January 24/25, 2026
3rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
~ If the Lord is our salvation, why does anxiety sometimes absorb you?
~ When there are disagreements in your parish, how can seeking to be united in the same mind and the same purpose make a difference?
~ Why is it important that James and John left their work and their father “immediately”?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012526.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”.) 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.
MASSES THIS WEEKEND:
SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY!
We are currently monitoring the expected winter storm this weekend. Any decision regarding our scheduled Masses and other parish events will be communicated on our parish website and by email. We expect to make a decision for Sunday Masses on Saturday evening, around 6 pm. Please be sure to check back then, or join us at our Saturday night Mass at 4pm. Yes, there is a 4 pm Saturday Mass.
Please remember, if the government declares a State of Emergency, it is illegal to drive to Church. If the Diocese makes a proclamation for Sunday Masses to be cancelled, we will let you know. As long as Masses have not been cancelled by the Diocese, Fr. Jim will be here to celebrate Mass as long has he can get across the parking lot!
For the most up-to-date cancellations, visit https://saintpolycarp.org/
MOVIE NIGHT : SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW AFTER 4 PM MASS IS CANCELED
FAITH WITH FRIENDS SCHEDULED FOR THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, IS CANCELED.
PSR SUNDAY MORNING, JANUARY 25, CLASSES ARE CANCELED: Due to the snowy weather forecast for this weekend, PSR In-Person Classes, Grades P/K – 4th and HIS are CANCELED this Sunday. Sunday students can expect a PSROnline lesson to be posted Sunday morning (or within a day or two after). Please have your child complete this lesson next week to receive credit for class.
ANNUAL FORUM SCHEDULED FOR THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, IS CANCELED: Due to the forecasted high snow totals and potentially hazardous driving conditions, we have decided to postpone the Annual Forum originally scheduled for this Sunday, January 25, 2026, following the 10:30 AM Mass. The Pastoral and Finance Councils will meet soon to identify possible dates for rescheduling. Please know that we remain committed to sharing our accomplishments and our responses to the Dream List as soon as possible. Our parish calendar is quite full, and we want to ensure we select a date that works well for all involved.
KoC MONTHLY BREAKFAST SCHEDULED FOR THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, IS CANCELED. The breakfast has been re-scheduled for next Sunday, February 1. (See below for details.)
As many of you know, Fr. Trader has been appointed Administrator of Our Mother of Sorrows Church in Centreville, MD and is no longer available to celebrate Mass with us. Finding a Priest to fill in when Fr. Jim is unable to be here is becoming increasingly more difficult.
The time has arrived when we do not have a Priest to celebrate Mass. As of now, we do not have a priest for Daily Mass on Tuesday, February 3 or Wednesday, February 4 while Fr. Jim attends the Priests’ Retreat Week. As a result, Mass will not be celebrated on those two days. We encourage you to still gather in the Church and pray the Rosary together. In addition, Daily Mass at St. Dennis will not be celebrated on Thursday February 5 or Friday, February 6.
Now more than ever, we ask everyone to pray for vocations to the Priesthood. Please also remember in your prayers Fr. Trader as he begins his new assignment, as well as Fr. Herring, Fr. Jackson, Fr. Hynes and the many priests who generously visit us to celebrate Mass. And as always, we pray for and thank Fr. Jim for answering the call to Priesthood!
THIS WEEK: Friday, January 23 – Friday, January 30
THE SECOND COLLECTION this weekend, January 24/25 is for the Catholic Communications Campaign & Catholic University. Thank you for your support.
POLAR BEAR PLUNGE for SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Help support Delaware Special Olympics by donating to the Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus special collection at the doors this weekend, January 24 and 25, after Masses. 100% of all money collected goes to the Delaware Special Olympics. Please help support the 1000’s of Special Olympics Delaware athletes. The Plunge will occur on Sunday, February 1st at 1 pm in Rehoboth Beach. Thank you for your generous support.
CALLING ALL CHOCOLATE LOVERS! PSR World’s Finest Chocolate Fundraiser is almost over! Deadline to order is January 27. Order forms can be found at the doors of the Church. Your order form with payment can be placed in an envelope marked Chocolate Sale and dropped in the collection basket. You can also use the QR code below or order online at https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/83427c59-d747-4d22-89cf-adcea8db552c This fundraiser is our biggest of the year! Thank you for your support. Your generosity is appreciated. It is delicious chocolate!
LADIES NIGHT OUT: Our Lady Queen of Peace Assembly is hosting a dinner for our ladies, at 6:30 pm on February 3, at St. Polycarp Church in Mother Drexel Hall. All wives and widows of 4th Degree Sir Knights are invited. 3rd Degree Knights, interested in joining our Assembly, are also welcomed with their wives. There is no charge for dinner. To ensure we can accommodate all, please make your reservation before January 27. St Polycarp Reservation Contacts: Jack Barnas 302-383-4175 Tom Boscher 302-740-9217
2025 TAX STATEMENTS were emailed Tuesday, January 20. If you did not receive one and would like/need one, please contact the office at 302-653-8279 and ask for Kathy. Thank you for your ongoing generosity!
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/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, January 30 – Friday, February 6
FAITH WITH FRIENDS: Looking for inspiration this winter? Join Faith with Friends next Sunday, February 1, at 9 am in the Library. Come share faith and friendship!
THE SECOND COLLECTION the weekend of January 31/February 1, is for our Parish Utilities. Thank you for your support.
THE VOCATION CHALICE : February 1 – Theresa DiMeo will receive the Vocation Chalice for a week of prayer for vocations.
BVM SODALITY SOUP & BAKE SALE will be held next weekend, Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1, following Masses in Mother Drexel Hall. Stop by to pickup some delicious soups and tasty treats!
MONTHLY BREAKFAST: Next Sunday, February 1, 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!
ATTENTION ALL EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION: We will be Meeting Monday, February 2nd at 6:30 pm in Mother Drexel Hall for training and preparation for recommissioning. It has been mandated by Bishop Koenig and the Diocese of Wilmington that recommissioning take place every 2 years. Check your inboxes for all the details including the exciting new procedure starting Easter Sunday.
UPCOMING:
THE BLESSING OF NEW DRIVERS (any age) will take place at Masses on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8.
PARISH APPRECIATION DINNER: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026: Time again for our Parish to say “thank you” to its many volunteers. If you are active in a church organization or serve in any ministry at St. Polycarp Parish, the Parish would like to invite you to the Appreciation Dinner in the Parish Hall on Saturday, February 21, following the 4:00 pm Mass. The appreciation committee has been working to plan a wonderful, enjoyable evening. Seating is limited so reserve your seats today. You may make your reservation using this link https://forms.gle/9eTWfTFaksEHHnWC8 or simply scan the QR code below. Not a fan of online formats? Call Kathy Curlett at 302-222-9326 to reserve your seat.
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: February 7, 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 1 – Theresa DiMeo; February 15 – Carannante Family; March 1 – Christopher & Elvira Johnson; March 15 – Charm Sloven
WE NEED YOU AND YOUR TALENT! DO YOU PLAY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT? WE NEED INSTRUMENTALISTS!
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.
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. Tune-in this week when The Dialog’s Joe Owens interviews retiring Communications Director and Catholic Forum host, Bob Krebs. 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 –
PASTORAL COUNCIL – MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the St. Polycarp Church Pastoral Council is to advise our Pastor in those matters affecting and fulfilling the Parish Mission while providing vision and strategic planning to the committees and the parish community. We work to improve the community spirit and faith life of our Parish by being sensitive to responding to the needs and desires of all in a spirit of prayer, commitment, and action. Energized by the Holy Spirit and in communion with the Holy Father and the Universal Catholic Church, we hope to promote a sense of welcoming, belonging, and harmony among our parishioners by connecting and including them in the pastoral life of the Parish.
Our Pastoral Council meets on the second Wednesday of the month.
https://saintpolycarp.org/pastoral-council/