As a response to the Jubilee Year of Hope, launched by the late Pope Francis, Bishop Gregory Parkes established this challenge, inviting the faithful to share hope and compassion through works of mercy.

Catholics across the diocese were asked to go above and beyond traditional efforts of kindness and generosity. They were asked to log their acts of service and compassion on the diocesan website with the hope that they could collectively perform one million acts of mercy in one year.

“My heart is full of gratitude for all who have worked together to achieve this remarkable milestone that reflects our call to love as God loves and serve as Christ serves,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes.

During this past year, participants have focused on 14 categories or “Works” of service known as the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. These works of mercy range from feeding the hungry to visiting the imprisoned to comforting the afflicted.

“I think it’s an excellent challenge, and I think it’s brought to everyone’s attention the acts of mercy,” said Father Gary Dowsey, Pastor at St. Peter the Apostle in Trinity. “This is what we do naturally as Christians, as Catholic Christians. We don’t serve others because they’re Catholic; we serve others because we are.”  

So far St. Peter the Apostle Parish has logged the second-most acts of mercy in the diocese.  

“We recognize that we have a responsibility to those beyond our parish boundaries and those beyond our own doorstep,” Father Dowsey added.

Catholic schools have also embraced the challenge, providing opportunities for students to discover the joy of serving others.

“We encourage our students to build relationships with community organizations, so it's not just about doing service, but it's about living a life of service for others,” shared Keith Galley, principal at St. Petersburg Catholic High School.

The collaborative effort to reach the diocesan goal and to help one another inspired many.  

“It was incredibly moving. What started as a single class project quickly grew into a school-wide effort. It was joyful and inspiring,” said Allyson Espinal, STREAM teacher at Nativity Catholic School. The school created items for an animal shelter. “Older students worked side-by-side with younger ones, and when the 6th graders ran out of time, the 3rd graders jumped in without hesitation. It felt like the Body of Christ in action—each part contributing with love.”

1,000,000 Acts of Mercy Challenge by the Numbers

73 parishes  

35 schools

2 missions  

7 diocesan entities or ministries

Currently, the top contributing parish is St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in New Port Richey, and the top school is St. Petersburg Catholic High School.

It’s Not Over Yet!

Although the milestone has been reached, the challenge continues until December 15. Continue to show mercy to those around you and be part of this ongoing legacy of compassion.  No action is too small, and you never know how you will inspire others.  As the scripture-based song goes: “We are the light of the world. Let our light shine before all. That they may see the good that we do and give glory to God.”

View Bishop Parkes’ announcement of reaching the goal of 1,000,000 below. 

To log your acts of mercy, click here.

For more information about this challenge, click here.

For more information about the Jubilee Year of Hope, click here.