25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
September 23/24
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ When have you experienced God’s generosity?
~ What does a life “worthy of the Gospel” look like?
~ In the parable of the workers, which worker are you–the one who arrived early in the day or the one who arrived later? Why?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092423.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
THIS WEEKEND, September 24/25 (and Monday, September 25th – Friday, September 29th)
PRIESTHOOD SUNDAY is celebrated this Saturday, September 23rd, and Sunday, September 24th. Please keep all Priests (both current, retired and deceased) and all men considering the call to the Priesthood in your prayers. This is a great weekend to say thank you to all of the priests who have touched our lives, and Deacons, too!
Thank you Fr. Jim for guiding us in our journey of faith and leading us in building the Kingdom of God! You are appreciated!
Gracious and loving God,
we thank you for the gift of our priests.
Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments.
Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.
Set their souls on fire with love for your people.
Grant them the wisdom, understanding and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Inspire them with the vision of Your Kingdom.
Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.
Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.
Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest. Amen.
BLESSINGS: The Blessing of the Professional Staff will take place this Sunday, September 24th, at the 10:30 am Mass.
ALL ARE INVITED: The Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus, Columbiettes, and our Squires will be conducting member recruitment for this Columbian year after Masses this weekend, September 23rd and 24th. Please come join us in the Hall to learn more about us and enjoy some refreshments and lite repast. All are welcome!
PSR BEGINS: PSR Classes Begin THIS Sunday, September 24th at 9 am for grades P/K-4 & Tuesday, September 26th at 7 pm for grades 5-8. First day classes are for both parent and student. We will begin the new year by gathering in Church. Visit our web page to view this year’s calendars! https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/
THE ANNUAL FORUM: This year’s Annual Forum will be held on January 21st following the 10:30 am Mass (not in September).
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION AT ST. DENNIS CHURCH (Galena MD) will take place this Sunday, September 24th (the 4th Sunday of the month) following their 8 am Sunday Mass.
SECOND COLLECTION – SHARE IN THE SPIRIT this weekend is taken in support of the diocesan tuition assistance program. Monies raised through this collection coupled with the diocese’s tuition assistance endowment provides financial assistance to hundreds of deserving families who seek a Catholic education for their children but who cannot afford the full cost of tuition. If you are not prepared to contribute today, you may drop your contribution off at the parish office or place it in next week’s collection basket. For further information and on-line giving options, visit https://www.cdow.org/share-in-the-spirit.
PSR ENVELOPE FUNDRAISER: Check out the display of envelopes at all the Church exits. Each envelope has a different dollar amount on it. Choose which envelope(s) you want to fill. Place the dollar amount marked on the front in the envelope & place it in the collection basket next week. You may also drop it off or mail it to the parish office. Please make checks payable to St. Polycarp Church (In the memo, clearly write Envelope Fundraiser). The beautiful artwork on the envelopes was done by our PSR students. If you choose to keep the envelope for a keepsake, feel free to place the dollar amount in a different envelope. Thank you for your continued support of our Parish youth.
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.
RESTROOMS: The old bathrooms in the hallway outside of the Church are getting some updates. The bathrooms are now single occupancy use (don’t forget to lock the door). The partitions have been removed; grab bars installed and chair height toilets will be installed. There may be times that the bathrooms will be closed and you will need to use the bathrooms on the far side of the hall, near the classrooms or the bathroom in the cry room. We’ll keep you updated as to when this will happen! Thank you for your cooperation.
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – 2023 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL: We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you who have already contributed to our parish Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. Your generosity is the cornerstone of the work of the church and allows our ministries and programs to thrive and continue our mission of service and faith. 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. Your support, no matter the size, can make a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals within our community.
We’re getting there! As you know, we’ve reached our PLEDGED goal! Currently our very generous parishioners have pledged $63,460.88, that is 105.77% of our goal. 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 to those who have already participated! 27% of our households have participated in this annual appeal to help Shine the Light of Christ. If your household has not participated, it is not too late! Envelopes can be found in the pews and 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, September 30 – October 1 
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS, NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 at 12:15 pm. Bring your cats, dogs, birds, turtles, goats, lizards, frogs, chickens, ducks, horses … All pets present will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a beautiful 20“ statue of St. Francis of Assisi (patron saint of animals whose feast day is celebrated on October 4th). Meet outside on the lawn across from the front of the Church. (In case of rain, please meet under the portico.)
AGAPE: Join us for Agape on Sunday, October 1st following the 10:30am Mass as we welcome the Fall Season and the Blessings it brings. The PSR staff will be hosting with a lite lunch, deserts and beverages. We hope to see you there.
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 1 at the 10:30 Mass – Ashley Fletcher. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/
RESPECT LIFE SUNDAY is next weekend, September 30th and October 1st The Respect Life Ministry is hosting a Rosary before the 4 pm Mass on Saturday, September 30th, and before the 10:30 am Mass on Sunday, October 1st. Please come to Mass early and join in the Joyful Mysteries Rosary to kick off Respect Life Month. Anyone willing to volunteer to begin a decade of the Rosary or hand out prayer cards at the door, please contact Margie Eckard by email at eckard.margie@gmail.com or by phone (302) 505 – 6041.
BOSCOV DISCOUNT PASSES – Brother Vincent Columbiettes will be selling Boscov Passes after Masses on September 30th and October 1st. Profits from these sales help Brother Vincent Columbiettes support our many charitable activities. If you miss us on September 30th or October 1st, feel free to contact either Jill Mercer at (518) 795 –7579 or MaryLois Barnas at (302) 388 – 3332. The event is Tuesday, October 18, at any Boscov store. Your $5 shopping pass buys a full day of 25% Off Discount Shopping and a chance to win fabulous door prizes!
UPCOMING
MARIAN PILGRIMAGE – COME RIDE THE BUS WITH US! Saturday, October 7th. Sister parishes, St. Dennis and St. Polycarp invite you to attend the Diocese of Wilmington’s Marian Pilgrimage with Bishop Koenig at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Travel by luxury motor coach. Register now to save your seat! See the Bulletin for more information or contact Barbara Kaczorowski at (517) 507 – 9311 or visit https://saintpolycarp.org/weekend-update-september-2-3/
QUARTER AUCTION: St. Polycarp’s Parish & Family Life Ministry will be holding its 1st Quarter Auction on Friday, October 27th, 2023. Doors will open at 5 pm, auction starts at 6 pm. Proceeds raised will benefit Parish operational expenses and Ministry needs. All-in Paddles will be $45 after Friday, September 15th. If you have any questions or would like to purchase an All-in Paddle, contact Darlene Sanphy (at (302) 270 – 3915 or darpete87@comcast.net) or Linda Montuori (at (302) 270 – 5347 or lindamontuori@yahoo.com). More information will be posted in future bulletins.
ONGOING
The SHARE THE HARVEST TABLE is now under the Portico. This allows our parishioners to share their abundant garden yield with their Church family.
All are welcome to share and receive.
SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION at St. Polycarp will take place monthly at the Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of the month. October 7th, 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. Sundays, September 24th, October 22nd, & 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 1 at the 10:30 Mass – Ashley Fletcher. 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. On Saturday, September 23rd, Learn about the Benedictine Oblates when Cyndy Ingram is the guest on the Catholic Forum. 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:
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.