Divine Mercy Parish - Mati

𝑴𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒚𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒚 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑪𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒉

On the 30th of June, the church honors the First Martyrs of Rome—the early Christians who were falsely blamed for the Great fire of Rome and put to death under emperor Nero of year 64. Even though their names are mostly unknown, their courage in the face of horrific persecution helped the early church grow and thrive. Today, we remember their sacrifice as a powerful example of a great standing in faith and a firm believer of truth no matter what challenges we face.

𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐋
Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
June 26, 2026

"Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean." He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, "I will do it. Be made clean."

Matthew 8:17

If you ever wonder how God feels about our brokenness, our hidden shames, or the parts of our lives we think are too messy to show anyone, this is the answer. God doesn't recoil from us. He doesn't look at our wounds with disgust. His immediate instinct is to move closer, to reach out, and to restore.

𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐉𝐎𝐇𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐓
June 24

“He must increase; I must decrease.” – John 3:30

The Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist celebrates the birth of the prophet chosen by God to prepare the way for Christ. Born to Zechariah and Elizabeth through God’s providence, John’s arrival brought great joy and fulfilled the divine promise that he would be a herald of the Messiah. His life was marked by humility, courage, and a steadfast commitment to calling people to repentance.

This solemnity reminds the faithful of the importance of preparing their hearts for the Lord and living as witnesses to the Gospel. Like Saint John the Baptist, Christians are called to point others to Christ through their words and actions, placing God’s will above their own and faithfully proclaiming His truth.

𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐋
Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Vigil
June 24, 2026

"Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard."

Luke 1:5-17

True divine joy doesn't always look like comfort. Sometimes, the answers to our prayers call us or those we love into challenging, counter cultural spaces. Zechariah had to learn to surrender his fear of the supernatural and his rigid expectations of how life "should" go to receive the specific joy God was offering.

𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒍𝒕𝒂𝒓, 𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝑹𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒘𝒂𝒍

The 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 warmly and joyfully invites all altar servers to join the 𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗹 2026, to be held on 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 3-5, 2026 at 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵.

This renewal is a special opportunity to deepen the faith, renew one’s relationship with God, and strengthen one’s commitment to service. As servants of the Lord’s altar, altar servers are also called to constantly grow in dedication, humility, and love for Him.

Below are the requirements and additional details for the upcoming Sacristan Renewal:

Requirements:
1. DYA Recommendation
2. Baptismal Certificate
3. Confirmation Certificate
4. ₱100 Registration Fee

Come and be part of a grace-filled Sacristan Renewal 2026, where hearts are renewed and brotherhood is formed for the greater glory of God!

Caption by: Kerl Hombre
Layout by: Marc Lester Obatonon