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The La Salette
LENTEN
Corporal Works of Mercy
ChallengeFebruary 17 - March 26, 2021 -
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WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT AND FOLLOW THE CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY?
The Corporal Works of Mercy respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life. The word “together” is so important, as it is impossible to be in the world without the help of others. In the Bible, we are told to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, so helping other people is a mission and grace from the Lord.
WHAT CAN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DO PERSONALLY TO CARRY OUT THE CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY?
From Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021 until Friday, March 26, 2021, the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette will sponsor the Corporal Works of Mercy challenge. The Challenge can involve you and your family, as well as the Shrine. The Corporal Works of Mercy calendar is large enough for you to document what Works of Mercy or other good works you and/or other members of your family did that day.
Perhaps you read a Bible passage and your child called an elderly relative or friend who is all alone. (You can document those good works on the downloadable calendar above.) The points below are suggestions for you and your family to do something personal and also document on your calendar.WHAT WILL THE SHRINE CONTINUE TO DO TO CARRY OUT THE CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY CHALLENGE?
A group of volunteers has started the Corporal Works of Mercy Challenge committee. The committee will be putting boxes in the Welcome Center (starting on Ash Wednesday). These boxes are designated for each of the Corporal Works of Mercy and their donations. As one of your good works, you may want to donate new items that will be collected for each group associated with a Corporal Work of Mercy.
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WHAT CAN I DO?
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FEED THE HUNGRY AND GIVE DRINK TO THE THIRSTY
There are many people in this world who go without food and drink. When so much of our food goes to waste, consider how stewardship practices of your own food habits can benefit others who do not have those same resources. Any food donation will help the La Salette soup kitchen ministry feed 200 homeless people from the Attleboro area every Monday.
SHELTER THE HOMELESS
There are many circumstances that could lead someone to 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. Your donation to this corporal works of mercy will help clothe the homeless people of the Attleboro area.
COMFORT THE SICK
Those who are sick are often forgotten or avoided. This year it is even more vital that we make efforts to minister to the sick because of Covid. Covid however does not mean that we must stop our efforts! Your donations to this corporal works of mercy will help the residents of Madonna Manor, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in North Attleboro Massachusetts. This is a new ministry through a group called “My Friend Carmen” in honor of Carmen Tortora, A long time resident of Madonna Manor, who passed away in August 2020.
VISIT THE IMPRISONED
People in prison and returning citizens are still people, made in the image or 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. We are partnering with GAWGO (“Getting Ahead When Getting Out”) which is run by the Attleboro district Saint Vincent DePaul society reentry program. It is a program to reduce recidivism and provide citizens returning from incarceration and their families a comprehensive community relationship-based approach. We are also partnering with Bethany house ministries, a re-entry program for women based in Millis, MA.
BURY THE DEAD
Funerals give us the opportunity to grieve and show others support during difficult times. Through our prayers and actions to release times we show our respect for life, which is always a gift from God, and a comfort to those who mourn. There will be a Mass of Remembrance at 12:10 PM on Friday, March 26, 2021, to honor all those who died during the time of the pandemic (and their families), and also for the souls in purgatory. You may purchase candles at the welcome desk for placement at the foot of the altar prior to the Mass that day.
GIVE ALMS TO THE POOR
This Lent, why not skip the morning latte or the lunch out at a restaurant and put that money in the collection basket at church instead? Any amount given with love is appreciated. The Shrine has boxes specifically for the poor at the entrance to the Shrine Church. Why not make a donation of the change in your pocket or handbag to the poor box? There are also donation boxes in the Welcome Center of the Shrine. For donation info, see below!
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