31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
– The psalm describes God as gracious, merciful, slow to anger, compassionate, and faithful, How do you describe God?
– Does your parish encourage the faithful to pray for each other so that God “may make you worthy of his calling”?
– Do you allow Christ in when you feel lost?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103022.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.
LIVE STREAMING OCTOBER 23rd AND 25th: Our live stream was not working for Mass on these two days. Our apologies. We were up and streaming again for Wednesday’s Mass and will hopefully be streaming again Saturday for the 4pm Mass. If you are interested in being involved in this ministry, please email Judy at communications@saintpolycarp.org. Sometimes we just need a person to turn the stream on and off for the 4pm Mass. (This involves pushing one or two buttons in the Sacristy at 3:50 pm on Saturdays and again at the end of Mass. We hope to have it automated soon!)
PARISH WEBSITE: Visit: www.saintpolycarp.org/.
WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE . BULLETIN OVERFLOW: Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE
THIS WEEKEND, OCTOBER 30/31 (& week of October 31)
EXTRAORDIANRY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION: To coincide with the three-year National Eucharist Revival which began in June of this year, we will be holding a class tomorrow
Saturday, 
October 29th at 9:00 am for all people interested in the ministry of Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. (This is a change from the original date.)This class is for Extraordinary Ministers of St. Polycarp who have not returned since pre-covid days, Extraordinary Ministers who have transferred here from another parish and new people who feel a love and desire for the Eucharist and want to be a part of this beautiful ministry. To attend you must contact Cindy Kennedy at kennedy-078@msn.com prior to this event to register and get further information.
ALL SAINT’S PARADE “TRUNK OR TREAT”: Come out and enjoy our Annual All Saint’s Parade during PSR this Sunday, October 30 at 9:00am. All children of the parish are welcome to attend. 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. Set up begins at 8:30am. This is an exciting way to celebrate All Saints Day!
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AT SEA PROGRAM – through October 30: Please consider donating the following NEW/FULL sized items: knit hats and scarves, winter gloves, warm socks, sewing kits, deodorant, hand lotion, soap, shampoo, shaving cream, disposable razors, toothbrush and toothpaste, combs, chapstick, playing cards. Monetary donations are welcome and will be used to purchase additional items to make certain each box is complete. There is a collection bin in the hallway. Cash and Checks (payable to “St. Polycarp” should be placed in an envelope marked “Christmas at Sea” and can be put into the collection basket, or the black box located under the portico. We also have the option to accept donations through Faith Direct. If you have any questions, please contact Tracie Bruno by phone (302)242-4150 or by email Tracie.Bruno@comcast.net
ALL SAINTS’ DAY, A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION, IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST.
Holy Days of Obligation are feasts so important that we are required to celebrate them by attending Mass.
MASS SCHEDULE FOR ALL SAINTS DAY
St. Polycarp – Tuesday, November 1st, 8:30 am and 7 pm
St. Dennis – Monday, October 31st, 5 pm
ALL SOULS’ DAY MASS: There is a regular daily morning Mass at 8:30 am on November 2nd. There will be a special All Souls’ Day Mass here at St. Polycarp on Wednesday, November 2nd, at 7 pm. Parishioners from both parishes, St. Polycarp and St. Dennis, whether you have lost a loved one or not, are invited to attend. Letters have been sent out to those parishioners who have lost a loved one and had funerals at either parish in the past year. A table will be set up in the center aisle with a white cloth on it. Window boxes filled with sand will be placed on the cloth in the form of a cross. After the homily, the names of those who have died in the past year and had funerals at either parish will be called out. Anyone else present who has lost a loved one at any time, will then be invited to come forward and pick up a candle and light it from the Paschal Candle. Their candles will then be placed in the window boxes containing the sand and stay lit through the end of Mass. Holy cards will then be handed out.
COLLECTIONS: There will be a collection on Tuesday, November 1st, for All Saints Day. There will also be a collection on Wednesday, November 2nd for All Souls’ Day. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
RESPECT LIFE: The next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 1st, at 6 pm in Room 7. Please join us! If you are planning to attend the 7 pm Mass for All Saints Day, think about joining us before Mass to see what we have planned. All people and ideas are most welcome!
PLEASE CONSIDER – WE ARE STILL IN NEED OF SOMEONE TO TRAIN ALTAR SERVERS: We are in need of someone to take over the training of interested students and adults who would like to become Altar Servers. Maybe you were an Altar Server in the past or maybe you would like to share your interest in training these young people and adults. We have interested students. Now we need someone to train them. Please search your soul and consider this great opportunity to serve our Lord in this endeavor! If interested, please contact Kathy MacDonald at (302) 653 – 8976 and leave a message.
EARLY SUBMISSION DATES FOR THE WEEKLY BULLETIN: Early submission dates have been set by our bulletin publisher for the holiday season. All submissions that you would like to appear in the bulletin will need to be submitted earlier. These dates seem weeks away but they will be here before we know it. Plan now and submit early. To view the early submission dates CLICK HERE.
NEXT WEEKEND, NOVEMBER 5/6 (& week of November 6)
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 will be set up inside the Main Entrance of the church with Christmas gift tags the weekend of November 5th and 6th. Please purchase a gift for the child on the tag you choose and return it to the Parish Hall no later than Sunday, December 4th. Contact Fran Walls at (302) 653 – 1450, if you have questions. Thank You!
2022 ST. POLYCARP CHURCH ORNAMENT FUNDRAISER – ORDER BY NOVEMBER 6TH: This unique glass Christmas Ornament is 3 1/4” in diameter and comes packaged in its own gift box for safe keeping. This year’s theme is “Eucharistic Revival” which was commissioned by the U.S.C.C.B. this year. Pictured on the ornament is St. Polycarp’s very own monstrance, altar, and crucifix. This beautiful ornament is also the perfect gift for friends or family that have moved out of the area. These ornaments are sure to become a cherished keepsake and heirloom. LIMITED EDITION – only $15 each ($18 with gold hanger). Order yours now before they are gone! All proceeds benefit Parish School of Religion (PSR). The last day to order is November 6. Order forms are available at the doors of the Church, online at https://forms.ministryforms.net/viewForm.aspx?formId=997e8e1e-67fe-4ece-afa8-58652f4d2d01
or scan this QR code 
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THE SECOND COLLECTION ON NOVEMBER 5/6 is for the Archdiocese for the Military Services.
The Archdiocese for the Military Services provides the same pastoral care and services as any other Catholic diocese, to Catholics serving in the United States Armed Forces, enrolled in U.S. Military Academies, undergoing treatment at any of the 153 Department of Veterans Affairs’ Medical Centers, working in civilian jobs for the federal government beyond U.S. borders, and their families. Please be as generous as your means allow. Thank you! Visit www.milarch.org for more information.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD will be offered next Sunday, November 6th, during the 10:30am Mass. (CLoW is offered on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.) All children ages PreK-4th grade are welcome to join us. CLoW is a worship experience geared especially for their age level. This opportunity allows children to hear Scripture in words they understand and to share their own understanding of God’s Word. Children will be called to come forward before the First Reading. They will return to you after the General Intercessions. All catechists and assistants have a cleared background check. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Erica Taylor @ 653-4101.
AGAPE – NEXT SUNDAY! Join us on Sunday November 6th after the 10:30am Mass for as we gather together in the hall for Agape. Let’s give thanks for our many blessings. Enjoy food, fun, and fellowship.
UPCOMING/ONGOING
BVM SODALITY ADVENT RETREAT – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH – 8:30 AM TO 1 PM. (Register by Monday, November 17th.)
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. Deacon Frank will be our Retreat Master. The Retreat theme is Mary and the Eucharist. 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 14th. There are also sign-up sheets on bulletin boards.
CHANGE THE WORLD: BECOME CATHOLIC! Is there someone you would like to invite to explore the Catholic faith— someone unbaptized, or baptized in a non-Catholic Christian tradition? Do you know someone who needs Confirmation and/or First Eucharist? Perhaps, the Catholic faith can fulfill their desires for a closer relationship with Our Lord. Then, the RCIA process is for them. Please contact Deacon Frank Weber for more information. DeaconFrank@saintpolycarp.org or leave a message with the Parish office at (302) 653-8279.
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.
BIRTHRIGHT’S ANNUAL BOTTLES FOR BABIES FUNDRAISER: Baby bottles are available at all the entrances to Church during the months of October and November. We ask you to please take one or two bottles home. Please read the insert, fill it out as neatly as possible (if you chose to do so for a tax credit) then fill the bottle with loose change, cash or a check! Checks should be made payable to Birthright of Delaware. Proceeds benefit pregnant women and their babies. On behalf of our mothers, Birthright staff and volunteers, we graciously Thank You!
Have you had the opportunity to dive into FORMED? To sign up visit www.formed.org. Type in our Parish zip code (19977) and follow the steps to sign up or you can use the QR code below. Take advantage of your free subscription to FORMED! Enjoy thousands of hours of quality Catholic content! 
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.
THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week. Text or call Alice Gaston at (302) 670 – 7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/ November 5 at the 4pm Mass – Melesio, November 20 at the 10:30 Mass – Trias.
IS THAT YOU, FR. JIM? If you receive emails from Fr. Jim asking for favors 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. This applies to texts from Fr. Jim as well. One of our parishioners recently received a similarly worded text from “Fr. Jim” (of course it wasn’t Fr. Jim). Fortunately the person contacted the staff and then blocked the text.
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. On the October 29th episode of the Catholic Forum program/podcast, the Knights of Columbus Delaware State Deputy, Rick Johnson, will be our guest. 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.
MARRIAGE MOMENTS: (Halloween) What scares you about your marriage of your beloved? (That you might fall out of love? That your spouse might die before you? That you might not have enough money?) Share your deepest and/or trivial fears. Talking about them can bring you closer.
PARENTING POINTERS: Does your home need cleaning? One person’s clutter is another’s treasure. Ask each member of your family to choose at least one personal possession to give to someone in need.
LET US PRAY: All Souls’ Day – November 2
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.