Beginning on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 2015, and ending on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, November 20, 2016, the Catholic Church will celebrate a Jubilee Year of Mercy.
“Merciful Like the Father”
On the second anniversary of this pontificate, Pope Francis announced his intention to proclaim this holy year in order to express more clearly the Church's “mission to be a witness of mercy.”
Here is a collection of resources and links to help you and your fellow parishioners celebrate the Year of Mercy:
Jubilee of Mercy Website - The online home for the Year of Mercy. It was developed by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization.
Misericordiae Vultus - The bull of indication for the extraordinary Year of Mercy. In it Pope Francis expresses the spirit and schedule of this important holy year.
Books for the Year of Mercy
- For Married Couples: Intimate Graces
- For Parish Leaders: To Heal, Proclaim, and Teach
- For Mothers: Divine Mercy for Moms
- For All Catholics: Remembering God's Mercy, Be Healed, Loved as I Am
Year of Mercy Activities for Parish Religious Education & Families
- Preparing for the Year of Mercy (Society of Saints)
- Works of Mercy Booklet (Catechist's Journey)
- Year of Mercy Activities for Kids (Look at Him & Be Radiant)
- The Spiritual Works of Mercy Teaching Tools (Look to Him & Be Radiant)
- The Corporal Works of Mercy Teaching Tools (Look to Him & Be Radiant)
- Celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday and Saint John Paul II with Kids (Catholic Icing)
- A Practical Guide to Living Out the Year of Mercy (CatholicMom.com)
- Prayer of Pope Francis for the Jubilee Year of Mercy (Vatican)
Year of Mercy Webinar Recording
To help parishes prepare for the Year of Mercy, Sr. Terry Rickard offered a nice overview of the jubilee year and invited parish leaders to share dozens of ways they are celebrating the Year of Mercy in their parishes. To read these ideas, check out the webinar recording page here.