Service

 The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise.  They "are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs" (USCCA).  They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life. 

The seven Corporal Works of Mercy are listed below.  After each work of mercy there are also suggestions and words of advice for living them out in our daily lives from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.   

 The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise.  They "are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs" (USCCA).  They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life. 

The seven Corporal Works of Mercy are listed below.  After each work of mercy there are also suggestions and words of advice for living them out in our daily lives from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.   

  Many of our brothers and sisters in Christ do not have access to clean water and suffer from the lack of this basic necessity.  We should support the efforts of those working towards greater accessibility of this essential resource.  

• We take it for granted that we have access to clean water. Donate. . . to help build wells for water for those in need
• Organize a group of children involved on a sports team (e.g. soccer) or a summer camp. Invite them to collect bottled water to distribute at a shelter for families. If parents can be involved, ask them to accompany their children in delivering the water to the families. 
• Do the same for youth and young adult groups.
• Make an effort not to waste water. Remembering to turn off the water faucet when you are brushing your teeth or washing dishes can help, especially in regions suffering from drought.

 There are many circumstances that could lead to someone becoming a person without a home.  Christ encourages us to go out and meet those without homes, affirming their worth and helping them seek a resolution to the challenges they face.

• Our Lady of Guadalupe Life Teen Youth Group heard a presentation about the homeless in Topeka and created care packages.  You can get involved with a the Topeka Rescue Mission regarding homeless shelter and volunteer some time.
• Donate time or money to organizations that build homes for those who need shelter.
• Many homeless shelters need warm blankets for their beds. If you can knit or sew that would be an extra loving gift.
• There are millions of children and families who are on the move, fleeing from war, illness, hunger and impossible living conditions, and searching for peace and safety. Engage parish groups of children, youth, young adults, and families in doing some research on the causes and challenges that these families face to survive. Contact Catholic Social Services, or diocesan offices of peace and justice for help with your research. Seek ways to provide shelter for the homeless locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.

 Those who are sick are often forgotten or avoided.  In spite of their illness, these individuals still have much to offer to those who take the time to visit and comfort them. 

• Give blood
• Spend time volunteering at a nursing home – Get creative and make use of your talents (e.g. sing, read, paint, call Bingo, etc.)!
  
• Take time on a Saturday to stop and visit with an elderly neighbor.
  
• Offer to assist caregivers of chronically sick family members on a one-time or periodic basis. Give caregivers time off from their care giving responsibilities so they can rest, complete personal chores, or enjoy a relaxing break.  
  
• Next time you make a meal that can be easily frozen, make a double batch and give it to a family in your parish who has a sick loved one.

 People in prison are still people, made in the image and likeness of God. No matter what someone has done, they deserve the opportunity to hear the Word of God and find the Truth of the message of Christ.
[Pope Francis blesses an inmate at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Philadelphia in September, 2015. CNS Photo/Paul Haring]

• Our Lady of Guadalupe Church supports prison ministry.  Before he retired, Deacon Ray visited prisoners regularly.  Contact the parish office if you would like to get involved and help with this ministry. 
• Volunteer to help out or donate to charities that give Christmas presents to children whose parents are in prison.

Funerals give us the opportunity to grieve and show others support during difficult times.  Through our prayers and actions during these times we show our respect for life, which is always a gift from God, and comfort to those who mourn.

• Send a card to someone who has recently lost a loved one.  Make your own card and use some of these prayers.
• Visit the cemetery and pray for those you have lost.
• Spend time planning your own funeral mass, read through the Order of Christian Funerals and find our hope in the Resurrection.

  Donate money to organizations that have the ability to provide support and services for those in need.  Do research and find organizations that put people in need first, rather than profit. 

• Skip the morning latte and put that money in the collection basket at church.
• Find a charity that is meaningful to you and volunteer your time or donate. 
• This Lent, give up eating out at restaurants.  Pack you meals and donate the extra money to charities.
• Participate in Operation Rice Bowl or support other organizations identified by your parish or diocese. 

The faith of the Church cannot erase the pain of losing a loved one, but can give some solace and strength. Death is a time when our faith in God is purified, as is our relationship with Him. The most important things, and the things that endure, are brought to the surface in a powerful way. It is a time for us to support and console one another, and to manifest that love that is stronger than death. When death occurs Christians respond with greater prayer, both for those who have died and for those who are experiencing the death of a loved one.

The Church manifests the suffering, death and Resurrection of Jesus in the funeral liturgy. The readings and prayers do not minimize human suffering and death, but show how they have been conquered by love. There is celebration and joy alongside sympathy and grief. For a baptized Catholic, the Mass of Christian burial is the customary ritual of prayer.

Please contact the church office at 785-232-5088 for assistance in arranging and planning the funeral liturgy.  If the family would like a luncheon following the funeral the members of the Funeral Ministry can assist with those arrangements. 

For assistance in planning the liturgy music and musicians, please contact the Music Director, Rita Bennett at 785-232-5202 

The parish office will provide you with a funeral guidelines booklet  to help you plan a funeral celebration for yourself or a loved one. If you are preparing for death or for a funeral of one who has recently passed, we are here to answer your questions and to assist you. We want your funeral liturgy to reflect your life of faith, hope and love.

The Funeral Lunch Ministry members serve lunch for the families of a deceased parishioner, upon request, after the funeral mass or internment services.  The Parish provides the paper plates, napkins and utensils for the lunch.  The family of the deceased provide the main dish, some side dishes and drinks.  Members of the parish also donate various meat dishes, side dishes, desserts and drinks.  The lunch is typically served in the Marlo Cuevas-Balandran Activity Center.

The Funeral Ministry will keep a list of all donated items and provide the list to the family at the conclusion of the lunch.  To make a request for the Funeral Ministry to coordinate a funeral lunch, please contact: one of the following ministry leaders:

• Rose Hernandez 845-0514 
  
• Lonnies Valdivia  233-6219
  
• Mary Lou Escobar  266-6765

If you would like to help with the homebound, there are opportunities to help by:

1) Taking the Holy Eucharist to parishioners

2) Providing transportation for the homebound to and from Mass

3) Providing relief for caretakers and companionship to the homebound by visiting them at their home. We are currently looking for a coordinator and volunteers for this program.  Click here for more information on Respite Care Ministry.   

If you are interested in helping with any of these ministries, please call the parish office at 785-232-5088. 

If your loved one would like a visit or help from Father or one of the volunteers, please call the parish office, 232-5088.

Volunteers from the parish visit various nursing homes in our community.  Please contact the church office, 232-5088 if you would like to join this great ministry.