Over the summer months, when your classes are not meeting formally, the faith formation of youth continues in the home and parish life. We are not taking a vacation from being a disciple of Jesus! Encourage your students to take time with their families to practice bringing Jesus’ love and mercy to their neighborhoods. 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).

Saint Teresa of Avila is said to have expressed this discipleship action this way:

Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

Learn more about the life and work of Saint Teresa, who was named a Doctor of the Church for her writing and teaching about prayer. Her biography and connections for grade-level lessons are available in the Saints Resource.

Catholic disciples are called to be in mission by putting two feet of love into action: social justice and charitable works: “The conscience is called by this social teaching to recognize and fulfill the obligations of justice and charity to society.” (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, no. 83) An illustration of the Two Feet of Social Action is available from the US Bishops’ Conference.

Our Family Gathers is available as an ebook for parish and home celebrations in every season of the year. Some concrete suggestions for practicing the Works of Mercy during summertime are listed on this flyer from Our Family Gathers in a free sample for the Easter Season, “Putting Faith into Practice” at home in summer. Some examples:

• Feed People Who Are Hungry: Help in a community garden. 
• Give Drink to the Thirsty: Volunteer to hand out water at a local marathon or service event.
• Clothe People Who Need Clothes: Clean out your closet and donate unused items to a local clothes closet.

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