Lent is a penitential season wherein we are called to perform Corporal Works of Mercy in preparation for the Paschal Triduum. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) speaks to these works in “The Catechism of the Catholic Church (Part Three: Life in Christ)” https://www.usccb.org/committees/clergy-consecrated-life-vocations/preaching-resources/works-of-mercy. The Justice and Charity Council at OLG wishes to offer some ideas on how to more fully enter into Lent in the midst of the continuing pandemic.
Shelter the Homeless/Give Alms to the Poor Are you fully vaccinated and healthy? Perhaps you are more comfortable and able to volunteer at a homeless shelter, food pantry, or clinic. These ministries have been ravaged by the pandemic with volunteer numbers dropping and the need increasing. Check with family members or friends to do a combined collection for one of these centers.
Have you been fortunate enough continue working during this pandemic? Are you in a reasonably-stable financial situation? Perhaps you might consider giving a donation to one of the above (a portion of your stimulus check?) to address the need in our community.
Feed the Hungry This could be an exercise for the whole family by bringing food and supplies to a local food bank, let them all take part in deciding what supplies to give and packing them up for the delivery. There are also several local yellow pantries that have recently opened in Noblesville.
Visiting the Sick and Burying the Dead The sick are often forgotten or avoided. But we should find ways to provide help:
Give blood
Take time on a Saturday to stop and see what an ill or elderly neighbor might need.
Offer to assist caregivers of chronically sick family members on a one-time or periodic basis. Caregivers need time off so they can rest or complete personal chores.
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 grave of a loved one and offer prayers for recently deceased.
Send a card or call someone who has recently lost a loved one, letting them know they are not forgotten.
Prayer: The Stations of the Cross Offer up the continuing sufferings of this world, uniting them all with Christ’s passion and death on the cross. Our Lady of Grace is offering a weekly Way of the Cross service on Fridays during Lent. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament begins at 6:30pm, the Way of the Cross (in English) begins at 7:00pm, and the Via Crucis (in Spanish) begins at 7:30pm.
Getting Vaccinated as an Act of Mercy “Receiving one of the COVID-19 vaccines ought to be understood as an act of charity toward the other members of our community. In this way, being vaccinated safely against COVID-19 should be considered an act of love of our neighbor and part of our moral responsibility for the common good.” - U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops
So far:
900,000+ first doses of Covid-19 vaccines distributed in Indiana (52,000 in Hamilton County)
440,000+ Indiana residents are fully vaccinated (29,000 in Hamilton County)
Who's Eligible?
Individuals age 60 and older
Healthcare workers and first responders who have face-to-face interactions with patients or infectious material or work in a public-facing position that requires in-person contact. A photo ID, proof of age, or verification of current employment as a healthcare worker or first responder in Indiana will be required.