book, which is very conversational and easy to digest,” he admits. The three approached their pastor about finding a way to get the book into the hands of as many other parishioners as possible. “I was open to the fact that they wanted to do this,” says Fr. Rocha. He recommended that they speak to Deacons Robert Falke and Joseph Zagar, who suggested building a Lenten mission around it. Understanding Divine Mercy is divided into five chapters, and there are five full weeks in Lent. Five weekly sessions would help the parish prepare for the celebration of Easter, especially for the Second Sunday of Easter, the Feast of Divine Mercy. The mission team hoped that when the mission was concluded, attendees would participate in the parish traditions of praying the Divine Mercy Novena together, beginning on Good Friday, and observing the Feast of Mercy so as to gain the indulgence and special graces attached to it. Book copies To spread the word about the mission and to propagate the Divine Mercy message among those who would not attend, the mission team decided to order 500 copies of Understanding Divine Mercy. The parish women’s and men’s ministries and chapters of Knights of Columbus and the Catholic men’s group “That Man is You” agreed to provide the funds. Peter Markavage at the Marian Helpers Center helped the team order the large quantity of books they needed at the best possible price. He also provided them with a playlist of Fr. Chris’ videos to use at their sessions. When the books arrived, the mission team prepared them for distribution, with a flier advertising the mission tucked inside each copy. On Ash Wednesday, 450 copies were given away, and the remaining 50, on the first Sunday of Lent. The team promptly ordered 100 more copies and quickly distributed them as well. At the first session of the mission, nearly all of the participants reported having read at least the first chapter of Understanding Divine Mercy. Many had already finished the book. Over the five weekly sessions, in-person attendance averaged 130 people; the videos had more than 300 views on Facebook and YouTube as of this writing. “Not bad for a small parish like ours,” says Frank. The mission team offered social time after the final session, expecting 20-30 people to stay. Almost 100 did. “Everyone was anxious to share their thoughts, conversions, and Aha! moments,” Frank reports. Not just praying “The first word of the book title is key,” says Ruth. “Understanding, not just praying, this devotion.” After the mission, Fr. Rocha noticed more people than usual remaining in the pews to pray the Novena of Chaplets in preparation for the Feast of Mercy. Frank had hoped for this outcome, believing that “if people knew the opportunity and the graces they were walking away from, they would give those extra seven minutes.” Some mission participants shared their gratitude and insights with the team in written comments. Nathan Eckenberg wrote, “I’m blown away. I had absolutely no idea the significance and power of Divine Mercy Sunday. Unbelievable — what a gift!” Susanna Daley learned, “Praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet will save more and more souls beside ourselves. I have made it my mission to pray the Chaplet daily at 3 p.m.” Lines for Confession On the Feast of Mercy, three priests heard confessions at St. Robert Bellarmine, beginning at 2 p.m. Lines of people waited for the Sacrament up to and even during the celebration that began at 3 p.m., the Hour of Mercy, and included the blessing of the Divine Mercy Image, the singing of the Chaplet, and Eucharistic Adoration. “The Holy Spirit is working in our parish right now,” says Ruth. “We feel very honored and blessed to be a part of it.” And the work has begun to extend its reach. Frank has been contacted by several nearby parishes interested in holding their own Divine Mercy mission next Lent. “I had no idea what Divine Mercy was,” wrote attendee Candy Mitchell, “and think more people should hear this word.” The Divine Mercy parish mission is posted on the parish YouTube channel: @st.robertbellarmineadultfa2409. Understanding Divine Mercy (Product code B62-EFBK) by Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, is available as a book and eBook from ShopMercy.org or by calling 1-800462-7426. After the parish mission, Fr. Rocha noticed more people than usual remaining in the pews to pray the Novena of Chaplets in preparation for the Feast of Mercy. Marian Helper • SuMMer 2024 • Marian.org 5
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