Discover the Difference: St. Albert School Community Lives the Corporal Works of Mercy
by Diocese of Des Moines | April 6, 2022
Lent is a time when we reflect on Christ's ultimate sacrifice. During Lent, Catholics often give up certain things, behaviors, or comforts to make more room for Christ in our everyday lives. And this is why Lent is a perfect time to discover the Corporal Works of Mercy.
The Corporal Works of Mercy are centered in the teachings of Jesus Christ and guide us on how we should treat our neighbors. As Pope Francis said, "In fact, it is not enough to experience God's mercy in one's life; whoever receives it must also become a sign and instrument for others. Mercy, therefore, is not only reserved for particular moments, but it embraces our entire daily existence," (Vatican, 2016).
In Catholic social teaching, there are seven Corporal Works of Mercy including:
- Feed the hungry
- Give drink to the thirsty
- Shelter the homeless
- Comfort the sick
- Visit the prisoners
- Bury the dead
- Give alms to the poor
The Corporal Works of Mercy are an integral part of a well-rounded Catholic education. At Diocese of Des Moines Catholic schools, students develop character through an education rooted in faith that fosters service to God and others.
The entire St. Albert community recently came together to comfort the sick when they hosted a fundraiser in support of some local individuals facing a cancer diagnosis, including a student from another nearby school. And although the student does not attend St. Albert, school leadership felt it was important to stand by the family during this difficult time.
"This is a beloved family that many of us know and admire," shared Kevin White, communications director. "Council Bluffs is still a small town in many ways, and we all support each other."
The Feb. 3 event was an all-hands-on-deck operation organized and hosted by the St. Albert girls' basketball coach Dick Wettengel and St. Albert school parents Brad and Kelly Krohn. St. Albert basketball players wore T-shirts that read "Family" on the front and "Stronger than Cancer" on the back during the event. In addition, faculty and staff were on hand to assist with the raffles, silent auction, and half-court shootout. These efforts culminated in $10,000 raised to support the individuals with their fight against cancer.
The Diocese of Des Moines Catholic schools includes 16 schools in 23 counties in central and southwest Iowa. Catholic schools in the Des Moines Diocese build Christ-centered, collaborative, inclusive partnerships with parents, students, and parishes to provide innovative academic excellence and inspirational faith formation.
Click here to learn more about service-learning and the Corporal Works of Mercy at the Diocese of Des Moines Catholic schools.
Sources:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (2022). The Corporal Works of Mercy. Retrieved February 23, 2022 from https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/jubilee-of-mercy/the-corporal-works-of-mercy.
Vatican (2016). Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy Papal Address. Retrieved February 23, 2022 from https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2016/documents/papa-francesco_20161012_udienza-generale.html