Saint John Paul II Parish 3110 17 Mile Road Cedar Springs, MI 49319 (616) 696-3904 www.jp2cedarsprings.org Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. John Paul II Parish, Subject: Divine Mercy Sunday April 12, 2015 In the Great Jubilee 2000, shortly after Pope John Paul II canonized St. Faustina, whose vision and teaching led many people to reflect on the mercy of God, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued a decree on May 5, 2000. . . . [T]he Supreme Pontiff John Paul II has graciously determined that in the Roman Missal, after the title "Second Sunday of Easter", there shall henceforth be added the appellation "(or Divine Mercy Sunday"), and has prescribed that the texts assigned for that day in the same Missal and the Liturgy of the Hours of the Roman Rite are always to be used for the liturgical celebration of this Sunday. In the Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary (June 29, 2002), a plenary indulgence is granted to those who faithfully observe this day. A plenary indulgence, granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of Supreme Pontiff) to the faithful who, on the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honour of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. Merciful Jesus, I trust in you!). As Divine Mercy Sunday April 12, 2015 is approaching, it is also the day that the 11 th Bishop of Grand Rapids two years ago decreed to establish the then Blessed and now Saint John Paul II Parish. I encourage parishioners, friends, and guests, to prayerfully celebrate this day with a special devotion and be made aware of the plenary indulgence available to us. In order to help all to attend the Eucharist on this Sunday and receive the indulgence, I would like to add times for the Sacrament of Confession. Here is the complete liturgical schedule at St. John Paul II during Divine Mercy Sunday: Saturday April 11, 2015: Confession 12-12:30PM and then Vigil Mass of Divine Mercy Sunday at 5:30PM. Sunday April 12, 2015: Confession 7AM-8AM and Mass at 8:30AM; Confession at 9:45AM-10:20AM and Mass at 10:30AM; Exposition of Blessed Sacrament and Chant the Divine Chaplet of Mercy at 3PM; Confession at 4PM and Mass at 5PM. Come and “give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endures forever.” (Ps 107:1). Sincerely yours in Christ, Rev. Lam T. Le, Pastor