Honoring the Pope, Embracing Mercy
– A Powerful Post-Easter Reflection
Pastoral Notes for the Second Sunday of Easter – Divine Mercy Sunday | April 27, 2025 | Year C
“My Lord and My God”
This Second Sunday of Easter holds deep significance for the Church. It concludes the Octave of Easter—eight days of profound celebration—and ushers us into the broader season of Eastertide, which extends to Pentecost. It is also known as Divine Mercy Sunday, a title gifted to us by Pope St. John Paul II, in recognition of the mercy Christ extended to Thomas in his doubt.
This year, Divine Mercy Sunday is marked by sorrow and remembrance. We mourn the passing of Pope Francis, who has gone to the “House of the Father,” as announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Cardinal Camerlengo. The Holy Father died on Easter Sunday, just hours after delivering a heartfelt message calling for peace in Gaza and Ukraine.
Pope Francis will be remembered as the Pope of Mercy. In his 2022 Divine Mercy homily, he proclaimed:
“Divine Mercy opens us to the sufferings of others.”
From his election in 2013 to his final moments, Pope Francis never ceased urging the Church to live mercy, personally and collectively. He inaugurated the Jubilee Year of Mercy in 2015, constantly reminded us of the Church’s mission to the poor and the suffering, and challenged each of us to mirror God’s compassion.
A Call to Live Mercy
As we continue to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection, we are invited to do more than just receive mercy—we are called to be mercy to one another.
- Let your parish be a place where mercy is preached, practiced, and truly felt—where every person is welcomed, wanted, and valued.
- Invite your community to pray for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the Church prepares to select the next successor of Peter.
- Take time to introduce and welcome your neophytes—those newly initiated into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Consider presenting them at Mass or spotlighting them in parish communications
Parish Action Steps This Week
Respond to New Donors and Visitors
If your parish received new financial gifts or visitor information during Easter, send a thank you immediately. A quick, personal message—using your GiveCentral Smart Tools—can help turn a one-time donor into a long-term supporter.
Highlight New Members
Celebrate those who entered the Church during the Easter Vigil. Sharing their story helps build community and affirms the parish’s role in their journey of faith.
Let us walk forward in the spirit of Pope Francis: courageous in compassion, faithful in prayer, and always reaching toward those who suffer, with hearts full of mercy.
Last modified: April 23, 2025
