Weekend Update February 21/22, 2026

STATIONS OF THE CROSS will take place in the Church at 7pm on Fridays in Lent, beginning February 20.

 

Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence from meat from age 14 onwards. 

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 30 – Monday of Holy Week, 3 pm – 5 pm & 6 pm – 8 pm
Plan on being reconciled with God early during this season of Lent!

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February 21/22, 2026

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

   ~ Like Adam and Eve, what lies do you believe about God that tempt you to doubt his goodness?
~  When are you most tempted?
~  How has Scripture helped you in the face of temptation?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022226.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 may 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

 

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THIS WEEK: Friday, February 20 – Friday, February 27

DESERT, BUT NOT DESERTED: Remember Jesus’ forty days in the desert? He prayed and we need to pray! Our holy water fonts are filled with small pebbles this Lent. Please take one with you to help you focus on your prayer life this Lent. Maybe keep it in your pocket, set it on your desk or table.  May it remind you to turn your heart to God.

 

 

The BLESSING OF PARISH MINISTRIES will take place at Masses, this weekend, February 21/22. If you are active in any of our many ministries, this blessing is for you!

 

 

PARISH APPRECIATION DINNER: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026:  Doors will open after the 4 pm Mass this Saturday, February 21, for those who have reservations. Questions? Contact Kathy Curlett at 302-222-9326. Catering by the Smyrna Diner.

 

 

FAITH WITH FRIENDS: Come join us this 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 this 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.

 

FEAST DAY – ST. POLYCARP – FEBRUARY 23

The Cantor will be leading the “Collect Prayer of St. Polycarp” this weekend. This will be in place of the Eucharistic Adoration Prayer. The prayer can be found in the bulletin.

COLLECT PRAYER OF ST. POLYCARP: God of all creation, who were pleased to give the Bishop St. Polycarp a place in the company of Martyrs, grant, through his intercession, that sharing with him in the chalice of Christ, we may rise through the Holy Spirit to eternal life.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

 

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

 

 

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 may or may 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

 

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NEXT WEEK: Friday, February 27 – Friday, March 6

FIFTY YEARS OF HOPE: Next weekend marks the start of the 2026 Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal throughout the Diocese of Wilmington. For 50 years, this appeal has united many hands in one mission — serving those in need, forming our faith, and ensuring the Church’s growth for generations to come. This year, participation matters more than ever. For every parishioner who gives for the first time, 50% of their donation will stay right here in our parish to support our own ministries and local needs. Once our parish reaches its overall goal, we also receive a share of funds raised beyond that goal — strengthening our community even further. Your gift, at any level, helps continue a 50-year legacy of faith, hope, and charity that builds up the Church in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Please prayerfully consider your support and come to Mass next weekend ready to make your pledge to this year’s Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. To learn more, visit www.cdow.org/giving or scan this QR code.

 

THE VOCATION CHALICE : March 1 –  Chris and Elvira Johnson will receive the Vocation Chalice for a week of prayer for vocations.

 

PHILLY PRETZELS SALE: The Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus will be selling their famous Philly Pretzels after Masses next weekend, 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 honor the 800^th Anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Plan to join us in the Library after the 4 pm Mass next Saturday, February 28, 2026. We will have plenty of refreshments. Don’t miss out!

 

Come be refreshed in fellowship! Faith with Friends meets next Sunday, March 1, at 9 am in the Library. Bring a friend and join the journey of faith.

 

Sunday, March 1, 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.

 

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UPCOMING:

ADULT FAITH FORMATION – 🌟BIBLE CHARACTER STUDY  Day 5: Ruth  – The Redeemed Deliverer.  God’s hand is always at work behind the scenes. Explore Ruth’s story of loyalty, providence, and restoration. Ruth 1-4.   Join us on Tuesday, March 10 at 6:45 p.m. in  Room 4. Learn with faith, learn with friends – bring someone along!

 

ANNUAL FORUM: 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 (see below) and hear about our Parish accomplishments.

 

MONTHLY BREAKFAST: The Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus will be hosting their monthly Pancake breakfast following the 10:30 Mass on March 15..
Please help the Knights help others by supporting our monthly breakfasts!
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

 

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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.

 

We encourage you to watch The Role of the Parishioner, a brief video from the Formed series titled Elements of the Catholic Mass. You can click on the link or use this QR code.

https://app.formed.org/app/videos/573424

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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.

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.  March 1 – Christopher & Elvira Johnson; March 15 – Charm Sloven: March 29 – Sabrina Paulino

 

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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CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week.  On the February 25 episode of Catholic Forum, Sheila McGirl, Director of Development for the Diocese of Wilmington joins the show to discuss Commitment Weekend for the 2026 Faith and Charity Appeal. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Appeal, and Sheila will explain why every gift is important for building up our community of faith here in the Diocese of Wilmington. 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/.

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