June 2016 – Visit the Imprisoned The issue of imprisonment is a significant one in our day, especially in our country, and most especially in our local community. Of the 223 countries listed in one article, the U.S. has the 2nd highest rate of incarceration (698 per 100,000 people) of any country. The U.S. has about 4.5% of the world population, but around 22% of…

May 2016 – Comfort the Afflicted In May, we focus on the spiritual work of mercy that we all probably (hopefully!) do every day. Whether we seek it out or not, we hear every day from someone who is struggling in some way. Whether it’s an illness, a death of a family member or close friend, the loss of a job or…

April 2016 – Give Drink to the Thirsty For our April work of mercy we return to the corporal works list. Did you know that women and children in Africa and Asia walk an average of 3.7 miles/day just to collect water? Are you aware that a child dies every 90 seconds from a water-related illness (that’s 5,400 kids EVERY DAY)? Or…

March 2016 – Forgive Offenses In March, we focus on the spiritual work of mercy that is perhaps one of the most radical of Jesus’ teachings. Not that forgiving is something unique or new, but the level at which Jesus calls us to forgive is extraordinary: “Lord, how often shall…I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to (Peter) “…up to seventy times seven.” (Mt…

February 2016 – Counsel the Doubtful We likely have the opportunity to practice this month’s spiritual work of mercy many times throughout our daily lives. Everyone faces times of doubt, whether it’s a difficult decision about work, a crisis of faith, uncertainty about a relationship or a lack of clarity about our next step. Some are blessed with the support and compassion of friends and family…

January 2016 – Welcome the Stranger In January, our family of four parishes is focusing on the corporal work of mercy – Welcome the Stranger. Also known as Shelter the Homeless, this work manifests in many ways in today’s world. Most obviously, there are people on our streets without a safe, decent place to sleep (a HUMAN RIGHT according to Catholic Social Teaching): in Milwaukee over 1500 people…

December 2015 – Visit the Sick The second work of mercy on which we shine a light can be so powerful, but it can also be very difficult. When someone is sick, medicine can go a long way towards healing, but the strength of medicine is much different than the intangible power that comes from the presence of another person. When we encounter illness (especially…