Corporal
Works of Mercy
The Corporal Works of Mercy
"Anyone
who needs me,
and whom I can help, is my neighbor."
Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est
As
we begin the Lenten season, our Ash Wednesday readings
provide us focus for the weeks ahead. Our Holy Father,
Benedict XVI, reminded us last year how to begin
the season of Lent: "we have forty days to deepen this
extraordinary ascetical and spiritual experience … Jesus
indicates some of the useful instruments to accomplish
an authentic interior and communitarian renewal: the
works of charity (almsgiving), prayer and penance
(fasting)" [Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18]. Pope Benedict speaks of
prayer as a time to "help the faithful along their
interior journey, a journey of conversion," and fasting
that "stems from the need that man has for interior
purification that detoxifies him … releases the believer
from the slavery to self … renders him more attentive
and open to listen to God and to be at the service of
the brethren" through almsgiving and other acts of
charity. As Lent calls for simplicity and sacrifice, it
lends itself to the Works of Mercy (ex. cloth the naked,
shelter the homeless); as we reflect on excess in our
lives, we reflect on ways to help provide for those in
need.
The U.S. Bishops remind
us of the Corporal Work to feed the poor in For I Was
Hungry and You Gave Me Food: "time and again Jesus
warned us against selfishness and greed and called us to
feed the hungry and show special concern for those who
are poor … Providing food for all is a Gospel
imperative, not just another policy choice ... It is
about how we feed our own families, and the whole human
family." The bishops challenge us to discover how hunger
in the human family can be overcome, and how land,
water, and other elements of God’s creation be
preserved, protected and used well in the service of the
common good.
as a parish,
we seek to reach out to those in need during the weeks
of Lent, by focusing on our Parish Pastoral Plan's
exercise the ministry of charity. We continue to
challenge ourselves and each other to offer help to
those in need, by asking: What can we do to learn more
about the needs of the marginalized in our area? What
are the needs of area youth? How can we help the St.
Vincent de Paul and other Christian social service
organizations? Are we able to commit to regular
monetary and physical donation to their organization?
How can we reach out to the homebound, sick, dying, and
bereaved in our parish? Addressing these and other
concerns is the goal of the Cathedral’s Lenten program,
"Corporal Works of Mercy" - parishioners are given
options weekly for Outreach opportunities (see details
on opposite page and the "Family Activities" page) –
consider which one(s) are right for you, your family and
your organization!
Together as the Cathedral Parish,
let us put into action the works of mercy!
First Week of Lent -
"Clothe
the naked"
U
Take a tag
from the Giving Tree; purchase item for a
student attending the Renzi Education and Art Center's
After School Program. The Renzi Center, on Egan Street,
was founded by the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows to
provide outreach to “at risk” youth in our area. Bring
your donations to the Giving Tree during the weeks of
Lent.
Second Week of Lent -
"Feed
the hungry"
U
PURCHASE canned goods
and boxed items to St. Catherine's Food Pantry barrel in
Church foyer.
U
donate to the cathedral st. vincent de
paul
every week, volunteers with the St.
Vincent de Paul help the needy in our area! Consider
giving a donation monthly to the St. Vincent de Paul
Society - place your gift in the collection basket
at Mass. All donations, no matter the size, are
appreciated!
U
join the cathedral effort to serve a meal
at shelter
call the Church Office and volunteer to help with or
organize a monthly meal time at a local shelter.
U
donate to the celebration of life
program,
join fellow parishioners in this birthday ministry at
the Highland area Friendship House.
Call
the Church Office for more information!
U
donate to lenten rice bowl
(return Mar 16)
& Pray
for
end to worldwide hunger.
third Week of Lent -
"Give
drink to the thirsty"
U
purchase milk for the shreveport bossier
rescue mission
Did you know that the Mission serves over
five gallons of milk a day? They have served as a beacon
of hope for over 51 years to the homeless and hurting in
our area! Call them (227-2868) to make donations of
drink, food, or funds!
U
contribute to the rice bowl
efforts to
conserve water
fourth Week of Lent -
"Visit
the Sick"
U
volunteer as cathedral minister of care
and visit the sick and shut-ins of our parish.
U
donate food & Household items to the
Mcdade house
(1825 Warrington, by Schumpert) help
provide lodging and support for outpatients or relatives
of seriously ill patients in area hospitals.
U
volunteer for the meals on wheels
join others in the diocese as they donate
funds to the
Council on Aging's Meals on Wheels
program or volunteer to deliver meals!
Call the Church Office to volunteer.
fifth Week of Lent -
"Visit
the imprisoned"
U
Join Prison Ministry
call the Catholic Center (868-4441) and
volunteer to help the Kairos Ministry.
Holy Week -
"Shelter
the homeless"
U
Donate items to the shreveport-bossier
rescue mission
the shelters for women, children, and men
are in need of twin sheets, pillows, bath towels, wash
cloths. Purchase these items and bring them to the Works
of Mercy box in the foyer! Check the flyer on the
bulletin board for other personal, household and kitchen
items needed, and bring your larger donations directly
to the Mission (901 McNeil Street, 227-2868).
Good Friday -
"Bury
the dead"
U
contribute
napkins, Kleenex and 4-roll toilet paper
for families visited by the Cathedral Bereavement
Ministry.
U
comfort those mourning
through visits and cards ; pray for
them..
U
pray for all worldwide
who
have died as a result of violence.
All "Giving Tree" donations may be left at the Giving
Tree;
all other donated items may be brought to the donation
baskets
in the Church Foyer.
Thank you for your Lenten Works of Mercy!
