DIOCESE—One week after Easter, the Church celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday.

The novena for the celebration begins on Good Friday. The novena prayers are at http://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/novena.php.

Parishes in the diocese planning April 3 events include the Holy Door parishes for the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Rockford:

The celebration at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St.,  will begin with Mass at 11 a.m., free  lunch and screening of “The Original Image of Divine Mercy.”

After the movie until 3 p.m.,  there will be confession, adoration, benediction, rosary, divine mercy chaplet and readings from, “A Holy Hour of Hope and Healing for Those Affected by Abortion.”

A plenary indulgence is attached to participation in this adoration for those who receive Communion that day and go to confession within 20 days before or after the feast.

Info: Lisa Foti, 815/985-3631, lisafoti1@aol.com

Aurora:

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Fifth St., is ordinarily open on Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Regular Mass times are 8 and 10 a.m. in English; and 1 p.m. in Spanish. Visitors may  also come to pray and pass through the door of mercy 3-5 p.m.

Info: 630/851-1100

DeKalb:

St. Mary, 329 Pine St., will celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy, 1-3 p.m. in the church. It will include Eucharistic adoration, confession, prayers and readings, and singing the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Info: 815/758-5432

Elgin:

St. Thomas More, 215 Thomas More Dr., holy doors are open during Mass times. On Sunday, they are 8 and 10 a.m. and noon.

Info: 847/888-1682

Galena:

St. Michael,  227 S. Bench St., will have eucharistic adoration, confessions and the  Divine Mercy chaplet at 3 p.m.

A social sponsored by St. Michael Altar and Rosary Society and the Knights of Columbus will follow in Dolan Hall. It will include a screening of “Full of Grace” and a question and answer session with executive producer Eric Groth. Free but donations accepted for Outside Da Box  Catholic film production company.

Info: 815/777-2053

Johnsburg:

St. John the Baptist, 2302 W. Church St., will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 p.m.
Info: 815/385-1477

Sterling:

St. Mary, 600 Ave. B, offers Sunday Masses 7, 8:30 and  10 a.m.
Info: 815/625-0640

Other parishes that have scheduled Divine Mercy Sunday activities include:

AURORA
St. Joseph: 3 p.m. benediction and chaplet of Divine Mercy.

BATAVIA
Holy Cross: 1-3 p.m. adoration and confession; 3 p.m. chaplet, benediction, blessing of Divine Mercy images; 3:30 p.m. Mass

FREEPORT
St. Joseph: 1 p.m. exposition; 1:10 p.m. confession; 2:25 p.m. chapel, and benediction; 3 p.m. Mass and blessing of Divine Mercy image. Reception after Mass.

ROCKFORD
Holy Family: 2 p.m. eucharistic adoration, chaplet, benediction; 3 p.m. Mass; reception.
St. Bernadette: 1:30 p.m. Exposition, confession, benediction, chaplet; 3 p.m. Mass. Reception after Mass.
St. Stansilsaus Kostka: 1:30 p.m. Exposition, adoration and confession; 3 p.m. Mass and eucharistic procession with St. John Paul II relic, chaplet and benediction. Lunch after Mass

ST. CHARLES
St. John Neumann: 2-3 p.m. holy hour; 3 p.m. chaplet

WEST DUNDEE
St. Catherine of Siena: 3-4 p.m., holy hour with confessions
Other parishes also plan events. Check your bulletin for information.