33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
You are my inheritance, O Lord!
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111421.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. Please bear with us as we work through the challenges with our live streaming. If you are interested in being involved in this ministry, please email Lisa at lisa.titus@saintpolycarp.org or Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org.
PARISH WEBSITE: Visit: www.saintpolycarp.org/. Don’t forget to checkout our Bulletin Overflow for information that doesn’t fit in our weekly Bulletin! Bulletin Overflow – Saint Polycarp Church
THIS WEEKEND, NOVEMBER 13/14
SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
RITE OF ENROLLMENT FOR CONFIRMATION will take place at the 4pm Mass.
THE BLESSING OF VETERANS will take place this Sunday, November 14th, during the 10:30am Mass.
THE GIVING TREE is now set up inside the main entrance of the Church. Help a child in need by choosing one of the tags and purchasing the requested gift. Gifts should be returned to the Parish Hall no later than December 5th.
PSR REMINDER: NO in-person classes this Sunday, November 14, for Grades P/K -4. Lessons posted on PSROnline.
BIRTHRIGHT OF DELAWARE – BOTTLE FOR BABIES: Now is the time to return the bottles you took home and filled with loose change, cash, or checks. Place the bottles in the bins at all Church doors. Thank you for supporting Birthright!
WEEK of NOVEMBER 14
PARISH OFFICE – HELP NEEDED: With the holidays quickly approaching, the parish office is looking for a few extra hands to help us out as a Front Desk Receptionist. Could you possibly consider helping us one morning (9 am to 12 noon) or afternoon (12 noon to 3 pm) a week or fill in as a substitute receptionist when needed? If you are interested, or would like more information, please call Kathy in the Parish Office at (302) 653–8279 or send an email to office@saintpolycarp.org. We are also looking for someone to help with the three bulletin boards outside of the church doors. Do you have time to create a background for Advent or stop by once a week to post flyers? If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org or call the Parish Office at (302) 653-8279
PSR REMINDER: Tuesday classes will meet in person this week, November 16. Return completed Advent/Christmas posters.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION: Connected in Christ will be presenting a Scripture Study on Advent of the Savior – A Commentary of The Infancy Narratives of Jesus. The Study will begin on Tuesday, November 16th, in Mother Drexel Hall, following 8:30 Mass. These infancy narratives of Matthew and Luke are an excellent Advent preparation for the coming of Christ, one “Who was, who is, and Who is to come” (Rev4:8). He who was born into our world through the maternity of Mary, also comes to us in countless ways, and will come to us again in the fullness of His Glory. There will be four sessions including an introductory session and three lessons. A suggested donation of $10 will help defray the cost of books.
BISHOP’S 5K: Join Catholic Charities and Bishop Koenig on Saturday, November 20th, for the Annual Bishop’s 5K run/walk. This year’s event will be held in person and virtual. All proceed s benefit Catholic Charities outreach. Represent our parish (live or virtual) by joining the St. Polycarp Flames team! Sign up at: https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/35468/Groups/992871 Contact Lisa Titus in the parish office if you have questions. GO FLAMES!
RETREAT FOR SURVIVORS OF ABUSE: As the Church continues to minister to all survivors of abuse, the Archdiocese of Washington is sponsoring a retreat for survivors. The Archdiocese will offer a men’s retreat on November 19-21, 2021 and the women’s retreat will be February 18-20, 2022. These retreats are an occasion for survivors to reflect on God’s plan for their lives and for healing through prayer and the sacraments. For more information go to adw.org/the-way-retrea…. To register email mcdonald@adw.org or call Deborah McDonald at 301-853-4466. To see Frequently Asked Questions CLICK HERE
ONGOING/UPCOMING
ANNUAL FALL CLEANUP: Saturday, November 27th, 2021, 9am – 1pm. See the Bulletin for details
RESERVED PARKING SPOT: Help out the church with this annual fundraiser and Parish tradition of putting up a parking spot to the highest bidder! Please . All bids must be submitted in writing by December 1st at 3pm. See the bulletin for details.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TURKEY/HAM/GIFT CARD DROP-OFF: Once again, it’s time for SVDP’s annual Christmas “Turkey Drive” to benefit our neighbors in need. Can you donate a turkey or ham? Gift cards are also greatly appreciated. ($30 maximum).DONATIONS – Drop off your donation at the St. Polycarp parking lot on Thursday, December 9th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm. If you know of anyone who would like to have a turkey, ham, or gift card please call the Saint Vincent de Paul Society at 302-264-6630. Saint Vincent de Paul members will deliver the turkeys and gift cards to peoples’ homes o Saturday, December 11, between 9 am and Noon. (Weather permitting.)
SODALITY ADVENT RETREAT: Saturday December 11, 2021 Mother Drexel Hall – 9:00 am -1:00 pm. Deacon Frank will be our Retreat Master. Open to our Parish. See upcoming bulletins for details.
CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! Earlier this month, we celebrated All Saints Day, as we recalled those “living witnesses” who with joy and peace, show us what living the Catholic life can bring. As witnesses to Christ’s love ourselves, we pray to the saints, asking for their intercession for those who are discerning the call to join in full union with the Catholic Church. If you know someone who is looking for a new beginning and wants to learn more about the Catholic Church, “personally invite” them to our RCIA sessions, taking place at the Parish campus on Monday evenings at 6:30pm. The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is for individuals who are unbaptized, baptized in other faith traditions or Catholic adults wishing to receive Confirmation and Holy Eucharist and seeking full membership in the Catholic Church. We are all called to share the “Good News” and you can make a difference by simply asking! Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information at DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.
THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Each week a family will receive the Vocation Chalice at Mass and take it home with the promise to “pray for vocations” during that week. The family should place the chalice in a prominent place in their home and gather together each day to pray for the awareness of vocations. At the end of the week, the family will bring the chalice back to church so the next family can take it home. A booklet will accompany the chalice that has prayers and instructions. We need your prayers and for you to sign up. Call or text Alice Gaston 302-670-7924 to sign up.
MEMORIAL BRICKS: Now is a perfect time to add your Memorial Brick to the walkway of our outdoor Blessed Mother Shrine. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to have our Blessed Mother looking down upon a memory of our loved one, a special occasion or just your family name. 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 (forms may be found at the Church doors) with payment to St. Polycarp Church in an envelope labeled “Memorial Brick”. You can also CLICK HERE FOR ORDER FORM
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 receipts months old in!
Thank you to our Bulletin advertisers! We appreciate your support!
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
THE DIALOG: http://thedialog.org/ Newspaper of the Diocese, copies available as you leave Church or online
FROM THE DIOCESE:
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640. On tomorrow’s episode, November 13, 2021, tune in to learn about the Rachel’s Vineyard Catholic Retreat** for those who have suffered due to an abortion, when Ms. Nan Freeman is the guest. Listen anytime at cdow.org/CatholicForum or search Catholic Forum on Apple, Spotify or iHeartRadio podcasts. Mark your calendar now: Saturday, November 27th, tune-in to learn about St. Norbert and the Norbertine Fathers, when Fr. James Herring, O. Praem, Prior of the Immaculate Conception Priory, is the guest.
**A Rachel’s Vineyard Catholic Retreat will be held on Friday, December 3rd, through Sunday, December 5th This retreat is for anyone who has struggled with the pain of abortion. Whether you are post-abortive or associated with someone who is (parent, spouse, friend), there is nothing to fear and so much to gain. For more info contact Nan at (302) 463 – 7711 (call or text) or lucyminn929@gmail.com or visit www.rachelsvineyard.org.
LET US PRAY: St. Faustina’s Prayer to be Merciful
Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbor’s souls and come to their rescue.
Help me, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors’ needs and not be indifferent to their pains and moaning’s.
Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all.
Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my neighbors and take upon myself the more difficult and toilsome tasks.
Help me, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor overcoming my own fatigue and weariness. My true rest is in the service of my neighbor.
Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. I will refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere even with those who, I know, will abuse my kindness. And I will lock myself up in the most merciful Heart of Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence. May Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me.
Amen.