250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy

As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the U.S. bishops have consecrated the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. All Catholics are encouraged to join the bishops  in praying for the unity and healing of our country.

In conjunction with the USCCB initiative, the Diocese of Alexandria will be promoting 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy throughout the diocese during the month of July.

Please visit www.diocesealex.org/250-hours-adoration/

To be included in this event all you have to do is during the month of July attend Adoration at any Catholic Church in the Diocese of Alexandria. Or, perform a Work of Mercy. Complete the brief form on the above webpage. There is an option to submit photos through the form.  We will publish any stories or photos that we receive in a future issue of the Church Today.

The Corporal Works of Mercy –

The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise.  They “are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs” (USCCA).  They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life.

Feed the hungry / Give drink to the thirsty

• Donate canned goods directly to Manna House or to the food pantry at your church parish. (Churches can do a can drive, schools, etc.)
• Contribute financially to Catholic Charities who gives food funding directly to the poor. (Schools, church groups, ACTS groups can hold fundraisers with raised funds send to CC)
• Participate with Catholic Charities at a Community Outreach Event to feed the Homeless on Thursday, June 18, 9am – 11:30am. Contact Jennifer at jgilchrist@cccenla.org for details and to volunteer.
• Organize a youth group, VBS group, Altar Society, ACTS team to purchase bottled water to distribute to the Central LA Homeless Coalition. If parents can be involved, ask them to accompany their children in delivering the water to the organization.

Shelter the homeless

• Volunteers of American have a monthly outreach event benefitting those who are homeless. It is on the third Thursday of each month and any church group or individual can set up a table to provide sack lunches, clothes, blankets, hot meal, coats, shoes. Contact Jennifer at Catholic Charities, jgilchrist@cccenla.org for details.
• Many homeless shelters need warm blankets, tarps, coats, and small tents. Give directly to the Central Louisiana Homeless Coalition or The Salvation Army.

 Visit the sick

• Spend time volunteering at a nursing home – Get creative and make use of your talents (e.g. sing, read, paint, call Bingo, etc.) Give spiritual bouquets to residents. Your prayers are important.
• Take time on a Saturday to stop and visit an elderly neighbor.
• Offer to assist caregivers of chronically sick family members on a one-time or periodic basis. Give caregivers time off from their caregiving responsibilities so they can rest, complete personal chores, or enjoy a relaxing break.
• Next time you make a meal that can be easily frozen, make a double batch and give it to a family in your parish who has a sick loved one.

 Visit the prisoners

• Donate funds or needed items to Re-Entry Solutions who help those who have been imprisoned re-enter the community.  Contact: https://www.reentrysolutions.org/

 Bury the dead

• Send a card to someone who has recently lost a loved one.  Offer a spiritual bouquet for the deceased.
• Visit the cemetery and pray for those you have lost.
• Offer Masses for those in your family or community who have died.

 Give alms to the poor

• Donate money to Catholic Charities of Central Louisiana who provide support and services to those in need.  Their Emergency Assistance Basic Needs Program helps those at risk of eviction or disconnect of utilities remain in their homes.
• Give extra to Sunday collections during Mass.