The Corporal Works of Mercy are acts of compassion and service that respond to the physical needs of others. Rooted deeply in the teachings of Jesus Christ, these works are a direct call from Him to live out our faith by caring for those around us. In the Gospel of Matthew (25:35-40), Jesus teaches that by feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick, visiting prisoners, and burying the dead, we are serving Him directly.

This call to mercy is intimately connected to the Liturgy of the Hours, where we pray, “Oh God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.” While these words express our plea for God’s help, the Corporal Works of Mercy invite us to become the answer to this prayer for others. In serving those in need, we become the hands of Jesus on earth, bringing His love and mercy into the world.

To support and encourage this vital mission, we will be adding a directory feature that connects you with various opportunities to engage in the Corporal Works of Mercy. Through this directory, you can find ways to feed the hungry, visit the sick, support the imprisoned, and more—turning faith into action and embodying Christ’s call to serve.