Saturdays during the Season of Mercy - Pew to Pilgrim

This is it. The week is drawing to a close and you've heard all about that week's work of mercy.

The word “pilgrim,” comes from the Latin word peregrinus (foreigner, traveler), meaning a person who journeys to a sacred place for religious reasons. Rather than aimless wandering, this is a journey with purpose to honor God. 

Becoming a pilgrim is a process of learning, preparing, getting started and persevering. Think of the journey to becoming a marathon runner. You cannot just jump from your couch to run a marathon or even a 5k. It’s a gentle introduction to get started followed by small distances and building up over time.

Over the 14 weeks of our Season of Mercy, we will provide information to reflect upon what each act of mercy means in our world today. We will also give you a variety of Pilgrim Practices for you to perform each Act of Mercy for others in spiritual or material need. 

Depending on where you are in your journey, you may want to engage as a Novice, an Intermediate or an Experienced Pilgrim. The important thing is to reflect and pray, be mindful and open to exploring new ways to grow as a Disciple of Christ.

After all, as Archbishop Cupich reminded us at the opening of the Holy Door on December 13, 2015, the door is not only an entrance to the church, but the way that we go forth to share the great mercy and love of God with the world. Get out of that pew and go forth to the world, as a pilgrim of faith, living lives of mercy and joy!