PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ How can you make time this week to participate in the services of the Sacred Paschal Triduum?
~ What does Jesus’ humility shop us about how we are to act?
~ Can you identify with Peter’s denial of Jesus?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041325.cfm
DAILY BIBLE READINGS: https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
LIVE-STREAMING FROM ST. POLYCARP: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am, Tuesdays & Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays. (Once at the site, click on “Live”.) Please note: At times the live-stream fails to work. We apologize for the inconvenience. Live stream from the Cathedral of St. Peter can be viewed on the Diocesan YouTube channel (DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING) at https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm
PARISH WEBSITE: Visit: www.saintpolycarp.org/.
WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE . (New Bulletins are posted on Fridays.) Thank you to all of our weekly bulletin sponsors for your support during the year! Your support has not gone unnoticed by our parish community and is so appreciated! NEW BULLETIN WEB PAGE: When you click on the link for the Bulletin, you will see a new look. You will see a picture of our current bulletin (click on it to enlarge). You will also find our past bulletins on this page. (Previously our past bulletins were found under “Bulletin Archives”. Now, the current and past Bulletins are all found on the one page. Try it! Use the QR code or CLICK HERE 
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: There’s always information that doesn’t fit in our Bulletin – Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE or use this QR code
THIS WEEKEND, April 12/13 (and Monday, April 14th – Friday, April 18th)
PLEASE PRAY for our PSR Confirmation class who will be participating in the 14th CYM Pilgrimage with hundreds of others tomorrow, Saturday, April 12th, as they walk the streets of Wilmington carrying the Pilgrimage Cross with Bishop Koenig. The day begins at St. Elizabeth with prayer and a concert, to St. Francis Hospital for a special blessing of the patients, then Reconciliation at St. Anthony of Padua, followed by the Stations of the Cross at Padua Academy, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Paul, and Blessing of Palms and Mass upon our return to St. Elizabeth. This event commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and His pilgrimage to Calvary on Good Friday. (Please also pray that the rain stops by then!)
REMINDER: Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence from meat from age 14 onwards.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS AND BENEDICTION: Fridays in Lent at 7 pm (through April 11th).
EASTER EGG HUNT – PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 13th : Brother Vincent Council, Knights of Columbus, is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt this Sunday, April 13th, following the 10:30
am Mass. All children are invited to attend. There will be prizes! Children are asked to bring their own baskets! Brother Vincent 
Council will again provide a pancake brunch (AGAPE) following the Easter egg hunt. Come and enjoy our fantastic blueberry pancakes with bacon and eggs. All are welcome. Donations are accepted.
RECONCILIATION MONDAY:April 14th – Monday of Holy Week.Churches throughout the Diocese will be having Confessions from 3 pm – 8 pm. Here at St. Polycarp and at St. Dennis, Confessions will be heard from 3 – 5 pm and 6 – 8 pm. This allows Fr. Jim to be able to be present at both parishes.
At St. Polycarp: 3 pm – 5 pm (Fr. Herring & Fr. Hynes) and 6 pm – 8 pm (Fr. Jim only. No other Priest is available. Please pray for vocations.)
At St. Dennis: 3 pm – 5 pm (Fr. Jim) and 6 pm – 8 pm (Fr. Herring)
THE OFFICE WILL CLOSE at 3 pm on Wednesday, April 16th and will reopen on Tuesday, April 22nd at 9 am.
GOOD FRIDAY is an obligatory day of fasting and abstinence. Fasting is 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 from age 14 onwards.
Palm Sunday – April 12/13th
Masses – Saturday 4 pm & Sunday 10:30 am
Reconciliation Monday – Monday, April 14th
3 – 5 pm and 6 – 8 pm at St. Polycarp & St. Dennis
Chrism Mass – Tuesday, April 15th
at Holy Cross Church, Dover DE – 7 pm
Holy Thursday – Thursday, April 17th
Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Dennis – 7 pm
Good Friday – Friday, April 18th
Passion of the Lord at St. Polycarp – 3 pm
Holy Saturday – Saturday, April 19th
No Confessions either Parish
Easter Vigil at St. Polycarp – 8 pm
Easter Sunday – Sunday, April 20th
St. Polycarp at 8 am and 10 am (PLEASE NOTE – Easter Morning Mass at St. Polycarp is at 10:00 am, not 10:30 am.)
LIVE STREAM
Holy Thursday from St. Dennis 7pm www.youtube.com/@stdennisparish_galenamd/streams
Good Friday, The Easter Vigil & 8 am Easter Sunday from St. Polycarp www.youtube.com/@StPolycarpSmyrnaDE/streams
You can also access the links for the live streams by going to our website www.saintpolycarp.org and clicking on the picture of the altar for St. Polycarp or the picture of St. Dennis Church for their stream.
L
ET US PRAY for those who will be initiated into the faith at the Easter Vigil, for those children who will soon be receiving Eucharist for the first time and for our youth who will be
Confirmed by Bishop Koenig on April 26th at The Church of the Holy Cross, Dover.
EASTER REMEMBRANCE MASS AND EASTER FLOWERS: Easter is the greatest celebration in the Catholic Church because it is the completion of the Holy week that ends with the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus was raised from the dead, and by that He conquered sin and death. 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. 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! Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church.
MEMORIAL BRICKS: Adding your MEMORIAL BRICK to the walkway of our Blessed Mother is a unique way to keep your memories alive. It is a way to remind us of all those special loved ones forever. Baptism, First Communion, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduation, honor family and friends! Share a favorite quote, and more! You can order through Faith Direct at: https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/org/831 
Scroll down until you see “Memorial Bricks” (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct) or use this QR code or return your form with payment of $100 to St. Polycarp Church. Envelopes marked with “Memorial Brick” may be placed in the Offertory collection, mailed or delivered to the Parish Office (place in black box). Forms can be found on our parish website or at the doors of the Church.
ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED: The Mission Statement on our St Polycarp web site reads: Altar servers are responsible for assisting the clergy in the celebration of the sacraments, in particular the Mass. They are representatives of the congregation in direct and public service at the Lord’s altar. If your child has expressed a desire to serve Jesus and St Polycarp Parish at the altar and if they have received the Sacrament of Holy Communion, please contact: Fran and Jim Walls at 302-359-9152 or Email- SmyrnaWalls@gmail.com
APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS: Brother Vincent Columbiettes are taking orders. Order a generously filled colorful 11” hanging basket. Your choice of Petunias, Begonias or Geraniums Baskets are $25.00. Orders need to be placed by April 28th for delivery on Friday, May 9th To place your order contact: Darlene Sanphy at 302-270-3915 or darpete87@comcast.net or MaryLois Barnas at 302-388-3332 or mlbarnas@comcast.net
DO YOU KNOW YOUR FAITH? What is the Easter Triduum? (See answer at the end of this email.)
NEXT WEEKEND, April 19/20 (and Monday, April 21st – Friday April 25th )
Holy Saturday – Saturday, April 19th
No Confessions either Parish
Easter Vigil Mass at St. Polycarp – 8 pm
Easter Sunday – Sunday, April 20th
St. Polycarp: Masses at 8 am and 10 am (PLEASE NOTE – Easter Morning Mass at St. Polycarp is at 10:00 am, not 10:30 am.)
St. Dennis: Masses at 8 am & 9:30 am (English), 11:30 am (Spanish)
THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: April 20th, at the 10:00 am Mass, Stephanie Roch will receive the Vocation Chalice. Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week. Families and individuals are encouraged to sign up! Text or call Alice Gaston at 302-670–7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/
TOGETHER IN HOPE: Thank you to everyone who has pledged to the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. Our parish has pledged $41,947.95, $19,552.05, short of our goal.
If you have not yet participated, please consider doing so today. Your gift makes a real and lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families across our 12-county diocese. Pledge envelopes are available in the pews and at the doors of the Church. Envelopes can be placed in the offertory basket. Thank you for your generosity and support.
If you have already pledged, you can expect to receive your first payment reminder on or about May 31st. Additional reminders will continue through December. Please mail payments in the self-addressed, return envelope provided with your payment reminder. Do not submit these payments to the Parish office or through the Offertory collection.
Did you know that the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal supports over 40 ministries across our Diocese – from faith formation to food assistance, from youth ministry to mental health services? Your participation is a beacon of hope that strengthens our community.
To learn more about the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, visit www.cdow.org; click “Donate” then “Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal,” or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.
WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY – The Boy From Milan: Stories of Carlo Acutis | Based on a True Saint. NOW AVAILABLE ON FORMED! 
https://watch.formed.org/the-boy-from-milan/videos/the-boy-from-milan
Blessed Carlo Acutis will be canonized as a Saint on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, 2025
TECHNOLOGY WHIZ KID HEADED FOR SAINTHOOD – APRIL 27, 2025 – FIRST MILLENNIAL SAINT: The Blessed Carlo Acutis Documentary Is Here! The Boy from Milan, a powerful new documentary from the Augustine Institute about the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, is now available on Formed! It’s easy to think that sainthood is reserved for the few, or that it’s only possible for those living extraordinary, newsworthy lives. But though he lived a seemingly ordinary teenage life, Blessed Carlo was a radically holy young man. He loved the Eucharist more than anything and used his God-given gifts to evangelize online and face to face. Blessed Carlo’s life proves that holiness is for everyone—right here, right now.
FORMED: Thanks to a very generous and thoughtful parishioner, our FORMED Subscription has been RENEWED for another year! Please SIGN UP NOW and begin enjoying the abundant amount of Catholic content that FORMED has to offer! You won’t be disappointed! To gain full access to FORMED; follow these simple steps:
~Go to: www.formed.org or scan QR Code
~Enter our parish’s zip code (19977)
~Click on St. Polycarp Church
~Enter your name and your email address
NEW FILM ON CARLOS ACUTIS IN THEATERS APRIL 27-29 ONLY (including Westown Movies, Middletown; Regal People Plaza, Newark; Cinemark, Christiana Mall)
Discover the incredible life of soon-to-be Saint Carlo Acutis in Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality. This powerful new documentary film explores his life, legacy, and the impact of technology on young people today. Through firsthand accounts from family and friends, plus insights from Catholic leaders and tech experts, the film tackles urgent questions about technology’s impact on humanity, holding up Carlo as a model for young people as they engage the digital world. Learn more at CarloAcutisFilm.com.
UPCOMING – SAVE THE DATE:
ST. POLYCARP PARISH – ANNUAL SPRING CLEANUP – Saturday, May 3, 2025 
9:00 am – Noon
Join us for our Annual Spring Cleanup as we work together to keep our parish grounds looking beautiful! Any amount of time you can contribute is greatly appreciated!
What to Bring: Rakes, blowers, and gloves, friends and family to lend a helping hand
Tasks Include: Clearing fallen branches and limbs, light weeding, cleaning around HVAC units
Light refreshments will be provided. 
RSVP: Please text or call Michael Pyle at 302-423-9732 or email mjpyle58@msn.com to let us know how many participants to expect.
We look forward to seeing you there!
YOU’RE INVITED – ADULT FAITH FORMATION: Connected in Christ will be hosting our next coffee on May 6 in the Library after the 8:30 Mass. Please consider stopping in for some sweet treats, wonderful conversation, and enjoyable company. We will even show a short video. Hope to see you there. Any questions, call Cookie Ruane, 302-540-6429 or Joyce Tolson, 302-448-9678.
ONGOING:
DELAWARE HB140 that legalizes assisted suicide, has passed the House of Representatives and is pending before the Delaware State Senate. Please let your senator know how dangerous this bill is to the sick, disabled and elderly of our community. For a letter from Bishop Koenig, more information on this bill and for ways to contact your state senator, visit cdow.org/stopassistedsuicide. Thank you.
VIDEOGRAPHERS NEEDED: Are you interested in helping to promote Saint Polycarp Parish? Do you have videography skills? The Pastoral Council is looking for someone to help us make a video to showcase our parish campus. Please contact our Executive Officer, Ken Eckard at kennetheckard9@gmail.com.
EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL – THREE YEARS OF ABUNDANT GRACE AND TRANSFORMATION – 2022-2025
National Year of Mission: July 17th, 2024–Pentecost 2025
MISSION: To renew the church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
VISION: To inspire a movement of Catholics across the United States who are healed, converted, formed, and unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist—and who are then sent out on mission “for the life of the world.”
HOLY COMMUNION TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND – Do you know someone who is sick or homebound and not able to make it to Mass? We would love to give them the opportunity to receive Holy Communion in their homes. Please contact April Corrales at 302-220–9616 or Lori Ostrowski at 302-540–6522
SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION at St. Polycarp will take place monthly at the Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of the month. Eucharistic Adoration at St. Dennis Church (Galena MD) will take place on the Fourth Sunday of the month following the 8 am Sunday Mass.
Upcoming Saturday Eucharistic Adoration at St. Polycarp: Saturdays, April 12th, May 10th.
TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 11 am to 8 pm in the Chapel. Do you have one hour to spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament? Call Cheryl Thomas at 302-363–0404 or email her at salcrest7@gmail.com. All are welcome to stop in and adore Jesus between 11 am and 8 pm in the Chapel on Tuesdays. Stay for 10 minutes, 1 hour…
THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week. Families and individuals are encouraged to sign up! Text or call Alice Gaston at 302-670–7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/ April 20th, 10:00 am Mass – Stephanie Roch
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP (Pathway to Peace) meets on Saturday afternoons at 1 pm in Room 8. Please contact the parish office if you are considering joining us. 302-653-8279 or office@saintpolycarp.org
CONNECTED IN CHRIST (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets every Tuesday after the 8:30 am Mass in the Parish Library – ALL are welcome. We begin with prayer, then watch a video, usually from FORMED and follow up with a discussion. We close with prayer by 11 am. Come and share your faith with us. Any questions, call Cookie Ruane, 302-540-6429
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD: Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month during the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for children in PreK-4th grade. It mirrors the worship experience of the larger community in an engaging and interactive style. They will listen to Scripture and engage in discussions about what they have heard at their age level. Children will be called forward before the First Reading and will return to you after the General Intercessions. Our lead catechist is Anna Skinner. She, along with her assistants, have cleared background checks.
THE FACILITIES PLANNING COMMITTEE meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the hall. We are looking for parishioners with backgrounds in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting and other construction expertise needed for our project. If God has blessed you with a gift you can share, please contact John Irwin, Executive Officer of Facilities Planning at 740-317-3617.
GLUTEN FREE? Do you have an intolerance to gluten? If so, our parish offers gluten-free wafers to be consecrated for you. Please see our Sacristan 10 – 15 minutes before Mass and let them know that you need a gluten-free wafer put in the pyx. At Communion, please proceed down the aisle to the priest who will have the pyx in his hand and let him know you need a gluten-free host.
IS THAT YOU, FR. JIM? If you receive emails or texts from Fr. Jim asking for favors, gift cards or gifts or stating something similar to “I am currently busy in a meeting now, no calls so just reply to my email”, please ignore and delete. If an email looks suspicious and you’re not sure, give the office a call.
MEMORIAL BRICKS: Adding your MEMORIAL BRICK to the walkway of our Blessed Mother is a unique way to keep your memories alive. Honor family and friends! Share a favorite quote, and more! You can order through Faith Direct at: https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/org/831 Scroll down until you see “Memorial Bricks” (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct) or use this QR code or return your form with payment of $100 to St. Polycarp Church. Envelopes marked with “Memorial Brick” may be placed in the Offertory collection, mailed or delivered to the Parish Office (place in black box).
PLANNING PRAYER: Please join our Facilities Planning Committee in prayer as we seek God’s guidance for updating our Parish kitchen. We will be praying the “Planning Prayer” immediately following the Prayer of the Faithful. Prayer cards will be available in the pews. We would encourage you to take one home and pray it there also. Do you know who is pictured on these prayer cards?
REDNER’S MARKETS 1% SAVE-A-TAPE FUNDRAISER: Turn your food shopping into cash for our parish. Simply be sure to obtain and scan your Redner’s Rewards Card each time you shop. Save your whole receipt. Bring your receipts to the Parish Office or put them into the collection basket. There is no expiration date – you can turn in receipts months old!
THE SMYRNA/CLAYTON MINISTERIUM FOOD PANTRY is located downstairs at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 22 N. Union St., Smyrna. The pantry is open from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, Monday through Friday. Due to the increased need in the community, the Pantry is in great need of cereal, juice boxes or pouches, peanut butter & jelly, hamburger helper, tuna helper, canned tuna, sloppy joe sauce (Manwich), boxed spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, vegetable beef and chicken noodle soups, macaroni & cheese, and Chef Boyardee canned pastas. No canned vegetables or beans are currently needed. Please, no expired items. Here at St. Polycarp we have bins under the coat rack in the hallway near the bathrooms to accept your donations.
BULLETIN SPONSORS: Thank you to all of our weekly bulletin sponsors for your support during the year!
USEFUL LINKS:
WEBSITE: www.saintpolycarp.org.
BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: https://saintpolycarp.org/this-weeks-bulletin/
YOUTUBE CHANNEL/LIVE STREAM: https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SaintPolycarpCatholicChurch/
ONLINE GIVING: Please consider becoming an e-giver. It is easy to make your weekly or one-time contributions in support of the Parish. For more information and to sign up for online giving, visit faith.direct/DE831
ST DENNIS CHURCH: http://www.stdennischurch.org 153 N. Main St. Galena, MD 21635 410-648-5145
ST DENNIS CHURCH LIVE STREAM: https://www.youtube.com/@stdennisparish_galenamd/streams
DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm
FOR THE SAKE OF GOD’S CHILDREN: https://www.cdow.org/giving/fsgc/
THE DIALOG: http://thedialog.org/ Newspaper of the Diocese, copies available as you leave Church or online. Published every other week.
EWTN: ewtn.com
FROM THE DIOCESE:
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week. This week, tune in for our annual Easter program featuring Bishop Koenig’s Easter message to the people of the Diocese of Wilmington. The Catholic Forum podcast on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music podcasts and YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm debuts every Wednesday at 12:00 pm and on Relevant Radio 640 every Saturday afternoon at 1:30 pm. More information is available at https://cdow.org/ministries/catholic-forum-podcast-radio-program/
Are you a Jeopardy watcher? Do you participate in Trivia Challenges?
Will you be able to answer the questions on religion?
Check this spot each week!
DO YOU KNOW YOUR FAITH? What is the Easter Triduum?
ANSWER: The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum—from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery.
The single celebration of the Triduum marks the end of the Lenten season and leads to the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord at the Easter Vigil.
The liturgical services that take place during the Triduum are:
- Mass of the Lord’s Supper
- Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
- Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord