As pilgrims journey through the Jubilee Year of Hope, proclaimed by Pope Francis, the faithful across The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington are encouraged to engage in acts of mercy that reflect the theme of renewal and reconciliation.
The Holy Year, which began Dec. 24, 2024, and continues through Jan. 6, 2026, invites Catholics to take part in corporal and spiritual works of mercy by serving neighbors in need, praying for others and embracing the grace of pilgrimage.
The Apostolic Penitentiary noted that such acts allow Catholics to “make a pilgrimage to Christ present in them” and provide a means of receiving plenary indulgences when carried out with the proper spiritual disposition.
Works of mercy and the path to indulgence
The corporal works of mercy address physical needs: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead.
Spiritual works of mercy focus on the needs of the soul: comforting the sorrowful, forgiving offenses, instructing the ignorant, admonishing sinners and praying for the living and the dead.
To receive a plenary indulgence during the Jubilee Year, pilgrims must visit a designated Jubilee church, receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist within 20 days of the act, pray for the Holy Father’s intentions, and perform a corporal or spiritual work of mercy. These acts, done in a spirit of conversion and charity, may include feeding the hungry, comforting the afflicted or visiting those in need or difficulty, recognizing Christ present in them.
The faithful are especially encouraged to be tangible signs of hope for those experiencing hardship.
In addition, the person must be free from all attachment to sin, even venial sin. This does not mean being without fault but rather having a sincere desire to turn away from sin. If this disposition is lacking, or if any condition is unmet, the indulgence is partial.
Pilgrims do not need to travel to Rome to participate in the Jubilee. Several churches across the archdiocese have been designated as Jubilee sites, including:
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.
Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, Washington, D.C.
Holy Comforter–St. Cyprian Catholic Church, Washington, D.C.
Shrine of St. Jude, Rockville, Maryland
St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bowie, Maryland
St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, Riverdale Park, Maryland
St. Anthony Catholic Church, North Beach, Maryland
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, La Plata, Maryland
St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Leonardtown, Maryland
Saint John Paul II National Shrine, Washington, D.C.
University of Maryland Catholic Student Center, College Park, Maryland
Serving Christ in the hungry and the poor
Parishes across the archdiocese operate food pantries, host food drives and community meals, or partner with local organizations to serve those in need.
Shelter and companionship for the vulnerable
Catholic Charities DC and parish ministries across the archdiocese offer opportunities to assist individuals experiencing homelessness. These efforts often rely on volunteers.
In response to the call to clothe the naked, many parishes hold clothing drives. The archdiocese’s Office of Life Issues also encourages support of local pregnancy centers through donation drives and volunteer outreach.
Ministries to the homebound, sick and incarcerated
Parishioners can serve in homebound ministries by visiting the elderly, bringing the Eucharist to those unable to attend Mass, or volunteering at nursing homes or programs such as those led by the Little Sisters of the Poor at their Jeanne Jugan Residence in Washington, D.C.
“Be humble and generous with grace; encourage those around you to help others,” said Elizabeth McCormick, volunteer coordinator for the Little Sisters of the Poor in Washington. “You’ll gain a deeper understanding of God’s goodness.”
The Archdiocese of Washington’s Hospital Ministry trains and supports clergy, religious and lay ministers to provide prayer, sacraments and spiritual care to the sick.
The Prison and Jail Ministry serves all jurisdictions of the archdiocese, including Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties, and the District of Columbia. Volunteers lead Bible studies and prayer services and offer sacraments, spiritual direction and mentorship to incarcerated individuals.
“We are called to be pilgrims of hope to everyone around us, even in the most difficult and challenging situations, and we know that Jesus will sustain us,” said Msgr. W. Ronald Jameson, the rector of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington during the archdiocese’s Opening Mass of the Jubilee on Jan. 1, 2025.
By engaging in the works of mercy, the faithful across the archdiocese are invited to become “leaven of authentic hope,” renewing their commitment to the Gospel through daily acts of love and service.
How to get involved
For a list of life-affirming initiatives across the archdiocese, visit adw.org/life-affirming-initiatives.
To find local food pantries, go to adw.org/ways-to-give/food-pantries.
To learn about volunteer opportunities with Catholic Charities, visit catholiccharitiesdc.org.
To support or get involved with the Little Sisters of the Poor, visit littlesistersofthepoorwashingtondc.org.
