Bulletin Board Directives
The “Catholic Forum”, the radio program produced by the Diocese of Wilmington now airs at 6:06 am (instead of 10:06 am) each Sunday on WDEL. The time change for the radio program occurred on Saturday, September 22nd.
Do not forget to use your Boscov Shopping Pass (sold by the BROTHER VINCENT COLUMBIETTES) on Tuesday, October 16th, at any Boscov’s store. Your Boscov Shopping Pass buys a full day of 25% off discount shopping and a chance to win fabulous door prizes! Profits from these sales helps the Brother Vincent Columbiettes support their many charitable activities. THANK YOU for your support!
CONVOCATION 150 – Saturday, November 3rd. Register by October 15.
Experience being part of a larger Church community! Feel the collective welcome, connection, and affirmation of your fellow Catholics as you represent our parish at the 150th Anniversary celebration of the Diocese of Wilmington on Saturday, November 3rd, in Ocean City, MD. To register, or to obtain more information, contact Peggy O’Connor at peggyo52@aol.com or (302) 514 –9913.
SMYRNA POLICE DEPARTMENT 2nd ANNUAL TRICK OR TREAT SAFE ZONE – Wednesday, October 31st
The 2nd Annual Trick or Treat safe zone will take place on Wednesday October 31st, from 6 pm to 8 pm, at the Market Street Plaza and John Bassett Moore Intermediate School. The Smyrna Police Department created this event last year to offer an area that is safe and lighted for trick or treaters that would normally trick or treat in the downtown Smyrna area. We are looking for downtown residences who usually pass candy out, church congregations in the downtown area who host trunk or treats or would like to start attending, and any business or organization that is located in the downtown area that would like to participate.
The program is free of cost to those who want to pass out candy and for those who want to trick or treat. We are hoping to decrease the foot traffic on dark streets that do not have sidewalks and are not marked with walking paths, and give the community a safe place to mingle and trick or trick! This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, and keep our children safe. We are going to offer a decorating contest for your tables or vehicles (trunks) and will be giving away trophies to make it fun! We will also have a DJ, and other fun family oriented activities for our community.
Plan on bringing 2,000 to 2,500 pieces of candy or promotional items for your organization to pass out.
If you have questions or would like to request a registration form, please contact Detective Jessica Weller (Smyrna Police Department and Smyrna School District SRO) by email (jessica.weller@cj.state.de.us) or by phone at (302) 922 – 1818 or (302) 653 – 9217 x 5825. The registration form is due by Friday, October 12th.
JOIN THE ST. POLYCARP FLAMES FOR THE 3rd ANNUAL BISHOP’S 5K RUN/WALK – Saturday, November 10th –
Please join Catholic Charities for the 3rd Bishop’s 5K Run/Walk from 9 am to 11 am on Saturday, November 10th, at Glasgow Regional Park, 2275 Pulaski Highway, Newark, DE 19702. (This is a new location!) The totally adaptive Run/Walk will step off at 10 am. Join the “St. Polycarp Flames” team when you sign up! Contact Lisa in the Parish Office for more information. Pre-register for the event by visiting Bishops5K.com. The Registration is $20 plus an event fee of $2.50. The day of registration will be $25 plus event fee. All registered runners/walkers will receive a t-shirt, and be in the running for prizes. All proceeds will benefit Catholic Charities outreach efforts. Call Catholic Charities at (302) 655 – 9624 with any questions about the Bishop’s 5K.
Redner’s Markets 1% Save-a-Tape Fundraiser – New Way to help raise $$$$
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. 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. For more information, contact Joan at (302) 659 – 5317.
40 DAYS FOR LIFE – September 26 – November 4
Forty Days for Life is the largest internationally coordinated pro-life mobilization in history, helping people in local communities end the injustice of abortion through prayer & fasting, community outreach & peaceful vigil. The 40 Days for Life campaign is taking place at the Planned Parenthood Clinic in Dover. Call Marcinda for more information (302) 697-7065. CLICK HERE for sign up form 40 Days 2018
SAINT THOMAS MORE ACADEMY 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION – Saturday, September 29th
Come join us on Saturday, September 29th, for STMA’s 20th Anniversary Celebration. The evening will include dinner, a cash bar for guests 21+, dancing, and reconnecting with friends and supporters of our wonderful Catholic school. Current and former students and their families, faculty, and founders are invited to attend. Cocktail/evening attire is suggested. Tickets are on sale through Friday, September 28th, and cost $35 for adults aged 19+ and $25 for students’ aged 14-18. The tickets can be purchased online through eventbrite (surcharge for purchases required): Purchase Tickets, or by calling the main office at (302) 697 – 8100. We look forward to celebrating with you!
FUN WITH FLOWERS – Thursday, October 11th
Fun with Flowers at Saint Thomas More Academy (STMA; 133 Thomas More Drive) takes place on Thursday, October 11th, from 6 pm – 8pm and costs $25 (includes take home arrangement, wine, and hors d’oeuvres). Join us for a fun filled night learning to make your own flower arrangement. 36 slots available so reserve your spot at office@saintmore.org or call (302) 697 – 8100 by 3 pm on Wednesday, October 10th.
Cathedral of St. Peter Organ Recital – Sunday, October 21st
On Sunday, October 21st, at 3 pm, the Cathedral of St. Peter (Sixth and West Streets in Wilmington), will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the 1918 Austin Opus 807 pipe organ with a special organ recital. The recital will feature six organists and other instrumentalists to mark the occasion with many classical organ works and congregational hymns. Dr. David Herman has composed a special arrangement of the hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King”, for the recital. The recital is free and open to the public.
Delaware Churches for Middle East Peace program – Thursday, October 25th
The Delaware Churches for Middle East Peace invites you to a program, Pilgrimage to Peace, on Thursday, October 25, at Westminster Presbyterian Church (1502 W. 13th St., Wilmington, DE 19806) at 6:30 pm. This program features Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon (the executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace), Jessica Montell (a Jewish Israeli), and Sami Awad (a Palestinian Christian) who discuss prospects for peace. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Abel at delcmep@gmail.com.
They will speak about work being done in Palestine, Israel, and the United States to help achieve peace and justice in the Holy Land. We invite your community or organization to join these efforts as we work together to better understand the realities affecting both Israelis and Palestinians and how people of faith in the United States can play a positive role in pursuing peace.
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER – Friday – Sunday, November 2nd – 4th
A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is like autumn because it is a weekend full of fresh air and a time to rejoice in the beauty of your marriage! The next Marriage Encounter weekend will be November 2nd – 4th (Friday – Sunday), in Rehoboth Beach, DE. For more information, visit our website at www.wwme-delmar.org or to register for the weekend, please call Tony and Linda Massino at (302) 220 – 9833. Do not Delay!
Black Tie for White Collars – Saturday, November 3rd
The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (Wilmington-Philadelphia Province) invite you to a “Black Tie for White Collars” Gala on Saturday, November 3rd, from 7 pm to midnight at the Chase Center in Wilmington, DE. The event benefits the Oblates’ various ministries as well as their retired priests and brothers. The evening includes dinner, gaming, and dancing to a live band. Tickets are $150 per person and you may purchase the tickets online at Oblates.org or by phone at (302) – 656 – 8529. Sponsor opportunities are available.
BISHOP’S ANNUAL WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS – Sunday, November 4th
Bishop Francis Malooly invites all couples celebrating their 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th wedding anniversary, or any anniversary beyond 50th, to the Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass at 2 pm on Sunday, November 4th, at St. Joseph’s, Middletown (371 E. Main Street, Middletown, DE 19709). The Bishop will be available for photos with interested couples beginning at 1 pm and again after the Mass. If you would like to have a photo taken with Bishop Malooly, please arrive at 1 pm or plan to stay after Mass. There is no cost to you, however reservations are required. Please make your reservations by October 8th by emailing ljackson@cdow.org.
TRIBUTE DINNER FOR BISHOP MALOOLY – Wednesday, November 7th
Hosted by the Ministry of Caring. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ministry of Caring’s programs for the poor and the homeless. For more information, call (302) 652 – 5523 or visit www.ministryofcaring.org.
MASS AT THE SHRINE OF SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER – First Saturday of every month through March 2, 2019
Founded in 1704 by Jesuit priests, the Bohemia Mission is one of the oldest permanent Catholic establishments in the English Colonies and is considered the mother church of the Diocese of Wilmington. The plantation was clandestinely established to minister to the scattered Catholics throughout what is now Cecil County, MD, the entire Delmarva Peninsula, and southeastern PA, when Catholicism was outlawed in the English Colonies. The property is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Through the efforts of Francis W. (Frank) Krastel, Sr., a Catholic, and Alfred N. Phillips, a Presbyterian and owner of nearby Worsell Manor, the Old Bohemia Historical Society (OBHS) was established in 1953 as a non-sectarian non-profit corporation. The founding members of the group immediately started major repairs to the church which had fallen into ruin due to neglect. The Society purchased the adjoining 120-acre farm on which the plantation was located and had been sold by the Diocese of Wilmington in 1931.
The Society continues to maintain the site. Income for the upkeep of the buildings and grounds is generated from the collection at five regularly-scheduled Masses at the church every year, fundraisers, membership dues, and donations from benefactors.
The buildings will continue to be open the first Saturday of every month through March 2, 2019 for the Pilgrimage, with Mass celebrated at 11 am. The Society encourages schools, Knights of Columbus Councils, Columbiettes, Altar and Rosary Societies, Sodalities, youth groups, religious education classes, senior groups, Scout groups, and other church groups and ministries to organize a visit on one of the planned Pilgrimage dates or on another date that is convenient. Additionally, groups may arrange for their pastor or associate pastor to celebrate Mass.
For more information or to arrange a tour, please call the OBHS President Marji Matyniak at (302) 328 – 4803 or send an email to OldBohemiaHS@gmail.com. The church is also available for group retreats and weddings. A video about the mission can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFGlCsNM6gk. The GPS location of the Bohemia Mission is 1699 Bohemia Church Road, Warwick, MD 21912. The next Sunday Mass at the church will be on September 16th at 4 pm. Monsignor David Kelley, the pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Middletown, DE will be the celebrant.
150th ANNIVERSARY OF OUR DIOCESE!
Two history books to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington will soon be available in our parish.
1. Rejoicing in the Lord is a hard-cover, 336-page, full-color, glossy 10 inch by 10 inch book that features histories and photographs of all Catholic churches in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, biographies of all nine Wilmington bishops, with important ministries and events highlighted.
2. The Family of Faith is a 35-page, color diocesan history done in the comic book or graphic novel style that would appeal to children in middle school and teens.
SESQUICENTENNIAL CUSTOM ROSARY – A custom-designed, limited-edition, dark red and gold rosary is now available to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington. The rosaries, made in Italy by the Ghirelli Company, were blessed at the Vatican by Pope Francis on June 6, 2018 during His Holiness’ Weekly Audience in Saint Peter’s Square.
The Official Custom Rosary of the Diocese of Wilmington’s 150th Anniversary features a crucifix that is designed after the beautiful crucifix in the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Wilmington. The back of the crucifix is engraved with the words, “Catholic Diocese of Wilmington 150th Anniversary 1868 – 2018. The front of the rosary’s centerpiece holds an image of the Blessed Mother from the famous Charles Parks Our Lady of Queen of Peace statue located on the grounds of Holy Spirit Church in New Castle, Delaware. On the centerpiece’s reverse, is an image of Saint Francis de Sales, the Patron Saint of the Diocese of Wilmington. In place of the traditional “Our Father” beads, the rosary has a medal crest of the Diocese of Wilmington, with a map of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore on the back, indicating the twelve counties that comprise the Diocese. All of the beads are 8 mm dark red Bohemian glass, while the chain and custom features are made of antique gold finish medal. The rosary comes in a commemorative color pouch and is available for a suggested $30.00 donation each, plus shipping and handling. Photographs of the rosary are posted on the bulletin boards at all three Church exits. Order forms are also available at the exits. (see Bulletin cover for a picture of the rosary). Detailed photographs of the rosary and order forms are also available online at www.cdow.org/150th. Order your Sesquicentennial Custom Rosary before they are gone.
Let us Rejoice in the Lord! Our Diocese is 150 years old!
For videos, a calendar of coming events, information about our Historic Churches Pilgrimage Program, Convocation 150 coming on November 3rd, links, photos, and more, go to www.cdow.org/150th. Also, follow all the action on social media at www.facebook.com/cdow150th, and @CDOW150th on Twitter and Instagram and www.TheDialog.org.
An Article on Saint Polycarp Church Appears in the Dialog and on thedialog.org!To read the full article of St. Polycarp Church by Gary Morton (St. Polycarp marks tradition in Smyrna with 50th anniversary), visit thedialog.org.
The LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROPGRAM (LIHEAP), administered in Delaware by Catholic Charities, has started to accept applications for the upcoming heating season. This federally funded program assists low-income Delawareans with heating bills through direct payments to home energy suppliers. The LIHEAP benefit is based on a household’s income, size, and type of fuel. LIHEAP offers the following support:
Fuel Assistance Program – provides home heating assistance for eligible households who need help paying winter energy bills. LIHEAP does not pay for all heating costs. Eligible households receive one annual benefit.
Energy Crisis Intervention Program – when activated, ECIP provides assistance for eligible households in an emergency situation. This supplemental benefit can be in addition to the regular fuel assistance benefit.
Summer Cooling / Electric Assistance Program – helps eligible households by paying a portion of summer electric bills. Eligible households receive one annual benefit. The Program operates from June 1st – August 31st, if funds are available. Households must be approved for the Fuel Assistance Heating Program in order to qualify for the Summer Cooling Program.
LIHEAP Eligibility – you may be eligible for assistance if your total household income falls within income eligibility guidelines. For example, a household of four can have no more than $50,325 in annual household income (before taxes). To see if you qualify, make an appointment with a Catholic Charities office for a personal interview. Applications are accepted from July 2018 to March 2019. Call your local Catholic Charities office to make an appointment. Appointment hours are Monday – Friday, from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Kent County: (302) 674 – 1782
New Castle County: (302) 654 – 9295
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Don’t forget to arrive earlier for Mass so that you won’t miss the announcements!
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! Thank you to Smyrna Diner, The Cocoa Exchange, Fletcher Plumbing, Bridge Way Family Restaurant, Smyrna Medical Associates, Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, and Faries Funeral Directors, Inc. for advertising with us!