Corporal Works of Mercy

The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for treating all others as if they were Christ in disguise. They "are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs.” They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life. Pope Francis remarks: "These works remind us that faith finds expression in concrete everyday actions meant to help our neighbors in body and spirit. On such things will we be judged.”

The seven Corporal Works of Mercy are listed below.  After each work of mercy, there are also suggestions and words of advice for living them out in our daily lives. 

Feed the Hungry

Many people in this world go without food. When so much of our food goes to waste, consider how good stewardship practices of your own food habits can benefit others who do not have those same resources.

• Having delicious food at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner? Donate to a Thanksgiving or Christmas food drive so everyone can have something to eat.
• Research, identify, and contribute financially to organizations that serve the hungry.
• The next time you make a recipe that can be easily frozen, make a double batch and donate one to your local food pantry or soup kitchen. 
• Try not to purchase more food than you can eat. If you notice that you end up throwing groceries away each week, purchasing fewer groceries would eliminate waste and allow you to donate the savings to those in need.

Give Drink to the Thirsty

Many of our brothers and sisters in Christ do not have access to clean water and suffer from the lack of this basic necessity.  We should support the efforts of those working towards greater accessibility of this essential resource.  We take it for granted that we have access to clean water.

• Donate to help build wells for water for those in need.
• Organize a group of children involved in a sports team (e.g., soccer) or a summer camp. Invite them to collect bottled water to distribute at a shelter for families. If parents can be involved, ask them to accompany their children in delivering the water to the families. Do the same for youth and young adult groups.
• Make an effort not to waste water. Remembering to turn off the water faucet when you are brushing your teeth or washing dishes can help, especially in regions suffering from drought.

Shelter the Homeless

Many circumstances could lead to someone becoming a person without a home.  Christ encourages us to go out and meet those without homes, affirming their worth and helping them seek a resolution to the challenges they face.

• See if your parish or diocese is involved with a local homeless shelter and volunteer some time.
• Donate time or money to organizations that build homes for those who need shelter.
• Many homeless shelters need warm blankets for their beds. If you can knit or sew, that would be an extra loving gift.
• Millions of children and families are on the move, fleeing from war, illness, hunger, and impossible living conditions and searching for peace and safety. Engage parish groups of children, youth, young adults, and families in researching the causes and challenges that these families face surviving. Contact Catholic Social Services or Diocesan offices of peace and justice for help with your research.
• Seek ways to provide shelter for the homeless locally, regionally, nationally, or internationally.

Visit the Sick

Those who are sick are often forgotten or avoided. Despite their illness, these individuals still have much to offer to those who take the time to visit and comfort them.

• Give blood.
• Spend time volunteering at a nursing home. Get creative and use your talents (e.g., sing, read, paint, call Bingo, etc.).
• Take time on a Saturday to stop and visit with an elderly neighbor.
• Offer to assist caregivers of chronically sick family members on a one-time or periodic basis.
• Give caregivers time off from their caregiving responsibilities so they can rest, complete personal chores, or enjoy a relaxing break.
• Next time you make a meal that can be easily frozen, make a double batch and give it to a family in your parish who has a sick loved one.

Visit the Prisoners

People in prison are still people, made in the image and likeness of God. No matter what someone has done, they deserve the opportunity to hear the Word of God and find the Truth of the message of Christ.

• See if your parish, or a nearby parish, has a prison ministry and if so, get involved.
• Volunteer to help out or donate to charities that give Christmas presents to children whose parents are in prison.

Bury the Dead

Funerals allow us to grieve and show others support during difficult times. Through our prayers and actions during these times, we show our respect for life, which is always a gift from God, and comfort to those who mourn.

• Send a card to someone who has recently lost a loved one. Make your own card and use prayers.
• Visit the cemetery and pray for those you have lost.
• Spend time planning your own funeral Mass, read through the Order of Christian Funerals, and find our hope in the Resurrection.

Give Alms to the Poor

• Donate money to organizations that have the ability to provide support and services for those in need.  Do the research and find organizations that put people in need first, rather than profit. 
• Skip the morning latte and put that money in the collection basket at church.
• Find a charity that is meaningful to you and volunteer your time or donate. 
• During Lent, give up eating out at restaurants. Prepare your meals and donate the extra money to charities.
• Participate in CRS (Catholic Relief Services) Rice Bowl.

Credit: https://www.uscb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/jubilee-of-mercy/the-corporal-works-of-mercy