Faith Series -- Corporal Works of Mercy
About this activity:
This series provides a group of activities to help youth and adults to learn more about the universal faith-based practices and traditions used in living the Catholic faith.
For more information about the
Corporal Works of Mercy visit:
How to start:
Read about the Corporal Works of Mercy. You can find the answers to these questions using the links above. Feel free to use other resources.
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1st - 5th Grades - Complete requirements 1-5.
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6th - 12th Grades - Complete all requirements.
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Adults - Mentor one or more youth to earn the Corporal Works of Mercy Patch.
Requirements 1-5
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After reading Matthew 25:31-46 and Tobit 1:16 - 2:8 answer the following questions:
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a) In what way is it true that, “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you do to Me.”?
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b) What does Jesus say is the reward for those who do a corporal work of mercy?
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c) What does Jesus say is the punishment for those who do not?
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d) In Tobit 1:17 it describes Tobit performing three of the corporal works of mercy. Which ones are they?
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e) #2447 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead.” In this list, which two of the works of mercy are merged into one?
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Sing “Whatsoever You Do” from your parish hymnal (Text: Matthew 5:3-12: Willard F Jabusch) with your parents or counselor. How is it the same or different from the scripture readings in question # 1?
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With help, make and save a list of at least ten individuals or groups in your parish, diocese, or other parts of the world, that practice the corporal works of mercy.
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Participate in the Scouting for Food or other food drive in your community. Donate the food to St. Vincent de Paul Society, parish or diocesan food bank, or community program that serves the needy.
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In collaboration with your parents or counselor, volunteer at least one hour of service to one of the groups identified in your list in #3.
Requirements 6-9
Create a brief report on one of the following groups. Identify the founder and when and why it was founded. Research how they are funded, the impact of the group, and the number of people they serve. Which of the corporal works of mercy does this group perform?
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Knights of Columbus
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Missionaries of Charity
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St. Vincent de Paul Society
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With help, make a list of local soup kitchens, homeless shelters, etc. Share this list with your parents or counselor or the rest of your group. Explain how you choose to imitate the actions of the people in these groups.
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With help, carry out one of the following:
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a) Devise an activity to raise money and donate the proceeds to a local group that practices the corporal works of mercy.
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b) If you work or earn an allowance, save at least ten percent over the next two months and donate it to a local charity.
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Discuss with your parents or counselor, and contact the Volunteer Coordinator at one of the following: local hospital, nursing home, hospice, food pantry, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, pro-life group or clothing bank, and explore ways you can assist in carrying out their mission. Volunteer for at least two hours.
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Completion & Application
After completing the requirements, the participants will complete the Patch Order Form (Online PDF) and mail it along with the applicable fee to the NCCS. The answers to the questions should be reviewed by an adult for correctness and do not need to be forwarded when ordering the patch