TODAY, OCTOBER 27th, 2023
Pope Francis has announced another day of prayer and fasting for an end to the Israel-Hamas war.
“I have decided to call for a day of fasting and prayer on Friday, Oct. 27,” the Pope said. It will be “a day of penance to which I invite sisters and brothers of the various Christian denominations, those belonging to other religions, and all those who have at heart the cause of peace in the world, to join in as they see fit,” the Holy Father continued.
A vigil will take place at 6 p.m. in St. Peter’s Square,
where the faithful will join the Pope to participate in “an hour of prayer in a spirit of penance to implore peace in our time, peace in this world.”
Although a specific fast or penance is not prescribed, Catholics are invited to fast in whatever capacity they can October 27,
joining their sacrifice to the suffering of Christ for people affected by the strife.
Catholics of the Diocese of Wilmington are asked to take up the Holy Father’s invitation in praying for a peaceful resolution to this war and for peace throughout the world.
On Friday, October 27 at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Bishop Koenig will be presiding at the 11 am Eucharistic Holy Hour with the recitation of the Rosary for peace followed by the 12:10 pm Mass. The faithful of the diocese are invited to attend.
30th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
October 28/29
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ How does God ask us to live out His compassion?
~ Do you take seriously the need to make your faith known, as did the Thessalonians?
~ How is loving God at the heart of all you do?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102923.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.
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
TONIGHT! QUARTER AUCTION: St. Polycarp’s Parish & Family Life Ministry’s 1st Quarter Auction is tonight, Friday, October 27th, 2023. Come join us, have some fun and win some great prizes! fun! All are welcome. Doors will open at 5 pm, auction starts at 6 pm. Proceeds raised will benefit Parish operational expenses and Ministry needs. All-in Paddles may be purchased in advance or at the door for $45 (Cash only). Regular Paddles may be purchased for $5 each. 50/50 Tickets will be available (Cash only). Refreshments will be available (Cash only) for sale sponsored by Brother Vincent Columbiettes, Please, no outside food or beverages. If you have any questions, contact Darlene Sanphy at (302) 270 – 3915 or Deanna Lail at 302-535-2957.
MASS SCHEDULE FOR ALL SAINTS DAY
St. Polycarp – Tuesday, October 31st at 5 pm, Wednesday, November 1st at 8:30 am and 7 pm.
St. Dennis – Wednesday, November 1st at 7 pm
MASS SCHEDULE FOR ALL SOULS DAY
St. Polycarp – Thursday, November 2nd at 8:30 am
St. Dennis – Thursday, November 2nd at 7 pm
WEEKDAY MASSES – Beginning 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, October 28/29 (and Monday, October 30th – Friday, November 3rd)
ALL SAINTS’ PARADE “TRUNK OR TREAT”: Come out and enjoy our Annual All Saint’s Parade this Sunday, October 29th at 9:00 am. All children of the parish are welcome to participate. Children must dress as a saint and/or hold an object that represents their saint. Each child should wear a sign or tag saying what saint they are representing. After our Parade of Saints, the children will walk around to collect candy/goodies given out by the different ministries/committees and groups of our parish. This is an exciting way to celebrate All Saints Day!
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. This Saturday, October 29th, at the 10:30 am Mass – Christy Earl
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COAT DISTRIBUTION: Cold weather is coming. To keep our youngsters warm, on blustery days, Brother Vincent Council will be distributing warm coats, free to our kids, while supplies last. (The supply is very limited.) Coat distribution will be in Mother Drexel Hall, after Masses, this weekend, Saturday, October 28th, and Sunday, October 29th. Youth sizes, for boys and girls.
PRETZELS ARE BACK: Brother Vincent Council will be selling pretzels, after Masses, this weekend, October 28th and 29th. Pretzels are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.
FAITH & FATIMA: Come join us this Sunday, October 29th as we hear “Faith & Fatima, Stories From the Heart”, by presenter Alice Reiss Israel.
The Blessed Mother appeared to three children in rural Portugal in 1917, calling on the world to repent and say the Rosary. On July 13th, she showed them a vision of hell to reveal the suffering caused by sin, and gave them the “Fatima prayer” and asked that it be said at the end of every decade of the Rosary. Almost no-one believed the children. But Our Lady promised a miracle. On October 13th, the “Miracle of the Sun” happened: the Sun danced, and was witnessed by 70,000 amazed people, including skeptics and scientists. Alice Reiss Israel’s father witnessed that miracle and it changed his life. Alice’s life is also marked by faith in Fatima and she is coming to share her story with us next Sunday, October 29th, after Mass. Please join us!
BIRTHRIGHT’S ANNUAL BOTTLES FOR BABIES FUNDRAISER: Throughout the whole month of October, “Respect Life month,” Birthright of Delaware hosts its Annual Bottles for Babies Fundraiser. Baby bottles are available at the Church doors. We ask you to please take as many bottles as you would like . Fill the bottle with loose change, cash or a check then please read the insert, fill it out as neatly as possible (if you chose to do so for a Tax credit). Return the bottle(s) to the baskets near the Church doors at the end of October or sooner. Checks should be made payable to Birthright of Delaware. The proceeds benefit pregnant women and their babies. Thank you for your willingness to support and choose life! Bottles should be returned to these baskets at the end of October.
CHRISTMAS AT SEA: Throughout October, the Seaman’s 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, and full size items such as soap, shaving cream, deodorant, etc. Collection boxes will be in the hallway. Monetary donations will be used to purchase items to fill the boxes and can be made through Faith Direct: https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/org/831 Please contact Tracie Bruno with any questions: (302) 242-4150. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
PSR CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT FUNDRAISER: 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
FAITH WITH FRIENDS (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets the first Thursday of every month (November 2nd) at 6 pm in Room 7. Everyone is invited. Questions? Contact Ashley Wilson at 302.535.4118.
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!
ALL SOULS NOVENA: (Novena begins on All Souls’ Day, November 2nd.) Let us send our love and wishes to all those loved ones who are no longer on Earth hoping for peace and happiness. Time heals everything but it can never bring back the warmth and love of our dear ones who are no longer with us. The most powerful prayer we can offer for the holy souls in purgatory is to have the holy Mass said on their behalf. 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 during these special Masses. Extra envelopes will be available at the Church doors.
2023 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL: UPDATE: 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 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 following the 4 pm Mass next Saturday, November 4th. 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.
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 7, 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.
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.
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 9 am 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. October 29th at the 10:30 am Mass – Christy Earl. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/
CONNECTED IN CHRIST (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets every Tuesday at 9:30 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. Local author, Todd Harra, will discuss his new book “Last Rites: The Evolution of the American Funeral” on the October 28th 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 ALL SAINTS’ DAY
Dear God, thank You for the example of the Saints.
I desire to join in their company, worshiping You forever in Heaven.
Please help me follow their footsteps, and Yours, Jesus Christ.
Please help me to conform myself to Your image,
seeking Your will in all things, as the Saints did.
Please help me to devote myself, and all that I do, to Your glory,
and to the service of my neighbors. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ALL SOULS