The Spiritual Works of Mercy are seven ways we can serve the spiritual needs of those around us.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says the following about the Spiritual Works of Mercy:
The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2447
The Spiritual Works of Mercy teach us to love others as Christ loved those around him. In his public ministry Jesus showed a great love for the poor and suffering. He did not only seek to rid them of bodily ailments, but also lessen their spiritual and emotional burdens.
The seven Spiritual Works of Mercy are listed below. After each work there are suggestions about how to live them out for both parents and children. I’ve formatted all these suggestions as well as those from my Corporal Works of Mercy post into convenient checklists. There are separate lists for parents and kids. To download the checklists, enter your email below and they will be delivered to your inbox.
More Spiritual Works of Mercy Resources
The best way to teach our children the Spiritual Works of Mercy is to practice them ourselves. To help your practice of these works, I’ve gathered up some suggestions on how to practice each of the seven Spiritual Works of Mercy. The ideas in this post are a combination of my own lived experience, that of family and friends. Some of the ideas were also inspired by Kim at Intentional Catholic Parenting, Katie at Look to Him and be Radiant, and Kendra at Blessed is She.
Counsel the Doubtful
For Parents
- Study the teachings of the Catholic Church so you are prepared to give wise counsel
- Listen to a friend who is seeking advice
- Encourage someone to talk with a priest or mental health professional
For Children
- Help a sibling or friend make the right choice
- Patiently explain things to younger siblings
- Pray for those making hard decisions
Instruct the Ignorant
For Parents
- Teach your children to pray
- Teach a catechism class at home or church
- Lend or give friends religious books often
For Children
- Lend someone a religious book
- Teach someone something you are good at
- Help a sibling learn a prayer
Admonish the Sinner
For Parents
- Talk with someone who is making a poor choice kindly and privately
- Bring your family to confession
- Lovingly correct your children
For Children
- If a friend or sibling is being unkind correct them nicely and in private
- Set a good example
- Remind a sibling or friend of the rules
Comfort the Sorrowful
For Parents
- Send a card to someone on the anniversary of a death or miscarriage
- Bring a meal to someone who is having a hard time
- Hold an upset child
For Children
- Read a book to a sibling that is sad
- Offer to get a favorite stuffed animal that is sad
- Give a hug to someone who needs it
Forgive Injuries
For Parents
- Forgive a grudge you’ve been holding
- Reach out to an estranged friend
- Accept apologies graciously
For Children
- Forgive a friend or sibling easily
- Don’t hold a grudge
- Offer a friend or sibling a second chance
Bear Wrongs Patiently
For Parents
- Assume the best of people you meet
- Help others without expecting acknowledgement
- Allow others to learn from their mistakes
For Children
- Give up a toy to a sibling who wants it, even if you had it first
- Speak gently to a sibling who is bothering you
- Don’t be mean back
Pray for the Living and the Dead
For Parents
- Pray the rosary as a family for someone you know who is ill or has died
- Teach your children the “Eternal Rest” prayer
- Have a Mass said for deceased loved ones
For Children
- Pray for souls in Purgatory
- Ask your friends how you can pray for them
- Pray a rosary especially for a specific person
How does your family practice the Spiritual Works of Mercy?
Now it’s your turn to tell me about your family. What are they ways you practice the Spiritual Works of Mercy together? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
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