FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Create a clean heart in me, O God.

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:    https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032121.cfm

LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for all live stream. (or visit our webpage www.saintpolycarp.org and click on the picture of the altar )  All Masses are live- streamed. Masses may also be viewed at a later time.

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

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – FRIDAYS AT 7pm in Church. (Masks covering the nose and mouth and social distancing required.) Reservations not required. Also live-streamed.

CONFESSIONS: (Reservations are not required but masks are. Social distancing observed)
Saturdays –  2:30 to 3:30 pm  Confessions are not heard on Saturday, April 3rd, Holy Saturday.
Sundays –  following 10:30 am Mass on March 21 & 28

YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH: We will celebrate the Year of St. Joseph with a special prayer during both of our Masses this weekend. Year of St. Joseph Prayer Cards will be available in the pews, so that those who attend these  Masses can participate in the prayer. For those who will be watching Mass from home, please join us in praying: https://saintpolycarp.org/year-of-st-joseph/

THE ANNUNCIATION: Thursday, March 25th the Church celebrates the Angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary and Mary’s “yes” to God’s plan. How are you saying “yes” to God this Lent?

SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEK: Rice Bowl

EASTER FLOWERS:  Add to the beauty of our church during this joyful season by using your Easter flower envelope to help us proclaim that Jesus has risen!

EASTER MASS REMEMBRANCE: Living or deceased, the best gift you can give a loved one is the gift of the Mass.  Please use the Easter Mass Remembrance envelope to enjoin your friends and family in our most holy celebration.

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                                                   HOLY WEEK / TRIDUUM / EASTER SCHEDULE
All Masses from St. Polycarp will be live-streamed. Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
To view live-stream from St. Dennis on Good Friday, visit www.stdennischurch.org
Palm Sunday – March 27^th & 28^th
Mass       Saturday at 4 pm & Sunday at 10:30 am
Tuesday  & Wednesday of Holy Week        
Mass         8:30 am
Holy Thursday –  April 1^{st        (No morning Mass at St. Polycarp or St. Dennis)}
Mass of the Lord’s Supper         St. Polycarp Church, 7 pm
Good Friday – April 2^{nd            (No morning Mass at St. Polycarp or St. Dennis)}
Liturgy of the Passion & Death of Our Lord          St. Dennis, 3pm
Holy Saturday, The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night – April 3^rd 
Mass             St. Polycarp, 7:30 pm
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord – April 4^th 
Mass            St. Polycarp Church, 8 am & 10 am:
St. Dennis Church, 8 am & 9:30 am, &  11 am (Spanish)

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RESERVATION INFORMATION

RESERVATIONS FOR PALM SUNDAY – Follow the same protocol as other weekend Masses. RESERVATION INFORMATION – Saint Polycarp Church

RESERVATIONS for the TRIDUUM:
Reservations for Holy Thursday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday Masses will be accepted by phone on Wednesday, March 24^th from 9am – 2pm. (302)653-8279. Online reservations will be accepted March 24^th beginning at 12:01 am to March 31^st at 12:00pm, noon or until capacity is reached. (You can click on the following links during that time period.)
Holy Thursday Mass – https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/6482
Good Friday – see below *
Easter Vigil – https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/6483
Easter Sunday Mass,  8 am – https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/6484
Easter Sunday Mass, 10am https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/6485

*Reservations for Good Friday and the Easter Sunday Masses at St. Dennis can be made by calling the Parish Office at St. Dennis on Wednesday, March 31^st from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.  410-648-5291.

Reservations can not be made by calling at other times, leaving messages or by emailing staff.

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ST. PATRICK’S DAY SCAVENGER HUNT:
Shamrocks have been hidden around the building for you to find. Can you count them all? All shamrocks can be found by driving/walking around the Church campus. If you submit a correct guess you will be entered to win a prize. Ten prizes will be awarded. If nobody guesses correctly, the ten closest guesses will win. If exiting your vehicle, you must wear a face covering and keep socially distant from others not in your household. Email your guesses to Deanna Lail dlail14@comcast.net or call Angela Gibson 302-270-4100. Starts Wednesday, Friday March 17th. Deadline to submit your guess is 11:59pm on March 27th

CALLING ALL KIDS! HAPPY EASTER WORD SCRAMBLE GAME: Due to the ongoing pandemic the Brother Vincent Council Easter Egg Hunt for parish children will be a virtual event again this year. All parish children are encouraged to participate. Simply visit this link: https://saintpolycarp.org/easter-egg-scramble-calling-all-kids/. Entry instructions are listed on the bottom of the game sheet.  Three prize winners will be selected from all the correct entries.

STONES FAITH GARDEN: Have you thought about the stone that you will paint for our Stone Faith Garden?  Will you use words, images or both? Check out our latest video with information about this new garden along with the how-to’s on rock painting! https://youtu.be/7rB7atK3ohQ

MEMORIAL BRICKS: The Gift of a Memorial Brick is a unique and memorable way to celebrate a special occasion,
honor family and friends, share a favorite quote and more! For more information visit  https://saintpolycarp.org/memorial-bricks/

BROTHER VINCENT COLUMBIETTES SWEEPSTAKES is your chance to win a $75.00 prize in July and help our auxiliary raise funds to help others at the same time.  Every $10.00 you contribute to the sweepstakes earns you one chance for the winning drawing in July. For more information CLICK HERE

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USEFUL LINKS:

RESERVATION INFORMATION FOR WEEKEND MASSES: To view information on how to make a reservation visit https://saintpolycarp.org/rservation-information/
WEBSITE: www.saintpolycarp.org.
BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SaintPolycarpCatholicChurch/
ONLINE GIVING: Please consider becoming an e-giver. It is easy to make your weekly or one time contributions in support of the Parish.  For more information and to sign up for online giving, visit  faith.direct/DE831
ST DENNIS: http://www.stdennischurch.org
THE DIALOG: http://thedialog.org/  Newspaper of the Diocese, copies available as you leave Church or online

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MASSES DURING THE PANDEMIC: St. Polycarp Church is open for Masses with limited capacity. You must wear a face mask or covering that covers the mouth and nose at all times. Six-foot social distancing applies at all times. Restrooms will not be available. Reservations are required for the weekend Masses.  A weekend Mass reservation reminder is emailed weekly and includes how to make a reservation. Once we reach capacity, no one else will be admitted. Thank you for your cooperation. Reservations are NOT required for 8:30am weekday Masses. The dispensation of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation issued March 12, 2020 remains in effect for the Diocese of Wilmington.

FROM THE DIOCESE:
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640. On March 20, tune in to hear an interview with Michael Lichens from Sophia Institute Press, who will discuss the classic Lenten book by Father Gerald Vann, “The Pain of Christ and the Sorrow of God.” Listen anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum or search Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify or iHeartRadio podcasts.

LET US PRAY: Litany of St. Joseph (Composed by Fr. Paul Mast)  http://paulmast.com/Litanies.html

Loving God,
In Joseph, Son of David, you have given us an example of one who is a true servant of your Word. As a faithful Jew, his life echoes obedience to the Law of Moses. As a faithful parent, he cooperates with the Virgin Mary in enabling Jesus to grow and fulfill his calling as teacher, prophet and king. As a gentle servant, he is a role model for all who desire a more loving and passionate relationship with you. In honoring Joseph, we honor your Son, Jesus, through whom you are given all glory and praise, today and everyday, now and forevermore. Amen.

(4th of 4 stanzas)

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:    https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031421.cfm

LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for all live stream. (or visit our webpage www.saintpolycarp.org and click on the picture of the altar )  All Masses are live- streamed. Masses may also be viewed at a later time.  (Last week’s issues have been fixed.)

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

DAILY MASSES are celebrated on Tuesday – Friday mornings at 8:30 am.

BLESSING OF ALTAR SERVERS AND SACRISTANS will take place this weekend at both Masses.

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is for parish utilities.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – FRIDAYS AT 7pm in Church. (Masks covering the nose and mouth and social distancing required.) Reservations not required. Also live-streamed.

CONFESSIONS: (Reservations are not required but masks are. Social distancing observed)
Saturdays –  2:30 to 3:30 pm
Sundays –  following 10:30 am Mass on March 14, 21 & 28

EARLY BULLETIN SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Due to early deadlines from our Bulletin publishing company for the April 3rd/4th weekend (Easter), please have any submissions that you would want included in the Easter Bulletin emailed to submission@saintpolycarp.org by 12 pm, noon on March 18th.

YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH: We will celebrate the Year of St. Joseph with a special prayer during Mass on his Feast Day,  Friday, March 19 and during our two weekend Masses on March 20th and 21st. Year of St. Joseph Prayer Cards will be available in the pews, so that those who attend these  Masses can participate in the prayer. For those who will be watching Mass from home, please join us in praying: https://saintpolycarp.org/year-of-st-joseph/

HOLY WEEK / TRIDUUM / EASTER                     ALL MASSES AND SERVICES FROM ST. POLYCARP WILL BE LIVE-STREAMED.
Palm Sunday – March 27^th & 28^th
Mass       Saturday at 4 pm & Sunday at 10:30 am
Tuesday  & Wednesday of Holy Week
Mass         8:30 am
Holy Thursday –  April 1^st
Mass of the Lord’s Supper         St. Polycarp Church, 7 pm
Good Friday – April 2^nd
Liturgy of the Passion & Death of Our Lord          St. Dennis ONLY
Holy Saturday – April 3^rd
The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night       St. Polycarp, 7:30 pm
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord –
April 4^th       Mass        St. Polycarp Church, 8 am & 10 am

RESERVATIONS for HOLY WEEK/TRIDUUM/EASTER:
Reservations for Palm Sunday Masses, Holy Thursday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday Masses will be accepted by phone on Wednesday, March 24^th from 9am – 2pm. Online reservations will be accepted March 24^th beginning at 12:01 am to March 31^st at 12:00pm, noon or until capacity is reached. Reservation links will be emailed prior to the 24^th. They will also be posted on our website prior to the 24th.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY SCAVENGER HUNT:
Shamrocks have been hidden around the building for you to find. Can you count them all? All shamrocks can be found by driving/walking around the Church campus. If you submit a correct guess you will be entered to win a prize. Ten prizes will be awarded. If nobody guesses correctly, the ten closest guesses will win. If exiting your vehicle, you must wear a face covering and keep socially distant from others not in your household. Email your guesses to Deanna Lail dlail14@comcast.net or call Angela Gibson 302-270-4100. Starts Wednesday, Friday March 17th. Deadline to submit your guess is 11:59pm on March 27th

CALLING ALL KIDS! HAPPY EASTER WORD SCRAMBLE GAME: Due to the ongoing pandemic the Brother Vincent Council Easter Egg Hunt for parish children will be a virtual event again this year. All parish children are encouraged to participate. Simply visit this link: https://saintpolycarp.org/easter-egg-scramble-calling-all-kids/. Entry instructions are listed on the bottom of the game sheet.  Three prize winners will be selected from all the correct entries.

STONES FAITH GARDEN: Have you thought about the stone that you will paint for our Stone Faith Garden?  Will you use words, images or both? Check out our latest video with information about this new garden along with the how to’s on rock painting! https://youtu.be/7rB7atK3ohQ

MEMORIAL BRICKS: The Gift of a Memorial Brick is a unique and memorable way to celebrate a special occasion,
honor family and friends, share a favorite quote and more! For more information visit  https://saintpolycarp.org/memorial-bricks/

BROTHER VINCENT COLUMBIETTES SWEEPSTAKES is your chance to win a $75.00 prize in July and help our auxiliary raise funds to help others at the same time.  Every $10.00 you contribute to the sweepstakes earns you one chance for the winning drawing in July. For more information CLICK HERE

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USEFUL LINKS:

RESERVATION INFORMATION FOR WEEKEND MASSES: To view information on how to make a reservation visit https://saintpolycarp.org/rservation-information/
WEBSITE: www.saintpolycarp.org.
BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
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
THE DIALOG: http://thedialog.org/  Newspaper of the Diocese, copies available as you leave Church or online

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MASSES DURING THE PANDEMIC: St. Polycarp Church is open for Masses with limited capacity. You must wear a face mask or covering that covers the mouth and nose at all times. Six-foot social distancing applies at all times. Restrooms will not be available. Reservations are required for the weekend Masses.  A weekend Mass reservation reminder is emailed weekly and includes how to make a reservation. Once we reach capacity, no one else will be admitted. Thank you for your cooperation. Reservations are NOT required for 8:30am weekday Masses. The dispensation of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation issued March 12, 2020 remains in effect for the Diocese of Wilmington.

FROM THE DIOCESE:
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640. On March 13, hear an interview with Dr. Marianne Mount, President of the Catholic Distance University who will discuss the importance of Saint Joseph and the Year of Saint Joseph.

LET US PRAY: Litany of St. Joseph (Composed by Fr. Paul Mast)

St. Joseph, a man of compassion…………Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man of justice…Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man of contemplation…Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man who reverences all life…Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man filled with gentle strength…Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man in solidarity with the poor…Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man of hope for the unborn…Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man of intercession for the holy innocents…Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man with a spiritual life…Pray for us.
St. Joseph, a man centered in the love of God…Pray for us.

(Third of 4 stanzas)

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:    https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030721.cfm

OUR LIVE-STREAMING has experienced some issues this past week. We ask for your understanding and patience as these problems are resolved.

LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for all live stream. (or visit our webpage www.saintpolycarp.org and click on the picture of the altar )  All Masses are live- streamed. Masses may also be viewed at a later time.

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

DAILY MASSES are celebrated on Tuesday – Friday mornings at 8:30 am. Welcome back Fr. Mast.

BLESSING OF ALL PRAYER GROUPS: will take place this weekend, March 6th at the 4:00 pm Mass and March 7th at the 10:30 am Mass.

BLESSING OF ALTAR SERVERS AND SACRISTANS will take place the weekend of March 13^th and 14^th at both Masses.

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is for the Church in Latin America.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – FRIDAYS AT 7pm in Church. Join us in Church. Reservations not required. Also live-streamed.

FRIDAYS IN LENT are obligatory days of abstinence from meat.

CONFESSIONS: (Reservations are not required but masks are. Social distancing observed)
Saturdays –  2:30 to 3:30 pm
Sundays –  following 10:30 am Mass on March 7, 14, 21 & 28

YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH: We will celebrate the Year of St. Joseph with a special prayer during Mass on his Feast Day, Friday, March 19 and during our two weekend Masses on March 20th and 21st. Year of St. Joseph Prayer Cards will be available in the pews, so that those who attend these  Masses can participate in the prayer. You will also be able to take the prayer cards home with you as a “small gift” from the parish. For those who will be watching Mass from home, please join us in praying:
A Daily Prayer to St. Joseph
Hail Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son: in you Mary placed her trust: with you Christ became man. Blessed joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.

ST. JOSEPH ADOPTION NOVENA: Leading up to the Solemnity of St. Joseph on March 19^th, join us in praying the St. Joseph Adoption Novena. Invoking the intercession of St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, we will pray the Lord blesses all who travel upon the path of adoption. Visit https://www.usccb.org/adoption-novena for the novena, which begins, March 10.

MEMORIAL BRICKS: The Gift of a Memorial Brick is a unique and memorable way to celebrate a special occasion,
honor family and friends, share a favorite quote and more! If you would like to become part of the walkway to our Blessed Mother now is a good time to do so! Order through Faith Direct at:  https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/5644 (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), or return your form (available on our website or at the doors of the Church) with payment to St. Polycarp Church in an envelope labeled “Memorial Brick”.  Please place the completed order form and a check for $80.00, made payable to St. Polycarp Church, in the envelope.  You can place it in the Offertory collection, deliver it to the Parish Office (place in black box), or mail it to the parish office.  

STONES FAITH GARDEN: Have you thought about the stone that you will paint for our Stone Faith Garden?  Will you use words, images or both? Make this part of your Lenten journey.  We will be providing guidance and suggestions on the best practices of rock painting. The finished stones will be brought to the Parish during the Easter Season – more information forthcoming.

BROTHER VINCENT COLUMBIETTES SWEEPSTAKES is your chance to win a $75.00 prize in July and help our auxiliary raise funds to help others at the same time.  Every $10.00 you contribute to the sweepstakes earns you one chance for the winning drawing in July. For more information CLICK HERE

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USEFUL LINKS:

RESERVATION INFORMATION FOR WEEKEND MASSES: To view information on how to make a reservation visit https://saintpolycarp.org/rservation-information/
WEBSITE: www.saintpolycarp.org.
BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
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
THE DIALOG: http://thedialog.org/  Newspaper of the Diocese, copies available as you leave Church or online

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MASSES DURING THE PANDEMIC: St. Polycarp Church is open for Masses with limited capacity. You must wear a face mask or covering that covers the mouth and nose at all times. Six-foot social distancing applies at all times. Restrooms will not be available. Reservations are required for the weekend Masses.  A weekend Mass reservation reminder is emailed weekly and includes how to make a reservation. Once we reach capacity, no one else will be admitted. Thank you for your cooperation. Reservations are NOT required for 8:30am weekday Masses. The dispensation of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation issued March 12, 2020 remains in effect for the Diocese of Wilmington.

FROM THE DIOCESE:
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640. On the March 6, tune in to hear an interview with Rev. Mr. Michael Preston, a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Wilmington, who is slated to be ordained to the priesthood this spring. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Wilmington. Listen each Saturday at 1:30, on Relevant Radio 640 or via podcast below, or by searching Catholic Forum on Apple, iHeartRadio, and Spotify Podcasts.

 

LET US PRAY: Litany of St. Joseph (Composed by Fr. Paul Mast)

Joseph of Nazareth, bless those who minister to unwed mothers…Inspire us to minister.
Joseph of Nazareth, protect those who seek a lost child…Inspire us to protect.
Joseph of Nazareth, care for those raising independent teenagers…Inspire us to care.
Joseph of Nazareth, befriend those who are friends of illegal aliens…Inspire us to befriend.
Joseph of Nazareth, encourage those who desire fatherhood…Inspire us to encourage.
Joseph of Nazareth, strengthen those who advocate family life…Inspire us to strengthen.
Joseph of Nazareth, sustain those who are believers in God’s dreams…Inspire us to sustain.
Joseph of Nazareth, reverence those who are obedient to God’s plans…Inspire us to reverence.
Joseph of Nazareth, guide those who desire intimacy with God…Inspire us to guide.
Joseph of Nazareth, nourish those who hunger for peace…Inspire us to nourish.

(Second of 4 stanzas)

To see this week’s Bulletin CLICK HERE 
Below is additional information that is not included in the current Bulletin or additional details of the information that is included in this week’s Bulletin.

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VACATIONING? If you’re vacationing in one of the beautiful resort areas of the diocese, don’t forget Sunday Mass. To easily find locations and times, go to thedialog.org/our-diocese/2024-diocese-of-wilmington-summer-weekend-mass-guide/

5th ANNUAL OUTDOOR MARKETPLACE at St. Margaret of Scotland Church 2431 Frazer Road, Newark, DE on Saturday, September 28, 2024 8am to 2pm, Rain or Shine. Vendors wanted $37 per 17′ x 18′ space. Set-up begins at 7am. Reservations are taken on a first come, first serve basis and will be made upon receipt of payment and registration. For more information: 2024smaco@gmail.com

The DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF DELAWARE is hosting summer camps this year in Magnolia and Wilmington. The camps run July 15-19 and July 29-Aug. 2 and are for individuals with Down syndrome ages 3-13 and their siblings ages 3-10. For more information, go to dsadelaware.org  or https://www.facebook.com/dsadelaware

CHURCH BAZAAR AT ST. ANN, BETHANY BEACH: July 31, August 1-3. For more information wwwstannbb.org

RETROUVAILLE:  REDISCOVER THE LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE: The Retrouvaille Program is for married couples facing challenges in their relationship.

* A marriage program that helps couples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship.
* A Christian marriage program, Catholic in origin, where couples of all faiths or no faith background are encouraged to attend.
* Primarily a practical program to improve communication, build stronger marriages, and help couples reconnect.
* Presenters are not trained marriage counselors, but rather couples sharing their personal stories of marital struggles and the tools they used to rediscover their love.
Tens of thousands of couples have healed their marriages through Retrouvaille (pronounced Retro-vy). If you know anyone who could benefit from this program, please pass this on. Couples learn to build communication skills and to increase intimacy. It provides help for marriage problems, difficulties or crises. Upcoming programs will be held August 9 -11 and again October 4-6, 2024 at the Family Life Center in Malvern, PA. For more information, or to register, visit www.HelpOurMarriage.org or call 215-766-3944 or 800-470-2230.  All inquiries are strictly confidential.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL AT ST. JOHN/HOLY ANGELS, NEWARK: August 11, 9am-4pm. For more information www.stjohnholyangels.com

RACHEL’S VINEYARD CATHOLIC RETREAT: September 20-22. This retreat offers emotional and spiritual healing for anyone who has struggled with grief and loss from abortion. Whether you are post-abortive or no someone who is, freedom awaits.  Contact Nan Bernardo-Freeman at 302-463-7711 (call or test) or lucyminn929@gmail.com by September 6.

SAVE THE DATE: DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS – OCTOBER 5, 2024: Join us for the Diocese of Wilmington’s Eucharistic Congress to be held on Saturday, October 5^th, at the Ocean City MD Convention Center. This year’s theme, “The Eucharist: The Source and Summit,” invites us to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist in our lives. The day will feature a keynote address by Bishop Richard Henning of the Diocese of Providence and will include faith-based vendors, a ministry fair, and breakout sessions tailored to various interests and age groups. There will also be opportunities for Adoration and Reconciliation. Mark your calendars for this spiritually enriching event! More details will follow. We look forward to seeing you there!

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER – November 1 -3: Learn tools to revitalize romance and deepen communication in your marriage!!!  No group sharing required.  The next weekend is November 1-3, 2024 at the Brighton Suites in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  For information or to register visit our website http://www.wwme.org or call Tony and Linda Massino at 302-648-2228.

FROM THE DIALOG: Get the latest Catholic news sent free to your inbox. Sign up today for The Dialog newsletter, The Angelus. You’ll receive our newsletter, The Angelus, with the latest diocesan news, spiritual columns and feature stories of interest to people in our schools and parishes. You’ll also get breaking news alerts from TheDialog.org and information from our Dialog partners. To sign up, visit thedialog.org and click the “Get Our Newsletter” link at the top of every page. Type in your email address and you’re done.

 

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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. Here at St. Polycarp, we have containers for your food donations in the hallway outside of the Mother Drexel Hall. We collect food all year round. Please no expired food. The pantry is in great need of cereal, juice boxes or pouches, peanut butter and jelly, hamburger helper, tuna helper, canned tuna, canned meat, sloppy joe sauce (Manwich), boxed spaghetti and spaghetti sauce, vegetable beef and chicken noodle soups, macaroni and cheese, and Chef Boyardee canned pastas. Please NO CANNED vegetables or beans are currently needed.

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MEMORIAL BRICKS
Have you noticed the beautiful ‘Memory’ walkway leading to our outdoor Blessed Mother statue?  There’s not time like the present to add your memory brick.  Whether you desire to commemorate a loved one, a special occasion, or simply your family name, the choice is yours.  There are two ways to order your bricks.  To order through Faith Direct: CLICK HERE  (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), or return your form with payment to St. Polycarp Church in an envelope labeled “Memorial Brick”.  Please place the completed order form and a check for $100.00, made payable to St. Polycarp Church, in the envelope.  You can place it in the Offertory collection, deliver it to the Parish Office (place in black box), or mail it to St Polycarp Church
Parish Office, 55 Ransom Lane, Smyrna, DE   19977-1617. Forms can be found on our parish website or at the entrances into the church.

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ST. POLYCARP REMINDERS:

REDNER’S 1% SAVE-A-TAPE FUNDRAISER  Hang onto those receipts until we are all together again!
Turn your food shopping into cash for our parish.  If you are a Redner’s shopper, we would welcome your participation.  It is so easy!  Simply be sure to obtain and scan your Redner’s Rewards Card each time you shop.  (Remember to shop only out of necessity.) Save your whole receipt. Bring your receipts to the Parish Office or just put them into the collection basket.  There is no expiration date — even receipts months old can be turned in!  Your receipts will generate cash for us.  What a hands-down and effortless way to help St. Polycarp Church.  

REMINDER ABOUT THE PARKING
Please do not park in front of the dumpsters on Monday through Friday.  This prevents the Waste Management Collection and the Recycling Collection from being picked up.  Thank you for your cooperation!

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Don’t forget to arrive earlier for Mass so that you won’t miss the announcements!  

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THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR ADVERTISERS:
Thank you to our local advertisers who support our parish with their advertisement on the back page.  Let’s support them, too!  Have you checked them out lately?

 We want our Bulletin advertisers to be successful and we thank them for their continued support of our weekly bulletin.
Please support our advertisers whenever possible and ask if they can be found on the Finding Faber app.