Over 100,000 Acts of Mercy Have Been Recorded to Date

The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg is excited to announce a new initiative challenging the Catholic community and others to collectively complete 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy, in 2025. This ambitious goal is in response to the Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Francis. In his document on the Jubilee, Pope Francis wrote, “Works of Mercy are also works of hope that give rise to immense gratitude.”

The diocesan website has a leaderboard to show the recorded Acts of Mercy for each of the 75 parishes and 38 elementary and high schools in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, as well as Saint Leo University, University of Tampa, University of South Florida, Spirit FM 90.5, and diocesan ministries. So far, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in New Port Richey is the leader with 23,000 Acts of Mercy recorded. The challenge began in January and ends on December 15, 2025, at 11:59 AM.

Parishes and schools are asked to help Catholics grow in their understanding of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy through educational opportunities in person and online. Parishes and schools are invited to set a goal for their faith community so together, the parishioners can participate in the joy of giving to those in need. Parishes will be hosting “Days of Mercy” or “Mornings of Mercy” for parishioners to participate in the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

Two Upcoming Mercy Events:

Saturday, April 5, 2025, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
St. Rita Catholic Church, 14404 14th St., Dade City
Volunteers are asked to visit nearby homes and assist with cleaning out homes that were devastated by the hurricanes of 2024. Specifically, they will assist with gutting and mucking, the initial stage of rebuilding a structure after a disaster, such as a flood.

Sunday, April 13, 2025, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Hillsborough Memorial Gardens, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon
Volunteers are asked to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for the souls buried at this cemetery, clean up neglected gravesites, and place palms and flowers on places of rest.  This event is organized by Nativity Catholic Church, in Brandon.

The official list of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy recognized by the Catholic Church are:

Corporal Works of Mercy:

• Feed the hungry
• Give drink to the thirsty
• Clothe the naked
• Shelter the homeless,
• Visit the sick
• Visit the imprisoned
• Bury the dead

Spiritual Works of Mercy:

• Teach others about God and the Faith
• Counsel the doubtful
• Encourage reconciliation with God and others
• Bear wrongs patiently
• Forgive offenses willingly
• Comfort the afflicted
• Pray for the living and the dead