29th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
World Mission Sunday
~ When you rely on God to help you, how does your disposition change?
~ How can you patiently encourage another to live the faith?
~ The widow sought a just decision. Do you ever pray that God will help you live justly?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101925.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 17 – Friday, October 24
MOVIE NIGHT – TOMORROW. This Saturday, October 18, the Christian Formation Committee will be showing a video after the 4 pm Mass in the library. Just come to the office/chapel door under the portico. We will be serving some delicious refreshments. Mark your calendars and join us.
FAITH WITH FRIENDS – THIS SUNDAY: Come grow in Faith with Friends! Join us this Sunday, October 19, at 9 am in the library.
Bring a friend and be encouraged together in faith!
FAITH WITH FRIENDS – 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 this weekend – Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19.
THE SECOND COLLECTION this weekend, October 18 and 19, is for World Mission Sunday. “Your prayers, your support will help spread the Gospel, provide for pastoral and catechetical programs, help to build new churches, and care for the health and educational needs of our brothers and sisters in mission territories. This Mission Sunday, as we reflect together on our baptismal call to be “missionaries of hope among the peoples,” let us commit ourselves anew to the sweet and joyful task of bringing Christ Jesus our Hope to the ends of the earth.” ~Pope Leo XIV
PSR’s ANNUAL BIKE-A-THON is this 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:
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!
🕒 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.
PSR’s CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT FUNDRAISER has begun! Ornaments are just $5. For information and order form, click here or use this QR code. 
OFFICE CLOSED: The Parish Office will close at Noon on Friday, October 24.
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
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: WHAT? 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 loved one (maybe as an early Christmas gift.) HOW? 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.
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 MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY
“The Rosary is one of the most powerful devotions entrusted to us by Our Lady and in these turbulent times, it remains a sure path to peace, conversion, and deeper love of Christ.”
~Pope Leo XIV
Have you prayed the Rosary this month?
NEXT WEEK: Friday, October 24 – Friday, October 31
SILVER ROSE PILGRIMAGE: October 25, 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
AN INVIATION! Come celebrate the saints! Inviting ALL parishioners of St. Polycarp! Come join us at our annual All Saints Day Parade Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 26, at 9 am! Watch our PSR students march as saints or join in on the action and hand out treats! Reserve a spot today! Contact Erica Taylor at 653-4101 or dre@saintpolycarp.org for more info.
FAITH WITH FRIENDS: Looking for encouragement and community? Faith with Friends meets Sunday, October 26 at 9 am in the library.
Come learn, grow, and share faith together!
THE VOCATION CHALICE : October 26 – Jesse and Nichole Netz will receive the Vocation Chalice for a week of prayer for vocations.
CHRISTMAS AT SEA: From October 25 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.
UPCOMING:
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)
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.
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. 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, writer and podcaster Lauren Enriquez, will discuss ways to help those with ADHD get more out of Mass. 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/.
October is the Month of the Rosary.
Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
October is Respect Life Month – Pope St. John Paul II’s Prayer for Life:
O Mary, bright dawn of the new world, Mother of the living, to you do we entrust the cause of life:
Look down, O Mother, upon the vast numbers of babies not allowed to be born, of the poor whose lives are made difficult, of men and women who are victims of brutal violence, of the elderly and the sick killed by indifference or out of misguided mercy.
Grant that all who believe in your Son may proclaim the Gospel of life with honesty and love to the people of our time.
Obtain for them the grace to accept that Gospel as a gift ever new, the joy of celebrating it with gratitude throughout their lives, and the courage to bear witness to it resolutely, in order to build, together with all people of good will, the civilization of truth and love, to the praise and glory of God, The Creator and lover of life. Amen.