This is thefifthinstallment in ourseriesonthe Corporal WorksofMercy.Sofar,we’ve looked at Feed the
Hungry,GiveDrink to theThirsty,Visit theSick, Clothe theNaked,and Shelterthe Homeless.Thisweek, we turn
to Visitthe Imprisoned.
Thereare some blessedwiththe opportunityand
skills to work in prison ministry.Theywill, almost
unanimously, tell youhow much theworktouches
theirlives.Inour diocese, prison ministry is
coordinatedbythe chancellery andwecan getyou in
touchwiththemifyoufeel called to take on thetask.
Dotherestofusget toskip this work of mercy?
Hardly!There arelotsofthingsthatimprisonpeople
otherthanbuildings with bars surrounded by wire
fences.Lonelinessisaprimeexample.Despite living
in an agewherewecaneasilyconnect to people
throughsocialmedia,researchers tell us that our
societyisexperiencingsignificantrates of loneliness.
Andconsiderthe thousandsofelderly in assisted
living facilities whoreceive no visitors.Lonelinesscan
anddoesfeellikeajail to many.
Imaginethis: aperson(you?)strugglingwith
loneliness visits acarefacilityonceortwice aweek. In
ashort time,the person develops afriendshipwitha
fewoftheresidents.
Worthtrying?
(Wecanhelp yougetstarted. Shoot us an email.)

This is the fourth installment in our series. As we practice the seven Corporal Works of
Mercy we help others live a life of dignity and provide them with the necessities of life. So
far, we’ve looked at Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Visit the Sick, and Clothe
the Naked. This week, we turn to Shelter the Homeless.
We may not see naked people that need clothing, but we do see homeless people. It is a significant need in the
Tampa/St. Petersburg area and here in Ruskin. In fact, the need is so great, we may be inclined to do nothing. It
isn’t that we don’t care. Rather, we can’t see how anything we can do will make a difference and that leads to
inaction.
It might help to remember the Feeding of the 5000 as recorded in John (John 6:1-15). A boy gives 5 loaves and
2 fish to Jesus and from that small amount of food, Jesus feeds everyone. God isn’t calling us to solve the
problem of homelessness. He’s only asking us for a few loaves and fish.
Perhaps these suggestions will get you started:
· Donate money to organizations that help the homeless. St. Vincent de Paul is a good example. Money given
to our Poor Boxes goes to them. Could you give $1 each week above your regular parish offering, for
example?
· Donate resources to organizations that help the homeless. St. Vincent de Paul runs a Thrift Store near
St. Anne and the money earned is used to fund their ministry to those in need. Cleaning out a closet (or two)
would be good for you and help the homeless!
Seek Conference
· Donate to shelters, orphanages, and organizations that work with foster children or refugees. (Some of you
gave duffel bags to foster kids this past Christmas. Thanks!)
· Encourage lawmakers to increase affordable housing opportunities.
And, if you want to have a more personal contact…
· Volunteer at Hillsborough Hope. Could you and some friends or the parish group to which you belong cook
and serve a meal for those living at Hillsborough Hope?
· Build a house with Habitat for Humanity
· Or learn how to spend time with the homeless you meet. This isn’t easy and it isn’t for everyone. If God has
given you the ability however, it is wonderfully rewarding.