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The Dialog News Feed
- Former St. Joseph’s head basketball coach Phil Martelli speaks in support of Father Trainor scholarships, Catholic education November 22, 2024
- Archmere Academy books 38 donors at fall semester blood drive in Claymont — Photo gallery November 22, 2024
- A medieval math Christmas in Delaware by Christ the Teacher Catholic School students November 21, 2024
- ‘Bishop’s 5K Run/Walk’ and more Christmas bazaars among upcoming events in the Diocese of Wilmington November 21, 2024
- As ‘Dashing Dialog Diner’ ponders next move, Dialog offers potato salad and ‘Owens Creamed Onions’ recipes November 21, 2024
- Students of Aquinas Academy remember Holy Souls during visit to Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery November 20, 2024
- Encountering Emmanuel this Advent with Heather Khym on this week’s episode of Catholic Forum in Diocese of Wilmington November 19, 2024
Weekend Update June 22/23
12th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ When have you experienced the power of God in creation?
~ How have you experienced renewal in your heart since beginning to follow Christ?
~ Do you find it difficult or easy to trust in God’s protection during difficult times? Why?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062324.cfm
LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am, Tuesdays & Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.
We are experiencing some issues with our live streaming. We are trying to resolve these issues as soon as possible. The stream may not work for some Masses. Thank you for understanding. DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://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: We’re waiting for new updates! Thank you to our generous parishioners who have participated in the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. As of the last report from the Diocese, we have received $59,418.52 in pledges, $2081.48 short of our goal of $61,500. $32,545.92 has been collected. It is important that everyone fulfills their pledges. Only 167 households have participated. Let’s strive to increase our parish participation and show the power of our community united in faith and charity. Every gift counts, no matter how small, and every act of kindness matters. Pledge envelopes are available at the doors of the Church.
Payment reminders will continue through December. Please mail all payments in the self-addressed, return
envelope provided with your mailing. Do not submit payments to the parish office or through the Offertory collection.
To learn more about the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, visit www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal”,
or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.
THIS WEEKEND, JUNE 22/23 (and Monday, June 24th – Friday, June 28th)
Is there someone you know who would like to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized, or baptized in the Catholic or another Christian tradition? Do you know someone who needs First Eucharist and/or Confirmation? The Catholic faith can fulfill their desire for a closer relationship with Our Lord by participating in the OCIA process. If interested, the parish will hold three Inquiry Sessions in the parish library:
Monday, June 24th, at 6:30 pm
Wednesday, June 26th at 11 am
Monday, July 1st at 6:30 pm
Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information: DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653 – 8279.
THIS WEEKEND – SQUIRE CIRCLE FUNDRAISER COLLECTION AT THE DOORS: We are asking for your support by sponsoring the Squires annual fundraiser. The Squires will be at the doors of the Church this weekend following Mass. Funds from this annual collection are split between St. Polycarp and the State Police K9 Unit. (If you wish to make a donation by check please make the check out to ‘St. Polycarp Squire Circle’).
CHURCH ENVIRONEMENT: 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.
PARKING LOT is looking great! Please follow the traffic pattern indicated by the arrows.
THIS WEEKEND, JUNE 22/23 (and Monday, June 24th – Friday, June 28th)
ST. DENNIS PARISH FAMILY PICNIC THIS SUNDAY! CANCELED
DO YOU HAVE FLOWERS FROM YOUR GARDEN THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING IN TO HELP DECORATE THE SANCTUARY and 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.
SQUIRE CIRCLE LOCK IN: The Squires are conducting their annual “Lock In” this Friday and Saturday, June 21st and June 22nd. The Squires will be here at the Parish from 7 pm Friday, the 21st until 7 pm on Saturday, the 22nd. The Lock In will conclude with the 4 pm Mass next Saturday to celebrate and install the new officers for the Columbian year.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR GOLFERS! Golf Tournament volunteers will be outside the doors of the Church this Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, the 23rd after Masses accepting your $5.00 in support of our golfers. Every $5.00 gets you a square on our support sign to support our golfers. You can write whatever will fit in the square. Please bring some cash so we can fill up the signs. Thank you so much. All of the funds will go to St Polycarp Church.
IT’S ALMOST HERE! WILL YOU BE GOLFING & DINING WITH US? DINING ONLY?
ST. POLYCARP’S 5th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT & DINNER: JUNE 30th, 2024
Garrison Lake Golf Club, 101 West Fairways Circle, Smyrna, DE.
$130 per individual golfer includes lunch, Green fee, Golf Cart, on course beverages including beer, complimentary gift bags, prizes for best teams, long drive/closest to pin, followed by a buffet dinner.
INTERESTED IN DINNER ONLY??? That’s ok. Join us at St. Polycarp Church for a delicious Italian Feast just $40.00 per person. It’s always a good time! For more information and registration, Dennis Skinner (papadskinz@yahoo.com (302-981-8743) Anna Skinner (ANNA.SKINZ@gmail.com) (302-883-5647) or use this QR code. CLICK HERE TO SEE FLYER
PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION (PSR) Religious Education Classes, Grades PK – 9
Registration is now open for 2024-2025. REGISTER BEFORE JULY 1 TO AVOID A LATE FEE. (Registering early helps us plan for the year ahead.)
Visit https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/ for information and/or to print the registration form or you can use this QR code.
First Grade Children – In order to be eligible for 2nd Grade First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, your child must complete 1st Grade PSR (or in another parish religious education program) or Catholic School. Register your first grader now!
Do you have an older child who missed receiving the sacraments? It’s never too late!
For more information, contact Mrs. Erica Taylor, Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) at
(302) 653 – 4101 or dre@saintpolycarp.org
DELAWARE SENATE TO WEIGH PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL – See article in this weekend’s Dialog https://thedialog.org/
Delaware is closer than ever to legalizing assisted suicide! It is an affront to our Catholic faith that calls for respect for life from conception to natural death! We need to help and support the elderly and physically and mentally ill in our community, not assist them in taking their own lives. We ask all Delaware Catholics to contact their Delaware State Senator to not support HB 140. Delaware legislators are coming to the end of their session on June 30th, and they currently have multiple bills for consideration for votes. These votes can occur any day before the session ends. For more information, and to send an email to your Senator, visit cdow.org/StopAssistedS. If you have already sent an email, please consider phoning them.
NEXT WEEKEND, JUNE 29/30 (and Monday, July 1st – Friday, July 5th)
SECOND COLLECTION next weekend, June 29 and 30, is for the Works of the Holy Father. The Peter’s Pence Collection supports the Universal Church and the work of the Holy See, including helping Pope Francis to carry out his charitable works. These works benefit our brothers and sisters on the margins of society, including victims of war, oppression, and disasters. Please be generous. Thank you for supporting this collection.
ST. POLYCARP’S 5th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT & DINNER IS NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 30th, 2024. Pray for good weather!
OCIA: Inquiry session will be held in the Library on Monday, July 1st at 6:30 pm.
OFFICE CLOSED: The office will be closed on Thursday, July 4th and Friday, July 5th in observance of the 4th of July holiday.
UPCOMING
DELAWARE KNIGHTS OF COULMBUS RAFFLE: The Delaware Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a raffle to benefit the charitable works and programs of the State Council. Five raffle winners will receive a $200 gift certificate usable at any production at Sights and Sound plus a $100 Visa gift card. Tickets are $10.00 each. The drawing will be September 8th, 2024 at the KOC annual State picnic. The Winner need not be present. Contact Jack Barnas for raffle tickets (302) 383 – 4175.
SAVE THE DATE: DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND: On October 5th, 2024, our Diocese of Wilmington will be hosting the Eucharistic Congress at the Ocean City Convention Center. We will gather under the theme “The Eucharist: The Source and Summit,” an opportunity to come together as a community to reflect on and celebrate the central mystery of our faith. The Congress will feature an inspiring keynote address from Bishop Richard Henning of the Diocese of Providence. We will also have faith-based vendors, a variety of ministry showcases, and breakout sessions designed for different ages and interests. Plus, there will be ample opportunities for Adoration and Reconciliation as well as celebration of Mass. Please save the date and stay tuned for more details. We hope you can join us for this wonderful day of faith, fellowship, and renewal. Thank you!
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Visit Bulletin Overflow https://saintpolycarp.org/overflow/ for details on the following and more!:
ST. DENNIS ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC: Sunday, June 23 at noon
IT‘S CARNIVAL SEASON: Check out the dates and locations of carnivals in our Diocese.
SAY NO! PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE
NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: The 10th National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN. From July 17th–21st, 2024
RETROUVAILLE: The Retrouvaille Program is for married couples facing challenges in their relationship. Upcoming programs: August 9th – 11th and October 4th – 6th, 2024 at the Family Life Center in Malver, PA
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON (CDOW) EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: On October 5th, our Diocese of Wilmington will be hosting the Eucharistic Congress at the Ocean City MD Convention Center.
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, July 13th, August 10th, September 7th, October 12th, November 9th and December 13th.
TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 9 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 9 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 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month during the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for children in PreK-4th 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:
NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS – BE THERE WHEN GOD MOVES: The 10th National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN. From July 17th–21st, 2024, thousands of passionate Catholics will gather for a transformative experience on a scale this generation has never seen. Whether you join us for one day or all five, the grace you receive will spill out into our community when you return home—deeply in love with the Eucharist and excited about the future of the Church in America. Visit EucharisticCongress.org to learn more about the event and explore the full schedule for each day.
BISHOP KOENIG INVITES YOU TO THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE ON JULY 17th– 21st, 2024, IN INDIANAPOLIS, IN. To read the letter of invitation, CLICK HERE
FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION FLYER CLICK HERE
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week. On Saturday,, June 22nd, meet our new Transitional Deacon, Dennis Stameza, on this week’s Catholic Forum podcast. 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 afternoon at 1:30 on Relevant Radio 640. More information is available at cdow.org/CatholicForum and FaceBook.com/CatholicForum. CLICK HERE
LET US PRAY: Summertime!
Take time to claim your strength; they are gifts of God.
Take time to have fun; it’s God’s way of teaching you your strengths.
Take time to grow yourself; only you can grow you.
Take time to trust yourself; God trusts you.
Take time to be self-reliant; it is better than being dependent.
Take time to share with others; they will bless you, and you will bless them.
Take time to have hope, you are a child of God.
Let’s put ourselves into the hands of the Lord and pray that God will bless us and our families during the wonderful months of summer. May we all help make our home a place of relaxation, joy, love, peace and safety. May we be generous and considerate, not thinking only about ourselves, but helping others enjoy the blessings of summertime. Lord God, Creator of all things, guide our steps and strengthen our hearts, during these months of summer and vacation days. Grant us refreshment of mind and body. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
www.xavier.edu/
Weekend Update June 15/16
11th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ How have you seen God’s power at work, bringing growth in others, though they might not have been aware of it?
~ What kind of spiritual fruit are you seeing in your own life during this season?
~ What tiny seeds (small beginnings) have led to abundance in your life?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061624.cfm
LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am, Tuesdays & Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.
We are experiencing some issues with our live streaming. We are trying to resolve these issues as soon as possible. The stream may not work for some Masses. Thank you for understanding. DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://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: Thank you to our generous parishioners who have participated in the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. As of the last report from the Diocese, we have received $59,418.52 in pledges, $2081.48 short of our goal of $61,500. $32,545.92 has been collected. It is important that everyone fulfills their pledges. Only 167 households have participated. Let’s strive to increase our parish participation and show the power of our community united in faith and charity. Every gift counts, no matter how small, and every act of kindness matters. Pledge envelopes are available at the doors of the Church.
Payment reminders will continue through December. Please mail all payments in the self-addressed, return envelope provided with your mailing. Do not submit payments to the parish office or through the Offertory collection.
To learn more about the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, visit www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal”,
or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.
PARKING LOT PROJECT UPDATE: The Portico, South Street Parking Lot and Back Parking Lot are all open!
The Side Parking Lot is closed today, Friday, June 14th until 3 pm tomorrow, Saturday, June 15th. It will be open for Masses this weekend but will close again on Monday until striping has been completed. We’re almost finished!! Once
BULLETIN COVER CORRECTION: The Weekday Mass Schedule on the May 26th, June 2nd, 9th, and 16th bulletin cover are incorrect. Weekday Masses are Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 8:30 am and NOT Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 7:30 am.
This is the correct schedule of Masses & live streaming:
Saturday at 4:00 pm (live streamed)
Sunday at 10:30 am
Tuesday and Wednesday at 8:30 am (both live streamed)
Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. (Editor’s lesson re-learned: Always triple check when you do a “Save As”)
THIS WEEKEND, JUNE 15/16 (and Monday, June 17th – Friday, June 21st)
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
FATHER’S DAY NOVENA OF MASSES: The Novena of Masses will begin with the 4 pm Vigil Mass tomorrow, Saturday, June 15th. Honor the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, father-figures, and other special men in your life on their special day. Whether they are living or deceased, the gift of prayer is a beautiful way to show your deep appreciation for their sacrificial love. The best gift you can give this loved one is the gift of the Mass. Please use the Father’s Day Mass Remembrance envelopes to inscribe the names you wish to be remembered in the masses offered by our parish.
THE BLESSING OF FATHERS will take place this weekend at the 4 pm Mass on Saturday, and at the 10:30 am Mass on Sunday.
SECOND COLLECTION this weekend, June 15th and 16th, is for our Parish Maintenance. Thank you for supporting this collection that ensures our parish has the resources to maintain, preserve, and improve the campus for safety, functionality, and beauty.
Is there someone you know who would like to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized, or baptized in the Catholic or another Christian tradition? Do you know someone who needs First Eucharist and/or Confirmation? The Catholic faith can fulfill their desire for a closer relationship with Our Lord by participating in the OCIA process. If interested, the parish will hold three Inquiry Sessions in the parish library:
Monday, June 24th, at 6:30 pm
Wednesday, June 26th at 11 am
Monday, July 1st at 6:30 pm
Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information: DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653 – 8279.
THIS WEEKEND – SQUIRE CIRCLE FUNDRAISER COLLECTION AT THE DOORS: We are asking for your support by sponsoring the Squires annual fundraiser. The Squires will be at the doors of the Church this weekend following Mass. Funds from this annual collection are split between St. Polycarp and the State Police K9 Unit. (If you wish to make a donation by check please make the check out to ‘St. Polycarp Squire Circle’).
THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19th IN OBSERVANCE OF JUNETEENTH.
CHURCH ENVIRONEMENT: The Liturgy Committee would like to thank Shannon and Cheyenne Costello for their dedication to our church environment. They have provided many years of beautiful arrangements and decor throughout the liturgical seasons. Please keep them both in your prayers. Currently, 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.
NEXT WEEKEND, JUNE 22/23 (and Monday, June 24th – Friday, June 28th)
SQUIRE CIRCLE LOCK IN: The Squires are conducting their annual “Lock In” next Friday to Saturday, June 21st and June 22nd. The Squires will be here at the Parish from 7 pm Friday, the 21st until 7 pm on Saturday, the 22nd. The Lock In will conclude with the 4 pm Mass next Saturday to celebrate and install the new officers for the Columbian year.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR GOLFERS! Golf Tournament volunteers will be outside the doors of the Church on Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, the 23rd after Mass accepting your $5.00 support for our golfers. Every $5.00 gets you a square on our support sign to support our golfers. You can write whatever will fit in the square. Please bring some cash so we can fill up the signs. Thank you so much. All of the funds will go to St Polycarp Church.
IT’S ALMOST HERE! WILL YOU BE GOLFING & DINING WITH US? DINING ONLY?
ST. POLYCARP’S 5th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT & DINNER: JUNE 30th, 2024
Garrison Lake Golf Club, 101 West Fairways Circle, Smyrna, DE.
$130 per individual golfer includes lunch, Green fee, Golf Cart, on course beverages including beer, complimentary gift bags, prizes for best teams, long drive/closest to pin, followed by a buffet dinner.
INTERESTED IN DINNER ONLY??? That’s ok. Join us at St. Polycarp Church for a delicious Italian Feast just $40.00 per person. It’s always a good time! For more information and registration, Dennis Skinner (papadskinz@yahoo.com (302-981-8743) Anna Skinner (ANNA.SKINZ@gmail.com) (302-883-5647) or use this QR code. CLICK HERE TO SEE FLYER
ST. DENNIS CHURCH, GALENA, MD: COME ONE, COME ALL to the ST. DENNIS PARISH FAMILY PICNIC NEXT SUNDAY!
When? Sunday, June 23rd at noon Where? St Dennis School Building Lawn
There will be games, ice cream and more! Please bring your own family lunch, lawn chairs or blankets for seating and enjoy some fun and fellowship!
There will be games for children and adults, races, etc. Wear your running shoes. In the event of rain, the picnic will be in the hall.
Come on out and have a great day!
PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION (PSR) Religious Education Classes, Grades PK – 9
Registration is now open for 2024-2025. REGISTER BEFORE JULY 1 TO AVOID A LATE FEE. (Registering early helps us plan for the year ahead.)
Visit https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/ for information and/or to print the registration form or you can use this QR code.
First Grade Children – In order to be eligible for 2nd Grade First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, your child must complete 1st Grade PSR (or in another parish religious education program) or Catholic School. Register your first grader now!
Do you have an older child who missed receiving the sacraments? It’s never too late!
For more information, contact Mrs. Erica Taylor, Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) at
(302) 653 – 4101 or dre@saintpolycarp.org
DELAWARE SENATE TO WEIGH PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL – See article in this weekend’s Dialog https://thedialog.org/
Delaware is closer than ever to legalizing assisted suicide! It is an affront to our Catholic faith that calls for respect for life from conception to natural death! We need to help and support the elderly and physically and mentally ill in our community, not assist them in taking their own lives. We ask all Delaware Catholics to contact their Delaware State Senator to not support HB 140. Delaware legislators are coming to the end of their session on June 30th, and they currently have multiple bills for consideration for votes. These votes can occur any day before the session ends. For more information, and to send an email to your Senator, visit cdow.org/StopAssistedS. If you have already sent an email, please consider phoning them.
UPCOMING
DELAWARE KNIGHTS OF COULMBUS RAFFLE: The Delaware Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a raffle to benefit the charitable works and programs of the State Council. Five raffle winners will receive a $200 gift certificate usable at any production at Sights and Sound plus a $100 Visa gift card. Tickets are $10.00 each. The drawing will be September 8th, 2024 at the KOC annual State picnic. The Winner need not be present. Contact Jack Barnas for raffle tickets (302) 383 – 4175.
SAVE THE DATE: DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND: On October 5th, 2024, our Diocese of Wilmington will be hosting the Eucharistic Congress at the Ocean City Convention Center. We will gather under the theme “The Eucharist: The Source and Summit,” an opportunity to come together as a community to reflect on and celebrate the central mystery of our faith. The congress will feature an inspiring keynote address from Bishop Richard Henning of the Diocese of Providence. We will also have faith-based vendors, a variety of ministry showcases, and breakout sessions designed for different ages and interests. Plus, there will be ample opportunities for Adoration and Reconciliation as well as celebration of Mass. Please save the date and stay tuned for more details. We hope you can join us for this wonderful day of faith, fellowship, and renewal. Thank you!
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Visit Bulletin Overflow https://saintpolycarp.org/overflow/ for details on the following and more!:
ST. DENNIS ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC: Sunday, June 23 at noon
IT‘S CARNIVAL SEASON: Check out the dates and locations of carnivals in our Diocese.
SAY NO! PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION: June 19th at St. Elizabeth Church 809 S. Broom Street, Wilmington. 6:30 pm
NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: The 10th National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN. From July 17th–21st, 2024
RETROUVAILLE: The Retrouvaille Program is for married couples facing challenges in their relationship. Upcoming programs: August 9th – 11th and October 4th – 6th, 2024 at the Family Life Center in Malver, PA
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON (CDOW) EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: On October 5th, our Diocese of Wilmington will be hosting the Eucharistic Congress at the Ocean City MD Convention Center.
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, July 13th, August 10th, September 7th, October 12th, November 9th and December 13th.
TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 9 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 9 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 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month during the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for children in PreK-4th 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:
NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS – BE THERE WHEN GOD MOVES: The 10th National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN. From July 17th–21st, 2024, thousands of passionate Catholics will gather for a transformative experience on a scale this generation has never seen. Whether you join us for one day or all five, the grace you receive will spill out into our community when you return home—deeply in love with the Eucharist and excited about the future of the Church in America. Visit EucharisticCongress.org to learn more about the event and explore the full schedule for each day.
BISHOP KOENIG INVITES YOU TO THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE ON JULY 17th– 21st, 2024, IN INDIANAPOLIS, IN. To read the letter of invitation, CLICK HERE
FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION FLYER CLICK HERE
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week. On Saturday,, June 15th, Anna Drushler, and her dad Al, will discuss Tourette’s Syndrome and Anna’s work as a Tourette’s Association Ambassador.. 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 afternoon at 1:30 on Relevant Radio 640. More information is available at cdow.org/CatholicForum and FaceBook.com/CatholicForum. CLICK HERE
LET US PRAY: JUNE 14 – Flag Day
Almighty God, we thank you for the flag that flies today with it’s great symbol of freedom. Keep love’s banner flying o’er us as we walk in the way of those who do justice, love, mercy, and walk humbly with thee. Fashion our desires, our duties, and our deeds in accordance with thy will that we may labor for a better world filled with better people for the betterment of all. In thy holy name we pray. Amen
~ taken from the Civil Air Patrol Book of Prayers
Weekend Update June 8/9
10th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ What do you do when obedience to God’s Word seems difficult?
~ When have you experienced mercy?
~ What does doing God’s will look like at this time in your life?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060924.cfm
LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am, Tuesdays & Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.
We are experiencing some issues with our live streaming. We are trying to resolve these issues as soon as possible. The stream may not work for some Masses. Thank you for understanding. DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://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: Thank you to our generous parishioners who have participated in the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. Your contributions are not just financial, they are the building blocks of our vibrant community, making a significant impact on the lives of many.
As of the last report from the Diocese, we have received $59,418.52 in pledges, $2081.48 short of our goal of $61,500. $32,545.92 has been collected. It is important that everyone fulfills their pledges. Only 167 households have participated. Let’s strive to increase our parish participation and show the power of our community united in faith and charity. Every gift counts, no matter how small, and every act of kindness matters. Pledge envelopes are available at the doors of the Church.
Payment reminders will continue through December. Please mail all payments in the self-addressed, return envelope provided with your mailing. Do not submit payments to the parish office or through the Offertory collection.
To learn more about the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, visit www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal”,
or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.
PARKING LOT PROJECT UPDATE:
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 7, 8 and 9: All parking lots will be open. The doors under the portico will be accessible. No vehicles are to be driven on the new concrete.
On Monday, June 10, the Side and South Street lots will be closed for sealing. The back parking lot and portico doors will be accessible. No vehicles are to be driven on the new concrete.
On Tuesday, June 11, the Side and South Street lots will be closed for striping. The back parking lot will be open for 8:30 Mass but will close immediately after the 8:30 am Mass for striping. This will mean that all the lots will then be closed. Because of this, the office will be closed on Tuesday, June 11 and Connected in Christ and Eucharistic Adoration have been canceled for Tuesday, June 11. The back parking lot will re-open on Tuesday, June 11 at 5 pm.
Questions? Email George at facilitiesmanager@saintpolycarp.org or call the office 302.653.8279.
The closure of the different parking lots is definitely an inconvenience, especially for those with disabilities. Please be considerate of others as we continue with this project. If you’re blessed with good health, please consider parking farther away from the church building, leaving the closer spots for those who are facing challenges in health and are unable to walk any distance. What a wonderful way to thank God for your good health!
ACCESSING FACILITIES: If the back parking lot is open, the portico doors will be accessible.
On days when the back parking lot is closed: If you are coming to the office, classrooms/meeting rooms, chapel, or hall during office hours, please park in the side parking lot (near the fenced in yard), and ring the bell at the PSR Entrance double doors. Someone will be there to let you in.
Ministry/event leaders: If your meeting is after office hours, please have someone wait at the PSR double doors to let your members into the building. Do not leave the doors unlocked or propped open!
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We ask for your flexibility, patience and cooperation as this project progresses. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Facilities Manager, George, at facilitiesmanager@saintpolycarp.org or call the office at (302) 653-8279.
THIS WEEKEND, JUNE 8/9 (and Monday, June 10th – Friday, June 14th)
ALL PARKING LOTS ARE OPEN, AND PORTICO DOORS ARE ACCESIBLE THIS WEEKEND.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Saturday, June 8th, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place at the end of the 4 pm Vigil Mass this Saturday, June 8th. Please plan to stay and spend some time with Jesus. Please remember not to leave before Fr. Jim. When you do leave, please do so in silence as others are praying.
TUESDAY, JUNE 11th: The office is closed and daytime gatherings/meetings, including Connected in Christ and Eucharistic Adoration, are canceled. (See above for more information on parking lot closures.)
FATHER’S DAY NOVENA OF MASSES: Honor the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, father-figures, and other special men in your life on their special day. Whether they are living or deceased, the gift of prayer is a beautiful way to show your deep appreciation for their sacrificial love. The best gift you can give this loved one is the gift of the Mass. Please use the Father’s Day Mass Remembrance envelopes to inscribe the names you wish to be remembered in the masses offered by our parish. The Novena will begin with the 4 pm Vigil Mass next Saturday, June 15th.
CHURCH ENVIRONEMENT: The Liturgy Committee would like to thank Shannon and Cheyenne Costello for their dedication to our church environment. They have provided many years of beautiful arrangements and decor throughout the liturgical seasons. Please keep them both in your prayers. Currently, 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.
Is there someone you know who would like to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized, or baptized in the Catholic or another Christian tradition? Do you know someone who needs First Eucharist and/or Confirmation? The Catholic faith can fulfill their desire for a closer relationship with Our Lord by participating in the OCIA process. If interested, the parish will hold three Inquiry Sessions in the parish library:
Monday, June 24th, at 6:30 pm
Wednesday, June 26th at 11 am
Monday, July 1st at 6:30 pm
Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information: DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653 – 8279.
NEXT WEEKEND, JUNE 15/16 (and Monday, June 17th – Friday, June 21st)
THE BLESSING OF FATHERS will take place next weekend at the 4 pm Mass on Saturday, June 15th, and the 10:30 am Mass on Sunday, June 16th.
SECOND COLLECTION next weekend, June 15th and 16th, is for our Parish Maintenance. Thank you for supporting this collection that ensures our parish has the resources to maintain, preserve, and improve the campus for safety, functionality, and beauty.
NEXT WEEKEND SQUIRE CIRCLE FUNDRAISER COLLECTION AT THE DOORS: The Squires are conducting their annual “Lock In” on June 21st and June 22nd. The Squires will be here at the Parish from 7 pm Friday until 7 pm on Saturday. The Lock In will conclude with the 4 pm Mass to celebrate and install the new officers for the Columbian year. We are asking for your support by sponsoring the Squires annual fundraiser. We will be at the doors of the Church after all Masses the weekend of June 15th and 16th, if you wish to donate. (If you wish to make a monetary gift by check please make the check out to ‘St. Polycarp Squire Circle’). Funds collected will be split between St. Polycarp and the State Police K9 Unit.
UPCOMING
SAVE THE DATE – ST. DENNIS PARISH PICNIC: All are welcome! Sunday, June 23 at 12 pm on St. Dennis School Lawn. There will be games, ice cream and more! To Contact St. Dennis Parish, Galena MD: (410) 648 – 5145 www.stdennischurch.org stdennischurchoffice@gmail.com
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR GOLFERS! Golf Tournament volunteers will be outside the doors of the Church on Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, the 23rd after Mass accepting your $5.00 support for our golfers. Every $5.00 gets you a square on our support sign to support our golfers. You can write whatever will fit in the square. Please bring some cash so we can fill up the signs. Thank you so much. All of the funds will go to St Polycarp Church.
ST. POLYCARP’S 5th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT & DINNER: JUNE 30th, 2024
Garrison Lake Golf Club, 101 West Fairways Circle, Smyrna, DE.
$130 per individual golfer includes lunch, Green fee, Golf Cart, on course beverages including beer, complimentary gift bags, prizes for best teams, long drive/closest to pin, followed by a buffet dinner.
Don’t golf? That’s ok. Join us at St. Polycarp Church for a delicious Italian Feast just $40.00 per person.
For more information and registration, Dennis Skinner (papadskinz@yahoo.com (302-981-8743) Anna Skinner (ANNA.SKINZ@gmail.com) (302-883-5647) or use this QR code. CLICK HERE TO SEE FLYER
DELAWARE KNIGHTS OF COULMBUS RAFFLE: The Delaware Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a raffle to benefit the charitable works and programs of the State Council. Five raffle winners will receive a $200 gift certificate usable at any production at Sights and Sound plus a $100 Visa gift card. Tickets are $10.00 each. The drawing will be September 8, 2024 at the KOC annual State picnic. The Winner need not be present. Contact Jack Barnas for raffle tickets (302) 383 – 4175.
SAVE THE DATE: DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND: On October 5th, 2024, our Diocese of Wilmington will be hosting the Eucharistic Congress at the Ocean City Convention Center. We will gather under the theme “The Eucharist: The Source and Summit,” an opportunity to come together as a community to reflect on and celebrate the central mystery of our faith. The congress will feature an inspiring keynote address from Bishop Richard Henning of the Diocese of Providence. We will also have faith-based vendors, a variety of ministry showcases, and breakout sessions designed for different ages and interests. Plus, there will be ample opportunities for Adoration and Reconciliation as well as celebration of Mass. Please save the date and stay tuned for more details. We hope you can join us for this wonderful day of faith, fellowship, and renewal. Thank you!
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Visit Bulletin Overflow https://saintpolycarp.org/overflow/ for details on the following and more!:
ST. DENNIS ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC: Sunday, June 23 at noon
IT‘S CARNIVAL SEASON: Check out the dates and locations of carnivals in our Diocese.
SAY NO! PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE
RETREAT FOR CATHOLICS AFFECTED BY DIVORCE AND SEPARATION – Saturday, June 15th
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION: June 19th at St. Elizabeth Church 809 S. Broom Street, Wilmington. 6:30 pm
NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: The 10th National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN. From July 17th–21st, 2024
RETROUVAILLE: The Retrouvaille Program is for married couples facing challenges in their relationship. Upcoming programs: August 9th – 11th and October 4th – 6th, 2024 at the Family Life Center in Malver, PA
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON (CDOW) EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: On October 5th, our Diocese of Wilmington will be hosting the Eucharistic Congress at the Ocean City MD Convention Center.
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: Saturday, June 8th, Saturday, July 13th, and Saturday, August 10th.
TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 9 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 9 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 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month during the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for children in PreK-4th 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:
NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS – BE THERE WHEN GOD MOVES: The 10th National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN. From July 17th–21st, 2024, thousands of passionate Catholics will gather for a transformative experience on a scale this generation has never seen. Whether you join us for one day or all five, the grace you receive will spill out into our community when you return home—deeply in love with the Eucharist and excited about the future of the Church in America. Visit EucharisticCongress.org to learn more about the event and explore the full schedule for each day.
BISHOP KOENIG INVITES YOU TO THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE ON JULY 17th– 21st, 2024, IN INDIANAPOLIS, IN. To read the letter of invitation, CLICK HERE
FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION FLYER CLICK HERE
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week. This week, Robin Bryson and John McClement will share memories of Gene Donnelly who served as the Diocese of Wilmington’s Director of Communications and host of Catholic Forum from 1970 until 2000. 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 afternoon at 1:30. More information is available at cdow.org/CatholicForum and FaceBook.com/CatholicForum. CLICK HERE
LET US PRAY: Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus – June 7, 2024 (not a Holy Day of Obligation)
O most holy heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, Good Jesus, that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.
Weekend Update June 1/2
THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST – CORPUS CHRISTI
Corpus Christi Procession at St. Polycarp – 2023
SUNDAY, JUNE 2nd, 2024 -THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST, CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION AT ST. DENNIS CHURCH, Galena, MD,
At the close of the 8 am Mass at St. Dennis Church on Sunday, June 2nd, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in the monstrance, incensed, and then carried in procession outside the church and over church property. Upon re-entering the church, and as all are settled into the pews, there will be Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament and Father will repose the Blessed Sacrament. The rite is then concluded. All are invited to participate.
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ How do you strive to live in faithfulness to the covenant we have with God in Christ?
~ When have you experienced the goodness of the Lord?
~ How do you express thanksgiving for Jesus’ gift of his Body and Blood in your life?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060224.cfm
LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am, Tuesdays & Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.
We are experiencing some issues with our live streaming. We are trying to resolve these issues as soon as possible. The stream may not work for some Masses. Thank you for understanding. DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://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: Thank you to our generous parishioners who have participated in the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. Your contributions are not just financial, they are the building blocks of our vibrant community, making a significant impact on the lives of many.
As of the last report from the Diocese, we have received $57,628.52 (approximately 94%) in pledges, $3,871.48 short of our goal of $61,500. We have 157 pledged donors. Participants can expect to receive their first payment reminder on or about May 31st. Additional reminders will continue through December. Please mail all payments in the self-addressed, return envelope provided with your mailing. Do not submit payments to the parish office or through the Offertory collection.
Only 25.61% of our households have participated. Let’s strive to increase our parish participation and show the power of our community united in faith and charity. Every gift counts, no matter how small, and every act of kindness matters. Together, let’s continue to be a beacon of hope and charity.
To learn more about the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, visit
www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal”,
or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.
BACK PARKING LOT CLOSED: Tuesday, May 28th through Thursday, June 6th. The closure of the back parking lot over the weekend will be an inconvenience for many, especially for those with disabilities. Please be considerate of others as we continue with this project. If you’re blessed with good health, please consider parking farther away from the church building, leaving the closer spots for those who are facing challenges in health and are unable to walk any distance. What a wonderful way to thank God for your good health!
ALL PARKING LOTS OPEN: Friday, June 7th through Sunday, June 9th.
SIDE PARKING LOT AND SOUTH STREET PARKING LOT CLOSED: June 10th through June 14th. The back parking lot will also need to be closed at some time for striping. We will update you with that information when we have that date/time.
ACCESSING FACILITIES:
If you are coming to Mass next Tuesday or Wednesday, June 4th & 5th, please park in the South Street lot (the lot near the statue of St. Joseph). The double doors near that lot and the main doors to the Church will be unlocked.
On days when the back parking lot is closed: If you are coming to the office, classrooms/meeting rooms, chapel, or hall during office hours, please park in the side parking lot (near the fenced in yard), and ring the bell at the PSR Entrance double doors. Someone will be there to let you in.
Ministry/event leaders: If your meeting is after office hours, please have someone wait at the PSR double doors to let your members into the building. Do not leave the doors unlocked or propped open!
This will be a very trying time for all of us. We ask for your flexibility, patience and cooperation as this project progresses. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Facilities Manager, George, at facilitiesmanager@saintpolycarp.org or call the office at (302) 653-8279.
To read more information on the parking lot project: CLICK HERE
THIS WEEKEND, JUNE 1/2 (and Monday, June 3rd – Friday, June 7th)
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD will take place this Sunday, June 2nd, at the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for all children in PreK-4th grade. No registration needed. Just send your child forward when the children are called.
AGAPE: June’s Agape will be held this Sunday, June 2nd following the 10:30am Mass in the Parish Hall. Come meet Brother Vincent Columbiettes and enjoy an early “Summer Picnic”, hosted by the Columbiettes. All are welcome to join us for fun, food and fellowship.
THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST, CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION AT ST. DENNIS CHURCH, Galena, MD, THIS SUNDAY – JUNE 2nd:
At the close of the 8am Mass on Sunday June 2nd, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in the monstrance, incensed, and then carried in procession outside the church and over church property. Upon re-entering the church, and as all are settled into the pews, there will be Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament and Father will repose the Blessed Sacrament. The rite is then concluded. All are invited to participate.
NEXT WEEKEND, JUNE 8/9 (and Monday, June 10th – Friday, June 14th)
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Saturday, June 8th, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place at the end of the 4 pm Vigil Mass next Saturday, June 8th. Please plan to stay and spend some time with Jesus.
ALL PARKING LOTS OPEN: Friday, June 7th through Sunday, June 9th.
SIDE PARKING LOT AND SOUTH STREET PARKING LOT CLOSED: June 10th through June 14th. The back parking lot will also need to be closed at some time for striping. We will update you with that information when we have that date/time.
UPCOMING
SQUIRE CIRCLE LOCK IN: The Squires are conducting their annual “Lock In” on June 21st and June 22nd. The Squires will be here at the Parish from 7 pm Friday until 7 pm on Saturday. The Lock In will conclude with the 4 pm Mass to celebrate and install the new officers for the Columbian year. We are asking for your support by sponsoring the Squires annual fundraiser. We will be at the doors of the Church after all Masses the weekend of June 15th and 16th, if you wish to donate. (If you wish to make a monetary gift by check please make the check out to ‘St. Polycarp Squire Circle’). Funds collected will be split between St. Polycarp and the State Police K9 Unit.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR GOLFERS! Golf Tournament volunteers will be outside the doors of the Church on Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, the 23rd after Mass accepting your $5.00 support for our golfers. Every $5.00 gets you a square on our support sign to support our golfers. You can write whatever will fit in the square. Please bring some cash so we can fill up the signs. Thank you so much. All of the funds will go to St Polycarp Church.
ST. POLYCARP’S 5th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT & DINNER: JUNE 30th, 2024
Garrison Lake Golf Club, 101 West Fairways Circle, Smyrna, DE.
$130 per individual golfer includes lunch, Green fee, Golf Cart, on course beverages including beer, complimentary gift bags, prizes for best teams, long drive/closest to pin, followed by a buffet dinner.
Don’t golf? That’s ok. Join us at St. Polycarp Church for a delicious Italian Feast just $40.00 per person.
For more information and registration, Dennis Skinner (papadskinz@yahoo.com (302-981-8743) Anna Skinner (ANNA.SKINZ@gmail.com) (302-883-5647) or use this QR code. CLICK HERE TO SEE FLYER
DELAWARE KNIGHTS OF COULMBUS RAFFLE: The Delaware Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a raffle to benefit the charitable works and programs of the State Council. Five raffle winners will receive a $200 gift certificate usable at any production at Sights and Sound plus a $100 Visa gift card. Tickets are $10.00 each. The drawing will be September 8, 2024 at the KOC annual State picnic. The Winner need not be present. Contact Jack Barnas for raffle tickets (302) 383 – 4175.
SAVE THE DATE: DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND: On October 5th, 2024, our Diocese of Wilmington will be hosting the Eucharistic Congress at the Ocean City Convention Center. We will gather under the theme “The Eucharist: The Source and Summit,” an opportunity to come together as a community to reflect on and celebrate the central mystery of our faith. The congress will feature an inspiring keynote address from Bishop Richard Henning of the Diocese of Providence. We will also have faith-based vendors, a variety of ministry showcases, and breakout sessions designed for different ages and interests. Plus, there will be ample opportunities for Adoration and Reconciliation as well as celebration of Mass. Please save the date and stay tuned for more details. We hope you can join us for this wonderful day of faith, fellowship, and renewal. Thank you!
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Visit Bulletin Overflow https://saintpolycarp.org/overflow/ for details on the following and more!:
SAY NO! PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE
RETREAT FOR CATHOLICS AFFECTED BY DIVORCE AND SEPARATION – Saturday, June 15th
NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: The 10th National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN. From July 17th–21st, 2024
RETROUVAILLE: The Retrouvaille Program is for married couples facing challenges in their relationship. Upcoming programs: August 9th – 11th and October 4th – 6th, 2024 at the Family Life Center in Malver, PA
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: Saturday, June 8th, Saturday, July 13th, and Saturday, August 10th.
TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 9 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 9 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 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month during the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for children in PreK-4th 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:
NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS – BE THERE WHEN GOD MOVES: The 10th National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN. From July 17th–21st, 2024, thousands of passionate Catholics will gather for a transformative experience on a scale this generation has never seen. Whether you join us for one day or all five, the grace you receive will spill out into our community when you return home—deeply in love with the Eucharist and excited about the future of the Church in America. Visit EucharisticCongress.org to learn more about the event and explore the full schedule for each day.
BISHOP KOENIG INVITES YOU TO THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE ON JULY 17th– 21st, 2024, IN INDIANAPOLIS, IN. To read the letter of invitation, CLICK HERE
FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION FLYER CLICK HERE
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday, June 1st, we celebrate St. Anthony of Padua Parish milestones with Anthony Albence on this week’s Catholic Forum podcast. CLICK HERE You can listen online at cdow.org/CatholicForum, or by searching “Catholic Forum” on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Amazon Music podcasts. “Like” Catholic Forum on Facebook at facebook.com/CatholicForum @CatholicForum.
LET US PRAY:
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, embolden me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within your wounds hide me.
Never permit me to be parted from you.
From the evil Enemy defend me.
At the hour of my death call me
and bid me come to you,
that with your Saints I may praise you
for age upon age.
Amen.
Weekend Update May 25/26
THE MOST HOLY TRINITY
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ What is your relationship with each person of the Trinity? Is it easier for you to relate to one of the divine persons?
~ Today’s psalm says blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. What does it mean to you to be chosen by God?
~ How are you being called to draw others to know God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052624.cfm
LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am, Tuesdays & Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.
We are experiencing some issues with our live streaming. We are trying to resolve these issues as soon as possible. The stream may not work for some Masses. Thank you for understanding. DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://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: Thank you to our generous parishioners who have participated in the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. Your contributions are not just financial, they are the building blocks of our vibrant community, making a significant impact on the lives of many.
We’re still short of our goal but with everyone’s help we can do it! Our parish target for the 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal is $61,500. To date, we have received $57,553.52 (approximately 94%) in pledges, $3,946.48 short of our goal. We have 156 pledged donors. $30,125.07 has been collected. If you have not made your pledge, please fill out and return your pledge cards to ensure we meet our parish goal. Pledge cards can be found at the doors of the Church. If we exceed that goal, we will receive back half of the money made above the goal.
The Faith and Charity Appeal is all about people helping people. It helps more than 100,000 individuals and families throughout our Diocese in need of material essentials, spiritual assistance, religious instruction, and guidance so crucial to overcoming life’s greatest struggles.
Participants in the 2024 Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal can expect to receive their first payment reminder on or about May 31st. Additional reminders will continue through December. Please mail all payments in the self-addressed, return envelope provided with your mailing. Do not submit payments to the parish office or through the Offertory collection.
To learn more about the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, visit
www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal”,
or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.
PORTICO REMAINS CLOSED THROUGH THIS WEEKEND.
The new concrete has been poured but the portico and all portico doors will remain closed this weekend. If you are coming to Mass/Confessions, you can use the side, small, single door off the back parking lot; the front doors; or the double doors near the South Street parking lot. Questions? Call or email the office. Thank you for your cooperation.
REFINISHING OF BACK PARKING LOT: PARKING LOT CLOSURES
Our parking lot project has already started! We were moved up in the contractor’s schedule. Things are moving along quickly. Milling began yesterday and continues through today, Friday, May 24th. The back parking lot was closed yesterday and remains closed today but you can use it this weekend. Keep in mind, it will be a bit rough. Please use caution. We suggest that you use one of the other lots.
BACK PARKING LOT CLOSED: Friday, May 24th, Tuesday, May 28th through June 6th.
SIDE PARKING LOT AND SOUTH STREET PARKING LOT CLOSED: June 10th through June 14th.
ACCESSING FACILITIES:
If you are coming to Mass next Tuesday or Wednesday, please park in the South Street lot (the lot near the statue of St. Joseph). The double doors near that lot and the main doors to the Church will be unlocked.
On days when the back parking lot is closed: If you are coming to the office, classrooms/meeting rooms, chapel, or hall during office hours, please park in the side parking lot (near the fenced in yard), and ring the bell at the PSR Entrance double doors. Someone will be there to let you in.
Ministry/event leaders: If your meeting is after office hours, please have someone wait at the PSR double doors to let your members into the building. Do not leave the doors unlocked or propped open!
This will be a very trying time for all of us. We ask for your flexibility, patience and cooperation as this project progresses. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Facilities Manager, George, at facilitiesmanager@saintpolycarp.org or call the office at 302-653-8279.
To read this weekend’s bulletin insert: CLICK HERE
THIS WEEKEND, MAY 25/26 (and Monday, May 27th – Friday, May 31st)
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! May 26th, 1968 – May 26th, 2024. This Sunday, May 26th, is the Anniversary of the Dedication of St. Polycarp Church in Smyrna, Delaware. Please check out the bulletin for some history of this anniversary!
VOCATION CHALICE: This Sunday, May 26th, at the 10:30 am Mass, the Garrity Family will receive the Vocation Chalice. 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/
OFFICE CLOSED: The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, May 27th, in observance of Memorial Day. The Parish Office will reopen at 9 am on Tuesday, May 28th.
MEMORIAL BRICKS: Adding your MEMORIAL BRICK to the walkway of our Blessed Mother is a unique way to keep your memories alive. It is a way to remind us of all those special loved ones forever. Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Graduation! Mother’s Day, Father’s Day! Honor family and friends! Share a favorite quote, and more! If you would like to become a part of the walkway to our Blessed Mother, with your name or the name of a loved one, now is a good time to do so! 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).
MEMORIAL DAY – NEVER FORGET
PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE HAS PASSED THE DELAWARE HOUSE AND IS NOW BEFORE THE STATE SENATE: Delaware is closer than ever to legalizing assisted suicide! It is an affront to our Catholic faith that calls for respect for life from conception to natural death! We need to help and support the elderly and physically and mentally ill in our community, not assist them in taking their own lives. We ask all Delaware Catholics to contact their Delaware State Senator to not support HB 140. For more information, and to send an email to your Senator, visit cdow.org/StopAssistedS. If you have already sent an email, please consider phoning them. www.cdow.org/StopAssistedSuicide.
NEXT WEEKEND, JUNE 1/2 (and Monday, June 3rd – Friday, June 7th)
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD will take place next Sunday, June 2nd at the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for all children in PreK-4th grade. No registration needed. Just send your child forward when the children are called.
AGAPE: June’s Agape will be held next Sunday, June 2nd following the 10:30am Mass in the Parish Hall. Come meet Brother Vincent Columbiettes and enjoy an early “Summer Picnic”, hosted by the Columbiettes. All are welcome to join us for fun, food and fellowship.
THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST, CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION AT ST. DENNIS CHURCH, Galena, MD, NEXT SUNDAY – JUNE 2nd:
At the close of the 8am Mass on Sunday June 2nd, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in the monstrance, incensed, and then carried in procession outside the church and over church property. Upon re-entering the church, and as all are settled into the pews, there will be Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament and Father will repose the Blessed Sacrament. The rite is then concluded. All are invited to participate.
UPCOMING
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR GOLFERS! Golf Tournament volunteers will be outside the doors of the Church on Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, the 23rd after Mass accepting your $5.00 support for our golfers. Every $5.00 gets you a square on our support sign to support our golfers. You can write whatever will fit in the square. Please bring some cash so we can fill up the signs. Thank you so much. All of the funds will go to St Polycarp Church.
ST. POLYCARP’S 5th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT & DINNER: JUNE 30th, 2024
Garrison Lake Golf Club, 101 West Fairways Circle, Smyrna, DE.
$130 per individual golfer includes lunch, Green fee, Golf Cart, on course beverages including beer, complimentary gift bags, prizes for best teams, long drive/closest to pin, followed by a buffet dinner.
Don’t golf? That’s ok. Join us at St. Polycarp Church for a delicious Italian Feast just $40.00 per person.
For more information and registration, Dennis Skinner (papadskinz@yahoo.com (302-981-8743) Anna Skinner (ANNA.SKINZ@gmail.com) (302-883-5647) or use this QR code. CLICK HERE TO SEE FLYER
DELAWARE KNIGHTS OF COULMBUS RAFFLE: The Delaware Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a raffle to benefit the charitable works and programs of the State Council. Five raffle winners will receive a $200 gift certificate usable at any production at Sights and Sound plus a $100 Visa gift card. Tickets are $10.00 each. The drawing will be September 8, 2024 at the KOC annual State picnic. The Winner need not be present. Contact Jack Barnas for raffle tickets (302)383-4175.
SAVE THE DATE: DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND: On October 5th, 2024, our Diocese of Wilmington will be hosting the Eucharistic Congress at the Ocean City Convention Center. We will gather under the theme “The Eucharist: The Source and Summit,” an opportunity to come together as a community to reflect on and celebrate the central mystery of our faith. The congress will feature an inspiring keynote address from Bishop Richard Henning of the Diocese of Providence. We will also have faith-based vendors, a variety of ministry showcases, and breakout sessions designed for different ages and interests. Plus, there will be ample opportunities for Adoration and Reconciliation as well as celebration of Mass. Please save the date and stay tuned for more details. We hope you can join us for this wonderful day of faith, fellowship, and renewal. Thank you!
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Visit Bulletin Overflow https://saintpolycarp.org/overflow/ for details on the following and more!:
SAY NO! PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE
RETREAT FOR CATHOLICS AFFECTED BY DIVORCE AND SEPARATION – Saturday, June 15th
NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: The 10th National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN. From July 17th–21st, 2024
RETROUVAILLE: The Retrouvaille Program is for married couples facing challenges in their relationship. Upcoming programs: August 9th – 11th and October 4th – 6th, 2024 at the Family Life Center in Malver, PA
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: Saturday, May 11th, Saturday, June 8th, Saturday, July 13th, Saturday, August 10th
TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 9 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 9 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 May 26th – Garrity 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 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month during the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for children in PreK-4th 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.
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 thru 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:
NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS – BE THERE WHEN GOD MOVES: The 10th National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN. From July 17th–21st, 2024, thousands of passionate Catholics will gather for a transformative experience on a scale this generation has never seen. Whether you join us for one day or all five, the grace you receive will spill out into our community when you return home—deeply in love with the Eucharist and excited about the future of the Church in America. Visit EucharisticCongress.org to learn more about the event and explore the full schedule for each day.
BISHOP KOENIG INVITES YOU TO THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE ON JULY 17th– 21st, 2024, IN INDIANAPOLIS, IN. To read the letter of invitation, CLICK HERE
FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION FLYER CLICK HERE
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday, May 26th, St. Francis Xavier Shrine – Old Bohemia – is the topic on this week’s Catholic Forum podcast. CLICK HERE You can listen online at cdow.org/CatholicForum, or by searching “Catholic Forum” on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Amazon Music podcasts. “Like” Catholic Forum on Facebook at facebook.com/CatholicForum @CatholicForum.
LET US PRAY: The Most Holy Trinity
Glory be to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning
is now, and ever shall be
world without end.
Amen.