Weekend Update May 16/17, 2026

May 16/17, 2026

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

~ Why is Jesus’ ascension into heaven a cause for celebration?
~ How has this Easter season prepared you to carry on Jesus’ mission in the world?
~ How do you feel knowing Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always”? 

READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051726.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

 

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MANY HANDS, ONE MISSION: A 50-YEAR LEGACY: 100% of your donations stay within the Diocese of Wilmington!
For 50 years, the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal has carried faith into the future – strengthening our Church and caring for those in need throughout Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. This year, Bishop Koenig is asking every parish family to join in. Your participation matters as much as the gift itself. When every household gives, our parish grows stronger—and our shared mission thrives. If you have not yet made your pledge, please do so today. 50% of all first-time gifts stay right here in our parish, and funds raised beyond our goal also support local needs. Together, with many hands and one mission, we can ensure our faith remains vibrant for generations to come. 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, May 15 – Friday, May 22

BLOOD DRIVE – FRIDAY, MAY 15, FROM 1 PM – 6 PM: Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.  If you are willing and able to donate your blood with the hopes to save a life contact Jack Barnas 302-383-4174 JWBarnas@outlook.com or Mike Cunningham 302-379-8952  mikec923@yahoo.com

 

WEAR RED NEXT WEEKEND! PENTECOST SUNDAY!
Be with the Spirit and remember to WEAR RED NEXT WEEKEND, May 23/24, as we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Flames of the Holy Spirit rested upon each Apostle as they received the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

 

SECOND COLLECTION: The Second Collection this weekend is for the Priest Retirement Fund.

 

THE APOSTLES’ CREED will be prayed during the Easter Season instead of the Nicene Creed. The Apostle’s Creed can be found on page 10 in Breaking Bread.

 

The MULTI-CULTURAL FRIENDS SUBCOMMITTEE celebrates the richness and diversity of our parishes and communities. We are committed to seeing, supporting, and loving one another, following Jesus’ command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). Our hope is to foster understanding, friendship, and unity across all cultures and backgrounds in the Church. We meet the third Wednesday of every month, alternating between St. Polycarp ad St. Dennis churches. Our next meeting is May 20, 2026 at 6:30 pm at St. Dennis. Light refreshments will be provided.

 

ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED: If your child has expressed a desire to serve Jesus and St Polycarp Parish at the altar and if they have received the Sacrament of Holy Communion, please contact: Fran and Jim Walls at

Cell Phone – 302-359-9152
Email – SmyrnaWalls@gmail.com.

 

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THE WEEK OF Friday, May 22 – Friday, May 29

MOVIE NIGHT: Movie Night is next Saturday, May 23, in the Library immediately after Mass. Stop in after Mass to watch a good Catholic video with us. All videos are less than 30 minutes.
Will there be food? Absolutely! Because no Catholic gathering happens without food.

THE VOCATION CHALICE : Sunday, May 24 –  ReAnna Hackett will receive the Vocation Chalice for a week of prayer for vocations.

 

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UPCOMING

 

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)

 

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STEWARDSHIP: TIME, TALENT, TREASURE – WE NEED YOU!

The Pastoral Council is currently accepting new members. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. Parishioners with interest in contributing ideas and insight are invited to contact Kathy Ursitti, Executive Officer, at 302-530-9206 or ursitti@verizon.net.

 

 

THE PARISH HALL IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR RENT…until…

The Parish kitchen/hall will be available for rent after we have volunteer(s) to fill the position of monitor during events.  Parishioners interested in assisting in this ministry or for more information, should contact Kathy Ursitti, Executive Officer, at 302-530-9206 or ursitti@verizon.net.

 

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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:  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 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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CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week.   On this week’s episode, Justin McLellan, a Wilmington native who works as the Vatican Correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter joins the show to discuss his experience as a Vatican journalist during the conclave, traveling to Peru soon after Pope Leo’s election to meet with the people.  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/.

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