The Ascension of the Lord
May 20/21, 2023
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ 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/052123.cfm
LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.
PARISH WEBSITE: Visit: www.saintpolycarp.org/.
WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE . (New Bulletins are posted on Fridays.)
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE
THIS WEEKEND, MAY 20/21 (& Monday, May 22nd – Friday, May 26th)
APOSTLES’ CREED: We will continue to pray the Apostles’ Creed during the Easter season. (Breaking Bread Hymnal on page 10.)
ST. POLYCARP CHURCH FILIPINO – AMERICAN COMMUNITY cordially invites you to FILIPINO – AMERICAN INCULTURATION , Sunday, May 21st following the 10:30 am Mass in the hall. See this weekend’s Bulletin for more information.
NEW PICTURES POSTED: MAY CROWNING CLICK HERE BLESSING OF THE SAINT JOSEPH SHRINE CLICK HERE
HAPPY ANNIVERSAY!
Friday, May 26th marks the 55th anniversary of the dedication of St. Polycarp Church in Smyrna, Delaware! (1968 – 2023)!
CONGRATULATIONS RICH DEZAO! The Brother Vincent Council would like to congratulate Brother Rich DeZao on his election as State Deputy for the Columbian Year 2023-2024. This is a great accomplishment and an honor. He will be very busy leading the Delaware State Knights of Columbus for the next year. Brother Vincent Council looks forward to supporting him and his staff for the upcoming year. CONGRATULATIONS FROM ALL OF US HERE AT ST. POLYCARP PARISH!!!!!
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – 2023 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL: Thank you to everyone who, “Shining the Light of Christ”, pledged the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. If you have not yet participated, please consider doing so today. Your gift makes a real difference in the lives of thousands of individuals and families who reside within our 12-county diocese. Pledge envelopes are available in the pews of the Church and can be placed in the offertory basket. Thank you for your generosity and support. To hear a message from Fr. Jim CLICK HERE To hear Bishop Koenig message CLICK HERE To learn more about the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, visit www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal,” or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.
DEVOTIONAL OR VOTIVE CANDLES: The price of lighting a devotional or votive candle has risen. The donation is now $3.00 instead of the original price of $2.00. This change should be noticed on the new signs placed by the candles.
FATHER’S DAY NOVENA MASS: 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. Please use the Father’s Day Mass Remembrance envelopes to inscribe the names you wish to be remembered in the Masses offered by our parish beginning June 17th
NEXT WEEKEND, MAY 27/28 (& Monday, May 29th – Friday, June 2nd)
PENTECOST SUNDAY – NEXT SUNDAY! WEAR RED! Be with the Spirit and remember to wear red next weekend (May 27th & 28th) as we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. Flames of the Holy Spirit rested upon each Apostle and they received the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
THE EASTER SEASON: The close of the Easter Season is almost upon us. The Easter season (fifty days of rejoicing and celebrating Jesus’ resurrection and His victory over death) concludes with the Solemnity of Pentecost (next Sunday, May 28th).
ONGOING
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from noon to 8pm in the Chapel. We need a few more people to sign up for a scheduled Adoration time slot so we can expand our Adoration hours. We need adorers for these timeslots on Tuesday: 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Call or email Cheryl Thomas salcrest7@gmail.com or (302) 363 – 0404.
FINANCE COUCIL: Individuals interested in becoming an active part of the Finance Council. The role of the Finance Council is to: Support all Parish ministries; Facilitate the achievement of the Parish mission, and; Provide ongoing financial guidance to Fr. Jim and Parish leadership If you have an interest in assisting in the financial success of St. Polycarp, please reach out to John Fcasni at (609) 529 – 1986 or john.fcasni@gmail.com
MEMORIAL BRICKS! Adding your MEMORIAL BRICK to the walkway of our Blessed Mother is a unique way to keep your memories alive. It is a way to remind us of all those special loved ones or occasions forever. If you would like to become a 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 several ways to order your bricks. You can order through Faith Direct at: Faith Direct MEMORIAL BRICK (you do not need to sign up for Faith Direct), use the QR code below or return your form* with payment of $80 to St. Polycarp Church. Envelopes marked with “Memorial Brick” may be placed in the Offertory collection, delivered to the Parish Office (place in black box), or mailed to the Parish Office.*Forms can be found on our parish website or at the entrances into the church.
CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! Is there someone you would like to invite to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized, or baptized in a non-Catholic Christian tradition? Do you know someone who needs Confirmation and/or First Eucharist? Perhaps, the Catholic faith can fulfill their desires for a closer relationship with Our Lord. Then, the RCIA process is for them. Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information. DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653 – 8279.
THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week. Text or call Alice Gaston at (302) 670 – 7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/
CONNECTED IN CHRIST (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets every Tuesday at 9:30 am in the Parish Library – ALL are welcome. Please join us. If you have any questions, please call Cookie Ruane at (302) 540 – 6429.
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.
IS THAT YOU, FR. JIM? If you receive emails or texts from Fr. Jim asking for favors, gift cards or gifts or stating something similar to “I am currently busy in a meeting now, no calls so just reply to my email.”, please ignore and delete. If an email looks suspicious and you’re not sure, give the office a call.
FORMED: Have you had the opportunity to dive into FORMED? To sign up visit www.formed.org. Type in our Parish zip code (19977) and follow the steps to sign up or you can use the QR code below. Take advantage of your free subscription to FORMED! Enjoy thousands of hours of quality Catholic content!
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!
BULLETIN SPONSORS: 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!
USEFUL LINKS:
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
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
EWTN: ewtn.com
FROM THE DIOCESE:
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. On Saturday, May 20th,Join Felix Spitelle as we listen to this year’s Knights of Columbus Vocations essay contest winners present their essays. CLICK HERE You can listen online at cdow.org/CatholicForum, or by searching “Catholic Forum” on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Amazon Music podcasts. “Like” Catholic Forum on Facebook at facebook.com/CatholicForum @CatholicForum.
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! Amen
(ourcatholicprayers)