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The Spiritual Works of Mercy

What are the Spiritual Works of Mercy?

The Spiritual Works of Mercy are a way for us to accompany and encourage each other on our faith journey.  The Spiritual Works of Mercy are acts of charity through which we show our love for each other by .

There are many practical ways we can practice these works of mercy. Look at the list below and pick one of these to do as a family, in your youth group, or with your youth ministry program.

Instruct the Ignorant

  • Volunteer with your Parish School of Religion (PSR or CCD) or with Children's Liturgy of the Word at your parish
  • Commit to learn more about your faith so you can explain it to others. Pick up a YouCat or DoCat and read some of it every day. These are geared towards students.

Counsel the Doubtful

  • Do you know somebody experiencing a faith crisis? Offer them your support.
  • Ask somebody who has stopped going to Sunday mass to come with you this weekend.

Admonish the Sinner

  • Go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a group. Encourage someone who is hesitant to join you.

Comfort the Sorrowful

  • Bake cookies and take them to a recent widow or widower.
  • Offer a spiritual bouquet (a group of specific prayers of your choosing) to parents who have recently lost a child to miscarriage or stillbirth
  • Listen patiently to someone who is going through a hard time.

Forgive Injuries

  • Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
  • Think about the times you have been forgiven and remember how good it is to receive that mercy. Then forgive somebody else for something you have been holding on to.
  • Write down some grudges you are holding on to. Burn them in a fire.

Bear Wrongs Patiently

  • Pray for somebody who you find especially frustrating.
  • When you think of somebody who you feel has wronged you, come up with three things you like about that person.

Pray for the Living and the Dead

  • Visit a cemetery and pray for deceased loved ones
  • Spend a few minutes each day praying for somebody who is suffering. Pray for them specifically and by name.
  • Pray for the students and young adults you know, that they might discern their vocation. (See the prayer here.)

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