Getting Started

Ideas for getting your whole parish involved.

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With your pastor's approval and the support of parish teams, you can help prepare your parish to receive special graces on Divine Mercy Sunday. Make sure to follow your parish's procedures. (See our sample planning checklist.) Here are some tried and true methods to get parishioners involved. 

Tell Parish Groups and Committees 
The celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday can involve several groups representing different areas of parish life and liturgy. Share information to improve coordination and participation. 

Parish Festivals 
Gathering as a community to share a day of joy is one way to celebrate the gift of complete forgiveness of sin and punishment on Divine Mercy Sunday. 
 

Ethnic Celebrations 
Incorporate traditional costume, décor, and music into the celebration. Consider offering bi-lingual readings during the Liturgy. Encourage children to discover the roots of their ethnic and faith heritage. 

First Communion 
Before the Mass begins, acknowledge the First Communicants and note that the Eucharist is the greatest act of mercy our Lord is giving to them as well as to all who will receive Holy Communion. The Divine Mercy Image can be carried in the entrance and closing procession, followed by First Communicants. Offer Divine Mercy prayercards to all in attendance. 

Confirmation 
Divine Mercy Sunday is an ideal day to ask the Lord for grace to help the confirmandi live out the responsibilities of the Faith. 

Consecrations 
Making or renewing a consecration to our Lord or the Blessed Virgin Mary ("Mother of Mercy") also is appropriate on Divine Mercy Sunday. Groups might consider having the consecration at the 3 o'clock "Hour of Mercy," the time of Christ's death on the cross in atonement for sin. 

Retreats 
Groups having a retreat on Divine Mercy Sunday benefit not only from the retreat itself, but most of all from receiving God's grace being poured out in accordance with Jesus' promise. 

Activities for Lent and Easter Week

Invite the Experts 
The Marians and their apostolates bring the ABCs of Divine Mercy to parishes across the country. See presenters and themes.