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St. Church ͷͷƒ•‘ƒ‡ǡ›”ƒͳͻͻ͹͹ ȋ͵ͲʹȌ͸ͷ͵Ǧͺʹ͹ͻ www.saintpolycarp.org Rev. James D. Hreha, Pastor THE ASCENSION Charles Robinson (Retired) OF THE Deacon Frank Weber

As we continue to monitor the coronavirus, we will update our website www.saintpolycarp.org and send email updates as they become available.

CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE: All Public Masses, Adoration, Flame of Love, Divine Mercy, Gatherings on our campus, PSR, The Academy, all meetings and events. The office is closed until further notice.

Our staff is working remotely and will be answering email. Our Parish answering service will be taking phone messages. The messages will be checked daily by staff on weekdays. Thank you for your patience. In the event of a Sacramental emergency, the service will contact the appropriate person. Parish Office (302) 653-8279

Parish Secretary, Teresa Cariello [email protected]

Coordinator of Religious Education, Erica Taylor [email protected]

Communications Director, Judy Lamborn [email protected] Bulletin Submissions (10 days in advance) [email protected] ST. POLYCARP, PRAY FOR US! Business Manager, Lisa Titus [email protected]

The Pres-School Academy (302) 653-1496 Welcome Visitors & Parishioners! Director, Nancy Koska Amid all the changes that are taking place because [email protected] of COVID-19, we are so glad that you are joining us Finance Council – John Fcasni in new ways. Perhaps you are reading our Bulletin Pastoral Council – Cindy Kennedy online for the first time, watching our videos on St. Vincent de Paul Society (302) 264-6630 YouTube, joining us on Zoom Friday mornings for prayer or celebrating the Mass on TV or through the *Note – The cover design of this Bulletin is temporary. internet, we are blessed with the gift of our faith We are finding new ways to work remotely. and one another. Let us pray for each other! our community to be prepared to follow the The Ascension ’s direction regarding the public celebration of the Lord of the Sacraments. May 24, 2020 How appropriate it is that our activity parallels the journey through the Season. Today the Church celebrates the Today we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. Ascension of Jesus – the “going up” Our Scriptures remind us of the promise of the into heaven of the Risen Christ. Paraclete as Jesus is physically removed from the disciples’ midst. Thankfully, we know the next chapter of the never-ending story…but it will be PASTOR’S PEN interesting to see how the 2020 version unfolds! Dear , May God continue to give us His grace as I hope and pray that all is well with you we witness by our actions our belief that all life is and your loved ones as we celebrate the new life sacred and a gift from God. of the Resurrection! This weekend as our country celebrates Day, we begin the start of the summer Join us for Mass, season. Beaches, retail establishments and even restaurants have begun to re-open. Excitement and Live stream, Sundays at 8am anxiety blend together for a unique combination of emotions as we travel the next part of Pandemic Road. All want to know when our churches will welcome their family of faith to come home. In this, we must remember it was not the Governor who locked our doors. No civil power in the Live streamed from St. Polycarp at 8am on Sundays. history of the world has ever been able to stop the Mass can also be viewed at later times. celebration of the Sacraments. Nor will they ever be able to do so! Go to our website www.saintpolycarp.org and click on the picture of the altar. The reason why our church doors were locked is a reflection of one of the most basic LET US PRAY beliefs. All life is sacred and a gift from God. This Pro-life mantra has often caused conflict with the Priests are celebrating Masses privately following the Bishop’s directions that there ways of the world around us. This experience of are to be no public Masses. All Intentions the Annual Paschal Mystery is part of the journey are being honored. Please join spiritually. of faith. Bread & for the Eucharist are given in prayer for an increase in religious vocations. In order for our country to hold sacred the life of all who come home to our Church, we have Our Sanctuary Lamp in Church burns for in memory for those who have died during this time of the pandemic. begun to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in ways PRAYER CHAIN – THE PRAYER CHAIN IS ALWAYS OPEN! of new life. Some of our Medical Professionals, The Prayer Chain is still available to receive your Prayer Ministry Leaders and knowledgeable parishioners request even though the office is closed. To request have begun to discern how to follow the prayers or to be part of our Prayer Chain,, email Laverne guidelines of the CDC and other resources to best at [email protected] or call her at (302) 653 – ensure the safety of God’s people. This will allow 8064. LITURGY PENTECOST SUNDAY - NEXT SUNDAY! BE WITH THE SPIRIT - CHURCH SYMBOLS – PART 3 WEAR RED! I hope everyone is enjoying the definitions of our Remember to wear red next precious symbols of the Church. We continue on starting weekend as we celebrate the gift of with the letter E: the Holy Spirit from our own homes! Flames of the Holy Spirit rested upon EUCHARISTIC SPECIES: This is the consecrated Body and each Apostle and they received the gifts of the Holy Blood of Christ or also called the sacred species. Spirit. EXPOSITION: The rite in which a consecrated host is

“exposed”, that is, displayed, for public in a Mass Intentions for the Week monstrance. Saturday, May 23 Edward Rayburn - Danny & Lorraine Marshalewski EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION: This Sunday, May 24 The Ascension of the Lord is a non-ordained person who is deputed to distribute the Parishioners Body and Blood of Christ for either a single Mass or on Monday, St. Bede , multiple occasions. St. Gregory VII, St. de”Pazzi Memorial Day FONT: A vessel containing holy water used for the John & Margaret Nevins - Robinson Family celebration of the sacrament of . Tuesday, St. Donald W. Hreha – Nancy Koska & India Wilson FRONTAL : A cloth that hangs down the front of the altar, Wednesday, May 27 St. Augustine of often in liturgical color, also known as an antependium. Donald W. Hreha - St. Vincent de Paul Society Thursday, May 28 GIFTS : The bread and the wine, as well as the collection 60th Wedding Anniversary of Rich & Eleanor Schauer of money or donations for the poor. - Schauer Family INSTITUTED ACOLYTE: A ministry of service to assist at Friday, May 29 St. Paul VI, Donald W. Hreha - Andres & Phyllis Ortiz the altar primarily by preparing the altar and sacred Saturday, May 30 vessels for Mass. The acolyte may carry the cross in Ann & Peter Weber - Jeff & Marcia Johnson procession, present the book to and assist the priest or Sunday, May 31 Pentecost Sunday the deacon in the Preparation of the Altar and the Gifts Saber - BVM Sodality and throughout the Mass as needed, serve as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion if necessary, We Pray for Our Sick and assist with the purification of the sacred vessels. Week II Michelle Collier, Terry Mance, George Only men may be formally instituted acolytes. Although Davidson, Edward Ryan, Marty Kingston, this ministry may exist on its own, most often it is a James Caruso transitional ministry conferred on candidates for Week III Jay Schuman, Deacon Charlie Robinson, ordination as deacon or priest. Andy Kloepfer, Dawn Stachow, Amber Dean Week IV Austin & Dylan Dean, Theresa Devine, INTINCTION: A method of receiving Holy Communion in Laura Gilmore, Angela Gilson which the priest dips the consecrated host into the Week V Robert Stomczer Precious Blood, says “The Body and Blood of Christ”, and Week VI Sophia Wilson, Deirdre Moor, Lorraine places it directly on the tongue of the communicant. Only Macasevich, Jimmy Callahan, Kevin Liselli, a priest or bishop may distribute Holy Communion in this Denis Callahan, Allen Huttick, Evelyn Phillips, manner. Christine & Dale Masten, Francis Joyce (The Liturgical Ministry Series) We Pray for Our Deceased Eileen Benfer THE ACADEMY (Weekday Pre-school) Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord And let the perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN for 2020 - 2021 BULLETIN PRAYER REQUESTS To have someone's name added to the Bulletin for The Academy at St. Polycarp is a faith based, state prayers, please email [email protected]. certified, weekday preschool for children ages 3 & 4. These names will be listed in the Bulletin for six weeks Please contact Nancy Koska at (302) 897 – 9012 or after which time they will be removed unless we receive (302) 653 – 8279 (our parish office) or email [email protected] for more information or another request. Thank you. to register. www.saintpolycarp.org/preschool/

CHRISTIAN FORMATION GREETINGS FROM THE CRE…

The Christian Formation Committee Executive Board met “Count your Blessings” …you have all heard this virtually on Monday, May 11. We had a chance to saying before. Perhaps you have even said it to discuss the modifications that our PSR program used for someone. What does it really mean? In general, it finishing out this school year. The stay-at-home means we should think about how lucky we are restrictions required major changes to be made to the instead of finding things to complain about. way our children received instruction. Everyone stepped up to end the year successfully. Catechists submitted Are you feeling restless and even frustrated their weekly lesson plans to Erica Taylor, CRE, which she because all the restrictions haven’t been lifted yet? then transmitted electronically to parents who Negativity can easily turn into complaining and going supervised the at-home lessons. The textbook company against what is being asked of us. Instead of provided online access for the families. The process complaining about the things we can’t do, let’s focus worked quite well, with the cooperation of all. on the things we can do. What are your blessings? Are you spending more time with your spouse and It was agreed that the bus trip scheduled for late June to the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, PA, should be children? Has God’s creation become your postponed until next Spring. Installation of a lending playground again? Are you finally reaching out to Library bookcase in the hallway outside of Drexel Hall say hello to friends and family whom you never had will take place when feasible. time for before? Maybe you finally finished that book. Are you saving money on unnecessary wants The CFC would like to encourage parishioners to watch and realizing what you truly need? Through all of Polycarp Perspective episodes on YouTube, to view the this…have you ever thought about how maybe God parish Facebook page, to check the Diocesan website has had a hand in all of this? Is this God’s way of (cdow.org), and to read the Weekend Updates emailed to saying, “Here I am”? I think many times we forget parishioners each Friday. They provide a wealth of that God is by our side. If we pay attention, He is valuable resources for the good use of the extra time most of us now have! always there trying to tell us something. What will the “new normal” look like? Will we go PSR Registration is Now Open!! back to our old ways? I hope not. I hope we St. Polycarp’s Parish School of Religion offers catechesis remember the feeling of having down time and avoid to all children in grades PreK-9th Grade. filling every moment with something to do. I hope we continue to notice the beautiful sunsets, have family Registration forms and online registration with a credit dinners together, and make time for prayer. I hope card can be found online at we “save money for a rainy day” because as we https://saintpolycarp.org/religious-education./ have all learned; that rainy day happened. I hope Please contact Erica Taylor at 302-653-8279 or and pray that we remember God is always with us. [email protected] if you have any questions. He wants us to welcome Him into our lives and into our homes and that is where He wants to stay. GIRL SCOUT MINISTRY As it says in 2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to Girl Scout Troop 547 are remaining active and bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all engaged, even while we are staying at home. Our girls times, having all that you need, you will abound in have completed their Digital Movie Maker badge, during every good work.” He has given us so many which we all learned how to use technology to stay in touch with each other. We are meeting weekly, using blessings. Let’s be grateful. Sometimes they are Zoom, and each week we are trying new things and small, but as you may have noticed over the last ten enjoying our Girl Scout sisterhood. Friday nights, our Girl weeks, it’s been the small blessings that have Scout service unit has been hosting fun online social mattered the most. Have you counted your events such as movie nights, dance parties, and bingo blessings today? What may they be? nights. We have a virtual art show and talent show May God bless, coming up in the near future. We are also starting a virtual Girl Scout troop (#620) Erica Taylor for girls of ALL grades (entering K-12). If you know of a girl who would like to join Girl Scouts, learn with other girls, and have fun...please contact Tracie . Email [email protected] or phone (302)242-4150. PASTORAL COUNCIL ST. DAMIEN of MOLOKAI INTERCEDE FOR US PASTORAL COUNCIL Are you looking for new ways to help navigate your Parish Family in these ever-changing times? Do you feel a calling or desire to help others and use the gifts God has blessed you with?

Pastoral Council is looking for at least 3 people to fill the open positions in June. Due to our bylaws some members are unable to return and have been a wonderful gift to our Parish over these last 6 years. We need to fill these positions in order to keep functioning for the Parish. Are you willing to help us with your time and talent and be good stewards of your gifts? Damien of Molokai was a priest who was a in Hawaii in a time where the If you answered yes to any of these questions please contact any member of Pastoral Council or call Cindy population was heavily plagued by various infectious Kennedy at (302)653-7525 or you can email Cindy at diseases which together claimed thousands of lives. [email protected]. Of particular concern was leprosy, which at the time was believed to be contagious, and so most serious 2020 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL cases were sent to be quarantined in a settlement on SEEING CHRIST IN THE FACES OF OTHERS the island of Molokai. Unfortunately, the Hawaiian “No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God government had neither the supplies nor manpower remains in us, and His love is brought to perfection in us.” 1 to properly care for the settlement of lepers. The John 4:14. people needed all the help they could get, and Father The Annual Catholic Appeal, “Seeing Christ in the Faces of Damien was one of four priests who volunteered. Others” continues throughout our diocese. Funds raised Originally, the bishop planned to have each priest take though the Appeal bring hope, comfort, compassion and love shifts ministering to the lepers with Damien taking the into the lives of many people. Appeal supported ministries first, but when the time came, neither he nor the touch thousands of individuals and families throughout Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore providing essential people he was ministering to wished for him to leave. service that knows no race, no age, no social class, but rather not only ministered to the lepers of knows only those who come to the Church for help are special in the eyes of Our Lord. Now more than ever, these Molokai as a priest, but he also tended to their needs ministries are needed. Your support demonstrates your by redressing their ulcers, building houses, and compassion and concern for God’s people and your establishing leadership with the community, just to willingness to share your blessings with those in need. name a few. After 11 years of working hard to provide During the week of June 1, you may receive a mailing from faith and comfort for the lepers of Molokai, Father Bishop Malooly inviting your participation in the Annual Damien contracted leprosy himself, yet this did little Catholic Appeal. For those of you who have given to this to slow him down. In fact, it made him work all the year’s Appeal, thank you for your generosity. For those who more fervently to accomplish as much as he could have not, please prayerfully consider supporting this with what time he had left until he died five years important effort. after falling ill.

COLLECTIONS Father Damien’s resolve to help the lepers of Molokai to the absolute fullest of his ability is admirable, and May 17 Offertory Poor Box Collection $2,316 $50 something that we ought to do our best to imitate. Note: eGiving figures are reported twice a . There might not be any colonies of quarantined Thank you for your generosity and continued stewardship coronavirus patients for us to go to, but we can do our during these difficult times. It is much appreciated. part to stop the spread and ensure that we’ll never need to establish any such colonies. Please consider signing up for e-Giving. Visit faith.direct/DE831. Bauer, Seminarian W. A. Faries, Jr. FARIES FUNERAL DIRECTORS, INC. Robert M. Timblin Six Generations Since 1831 Family Owned Crematorium • Pre-Planning Counseling • State of the Art Facility 29 S. Main St. • Smyrna www.fariesfuneralhomes.com 302-653-8816

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