It is the hope of our school and parish programs that we will inspire young people to meet the ongoing challenge of living our faith as we meet the hungry, the sick and sorrowful, responding with open hearts to their material needs and their spiritual yearnings. We are called to practice the Corporal Works of Mercy in the world—simple ways we care for the physical well-being of others. Jesus tells us that when we do these Works for others, we are doing these Works for him (Matthew 25: 31-40). In the simple, everyday acts of love within our homes, schools, neighborhoods, and parishes that we are mercy-workers.

As the school year begins, ask your students to suggest practical ways that people of their age can practice these works. The Corporal Works of Mercy are:

• Feed the hungry.
• Give drink to the thirsty.
• Clothe the naked.
• Visit the imprisoned.
• Shelter the homeless.
• Visit the sick.
• Bury the dead.

Some of these works may seem like adults-only activities, but children can learn to apply them to their everyday situations. For example, we can put our faith into practice by inviting a new classmate to join our lunch table, or waiting for someone to catch up in line, or sharing a treat with someone who does not have one, or not laughing when someone makes a mistake.

Welcome New Classmates. The Family Life series explores the qualities of friendship at all grade levels, especially in “God’s Gift of Love.” For example, in grade 5, lesson 7, page 47, discusses how we mature in love through friendships. A new Second Edition of Family Life is now available, with diverse life stories focusing on moral virtues for everyday living.

Practicing Mercy. Invite students to make illustrations of someone doing these works of mercy. Assign pairs of students to role play someone giving and receiving these actions of love and care.

Open Our Ears and Our Hearts. In The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis urges us: “We need to practice the art of listening, which is more than simply hearing. Listening . . . is an openness of heart which makes possible that closeness without which genuine spiritual encounter cannot occur. Listening helps us to find the right gesture and word which shows that we are more than simply bystanders.” (no. 171)

Listening well demonstrates respect for others, a key principle featured in the Family Life series. View the Scope and Sequence to identify listening skills practice at each grade level. Here are a few suggestions that will help us optimize our listening efforts.

• Look the person in the eye when they are talking to you. Put down the book or tablet or put aside other tasks for a moment. Turn toward the person; stoop down if necessary. Stop, look, and listen.
• Repeat simply what you have heard them say. This shows you’re listening to hear.
• Be slow to speak. If you want someone to talk to you, you need to listen, listen, listen!