At home last year, as covid was slowly spreading and the fear was intense, we came to Divine Mercy Sunday. The doors of our churches were still locked. People were still trying to uplift each other without seeing each other. In our house, sidewalk chalking became our evangelization tool. I drew the Divine Mercy with rigid lines and headed to the driveway, chalk and blue tape ready.
Christ told Faustina (as recorded in her Diary, 47 and 48):
“Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You. I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over [its] enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory.”
I think I really needed the reminder of Christ’s mercy in the wake of so much uncertainty. So, I kept drawing it and making it. I drew it up in Illustrator, cut it out on my Cricut, painted it on handmade cards sent to others, made a free-standing icon-like thing for my grandpa, and drew it inside on our chalkboard upstairs. That last one’s stayed there all year long, reminding us that we have to rely on Christ.
Chalking the Divine Mercy
Print out the coloring sheet Divine Mercy Stained Glass coloring sheet PDF. Use this as your guide for laying down your painter’s tape. Along the exterior lines, I used a thicker tape. For the interior details, I cut it in half. Press the tape down firmly to your surface. Then, just chalk in the lines. Adding a little shading with a darker version of the color you’re using to one edge of each shape really adds some depth.
Then, peel off the tape. This is the part the kids will love. Our kids decided to keep the used tape and make it into a ball. For weeks, tape ball with it and a broom was their game of choice.
If you’re in San Antonio like us, don’t forget the sunscreen. This project will take awhile. Since it does take time, it’s also the perfect chance to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet while you work. Whichever kid is the least interested in the art can be in charge of the beads and lead the prayers, or you can listen to a pre-recorded version and follow along. 
Other Ideas
If chalking isn’t your thing, you can use the Divine Mercy Stained Glass coloring sheet PDF as a simple coloring sheet. My kids have lately enjoyed tracing, especially with tracing paper. Parchment paper works just as well if it’s something your kids enjoy doing, too. Elaine McNutt has a great “how to draw” video up now. Or, if you have a Cricut, you can cut out your own Divine Mercy. If I knew how to make svg files, I’d have it available for all of the other cutting machines out there, too. But, you can find the jpg below if that helps you make your own.
I did also make the image in wood on the Cricut. It takes many more passes than suggested, and the side that’s attached to the mat is cleaner, so flip accordingly. This file is for the wood version with a chipboard or art board background and stand. I actually suggest doing it in map, chip, or art boards instead of wood to save time.
What is the Divine Mercy, and what should we do on Divine Mercy Sunday? Check out our “Jesus, I Trust in You.” post to find out what we know.
