15th Sunday in creation of new paradigms of spreading the Gospel. Ordinary Time We are grateful to Nancy and India, and July 11, 2021 all those who have so lovingly made this ministry possible at St. Polycarp over the years. They are PASTOR’S PEN all shining examples of faith in action. Through Dear People of God, them, the good news of God’s love was taught to our younger members. I hope and pray that all is well with you and your loved ones as we enjoy the blessings of May God continue to bless them and us as Summer! we strive to build the Kingdom! It is with sadness that I must announce the closure of the Academy at St. Polycarp. This decision was not made hastily. Our Pastoral Council, Finance Council and Professional Staff all examined the ongoing viability of the Preschool over the course of months. They all discerned the same recommendation to the Pastor to close the Academy. This was based on factors that even pre- dated the challenges of the pandemic. For years, as the Smyrna School District increased its preschool programs, enrollment diminished. Often, the parish had to adjust Her operations to supplement the program. The Blessing of the Stones Faith Garden will take With the onset of the pandemic, in person th place on July 10 . learning was not prudent. Accordingly, switching Thank you to all those who submitted a painted stone. to a virtual program for 3, 4, and 5-year-old We welcome all those who contributed a stone to explain children was not wise. Further, our Director, its meaning by submitting a line or two, a paragraph or two, about your stone. Submissions should be sent Nancy Koska, and her assistant, India Wilson, to [email protected]. This will allow all in our retired. After a search for new leadership yielded community to grow in understanding the power and no candidates, the parish had no other options. grace of the Holy Spirit active in our midst. While it grieved me to accept this recommendation, I am peaceful with it being in the best interest of the parish. Throughout history, the Holy Spirit has brought ministries into being to meet a need in the Church. Religious Orders are a perfect example of this reality. Then, as the need changes, the Holy Spirit guides the The Sacrament of Welcome to our newest member. Deacon Frank baptized Jonathan David TOYS, PUZZLES AND MORE! Bailey on Sunday, June 27th at noon. Need Toys? Want Toys? We may have what you’re looking for!!! Jonathan is the son of David Christopher Come One, Come All… to our Toy Giveaway in the halls of Bailey and Adilene Paneda. The Godparents our PSR Building July 10 & 11… after both Masses. are Ed Sadlowski and Carol Grove. We are cleaning out our classrooms! We may have something you want!! Jesus loves you, Jonathan! Monetary Donations Always Accepted!!! Any donations will be used to purchase a new Smart T.V. LET US PRAY for our parish. WELCOME BACK AGAPE! WEEKLY INTENTIONS Saturday, July 10 Blessed Virgin Mary 4 pm Patricia Gardner - Barbara Dean Sunday, July 11 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:30 am Parishioners Monday, July 12 Sunday, July 11th following the 10:30 am Mass. NO Mass Tuesday, July 13 St. Henry 8:30 am Vicente Lim, Sr. – Delia Lim Wednesday, July 14 St. Kateri Tekakwitha 8:30 am Rosalice Alex - Joan Werres Thursday, July 15 St. Bonaventure Please join us on Sunday, July 11th after the 10:30 am 8:30 am Sofia Crisostomo - Betty Pingol Mass. Come join and socialize with your fellow Friday, July 16 Our Lady of Mount Carmel parishioners. Enjoy light refreshments, hosted by Parish 8:30 am Matthew Richards - Bill & Jill Hanford & Family Life Committee. Saturday, July 17 Blessed Virgin Mary 4 pm Parishioners Hope to see your there! Sunday, July 18 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:30 am Mary Burke - Father Paul Mast Bread & Wine for the Eucharist are given: Dear People of God – -Tuesday, July 13, in memory of Ed Gerlach, at the Recently, I shared with Fr. Jim my news about request of Carol Grove. - Thursday, July 15, for the living intention of Theresa retiring from all priestly ministry and escaping to Devine, at the request of Janet Alexander. Florida in the fall. My exit date from the parish is -Friday, July 16, in memory of Charles Hayes, at the request of Janet Alexander. th Sunday, September 26 , 2021. I look forward to saying “goodbye” to everyone and to thank you Bread & Wine for the Eucharist are given in prayer for an increase in religious vocations. for the many graces I received these past six years Our Sanctuary Lamp in Church burns In loving memory of working with you in sowing and nurturing seeds Deacon Charles Robinson, at the request of Brother of faith to grow the gospel of life in the sacred Vincent Council #7517. ground of the parish. Fr. Paul Mast The New 2022 Mass Intention Book is now open. You can reserve a Mass or Offering by calling the parish office between the hours of 9am-3pm, or anytime via email at [email protected]. We Pray for Our Sick and Change the World: Those in Need of Our Prayers Become a Catholic! To have someone’s name added to the Bulletin for prayers, please email [email protected] or call the office and leave a message. Names will remain on the prayer list for six weeks unless other arrangements have been requested. Carol Donahue, Tom Dicuirci, Jill Mercer, Rob Miller, Gordon Hollander, Carol Hurst, Ed Stachow, Patty Moon, Christie Moon, Mark Kennedy, Ben Walters, Michelle Dean, Austin & Dylan Dean, Kenny Bullins, Deirdre Moor, Linda Blow, Mariann Pierson, Ron Ivory, Ruth Staub, and all those suffering from Covid-19. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ July is the month dedicated to the Most Precious We Pray for our Deceased Blood of Jesus Christ. By His Precious Blood shed May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen on the Cross, and the transforming power of the Eucharist, we can reflect with clarity on the gift of everlasting freedom given us through our Baptism Prayer Chain – To request prayers or to be part of our Prayer Chain, contact Laverne at [email protected] or into his death, a death that promises eternal life, (302) 653 – 8064 liberated from sin. Rosary by Telephone: Tuesday mornings at 10am. Contact Jill at (302)653-3836 or [email protected].. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is Flame of Love Rosary: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in Church. the process by which individuals become “citizens Email Roxanne at [email protected] or leave a message of the Kingdom” through Baptism, Confirmation, or text (302)242-6484 for details. and Eucharist. You can make a difference in such a person’s life. If you are aware of someone who CHRISTIAN FORMATION is looking for new direction in their life through a closer relationship with the Lord, perhaps they PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION (PSR) Religious Education -Registering now for 2021-2022 will find their way in the Catholic Church? Grades P/K – Grade 9. For more information, contact Are you willing to plant the seeds of hope, found Mrs. Erica Taylor, Coordinator of Religious Education in our heavenly Father’s loving care? Will you (302)653-4101 or [email protected], share his promises fulfilled in the sending of His saintpolycarp.org/religious-education/ Son as the “Word Incarnate,” and nourished by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? Do you feel God calling you to guide and lead someone closer to God? We are in need of a few catechists and assistants for PSR this Fall and we are always looking for Then you can… change a life by “personally members for our Christian Formation Committee and inviting” them to an upcoming RCIA Inquiry RCIA and Baptismal Teams. session. Our sessions will take place in the PSR Catechists needed for Grades 3 and 7 Library at 6:30 PM, on Monday evenings 7/12, Assistants needed for Grades 1, 3, 6 and 8 7/26, 8/23 and 8/30. These sessions are for those If you feel God calling you, please contact Erica Taylor, CRE at (302) 653-4101 or [email protected] unbaptized, those baptized in other Christian traditions, or adult Catholics who have not been GIRL SCOUTS confirmed. You can change someone’s life… by Girl Scouts is a great opportunity for girls to build simply asking! friendships and leadership. New troops are forming, and registration is open for girls entering Kindergarten For information, please contact Deacon Frank through 12th grade. We are also looking for adults to help provide leadership to the girls. Please contact Weber at [email protected] or Tracie Bruno at (302)242-4150 or email at leave a message with the parish office at (302) [email protected] for more information. 653-8279. FINANCE COUNCIL HAPPENING ELSEWHERE ST. POLYCARP’S 2ND ANNUAL CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON MARIAN PILGRIMAGE STEAK DINNER AND GOLF TOURNAMENT with Bishop William Koenig at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C. September 25, 2021, 10AM-4PM https://saintpolycarp.org/marian-pilgrimage/ RETROUVAILLE: REDISCOVER THE LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE SAVE this Date—Sunday, September 12, 2021 Tens of thousands of couples have healed their nd for St. Polycarp’s 2 Annual Steak Dinner and Golf marriages through Retrouvaille. If you know anyone who Tournament at Maple Dale Country Club in Dover, DE.