It’s all about the Year of Mercy this year, right? As followers of Christ, we are called to salt the earth with the flavor of Christ, bear the light of the Good News, and extend the hand of mercy to all of God’s children.
I do a decent sinner’s job of practicing the Works of Mercy within our home (it is part of the job description as mother), but I have a harder time serving God outside these four walls. While my children are my primary vocation, they should never be an excuse for not serving God’s other children. It just means I need to get a little more creative!
When the Year of Mercy began, Husband and I sat down and wrote out some tangible and realistic ways our family can mercifully serve God. We were surprised at how many ways we can serve outside our home even while in the midst of raising our little family.
As we created our list, we referred back to the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. Holy Mother Church never leaves her children unguided, and the Works of Mercy add intentionality and clarity to our acts of service.
When it came to feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, and comforting the sorrowful, we didn’t need to look very far to find people to minister. While we don’t live in a super urban area, we occasionally see homeless people asking for food or assistance on street corners. I always hesitate to give money, and maybe I’m judgemental for that, but I still want to help them. But if I want to help, I have to be prepared.
Enter the Mercy Pack.
I picked up the items we needed on one of our routine grocery store runs and then the kids and I whipped four of them together the other day. We’ll continually replenish our stash as we hand them out.
Things to include in a Mercy Pack:
- Water
- Nonperishable food (granola bars, dried fruit, crackers, peanut butter, etc.)
- Holy cards or prayer
- Socks, gloves, hats
- Wet wipes and toiletries
- Gift card to restaurant
- Name, address, numbers of local help centers
- Use old purse or bookbag to hold Mercy Pack
- Petty cash
Our Mercy Packs were very simple. I wasn’t worried about making them perfect, but I was worried about letting the good idea sit too long. Here is what we included in our Mercy Packs.
Mercy Pack Contents (with price breakdown):
- Peanut Butter ($1.98)
- Crackers ($2.50)
- Ziplocks ($.48)
- Water Bottle ($.18)
- Prayer Card (Free!)
Total Cost Per Mercy Pack: $5.14
We thought the things we included would provide the recipients with some nourishment and spiritual encouragement as well.
The prayer cards we included are available to download free right here. Just select double sided printing.
MercyPackPrintablePrayerCard
This literally took just moments to do and the kids really enjoyed it. The next day when we drove to town, they were all excited to bring along their Mercy Packs to distribute. It is so easy writing a check to a favorite charity, but making acts of love more tangible for our children is so important for their formation.
I’d love to know if you make these Mercy Packs with your kids!
Other Posts you’ll Enjoy:
Living Mercy in and out of the Catholic Home
Must Reads for Young Catholics
Hi Elizabeth! We did not do “mercy packs” but, every time we bake, we put baked items in baggies and go searching for the homeless. We don’t really know where they’ll be, but know certain corners where there always seem to be homeless. We did see a man walking and he seemed homeless (carrying full, heavy backback) so we had to turn around and kind of search for him, found him and he only took a 2 pk baggie of muffins, told us he has to spread out what he gets as it can get to be too much to carry and he can get sick eating too much then not eating at all….so sad. He had plans to get into a halfway home and get his life back on track. I’ve found it easier to give things out, but not as easy to sit and talk. Even when asking their names, it always seems short and sweet and not enough. I wish I could get better at that part.
I love this idea of “mercy packs” and always having non-perishable items in our van, ready to go.
I love this idea! I think that is so touching to make homemade items and I love how you spoke to this man. I too get uncomfortable, partly because I’m pretty shy and partly because it is an awkward conversation. I have a friend who is wonderful at reaching out and talking to complete strangers and it is a real motivator for me. Fortunately, we don’t have a whole lot of homeless around and only see them occasionally. Our Mercy Packs are ready to go in the car when we do see them. Thanks so much for sharing!