CHARLOTTE — As the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Catholics are being invited to mark this historic milestone through prayer, service and acts of mercy.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte is encouraging parishioners, families and parish communities to take part in the effort through a local initiative called “250 Works of Mercy.”
The initiative builds on a national invitation from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which is commemorating America’s 250th anniversary by highlighting the contributions of Catholics and the impact of our faith on our nation’s history. As part of the celebration, the bishops are encouraging Catholics to pray for the unity and healing of our country through a collective “250 Hours of Adoration” and “250 Works of Mercy.”
The “250 Works of Mercy” initiative invites people to live out the seven corporal works of mercy in tangible ways throughout the summer.
Need a reminder? The Corporal Works of Mercy are feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, visiting the sick, visiting the imprisoned, and burying the dead.
“The ‘250 Works of Mercy’ campaign reminds us that faith must be lived out loud to truly be alive,” said Gerry Carter, executive director and CEO of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. “Catholic Charities stands eager to support the countless ways our parishes and parishioners serve neighbors in need across the entire diocese.”
Rooted in the Gospel of Matthew, the corporal works of mercy are central to Catholic life and provide practical ways for the faithful to encounter Christ in those who are suffering or in need.
“As Catholics, we are called not only to believe in mercy, but to live it,” said Virginia Garramone, the agency’s director of development. “This is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate our nation’s anniversary by putting our faith into action. Whether it’s volunteering, donating needed items, checking in on a lonely neighbor or making a charitable gift, each act of mercy becomes a visible sign of Christ’s love in our communities.”
— Christina Lee Knauss
Put mercy into action
As Catholics across the Diocese of Charlotte respond to the U.S. bishops’ invitation to participate in the “250 Works of Mercy,” Catholic Charities offers opportunities to serve neighbors in need throughout western North Carolina. Here are some of the local needs:
Charlotte regional office: 704-370-3262 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Needs include:
- Welcome home kit assembly
- Furniture warehouse organization
- Food pantry distribution (Tuesday)
- Food distribution at pop-up farmers market (first and third Thursdays)
Winston-Salem regional office: 336-727-0705. Help assemble much-needed supplies for families visiting the food pantry:
- Cat and dog food bags
- Laundry pod bags
- Shaved Ivory soap hygiene kits
- Toiletry bags
Salisbury regional office: Volunteers needed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact Deacon Jeff Font at 704-370-3234.
- Organize diapers and wipes in office
- Clean office space
- Prepare community outreach materials
Lenoir regional office: Volunteers needed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact Silvia Echeverria at 828-434-5710. Needs include:
- Organize diapers
- Pack client bags
- Welcome clients in the waiting room
- Organize files
- Conduct inventory
- Paint the office
Make a monetary donation
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Catholic Charities is inviting the faithful to help secure 250 gifts to support neighbors in need across western North Carolina.
Whether your gift helps stock a food pantry, provide mental health counseling, assist a veteran, support disaster recovery or provide burial assistance to a grieving family, every gift becomes an act of mercy.
To donate, visit: https://giving.gofundme.com/campaign/815131/donate
Share it on social
Whether you volunteer, donate needed supplies, support a neighbor, or make a charitable gift, Catholic Charities would love to hear your story.
Share your act of mercy on social media using #250ActsOfMercyCCDOC to show how faith in action transforms lives and strengthens communities.