Weekend Update July 18/19, 2026

July 18/19

16^th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

~ How have you experienced God’s mercy in your life?
~ Have you ever felt like you didn’t have the words to pray? How can the Holy Spirit come to your aid at those times?
~ How can you imitate God’s patience this week?

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071926.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 & 10:30 am on Sundays. (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. Visit Bulletin Overflow to learn more about Pope Leo’s Encyclical and the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage!

 

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MANY HANDS, ONE MISSION: A 50-YEAR LEGACY: 100% of your donations stay within the Diocese of Wilmington!
Thanks to your generosity, our goal of $61,500 in pledges has not only been reached but surpassed! $69,862.32 has been pledged surpassing our goal in pledges by $8,362.32! Thank you for your support of this year’s appeal. As of July 15, $53,349.98 has been collected. It is important that everyone follows through with payments on pledges. Thank you for your support of this year’s appeal. Once we reach our goal in money collected, we will receive 50% of the money collected over the goal.

Every donor matters. If you have never participated in the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, or if it has been five years or more since your last gift, please consider participating this year. Once our parish reaches its goal (paid pledges) 50% of these gifts will be returned to support parish needs. In addition to the standard rebate, we receive when we go over goal (paid pledges).

To donate online, visit www.cdow.org, click
Donate → Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal,
or scan this QR code to participate.

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THIS WEEK: Friday, July 17 – Friday, July 24

ENVELOPE USERS – Unfortunately there is a delay again in the mailing of the July envelopes.  We sincerely apologize in advance for the inconvenience this may cause.  If you could please put your offering in an envelope with your name and address along with your ID # (if you know it), so that we can make sure it is properly accounted for. Thank you so much for your time and understanding in this matter. Due to the recent delays, we are reviewing alternative vendors.

SECOND COLLECTION  THIS WEEKEND, July 18/19 is for the Catholic University. 

 

 

CHRISTMAS IN JULY!  We are hoping to raise enough funds to purchase a new Nativity set for outside. The 39″ set includes 12 pieces made of a stone/resin blend, heavy enough not to blow over, but light enough to move.  To view additional information use this QR code or CLICK HERE.

SACRED HEART OF JESUS ICON: The Knights of Columbus will be hosting the Sacred Heart of Jesus icon depicting its flaming heart pouring out His love for us. Visit with the icon and show your devotion and pray for God’s love and grace. The icon will be in the Vestibule of the Church from July 21 through August 7. Visit with the icon on Tuesdays from 11 am – 8 pm in the Chapel during Eucharistic Adoration.

 

 

INQUIRY SESSIONS BEGINNING THIS WEDNESDAY! We are disciples of Christ through our baptism and we are encouraged to lead others to a more meaningful relationship with God. 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 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. If interested, the parish will hold Inquiry Sessions in the parish library: Wednesday, July 22 at 1 pm, Monday, July 27 at 6:30 pm, and Wednesday, July 29 at 1 pm. Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information: DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653 – 8279.

 

CALLing Catholics with Questions!: Catholic Adults Life and Learning. We have started a new adult group at St. Polycarp answering questions of why Catholics do this. Our topic this month will be “Adoration. Why and How? “.  Come join the discussion this Thursday, July 23^rd, at 6:30 pm in classroom #4. We meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.

 

ATTENTION ALL MINISTRY LEADERS & ALL HOLDERS OF KEYS – RSVP BY JULY 23 to communications@saintpolycarp.org  Our Annual Parish Ministry Leadership Organizational Meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 29 at 7 pm.  If you are a current Ministry Leader we trust that you will make this meeting a priority. New this year – if you have a key(s) to any of our buildings on campus, we are expecting you to attend this meeting.  Questions? Contact Judy at 302-653-8279 or email communications@saintpolycarp.org.  If you are a Ministry Leader and have not received an email from Fr. Jim (sent by communications@saintpolycarp.org), check your junk/spam email. If you still have not received the email letter, please contact Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org. Thank you.

 

 

PSR – IS GOD CALLING YOU? PRAY ABOUT IT! Are you looking for a welcoming, rewarding ministry where you can offer your time & God-given talents so that the children of our parish can flourish in faith? If the answer is Yes, PSR is where you need to be. Come serve with us and become the newest member of our PSR family! We need a catechist and an assistant for PreK-Kindergarten and an assistant for 1^st Grade. Children are registered for both classes, so it is very important to fill these positions soon. If you love God and your faith, you are qualified!  The CRE and the entire PSR Team will assist you every step of the way! We are more than just volunteers—we’re a family, supporting one another as we help our children grow in faith! If you’re interested or would like to learn more, please contact Erica Taylor at dre@saintpolycarp.org or 302-653-4101.

 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Our Parish School of Religion (PSR) offers religious education classes for grade PK – 9.  Register now! Visit  https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/ for more information or contact our Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE), Erica Taylor, at dre@saintpolycarp.org or (302) 653-4101. Forms are also located in the black drop box under the portico and in the wall rack in the hallway near the sacristy. You can also use the QR code below.

THE PRAYER CHAIN MINISTRY at St. Polycarp Parish has a long history and its mission has always been to efficiently communicate requests for prayers to a faithful network of parishioners who will pray for your requests. This ministry needs YOU:
1) to become one of the ‘prayers’  and/or
2) to take over maintaining and sending out requests to those participating in the prayers.
The Prayer Chain Ministry is separate from the prayer requests which are listed in the weekly bulletin. For more information, please contact Cookie Ruane 302-540-6429.

 

DO YOU KNOW ANY OF OUR PAST SQUIRES? The Knights of Columbus, Brother Vincent Council, are trying to locate anyone who was a prior Squire or worked with the Squire Circle here at Saint Polycarp Church. Please contact the Grand Knight, Mike Cunningham, (302) 379-8952 or mikec923@yahoo.com

 

 

WANTED! FRESH SUMMER FLOWERS FOR OUR ALTAR: If you have beautiful summer flowers in your yard, please consider donating some fresh flowers for use on our altar. Contact Delia Lim at 973-865-4203 or after Sunday or weekday Masses if you would like to contribute flowers.

 

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THE WEEK OF Friday, July 24 – Friday, July 31

 

MOVIE NIGHT attendance is growing! Come see what the excitement is about! Enjoy popcorn and candy as well as lots of delicious goodies. On Saturday, July 25 after the 4 pm Mass, come to the office door after Mass and you will be treated to a fun event. Enjoy a short video and a great discussion with other parishioners.

 

THE VULNERABLE PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY NEED YOUR HELP NOW: Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be in the Library on Thursday, July 30 at 6:30 pm to meet with parishioners interested in learning about the important work of this great, world-wide Society, which has a long history of encountering and helping countless needy families, including many in this parish and community.  Please consider attending this meeting.  Your input would be deeply appreciated.  If more members are not recruited for St. Polycarp’s Chapter, the group may be disbanded, and many vulnerable people will suffer.

 

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UPCOMING

 

AGAPE: Come join Parish & Family Life on Sunday August 2, following the 10:30 am Mass. Enjoy some food and fellowship as we gather to welcome Lee Olmstead the candidate for deaconate and his wife, Lisa, to celebrate God’s Love for us here at St. Polycarp Church.

 

CONNECTED IN CHRIST COFFEE TIME:   You are invited to a coffee in the Library on Tuesday, August 4 after the 8:30 Mass. All are welcome. In fact, bring a friend. There are always great sweet treats, discussion, very short video and of course, coffee. Don’t miss this one!

 

 

SAINT POLYCARP CHURCH FALL CRAFT FEST – Saturday, October 3, 2026,  9 am – 2 pm. CALLING ALL VENDORS – Vendor setup 7 am – 9 am (No vehicles in vendor area after 9 am) Outdoor spots: 10’x10’ – $35.00     10’x20’ – $65.00     Indoor spots: 10’x10’ – $45.00     10’x20’ – $85.00   Tables – $25.00 (no electricity), Electricity – additional $10.  Knights of Columbus will have lunch items for sale during the event.
Contact: Mike Cunningham at 302-379-8952 or mikec923@yahoo.com for event application.   Rain Date: October 10, 2026

 

 

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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.

 

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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.

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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 spirit) and after receiving the Sacrament. Remember, it is the Body and Blood of Jesus that you just received.

We kindly request silence in the Church before Mass. We are in the presence of the Lord, and many of us are praying and preparing our hearts for the celebration of the Eucharist. Please be respectful of our time in prayer.

 

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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:   August 8, September 12, October 10. November 7. December 12.

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.

 

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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