Announcements – Page 3 – Saint Polycarp Church

Rosary Rally 2024

October 21, 2024

On October 12, 2024, we publicly prayed the Rosary at the outside statue of the Blessed Mother for our community to witness our faith.

Weekend Update October 19/20

October 18, 2024

29^th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Selfless: Having or showing great concern for other people and little or no concern for yourself; unselfish
Selfish: Concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself : seeking or concentrating on one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER

~ How have you experienced God’s mercy recently?
~ What intention or request would you like to bring before God’s throne today?
~ How would you describe the kind of servant leadership that Jesus is calling us to in today’s Gospel?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102024.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

FAITH AND CHARITY APPEAL – One Body, One Spirit in Christ: As of September 30^th, we have collected $58,608.06 towards our goal of $61,500. Once we reach our goal in collected donations, we will receive back half of the money collected above the goal for projects around our campus. Parishioners have pledged a total of $66,775.52. It is important that everyone follows through with payments on pledges. It’s not too late to participate! If your household has not participated, we encourage you to prayerfully consider participating in this annual event. Every gift counts, no matter how small. Pledge cards can be found at the doors of the Church. You can also give online at www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal”, or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.

THIS WEEKEND, October 19/20 (and Monday, October 21^st – Friday, October 25^th)

OCTOBER IS THE MONTH OF THE ROSARY & RESPECT LIFE MONTH. The Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month during the month of October. Respect Life applies to all stages of life – from conception in the womb to the the end of natural life. Take the time to pray the Rosary this month for life!

NEW ALTAR SERVER TRAINING SESSION: We will be having a training session for new Altar Servers tomorrow, October 19^th, from 9:30 am to 12 pm, in the Church. At least one parent needs to attend with their child. We are looking forward to meeting everyone! ~ Jim and Fran Walls

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is for World Mission Sunday. World Mission Sunday is an effort of the entire Church to help over 1,100 dioceses that cannot sustain themselves because they are poor, young, or actively persecuted. Thank you for your generosity.

Our ANNUAL ST. JUDE BIKE-A-THON is this Sunday, October 20^th. Our PSR students are asking for your support to reach our goal of $5000! Help us help the children at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They are counting on us! We will be collecting donations after both Masses this weekend. Whatever you can give will be greatly appreciated!

BOSCOV’S DISCOUNT PASSES – 25% DISCOUNT THIS COMING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22^nd: Last chance to purchase a pass for this special day of discounts! To purchase your $5 shopping pass, contact Darlene Sanphy at 302-270-3915 or MaryLois Barnas at 302-388-3332. Profits from these sales help Brother Vincent Columbiettes support our many charitable activities. This event is Tuesday, October 22^nd, at any Boscov’s Store. Your $5.00 shopping pass buys a full day of 25%OFF Discount Shopping and a chance to win fabulous door prizes!

GRIEF/BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: The new evening grief support group will begin this Thursday, October 24^th at 7 pm in Classroom 8. It will meet weekly. The Catholic Seasons of Hope book series will be used as part of the support and facilitation.

BIRTHRIGHT’S ANNUAL BOTTLES FOR BABIES FUNDRAISER: Throughout the month of October, “Respect Life month,” Birthright of Delaware hosts its Annual Bottles for Babies Fundraiser. Baby bottles are available at the doors of the Church. We ask you to please take as many bottles as you would like and/or give it to a loved one. Fill the bottle with loose change, cash or a check then please read the insert, fill it out as neatly as possible (if you chose to do so for a tax credit). Return the bottle(s) at the end of October. Proceeds benefit pregnant women and their babies. On behalf of our mothers, Birthright staff and volunteers, we graciously Thank You!

CHRISTMAS AT SEA: Throughout October, the Christmas at Sea ministry will be collecting donations to create “ditty boxes.” The items will be placed in plastic shoe boxes and wrapped by our Confirmation students. Our Girl Scouts will then deliver the boxes to the Seaman’s Center of Wilmington around Thanksgiving. Boxes will be given to each seafarer who comes into the Port of Wilmington in December. Your donations will help us create boxes that will contain chapstick, comb, cough drops, deodorant, disposable razors, gloves, gum, candy, hand lotion, pens, stationery, playing cards, sewing kit, shampoo, shaving cream, soap, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, hat, and scarf. Collection boxes will be in the hallway, under the coat rack. Monetary donations will be used to purchase items to fill the boxes. Monetary donations should be in an envelope marked “Christmas at Sea” and can be dropped in the collection basket or brought to St. Polycarp’s office. Please contact Tracie Bruno with any questions: 302-242-4150. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

THE DELAWARE HOSPITAL FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL is having a beautiful FALL DANCE for the residents next month. To help with the fun, the staff at DHCI are seeking gently used dresses (need sizes Large, XL, 2XL – 4XL) and men’s buttoned down shirts (need sizes Large – 4XL) and ties. Drop off donations by November 1^st at the Main Medical Building Lobby (the Prickett Building – the one with the flag pole out front). 100 Sunnyside Road, Smyrna. Help bring joy to the residents at their special fall dance! Questions? Contact Tina Wagner at 302-223-1011 or tina.wagner@delaware.gov

ALL SOULS’ DAY: Let us send our love and wishes to all those loved ones who are no longer on Earth hoping for peace and happiness. Time heals everything but it can never bring back the warmth and love of our dear ones who are no longer with us. The most powerful prayer we can offer for the holy souls in purgatory is to have the holy Mass said on their behalf. The All Souls’ Day Mass provides an opportunity for us to renew our hope in Christ’s promise of eternal life. Please use the All Souls Day envelopes to list the loved ones you wish to be remembered at this special mass. Extra envelopes will be available at the Church entrances.

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, November 5^that 6:30 pm in the hall.

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.

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON…QUARTERS IN, PADDLES UP! ST. POLYCARP’S 2^ND ANNUAL QUARTER AUCTION IS ALMOST HERE! Sunday, November 17^th. Don’t miss out on the fun—scan this QR code or contact Darlene at (302) 270-3915 to grab your paddles!

NEXT WEEKEND, October 26/27 (and Monday, October 28^th – Friday, November 1^st)

FREE CHILDREN’S COATS! Winter coats, FREE to our children, will be available after Masses, in Mother Drexel Hall, next, Saturday Oct 26^th and Sunday October 27^th. The coats are in youth sizes, 7 to 18, and will be distributed on a first-come basis. Please contact Erica at the St Polycarp Office 302-653-4101 or Jack Barnas 302-383-4175.

PRETZEL TIME! The Knights of Columbus will be selling soft pretzels after Masses next weekend, October 26^th and 27^th. Pretzels will only be sold in Mother Drexel Hall. Pretzels are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.

RECRUITMENT DRIVE: Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus along with our Squires, and Columbiettes are conducting a recruitment drive next weekend after Masses on October 26^th and October 27^th. Why aren’t you a member of one of these organizations?? Come meet with us for coffee and donuts and join.

The SILVER ROSE pilgrimage will again come to St. Polycarp Church on Wednesday, October 30^th after the 8:30 am Mass. Come join Brother Vincent Council in a rosary-centered service to Our Lady. Share the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe and promote respect for life by participating in this meaningful pilgrimage. The Silver Rose pilgrimage demonstrates the unity between Knights of Columbus in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, through a series of prayer services promoting the dignity of all human life and honoring Our Lady. Every stop the Silver Rose makes throughout the pilgrimage is a rosary-centered occasion for Knights, parishioners, and community members to pray for respect for life, for the spiritual renewal of each nation, and for the advancement of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Mass Schedule – The Solemnity of All Saints, November 1 – A Holy Day of Obligation
St. Polycarp:
Thursday, October 31^st, at 5 pm (Vigil Mass)
Friday, November 1^st, at 8:30 am
St. Dennis:
Thursday, October 31^st, at 7 pm (Vigil Mass)
Friday, November 1^st, at 8:30 am

Mass Schedule – All Souls’ Day, November 2
St. Polycarp – Saturday, November 2^nd, at 8:30 am
This Mass does not satisfy the attendance of the Sunday Mass obligation.

UPCOMING

AGAPE: Come celebrate “God’s Love” as we give thanks for our Blessings as we join together for Agape on Sunday, November 3^rd following the 10:30 am Mass. Hosted by the members of Pastoral Council.

ST. DENNIS CHRISTMAS CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR: Saturday, November 2^nd, 9 am – 2 pm at St. Dennis, Galena, MD
This annual event features arts & crafts, lunch with Santa in his workshop, Christmas gifts for all ages, “12 Days of Christmas” decorations, silent auctions, raffle tickets, many vendors, and delicious treats. Lunch will be served all day. There will be cakes, pies, cookies, and other yummy goodies made by the parishioners of St. Dennis! New Vendors are welcome to attend, if you are interested, please call Jim at 717-575-1235.

ATTENTION ALL 8^TH GRADE STUDENTS AND FAMILIES: The Diocese of Wilmington will administer the High School Placement Test (HSPT) on the third weekend in November. For more information, please visit https://www.cdow.org/hspt/

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Visit Bulletin Overflow https://saintpolycarp.org/overflow/ for details on the following and more!:
Annual Footprints Mass: The Mass will be held on Sunday, October 20^th, 2024, at 9:30 am at St. John the Beloved Church in Wilmington, DE. A special invitation is extended to parents, grandparents, and siblings who grieve the death of a child as a result of miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion or early infant death.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter: The next weekend is November 1^st – 3^rd , 2024 at the Brighton Suites in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. For information or to register visit our website http://www.wwme.org or call Tony and Linda Massino at 302-648-2228.
Annual Christmas Bazaar at Immaculate Conception Church, 452 Bow Street, Elkton MD. November 9^th2024 BISHOP’S 5K RUN/WALK: Saturday, November 23^rd, 2024 Saint Mark’s High School Registration starts at 8am; Race begins at 9am .St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation Advent Retreat: Saturday, November 30 Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19301

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.”

SHARE THE HARVEST: Would you like to share vegetables from your bountiful garden, garden plants or house plants that need to go to a loving home, flowers that could brighten up someone’s day or your harvest with others? The Share The Harvest table is now under the Portico. This allows our parishioners to share their abundant yield from their gardens with their Church family. All are welcome to share and receive.

DO YOU HAVE FLOWERS FROM YOUR GARDEN THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING IN TO HELP DECORATE THE CHURCH? This would be a wonderful way to share your gardening talents in honor of God! Please call or email Dee Lim at 973-865-4203 or delial42@yahoo.com for details.

CHURCH ENVIRONMENT: The Liturgy Committee is looking for new members to join the Environment team, which is currently being led by Delia Lim. If you are interested, please call Kathy Curlett at 302-222–9326.

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.

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/

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:
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week. The Catholic Forum debuts every Wednesday at 12 p.m. This week, we focus on the October 5 ^th Eucharistic Congress. 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.

Weekend Update October12/13

October 11, 2024

28^th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER

~ Where do you look when you need wisdom in your life?
~ How has God’s Word brought clarity during a time of personal discernment?
~ Why is following the commandments only the first step of following Christ? What comes next?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101324.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

FAITH AND CHARITY APPEAL – One Body, One Spirit in Christ: As of September 30^th, we have collected $58,608.06 towards our goal of $61,500. Once we reach our goal in collected donations, we will receive back half of the money collected above the goal for projects around our campus. Parishioners have pledged a total of $66,775.52. It is important that everyone follows through with payments on pledges. It’s not too late to participate! If your household has not participated, we encourage you to prayerfully consider participating in this annual event. Every gift counts, no matter how small. Pledge cards can be found at the doors of the Church. You can also give online at www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal”, or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.

THIS WEEKEND, October 12/13 (and Monday, October 14^th – Friday, October 18^th)

IMPORTANT! NEW TIME – ROSARY RALLY AT ST. POLYCARP – The Rosary Rally will begin on Saturday, October 12^th, following the 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial for Gerald Mood. The time change will allow our Sodalists to be able to attend the Mass. The rally takes place at the outside statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Please join our parish as well as thousands of Catholics, to publicly pray the Rosary during this annual event. Mary asked us at Fatima to pray the Rosary daily for peace in our world and peace in our families. All are welcome as we publicly pray the Rosary at the Blessed Mother statue for our community to witness our faith. October is the month of the Rosary.

OCTOBER IS RESPECT LIFE MONTH. The Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month during the month of October. The first Sunday of October (the 6^th) is designated as Respect Life Sunday. Respect Life applies to all stages of life – from conception in the womb to the the end of natural life.

ATTENTION ALL PARISHIONERS! If you have difficulty maneuvering steps, we ask that you please try and use the side entrances when entering or exiting the Church. Within the past month, we have had two parishioners fall on the front steps leading into or out of the Church. We are asking this for your own safety and the safety of all our other parishioners. Thank you!

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is for our Parish Maintenance. Thank you for your generosity.

HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: HCHS will hold an Open House on Sunday, October 13^th, 12 noon to 1:30 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Dover. For more information and to register, please visit www.hchs.org, or contact Tom Fertal, school President, at tfertal@hchs.org.

THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED on Monday, October14^th in honor of the holiday.

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, November 5 at 6:30 pm in the hall.

“ETERNAL REST: THE ART OF DYING WELL” – An evening grief support group will begin on Thursday, October 24^th, at 7 pm in Classroom 8. It will meet weekly. In the weeks before the support group begins, a series from FORMED, “Eternal Rest: The Art of Dying Well”, will be shown at 7 pm in room 8. This coming Thursday, October 17^th, will be the final episode in the series. All are welcome to attend. This series is separate from the group support group. “Eternal Rest” presents the Catholic Church’s teaching about death and God’s response to it with wisdom and truth, gentleness and compassion, so we can think about and prepare for death in the light of Jesus Christ, the Author of life. Each week, after the “Eternal Rest” video and discussion, information will be given about the upcoming grief support group.

DELAWARE STATE COLUMBIETTES invite you to their 2024 RETREAT. Come join a very special RETREAT on the “HISTORY & MYSTERIES” OF THE HOLY ROSARY on Saturday, October 26^th, 2024 in Saint Polycarp’s Mother Drexel Parish Hall, 8:45 am – 3:00 pm. Breakfast and Lunch will be served Cost: $15.00 RSVP: Anna Skinner 302-883-5647 Registration deadline is: Friday, October 18^th. Our guest speaker will be Kathy Ebner MA. Kathy is the Spiritual Director at St Jude’s Church in Lewes, DE. She is a knowledgeable speaker on our faith and will lead us through a better understanding of the Mysteries of the Rosary.

BIRTHRIGHT’S ANNUAL BOTTLES FOR BABIES FUNDRAISER: Throughout the whole month of October, “Respect Life month,” Birthright of Delaware hosts its Annual Bottles for Babies Fundraiser. Baby bottles are available at the doors of the Church. We ask you to please take as many bottles as you would like and/or give it to a loved one. Fill the bottle with loose change, cash or a check then please read the insert, fill it out as neatly as possible (if you chose to do so for a tax credit). Return the bottle(s) at the end of October. Proceeds benefit pregnant women and their babies. On behalf of our mothers, Birthright staff and volunteers, we graciously Thank You!

CHRISTMAS AT SEA: Throughout October, the Christmas at Sea ministry will be collecting donations to create “ditty boxes.” The items will be placed in plastic shoe boxes and wrapped by our Confirmation students. Our Girl Scouts will then deliver the boxes to the Seaman’s Center of Wilmington around Thanksgiving. Boxes will be given to each seafarer who comes into the Port of Wilmington in December. Your donations will help us create boxes that will contain chapstick, comb, cough drops, deodorant, disposable razors, gloves, gum, candy, hand lotion, pens, stationery, playing cards, sewing kit, shampoo, shaving cream, soap, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, hat, and scarf. Collection boxes will be in the hallway, under the coat rack. Monetary donations will be used to purchase items to fill the boxes. Monetary donations should be in an envelope marked “Christmas at Sea” and can be dropped in the collection basket or brought to St. Polycarp’s office. Please contact Tracie Bruno with any questions: 302-242-4150. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

ALL SOULS DAY: Let us send our love and wishes to all those loved ones who are no longer on Earth hoping for peace and happiness. Time heals everything but it can never bring back the warmth and love of our dear ones who are no longer with us. The most powerful prayer we can offer for the holy souls in purgatory is to have the holy Mass said on their behalf. The All Souls Day Mass provides an opportunity for us to renew our hope in Christ’s promise of eternal life. Please use the All Souls Day envelopes to list the loved ones you wish to be remembered at this special mass. Extra envelopes will be available at the church entrances.

BOSCOV’S DISCOUNT PASSES: It’s not too late to purchase a pass for this special day of discounts! Profits from these sales help Brother Vincent Columbiettes support our many charitable activities. This event is Tuesday, October 22^nd, at any Boscov’s Store. Your $5.00 shopping pass buys a full day of 25%OFF Discount Shopping and a chance to win fabulous door prizes! To purchase your $5 shopping pass, contact Darlene Sanphy at 302-270-3915 or MaryLois Barnas at 302-388-3332.

DHCI FALL BALL: The Delaware Home for the Chronically Iill has their ball and dinner for the residents next month. Part of the fun is for the residents “decking out” in party attire. To help with the fun, The staff are seeking used fancy dresses, hats, costume jewelry, scarfs and men’s buttoned Shirts and ties. Individuals and groups can drop off their contributions by the first week of November at the main office at 100 Sunnyside Road in the Prickett Building (the one with the Flag pole out front).

NEXT WEEKEND, October 19/20 (and Monday, October 21^st – Friday, October 25^th)

NEW ALTAR SERVER TRAINING SESSION: We will be having a training session for new Altar Servers on October 19^th, from 9:30 am to 12 pm, in the Church. At least one parent needs to attend with their child. We are looking forward to meeting everyone! ~ Jim and Fran Walls

SECOND COLLECTION next weekend is for World Mission Sunday. Thank you for your generosity.

Our ANNUAL ST. JUDE BIKE-A-THON is Sunday, October 20^th. Our PSR students are asking for your support to reach our goal of $5000! Help us help the children at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They are counting on us! We will be collecting donations after both Masses next weekend. Whatever you can give will be greatly appreciated!

UPCOMING

The SILVER ROSE pilgrimage will again come to St. Polycarp Church on Wednesday, October 30^th after the 8:30 am Mass. Come join Brother Vincent Council in a rosary-centered service to Our Lady. Share the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe and promote respect for life by participating in this meaningful pilgrimage.
The Silver Rose pilgrimage demonstrates the unity between Knights of Columbus in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, through a series of prayer services promoting the dignity of all human life and honoring Our Lady. Every stop the Silver Rose makes throughout the pilgrimage is a rosary-centered occasion for Knights, parishioners, and community members to pray for respect for life, for the spiritual renewal of each nation, and for the advancement of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

QUARTERS IN, PADDLES UP! MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Join us for St. Polycarp’s 2nd Annual Quarter Auction on November 17^th in Mother Drexel Hall. Doors Open at 3:00 pm Auction Kicks Off at 4:00 pm Bring your quarters and get ready for an afternoon of fun, bidding, and great deals! Don’t miss out on the excitement—it’s going to be a blast! See you there!

ATTENTION ALL 8^TH GRADE STUDENTS AND FAMILIES: The Diocese of Wilmington will administer the High School Placement Test (HSPT) on the third weekend in November. For more information, please visit https://www.cdow.org/hspt/

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Visit Bulletin Overflow https://saintpolycarp.org/overflow/ for details on the following and more!:
Annual Footprints Mass: The Mass will be held on Sunday, October 20^th, 2024, at 9:30 am at St. John the Beloved Church in Wilmington, DE. A special invitation is extended to parents, grandparents, and siblings who grieve the death of a child as a result of miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion or early infant death.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter: The next weekend is November 1^st – 3^rd , 2024 at the Brighton Suites in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. For information or to register visit our website http://www.wwme.org or call Tony and Linda Massino at 302-648-2228.
Annual Christmas Bazaar at Immaculate Conception Church, 452 Bow Street, Elkton MD. November 9^th2024 BISHOP’S 5K RUN/WALK: Saturday, November 23, 2024 Saint Mark’s High School Registration starts at 8am; Race begins at 9am .St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation Advent Retreat: Saturday, November 30 Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19301

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.”

SHARE THE HARVEST: Would you like to share vegetables from your bountiful garden, garden plants or house plants that need to go to a loving home, flowers that could brighten up someone’s day or your harvest with others? The Share The Harvest table is now under the Portico. This allows our parishioners to share their abundant yield from their gardens with their Church family. All are welcome to share and receive.

DO YOU HAVE FLOWERS FROM YOUR GARDEN THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING IN TO HELP DECORATE THE CHURCH? This would be a wonderful way to share your gardening talents in honor of God! Please call or email Dee Lim at 973-865-4203 or delial42@yahoo.com for details.

CHURCH ENVIRONMENT: The Liturgy Committee is looking for new members to join the Environment team, which is currently being led by Delia Lim. If you are interested, please call Kathy Curlett at 302-222–9326.

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, October 12^th, November 9^th and December 13^th.