Works of Mercy Initiative
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REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
Not able to join us at Our Lady Queen of Peace?  While we are excited to return to gathering together for Called to Serve Family Sunday, we recognize that some may not be able to join us in-person.  We hope that you will consider joining us virtually.  Click here to watch the Opening Prayer Service. We will be live at 2:00PM on Sunday, November 6, or, you can watch it at a time that in convenient for you. You can find ways to live the works of mercy by exploring the links we have included in our workshop descriptions, and learning about how you can support our feature organizations.

Welcome!

Welcome back!  We are so pleased to be hosted by Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish for Called to Serve Family Sunday this November 6th. After two years of being able to offer only a virtual version of this beloved event, we are excited to be able to gather together, in-person, once again this year.
 
Pope Francis once said, "the light of faith allows us to recognize how infinite God's mercy is, but at the same time, makes us see the responsibility that has been entrusted to us to collaborate with God in His works of mercy...the power of grace needs to be coupled with our works of mercy which we are called to live to bear witness to how tremendous is God's love"
(Vatican News, September 2021)
 
As we gather on November 6th, we will, together, live God's love through our commitment to living the works of mercy! We are excited to have you join us. Please review the workshop offerings we have put together below, and then be sure to complete your registration form early to secure your spot. Please reach out with any questions to worksofmercyschdy@live.com

Opening Prayer Service and Reflection

Welcome Mary Giordano, Executive Director of Family Promise of the Capital Region!  We are excited to have Mary join us and offer a reflection during this year's Opening Prayer Service.   The mission of Family Promise is to affirm the humanity and dignity of homeless families, and to engage our community in helping them achieve sustainable independence.  To read more about Family Promise and Mary's full bio <<click here>>.

During the prayer service we will have a collection of cleaning products which will be donated to Family Promise.  Please consider bringing one of the following:
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Multipurpose spray cleaners
  • Toilet bowl cleaner
  • Sponges
  • Small/medium bottles of laundry detergent or pods
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Liquid hand soap pumps
  • Paper towels
  • 13-gallon garbage bags 
Called to Serve Family Sunday
Photo Gallery

Called to Serve Family Sunday
​Schedule​
1:30 Sign-In
2:00 Opening Prayer Service
3:00 Workshops
4:00 Ice Cream Social

​Workshops

​Learn about how you can live the works of mercy here in our community. We have put together a variety of options in hopes of offering something that will work for everyone.
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Cookie Decorating
​​Show some love, and help offer a sweet treat to brighten someone's day.  Decorate sugar cookies to be distributed by the Street Soldiers in our community.  Learn about the Street Soldiers, and how "Doing What We Can, When We Can" makes a difference.  Please bring an unopened container of your favorite sprinkles with you to contribute to the decorating supplies!  For more info about the Street Soldiers check out their Facebook page.

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Prayer Blankets
Help craft cozy fleece blankets, made in prayer, to be given to youth dealing with life struggles such as illness, grief, homelessness, abuse or poverty.

Blessing Bags for Adults in Need
Learn how Bethesda House serves members of our community. "At Bethesda House, our goal is to end the cycle of poverty and homelessness - not just manage the symptoms. Our teams work to address each individual on a holistic level so they feel heard, respected, and safe in our care." Blessing Bags will be assembled to show concern for those in need as the colder weather approaches. These bags will include tangible items needed during the winter months, as well as messages of love and hope.  To find out how your family can help go to:   www.bethesdahs.org
Blessing Bags for Youth in Need
Learn how Safe Inc. serves members of our community. At Safe Inc., "Our vision is to end youth homelessness, exploitation, and provide a safe environment within our community where youth can grow into healthy self-sufficient adults." Blessing Bags will be assembled to show concern for those in need as the colder weather approaches. These bags will include tangible items needed during the winter months, as well as messages of love and hope.  To find out more about Safe, Inc and how your family can help go to:  www.safeincofschenectady.org
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Animal Protective Foundation
"The Animal Protective Foundation promotes and protects the human-animal bond by providing resources to our community and humane care to companion animals." Learn about how you can help support this mission, and help make yarn balls and toys for the cats and kittens to enjoy! Consider visiting the Animal Protective Foundation website to check out their Wish List. Items from the Wish List can be brought with you to this workshop to donate.

Kindness Rocks
Learn how the power of kindness can impact us, and those around us.  Being kind to ourselves, and taking care of our own mental health, as well as reaching out and sharing kindness with those around us, truly does make a difference.  Join in the conversation, and share your crafty skills by painting rocks with pictures and messages sure to inspire kindness!  To find out how your family can create Kindness Rocks at home: Kindness Rocks Instructions.
Comfort Kits for New &
​Expectant Moms

Learn how Birthright supports new & expectant parents. Birthright offers  "love, friendship, and support to women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. Birthright’s focus is on loving the mother, reminding her that there is hope and ensuring she is not alone." Comfort kits will be assembled to offer something special for new & expectant moms, as a reminder of how it is important to care for themselves in order to be better prepared to care for their baby.  For more information or to find out how your family can help go to:  birthright.org/schenectady

#wmifamilysunday2022

We would love to see photos and to read your comments.  Use the hashtag #wmifamilysunday2022 when posting on your social media.  ​Or if you prefer, you may email your photos and comments to worksofmercy.diane@outlook.com

Living the ​Works of Mercy

To see the Good Neighbor Program in action, watch this video
​and take a tour
with Father Matthew Frisoni.
For more information about the
Good Neighbor Program
click this ​link to​ go to our webpage.
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Thanksgiving Cheer
St. John's/St. Ann's Outreach Center, "responds with compassion and care to all of our neighbors in need."  Learn more about their mission, how they serve those in need, and how you can become involved.  Help spread some Thanksgiving cheer by assembling goody bags that will be distributed to children through the St. John's/St. Ann's Outreach Center Welcome Table and Food Pantry.  For more information or to find out how you can help go to:  www.sjsacenter.org

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Stars for Our Troops
Help honor our Military, our Veterans, and First Responders by making star packets from retired American made flags. NOTE: If you or someone you know has a flag with embroidered stars that they would like to retire, please bring to the workshop.  For more information go to:  www.starsforourtroops.org

Recycling
Learn about ways you can recycle, and why it is important. Help "make rubbish into something new", and bring a smile to seniors this Thanksgiving by making Thanksgiving turkey decorations out of recycled materials. Decorations will be given to senior congregate meal sites to help decorate for Thanksgiving. Find out how you can recycle while contributing to a good cause by learning about Clynk to Give, getting your bag, and coming up with a plan to fill the bag and turn it in to support the Works of Mercy Initiative.
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  • Home
    • Living the Works of Mercy in 2022
    • Mission Statement
    • Participating Parishes
    • Board >
      • Parish Liaisons
    • Jail Ministry
    • Social Justice
  • Works of Mercy Initiative in Motion
    • Called to Serve Family Sunday 2022
    • Events
    • Photo Gallery
  • Resources
  • Pastoral Care
    • Communion Outreach
  • Programs
    • Good Neighbor Program
  • Newsletters
  • Donate
    • Mercy Stewards
    • Cookbook Fundraiser
  • Contact us