28th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
~ When have you asked God to heal you of an affliction?
~ Did you remember to thank the Lord?
~ Do you consider that you have a responsibility as a baptized person to give witness to God’s work?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101225.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 – Congratulations! We’ve reached our goal in PLEDGES!
TOGETHER IN HOPE
Thanks to the generosity of 185 donors, our parish has pledged $64,972! Our total amount collected towards the pledge amount has increased to $56,520. It is important that everyone follows through with payments on pledges. 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!
THIS WEEK: Friday, October 10th – Friday, October 17th
ROSARY RALLY: Please join the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality at our public ROSARY RALLY at 12 noon, tomorrow, Saturday, October 11. We will meet at our outdoor statue of Mary and will pray for the repentance and conversion of our great nation, asking God to save America through the rosary of His Most Holy Mother.
THE SECOND COLLECTION this weekend, October 11 and 12, is for our Church’s Parish Maintenance. This collection helps provide the funds needed for all the necessary expenses as well as all unexpected surprises.
SPEND SOME TIME WITH JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT:
Eucharistic Adoration, will take place tomorrow, Saturday, October 11, following the prayer after Communion at the 4 pm Vigil Mass.
THE VOCATION CHALICE : October 12 – Neda Biggs will receive the Vocation Chalice for a week of prayer for vocations.
PSR: PSR ONLINE this week Sunday, October 12 / Tuesday, October 14. Parents – Remember to check your email!
NO IN-PERSON CLASSES.
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: We loved meeting all of your pets!
CLICK HERE or use the QR code to see pictures from this wonderful event that was held last Sunday in honor of St. Francis of Assisi!! 
QUARTER AUCTION COMING SOON! 🎉Mark your calendars for St. Polycarp Church’s 3rd Annual Quarter Auction on Sunday, November 16, at 55 Ransom Lane in Smyrna! 📅 Regular paddles are just $5, All-in paddles $45 – paddle sales run through October 11. Contact Darlene Sanphy at (302) 270-3915 or Deanna Lail at (302) 535-2957 to get your paddles today! 📞
PSR’s CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT FUNDRAISER has begun! Ornaments are just $5. See the bulletin insert for more information and order form or click here or use this QR code. 
ST. DENNIS PARISH PICNIC & ANNUAL FORUM – Sunday, October 12. There will be only one Mass at St. Dennis Parish, Galena MD, on Sunday, October 12, at 8 am. The Mass will be bilingual. Bishop Koenig will celebrate the Mass. St. Polycarp is invited to join us afterwards for the St. Dennis Annual Forum and Parish Picnic. Picnic will begin around noon. Food! Fun! Fellowship! Games and activities for children and adults.
Food choices:
> Pack your own lunch and a blanket or chair to sit upon.
> Bring a covered dish to share.
> Hot dogs will be offered by The Knights of Columbus.
> Water, sodas and snacks will be available.
> Free ice cream
OFFICE CLOSED: The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, October 13, in observance of the holiday.
THE ALL SOULS’ DAY NOVENA OF MASSES provides an opportunity for us to renew our hope in Christ’s promise of eternal life. Please use the All Souls’ Day envelopes to list the loved ones you wish to be remembered at these special Masses. Extra envelopes are available at the church entrances.
BIRTHRIGHT’S ANNUAL BOTTLES FOR BABIES FUNDRAISER – Throughout the month of October, “Respect Life month,” Birthright of Delaware hosts its Annual Bottles for Babies Fundraiser. Bottles are available at the doors of the Church. Please take as many bottles as you would like. Fill the bottle with loose change, cash or a check. Return the bottle(s) at the end of October or sooner whether filled or empty. Proceeds benefit pregnant women and their families.
FINANCIAL MANAGER POSITION at St. Polycarp Church – Is God calling YOU or someone you know?
After three years of dedicated service, Laura Pajerowski will be stepping away from her role as Financial Manager to embrace the next chapter God has planned for her, one filled with family, faith and fulfillment. May God bless her for coming out of retirement to fill this role three years ago. We are thankful for her time and talent that she has shared so generously with our ministerial team. Her wisdom, dedication, and spirit will be treasured. She will be deeply missed. We wish her every blessing.
We trust that God will touch the heart of someone to respond to our need for a Financial Manager. Please spread the word, or perhaps it is you who He is calling! Interested candidates should have Financial Management, Accounting and Bookkeeping experience with the appropriate educational credentials or work experience. Above all, the person must be willing to work collaboratively with our team of Professional ministries to build God’s Kingdom here at St. Polycarp. This is a paid, part time position. Inquiries should be sent to fr.hreha@saintpolycarp.org
We’re looking for someone who can post updates and inspiration on Facebook from time to time or more! We are currently without anyone for this position. If you have ever posted to Facebook, this would be a great ministry for you. Whether you’re a social media pro or just want to help our parish, this is for YOU! Interested? Contact Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org.
DO YOU PLAY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT? WE NEED YOU! 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.
OCTOBER IS RESPECT LIFE MONTH
Man has the right to live. He has the right to bodily integrity and to the means necessary for the proper development of life, particularly food, clothing, shelter, medical care, rest, and, finally, the necessary social services. In consequence, he has the right to be looked after in the event of ill health; disability stemming from his work; widowhood; old age; enforced unemployment; or whenever through no fault of his own he is deprived of the means of livelihood.
Saint (Pope) John XXIII.
NEXT WEEK: Friday, October 17th – Friday, October 24th
THE SECOND COLLECTION next weekend, October 18 and 19, is for Mission Sunday.
MOVIE NIGHT – NEXT SATURDAY: On Saturday, October 18, the Christian Formation Committee will be showing a video after the 4 pm Mass in the library. Just come to the door under the portico. We will be serving some delicious refreshments. Mark your calendars and join us.
FAITH WITH FRIENDS – NEXT SUNDAY: Come grow in Faith with Friends! Join us next Sunday, October 19, at 9 am in the library.
Bring a friend and be encouraged together in faith!
FAITH WITH FRIENDS – NEXT TUESDAY, October 21, at 6:15 pm in Room 7. Bible Character Study – Day 1: Moses The Reluctant Deliverer God calls us—even when we feel weak or make excuses. Come discover how to step out in faith like Moses. Exodus 3–4 | Bring a friend and grow in faith together!
PRETZELS! Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus will be selling their famous Philly Pretzels after Masses next weekend – Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19.
PSR’s ANNUAL BIKE-A-THON is next Sunday, October 19, at 1pm (Rain date: October 26)! This event is held to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which treats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Our church raised over $5,000 last year and we need help to do that again! Your generosity makes a difference and is
greatly appreciated! Donations will be collected after Masses on October 25 and 26. Or you can donate online: http://fundraising.stjude.org/stpolycarp2025 or use this QR code:
UPCOMING:
SILVER ROSE PILGRIMAGE: October 25th, 2025, immediately after 4 pm Mass. Please join the Knights of Columbus, in this Rosary centered devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. This ceremony honors the sanctity of life, promoting the dignity of all human life. Contact: Mike Cunningham with questions at 302-379-8952 or mikec923@yahoo.com
ALL SAINTS’ DAY
Mass Schedule – The Solemnity of All Saints
November 1 – A Holy Day of Obligation
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
Mass Schedule – All Souls’ Day
November 2
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)
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, October 11th, 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. October 12 – Neda Biggs; October 26 – Jesse & Nichole Netz; 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, meet Michele Linder, executive director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Wilmington. 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/.
Glory be to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning
is now, and ever shall be
world without end. Amen.