STATIONS OF THE CROSS will take place in the Church at 7pm on Fridays in Lent
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!
IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! The Pastoral Council discussed the impact of the clergy shortage on our parish, specifically, the lack of priests for reconciliation. Please do not wait until the last minute to receive this healing sacrament during the season of Lent. Thank you.
February 28/March 1, 2026
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
~ Is it easy or difficult for you to trust where God is leading?
~ How is grace essential to living a holy life?
~ How do you listen to the voice of Jesus in your life?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030126.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
MANY HANDS, ONE MISSION: A 50-YEAR LEGACY
This year marks the golden jubilee of the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal — fifty years of carrying faith into the future through ministries that serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of God’s people across Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. As we celebrate this milestone, we are being asked not only to give, but to participate. Every parish has both a financial goal and a participation goal. Bishop Koenig hopes every household will join in — because when every hand is part of the mission,
our Church grows stronger for the next generation. For those participating for the first time, 50% of your gift will stay right here in our parish to support local needs. And once our parish exceeds its goal, a portion of all funds raised above it will remain here as well. Let us honor the generosity of those who built our Church before us by strengthening it for those who will come after. Together, with many hands and one mission, we can ensure our faith endures for the next fifty years and beyond. To learn more or make your pledge, visit www.cdow.org, click Donate → Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, or scan this QR code.
THIS WEEK: Friday, February 27 – Friday, March 6
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 VOCATION CHALICE : March 1 – Chris and Elvira Johnson will receive the Vocation Chalice for a week of prayer for vocations.
MOVIE NIGHT: What is a Jubilee year you might ask? Come to Movie Night and find out. Pope Leo just declared a special Jubilee Year to honor the 800th Anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Plan to join us in the Library after the 4 pm Mass tomorrow, Saturday, February 28, 2026. We will have plenty of refreshments. Don’t miss out!
PHILLY PRETZELS SALE: The Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus will be selling their famous Philly Pretzels after Masses this weekend, February 28/March 1.
Come be refreshed in fellowship! Faith with Friends meets this 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.
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.
EASTER FLOWERS, particularly the white lilies with their large white trumpet flowers, proclaim that spring is upon us and they symbolize hope and new life. Add to the beauty of our church during this joyful season by using your Easter flower envelope to help us proclaim that Jesus has risen!
EASTER NOVENA: Easter is the greatest celebration in the Catholic Church because it is the completion of the Holy week that ends with the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus was raised from the dead, and by that He conquered sin and death. Living or deceased, the best gift you can give a loved one is the gift of the Mass. Please use the Easter Mass Remembrance envelope to enjoin your friends and family in our most holy celebration.
Take a look at the latest pictures from the Palms to Ashes Service & the Appreciation Dinner. https://saintpolycarp.org/category/photos/
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
NEXT WEEK: Friday, March 6 – Friday, March 13
CONNECTED IN CHRIST – COFFEE TIME!!! It’s coffee time again. Next Tuesday, March 10, following the 8:30 am Mass, the Connected in Christ group will be sponsoring a coffee in the library. Why not join us for coffee, a short video and refreshments?
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!
TIME CHANGES AT 2AM NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 8!
UPCOMING:
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
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
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 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!
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week. On the March 4 episode of Catholic Forum, Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, General Promoter for Social Communication for the Order of Preachers joins the show from Rome to discuss his new book “Witness: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation” available from Ave Maria Press. You might know Fr. Briscoe from the popular podcast “Godsplaining”, so you won’t want to miss this episode! 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 –
BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE
The Building and Maintenance Committee (BMC) meets on the 2nd Thursdays of the month at 6:30 pm. We welcome new members who can lend their time and talents to the Parish. We have a dire need for folks who have plumbing experience to help with resolving some plumbing issues. Please contact Mike Pyle at (302) 423 – 9732 or mjpyle58@msn.com if you are interested in helping.
The BMC has a well developed system to track, plan and resolve maintenance issues around our Parish campus.
MISSION STATEMENT: The Building and Maintenance Committee provides for on-going preventative and corrective maintenance of Church facilities, buildings, and grounds under the direction of the Pastor. The men and women who volunteer continually provide recommendations and guidance for any kind of maintenance done on the Church property. They will continue to investigate, research, and evaluate options to provide quality products and durable and reliable facilities in a fiscally responsible manner.
These men and women are dedicated to keep the Church repaired and beautiful, so we can continue to share our faith with fellow parishioners just as the one’s that came before us. They want to maintain a warm and inviting home to continue our spiritual growth.
https://saintpolycarp.org/building-maintenance/
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/
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
ONLINE GIVING: Please consider becoming an e-giver. It is easy to make your weekly or one-time contributions in support of the Parish. CLICK HERE to sign-up or you can text “Give” to (302) 202–2251 or use this QR code.