On April 11th 2015 Pope Francis published a document called Misericordia Vultus in which he said he would inaugurate a Year of Mercy for the Church worldwide. It was called Misericordiae Vultus after the opening lines which read: "Jesus Christ is the face of the Father's mercy." Francis said that on 8th December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, he would proclaim an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy - a whole year given over to the contemplation of God's mercy for everyone of us, especially through the sending of his son Jesus to save us. On that day he would open the Holy Door of St Peter's, calling it a Door of Mercy.
He said he had chosen this date with care because he said he would be opening a Door of Mercy exactly fifty years after the closing of the Second Vatican Council and he recalled Pope John XXIII's opening words to the Council: "...Now the Bride of Christ wishes to use the medicine of mercy rather than taking up arms of severity… The Catholic Church, as she holds high the torch of Catholic truth at this Ecumenical Council, wants to show herself a loving mother to all; patient, kind, moved by compassion and goodness toward her separated children." (11th Oct 1962) There is much to reflect on in this document of only 25 paragraphs and you can read it here.
The Cluster parishes decided they would offer a series of reflections on this document which would take place during the six weeks of Lent. This led to a collaboration between the Cluster and some other parishes including links with partnership communities in Tanzania. The final format for each week began with a double reading of Scripture then a period of reflection, followed by excepts from Misericordiae Vultus, again followed by silent reflection. Then there were questions for discussion based on the readings. Each session began and ended with all or some of Pope Francis' Prayer for the Year of Mercy.
The Lenten reflections were offered to each parish on various days and at various times so that as many people as possible could be included. In the end, each parish offered two sessions at days and times which suited best. Many people attended the sessions in the period of Lent with many saying how well the format had worked but how difficult and challenging were some of the planned personal resolutions! If you would like to make use of these materials, please click on the Mercy picture.