Interview with Dave Berns
Director of Journey of Mercy

What is the main focus of the program?

Journey of Mercy is a prayer experience that focuses on different aspects of God's mercy. Each song and reflection is like a window to God.  With each open window we reflect on a particular story or image of God's merciful presence which gives us a glimpse of God's love.  We are all called, each in his or her own way, to be "transparencies" of God's love. 

What should people expect when they come?

Those who attend will experience beautiful music, readings, reflection, and prayers of God's Mercy. There will be time for listening and reflection but also time for everyone to worship together through Psalms and hymns. Everyone will also be invited to join in as we pray a decade of the "The Chaplet of Divine Mercy" in song. I hope that everyone who comes will leave with a greater understanding of what mercy is and what it means for us as Christians. I hope people will see that the call to mercy is more than a personal and individual response. It is also a call to all nations and societies of people. For God sent his Son to save the world from our individual and collective sins. 

How do you want people to experience the program?

We want everyone to enter more fully and intentionally into the expanse of God's Mercy.  I hope those who attend Journey of Mercy will come with open hearts and leave with a broader understanding of what God's mercy means in their mind but also their heart. 

How does it connect to the Year of Mercy?

Pope Francis has proclaimed the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy as a special time for the church. Pope Francis said, "At times we are called to gaze even more attentively on mercy so that we may become a more effective sign of the Father's action in our lives."

"Merciful like the Father" is the motto of this Holy Year. Our Journey of Mercy  presentation is meant to celebrate the many blessings our parishes have received during the past year but also be a springboard to inspire each of us to be a more effective sign of God's mercy to each other and the wider community going forward. 

How is it similar or different from "Lenten Lessons and Prayers: A Musical Journey with Christ"?

A Musical Journey with Christ is a presentation that centered on the life and Passion of Christ.  Journey of Mercy is a prayer experience that is more interactive than  A Musical Journey with Christ.   Journey of Mercy highlights some of the images and stories of mercy found in the Gospels and in the writings of Pope Francis, St Teresa of Calcutta and St. Faustina.

The format of  Journey of Mercy is very similar to  A Musical Journey in that it will feature beautiful and inspirational music, readings and reflection, but it also is a different type of prayer experience than  A Musical Journey.  Journey of Mercy features some songs
that will be familiar to those who listen to contemporary Christian Music. We also include modern arrangements of a couple traditional hymns as well as some chant. I think anyone who was inspired by  A Musical Journey will also be inspired by  Journey of Mercy. I put  Journey of Mercy together to be a totally new and unique experience for those who attend.

Additional thoughts:

Journey of Mercy starts off very solemn and mournful with the focus on Jesus and our individual longing for Jesus and prayers for healing and forgiveness. We then invite his healing, merciful love to come into our individual and collective hearts. Once we experience God's mercy our burdens are lifted and we are then able to respond to God's call to be the face of God's mercy to others. The last 1/3 of our program is very uplifting
and joyful as we lift our collective minds and hearts to worship our merciful and loving God.