? Do you have videography skills? The Pastoral Council is looking for someone to help us make a video to showcase our parish campus. Please contact our Executive Officer, Ken Eckard at kennetheckard9@gmail.com.

RESERVED PARKING SPOT: Help out the church with this annual fundraiser and Parish tradition of putting up a parking spot to the highest bidder! You will have the reserved spot (with your name on it) for one year. With the winter weather coming, maybe you will want to have that close spot for you or a loved one (maybe as an early Christmas gift). Please submit your bid amount by December 1^st at 3 pm by emailing financialmanager@saintpolycarp.org with the Subject Line: “Parking Spot Bid” or dropping it in the collection basket or black drop box under the portico. Your bid should be labeled “Parking Spot Bid” with your name & phone number on it. Individual parishioners, as well as, groups are welcome to bid. All bids MUST be in writing.

SMYRNA/CLAYTON CHRISTMAS PARADE: Parish & Family Life is representing St. Polycarp in the Smyrna/Clayton Christmas Parade being held Sunday, December 1^st! Parade will begin at Clayton Elementary at 5pm. If you can not join us, consider supporting with a bag of candy which will help us spread Christmas cheer & Welcome members in our Community! Contact Deanna Lail @ dlail14@comcast.net or 302-535-2957 or Ashley Wilson ashfran8587@gmail.com

EARLY DEADLINES FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY BULLETINS: As we enter the busy holiday season, the bulletin is due earlier to the publisher because of expected delays in delivery time. All submissions will need to be submitted earlier than usual. PLAN NOW! If you are requesting to do an insert in December, please contact Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org by November 18^th. See this weekend’s bulletin for submission dates.

WHY CATHOLICS CANNOT RECEIVE THE EUCHARIST AT OTHER DENOMINATIONS OF FAITH: Read more at https://saintpolycarp.org/liturgy-committee/

NEXT WEEKEND, November 16/17 (and Monday, November 18^th – Friday, November 22^nd)

SECOND COLLECTION next weekend is for the Catholic Campaign of Human Development. Nearly 38 million people in the United States live in poverty. This collection supports programs that empower people to identify and address the obstacles they face in bringing permanent and positive change to their communities. Learn more about the Catholic Campaign for Human Development at www.usccb.org/cchd.

UPCOMING:

SMYRNA-CLAYTON MINISTERIUM THANKSGIVING DINNER: The Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at Smyrna Elementary School the Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 24^th, from 2 pm to 5 pm. Everyone is encouraged to come and enjoy the tasty dinner and the company of other community members. Church members are asked to donate pies and bring them to Smyrna Elementary School that day.

The yearly SMYRNA-CLAYTON MINISTERIUM INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE will be held the evening before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 27^th, at 7 pm. This year it will be located at Asbury Methodist Church, with participation of pastors from local churches.

THANKSGIVING DAY – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, MASS – 9 AM: Mass will be at 9:00 am at St. Polycarp. The Liturgy Committee is asking that all those who attend this Mass, to please bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Pantry. The Pantry is in need of cereal, instant oatmeal, juice boxes or pouches, peanut butter & jelly, hamburger helper, tuna helper, canned chicken, tuna, or Vienna sausages, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, Chef Boyardee canned pasta, canned beef stew or chili, rice or noodle side dishes, applesauce or canned fruits, powdered or boxed milk, Ritz or saltine crackers. Please, no expired items. There will be baskets near the entrances to place the food items. The baskets will then be brought up during the Offertory Procession. Thank you for your kind hospitality for those in need!

THE FACILITIES PLANNING COMMITTEE has been established and meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the hall. We are looking for parishioners with backgrounds in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting and other construction expertise needed for our project. If God has blessed you with a gift you can share, please contact John Irwin, Executive Officer of Facilities Planning at 740-317-3617. Our next meeting is Tuesday, December 3^rdat 6:30 pm in the hall.

COME JOIN THE BROTHER VINCENT #7517 K of C & COLUMBIETTES on Saturday, January 18^th, 2025 from 5:30 – 9 pm in St. Polycarp Parish Hall. A fun filled night with dinner…show…dancing! Tickets $45. Call or email Anna Skinner at 302-883-5647 ANNA.SKINZ@gmail.com or Mike Cunningham at 302-389-8952 mikec923@yahoo.com. Look for the insert in next weekend’s bulletin!

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Visit Bulletin Overflow https://saintpolycarp.org/overflow/ for details on the following and more!: (or use this QR code)

Help Wanted: Holy Family in Newark is seeking a full-time Administrative Assistant/Parish Secretary.

Xavier Society for the Blind: provides braille, large print, and audio materials in the Catholic tradition, free-of-charge, to blind/visually impaired people worldwide. To learn more visit xaviersocietyfortheblind.org or call 800-637-9193.

Annual Christmas Bazaar at Immaculate Conception Church, 452 Bow Street, Elkton MD. November 9^th

Dancing to the Oldies: Msgr. Francis Desmond Columbiettes – St. Jude Parish Life Center, Lewes DE Saturday, November 16^th from 5:30 – 10 pm. Deadline to purchase tickets is today, November 8^th. For details, call Cathy 718-640-7885 or Grace 732-236-3878 or visit https://www.stjudelewes.org/dancing-to-the-oldiesCatholic High School Placement Tests: The Diocese of Wilmington will administer the High School Placement Test (HSPT) at our diocesan and parish high schools (Padua Academy, Saint Elizabeth High School, Saint Mark’s High School, Saints Peter & Paul High School) the third weekend in November. Register now for the November 16/17 test at www.cdow.org/HSPT

2024 BISHOP’S 5K RUN/WALK: Saturday, November 23^rd, 2024 Saint Mark’s High School Registration starts at 8am; Race begins at 9am . https://runsignup.com/Race/DE/Wilmington/TheBishops5K

St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation Advent Retreat: Saturday, November 30^th Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19301 https://www.nonnatus.org/advent-retreat-2024.html

FORMED: Thanks to a very generous and thoughtful parishioner, our FORMED Subscription has been RENEWED for another year! Please SIGN UP NOW and begin enjoying the abundant amount of Catholic content that FORMED has to offer! You won’t be disappointed! To gain full access to FORMED; follow these simple steps:
~Go to: www.formed.org or scan QR Code
~Enter our parish’s zip code (19977)
~Click on St. Polycarp Church
~Enter your name and your email address

ONGOING

THREE YEARS OF ABUNDANT GRACE AND TRANSFORMATION – EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

MISSION: To renew the church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

VISION: To inspire a movement of Catholics across the United States who are healed, converted, formed, and unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist—and who are then sent out on mission “for the life of the world.”

HOLY COMMUNION TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND – Do you know someone who is sick or homebound and not able to make it to Mass? We would love to give them the opportunity to receive Holy Communion in their homes. Please contact April Corrales at 302-220–9616 or Lori Ostrowski at 302-540–6522

SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION at St. Polycarp will take place monthly at the Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of the month. Eucharistic Adoration at St. Dennis Church (Galena MD) will take place on the Fourth Sunday of the month following the 8 am Sunday Mass.
Upcoming Saturday Eucharistic Adoration at St. Polycarp: Saturdays, November 9^th and December 13^th.