When we attend to the needs of those in want, we give them what is theirs, not ours.
– St. Gregory the Great
Using Scripture, The Catholic Church has discerned a permanent plan for the holy use of our human time and talent. Our Christian Service department seeks to empower our community to live out this sacred plan, which our church calls the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. These works are listed in The Catechism of the Catholic Church (#2447).
The Corporal Works of Mercy Include:
- Feed the hungry
- Shelter the homeless
- Clothe the naked
- Visit the sick
- Bury the dead
- Visit the imprisoned
- Give alms to the poor
The Spiritual Works of Mercy Include:
- Instruct
- Advise
- Console
- Comfort
- Forgive
- Bear wrongs patiently
- Pray for the living and the dead
We also believe that any further instruction that may be needed in order to serve Christ can and must be gained from the generous inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Thus, we all need to be strongly committed to spending time ASKING God to speak and LISTENING for His answers.
As St. Luke tells us, “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” (Luke 11:9-13)
You are always welcome to contact Kim Houseman on extension 112 to discuss the investment of your God-given time and talents.