June 13/14
11th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
~ How do we live out our baptismal call to be God’s priestly people?
~ What does unconditional love mean to you?
~ How do you witness to Christ’s care and compassion for others in your daily life?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061426.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!
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is under way! The Perpetual Pilgrims are on their way from the Diocese of St. Augustine to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Diocese of Wilmington leg of the Pilgrimage is in our Diocese today – tomorrow! There are more than 7 events over the course of 24 hours on June 11 and 12, traveling from Kent Island, MD, to Easton, MD, Georgetown, DE, to Ocean City, MD and ending at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Wilmington before handing off Jesus in the Eucharist to the Diocese of Camden. Find out
more about the events taking place during the Diocese of Wilmington leg of the Pilgrimage by visiting cdow.org/cabriniroute or scan this QR code:
Masses will be celebrated at:
St. Christopher’s, Kent Island (11:30 am, June 11)
St. Michael the Archangel, Georgetown (6:30 pm – following Eucharistic Procession, June 11)
Cathedral of St. Peter, Wilmington (10:30 am, June 12)
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! $$68,921.32 has been pledged surpassing our goal in 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. It is important that everyone follows through with payments on pledges. For those who have not yet participated, we invite you to support the ministries throughout our Diocese. 100% of your donations stay in the Diocese.
To donate online, visit www.cdow.org, click
Donate → Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal,
or scan this QR code to participate.
THIS WEEK: Friday, June 12 – Friday, June 19
OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: Once again, our offertory envelopes have been delayed. If you are an envelope users, please place your donation in an envelope and write your name, address and ID number, if known, on the front of the envelope. We appreciate your time and understanding in this matter.
June Second Collections:
June 13/14 – No Second Collection
June 20/21 – Parish Maintenance
June 27/28 – Works of the Holy Father (Peter Pence)
SQUIRES LOCK IN: Once again the Squires are conducting a “Lock In” as a Circle. This year’s lock in will take place June 12/13. The Lock In concludes on Saturday, June 13, with a 3:20 pm Rosary in the Church followed by Mass at 4 pm. All parishioners are invited to join us for the 3:20 pm Rosary.
IT’S A DANCE PARTY! Everyone is invited to our BFF Social THIS Sunday, June 14, in the Hall following Mass. Grab your dancing shoes! Bring your best energy! Join us for food, fellowship & fun! Don’t know how to dance? No worries. We’ll learn some line dances together and dance to some oldies as well!
Come feel the beat and have some FUN!!!
MULTI-CULTURAL FRIENDS: Join us this coming Wednesday, June 17, here at St. Polycarp at 6:30 pm in the library. All are welcome to attend! The Multi-Cultural Friends Subcommittee celebrates the richness and diversity of our parishes and communities. Our hope is to foster understanding, friendship, and unity across all cultures and backgrounds in the Church.
THE PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED on Friday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth
FATHER’S DAY NOVENA: Honor the Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Father-figures, and other special men in your life on their special day. Whether they are living or deceased, the gift of prayer is a beautiful way to show your deep appreciation for their sacrificial love. The best gift you can give this loved one is the gift of the Mass. Please use the Father’s Day Mass Remembrance envelopes to inscribe the names you wish to be remembered in the novena of Masses offered by our parish. The Novena will begin on Father’s Day, June 21.
ADULT AND YOUTH ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED: We are now inviting adults to join our youth as new altar servers in our parish. Doing this will help ensure that we have altar servers available for all St. Polycarp Masses. If you or your child desire to serve Jesus and St Polycarp Parish on the altar and have received the Sacrament of Holy Communion, please contact: Fran and Jim Walls. Our contact information is: Cell Phone: 302-359-9152, Email: SmyrnaWalls@gmail.com
A quote from Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, during a General Audience that included altar servers, appeared in a National Catholic Register article: “Assisting your priest in service at the altar helps to make Jesus closer, so that people can understand better: He is here.”
SUPPORT YOUR PARISH WITH A LOGO T-SHIRT! Proudly wear this new edition during Parish events or while you’re out in the community. Show your spirit and help represent our Parish wherever you go! An indispensable midweight t-shirt in our classic silhouette—with a very friendly price. It’s a go-to choice for everyday wear. Youth and Adult sizes available — $20 each. Ladies or unisex in a v-neck are also available at $22. If you are ordering a v-neck, please specify that option on the order form.
Order forms may be found in the brochure rack in the hallway near the Sacristy. Look for the Parish & Family Life compartment!
Questions? Contact Deanna Lail at 302-535-2957 or dlail14@comcast.net
LOST AND FOUND: Be sure to check out our overflowing “Lost & Found” container. Our Lost & Found is located on the filing cabinet across from the bathrooms. Items not claimed by owner by July 1 will be donated. We also have a pair of eyeglasses in the office. Call the office to identify. 302-653-8279
THE WEEK OF Friday, June 19 – Friday, June 26
SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEKEND, June 20/21, is for Parish Maintenance. Please be as generous as your means allow in assisting our parish family in caring for and providing the necessary funds for the upkeep and safety of our Church. Thank you!
BLESSINGS: The Blessing of Fathers will take place at the 4 pm Mass next Saturday, June 20, and at the 10:30 am Mass on Sunday, June 21 .
FAITH AND FAMILY DAY AT THE BLUE ROCKS: Join us for a fun-filled evening of faith, family and baseball on Friday, June 26. Tickets are $11 per person – General Admission. For more information or to register, contact Deanna Lail at 302-535-2957, dlail14@comcast.net or Mike Cunningham at 302-379-8952, mikec923@yahoo.com (Sponsored by Parish & Family Life)
UPCOMING
BREAKFAST: Brother Vincent Council 7517 Knights of Columbus, invite all our Parish Family to join us in fellowship at our Pancake Breakfast, on Sunday, June 28, following the 10:30 Mass. Donations appreciated.
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
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.
NEW EPISODE – We encourage you to watch Signs & Symbols from the FORMED series Elements of the Catholic Mass. Use this link https://app.formed.org/app/videos/573427?cid=115599 or scan this QR code to view this short and informative episode.
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 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.
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: June 13, July 11, 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. May 24 – ReAnna Hackett, June 7 – Stephanie 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!
LET US PRAY:
2026 Faith & Charity Appeal Prayer
TOGETHER IN HOPE
Loving and merciful God,
You are the source of our hope and strength.
In this season of renewal, we come before You as a community,
united in faith and bound by love.
Pour out Your Spirit upon us,
that we may grow together in hope,
lifting each other up with generosity and compassion.
Guide us as we support the mission of our Church,
bringing Your light to those in need,
nurturing faith in the hearts of our youth,
and building a future filled with promise.
May our sacrifices today ensure a Church that flourishes tomorrow.
Grant us the grace to give with joyful hearts,
knowing that in You, we find the courage to serve.
We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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.
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week. 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/.
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.