THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
ALL SOULS’ DAY
~ Do you pray for all your departed brothers and sisters or only departed family members?
~ When a person dies, they are absolved from sin. Do you believe that when you die with Christ, you shall also live with him?
~ Do you believe that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him will have eternal life?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110225.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. (Once at the site, click on “Live”.) Please note: At times the live-stream fails to work. We apologize for the inconvenience. 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
IMPORTANT REMINDERS: 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 mode) and after receiving the Sacrament. Remember, it is the Body and Blood of Jesus that you just received.
2025 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL – TOGETHER IN HOPE: Congratulations! We’ve reached our goal in PLEDGES! We have not reached our goal in money collected. It is important that everyone follows through with payments on pledges. Thanks to the generosity of 185 donors, our parish has pledged $64,741.76! Our total amount collected towards the pledge amount has increased to $58,518. Once we reach our goal in collected donations, we will receive back half of the money collected above the goal for projects around our campus. Thank you for your generosity and support!
NATIONAL VOCATION AWARENESS WEEK
NOVEMBER 2-8, 2025
Are you being called to the priesthood or religious life? Let us help you to discover God’s plan for your life.
E-mail: vocations@cdow.org or Call us: (302) 573-3113
Mailing address: Office of Priestly & Religious Vocations, P.O. Box 2030, Wilmington, DE 19899-2030
Office Address: 1626 N. Union St., Wilmington, DE
Rev. John T. Solomon, Director of Seminarians and the Office of Priestly and Religious Vocations
Rev. Richard Jasper, Associate Director of Vocations
Happy 38th Anniversary Fr. Jim! Thank you for answering the call to the priesthood!
Fr. Jim was ordained on November 7, 1987. May God grant him the strength, grace, good health and patience as he continues to shepherd two parishes!
THIS WEEK: Friday, October 31 – Friday, November 7
Don’t forget! Time changes Sunday at 2am – BACK one hour! Enjoy the extra hour!
ST.DENNIS CHURCH’S CHRISTMAS CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR- Saturday, November 1, from 9 am to 2 pm.
St. Dennis Church (154 North Main Street, Galena, MD)
There will be arts and crafts, lunch with Santa in his workshop, Christmas gifts for all ages, silent auctions, raffle tickets, as well as cakes, pies, cookies made by the parishioners! Lunch will be served all day. For more information contact Jim at 717-575-1235.
ALL SAINTS’ DAY November 1 – A Holy Day of Obligation
Mass Schedule – The Solemnity of All Saints
St. Polycarp – *Saturday, November 1 at 8:30 am
St. Dennis -*Saturday, November 1 at 8:30 am
* Because All Saints’ Day falls on a Saturday this year, this Solemnity is still a “Holy Day” but the obligation to attend Mass is removed. This Mass does not satisfy the attendance of the Sunday Mass obligation.
ALL SOULS’ DAY November 2
Mass Schedule – All Souls’ Day
St. Polycarp – Saturday, November 1 at 4 pm & Sunday, November 2 at 10:30 am
St. Dennis – Sunday, November 2 at 8 am and 11 am (Hispanic)
COME GROW IN FAITH WITH FRIENDS! Faith is stronger with friends! Come join us for Faith with Friends on Sunday, November 2, at 9 am in the library.
Bring a friend – you’ll be glad you did.
PSR’s CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT FUNDRAISER: Last chance to order Christmas ornaments! We’ll accept orders through Tuesday, November 4! Ornaments are just $5. For information and order form, click here or use this QR code. Order forms are also available at the doors of the church and can be placed in the collection baskets with payment attached.
BIRTHRIGHT’S ANNUAL BOTTLES FOR BABIES FUNDRAISER – Please make sure to return all baby bottle by next weekend. Thank you. Proceeds benefit pregnant women and their families.
CHRISTMAS AT SEA: Now through November 9, the Christmas at Sea ministry will be collecting donations to create “ditty boxes.” The items will be placed in plastic shoe boxes and wrapped by our Confirmation students. Our Girl Scouts will then deliver the boxes to the Seaman’s Center of Wilmington around Thanksgiving. This is truly a Corporal Work of Mercy that we can all partake in. We are collecting gloves, hats, scarves, socks, playing cards, and full-size items of toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shaving cream, deodorant, shampoo, and hand lotion. Collection boxes will be in the hallway. Monetary donations will be used to purchase items to fill the boxes and can be made by placing an envelope marked “Christmas at Sea” in the collection basket, or by dropping the envelope off at the parish office. Please contact Tracie Bruno with any questions: 302-242-4150. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
ALTAR SERVERS: If your child expresses 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 and Email- SmyrnaWalls@gmail.com There will be training for new altar servers this Fall.
RESERVED PARKING SPOT: Help out the Church with this annual fundraiser and Parish tradition of putting up a parking spot to the highest bidder! You will have the reserved spot (with your name on it) for one year. With winter weather coming, maybe you want a close spot for you or a loved one (maybe as an early Christmas gift.) Please submit your bid amount by November 28 at 12 pm by emailing financialmanager@saintpolycarp.org with the Subject Line: “Parking Spot Bid” or dropping it in the collection basket or black drop box under the portico labeled “Parking Spot Bid” with your name & phone number on it. Individual parishioners, as well as, parish groups are welcome to bid. All bids MUST be in writing.
DO YOU PLAY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT? WE NEED INSTRUMENTALISTS!
Saint Polycarp Parish’s Music Ministry needs skilled instrumentalists for liturgies.
Your talents can help us avoid a shortage of musicians.
Contact Kathy Curlett at 302-222-9326 for more information.
NEXT WEEK: Friday, November 7 – Friday, November 14
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION takes place Saturday, November 8th following the prayer after Communion at the 4pm Mass.
SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEKEND, NOVEMBER 8/9: Due to a schedule error, the 2nd collection for November 8/9 will be the for The Triennial National Collection for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. Due to this change, the second collection for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which was originally scheduled for November 8/9, will now be held on November 15/16. We appreciate your generosity and understanding.
THE VOCATION CHALICE : November 9 – Ashley Wilson will receive the Vocation Chalice for a week of prayer for vocations.
CALLING ALL FAMILIES! We are kicking off our Family Youth Social Group next Sunday, November 9 after the 10:30 am Youth Mass. All are invited! We have a new name for our group – BFF – Building Faith and Family !!! Join us in the hall for lunch, formation and fun!
UPCOMING:
QUARTER AUCTION COMING SOON! Mark your calendars for St. Polycarp Church’s 3rd Annual Quarter Auction on Sunday, November 16, Doors open at 3 pm. Auction begins at 4 pm.
🕒 TIME’S RUNNING OUT! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible night of fellowship, fun, and faith. ✨ VIP TABLES AVAILABLE! ✨Get the best seats in the house with special perks and table service — perfect for families, friends, or ministry groups!
🎁 ITEM ANNOUNCEMENT – YOU COULD WIN:
✅ One FREE Month of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training
✅ Dinner at Bally’s Royal Prime Steakhouse 🥩
✅ Tickets to a Queen Entertainment Show 👑🎶
✅ Plus TONS of gift certificates from local favorites around town!
⏳ Don’t wait — this event WILL sell out! Contact Deanna Lail at 302-535-2957 for more details.
SECOND COLLECTION, NOVEMBER 15/16, is for the St. Vincent de Paul Society (originally scheduled for November 8/9). We appreciate your generosity in helping those in need throughout our community.
ANNUAL FALL CLEANUP: Saturday, November 29th, 2025 9 am – Noon Come join us for the Annual Fall Cleanup.
We need you to help beautify the campus by clearing the ground of leaves, branches and debris. Please bring a rake, blowers, gloves and your friends. Great opportunity for Confirmandi volunteer hours. We welcome folks on riding mowers that can vacuum up the leaves. We appreciate any amount of time you are able to give. Light refreshments will be available.
Please text or call Michael Pyle at 302-423-9732 or email him at mjpyle58@msn.com so we can know how many folks to expect.
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.
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, November 8th, December 13th.
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. November 9 – Ashley Wilson
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.
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. Fr. Jim has never/will never solicit donations in this manner.
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!
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!
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/
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 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
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week. This week, Leo Stincinski will discuss the Blue Hen Rosary Cenacle. 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/.
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS:
God our Father,
We thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons.
Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call.
May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen