When our country began shutting down back in March due to COVID19, I admit the works of mercy were pretty far from my mind. Sure, I wrote a book about the topic but everything else seemed more urgent!
Blessed to be safe financially and physically, we had to carve out a new life without normal activities and (painfully) without access to the sacraments. We had to adjust to college classes taken and taught from home and special needs without our normal backups. Our close knit Catholic community of families was forced online.
As I’m sure many of you can relate, our early uncertain weeks were spent in survival mode. Honestly, I was in a complete funk all the way up to Easter. Slowly and prayerfully, however, we were able to regain a new rhythm. We started to think not about what we can’t (couldn’t) do, but what we can. The works of mercy became a cornerstone of the can do and have been an opportunity for all of us to build community even during this COVID19 season of our life.
5 Ways to Bless Others and Build Community Through the Works of Mercy During COVID19
1. Connect through Prayer
Early in the COVID19 lockdown our small Catholic community began meeting twice weekly to pray night prayer via zoom. As our community began to open up and small gatherings are allowed, we now meet periodically at a local Catholic cemetary to pray together outside.
As a family, we also took on the task of praying the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy for our diocesan seminarians faced with an unusual learning situation. Using these printables from Sweet Little Ones, we mailed them each a note letting them know we had been praying for them. We have gotten several beautiful notes in return- these young men were so grateful to be thought of. In addition to the prayer, the coloring was a great project to keep little hands busy during some ickier weather days.
2. Be an Encourager
Right now we all need a little extra hope and encouragement! Sidewalk chalking your neighborhood, church parking lot, the local nursing home, or just about anything else is an easy way to spread some cheer.
We may not be able to visit the sick and imprisoned directly right now but we can encourage them through digital platforms, old fashioned snail mail, and more.
3. Grow an Extra Row
Grow an extra row is actually a long time tradition. The idea is to plant your family garden and then plant an extra row for the community. Food shelves often accept produce and even if your local food shelf isn’t, everyone knows someone who’s budget is stretched thin right now. Grocery stores in many places are still partially empty and food is a fundamental need we all share.
Not to mention, gardening is a good for our own souls as well. The joke around our house is that mom will be feeding our entire parish by the end of the summer. I’m already delivery eggs and produce to the rectory once/week and hardly anyone comes to our home and goes away empty handed.
4. Hyper Localize Your Efforts
This is a great time to learn about the events and opportunities closest to your home and community. What does your closest neighbor need? What is going on in your neighborhood? How can you help your parish?
As churches begin to reopen and reestablish the sacramental life, there are many COVID19 related tasks that staff may need assistance with. Also many jobs such as ushering might need new younger volunteers. Caring for the sick definitely involves helping prevent others from becoming sick!
5. Focus on Education
COVID19 offers a unique opportunity for all of us to pause and learn more about the needs of our specific community. It is also an opportunty to learn more about the works of mercy themselves.
If you need some ideas for how to start, you will find a corporal works of mercy picture book list available here. If you sign up for my newsletter (more info in that post), I will also send you an expanded discussion guide. If you are ready to dive even deeper as a family, consider checking out Let’s Talk About Service, a six week family study for learning more about the works of mercy.
Wednesday, July 8 at 2:00 Eastern Time (1:00 Central), I will be doing a webscast on 67 Ways to Do the Works of Mercy with Your Kids During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Click on the link for more information and to register. If you are unable to catch the link live, a replay will be available.
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