Corporal Works of Mercy:
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HOW WE SERVE OTHERS
e often hear the words “love one another.” Through our ministries here at St. Vincent de Paul, we have the opportunity to live those words. Matthew 25:31-46 helps guide our stewardship way of life. We take to heart, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). The Catholic Church defines the actions listed in these verses of Matthew as the Corporal Works of Mercy — feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead. From the beginning, our parish life has been infused with grace from living a life in service to each other, the community, and global needs. Many ministries focus on the Corporal Works of Mercy and other ministries incorporate them into activities throughout the year. Let us look at the Corporal Works of Mercy to see how we as a parish family serve others. To feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty The Food Cart Ministry collects food for Arlington Charities and Mission Arlington. Support Thy Neighbor Sunday that started this October collects items for
multiple non-profit agencies in the Arlington area. The Men’s Club cooks meals for Arlington Life Shelter. Women’s Guild serves Meals on Wheels. Noreen’s Nourishment provides meals to the families in the cancer ward at Cook Children’s Hospital. The Bereavement Ministry serves meals after funerals. At our Second Sunday we gather to share a meal and fellowship after Mass. Thanksgiving Service at Mission Arlington is where we help prepare the meals for Thanksgiving Day. To help clothe the naked Hearts and Hands Ministry collects clothes and household items. Catholic Charities and many of the special collections at Mass go towards helping those in need. To shelter the homeless Our Parish Outreach department, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and Catholic Charities directly shelter those in need. As a parish, we support this through our donations in the alms boxes, alms on Faith Direct, and committed budget funds. Parishioners also provide direct support to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul continued on back cover
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