Defining Moments February 2007

Relief Services, Catholic (KATH-uh-lihk ree-LEEF SER-vih-sehs): Association that assists needy countries by way of monies and supplies. Begun in 1943 by the U.S. bishops, it is supported by the contributions of the lay faithful in the U.S.

Service (SER-vihs): 1. The exercising of one’s duty toward God and neighbor. The first three commandments encompass one’s responsibility of serving the Lord through prayer and worship; the final seven commandments are concerned with one’s vocation to serve others through charitable works and good example. 2. Any liturgical rite without the Mass (e.g., the Good Friday liturgy).

Spiritual Works of Mercy (SPIHR-ih-tshöö-uhl WERKS uhv MER-see): Acts of charity extending from compassion for victims of a kind of spiritual deprivation. These works of mercy especially focus on the spiritual welfare of the one in need. They are: instructing the ignorant, converting sinners, advising the perplexed, comforting the sorrowful, showing patience to sinners and those who err, forgiving others, and praying for the living and the dead. (Cf. Mercy, Spiritual and Corporal Works of.) Cf. CCC 2447

Stewardship (STÖÖ-werd-shihp): The proper and profitable management of that with which a person is entrusted. In Christian terms, this would refer to both physical and spiritual things, which are to be used and administered responsibly, because all things ultimately belong to God. Cf. CCC 373, 2280, 2402, 2404, 2417, 2457