THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (final week of the Easter Season)
God mounts His throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051321-Ascension.cfm
LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for all live stream. (or visit our webpage www.saintpolycarp.org and click on the picture of the altar ) All Masses are live- streamed. Masses may also be viewed at a later time.
URGENT: WE NEED HELP WITH LIVE STREAMING as soon as possible. Please prayerfully discern the gifts God has given you and consider being part of this ministry. In order to be able to maintain our live streaming of Masses, we are in need of individuals with a technological background, a good understanding of network communication, online social media and a desire to help grow our online presence with live streaming. If you have any ability in this area, please contact our Communications Office at communications@saintpolycarp.org or call the office at 302-653-8279.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU: Check out this week’s Bulletin and get to know another member of our music ministry!
ONLINE BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL to view the May Crowning and End-of-the-Year celebrations for PSR. https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
MEMORIAL MASS: A Memorial Mass for Deacon Charlie will be celebrated on June 23, 2021 at 6:30pm. Let us continue to pray for the repose of his soul and for his loving family.
MEMORIAL BRICKS: Graduation and Father’s Day are just around the corner. The Gift of a Memorial Brick is a unique and memorable way to celebrate a special occasion, honor family and friends (living or deceased), share a favorite quote and more! If you would like to become part of the walkway to our Blessed Mother with your name or the name of a loved one, now is a good time to do so! There are two ways to order your bricks. You can order through Faith Direct at: https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/5644
(you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), or return your form (available on our website or at the doors of the Church) with payment to St. Polycarp Church in an envelope labeled “Memorial Brick”. Please place the completed order form and a check for $80.00, made payable to St. Polycarp Church, in the envelope. You can place it in the Offertory collection, deliver it to the Parish Office (place in black box), or mail it to the parish office.
REGISTRATION FOR PSR (Parish School of Religious Education) is now open for 2021-2022. Our PSR offers religious education for children in pre-kindergarten through ninth grade. Sacramental preparation is offered for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. Visit https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/ for more information and/or to register. Questions? Contact our Coordinator of Religious Education, Erica Taylor at 302-653-4101 or dre@saintpolycarp.org
ORDINATION: Please pray for Brennan Ferris, a seminarian studying for the priesthood for the Diocese of Wilmington, who will be ordained to the transitional diaconate on May 15 at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Wilmington. It will be livestreamed on the Diocese of Wilmington’s YouTube channel.
VOCATIONS: Please continue to pray for vocations. More information about the Diocese of Wilmington’s efforts to increase awareness of vocations and to work with men and women who may have a priestly or religious vocation is available by contacting Father Norman Carroll, director of priestly and religious vocations. He is available at (302) 573-3113 or vocations@cdow.org. More information is also available at www.cdow.org/vocations.
WEAR RED NEXT SUNDAY: Whether you’re at home or in Church, wear red next weekend, May 22nd and May 23rd, in celebration of Pentecost Sunday. Show us your Spirit by wearing red!
2021 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL : Please visit our online Bulletin or visit www.cdow.org/annualcatholicappeal to find out how you can help provide pastoral, charitable, and educational programs and services to tens of thousands of people in our 12 county Diocese. St. Polycarp’s ongoing example of stewardship has been the epitome of generosity in years past. Pledge cards are available at the doors of the Church and in the black drop box under the portico.
STONES FAITH GARDEN: Please return your completed stone by next weekend as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. Please place your painted stone in the basket under the portico. Each stone has its own special message! Haven’t heard about our Stones Faith Garden? Check out our video at https://youtu.be/7rB7atK3ohQ
SHOE DRIVE: Girl Scout Troop 547 is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser from May 10 through June 25. The troop will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn, used, and new shoes collected. Contact Tracie Bruno for pick up or drop off details. (302) 242-4150 or Troop0547@gmail.com. See the Bulletin for more information.
USEFUL LINKS:
RESERVATION INFORMATION FOR WEEKEND MASSES: To view information on how to make a reservation visit https://saintpolycarp.org/rservation-information/
WEBSITE: www.saintpolycarp.org.
BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: https://saintpolycarp.org/this-weeks-bulletin/
YOUTUBE: 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. For more information and to sign up for online giving, visit faith.direct/DE831
ST DENNIS: http://www.stdennischurch.org
THE DIALOG: http://thedialog.org/ Newspaper of the Diocese, copies available as you leave Church or online
MASSES DURING THE PANDEMIC: The dispensation of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation issued March 12, 2020 remains in effect for the Diocese of Wilmington.
FROM THE DIOCESE:
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640. Tune in tomorrow, May 15, to hear an interview with Mr. Paul Senz, author of the new book, “Fatima: 100 Questions and Answers about the Marian Apparitions,” the companion book to the hit film, “Fatima.” Listen anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum or search Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify or iHeartRadio podcasts.
LET US PRAY:
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, right before your Ascension into heaven you told your apostles to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth upon receiving the Holy Spirit. May I be similarly inspired to spread your Gospel message in word and deed, according to your will for me. And may I do so prudently and joyfully, with your help, your guidance, and your grace! And remembering this glorious event, help me to seek what is above, Heaven, where you are seated at the right hand of God the Father!
https://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/ascension-day-prayer.html