As the Church marks the season of Lent during this Year of Mercy, the staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities embrace the works of mercy that define our aspirations and the people who help provide our inspirations.

The corporal works of mercy are a summary of our mission.

In order to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick and imprisoned, and bury the dead, those of us in Catholic Charities share the front lines with other dedicated individuals. Some are direct employees of diocesan offices, for example, Education and Catholic Cemeteries; others are health care institutions and retirement centers; and some are volunteers who see needs and address them in food banks, homeless shelters and life centers.

And some are ordained to the ministry of charity. Those are our deacons.

In the last couple of years the candidates for the permanent diaconate have joined with Catholic Charities in this diocese to become immersed in actual works of mercy while they pursue their regular spiritual development.

As if their and their families’ commitment doesn’t already strain reasonable expectations of study, prayer and inconvenience, they have also sweated with our refugee resettlement staff cleaning out and relocating our warehouse.

They have painted classrooms, hallways, and offices in Rockford and McHenry to provide professional, respectful environments for teaching, counseling and child development.

They have gotten to know our programs, our clients and our volunteers, and have become visible ambassadors of the works of mercy. And they do all of this with the joy of those who know how to make others smile and be lifted in their presence.

The deacons-in-training bring another new dimension to service. As experienced family men, they have a natural respect and concern for newly arrived refugee families. As dedicated Catholics, they see the needs of their local parishes and the needs of the larger Church. As faithful students of the Church, they know their service is more than the public distribution of holy Communion or proclaiming the Gospel.

They contribute from their substance, providing insights, leadership, prayer and personal example in their service to others. They challenge us with their enthusiasm, their diverse work-life experience and support of our programs. They have honed a sense of healthy discomfort with poverty, hunger, oppression, and homelessness. They are impatient to serve and they provide additional reminders of the why, the how and the substance of service.

Later this year a group of our new partners will be ordained as deacons. As we have gotten to know each other during service, prayer and meals, we view them as role models.

Please thank them when you meet them or see them in your parishes. Pray for them during their formational studies. And encourage them to continue giving of themselves to those who need them.