Jubilee of Mercy

Merciful like the father

December 8, 2015 – November 20, 2016

“For all of us, then, the season of Lent in this Jubilee Year is a favorable time to overcome our existential alienation by listening to God’s word and by practicing the Works of Mercy.  In the Corporal Works of Mercy we touch the flesh of Christ in our brothers and sisters who need to be fed, clothed, sheltered, visited; in the Spiritual Works of Mercy – counsel, instruction, forgiveness, admonishment, and prayer – we touch more directly our own sinfulness.”

Pope Francis’ Message for Lent, 2016

In the Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis reminds us not only that ‘Jesus is the Face of the Father’s mercy,’ but also that ‘mercy is the beating heart of the Gospel.’ Following Christ’s example, we are called to live mercy, by rediscovering both the Spiritual Works of Mercy (counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offences, bear patiently those who do us ill, and pray for the living and the dead), and the Corporal Works of Mercy (feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead).

Learn more about the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy and find ways to see through the Merciful Eyes of Jesus:

US Conference of Catholic Bishops teaches about the Works of Mercy

The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat 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 through this life.

The Spiritual Works of Mercy have long been a part of the Christian tradition, appearing in the works of theologians and spiritual writers throughout history.  Just as Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to, these Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to “help our neighbor in their spiritual needs” (US Catholic Catechism for Adults).

The Pontifical Council features a video about each of the Works of Mercy

     
January: Feed the Hungry Feb: Give Drink to the Thirsty March: Comfort the Afflicted
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April: Admonish the Sinner  May: Visit the Sick  June: Clothe the Naked
July: Instruct the Ignorant

Catholic Charities shares Prayer Resources on the Works of Mercy

Looking for ways to practice the Corporal Works of Mercy close to home?

SJV’s Social Service Ministry has a wide variety of service opportunities in which we can respond to the call to live mercy. Currently, we’re looking for volunteers to help us interview families in crisis who need assistance with basic needs.

For more information on this opportunity as well as many others, contact Glorivel Rivas, 281.497.4434, or view a complete list of Volunteer Opportunites with our Social Service Ministry.


 

Useful Links

View online resources and current Jubilee activities in our area and around the world:

AD_Thumbnail-YOM_pope Jubilee of Mercy – Merciful Like the Father
AD_Thumbnail-YOM-PC Pontifical Council – Cor Unum
AD_Thumbnail-YOM-USCCB United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – Jubilee of Mercy                          .
AD_Thumbnail-YOM-ARCHGH Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston – Year of Mercy
 AD_Thumbnail-YOM_Salt&Light1 Salt & Light – SJV Social Services Quarterly Report
 AD_Thumbnail-YOM-DC Dynamic Catholic – Rediscover Mercy