31st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
November 4/5
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ Why is it so hard to humbly accept ourselves as God made us?
~ Do you notice that the person who humbles himself is exalted, or does it seem that the person who points to his accomplishments is honored?
~ Why would the humble person be more at peace with God than the proud individual?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110523.cfm
LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 7:30 am, Tuesdays – Friday* and 4 pm on Saturdays. (*With the addition of weekday Masses on Thursdays and Fridays, along with the change in Mass time, along with the end of day light savings, we may experience some issues with the live streaming. We ask for your patience as we adjust to these changes.)
PARISH WEBSITE: Visit: www.saintpolycarp.org/.
WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE . (New Bulletins are posted on Fridays.)
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: There’s always information that doesn’t fit in our Bulletin – Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE
BEGINNING THIS COMING TUESDAY, November 7th, weekday Masses at St. Polycarp will be celebrated at 7:30 am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Weekday Masses at St. Dennis will be celebrated at 9:30 am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. (No 8:30 am Masses) In conjunction with the National Eucharistic Revival, the addition of weekday Masses will allow greater opportunity to receive the Eucharist. Come join us! A wonderful way to start your day! Weekend Masses remain the same.
THIS WEEKEND, November 4/5 (and Monday, November 6th – Friday, November 10th)
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS – SILVER ROSE PRAYER SERVICE –The Knights of Columbus invite you to the Silver Rose Pilgrimage Prayer Service this Saturday, November 4th, following the 4 pm Mass. Share the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe and promote respect for life by participating in this meaningful pilgrimage. The Silver Rose program demonstrates the unity between Knights of Columbus in Canada, the United States and Mexico, through a series of prayer services promoting the dignity of all human life and honoring Our Lady. Join us after the service for refreshments and fellowship in the hall.
THIS WEEKEND’S SECOND COLLECTION is for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. In the U.S. more than 11% of the population lives in poverty. Through this collection, you support programs that address the root causes of poverty and provide a sustainable future for those struggling across the country. In addition, 25% of the funds collected, remain in the diocese to fund local anti-poverty projects. Please prayerfully consider how you can support this collection. www.usccb.org/cchd
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD: We are happy to announce that Children’s Liturgy of the Word is being offered every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month during the 10:30am Mass. (This month – November 5th and 19th).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.
NOVEMBER AGAPE: Please join us after the 10:30 am Mass this Sunday, November 5th, for food and fellowship. Our November Agape is being sponsored by the Pastoral Council, Building & Maintenance, and our Facilities Planning Committees. Come and meet the members of these ministries and learn how their contributions help build community here at Saint Polycarp.
BIRTHRIGHT’S ANNUAL BOTTLES FOR BABIES FUNDRAISER: Now is the time to return the bottles! Bottles should be placed in the baskets near the doors of the Church. The proceeds benefit pregnant women and their babies. Thank you for your willingness to support and choose life!
THE GIVING TREE – November 4th – December 3rd. Our Giving Tree Committee coordinates the Christmas gifts for needy children in our community. We work closely with our Parish School of Religion and the Smyrna School District to identify children in need. The Giving Tree is now set up inside the Main Entrance of the Church with the children’s requests. Please purchase a gift for the child on the tag you choose and return it to the Parish Hall no later than Sunday, December 3rd. Contact Fran Walls at (302) 653 – 1450, if you have any questions. Thank You!
NATIONAL VOCATION AWARENESS WEEK – November 5th – 11th: This Sunday, the Church in the U. S. begins a special week to pray for and encourage vocations for our Church. Take time to pray and see those around you that you might want to encourage, maybe your own child or grandchild. Most who have responded to His call say that it was prompted by the encouragement of others, even strangers that saw something in them. Do you want more information about religious vocations? Call or email Fr. Norm Carroll & Fr. Rich Jasper at (302) 572-3113 or vocations@cdow.org
HAPPY 36th ANNIVERSARY, FATHER JIM! Let us always be thankful and appreciative of Father Jim’s willingness to hear and answer faithfully God’s call to the Priesthood. During this time of the Eucharistic Revival, let us be thankful for the extra opportunities Father Jim is providing for us to receive the Eucharist. Please pray for Father Jim as he continues to shepherd both parishes, St. Polycarp and St. Dennis (Galena, MD). Fr. Jim was ordained into the priesthood on November 7, 1987.
Fr. Jim – We appreciate everything you do for our Parish! Thank you and may God bless you!
CONNECTED IN CHRIST: For the last several weeks, Connected in Christ has been studying the series, Jesus and the Eucharist, produced by the National Eucharistic Congress. All are welcome to join us. Beginning on November 7th, we will begin each week to gather at 8:40 am, following the 7:30 am. Mass, Rosary, and Divine Mercy Chaplet. We will begin promptly at 9:00 am with our faith-sharing lessons.
PSR CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT FUNDRAISER: The last day to order is TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7th. Help us decorate the Christmas Trees that will be displayed in Mother Drexel Hall through the month of December through the Epiphany. Purchase as many Christmas Ornaments as you want for $5 each. Each ornament will have a tag attached to it that you can personalize. Order forms are available at the doors of the Church or you can CLICK HERE
NOW IS THE TIME TO REGISTER WITH THE ST. POLYCARP FLAMES FOR THE BISHOP’S 5K at St. Mark’s High School (2501 Pike Creek Road, Wilmington) on November 18th at 9 am. Join the St. Polycarp Flames as we represent our parish at the Bishop’s 5K to benefit Catholic Charities.
https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/35468/Groups/1386989. Call or email Michael Pyle (302-423-9732 / mjpyle58@msn.com) for more information!
EARLY DEADLINES FOR NOVEMBER, DECEMBER & JANUARY BULLETINS: As we enter the busy holiday season, the bulletin is due earlier to the publisher. Therefore, all submissions that you would like to appear in the bulletin will need to be submitted earlier than usual. Please see this weekend’s bulletin for a list of early deadlines. Plan ahead!
2023 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL: We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you who have already contributed to our parish Faith and
Charity Catholic Appeal. We are $3,939.30 above the $60,000 goal in pledges. $57,214.64 has been collected, leaving $2,785.36 to still be collected to reach the $60,000 goal. Our parish has raised significant funds for the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. If you’ve pledged, kindly ensure your payments are up to date. Your commitment matters greatly. Thank you for your continued support.
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. We invite those who haven’t yet had the opportunity to give to the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal to join us in spreading the spirit of gratitude. Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church. 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.
NEXT WEEKEND, November 11/12 (and Monday, November 13th – Friday, November 17th)
SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION will take place next Saturday, November 11th (the Vigil Mass before the 2nd Sunday of the month) at the 4 pm Mass. Following the prayer after Communion, Fr. Jim will place the Blessed Sacrament (Host) in the Monstrance. The Blessed Sacrament is then incensed while the “O Salutaris / O Saving Victim” is sung. (Found inside the back cover of Breaking Bread.) Silent prayer then begins. (At this point, Fr. Jim leaves the Church. Please do not leave before Fr. Jim exits the Church.) Silent prayer then continues until 6. Maybe this time you can only stay until after Fr. Jim leaves. Maybe last month you stayed for 8 minutes, Can you stay for 10 minutes this month? When you leave, please do so quietly as others are praying to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. .
UPCOMING
RESERVED PARKING SPOT – Help out the Church with 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 the winter weather coming, maybe you will want to have that close spot for you or loved one (maybe as an early Christmas gift). Please submit your bid amount by December 1st at 3pm 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.
CHRISTIANS OF THE HOLY LAND – OLIVE WOOD: St. Polycarp will welcome a representative from Christians of the Holy Land on the weekend of November 18th -19th, 2023. Olive wood carvings will be available for purchase after the 4 pm Mass on Saturday and the 10:30 am Mass on Sunday. Please visit Mother Drexel Hall after these Masses to help support our fellow Christians living in the Holy Land.
SMYRNA – CLAYTON MINISTERIUM: St. Polycarp is one of the many local churches who actively participate in the Smyrna-Clayton Ministerium. The churches of the Ministerium join together to serve God through serving the people in the Smyrna School District area.
UPCOMING MINISTERIUM EVENTS: Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Sunday, November 19th from 2-5 pm at Smyrna Elementary School Cafeteria (the school across form our St. Polycarp Church). Everyone is welcome! Come and celebrate what the Lord has provided together with our community, friends and family!
Community Thanksgiving Eve Service, Wednesday, November 22nd at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 22 N. Union Street, Smyrna. Everyone is welcome! A time of fellowship will follow the service.
SMYRNA-CLAYTON MINISTERIUM FOOD PANTRY: As most of you know, our Parish has collected food, year round, for our local food pantry for decades. The baskets for your donations are in the hallway, under the coat racks, across from the bathrooms. (Please, no expired food.) The food pantry is now located at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church ( 22 N Union St, Smyrna). Our parish is currently in need of someone who would be willing to come pick up the Food Pantry donations weekly and drop them off at St. Peter’s. If you are able to serve in this ministry please contact Kathy Watts in the Church Office.
THANKSGIVING MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED AT ST. POLYCARP on Thursday, November 23rd at 9 am. (No 7:30 am Mass on Thursday, November 23rd or Friday, November 24th)
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY SODALITY ADVENT RETREAT – Saturday, November 25th, 8:30 am until 1 pm. You are invited to join the Sodality in spiritual reflection and prayer for an Advent Retreat. The retreat will begin with Mass at 8:30 am celebrated by our Retreat Master Msgr. George Brubaker. Lunch will be provided. Those interested in attending must register. Please call Betty Sloven at (302) 547 – 8174 or email her at churchladybetty@gmail.com by Monday, November 20th. There are also sign-up sheets on bulletin boards. This is a free retreat but we are accepting love offerings.
ST. POLYCARP ANNUAL FALL CLEANUP – Saturday, November 25th, 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.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
NEEDED – NEW MINISTRY SCHEDULER: We are currently looking for someone to take over the scheduling of our ministers for the Weekend Masses and Holy Days of Obligation. This person must have good PC organization and computer skills. If you think you might be interested in this position, please call Frank Patton at (302) 508-5268.
SACRISTAN NEEDED: We are still in need of someone to step forward to serve as sacristan. Sacristans have the duty to arrive early to the Church in order to unlock the doors and prepare the Church for Mass. Becoming a sacristan would be a great way to learn more about our beautiful liturgy and become more involved in carrying it out. No previous knowledge is required. If you are interested, please contact the head sacristan Adam Bauer at ajpd.bauer@gmail.com.
DIRECTORY COORDINATOR: The Pastoral Council is looking for a parishioner to coordinate the preparation for a new directory for Saint Polycarp. Our last directory was published in 2018 and we understand there may be an interest in producing a new directory. Please contact Kathy Curlett at (302) 222 – 9326 if you are interested.
ONGOING
SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION at St. Polycarp will take place monthly at the Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of the month. November 11th & December 9th. Eucharistic Adoration at St. Dennis Church (Galena MD) will take place on the Fourth Sunday of the month following the 8 am Sunday Mass. (November 26th).
TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 9am to 8pm in the Chapel. We are still in need of people to fill in when others are ill or cannot attend. Do you have one hour to spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament on an occasional basis? Call Cheryl Thomas at (302) 363 – 0404 or email her at salcrest7@gmail.com. All are welcome to stop in and adore Jesus between 9 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/
CONNECTED IN CHRIST (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets every Tuesday at 9:00 am in the Parish Library – ALL are welcome. Please join us. If you have any questions, please call Cookie Ruane at (302) 540 – 6429.
FAITH WITH FRIENDS (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets the first Thursday of every month at 6 pm in Room 7. Everyone is invited. Questions? Contact Ashley Wilson at 302.535.4118.
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: Thanks to a very generous and thoughtful parishioner, our FORMED Subscription has been RENEWED for another year! Please SIGN UP NOW and begin enjoying the abundant amount of Catholic content that FORMED has to offer! You won’t be disappointed! To gain full access to FORMED; follow these simple steps:
~Go to: www.formed.org or scan QR Code
~Enter our parish’s zip code (19977)
~Click on St. Polycarp Church
~Enter your name and your email address
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. Fr. Norm Carroll will discuss priestly and religious vocations as we celebrate National Vocations Awareness Week from Nov. 5th -11th.on the November 4th, episode of Catholic Forum podcast. 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: 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