Ok to include evangelizing with corporal works of mercy?

Scott Waddell · #1 Mar 13, '05, 2:14 pm

My confirmand students are going to make Easter baskets for the poor that will include food, candy and various things. The question has come up whether we can include religious literature in the basket. Perhaps something elaborate along the lines of a POT/POF tract (although that tract itself might be too apologetical) or something simple like a list of Easter mass times with an invitation to join us.

Is this ok? Natually I would ask the parish priest for approval.

Scott

P.S. I am aware the corporal works of mercy are in and of themselves a type of evangelizing, so I'm not looking for that point.

m134e5 · #2 Mar 13, '05, 3:27 pm

That sounds like a good idea. Too many Catholic groups practice the corporal works of mercy only, and think that's all the 'evangelizing' that is needed. The poor will die, and so will the rich, whether they are fed or not. Where they go when they die depends on the state of their souls. I'm sure many people who starved to death are in heaven now, and many people who never knew the meaning of hunger are in hell. Remember the Beatitude: "Blessed are the poor IN SPIRIT, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven" (emphasis mine).

Lisa N · #3 Mar 13, '05, 6:37 pm

Absolutely. I heard it said on one of the EWTN programs, if you have a treasure why are you hoarding it to yourself? Spread the word! Now I understand reluctance to buttonhole some poor guy and make him listen to a twenty minute sermon, but some literature and information about the Church and your parish, particularly if you have other services such as a food pantry, is appropriate. We used to put a faith oriented kid's coloring book in Easter and Christmas baskets as well.

Lisa N

**Church Militant** · #4 Mar 13, '05, 7:06 pm

Absolutely! Wouldn't this also fall in to a combination of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy (admonishing sinners?)

There should be some good literature that you can include, and what you have in mind is good.

Go for it!
Pax vobiscum,

Scott Waddell · #5 Mar 13, '05, 7:13 pm

Thanks for the responses. I guess it would only be sketchy if the evangelizing was a condition of receiving charity.

Scott

Lisa N · #6 Mar 14, '05, 9:52 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Waddell

Thanks for the responses. I guess it would only be sketchy if the evangelizing was a condition of receiving charity.

Scott

Although quite honestly, some of the faith based drug/addiction treatment plans (including 12 step) are very effective. I think there is a difference between 'evangelizing' by shoving religion down someone's unwilling throat in order for them to get a free sandwich, and requesting that as a part of a treatment program the client accept a religious component of the treatment plan if they want to be a part of that particular program. We have several very successful addiction programs, housing for unmarried pregnant women, and homeless shelters that incorporate a religious element. BUt again it becomes the client's choice.

Lisa N

Tyler Smedley · #7 Mar 14, '05, 10:58 am

Sure, I would include Pillar of Fire pillar of Truth, put out by our good friends Catholic Answers. They are a wonderful comprihensive guide to our faith!