CHARLOTTE — Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee Year of Mercy in the Church this year and has asked Catholics to work and pray to learn the truth and beauty of God's mercy and to extend mercy to others and to ourselves. Local Catholic publisher Saint Benedict Press has responded to the Holy Father's call by creating an eight-week program that takes participants on a journey through salvation history of God's merciful promises to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and David, to the prophets' call to renewal and to the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ.
"Doors of Mercy" is not a Bible study and there is no written homework. Each session is only 90 minutes and will allow you to experience God's hope, healing and loving mercy.
"'Doors of Mercy' has been a labor of love for us," says Conor Gallagher, publisher of Saint Benedict Press. "And it has called forth all our talents. It is the most complex work we have ever done, and we created it on an unbelievably tight schedule."
"When the Holy Father called for a Year of Mercy last April, we knew as a Catholic publisher we had to respond with resources that would help the faithful fully live this special time. 'Doors of Mercy' is a program to experience God's mercy here and now, through prayer, the sacraments and good works. It ends with a look at St. Faustina Kowalska – the 'Apostle of Mercy' who Pope Francis has pointed to as a patron of this special year."
Each weekly session is led by Father Jeffrey Kirby, a priest of the Diocese of Charleston, who guides group members through God's covenant with His people, by explaining the events of the Bible and showing how God pours out His mercy even after they stray from Him.
Each session is capped by insights from various Catholic authors, speakers and clergy, which demonstrate the power of Divine Mercy in the world today inspiring participants to seek God's mercy and to foster a closer relationship with Christ.
Several parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte have already ordered their materials in preparation for running the program this Lent. St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, Holy Spirit Church in Denver, St. Mary's Church in Shelby and St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville are several of the parishes which plan to offer the program.
Cindy Shaffer, a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Council, will be co-leading the Wednesday evening sessions at her church beginning Feb. 17.
"As a parish, we've been looking for ways to live out the Year of Mercy called for by our Holy Father Pope Francis.
"The Doors of Mercy program offers our parishioners another powerful way to reflect upon – and encounter – God's mercy during this special year. It's also an invitation to others in the community, including those who may have been away from the Church, to come learn about God's mercy, too."
Father Mark Lawlor, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church, says the parish is seeking to follow Pope Francis' initiative.
"The Doors of Mercy series will provide our parishioners with reflections on the mercy of God and our response in the spiritual life. I am confident that this series will have a profound impact on those who participate," he said.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Learn More
At www.mercystudy.com: Get more information about the 'Doors of Mercy' program. To order materials for your parish, email Lynn Klika at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 800-437-5876.