Parishioners at St. George Church in Bourbonnais, are heeding Pope Francis’ call for mercy and action, with the launching of the Jubilee Year of Mercy — and it seems to be revitalizing the parish.
An active committee of more than two dozen parishioners meets monthly to update their list of activities planned for this historic year — and they impact nearly every aspect of parish life.
Last month alone, they glued the Jubilee Year of Mercy prayer inside every hymnal, while adding a banner of the extraordinary year and photo of Pope Francis to the church’s environmental decorations.
At liturgies, parishioners will learn about the year through brochures on the Seasons of Mercy, and others detailing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Even the choir incorporated Year of Mercy themes in its liturgical music.
Lent will offer the chance for small communities to form to discuss “Mercy Endures Forever,” while a list of good works is rapidly growing for parishioners to be able to participate in as a way of living out the Year of Mercy.
“We have much more on the calendar for Lent, spring, summer and fall,” says Marilynne McBride, chairwoman of the committee. “Spiritually, we have so much more for our members to read and pray about.”