18th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
~ When have you benefited from softening your hardened heart?
~ What was your response when someone hardened their heart to you?
~ How can someone’s industriousness be the result of vanity?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080325.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. This is especially true as our renovation of the kitchen continues. 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 . 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
IMPORTANT REMINDERS: 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 mode) and after receiving the Sacrament. Remember, it is the Body and Blood of Jesus that you just received.
2025 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL – PARISH GOAL NOT MET
It is now August and we have not yet reached our goal for the Annual Catholic Appeal. Presently, we are $3459.59 (5.63%) short of our goal of $61,500.00. We now have 167 donors participating out of 700+ families. We ask that those who have not participated prayerfully consider making a donation in support of all the ministries that serve thousands in need. EVERY GIFT, no matter how small, makes a difference. Imagine if every family contributed to this appeal, how we could make a difference in our Diocese. Thank you to all who have answered the call to participate in this appeal.
If you have not participated in this year’s appeal, envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church.
You can also give online at https://www.givecentral.org/appeals-form-registration/acp67610f75825c4/user/guest or use this QR code.
THIS WEEK: Friday, August 1st, 2025 – Friday, August 8th, 2025
PARISH OFFICE: The office will close at noon TODAY, Friday, August 1st.
DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
The Sacred Heart Icon, depicting its flaming heart shining divine light, will be on display in our parish from July 23rd through August 9th, 2025.
ATTENTION ALL MINISTRY LEADERS: Thank you to those who attended our Annual Parish Ministry Leadership Organizational Meeting this past Tuesday. We hope you found the meeting informative and a bit of fun, too! Please remember to share the information with the members of your ministry at your next meeting.
LOST & FOUND: Be sure to check out our overflowing “Lost & Found” container. Items not claimed by August 3rd will be donated. Our Lost & Found is located on the filing cabinet across from the bathrooms. There are also unclaimed jackets on the coat rack. We also have a single key on a lanyard. Call the office to identify. 302-653-8279
The SHARE THE HARVEST TABLE is now under the Portico. This allows our parishioners to share their abundant yield with their Church family. All are welcome to share and receive. Thank you to those who have shared their veggies!
DO YOU KNOW YOUR FAITH? What are the Sacraments of Healing?
NEXT WEEK: Friday, August 8th, 2025 – Friday, August 15th
MASS TIMES FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESED VIRGIN MARY – A Holy Day of Obligation
Mary is assumed (body and soul) into Heaven.
Please join our Parish Family for the celebration of this Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin.
~ Vigil Mass is at 4 pm on Thursday, August 14th
~ Mass is at 8:30 am and 7 pm on Friday, August 15th
UPCOMING:
CHRISTIAN FORMATION COMMITTEE MOVIE NIGHT: Yes, it’s time for another Movie Night already. We will be meeting on Saturday, August 16th, after the 4 pm Mass in the library. Come to the office door under the portico. Are you aware that there is a difference between saying prayers and praying? Well, there is and this video by Father Mike Schmitz helps to show us that difference. Come join us for the movie, great snacks and conversation.
SECOND COLLECTION AUGUST 16/17: The Cathedral of Saint Peter, in the historic Quaker Hill section of the City of Wilmington, is the Bishop’s own parish and the center of Catholicism in our diocese. In 2015, the diocese instituted an annual special collection to support the maintenance and ministry of our Cathedral. For more information and to make a secure online donation, visit www.downtowncatholic.com. We thank you for your generosity.
SUMMER BIBLE STUDY SERIES – Desert Wanderings & Conquest:
Join us Sunday, August 24th, at 9:00am in the Library as we follow Israel’s journey through the wilderness and into the Promised Land.
All are welcome—see you there!
HERE’S THE SCOOP! Come meet the Parish & Family Life Committee on Sunday August 24th following the 10:30am Mass outside in the parking lot. Enjoy an ice cream treat and friendly conversation. Let’s build our Parish community. One Scoop at a Time!
ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC: Mark your calendars! The Saint Polycarp Annual Parish Picnic is scheduled for Sunday, September 21st, after the 10:30 am Mass. Our Pastoral Council and Parish Picnic Committee are once again planning a fun-filled event. The Knights of Columbus will be cooking up hot dogs, hamburgers, and French fries. You can sample some Rita’s Water Ice served by our parish youth. Kids and the young-at-heart will enjoy the inflatable obstacle course, art and crafts by the Girl Scouts, and a visit from Spiderman! 50/50 tickets will be on sale – 1 Ticket for $1 or 25 tickets for $20. We are looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. Please call Kathy Curlett at 302-222-9326, if interested in helping.
SAVE THE DATE – Blood Drive – October 3, 2025 – 12pm to 5pm: Please consider donating your blood to help family, parish and community members. The Knights of Columbus Brother Vincent Council #7517 and Brother Vincent Council, Columbiettes, are hosting this wonderful way to give! Contact: Mike Cunningham with questions at 302- 379-8952 or mikec923@yahoo.com.
Look for more information in future bulletins!
FORMED FOR KIDS: Learn with your little one about different animals and how they can teach us important values that are also talked about in the Bible, like patience, kindness, and peacefulness. Join in with games, enjoy a story, make a craft, and sing, roar, waddle, and dance together— with Awesome Animals & Mini Me! WATCH NOW!
Make this summer one for heaven. Sign up for SUMMER WITH THE SAINTS to get to know 12 saints better and honor them on their feast days. You’ll get a weekly email with a featured saint and titles for accompanying content on FORMED. These titles range from 20-minute episodes to feature-length, acclaimed dramas that bring the saints to life. Join Summer with the Saints and get weekly emails to reflect on the lives of the saints delivered right to your inbox. Take advantage of your free subscription to FORMED.
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.
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.
DO YOU PLAY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT? Saint Polycarp Parish’s Music Ministry needs skilled instrumentalists for liturgies.
Your talents can help us avoid a shortage of musicians.
Contact Kathy Curlett at 302-222-9326 for more information.
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 9th, September 13th, October 12th, November 8th, December 13th.
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 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.
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.
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
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week. This week, Dr. Joseph Arminio discusses bitcoin and the sin of usury. 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 are the Sacraments of Healing?
ANSWER: The Sacraments of Healing are Penance(Reconciliation) and Anointing of the Sick.