Mass of the Oils (Chrism), celebrated by Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert on March 28 with priests of the Diocese at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown. (Photos by John Simitz)
The first Sunday after Easter, this year April 8, the Feast of Divine Mercy will be celebrated throughout the Diocese.
Pope John Paul II established this feast at the canonization of St. Faustina April 30, 2000, and the official decree from the Sacred Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments came just days later on May 5, 2000.
Not only did he establish this Feast of Divine Mercy, but he died on the vigil of that feast, just five years later on April 2, 2005.
The Feast of Divine Mercy is preceded by participation in a Novena of Chaplets to the Divine Mercy. For more information, visit their website by clicking here.
Locations in the Diocese that have announced Divine Mercy Sunday services are below.
- Divine Mercy, 224 W. Cherry St., Shenandoah, 3 p.m., Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Midafternoon Prayers from the Divine Office, prayers and readings, homily, reflection, hymns, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, Benediction; no confessions or Mass, 570-462-1968, [email protected].
- Holy Rosary, 237 Franklin St., Reading, 3 p.m., Mass and Chaplet of Divine Mercy (a plenary indulgence may be obtained), Mass fulfills Sunday obligation, refreshments after Mass in hall, 610-373-5579, [email protected].
- Our Lady’s Missionaries of the Eucharist, 640 E. Main St., Birdsboro, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., principal celebrant and homilist for Holy Mass Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert, conference presenter Sister Joan Noreen, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy Devotions, Sacrament of Reconciliation, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, 610-582-3333, www.olme.org.
- St. Ignatius Loyola, 2810 St. Albans Drive, Sinking Spring, Eucharistic Adoration 2 p.m.; Divine Mercy Chaplet and talk with Deacon Frederick Lanciano 3 p.m.; 610-678-3767, www.stignatiusreading.org.
- St. Jane Frances de Chantal, 4049 Hartley Ave., Easton; Mass celebrated by Father Stephan Isaac noon; Eucharistic Adoration and confessions 1 p.m.; Divine Mercy Chaplet sung by St. Jane Choir 3 p.m., followed by Eucharistic Procession and Closing with Benediction; Divine Mercy Chaplet booklets will be available in the gathering space and there is easy access for the disabled; confessions also Saturday, April 7, 4 p.m.; 610-253-3553, www.stjanesofeastonpa.com.
- St. Joseph the Worker, 1879 Applewood Road, Orefield, 2:30 p.m., Father Joseph Kweder, no confessions, 610-395-2876, www.stjw.org.
- St. Matthew the Evangelist, 139 Spruce St., Minersville, 3 p.m., Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Scripture Service, Sung Chaplet of the Divine Mercy, Benediction, confessions begin 2 p.m.; Msgr. William Handges, pastor emeritus, St. Peter, Coplay, will be guest confessor, homilist and presider; first class relic of St. Faustina will be offered for veneration at conclusion of services; 570-544-2211, www.stmatthewtheevangelistparish.org.
- St. Thomas More, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown, 3 p.m., Benediction, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Praises of the Divine Mercy, Divine Praises and Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 610-433-7413, www.stmchurchallentown.org.
