Parish Life
At Divine Mercy Parish, we believe that genuine spiritual and personal transformation happens through an encounter with the mercy and love of God in Christ and His Church.
Flowing from the Liturgical Heart of the Church, the Mass, we seek to cultivate authentic relationships, vibrant community, and mission that changes lives. We desire that all parishioners and guests experience being seen, known, and loved into a deeper relationship with God and one another.
Faith Formation
Divine Mercy Parish offers practical and approachable paths for everyone, at any stage of their spiritual journey, to develop their own spiritual life individually and communally. There are two main avenues through which one can engage in this: first, by engaging with Staff-Led Parish Programming (e.g. Family Catechesis, Book Studies, etc.), and second, by finding connection and growth in Personal Apostolate Parish Groups (e.g. Prayer Groups, Bible Studies, etc.)
Liturgical Ministries
Serving in a liturgical ministry supports the priest’s role as presider and the prayer of the congregation as the Mystical Body of Christ. There are many opportunities to serve in a ministry either behind the scenes or during the Mass. Contact: To volunteer to serve in a liturgical ministry, please contact Fern Reilly at liturgy@divinemercymadison.org.
Liturgical Volunteers
Readers & Commentators
The Reader proclaims the Scripture readings to the congregation with the intent of bringing the Word of God to life. Certain innate abilities are necessary, including: an adequate vocal instrument, poise, self-confidence, maturity and sensitivity to the diversity in the gathered assembly.
The commentator gives voice to the Prayer of the Faithful.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC)
Ministers are needed on weekends and Holy Days to help distribute Holy Communion at Mass. Special training is required through the parish. Qualifications to be an extraordinary minister are having been confirmed in the Catholic Church, a practicing Catholic, and if married, the marriage has been blessed within the Catholic Church.
Ushers
Ushers welcome people arriving for Mass and distribute the worship aids. They take the count of how many are attending Mass and take the collection. After Mass, they straighten up the pews and check that the church is in order for the next Mass. Ushers also assist with any emergencies that may occur.
Sacristans
The sacristan sees to the preparation and set-up of all liturgical items needed for Mass and to their proper care after the Mass. The sacristan also sees to it that the servers and all other ministers have arrived and are ready for the celebration of the Mass.
Sacred Music
More information coming soon.
Liturgical Environment
Sanctuary Cleaning and Watering Plants: Volunteers help with dusting in the sanctuary and around the baptism font, along with cleaning and refilling the holy water fonts. Volunteers are welcome to be scheduled to water the green plants in the church and the vestibule.
Altar Linens
Volunteers wash and iron the altar linens used at each Mass. They do so for a month at a time. For more information or to be scheduled, contact Nora Statsick at statsick@charter.net.
Parish Community & Hospitality
Sharing a communal life is vital for parishioners and those exploring Christian Faith. At Divine Mercy Parish we provide opportunities for parishioners to gather for fellowship and to be a warm and welcoming presence for visitors and guests.
Service Ministries
In the Christian life, there are what the Church has called the Works of Mercy. The Corporal Works of Mercy are those particularly concerned with the care of the human body (Latin, corpus) – that is, the physical-material needs of parishioners and/or our neighbors in need. Thus, service ministries provide food, clothing, shelter, visitation of the sick and those in prison, etc.