Hope Begins With Action: A Monthly Study Guide for Living Mercy
Each month, explore a theme of Catholic Social Teaching, a Corporal Work of Mercy, and simple actions that help faith come alive at home and in the community.
Small acts of mercy, done with great love, transform the world—one family, one neighbor, one moment at a time.
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🎒 August – Participation, Youth, and the Elderly
CST Theme: Call to Family, Community & Participation
Corporal Work of Mercy: Clothe the naked; instruct the ignorant
Scripture: “Let the little children come to me...” — Matthew 19:14
Saint: St. Jeanne Jugan (Aug 30) – Advocate for the elderly poor
Awareness Days:
Back to School Month
National Senior Citizen Day
International Youth Day
Reflect:
As students return to school and we honor our elders, we remember that every generation brings wisdom, energy, and grace. We are called to nurture participation and belonging for all.
Act:
✅ Sponsor a backpack for a student in need
✅ Volunteer or recruit for the RSVP senior volunteer program
✅ Write or collect notes of encouragement for students
Read: Made for Greatness: A Growth Mindset Journal for Catholic Youth by Ginny Kochis
Family Idea: Have kids draw or write a note to include in a donated backpack
Where Hope Begins: In a backpack filled with supplies—and love.
🥣 September – Poverty, Hunger, Work, and Migration
CST Theme: Option for the Poor & Vulnerable
Corporal Work of Mercy: Feed the hungry; welcome the stranger
Scripture: “You yourselves give them something to eat.” — Luke 9:13
Saint: St. Teresa of Calcutta (Sept 5) – Model of mercy to the poor
Awareness Days:
Hunger Action Month
Suicide Prevention Week
Older Workers Week
National Migration Week
Reflect:
Poverty and hunger are not statistics—they are stories of our neighbors. Christ calls us to see and serve Him in those who hunger, labor, and seek home.
Act:
✅ Donate to your local food pantry
✅ Attend a Catholic Charities’ Poverty or Refugee Simulation
✅ Pray for migrants and refugees on the World Day of Migrants & Refugees
Read: A Place at the Table by Chris Seay
Family Idea: Host a “rice & beans” dinner and donate the money you save
Where Hope Begins: At an empty table made full by generosity.
💙 October – Life, Mental Health, Diversity, and Dignity
CST Theme: Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Corporal Work of Mercy: Visit the sick; comfort the afflicted
Scripture: “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10
Saint: St. Thérèse of Lisieux (Oct 1) – Patron of “little ways” of love
Awareness Days:
World Day of Migrants and Refugees (October 4)
World Mental Health Day (October 10)
Mental Health Sunday (October 12)
Anti-Bullying Month
International Day to End Poverty (October 17)
Reflect:
Every life has infinite worth. This month, we honor the dignity of each person—especially those struggling with illness, mental health challenges, or feeling unseen.
Act:
✅ Sponsor a counseling session for someone in crisis
✅ Sign up to sponsor a family through our Christmas Program
✅ Share World Mental Health Day resources (Oct 10)
Read: Broken and Blessed by Fr. Josh Johnson
Family Idea: Light a candle each night and pray for someone who is hurting
Where Hope Begins: In a safe space where someone is seen and loved.
🍂 November – The Poor, Adoption, and Giving
CST Theme: Preferential Option for the Poor
Corporal Work of Mercy: Give alms to the poor
Scripture: “Blessed are the poor in spirit...” — Matthew 5:3
Saint: St. Martin de Porres (Nov 3) – Humble servant of the sick and poor
Awareness Days:
World Day of the Poor (November 16)
National Adoption Month
Veteran’s Day
Giving Tuesday (November 26)
Reflect:
Gratitude opens our hearts to generosity. In this season of giving thanks, we’re invited to share what we have so others can flourish.
Act:
✅ Make a "Thankful Tree" at home—add a leaf each day with someone you're praying for or thankful for, including our neighbors in need.
✅ Sponsor a family through a community Christmas Program
✅ Pray for adoptive families and children praying for a loving family
✅ Donate items to your local food pantry
✅ Create cold weather kits (hats, gloves, socks, blankets) and donate them to a shelter or hand them out to the homeless
Read: The Boy Who Met Jesus by Immaculée Ilibagiza
Family Idea: Fill a “gratitude jar” all month and give from your abundance
Where Hope Begins: With one act of radical generosity.
🎁 December – Migrants, Human Rights, and the Incarnation
CST Theme: Rights of All People & Solidarity
Corporal Work of Mercy: Shelter the homeless; welcome the stranger
Scripture: “For I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” — Matthew 25:35
Saint: St. Juan Diego (Dec 9) – Humble messenger of Our Lady
Awareness Days:
Human Rights Month
Christmas
Reflect:
At Christmas, we remember the Holy Family—refugees seeking shelter. As Christ comes to dwell among us, we are called to welcome others with the same love.
Act:
✅ Teach a Citizenship Class for immigrants wanting to naturalize
✅ Mentor a refugee family
✅ Volunteer at a Christmas Program
✅ Share the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Read: The Shepherd Who Couldn't Sing by Alan M. Halls
Family Idea: Create a Nativity and add one figure each day, praying for someone in need
Where Hope Begins: In a manger—and in every heart that makes room for others.
🕊 January – Life & Dignity of the Human Person
CST Theme: Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Corporal Work of Mercy: Feed the hungry; shelter the homeless
Scripture: “Whatever you did for the least of these… you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40
Saint: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Jan 4)
Awareness Days:
Poverty Awareness Month
Human Trafficking Prevention Day (January 11)
Reflect:
As the year begins, we renew our call to protect life and uphold human dignity—especially for those living in poverty or recovering from exploitation.
Act:
✅ Donate food or grocery cards to families
✅ Support transitional housing for trafficking survivors
✅ Volunteer as a mentor in a life-skills class
Read: The Line Becomes a River by Francisco Cantú
Family Idea: Assemble “Kindness Kits” with hygiene and snack items for a shelter
Where Hope Begins: In everyday acts of kindness and courage.
💛 February – Family, Community & Participation
CST Theme: Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Corporal Work of Mercy: Visit the sick; comfort the sorrowful
Scripture: “Love is patient, love is kind…” — 1 Corinthians 13
Saint: Sts. Cyril and Methodius (Feb 14)
Awareness Days:
National Marriage Week
Safer Internet Day
Reflect:
Healthy families build strong communities. This month celebrates love that listens, forgives, and participates in the life of others.
Act:
✅ Sponsor a counseling session for a struggling family
✅ Check in on a neighbor or widow
✅ Host a digital safety or healthy relationship night
Read: Love and Responsibility by St. John Paul II
Family Idea: Deliver homemade treats to a couple or widowed parishioner
Where Hope Begins: In love that listens and relationships that last.
🌍 March – Rights and Responsibilities
CST Theme: Rights and Responsibilities
Corporal Work of Mercy: Visit the imprisoned; give drink to the thirsty
Scripture: “Defend the weak and the fatherless.” — Psalm 82:3
Saint: St. Katharine Drexel (Mar 3)
Awareness Days:
World Social Work Day (March 19)
Reflect:
God calls us to defend the dignity and rights of others. True faith acts with justice and compassion, especially for those on the margins.
Act:
✅ Host a Lunch & Learn on human trafficking
✅ Donate bottled water or snacks for outreach centers
✅ Send thank-you cards to social workers
Read: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Family Idea: Make “You Matter” cards for social workers or survivors
Where Hope Begins: When we defend the dignity of every person.
🌱 April – Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
CST Theme: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Corporal Work of Mercy: Clothe the naked; care for the sick
Scripture: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” — Proverbs 31:8
Saint: St. Gianna Beretta Molla (Apr 28)
Awareness Days:
Easter
National Volunteer Week
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Reflect:
April reminds us that compassion is active. We are called to speak, serve, and stand with those who cannot stand alone.
Act:
✅ Volunteer to pack hygiene or clothing kits
✅ Give to support families in crisis
✅ Wear blue for Child Abuse Prevention Month
Read: Tattoos on the Heart by Fr. Greg Boyle
Family Idea: Plant flowers and talk about growth and healing
Where Hope Begins: When compassion takes root and grows.
🧓 May – Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
CST Theme: Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
Corporal Work of Mercy: Visit the sick; instruct the ignorant
Scripture: “The laborer deserves his wages.” — Luke 10:7
Saint: St. Joseph the Worker (May 1)
Awareness Days:
Mental Health Awareness Month
The Visitation & May Crowning
Reflect:
Work is more than a job—it’s participation in God’s creation. Dignified labor honors both the worker and the work of our hands.
Act:
✅ Give back your talents as a senior in the RSVP program
✅ Sponsor a counseling session for a school child struggling
✅ Share employment resources with someone seeking work
Read: The Catholic Guide to Depression by Dr. Aaron Kheriaty
Family Idea: Interview a grandparent about their first job
Where Hope Begins: When every person’s work is honored and valued.
🌏 June – Solidarity
CST Theme: Solidarity
Corporal Work of Mercy: Welcome the stranger; shelter the homeless
Scripture: “You shall love the stranger…” — Deuteronomy 10:19
Saint: St. Anthony of Padua (Jun 13)
Awareness Days:
World Refugee Day
Reflect:
We are one human family. In standing with refugees and displaced people, we make visible the love that binds all nations together.
Act:
✅ Host a refugee welcome drive for home goods
✅ Learn a greeting in another language
✅ Pray for peace and safety for displaced persons
Read: Outcasts United by Warren St. John
Family Idea: Cook a meal from another culture and pray for peace
Where Hope Begins: In hearts and homes that choose welcome.
📊 July – Rights of All & Protection of Human Life
CST Theme: Rights of All and Protection of Human Life
Corporal Work of Mercy: Free the imprisoned; comfort the afflicted
Scripture: “Proclaim liberty throughout the land…” — Leviticus 25:10
Saint: St. Maria Goretti (Jul 6)
Awareness Days:
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
Reflect:
Freedom is a gift meant for everyone. This month, we pray and work for the protection of all who suffer injustice or exploitation.
Act:
✅ Support Catholic Charities’ anti-trafficking program
✅ Share advocacy links to protect vulnerable persons
✅ Donate clothing or essentials to survivors
Read: Ending Human Trafficking by Shayne Moore & Sandra Morgan
Family Idea: Draw a “Freedom Tree” with prayers for those still in bondage
Where Hope Begins: When we proclaim freedom and dignity for all.