Monday of the First Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

Today’s gospel is a favorite for staff and volunteers from Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, and parish outreach ministries. The qualities it lists have been memorialized as the Corporal Works of Mercy: feed the hungry, satisfy the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, heal the sick, and visit the imprisoned.

We thrive in ministry when we realize that we cannot accomplish any of these works alone.  Some of my favorite moments when I worked for CCUSA occurred when I met someone for the first time and answered "Catholic Charities" when asked where I worked.  Very often, the other would exclaim, "Oh, I love Catholic Charities! We adopted a child/benefited from their disaster recovery efforts/were served at one of their shelters, (etc.)."  I proceeded to explain that we are a big organization, that our national office existed to support the work of thousands of staff and volunteers on the ground serving adoptive families, refugees, immigrants, those in need of shelter and food, etc., but that I would be glad to pass the thanks to everyone!

Less than one month ago, donors in my community (metro Green Bay, Wisconsin - estimated population 220,000) shared over $1.2 million with 40 local nonprofits as part of Give Big Green Bay.  All 40 were worthwhile causes; ten specifically exist to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, heal the sick, and welcome the stranger everyday.  Give Big Green Bay also demonstrates that the corporal works of mercy are not accomplished by a small number of people: 2,800 people donated, supporting the efforts of thousands of staff and volunteers.

If you are looking for a good Lenten read on the works of mercy, check out Kerry Weber's Mercy in the City:  How to Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Visit the Imprisoned, and Keep Your Day Job.  Weber's work not only lays a theological foundation for the ministry that we do, but also sheds humor that can help sustain us every day in our offices, shelters, pantries, clinics, and court rooms.

Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem. is a Norbertine from De Pere, Wisconsin. Currently serving as an archivist, office administrator, and Master Gardener volunteer, he counts his past service with Catholic Charities USA as a highlight of his 37 years of Church ministry.

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