May 23/24, 2026
PENTECOST SUNDAY
~ Which image or title of the Holy Spirit best helps you to understand His role in your life?
~ How do you use the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given you?
~ How has your relationship with the Holy Spirit enabled you to be a witness to Christ in the world?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052426.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
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. 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.
Thanks to your generosity, our goal of $61,500 in pledges has not only been reached but surpassed! $69,661.32 has been pledged surpassing our goal in pledges by $8,161.32! 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, May 22 – Friday, May 29
WEAR RED THIS WEEKEND! PENTECOST SUNDAY!
Be with the Spirit and remember to WEAR RED THIS 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.
MOVIE NIGHT: Movie Night is this 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.
ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEDICATION OF ST. POLYCARP CHURCH IN SMYRNA DE – MAY 26 1968. We will be reciting the Prayer to the Dedication of our Church this weekend, instead of the Eucharistic Adoration Prayer. There are prayer cards in the pews and the prayer is also in the Bulletin.
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.”
THE PARISH HALL IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR RENT YET, BUT WE’RE GETTING THERE!
Pastoral Council is wrapping up a few last details and then we will be ready to begin hall rentals. We can always use more volunteers to help! Interested? Contact Kathy Ursitti, Executive Officer, at 302-530-9206 or ursitti@verizon.net.
PASTORAL COUNCIL: 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.
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. 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
MEMORIAL DAY is Monday, May 25
The office will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.
UPCOMING
SQUIRES LOCK IN: Once again the Squires are conducting a “Lock In” as a Circle. This year’s lock in will take place on 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.
We are asking for your support by sponsoring the Squires for us to raise the funds. Funds collected will be split up between St. Polycarp and the State Police K9 Unit. A collection at the doors after Mass on June 6th and 7th will be held if you wish to sponsor the Squires.
AGAPE:: On Sunday, June 7th, following the 10:30 am Mass, the Brother Vincent Columbiettes will be hosting the June Agape. Please come join them for food & fellowship as they celebrate their “20th Anniversary” and the beginning of the summer season. Come talk with members of the Columbiettes to see what they have planned. They would love to have new members to enjoy the sisterhood of Catholic Women doing great things!
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)
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.
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!
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/.
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.
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.