LENT BEGINS, FEBRUARY 18, 2026
Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving
SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKES! The Knights of Columbus will be serving their traditional Shrove Tuesday pancakes prior to the burning of the palm on Tuesday, February 17, in Mother Drexel Hall, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. All are welcome. (No cost! Donations accepted.)
PALMS TO ASHES: Please join us on Tuesday, February 17, at 7 pm for the burning of the palms. The service begins in Church and ends with the burning of the palms outside, weather permitting. All are welcome to attend.
ASH WEDNESDAY** MASSES WITH DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES: Wednesday, February 18 at 8:30 am and 7 pm
ASH WEDNESDAY COLLECTION will be taken up at both Masses on Ash Wednesday. Thank you for your stewardship.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS will take place in the Church at 7pm on Fridays in Lent, beginning February 20.
**FASTING AND ABSTINENCE: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence from meat for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are also obligatory days of abstinence from meat. For members of the Roman Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are 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 upon members of the Roman Catholic Church from age 14 onwards. ~USCCB
RECONCILIATION: Need a refresher? Visit https://saintpolycarp.org/reconciliation-refresher/
Reconciliation at St. Polycarp Church: Saturdays, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm & Sundays during Lent following the 10:30 am Mass, beginning February 22.
The Deanery Lenten Penance Service – Thursday, March 26 at 7 pm at Holy Cross Church 631 S. State Street Dover, DE 19901 Several Priests will be available to hear confessions.
Reconciliation Monday – March 30th – Monday of Holy Week, 3 pm – 5 pm & 6 pm – 8 pm
Plan on being reconciled with God early during this season of Lent!
February 14/15, 2026
SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
~ When have the laws of God guided you to make life-giving choices?
~ How has faith been a source of wisdom in your life?
~ How do the commandments call you to deeper conversion?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021526.cfm
DAILY BIBLE READINGS: https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
LIVE-STREAMING FROM ST. POLYCARP: Until our sound system is fixed, our live stream does not have any audio. 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”.) 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
THIS WEEK: Friday, February 13 – Friday, February 20
OLD PALMS may be brought to Church and placed in the baskets at the doors of the Church.
These palms will be burned for ashes.
THE VOCATION CHALICE : February 15 – The Carannante Family will receive the Vocation Chalice for a week of prayer for vocations.
CHILI and HOMEMADE CORNBREAD SALE: Please support our Knights of Columbus Brother Vincent Council #7517 – February 14 and 15 immediately following Mass in Mother Drexel Hall for their chili and cornbread sale. Cost: $10.00 for each quart container of chili, $1.00 for each serving of cornbread.
MONTHLY BREAKFAST: On Sunday, February 15, the Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus will be hosting a Pancake breakfast following the 10:30 Mass.
Menu: Pancakes (3), Scrambled eggs, sausage patty, toast, coffee, tea, orange juice, water. (Menu subject to change each month.)
Price: Adults $7.00, Children 6 years and older $5.00, Children 5 years old and under eat for free! Family of 4 or more $20.00
Please help the Knights help others by supporting our monthly breakfasts!
OFFICE CLOSED: The office will be closed on Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents’ Day.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION – 🌟BIBLE CHARACTER STUDY Day 4: Samson – The Flawed Deliverer. Even our failures can be redeemed. Discover how Samson’s story reminds us that God can use anyone for His glory. Judges 13-16 Join us on Tuesday, February 17 at 6:45 p.m. in Room 4, Share the journey – faith grows stronger with friends!
HELP NEEDED FOR MARCH & APRIL: Our parish is looking for someone to assist in the care of the sacred linens (purificators, corporals, and a few small towels) for the months of March and April. If you can help for these two months, please contact Monica Haven at 302-233-4147 or monicahaven@verizon.net
PARISH APPRECIATION DINNER: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026: Due to limited seating for our Appreciation Dinner on Saturday, February 21, 2026, we are no longer taking online reservations. Please call Kathy Curlett at 302-222-9326 to check availability. We look forward to seeing everyone who has reserved their seats. Doors will open after the 4pm Mass on February 21, 2026. Catering by the Smyrna Diner.
JOB OPENING – ST. DENNIS PARISH SECRETARY: St. Dennis Church in Galena, MD is looking for a full time Parish Secretary. This ministry is responsible for the smooth operation of the parish office and reports to the Pastor. General qualifications are proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher), and excellent communication abilities. Please send your resume to Father James D. Hreha at fr.hreha.stdennis@gmail.com.
SOUND SYSTEM: The new equipment for our sound system has been ordered. Once it arrives, the work will be able to be scheduled. We now have temporary speakers in place that are used when the sound system fails. Special thanks to our readers and cantors for speaking/singing louder and to everyone else for keeping noise to a minimum except when praying and singing!!!!
LIVE STREAM: Due to the failure of the sound system, our live stream does not have sound. Live stream Mass from St. Dennis Church is on Sundays at 8 am., https://www.youtube.com/@stdennisparish_galenamd/streams. Live stream Mass from the Cathedral in Wilmington is on Sundays at 9:30 am., https://www.youtube.com/@DioceseofWilm/streams
NEXT WEEK: Friday, February 20 – Friday, February 27
The BLESSING OF PARISH MINISTRIES will take place at Masses, the weekend of February 21/22. If you are active in any of our many ministries, this blessing is for you!
FAITH WITH FRIENDS: Come join us next Sunday, February 22, as we dive into another section of the Old Testament! Bring a friend and meet us at the library at 9:00 am.
COOKIES! Our Girl Scout troops will have cookies ready for you to purchase after Masses NEXT weekend, Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22. They will also be collecting donated cookies to take to the Seaman’s Center of Wilmington, the same group they support with the Christmas at Sea ministry. We truly appreciate your support and prayers.
UPCOMING:
Feast Day – St. Polycarp – February 23
PHILLY PRETZELS SALE: The Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus will be selling their famous Philly Pretzels after Masses the weekend of February 28/March 1.
MOVIE NIGHT: What is a Jubilee year you might ask? Come to the next Movie Night and find out. Pope Leo just declared a special Jubilee Year to begin on January 10, 2026 to honor the 800th Anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Plan to join us in the Library after the 4PM Mass on Saturday, February 28, 2026. We will have plenty of refreshments. Don’t miss out!
Sunday March 1st following the 10:30 am Mass. The Liturgy committee will host the Agape with a delicious brunch ,desserts and fellowship. We hope you will come and meet some of the members of our Liturgy committee.
NEW DATE: Mark your calendars! The Saint Polycarp Annual Forum will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, following the 10:30 am Mass. Come enjoy breakfast cooked by the Knights of Columbus and hear about our Parish accomplishments.
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.
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.
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: March 7, April 11 and May 9.
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. February 15 – Carannante Family; March 1 – Christopher & Elvira Johnson; March 15 – Charm Sloven
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.
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!
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.
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. On Ash Wednesday, Emily Mae Mentock joins the show to discuss her new book “Praying with the Psalms: 3 Minute Devotionals for Lent and Holy Week”. This is Emily’s first book and a great introduction to the mean and tradition of the psalms as well as an easy Lenten devotional for those who are looking to start a daily prayer practice or need few grace-filled minutes in their day. Praying with the Psalms is available from Ave Maria Press. 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/.
OUR PARISH –
SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE
This ministry promotes and enables members of the parish to respond to the social problems of today, giving special care to the poor, the lonely, the aged, the oppressed and minority groups. The Social Concerns Committee is able to minister to many because of the generosity of our parish community. Please contact the Parish Office at 302-653-8279 or office@saintpolycarp.org if you are interested in serving with us or would like more information.
The Social Concerns Committee is comprised of the following ministries:
Bereavement
Christmas at Sea
Christmas Giving Tree
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Sick
Food Pantry (at St. Peter Episcopal Church)
Food transporter to Pantry
Nursing Home Ministry Delaware Home for the Chronically Ill (DHCI)
Nursing Home Ministry Evergreen
Respect Life
Pathways to Peace (Bereavement Support Groups)
St. Vincent de Paul