October 3/4, 2026
27th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
~ What can you do to be less anxious and more trusting in God?
~ How does what is in your heart govern how you live?
~ Where do you see the Church continuing to nurture people to produce good fruit?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100426.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 & 10:30 am on Sundays. (Once at the site, click on “Live”.) 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. Visit Bulletin Overflow to learn more about Pope Leo’s Encyclical and the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage!
MANY HANDS, ONE MISSION: A 50-YEAR LEGACY: 100% of your donations stay within the Diocese of Wilmington! Thank you for your support of this year’s appeal.
Thanks to your generosity, our goal of $61,500 in pledges has not only been reached but surpassed! Pledges total a very generous amount of $70,662.32!!! We still have not reached our goal in money collected. It is important that everyone follows through with payments on pledges. Once we reach our goal in money collected, we will receive 50% of the money collected over the goal.
Every donor matters. If you have never participated in the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, or if it has been five years or more since your last gift, please consider participating this year. For every NEW donor, or every RETURNING donor who has not given in several years, our parish receives 50% of that person’s gift back. This means every household that participates for the first time multiplies its impact!
To donate online, visit www.cdow.org, click
Donate → Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal,
or scan this QR code to participate.
THIS WEEK: Friday, October 2 – Friday, October 9
CRAFT FAIR!!! TOMORROW, October 3, 2026, from 9 am – 2 pm at St. Polycarp Church.
Craft Fair with over 35 vendors, including food. Vendors will be inside the Parish Hall and outside in the South Street front parking lot! Come out to browse the many vendors! Stop by our Veterans booth where you can support our Veteran men and women by bringing NEW items (socks, underwear, toiletries, etc.) to drop into supplied boxes. Please help a Vet!!!
This wonderful event is sponsored by Brother Vincent Council KOC and Columbiettes. Our Columbiettes will be selling beautiful mums! (Rain Date October 10, 2026)
OCTOBER SECOND COLLECTIONS:
October 10/11: Parish Maintenance
October 17/18: Mission Sunday
STEWARDSHIP – OFFERTORY GIVING: Now that summer has come to a close and we welcome the beginning of fall, we are grateful for the ways our community continues to support our Church’s ministry. Summer giving often experiences a seasonal shortfall, so if you are able, please consider making an additional offering as we prepare for the months ahead. Every gift, large or small, helps sustain our work and serve others. Thank you for your continued generosity.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) – This Sunday, October 4, at the 10:30 am Mass. 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.
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS – THIS, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 12:15 pm. Bring your cats, dogs, birds, bunnies, turtles, goats, lizards, frogs, chickens, ducks, horses … This event is in honor of St. Francis of Assisi (patron saint of animals) whose feast day is celebrated on October 4.
Meet outside on the lawn across from the front of the Church.
PSR ORNAMENT FUNDRAISER: PSR classes started last weekend and so did the Christmas Ornament Fundraiser. Please consider purchasing ornaments to help us decorate the Christmas Trees we display in Mother Drexel Hall during the Christmas Season. You can choose from 3 different styles. They are $5 each and come with a personalized tag that you create. Order forms are in this weekend’s bulletin as well as in the wall rack near the sacristy. The ornament is yours to keep after the Christmas Season.
FAITH WITH FRIENDS: Tuesday, October 6 — Beginning with God’s Word: Faith grows better with friends! Join us this Tuesday evening as Faith With Friends begins again. We’ll discover how Scripture can become a conversation with God through a free video, prayer, reflection, and friendly discussion. Come as you are—and bring a friend! 6:45–8:00 pm in PSR Room #7. Questions? Contact Ashley Wilson at (302) 535-4118. SAVE THE DATES! Faith with Friends 2026-2027: Join us for an evening of faith, friendship, and fellowship. Tuesdays 6:45–8:00 PM Room 4.
October 6 & 27, December 1 & 15, January 12 & 26, February 9, March 2 & 16, April 20
CALLING CATHOLICS WITH QUESTIONS! Catholic Adults Life and Learning: The topic for our next C.A.L.L. meeting is “Mary and the Rosary”. Come join the discussion this Thursday, October 8, at 6:30 pm in classroom #7. Please enter the building through the PSR EXIT on South St., under the Stations of the Cross. We meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.
BOSCOV’S FRIENDS HELPIN FRIENDS: Looking to save money, have fun, and support Brother Vincent Columbiettes at the same time? Get your BOSCOV’S Friends Helping Friends passes from Brother Vincent Columbiettes! DONATE $5 AND ENJOY: 25% Off Discount Shopping Pass on most items. Use your passes One Day only – Wednesday, October 21! 100% OF YOUR DONATION GOES TO BROTHER VINCENT COLUMBIETTES AND YOU GET THE BARGAINS! EVERYONE WINS!
If you missed getting your pass at Church last weekend you can ask any of our Columbiettes or contact MaryLois Barnas at 302-388-3332 or BroVin7517@comcast.net
QUARTER AUCTION:: Our upcoming Quarter Auction is on Sunday, November 15. Doors will open at 3 pm and the auction will begin at 4 pm. All-In Paddles are $45; Regular Paddles are $5. Bring quarters to bid with regular paddles. Paddles may be purchased at the door – cash only. VIP Tables available. See the bulletin for more details. Questions? Contact Darlene Sanphy at 302-270-3915 /darpete87@comcast.net or Deanna Lail at 302-535-2957 / Deannasanphy@yahoo.com
BOTTLES FOR BABIES: Throughout the whole month of October, “Respect Life month,” Birthright of Delaware hosts its Annual Bottles for Babies Fundraiser. During the month of October, baby bottles will be available at the doors of the Church. We ask you to please take as many bottles as you would like and/or give one to a friend or loved one to fill. 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) at the end of October. Checks should be made out to Birthright of Delaware. Proceeds benefit pregnant women and their families. On behalf of our mothers, Birthright staff and volunteers, we graciously THANK YOU!
CHRISTMAS AT SEA: Help St. Polycarp support the Seamen’s Center of Wilmington’s Christmas at Sea program! This December, seafarers arriving in Delaware will receive a “ditty box” filled with personal-care essentials, warm accessories, and holiday treats.
Donations needed:
knitted hats and scarves, winter gloves, warm socks, disposable razors, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, Chapstick, body lotion, cough drops, candy or gum, playing cards, pens, and stationery. Personal-care items should be full-sized and no larger than 16 oz.
Place donated items in the basket in the hall through October. Monetary donations may be placed in the collection basket in an envelope marked “Christmas at Sea.” Checks should be payable to St. Polycarp Church.Questions? Contact Tracie Bruno at 302-242-4150.
INTERNET ISSUES: This past week we experienced technical problems with our internet which meant we were unable to send/receive email at certain times. We were also unable to live stream the Masses. We sincerely thank our Digital Ministry Team and Financial Manager, for working to get everything back up and running. Prayers to St. Carlo Acutis were indeed prayed!
KNOW YOUR NOVENAS: A NINE-PART SERIES – WEEK 6: How much do you know about Novenas? Be sure to follow weekly in our bulletins or by clicking on this link https://saintpolycarp.org/know-your-novenas-a-nine-part-series/ or using this QR code.
THE WEEK OF Friday, October 9 – Friday, October 16
BFF: Join us next Sunday at the BFF Social! Everyone is invited for Sunday FUNday!! Come to the Hall after Mass on Sunday, October 11. Join us for a bite to eat, formation, and games!
SAVE A LIFE AND DONATE BLOOD. Brother Vincent Council, Knights of Columbus, is sponsoring a Blood Drive, Friday, October 16, 2026 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm in the hall at St Polycarp Church. Reservations for the Blood Drive may be accessed with this QR Code, by phone at 888-825-6638 or by email at DELMARVABLOOD.ORG.
UPCOMING
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Brother Vincent Council #7517, Knights of Columbus invite all our Parish Family to a delicious pancake breakfast following Mass on Sunday, October 18. Come enjoy pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, and wonderful fellowship! Donations are greatly appreciated.
SILVER ROSE CEREMONY: The Brother Vincent Council will be hosting the Silver Rose Ceremony, Wednesday, October 28, at 6 pm in the Church. The Knights of Columbus Silver Rose Ceremony is an annual event that promotes the dignity of human life and honors Our Lady of Guadalupe through prayer services held across North America. This program symbolizes the unity of the Knights in Canada, the United States, and Mexico while advocating for pro-life causes. The Silver Rose Ceremony is rich in tradition and purpose.
SAVE THE DATE for this fun event—our upcoming annual St. Polycarp Quarter Auction on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Doors will open at 3 pm, auction starts at 4 pm. We are accepting donations for auction items – please contact DEANNA LAIL dlail14@comcast.net or 302-5335-2957 More details coming soon!
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.
NEW EPISODE – We encourage you to watch Active Participation from the FORMED series Elements of the Catholic Mass. Use this link https://app.formed.org/app/videos/573431?cid=115599 or scan this QR code to view this short and informative episode.
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.
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 spirit) and after receiving the Sacrament. Remember, it is the Body and Blood of Jesus that you just received.
We kindly request silence in the Church before Mass. We are in the presence of the Lord, and many of us are praying and preparing our hearts for the celebration of the Eucharist. Please be respectful of our time in prayer.
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 10. November 7. December 12.
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.
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.
WANTED! FRESH FLOWERS FOR OUR ALTAR: If you have beautiful flowers in your yard, please consider donating some fresh flowers for use on our altar. Contact Delia Lim at 973-865-4203 or after Sunday or weekday Masses if you would like to contribute flowers.
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.
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!
SCAM: If you receive emails or texts from Fr. Jim asking for favors, gift cards or gifts or asking you to return his email because he has a favor to ask of you, please ignore and delete. They are not from Fr. Jim. If an email looks suspicious and you’re not sure, give the office a call. Fr. Jim has never/will never solicit donations or favors in this manner. He will not ask you to email Church directories.
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!
LET US PRAY:
2026 Faith & Charity Appeal Prayer
TOGETHER IN HOPE
Loving and merciful God,
You are the source of our hope and strength.
In this season of renewal, we come before You as a community,
united in faith and bound by love.
Pour out Your Spirit upon us,
that we may grow together in hope,
lifting each other up with generosity and compassion.
Guide us as we support the mission of our Church,
bringing Your light to those in need,
nurturing faith in the hearts of our youth,
and building a future filled with promise.
May our sacrifices today ensure a Church that flourishes tomorrow.
Grant us the grace to give with joyful hearts,
knowing that in You, we find the courage to serve.
We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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/
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.
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Listen to Catholic Forum each week. 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/.
EWTN: ewtn.com
ONLINE GIVING: Please consider becoming an e-giver. It is easy to make your weekly or one-time contributions in support of the Parish. CLICK HERE to sign-up or you can text “Give” to (302) 202–2251 or use this QR code.