Our focus this month is on what we call the works of mercy.

Those familiar with the Catholic catechism will know that there are two clusters of these works, known as corporal (attending to physical needs) and spiritual (caring for mind and soul), seven of each. To these Pope Francis has added an eighth work of mercy, care for our common home, with a focus on protecting the environment we share with all other living creatures (Season of Creation, 2016). The Statement of Purpose for Whānau Mercy Ministries takes a broad-brush approach to the topic, offering five headings to highlight its theme.