Father Glenn Harris, pastor, carries the Blessed Sacrament in a eucharistic procession during a previous 40 Hours of Divine Mercy at St. John the Baptist Church in Rapids City. (Provided photo)

RAPIDS CITY — St. John the Baptist Parish will host its annual 40 Hours of Divine Mercy event beginning on Tuesday, June 21, at the parish church, 1416 3rd Ave.

Father John Broussard of the Fathers of Mercy

This year’s event has expanded to nine days and will end with “Mission of Mercy,” a parish mission featuring three talks by Father John Broussard of the Fathers of Mercy. Father Broussard is rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, Wisconsin, and his talks will focus on the healing, life-giving power of the sacraments and how they strengthen Catholics to live their faith in a culture hostile to the church.

The June 21-29 event features 40 hours of eucharistic adoration as well as expanded opportunities for reconciliation. Area Catholics are invited to spend time with Jesus during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

Among the other guest speakers during the nine days is Father Luke Spannagel, a diocesan priest who is now a member of the team of National Eucharistic Preachers preparing Catholics for the National Eucharistic Revival. Also speaking will be Father Tom Otto, pastor of the LaSalle Catholic Parishes and one of the “Priests Pedaling for Prayers” to raise vocation awareness.

As part of the event, St. John the Baptist Parish will host a bonfire at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22. Father Glenn Harris, pastor, hopes the gathering will be a “homecoming” for parishioners to re-connect with the parish. On Friday evening, June 24, the parish will host a eucharistic procession at 7 p.m.

Adoration volunteers are needed for the 40 Hours of Divine Mercy. Those wishing to reserve an hour or two are invited to contact Tracy Downey at tkdowney57@gmail.com or (309) 738-5272.

A full schedule of the nine days is available at the parish website, stjohnstmaryqc.org.