22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
~ When have you been drawn to another’s act of humility?
~ Are you able to give without expecting something in return?
~ How is God’s love exemplified by a person who does not expect reciprocity?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/083125.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
TOGETHER IN HOPE
Let’s come together to make a lasting impact. We would like to reach 35% participation of our families. We are currently at 30%. If you haven’t yet made a gift, no matter the amount, please prayerfully consider doing so today. Pledge cards can be found at the doors of the Church. You can also give online at www.cdow.org or scan this QR code with your cellphone. Thank you for your generosity and support!
THIS WEEK: Friday, August 29th – September 5th
THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR will be collecting at the doors of the Church after both Masses this weekend. The Little Sisters provide a nurturing community of love where the residents feel like they are at Home in the final stage of their journey to Heaven. The Little Sisters of the Poor are deeply indebted to those who share in their work by their generosity and they seek to repay this debt by asking God to bless you as only He can. You are remembered daily in their grateful prayers.
👑 SUMMER BIBLE STUDY SERIES – Kingdoms & Exile: Join us this Sunday, August 31st, at 9:00 am in the Library as we explore Israel’s rise and fall—from united kingdom to exile. See how God remains faithful through it all. Everyone welcome—no prep needed! Save the Date: Sunday, September 14th, at 8:30 am in the Library
THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED on Monday, September 1, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
A CALL TO QUIET MINISTRY: Our parish is looking for someone to assist in the care of the sacred linens used during the Mass — purificators, corporals, and a few small towels. This humble, “behind the scenes” task is more than laundry—it is a spiritual ministry. These linens have touched the Body and Blood of Christ and deserve to be handled with reverence. If you feel called to serve Christ in this hidden way, offering your time and hands to prepare His altar for Mass, please contact Monica Haven at 302-233-4147 or monicahaven@verizon.net.
DO YOU ENJOY SHARING STORIES AND CAPTURING SPECIAL MOMENTS? Our parish is growing and there’s a lot of information we want to share with everyone! We’re looking for additional folks of any age with a knack for sharing to help bring our church’s message to life online and in print!
~ Could you spend some time taking photos at parish events?
~ Would you be able to take short video clips at church events?
~ Would you serve our parish by posting updates and inspiration on Facebook?
~ Do you have an hour on Tuesday mornings to help with the weekly bulletin?
Whether you’re a social media pro or just want to help our parish, we’d love to welcome you into our media team! It’s a fun way to stay connected and help others stay informed and encouraged.
Interested? Contact Judy at the Parish Office 302-653-8279 or email communications@saintpolycarp.org. (Pictures and videos can be emailed to submission@saintpolycarp.org.)
DO YOU PLAY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT? WE NEED YOU! 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.
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!
PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION (PSR) – Religious Education Classes Grades PK – 9
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. STUDENTS MUST BE REGISTERED BEFORE THE FIRST CLASS!
Visit https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/ for information and/or to print the registration form or you can use this QR Code.
For more information, contact Mrs. Erica
Taylor, Coordinator of Religious Education
(CRE) at 302-653-4101 or dre@saintpolycarp.org
To view calendars for the upcoming year visit https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/
PSR Classes begin at 9 am on Sunday, September 28th, for Grades PK – 4 and Tuesday, September 30th, at 7 pm for Grades 5 – 8. Confirmation classes begin on September 14th, at 5 pm.
NEXT WEEKEND
On September 7, 2025, Pope Leo will canonize two remarkable young men: Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, the first saints of his pontificate. Both lived brief but profoundly impactful lives, becoming powerful witnesses to faith, charity, and the love of Christ.
Carlo Acutis (1991–2006), a modern teenager, devoted to the Eucharist and passionate about using technology to spread the Gospel, is often called the “Cyber Apostle of the Eucharist.” Despite his early death from leukemia at age 15, his joyful witness continues to inspire young people around the world. Carlo will be the first millennial saint.
Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925), an Italian student and avid mountain climber, was known for his deep spirituality and tireless service to the poor. He died at just 24, but his life remains a model of holiness in action and a heart on fire for social justice and the Gospel.
Learn more about these two young men by watching videos on FORMED ~ The Boy from Milan: Stories of Carlo Acutis & Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: Man of the Beatitudes.
NEXT weekend, the Christian Formation Committee will be handing out prayer cards before both Masses. Join us in celebrating these two courageous, young men. The lives they led are evident that Christ was fully alive in them. They made a huge difference in the lives of others.
UPCOMING:
ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC: We are having a PICNIC at St. Polycarp! The men are cooking so please join us on Sunday, September 21st, after the 10:30 am Mass, for our Annual Parish Picnic. Please join us as we gather outside for Fellowship! Food! Water Ice! Bounce House! A visit from Spiderman! Arts and Crafts! Kitchen Open-House! PSR Meet and Greet! Please bring a side dish to share and a chair to relax on. We will be selling 50/50 tickets so bring some cash. 1 ticket-$1 or 25 tickets for $20.
BROTHER VINCENT COLUMBIETTES FALL MUM SALE: Choose from a variety of vibrant, beautiful mums in different colors to enhance your fall decor while supporting Brother Vincent Columbiettes’ many charities. September 27 – 28. $13 per pot – 3 for $35. 11 inch pots.
SAVE THE DATE – Blood Drive – October 3rd, 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! A mobile unit will be outside, off the side parking lot. Look for more information in future bulletins! Contact: Mike Cunningham with questions at 302- 379-8952 or mikec923@yahoo.com.
SILVER ROSE PILGRIMAGE: October 25th, 2025, immediately after 4 pm Mass. Please join the Knights of Columbus, in this Rosary centered devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. This ceremony honors the sanctity of life, promoting the dignity of all human life. Contact: Mike Cunningham with questions at (302) 379-8952 or mikec923@yahoo.com
ST POLYCARP 3rd QUARTER AUCTION – SAVE THE DATE!
When: Sunday, November 16th
Time: Doors open at 3 pm
Where: Mother Drexel Hall
FORMED FOR KIDS: Episodes 5–8 of Season 4 of Marcam are now streaming! If your summer is full of travel and activities, Marcam is the perfect way to slow down, recharge, and encourage your kids to rest while still learning. Snuggle up on the couch, grab some snacks, and join Marcam for faith-filled fun! Scan the QR code below! If you haven’t tuned in yet, Marcam is a cheerful and curious host who’s always ready to explore, learn, and grow in his faith. Each episode follows Marcam on a new adventure that’s both educational and fun for young viewers. This new batch of episodes includes football, prayer, phonics, and all things fall—take a peek at the titles: Touchdown Time with Marcam, Marcam Makes a Rosary, Sounds and Speech with Marcam, Pumpkins, Play, and Marcam’s Perfect Fall Day.
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.
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, 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, we celebrate The Dialog’s 60th anniversary as the official news source for the Catholic Diocese when Joe Owens and Mike Lang are the guests. 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/.