This Sunday, we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. It is based on the message of mercy given by Jesus Christ to Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who had mystical experiences in the early 20th century. The celebration emphasizes the infinite mercy of God and encourages believers to seek forgiveness and extend compassion to others.
Jesus appeared to St. Faustina in a vision, with his right hand raised in a blessing and his left touching his garment above his heart. Red and white rays emanate from his heart, symbolizing the blood and water that was poured out for our salvation and our sanctification. The Lord requested that “Jesus, I trust in You” be inscribed under his image. Jesus asked that his image be painted and venerated throughout the world: “I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish” (Diary, no. 48) and “By means of this image I will grant many graces to souls” (Diary, no. 742)
This Sunday, we will have a special Holy Hour of Adoration from 2:30-3:30pm, during which we will sing the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. The Chaplet was also given to St. Faustina with this promise: “Encourage souls to say the chaplet which I have given you” (Diary, no. 1541). “Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death. … Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy. I desire that the whole world know My infinite mercy” (Diary, no. 687).
A note from our “plant manager” for the plant sale:
People wanting to help with the upcoming IHM Plant and Garden Sale are asked to Meet at 6 P.M. on Tuesday April 18, 2023 in the conference room at the Learning Center. Volunteers are needed to set up, price Garden items, work the sale and tear down.
This is the first time the church has tackled this type of sale. If it’s a success, It may become “ROOTED” in our fund raising calendar of events. That success depends on people and their willingness to “DIG IN” and grow in a fun and “DOWN-TO-EARTH” effort for the Church.
In May, our Sunday Mass schedule is set to return to 8 am and 10:30 am. Before we make that decision, we want to make sure that is the best time for summer. In the bulletin for the next few weeks, a form will be available to select your favored option for the Summer Sunday Schedule. We ask that you only return one form per family. You can place the form in the collection basket or mail it to the parish office.
For the months of May—August, our Mass schedule is set to change from 11 am to 10:30 am. We are asking all parishioners to circle their preferred option below and return to the parish office via the collection or mailing in your response.
Option 1: 8:00 am & 11:00 am
Option 2: 8:00 am & 10:30 am
Option 3: 8:00 am & 10:00 am
Here’s a thought for your week: Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song. –Pope Saint John Paul II
Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy
The IHM 300 Club will be a special 6 month raffle, and more information about this can be found in today’s bulletin, as well as on our website. Tickets will begin being sold after all the masses. Tickets can also always be purchased through the parish office.
