THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
GAUDETE SUNDAY – REJOICE!
Gaudete Sunday is the Sunday of rejoicing during Advent. Advent is now half over. Like Lent, though to a lesser degree, Advent is a penitential season, so the Priest normally wears purple vestments. But on Gaudete Sunday, the Church lightens the mood a little, and the priest wears rose vestments. It is a time during the Advent season when we look with joy to the coming of the Lord and recognize His presence in our lives. Gaudete is pronounced in three syllables: Gow-day-tay
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ As an Advent practice, how can you embrace the joy that is part of being a Christian?
~ Where is your kindness known?
~ How can you practice the humility that John the Baptist shows?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121524.cfm
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. DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMINGhttps://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!
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: There’s always information that doesn’t fit in our Bulletin – Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE or use this QR code 
UPDATE: FAITH AND CHARITY APPEAL – One Body, One Spirit in Christ: Our Parish has pledged $67,505.52 surpassing our goal of $61,500. Of the pledged $67,505.52 pledged we have collected $64,255.54, leaving $3449.98 in outstanding payments. Thank you to all our parishioners who contributed to the 2024 Appeal. For those who haven’t fulfilled their pledges, kindly remember
to send in your payments. Now that we have reached our goal in money collected, we will receive back half of the money collected above the goal. For years the generosity of our folks has enabled us to do parish projects with the funds we receive. Your generosity in supporting this year’s appeal once again demonstrates that you understand the mission of our Church.
As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to consider a special gift to the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. Your generous support enables vital ministries across our diocese, including Catholic education, family life, and outreach to those in need. Every gift, no matter the size, helps bring hope and faith to our communities. If you haven’t yet had the chance to contribute, now is a perfect time to make a meaningful impact. Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church. You can also support the appeal online at www.cdow.org or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.
THIS WEEKEND, December 14/15 (and Monday, December 16th – Friday, December 20th) THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
CONFESSIONS: Reminder – Confessions are being heard following the 10:30 am Mass on Sundays during Advent. This is in addition to Confessions on Saturdays, 2:30 – 3:30 pm.
MOVIE TIME! Come to the hall immediately after the 4 pm Mass on Saturday, December 14, 2024. We will watch a very short video “The Veil Removed”
(about 7 minutes) and have a snack. This film is highly acclaimed, and we are sure you will not be disappointed. This video is approved for all ages
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD: Sunday, December 15th at the 10:30 am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for children in PreK-4th grade. Children will be called forward before the First Reading and will return to you after the General Intercessions. Our leaders and assistants have cleared background checks.
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS AND CHRISTMAS NOVENA OF MASSES: Gifts are usually given at the birth of a child. Let us generously give the Holy Family beautiful flowers representing the intentions of our loved ones. Christmas is a magical time of year for LOVE and PEACE and time to reflect and BELIEVE that God gave us His Son to be with us always. There is much comfort in knowing that God loves us unconditionally. Share the joy of Christmas by adding all your loved ones to our Christmas Novena of Masses. Envelopes are available at the doors.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS:
Friday, December 20 – Closing at noon
Monday, December 23 – Open 9 am – 3 pm
Tuesday, December 24 – Thursday, December 26 – Closed
Friday, December 27 – Open 9 am – 3 pm
Monday, December 30 – Open 9 am – 3 pm
Tuesday, December 31 & Wednesday, January 1 – Closed
Thursday, January 2 – Open 9 am – 3 pm
Friday, January 3 – Open 9 am – 3 pm
EARLY DEADLINES FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY BULLETINS: As we enter the busy holiday season, the bulletin is due earlier to the publisher because of expected delays in delivery time. All submissions will need to be submitted earlier than usual. Please submit articles by noon on Monday, December 16th for the December 29th bulletin and by December 18th for the January 5th bulletin.
NEXT WEEKEND, December 21/22 (and Monday, December 23rd – Friday, December 27th)
BREAKFAST WITH JESUS: Come join Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus on Sunday, December 22nd after the 10:30 Mass for Breakfast with Jesus in the Mother Drexel Hall. Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus will be serving a pancake breakfast with scrambled eggs. Let us celebrate the pending birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Rumors have it that a jolly elf in red will appear.
COLUMBIETTES ANNUAL COOKIE WALK: Join us on Saturday, December 21st after the 4 pm Mass or on Sunday, December 22nd after the 10:30 am Mass. You will be able to purchase delicious homemade cookies lovingly baked by our Columbiettes! Many varieties. Only $1 per bag!
RECONCILIATION MONDAY: Confessions will be heard at St. Polycarp from 3-5 pm and 6-8 pm on Monday, December 23rd. Two priests will be available: Fr. Trader & Fr. Hynes from 3-5 pm; Fr. Jim & Fr. Hynes from 6-8 pm. Confessions will also be heard at St. Dennis from 3-5 pm (Fr. Jim) & 6-8 pm (Fr. Herring).
TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: We will not be having Adoration on Tuesday, December 24th nor Tuesday, December 31st.
ST. POLYCARP CHURCH:
Tuesday, December 24th, at 4 pm (Children’s Nativity following Mass)
Tuesday, December 24th, at 9 pm
Wednesday, December 25th, at 10 am
ST. DENNIS CHURCH:
Tuesday, December 24th, at 4 pm
Tuesday, December 24th, at 6 pm (Hispanic)
Wednesday, December 25th, at 10 am
You are cordially invited to join us immediately after the 4pm Christmas Eve Mass
to watch our 1st graders bring to life our Nativity Pageant.
The reenactment of the First Christmas will take place immediately following the Mass.
This performance will surely put you into the Christmas Spirit.
UPCOMING:
THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, HOLY MOTHER OF GOD – a HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION (New Year’s Day)
Tuesday, December 31st, at 4 pm
Wednesday, January 1st, at 10 am
THE SAINT POLYCARP ANNUAL FORUM: Mark your calendars! The Saint Polycarp Annual Forum will take place on Sunday, January 12, 2025, following the 10:30 am Mass. Come and hear about our Parish accomplishments and voice your dreams for the coming year.
COME JOIN THE BROTHER VINCENT #7517 K of C & COLUMBIETTES on Saturday, January 18th, 2025 from 5:30 – 9 pm in St. Polycarp Parish Hall. A fun filled night with dinner…show…dancing! Tickets $45. Call or email Anna Skinner at 302-883-5647 ANNA.SKINZ@gmail.com or Mike Cunningham at 302-389-8952 mikec923@yahoo.com.
ONGOING:
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. Our next meeting is Tuesday, January 7th at 6:30 pm in the hall.
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.
EVENING BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: The evening “Pathway to Peace” bereavement support group meets weekly on Thursdays at 7 pm in Classroom 8. Please contact the parish office if you are considering joining us. 302-653-8279 or office@saintpolycarp.org
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.
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
ONGOING
THREE YEARS OF ABUNDANT GRACE AND TRANSFORMATION – EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL
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, January 11th, February 8th, March 8th, 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/ Sunday, December 29 – Netz Family
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 11am. 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.
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).
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:
FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS – The Cathedral of St. Peter, 6th and West Streets, Wilmington, DE will present a Festival of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 15th, at 3 pm. The concert will feature scriptures, choral music, and congregational hymns performed live and live-streamed by the choirs of the Cathedral and St. Patrick. (302-654-5920) Watch the live-stream here; youtube.com/watch?v=a1
CLICK HERE to see special events of the season coming up in the Diocese of Wilmington – The Dialog
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week. The Catholic Forum debuts every Wednesday at 12 p.m. This week, tune in to hear the annual Christmas program featuring Bishop Koenig’s annual Christmas message. The Catholic Forum podcast on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music podcasts and YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm debuts every Wednesday at 12:00 p.; and on Relevant Radio 640 every Saturday afternoon at 1:30 pm. More information is available at cdow.org/CatholicForum CLICK HERE
LET US PRAY: Halfway through Advent – have I missed it?
Dear Jesus,
It’s halfway through Advent and I’m not sure what happened. I really wanted to make this a reflective and calm season, preparing for your birth and pondering how you came into this world in such a stunningly humble way. But it’s so busy and I’m distracted and sometimes even short-tempered with those I love the most. Where are you in THAT?
I am discouraged and wish I could start over. But as I sit here in the rare moment of silence, I contemplate your birth. In a bed of straw, with the smell of manure everywhere. It’s a mess in that stable … and come to think of it, my life is a little messy, too. I suddenly see that it is not just into the mess of the stable but into my mess that you enter the world. You came into a humble place and that humility is often where I live my life – feeling guilty or distracted and wishing I were a better person. But if I stop thinking of myself and focus on you, I realize that there you are, waiting to love me, even though I have so many unfulfilled good intentions about prayer, so many desires of how to change this fleeting Advent season.
I can begin Advent today and make this season deeper by making room in my heart for you. I can take just a moment before I get out of bed in the morning and feel the empty place in my life I so often fill with my busy-ness. It is there I need you the most. Come, Lord Jesus. Come into that dark and lonely spot in my heart. You know what my needs are more than I do. Let me feel your love. If I only carry that thought with me each day, it will prepare me for Christmas.
Thank you, Jesus. It’s not too late. You are waiting to enter my life today, where ever I let you in. Help me to open my heart in these remaining days.
https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/advent-prayers.html