Second Sunday of Easter
Sunday of Divine Mercy

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ When have you experienced the peace and forgiveness of Jesus?
~ Why is it significant that Jesus’ risen body still bears the marks of the crucifixion?
~ Does your faith depend more on “seeing” or on trust? Why?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041623.cfm

LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.

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

WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE .  (New Bulletins are posted on Fridays)     BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE

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 THIS WEEKEND, APRIL 15^th & 16^th (& Monday, April 17^th – Friday April 21^st) 

CONFIRMATION: Please pray for our 14 parish youth who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation tomorrow, Saturday, April 15^th at Holy Cross Church, Dover. Let us pray to the Holy Spirit, to move powerfully in their lives! Most Rev. William Koenig, Bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington, will be the Confirming Prelate.

 

APOSTLES’ CREED: We will pray the Apostles’ Creed during the Easter season beginning this weekend. The Apostles’ Creed can be found in the Breaking Bread Hymnal on page 10. Praying the Apostles’ Creed, instead of the usual Nicene Creed, more closely reflects our baptism in Christ, as well as, catechizes the assembly regarding the holiness and full baptismal character of the Easter season. Our call is to the continuing conversion begun in baptism. It is a call that requires vigilance that our heart does not wander from the voice of our God.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) will take place this Sunday, April 16^th during the 10:30 am Mass. All children ages PK – 4^th grade are welcome to join us. Children will be called to come forward before the First Reading. They will return to you after the General Intercessions.

 

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY:  April 16^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Pete Sanphy

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: To celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, we invite you to stay after Mass this weekend and pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet with us. Literature will be provided so you can easily follow along.

PRETZELS! The Knights of Columbus will be selling pretzels after both Masses this weekend.

 

NO PSR CLASSES THIS WEEK (April 16/18)

Our PARISH AND FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY  will meet this coming Thursday, April 20^th at 7pm in Room 7. You are invited to join us!  Please RSVP to Deanna Lail at 302-535-2957 or dlail14@comcast.net.   Are you interested in helping or learning more about our Quarter Auction or being part of our Welcoming Ministry?  Please join us!

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UPCOMING

BROTHER VINCENT COLUMBIETTES FLOWER SALE: Order your generously filled colorful 11” hanging basket. Your choice of Petunias, Begonias or Geraniums. Baskets are $25.00 each. Orders need to be placed by April 30^th. To place your order contact: Agatha Cotilletta: (302) 389-6374 amcotilletta@aol.com
or Linda Montuori 302-270-5347 lindamontuori@yahoo.com

 

ST. POLYCARP CHURCH FILIPINO – AMERICAN COMMUNITY cordially invites you to FILIPINO – AMERICAN INCULTURATION on May 21^st following the 10:30 am Mass in the hall. Please RSVP no later than May 8^th. Seating is limited!  See this weekend’s Bulletin for more information.  RSVP to Fatima Evangelista (609)876-9440  stpcfatima@gmail.com or Josie Cinco (302)653-4926 josie.a.cinco@gmail.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Dedication of the Shrine to St. Joseph – May 13^th following the 4pm Mass. Bishop Koenig will be here to celebrate Mass and for the dedication!

ONGOING   

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from noon to 8pm in the Chapel. We need a few more people to sign up for a scheduled Adoration time slot so we can expand our Adoration hours. Please consider this devotion. You can come to the adoration chapel and in the peacefulness there He will speak to your heart, and you will return eagerly because He has so much to share with you. Call or Email Cheryl Thomas; salcrest7@gmail.com, 302-659-3388

SPRING IS HERE!  Time to think about ordering your  MEMORIAL BRICK!  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 or occasions forever.  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! There are several ways to order your bricks.  You can order through Faith Direct at: Faith Direct MEMORIAL BRICK (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), use the QR code below or return your form* with payment of $80  to St. Polycarp Church.  Envelopes marked with “Memorial Brick” may be placed in the Offertory collection, delivered to the Parish Office (place in black box), or mailed to the Parish Office.*Forms can be found on our parish website or at the entrances into the church.

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! Is there someone you would like to invite to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized, or baptized in a non-Catholic Christian tradition? Do you know someone who needs Confirmation and/or First Eucharist? Perhaps, the Catholic faith can fulfill their desires for a closer relationship with Our Lord. Then, the RCIA process is for them. Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information. DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) takes place on the first and third Sundays of the month during the 10:30 am Mass. All children ages PK – 4^th grade are welcome to join us. Children will be called to come forward before the First Reading. They will return to you after the General Intercessions. All catechists and assistants have a cleared background check. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Erica Taylor at (302) 653-4101. Next CLOW – Sunday, April 16^th at the 10:30 am Mass.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week.  Text or call Alice Gaston at (302) 670 – 7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/   April 16^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Pete Sanphy

CONNECTED IN CHRIST (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets every Tuesday at 9:30 AM in the Parish Library – ALL are welcome. Please join us. If you have any questions, please call Cookie Ruane at 302-540-6429.

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.

FORMED: Have you had the opportunity to dive into FORMED?  To sign up visit www.formed.org. Type in our Parish zip code (19977) and follow the steps to sign up or you can use the QR code below. Take advantage of your free subscription to FORMED! Enjoy thousands of hours of quality Catholic content!

 

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!

BULLETIN SPONSORS: 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!

                                                                               

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USEFUL LINKS:

WEBSITE: www.saintpolycarp.org.
BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: https://saintpolycarp.org/this-weeks-bulletin/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SaintPolycarpCatholicChurch/
ONLINE GIVING: Please consider becoming an e-giver. It is easy to make your weekly or one time contributions in support of the Parish.  For more information and to sign up for online giving, visit  faith.direct/DE831
ST DENNIS: http://www.stdennischurch.org
DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm
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
EWTN: ewtn.com

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FROM THE DIOCESE:     

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday, April 15^th, meet Deacon John Enemou who will be ordained to the priesthood next month.  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.

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LET US PRAY: 

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen.
(USCCB)

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER

~ How have your Lenten observances prepared you for Holy Week?
~ Which Jesus do you identify most with today: Jesus in triumph or Jesus the suffering servant? Why?
~ Complete this sentence: Palm Sunday shows me that …

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040223.cfm

LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.

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

WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE .       BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE

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 THIS WEEKEND, APRIL 1^st & 2^nd (& Monday, April 3^rd – Friday April 7^th) 

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD

SECOND COLLECTION is for our Parish School of Religion. Thank you for your continued generosity in supporting the religious education of our youth.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) will take place this Sunday, April 2^nd during the 10:30 am Mass. All children ages PK – 4^th grade are welcome to join us. Children will be called to come forward before the First Reading. They will return to you after the General Intercessions.

EASTER EGG HUNT: Our Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt this Sunday, April 2^nd, following the 10:30 am Mass. All children are invited to attend. There will be prizes!
Children are asked to bring their own baskets!

 

AGAPE We invite you to join us for Agape this Sunday, April 2^nd after the 10:30am Mass. Enjoy an assortment of breakfast dishes and the sweet taste of donuts and coffee offered by the Knights of Columbus.

PSR IN-PERSON CLASSES THIS WEEK – Grade P/K – 8 .

 

Have you?

 

 

RECONCILIATION MONDAY is this coming Monday! Catholics from throughout the Diocese of Wilmington are invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) at any of the 56 parish churches in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, on Monday, April 3^rd, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., during the second annual diocesan-wide ‘Reconciliation Monday.’  Here at St. Polycarp and at St. Dennis, Confessions will be heard from 3-5 pm & 6-8 pm. This allows for Fr. Jim to be able to hear Confessions at both parishes. The event is designed to make it more convenient for Catholics to receive the sacrament at the end of Lent and beginning of Holy Week, in anticipation of the celebration of Easter.

AN INVITATION FROM BISHOP KOENIG  CLICK HERE

THE PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED next Thursday, April 6^th, and remain closed through Monday, April 10^th.  The Parish Office will reopen on Tuesday, April 11^th, at 9 am.

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Holy Thursday  (Thursday, April 6th)
Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Polycarp – 7pm

(Collection is for the Shrines in the Holy Land.)

 

Good Friday ( April 7^th)
Passion of the Lord at St. Dennis – 3pm.
(No service at St. Polycarp. All parishioners are strongly encouraged and invited to attend the 3 pm Passion of the Lord Service at St. Dennis)

 

Good Friday is an obligatory day of fasting and abstinence for Catholics.  The norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59.  When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal.  The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin (Roman) Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.       ~USCCB

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DIVINE MERCY: Please note that there will be no Divine Mercy Devotion at St. Polycarp Church on Good Friday.  We hope you will attend the 3pm service at St. Dennis.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS & BENEDICTION: There are no Stations of the Cross at St. Polycarp on Good Friday.

EASTER FLOWERS: Please help our altar reflect the glory of this season by placing your intentions and the names of your loved ones in the Easter flower envelope. (Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church.)

EASTER NOVENA:  To remember your loved ones, both living and deceased, with the sacred gift of the Mass offered in their honor, please complete the Easter Novena envelopes. (Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church.)

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Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord – April 1/2
Saturday, April 1st at 4 pm – St. Polycarp
Sunday, April 2nd at 10:30am – St. Polycarp

Reconciliation Monday – Monday, April 3rd – Confessions
3pm – 5pm at St. Polycarp & St. Dennis
6pm – 8pm  at St. Polycarp & St. Dennis

Chrism Mass -Tuesday, April 4th  
at Holy Cross Church, Dover DE – 7pm

Holy Thursday  – Thursday, April 6th
Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Polycarp – 7pm

Good Friday – Friday, April 7th
Passion of the Lord at St. Dennis – 3pm
(No service at St. Polycarp. All parishioners are strongly encouraged and invited to attend the 3 pm Passion of the Lord Service at St. Dennis) Pray for vocations.

Holy Saturday – Saturday, April 8th
No Confessions either Parish
Easter Vigil at St. Polycarp – 8pm

Easter Sunday – Sunday, April 9th
St. Polycarp at 8am and 10am
St. Dennis  at 8am, 9:30am and 11am (Hispanic)

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NEXT WEEKEND, APRIL 8 and 9 (& Monday, April 10^th – Friday, April 14^th)

Holy Saturday – Saturday, April 8th 
No Confessions either Parish, No 4 pm Mass
Easter Vigil at St. Polycarp – 8pm

 

Easter Sunday – Sunday, April 9th
St. Polycarp at 8am and 10am
St. Dennis  at 8am, 9:30am and 11am (Hispanic)

 

SECOND COLLECTION is the Easter Offering.

NO PSR

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UPCOMING/ONGOING   

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from noon to 8pm in the Chapel. We need a few more people to sign up for a scheduled Adoration time slot so we can expand our Adoration hours. We need adorers for the following timeslots: 9:30 & 10:00 am, 12:00, 2:00, & 3:00 pm. Please consider this devotion. You can come to the adoration chapel and in the peacefulness there He will speak to your heart, and you will return eagerly because He has so much to share with you. Call or Email Cheryl Thomas; salcrest7@gmail.com, 302-659-3388

THE PARISH OFFICE is in need of volunteers to help out at the front desk. Please consider helping in this important role. Various times and dates available. Let us know what is convenient for you!  If you are interested in helping or would like more information, please contact Kathy Watts at the church office 302-653-8279 or via email office@saintpolycarp.org.

SPRING IS HERE!  Time to think about ordering your  MEMORIAL BRICK!  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 or occasions forever.  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! There are several ways to order your bricks.  You can order through Faith Direct at: Faith Direct MEMORIAL BRICK (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), use the QR code below or return your form* with payment of $80  to St. Polycarp Church.  Envelopes marked with “Memorial Brick” may be placed in the Offertory collection, delivered to the Parish Office (place in black box), or mailed to the Parish Office.*Forms can be found on our parish website or at the entrances into the church.

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! Is there someone you would like to invite to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized, or baptized in a non-Catholic Christian tradition? Do you know someone who needs Confirmation and/or First Eucharist? Perhaps, the Catholic faith can fulfill their desires for a closer relationship with Our Lord. Then, the RCIA process is for them. Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information. DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) takes place on the first and third Sundays of the month during the 10:30 am Mass. All children ages PK – 4^th grade are welcome to join us. Children will be called to come forward before the First Reading. They will return to you after the General Intercessions. All catechists and assistants have a cleared background check. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Erica Taylor at (302) 653-4101. Next CLOW – Sunday, April 16^th at the 10:30 am Mass.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week.  Text or call Alice Gaston at (302) 670 – 7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/   April 16^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Pete Sanphy

 

CONNECTED IN CHRIST (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets every Tuesday at 9:30 AM in the Parish Library – ALL are welcome. Please join us. If you have any questions, please call Cookie Ruane at 302-540-6429.

 

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.

 

FORMED: Have you had the opportunity to dive into FORMED?  To sign up visit www.formed.org. Type in our Parish zip code (19977) and follow the steps to sign up or you can use the QR code below. Take advantage of your free subscription to FORMED! Enjoy thousands of hours of quality Catholic content!

 

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!

BULLETIN SPONSORS: 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!

                                                                               

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USEFUL LINKS:

WEBSITE: www.saintpolycarp.org.
BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: https://saintpolycarp.org/this-weeks-bulletin/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SaintPolycarpCatholicChurch/
ONLINE GIVING: Please consider becoming an e-giver. It is easy to make your weekly or one time contributions in support of the Parish.  For more information and to sign up for online giving, visit  faith.direct/DE831
ST DENNIS: http://www.stdennischurch.org
DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm
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
EWTN: ewtn.com

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FROM THE DIOCESE:     

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday, April 1^st, we take a deep dive into the Sacrament of Penance, when Msgr. Steven Hurley, Diocese of Wilmington Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, and Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Wilmington, is the guest.  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.

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LET US PRAY: 

Please, Lord, guide my mind with your truth.
Strengthen my life by the example of Jesus.
Help me to be with Jesus in this week
as he demonstrates again his total love for me.
He died so that I would no longer
be separated from you.
Help me to feel how close you are
and to live in union with you.

Amen

(Creighton University)

5^th Sunday of Lent

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ What does St. Paul mean when he says that “you are in the spirit”?
~ How do you feel about the fact that Jesus wept at his friend’s tomb?
~ How has your faith in the resurrection been a source of hope in your life?
                                                                                            (Pastoral Liturgy)

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032623.cfm

LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.

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

WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE .       BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE

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THIS WEEKEND, MARCH 25/26 (& Monday, March 27^th –  Friday, March 31^st) 

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is for Parish Maintenance.

PSR IN-PERSON CLASSES THIS WEEK for Grades P/K – 8. Remember to bring in your food item for our Lenten Outreach this week. CLICK HERE – LENTEN OUTREACH SCHEDULE 2023

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: This Sunday, March 26^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Laura Pajerowski,

PRETZELS! The Knights of Columbus will be selling pretzels after both Masses this weekend, March 25^th and 26^th. Pretzels are $2 each or 3 pretzels for $5

 

THE DIALOG: Pick-up the latest edition as you leave Mass this weekend!

EARLY BULLETIN DEADLINE: Please have all articles for the Easter Bulletin (April 9th) submitted to submission@saintpolycarp by 8:00 am this Monday, March 27^th.  Thank you for your cooperation. 

THE DEANERY LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE will take place this coming Thursday, March 30^th at 7 pm at Holy Cross Church (Dover, DE). Several Priests will be available to hear Confessions.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS & BENEDICTION: Fridays in Lent at 7pm.

REMINDER: Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.   The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Roman Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.                          ~USCCB

 

EASTER FLOWERS: Please help our altar reflect the glory of this season by placing your intentions and the names of your loved ones in the Easter flower envelope. (Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church.)

EASTER NOVENA:  To remember your loved ones, both living and deceased, with the sacred gift of the Mass offered in their honor, please complete the Easter Novena envelopes. (Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church.)

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Check out our “Bulletin Overflow” to learn about various Lenten activities around the Diocese.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW BULLETIN OVERFLOW

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NEXT WEEKEND, APRIL 1/2 (& Monday, April 3rd – Friday, April 7th)
Next Sunday, April 2^nd is Palm Sunday.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) will take place next Sunday, April 2^nd during the 10:30 am Mass. All children ages PK – 4^th grade are welcome to join us. Children will be called to come forward before the First Reading. They will return to you after the General Intercessions.

EASTER EGG HUNT: Our Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 2^nd, following the 10:30 am Mass. All children are invited to attend. There will be prizes!
Children are asked to bring their own baskets!

 

AGAPE We invite you to join us for Agape’ on Palm Sunday, April 2^nd after the 10:30am Mass. Enjoy an assortment of breakfast dishes and the sweet taste of donuts and coffee offered by the Knights of Columbus.

 

RECONCILIATION MONDAY: Catholics from throughout the Diocese of Wilmington are invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) at any of the 56 parish churches in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, on Monday, April 3^rd, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., during the second annual diocesan-wide ‘Reconciliation Monday.’  Here at St. Polycarp and at St. Dennis, Confessions will be heard from 3-5 pm & 6-8 pm. This allows for Fr. Jim to be able to hear Confessions at both parishes. The event is designed to make it more convenient for Catholics to receive the sacrament at the end of Lent and beginning of Holy Week, in anticipation of the celebration of Easter.

 

 

 

 

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord – April 1/2
Saturday, April 1st at 4 pm – St. Polycarp
Sunday, April 2nd at 10:30am – St. Polycarp

Reconciliation Monday – Monday, April 3rd – Confessions
3pm – 5pm at St. Polycarp & St. Dennis
6pm – 8pm  at St. Polycarp & St. Dennis

Chrism Mass -Tuesday, April 4th  
at Holy Cross Church, Dover DE – 7pm

Holy Thursday  – Thursday, April 6th
Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Polycarp – 7pm

Good Friday – Friday, April 7th
Passion of the Lord at St. Dennis – 3pm
(No service at St. Polycarp. All parishioners are strongly encouraged and invited to attend the 3 pm Passion of the Lord Service at St. Dennis) Pray for vocations.

Holy Saturday – Saturday, April 8th
No Confessions either Parish
Easter Vigil at St. Polycarp – 8pm

Easter Sunday – Sunday, April 9th
St. Polycarp at 8am and 10am
St. Dennis  at 8am, 9:30am and 11am (Hispanic)

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UPCOMING/ONGOING   

DIVINE MERCY: Please note that there will be no Divine Mercy at St. Polycarp Church on Good Friday.  We hope you will attend the 3pm service at St. Dennis.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from noon to 8pm in the Chapel. We need a few more people to sign up for a scheduled Adoration time slot so we can expand our Adoration hours. We need adorers for the following timeslots: 9:30 & 10:00 am, 12:00, 2:00, & 3:00 pm. Please consider this devotion. You can come to the adoration chapel and in the peacefulness there He will speak to your heart, and you will return eagerly because He has so much to share with you. Call or Email Cheryl Thomas; salcrest7@gmail.com, 302-659-3388

THE PARISH OFFICE is in need of volunteers to help out at the front desk. Please consider helping in this important role. Various times and dates available. Let us know what is convenient for you!  If you are interested in helping or would like more information, please contact Kathy Watts at the church office 302-653-8279 or via email office@saintpolycarp.org.

SPRING IS HERE!  Time to think about ordering your  MEMORIAL BRICK!  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 or occasions forever.  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! There are several ways to order your bricks.  You can order through Faith Direct at: Faith Direct MEMORIAL BRICK (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), use the QR code below or return your form* with payment of $80  to St. Polycarp Church.  Envelopes marked with “Memorial Brick” may be placed in the Offertory collection, delivered to the Parish Office (place in black box), or mailed to the Parish Office.*Forms can be found on our parish website or at the entrances into the church.

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! Is there someone you would like to invite to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized, or baptized in a non-Catholic Christian tradition? Do you know someone who needs Confirmation and/or First Eucharist? Perhaps, the Catholic faith can fulfill their desires for a closer relationship with Our Lord. Then, the RCIA process is for them. Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information. DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) takes place on the first and third Sundays of the month during the 10:30 am Mass. All children ages PK – 4^th grade are welcome to join us. Children will be called to come forward before the First Reading. They will return to you after the General Intercessions. All catechists and assistants have a cleared background check. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Erica Taylor at (302) 653-4101. Next CLOW – Sunday, April 2^nd at the 10:30 am Mass.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week.  Text or call Alice Gaston at (302) 670 – 7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/   March 26^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Laura Pajerowski, April 16^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Pete Sanphy

 

CONNECTED IN CHRIST (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets every Tuesday at 9:30 AM in the Parish Library – ALL are welcome. Please join us. If you have any questions, please call Cookie Ruane at 302-540-6429.

 

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.

 

FORMED: Have you had the opportunity to dive into FORMED?  To sign up visit www.formed.org. Type in our Parish zip code (19977) and follow the steps to sign up or you can use the QR code below. Take advantage of your free subscription to FORMED! Enjoy thousands of hours of quality Catholic content!

 

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!

BULLETIN SPONSORS: 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!

                                                                               

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USEFUL LINKS:

WEBSITE: www.saintpolycarp.org.
BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: https://saintpolycarp.org/this-weeks-bulletin/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SaintPolycarpCatholicChurch/
ONLINE GIVING: Please consider becoming an e-giver. It is easy to make your weekly or one time contributions in support of the Parish.  For more information and to sign up for online giving, visit  faith.direct/DE831
ST DENNIS: http://www.stdennischurch.org
DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm
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
EWTN: ewtn.com

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FROM THE DIOCESE:     

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday, March 25^th,  Dr. Thomas D. Williams will discuss his new book, The Coming Christian Persecution.  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.

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LET US PRAY: 

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen

March 25 – The Solemnity of the Annunciation is celebrated nine months before the Nativity of the Lord. The Annunciation recalls the day when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and revealed God’s will that she become the Mother of the Son of God, and she accepted. At that moment, the “Word became Flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

4^th Sunday of Lent
Laetare Sunday

The 4^th Sunday in Lent is called Laetare Sunday.  The Lenten Season is more than half over.  The Church rejoices since the celebration of the Easter Feast is drawing near. The rose color vestment that Fr. Jim will be wearing this weekend, reminds us of joy in the midst of penance and anticipation.

 

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ What does it mean to see others as God sees them?
~ How has your spiritual vision changed over the years?
~ What can you see more clearly now than before?
(Pastoral Liturgy)

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031923.cfm

LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.

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

WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE .       BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE

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THIS WEEKEND, MARCH 18/19 (& Monday, March 20^th –  Friday, March 24^th) 

TODAY:    The Most Rev. William E. Koenig, Bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington, has granted Catholics in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, a dispensation from the obligation to abstain from meat on Saint Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17^th, 2023. ( i.e. – Enjoy your corned beef and cabbage!) This dispensation is given in recognition of the contributions of Irish immigrants to the life of the Diocese and their indebtedness to St. Patrick for the gift of their Catholic faith. Catholics who take advantage of the dispensation, are encouraged to, “undertake a work of charity, an exercise of piety, or an act of comparable penance on some other occasion during the Third Week of Lent,” according to the dispensation decree. To read the decreeCLICK HERE

 

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION: The Knights of Columbus will again be sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner tomorrow, Saturday March 18^th at 5:00 pm in the Mother Drexel Hall. Menu: Corned Beef & Cabbage or Ham & Cabbage, Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad.  $15 per person, $25 per family, children under 12 – free.  TAKE OUTS AVAILABLE!.

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is for the CRS Rice Bowl.

PSR ONLINE LESSONS this week for Grades P/K – 8.

BLESSING OF THE STATUE OF ST. JOSEPH AND MARCH AGAPE:  The March Agape, hosted by our Liturgy Committee, will take place this Sunday, March 19^th following Mass and the Blessing of the new Statue of St. Joseph in the Sanctuary.   Please join us. (Unfortunately, the dedication of the outside statue of St. Joseph and the shrine will not take place this Sunday. The outside statue of St. Joseph has not yet arrived.    The dedication of the shrine & statue of St. Joseph is currently scheduled for May 13th following the 4  pm Mass.)

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) will take place this Sunday, March 19^th during the 10:30 am Mass. All children ages PK – 4^th grade are welcome to join us. Children will be called to come forward before the First Reading. They will return to you after the General Intercessions.

DO YOU HAVE ONE HOUR ON TUESDAYS FOR EUCHARISTIC ADORATION? Come, humbly kneel before Him. Give Him an hour of adoration on Tuesday. We need adorers for the following timeslots: 9:30 & 10:00 am, 12:00, 2:00 & 3:00 pm. Call or email: Cheryl Thomas at salcrest7@gmail.com  or 302 363-0404

STATIONS OF THE CROSS & BENEDICTION: Fridays in Lent at 7pm.

EASTER FLOWERS: Please help our altar reflect the glory of this season by placing your intentions and the names of your loved ones in the Easter flower envelope. (Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church.)

EASTER NOVENA:  To remember your loved ones, both living and deceased, with the sacred gift of the Mass offered in their honor, please complete the Easter Novena envelopes. (Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church.)

THE PARISH OFFICE is in need of volunteers to help out at the front desk. Please consider helping in this important role. Various times and dates available. Let us know what is convenient for you!  If you are interested in helping or would like more information, please contact Kathy Watts at the church office 302-653-8279 or via email office@saintpolycarp.org.

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Check out our “Bulletin Overflow” to learn about various Lenten activities around the Diocese.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW BULLETIN OVERFLOW

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NEXT WEEKEND, MARCH 25/26 (& Monday, March 27^th –  Friday, March 31^st) 

SECOND COLLECTION next weekend is for Parish maintenance.

PRETZELS! The Knights of Columbus will be selling pretzels after both Masses next weekend, March 25^th and 26^th. Pretzels are $2 each or 3 pretzels for $5

 

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Next Sunday, March 26^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Laura Pajerowski,

EARLY BULLETIN DEADLINE: Please have all articles for the Easter Bulletin (April 9th) submitted to submission@saintpolycarp by 8:00 am on Monday, March 27^th.  Thank you for your cooperation. 

THE DEANERY LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE will take place next  Thursday, March 30^th at 7 pm at Holy Cross Church (Dover, DE). Several Priests will be available to hear Confessions.

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UPCOMING/ONGOING     

RECONCILIATION MONDAY: Catholics from throughout the Diocese of Wilmington are invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) at any of the 56 parish churches in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, on Monday, April 3^rd, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., during the second annual diocesan-wide ‘Reconciliation Monday.’ The event is designed to make it more convenient for Catholics to receive the sacrament at the end of Lent and beginning of Holy Week, in anticipation of the celebration of Easter. Here at St. Polycarp and at St. Dennis, Confessions will be heard from 3-5 pm & 6-8 pm. This allows for Fr. Jim to be able to hear Confessions at both parishes.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:  Visit our home page at www.saintpolycarp.org to see this year’s Holy Week Schedule.

EASTER EGG HUNT: Our Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 2^nd, following the 10:30 am Mass. All children are invited to attend.
There will be prizes! Children are asked to bring their own baskets! 

SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!  Time to think about ordering your  MEMORIAL BRICK! After the cold dark days of winter, the spring season brings new life; everything comes alive.  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 or occasions forever.  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! There are several ways to order your bricks.  You can order through Faith Direct at: Faith Direct MEMORIAL BRICK (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), use the QR code below or return your form* with payment of $80  to St. Polycarp Church.  Envelopes marked with “Memorial Brick” may be placed in the Offertory collection, delivered to the Parish Office (place in black box), or mailed to the Parish Office.*Forms can be found on our parish website or at the entrances into the church.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from noon to 8pm in the Chapel. We need a few more people to sign up for a scheduled Adoration time slot so we can expand our Adoration hours. Please consider this devotion. You can come to the adoration chapel and in the peacefulness there He will speak to your heart, and you will return eagerly because He has so much to share with you. There are hours available on Tuesday, Call or Email Cheryl Thomas; salcrest7@gmail.com, 659-3388

 

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! Is there someone you would like to invite to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized, or baptized in a non-Catholic Christian tradition? Do you know someone who needs Confirmation and/or First Eucharist? Perhaps, the Catholic faith can fulfill their desires for a closer relationship with Our Lord. Then, the RCIA process is for them. Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information. DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) takes place on the first and third Sundays of the month during the 10:30 am Mass. All children ages PK – 4^th grade are welcome to join us. Children will be called to come forward before the First Reading. They will return to you after the General Intercessions. All catechists and assistants have a cleared background check. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Erica Taylor at (302) 653-4101. Next CLOW – Sunday, April 2^nd at the 10:30 am Mass.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week.  Text or call Alice Gaston at (302) 670 – 7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/   March 26^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Laura Pajerowski, April 16^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Pete Sanphy

 

CONNECTED IN CHRIST (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets every Tuesday at 9:30 AM in the Parish Library – ALL are welcome. Please join us. If you have any questions, please call Cookie Ruane at 302-540-6429.

 

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.

 

FORMED: Have you had the opportunity to dive into FORMED?  To sign up visit www.formed.org. Type in our Parish zip code (19977) and follow the steps to sign up or you can use the QR code below. Take advantage of your free subscription to FORMED! Enjoy thousands of hours of quality Catholic content!

 

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!

BULLETIN SPONSORS: 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!

                                                                               

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USEFUL LINKS:

WEBSITE: www.saintpolycarp.org.
BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: https://saintpolycarp.org/this-weeks-bulletin/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SaintPolycarpCatholicChurch/
ONLINE GIVING: Please consider becoming an e-giver. It is easy to make your weekly or one time contributions in support of the Parish.  For more information and to sign up for online giving, visit  faith.direct/DE831
ST DENNIS: http://www.stdennischurch.org
DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm
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
EWTN: ewtn.com

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FROM THE DIOCESE:     

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday, March 18^th,  Lucy Sneeringer & Jane VanHouten will talk about Millions of Monicas.  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.

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LET US PRAY: 

Prayer of Pope Francis 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.

March 19^th is designated as the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since March 19^th falls on a Sunday this year, the Mass for the 4^th Sunday of Lent takes precedence and priority over the Solemnity.  The Church has moved the Solemnity of St. Joseph to Monday, March 20^th – which is also the First Day of Spring.

3^rd Sunday of Lent

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ What are you thirsting for at this time of your life?
~ When have you experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?
~ How has your knowledge of who Jesus is deepened?
(Pastoral Liturgy)

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031223.cfm

LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.

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

WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE .       BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE

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THIS WEEKEND, MARCH 11/12 (& Monday, March 13^th –  Friday, March 17^th) 

TIME CHANGES this weekend!!!!  Set clocks forward one hour! Don’t be late for Sunday Mass or PSR!

BLESSING OF ALTAR SERVERS AND SACRISTANS takes place this Saturday, March 11^th at the 4:00 pm Mass.

WELCOME BISHOP KOENIG! (pronounced Kay–nig)
We are privileged and happy to welcome Bishop Koenig to our Parish this Sunday. Bishop Koenig will celebrate the 10:30 am Mass.

 

GIRL SCOUT SUNDAY is this Sunday, March 12^th.  Please keep all Girl Scouts and their leaders in your prayers!

 

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: March 12^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Penny Gugliuzzo. Please arrive 15 minutes before Mass starts to pick up (or drop off) materials in the sacristy.

 

PSR will be selling chocolate bars at the doors of the Church this weekend after both Masses. Still only $1 per bar!

 

 

PSR – ALL GRADES  – In-Person classes this week. Don’t be late!  (Time changes.)

 

DO YOU HAVE ONE HOUR ON TUESDAYS FOR EUCHARISTIC ADORATION? Come, humbly kneel before Him. Give Him an hour of adoration on Tuesday. We need adorers for the following timeslots: 9:30 & 10:00 am, 12:00, 2:00 & 3:00 pm. Call or email: Cheryl Thomas at salcrest7@gmail.com  or 302 363-0404

 

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO AID IN YOUR LENTEN JOURNEY? Try a wonderful series of reflections that can be found on Formed. Click on ‘Lent’ at the top of the home page. Restore is a weekly reflection by Sr. Miriam James Heidland SOLT five or six minutes long. Connected in Christ Tuesday morning group is using that series to begin our morning. www.formed.org

 

THE DIALOG: Pick-up the latest edition as you leave Mass this weekend!

 

REMINDER: Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.   The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Roman Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.                          ~USCCB

STATIONS OF THE CROSS & BENEDICTION: Fridays in Lent at 7pm.

 

EASTER FLOWERS: As spring unfolds with all of its promise and beauty, let us decorate our Church to reflect the promise and beauty of the risen Lord. Please help our altar reflect the glory of this season by placing your intentions and the names of your loved ones in the Easter flower envelope. (Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church.)

 

EASTER NOVENA: The miracle of Easter joins all of us in the lifesaving joy of Christ, making it the perfect time to draw upon the most sacred of graces from our risen Lord.  To remember your loved ones, both living and deceased, with the sacred gift of the Mass offered in their honor, please complete the Easter Novena envelopes. (Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church.)

 

THE PARISH OFFICE is in need of volunteers to help out at the front desk. Please consider helping in this important role. Various times and dates available. Let us know what is convenient for you!  If you are interested in helping or would like more information, please contact Kathy Watts at the church office 302-653-8279 or via email office@saintpolycarp.org.

 

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Check out our “Bulletin Overflow” to learn about various Lenten activities around the Diocese.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW BULLETIN OVERFLOW

ADOPTION NOVENA: Leading up to the Solemnity of St. Joseph on March 20, join in praying the St. Joseph Adoption Novena. Visit respectlife.org/adopti… for the novena, which begins March 11. Invoking the intercession of St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, we will pray the Lord blesses all who travel upon the path of adoption.

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NEXT WEEKEND, MARCH 18/19 (& Monday, March 20^th –  Friday, March 24^th) 

Corned Beef & Cabbage on Saint Patrick’s Day? But it’s a Friday in Lent! No problem for area Catholics this year. The Most Rev. William E. Koenig, Bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington, has granted Catholics in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, a dispensation from the obligation to abstain from meat on Saint Patrick’s Day, Friday, March ^17th, 2023. This dispensation is given in recognition of the contributions of Irish immigrants to the life of the Diocese and their indebtedness to St. Patrick for the gift of their Catholic faith. Catholics who take advantage of the dispensation, are encouraged to, “undertake a work of charity, an exercise of piety, or an act of comparable penance on some other occasion during the Third Week of Lent,” according to the dispensation decree. To read the decree CLICK HERE

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION: The Knights of Columbus will again be sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on Saturday March 18^th at 5:00 pm in the Mother Drexel Hall. Menu: Corned Beef & Cabbage or Ham & Cabbage, Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad.  $15 per person, $25 per family, children under 12 – free.  TAKE OUTS AVAILABLE!.

BLESSING OF THE STATUE OF ST. JOSEPH AND MARCH AGAPE:  The March Agape, hosted by our Liturgy Committee, will take place next Sunday, March 19th following Mass and the Blessing of the new Statue of St. Joseph in the Sanctuary.   Unfortunately, the dedication of the outside statue of St. Joseph and the shrine will not take place on the 19th. The outside statue of St. Joseph has not yet arrived. A new date will be set. Please join us.

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UPCOMING/ONGOING     

THE DEANERY LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE will take place on  Thursday, March 30^th at 7 pm at Holy Cross Church (Dover, DE). Several Priests will be available to hear Confessions.

RECONCILIATION MONDAY: Catholics from throughout the Diocese of Wilmington are invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) at any of the 56 parish churches in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., during the second annual diocesan-wide ‘Reconciliation Monday.’ The event is designed to make it more convenient for Catholics to receive the sacrament at the end of Lent and beginning of Holy Week, in anticipation of the celebration of Easter. Here at St. Polycarp and at St. Dennis, Confessions will be heard from 3-5 pm & 6-8 pm. This allows for Fr. Jim to be able to hear Confessions at both parishes.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:  Visit our home page at www.saintpolycarp.org to see this year’s Holy Week Schedule.

EASTER EGG HUNT: Our Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 2^nd, following the 10:30 am Mass. All children are invited to attend.
There will be prizes! Children are asked to bring their own baskets! 

EARLY BULLETIN DEADLINE: Please have all articles for the Easter Bulletin, April 9th, submitted to submission@saintpolycarp by 8:00 am on Monday, March 27^th.  Thank you for your cooperation. 

SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!  Time to think about ordering your  MEMORIAL BRICK! After the cold dark days of winter, the spring season brings new life; everything comes alive.  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 or occasions forever.  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! There are several ways to order your bricks.  You can order through Faith Direct at: Faith Direct MEMORIAL BRICK (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), use the QR code below or return your form* with payment of $80  to St. Polycarp Church.  Envelopes marked with “Memorial Brick” may be placed in the Offertory collection, delivered to the Parish Office (place in black box), or mailed to the Parish Office.*Forms can be found on our parish website or at the entrances into the church.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from noon to 8pm in the Chapel. We need a few more people to sign up for a scheduled Adoration time slot so we can expand our Adoration hours. Please consider this devotion. You can come to the adoration chapel and in the peacefulness there He will speak to your heart, and you will return eagerly because He has so much to share with you. There are hours available on Tuesday, Call or Email Cheryl Thomas; salcrest7@gmail.com, 659-3388

 

FINANCE COUNCIL: The Finance Council is looking to increase its membership. If you would like to be a part of the Finance Council, please reach out to John Fcasni at (609) 529-1986 or john.fcasni@gmail.com.

 

CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! Is there someone you would like to invite to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized, or baptized in a non-Catholic Christian tradition? Do you know someone who needs Confirmation and/or First Eucharist? Perhaps, the Catholic faith can fulfill their desires for a closer relationship with Our Lord. Then, the RCIA process is for them. Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information. DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) takes place on the first and third Sundays of the month during the 10:30 am Mass. All children ages PK – 4^th grade are welcome to join us. Children will be called to come forward before the First Reading. They will return to you after the General Intercessions. All catechists and assistants have a cleared background check. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Erica Taylor at (302) 653-4101. Next CLOW – Sunday, March 19^th at the 10:30 am Mass.

THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week.  Text or call Alice Gaston at (302) 670 – 7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/  Penny Gugliuzzo; March 12^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Neda Biggs; March 26^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Laura Pajerowski, April 16^th at the 10:30 am Mass – Pete Sanphy

 

CONNECTED IN CHRIST (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets every Tuesday at 9:30 AM in the Parish Library – ALL are welcome. Please join us. If you have any questions, please call Cookie Ruane at 302-540-6429.

 

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.

 

FORMED: Have you had the opportunity to dive into FORMED?  To sign up visit www.formed.org. Type in our Parish zip code (19977) and follow the steps to sign up or you can use the QR code below. Take advantage of your free subscription to FORMED! Enjoy thousands of hours of quality Catholic content!

 

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!

BULLETIN SPONSORS: 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!

                                                                               

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USEFUL LINKS:

WEBSITE: www.saintpolycarp.org.
BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: https://saintpolycarp.org/this-weeks-bulletin/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SaintPolycarpCatholicChurch/
ONLINE GIVING: Please consider becoming an e-giver. It is easy to make your weekly or one time contributions in support of the Parish.  For more information and to sign up for online giving, visit  faith.direct/DE831
ST DENNIS: http://www.stdennischurch.org
DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm
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
EWTN: ewtn.com

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FROM THE DIOCESE:     

CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO:  Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday, March 11^th,  tune-in to hear an interview with Benedictine Sister Laura Swan and learn about her book, “The Forgotten Desert Mothers.”  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.

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LET US PRAY for Bishop Koenig:

O God, eternal shepherd of the faithful, who tend your Church in countless ways and rule her in love, grant, we pray, that William, your servant, whom you have set over your people, may preside in the place of Christ over the flock whose shepherd he is, and be faithful as a teacher of doctrine, a Priest of sacred worship and as one who serves them by governing.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Most Reverend William E. Koenig was ordained as Bishop and installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington on July 13, 2021.