USCCB: Works of Mercy in Time of Pandemic

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“Often it is the people closest to us who need our help.
We should not go out in search of some unknown business to accomplish.
It is better to begin with the simplest, which the Lord tells us is the most urgent.”
 —Pope Francis General Audience (10/12/2016)
The Corporal 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 all others, as if they were
Christ in disguise; they “are charitable actions
by which we help our neighbors in their bodily
needs” (U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults). 
FEED THE HUNGRY
• Check in with your parish community
to see if there are parishioners who can-
not (or should not) go grocery shopping
themselves.
• Check in with your parish to see if the food
pantry is adequately stocked.
• Organize a network of volunteers in each
parish/community to grocery shop for
parishioners in need, especially the more
vulnerable populations in our community.

GIVE DRINK TO THE THIRSTY
• Do not purchase or hoard more water than
you need.
• While handwashing is vitally important,
make an effort not to waste water—in soli-
darity with our brothers and sisters in Christ
who do not have access to clean water and
suffer from the lack of this basic necessity.
SHELTER THE HOMELESS
• Consider donating toiletries and sanitary
items to a local shelter since those who
suffer homelessness—and the facilities that
minister to them—are especially vulnerable
at this time.
• Financially support organizations that are
working to support the homeless population
in your community.
VISIT THE SICK
• While in-person visits are not advisable
during this time, please invest time in
reaching out via phone/video call or by
sending a letter or card to those who may
feel particularly isolated during this time.
• Offer to assist caregivers of chronically
sick family members by grocery shopping
or cooking for them so they do not have to
risk exposure.
• Reach out to health care workers in your
community who may be overworked,
burdened, or in need of specific support at
this time.
VISIT THE PRISONERS
• Explore whether your parish or diocese has
a prison ministry and, if so, check whether
they are in need of supplies or support.
• Given that people in prison can be
especially isolated and vulnerable during this
pandemic, consider how to support those
who are ministering to them and bringing
them the Word of God.

BURY THE DEAD
• Now that funerals may be limited or
restricted, reach out with cards or phone
calls to those who have recently lost a
loved one.
• If possible, visit the cemetery to pray for
those you have lost—and to ask their
intercession on behalf of all those facing
death today.
GIVE ALMS TO THE POOR
• Reach out to those who may have been
especially burdened during this pan-
demic, especially those whose occupa-
tions make them more vulnerable to
economic instability.
• Remember that the lack of public celebra-
tion of Masses may result in parishes strug-
gling financially in the next few months; be
sure to continue your support and if possi-
ble, increase offerings for those who cannot
donate due recent financial hardship or
inability to work.
• Remember that Catholic Relief Services
continues to serve the most vulnerable and
consider making a donation or praying for
them as you are able.


The Spiritual Works of Mercy
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” (U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults).
COUNSELING THE DOUBTFUL
• Reassure and support those who may be
especially anxious during this time.

• If someone asks you for advice, orient your
response to Christ, who is the Way, the
Truth, and the Life.


INSTRUCTING THE IGNORANT
• With public celebration of Masses unavail-
able, learn and/or teach someone else how
to make a Spiritual Communion.
• Take this time to recommit to your own
study and formation and, for those home
with children, take advantage of this time
to reflect on the faith as a family.
ADMONISHING THE SINNER
• Being confined in close quarters for long
periods of time with families or housemates
can test us in more ways than one, so be
supportive in helping others find their way
and correct their mistakes.
• Recognize the reality of spiritual warfare in
daily interactions and strive to cultivate the
corresponding virtues needed to resist your
personal temptations.
COMFORTING THE SORROWFUL
• Write a letter or send a card to someone
who is suffering and let them know you are
thinking of them.
• Remember that a few moments of your day
may make a lifetime of difference to some-
one who is going through a difficult time.

• Consider sharing links to spiritual resources
with those who may be isolated, such as
livestreamed Masses, so that they can par-
ticipate in community worship from home.
FORGIVING INJURIES
• For families, this time may maximize oppor-
tunities to exercise forgiveness, so take this

time to model the importance of forgiveness
both for this life and the next.
• If the sacrament of Reconciliation is
not available in your parish at this time,
commit to making a regular examination
of conscience.
• Learn and/or teach your family members
the Examen prayer and/or the Divine
Mercy Chaplet.
BEARING WRONGS PATIENTLY
• Practice developing and strengthening the
virtues of temperance, prudence, fortitude,
and justice.
• When frustrated with someone, step away
from the situation, take a few deep breaths,
and pray the Our Father, asking God for
patience.
• Commit to praying the Stations of the Cross
once a week.
PRAYING FOR THE LIVING AND 
THE DEAD
• Pray the rosary with family members, via
video conference or conference call if
needed, for all those who are suffering from
the effects of this pandemic.
• Keep your own book of prayer intentions,
writing down the names of those who you
are keeping in your prayers, and let people
know that you are praying for them.
• Ask a friend or family member if there is
anything you can pray for them about.