Weekend Update August 1/2, 2026

August 1/2

18^th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

~ What have you asked the Lord for assistance with?
~ Is there anything that you feel will separate you from the love of Christ?
~Are there times when you feel that normal food will not satisfy you and the need for the Eucharist is the only thing necessary?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080226.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 & 10:30 am on Sundays. (Once at the site, click on “Live”.) 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 .  or use this QR code. Previous bulletins can also be viewed.  (New Bulletins are posted on Fridays.)
Thank you to all of our weekly bulletin sponsors for your support during the year! Your support has not gone unnoticed by our parish community and is so appreciated!

BULLETIN OVERFLOW: There’s always information that doesn’t fit in our Bulletin –
Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE or use this QR code. Visit Bulletin Overflow to learn more about Pope Leo’s Encyclical and the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage!

 

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MANY HANDS, ONE MISSION: A 50-YEAR LEGACY: 100% of your donations stay within the Diocese of Wilmington! Thank you for your support of this year’s appeal.
Thanks to your generosity, our goal of $61,500 in pledges has not only been reached but surpassed! We still have not reached our goal in money collected.  As of July 15, $53,349.98 has been collected. It is important that everyone follows through with payments on pledges. Once we reach our goal in money collected, we will receive 50% of the money collected over the goal.

Every donor matters. If you have never participated in the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, or if it has been five years or more since your last gift, please consider participating this year. Once our parish reaches its goal (paid pledges) 50% of these gifts will be returned to support parish needs. In addition to the standard rebate, we receive when we go over goal (paid pledges).

To donate online, visit www.cdow.org, click
Donate → Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal,
or scan this QR code to participate.

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THIS WEEK: Friday, July 31 – Friday, August 7

THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSING AT NOON TODAY, JULY 31.

 

CHRISTMAS IN JULY!  TODAY IS JULY 31 and we haven’t raised enough funds for the new outside Nativity set. Any donations are appreciated. We are hoping to raise enough funds to purchase a new Nativity set for outside. The 39″ set includes 12 pieces made of a stone/resin blend, heavy enough not to blow over, but light enough to move.  To view additional information use this QR code or CLICK HERE.

 

            NO SECOND COLLECTION  THIS WEEKEND, August 1/2
AUGUST 15, COLLECTION AT 8:30 AM MASS – The Assumption of Mary  (Assumption envelopes may be placed in any of our collection baskets.)
UPCOMING SECOND COLLECTION:  August 15/16 Cathedral of St. Peter

 

AGAPE: Come join Parish & Family Life this Sunday August 2, following the 10:30 am Mass. Enjoy some food and fellowship as we gather to welcome Lee Olmstead the candidate for deaconate and his wife, Lisa, to celebrate God’s Love for us here at St. Polycarp Church.

 

CONNECTED IN CHRIST COFFEE TIME:   You are invited to a coffee in the Library this Tuesday, August 4 after the 8:30 Mass. All are welcome. In fact, bring a friend. There are always great sweet treats, discussion, a very short video and of course, coffee. Don’t miss this one!

 

 

ATTENTION ALL MINISTRY LEADERS & ALL HOLDERS OF KEYS –  Thank you to all those who attended our Annual Parish Ministry Leadership Organizational Meeting this past Wednesday.
We know it was a lot of information to absorb but we trust that you will take the time to become familiar with the various forms and policies in your folders.   As leader/chairperson, please make sure to review your packet and share the information with your ministry members at your next meeting.  It was wonderful seeing so many new faces who have stepped forward to leadership positions.
Thank you to the many Key Holders who took the time to come join us at this important meeting.
If your information is incorrect on our Leadership List, please contact Judy at 302-653-8279 or email communications@saintpolycarp.org as soon as possible.    Thank you.

 

 

 

SACRED HEART OF JESUS ICON: The Knights of Columbus will be hosting the Sacred Heart of Jesus icon depicting its flaming heart pouring out His love for us. Visit with the icon and show your devotion and pray for God’s love and grace. The icon will be in the Vestibule of the Church through August 7. Visit with the icon on Tuesdays from 11 am – 8 pm in the Chapel during Eucharistic Adoration.

 

 

PSR – WE NEED YOUR HELP! – God is good! We have good news to share! We now have a new 1^st Grade assistant! While our CRE is jumping for joy, we are still needing a catechist and assistant for PreK-Kindergarten. If you feel God calling you, answer Him. Have a conversation with our CRE to see if this opportunity would be a good fit for you. If you’re interested or would like to learn more, please contact Erica Taylor at dre@saintpolycarp.org or 302-653-4101.

 

PSR WISH LIST: PSR will be back in session before we know it! To have a productive year of faith building with our students, we need your help! We need to stock our shelves, change out bulletin boards, and plan activities for the year. Any help you can offer will greatly benefit our catechists and students as well as help to keep our PSR costs down! You can shop in the stores or online. In addition to items below, we have a Wish List on Amazon. Amazon items will be sent directly to St. Polycarp. All other items can be placed in the marked bins in the vestibule, in the hallway under the coat rack, or under the black drop box under the portico. We will accept items during parish office hours as well (Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm). As always, thank you for your support! May God bless you for your kindness! Pens, Packs of 10 or 12 colored pencils, Plastic Pencil/Supply Boxes, Small White Envelopes, White Poster Board (11×14), AA Batteries, Ziploc Bags – Gallon & Quart Size, Paper Towels, Tissues, Sanitizing Wipes, Monetary Donations and Gift Cards (Amazon, Dollar Tree, and Walmart) Please put in an envelope and place in the collection basket. Please mark it PSR Wish List.
You can use this QRCode to shop on Amazon or search Erica Taylor CRE – PSR Wish List under “Find a List or Registry”.

 

 

 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Our Parish School of Religion (PSR) offers religious education classes for grade PK – 9.  Register now! Visit  https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/ for more information or contact our Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE), Erica Taylor, at dre@saintpolycarp.org or (302) 653-4101. Forms are also located in the black drop box under the portico and in the wall rack in the hallway near the sacristy. You can also use the QR code below.

THE PRAYER CHAIN MINISTRY at St. Polycarp Parish has a long history and its mission has always been to efficiently communicate requests for prayers to a faithful network of parishioners who will pray for your requests. This ministry needs YOU:
1) to become one of the ‘prayers’  and/or
2) to take over maintaining and sending out requests to those participating in the prayers.
The Prayer Chain Ministry is separate from the prayer requests which are listed in the weekly bulletin. For more information, please contact Cookie Ruane 302-540-6429.

 

 

SAVE THE DATE for this fun event—our upcoming annual St. Polycarp Quarter Auction on Sunday, November 15, 2026.  Doors will open at 3:00 pm, auction starts at 4:00 pm.  We are accepting donations for auction items – please contact DEANNA LAIL dlail14@comcast.net or 302-5335-2957    More details coming soon!

 

 

WANTED! FRESH SUMMER FLOWERS FOR OUR ALTAR: If you have beautiful summer flowers in your yard, please consider donating some fresh flowers for use on our altar. Contact Delia Lim at 973-865-4203 or after Sunday or weekday Masses if you would like to contribute flowers.

 

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THE WEEK OF Friday, August 7 – Friday, August 14

Join us at the next BFF Social after Mass on August 9, in the hall!! You won’t want to miss the celebration of Our Lady of Czestochowa of Poland.
Come enjoy & experience EVERYTHING POLISH!
POLISH Food
POLISH Games
POLISH Music
POLISH Formation
POLISH Parishioners to Meet

Prosze (“please” in Polish) come and join us on August 9!     (This BFF is sponsored by our Multi-Cultural Friends Subcommittee.)

 

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY – URGENT NEED: There is an urgent need for new members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society so that this valuable ministry may continue at St. Polycarp. Please come to learn and share ideas on Monday, August 10 at 12 pm in the Library. The Conference of St. Polycarp serves the needy in the Smyrna-Clayton area. The St. Polycarp Conference of St. Vincent de Paul has been in existence for 35 years. During that period, we have assisted over 5,000 individuals and families. WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW TO CONTINUE THIS VALUABLE MINISTRY.  We hope to see you on August 10 at noon in the Library.  “How much our hearts should be on fire with love for this ministry of assisting poor people and for devoting ourselves earnestly to it, because the need is so great, and God expects this of us.”  – Saint Vincent de Paul

 

CONNECTED IN CHRIST: The Connected in Christ small group will be offering a special session on Tuesday, August 11, after the 8:30 Mass, in the Library. Everyone is welcome. Come learn about the gifts you received at Baptism and discover which ones are more present in your life. The topic is: Spiritual Gifts. Of course, we will have coffee and light refreshments. For questions, call John or Cookie Ruane at 302-540-6429.

 

C.A.L.L.ing CATHOLICS WITH QUESTIONS – CATHOLIC ADULTS LIFE AND LEARNING: A new group has started at Saint Polycarp answering why Catholics do this. This week’s topic is the Mass, Part 1.   Come join the discussion on Thursday, August 13 at 6:30 pm in classroom #7.  We meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday each month.

 

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UPCOMING

THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY: Saturday, August 15, 2026, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A Mass celebrating the Assumption will be held on Saturday, August 15 at 8:30 am. This Mass does not fulfill the weekend obligation to attend Mass. In accordance with the USCCB’s Liturgical Calendar the obligation to attend Mass on this date is abrogated.  (The Assumption is still a Holy Day but the requirement to attend Mass has been lifted.)

MOVIE NIGHT! Don’t miss out. There will be a variety of treats as well as popcorn and candy that moviegoers always look forward to. Our next Movie Night will be in the Library on Saturday, August 22 right after the 4pm Mass. Treat yourself to a short movie, great snacks, and fun conversation with fellow parishioners. Come to the office door under the portico. See what the growing interest is all about!

 

SAINT POLYCARP CHURCH FALL CRAFT FEST – Saturday, October 3, 2026,  9 am – 2 pm. CALLING ALL VENDORS – Vendor setup 7 am – 9 am (No vehicles in vendor area after 9 am) Outdoor spots: 10’x10’ – $35.00     10’x20’ – $65.00     Indoor spots: 10’x10’ – $45.00     10’x20’ – $85.00   Tables – $25.00 (no electricity), Electricity – additional $10.  Knights of Columbus will have lunch items for sale during the event. Contact: Mike Cunningham at 302-379-8952 or mikec923@yahoo.com for event application.   Rain Date: October 10, 2026

 

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FROM THE DIOCESE

CATHOLIC MEN OF DELMARVA:  ATTENTION MEN FROM THE DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON, YOU’RE INVITED. 
The Catholic Men of Delmarva Inaugural Conference
Saturday, October 3, 2025, 8AM – 5PM,
Saint Mark’s High School, Wilmington, Delaware
“Authentic Masculinity”  – Fellowship  * Music  * Speakers *Confessions * Mass with Bishop Koenig
REGISTER TODAY:  DelmarvaCatholic.org
Cost: $45.00 for adults. $25.00 for students. The students have to be of high school age in order to attend. 

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Visit www.formed.org.
Type in our Parish zip code (19977),
Click on St. Polycarp Church then enter your name and email address!
You can also scan this QR code.

 

NEW EPISODE – We encourage you to watch The Purpose of the Mass from the FORMED series Elements of the Catholic Mass. Use this link https://app.formed.org/app/videos/573429 or scan this QR code to view this short and informative episode.

 

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Is there someone you know who would like to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized, or baptized in the Catholic or another Christian tradition? Do you or someone you know need the Sacraments of First Eucharist and/or Confirmation? The Catholic faith can fulfill their desire for a closer relationship with Our Lord by participating in the OCIA process. Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information: DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653 – 8279.

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When receiving the Blessed Sacrament at Mass, please consume the Eucharist in front of the Priest, Deacon, or Eucharistic Minister prior to stepping away. It is not permitted to walk away with the Blessed Sacrament, take it back to your pew or leave Church with Jesus in your hand. When approaching the altar to receive Holy Communion, please approach with reverence (folding hands and being in a prayerful spirit) and after receiving the Sacrament. Remember, it is the Body and Blood of Jesus that you just received.

We kindly request silence in the Church before Mass. We are in the presence of the Lord, and many of us are praying and preparing our hearts for the celebration of the Eucharist. Please be respectful of our time in prayer.

 

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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:   August 8, September 12, October 10. November 7. December 12.

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.

 

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP (Pathway to Peace) meets on most Fridays at 5:30 pm. 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 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of the month during the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for children in PreK-4^th grade. It mirrors the worship experience of the larger community in an engaging and interactive style. They will listen to Scripture and engage in discussions about what they have heard at their age level. Children will be called forward before the First Reading and will return to you after the General Intercessions. Our lead catechist is Anna Skinner. She, along with her assistants, have cleared background checks.

GLUTEN FREE? Do you have an intolerance to gluten? If so, our parish offers gluten-free wafers to be consecrated for you. Please see our Sacristan 10 – 15 minutes before Mass and let them know that you need a gluten-free wafer put in the pyx. At Communion, please proceed down the aisle to the priest who will have the pyx in his hand and let him know you need a gluten-free host.

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!

SCAM: If you receive emails or texts from Fr. Jim asking for favors, gift cards or gifts or asking you to return his email because he has a favor to ask of you, please ignore and delete. They are not from Fr. Jim. If an email looks suspicious and you’re not sure, give the office a call. Fr. Jim has never/will never solicit donations or favors in this manner. He will not ask you to email Church directories.

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!

                                                                               

 

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