Exploring Catholic Social Teaching

LESSON PLAN
DAY THREE
Warm-Up
Prepare a Corporal Works of Mercy bulletin board. Read a few responses from the index cards
from the last class. Then, as a class, identify a corporal work of mercy students could complete that
would engage the whole class or school (e.g., a food or clothing drive, illustrating place mats for a
nursing home, or assembling kits for a homeless shelter).
Activity and Assessment
A. Have students select one of the Scripture passages that they read (or another that illustrates
the work of mercy the class has chosen) and illustrate it. Above the image, students should
write the Scripture reference. Beneath the image, students should summarize the Scripture
passage and identify the corporal work of mercy.
B. Alternatively, you may give students time with computers or iPads to find portrayals of
their selected biblical passage in a work of fine art that could be displayed with their
commentary — creating a gallery of sorts.
C. When completed, the bulletin board will provide not only artworks generated or located by
students but also information about the agency or people served and how students might
participate in this event.
Send home the following note:
Dear parents,
Your child has identified a corporal act of mercy to carry out in his/her community. Please
help your child to accomplish this goal or another act of mercy and talk about the experience.
Then help your child think of some other ways in which he or she might perform corporal acts
of mercy in your neighborhood and parish community.
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