By Richard McMahon, Catholic Outlook, June 2016
The Cross continues to attract people of all ages and backgrounds, focusing us on the heart of our faith: the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this Year of Mercy, what better symbol to celebrate within our diocesan communities?
In August, a large Cross will commence its journey through the Diocese of Parramatta, accompanied by a relic of our diocesan patron, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and a letter penned by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.
The Way of Mercy will begin on 8 August 2016 and conclude with the closing of the Holy Door at St Patrick’s Cathedral on 13 November 2016
The Cross and Relics will be hosted by local communities across the Diocese, with celebrations including processions, prayer, veneration, music, testimonials and a sending forth of participants to be agents of mercy.
Parishes, ethnic communities and schools are being encouraged to nominate Mercy Representatives, who will help animate and link people to the upcoming journey.
It is hoped that the journey of the Cross and Relics will illuminate existing works of Mercy throughout our Diocese.
Communities will be inspired to both strengthen and create new pastoral initiatives as a lasting legacy of Mercy, long after the Year of Mercy concludes.
The Way of Mercy is a diocesan-wide initiative of the Pastoral Planning Office in cooperation with the Year of Mercy Committee. Please join with me in praying that the Way of Mercy will be a grace-filled opportunity for the people of our Diocese and those we seek to call into the fullness of the life Jesus offers.
To download an FAQ about the Way of Mercy, click here.
If you wish to offer your support to the Way of Mercy, through your time and giftedness, please contact the Pastoral Planning Office tel (02) 9831 4911 or send an email to pastoralplanning@parra.catholic.org.au
Richard McMahon is Director of Pastoral Planning & Implementation in the Diocese of Parramatta.
