By OSV staff

15 Catholic things to do before you die

OSV staff compiles suggestions of should-dos

You've seen them on television, in magazines and in books -- lists of things you should do before you die.

This got us wondering, what would a Catholic version of a "things to do before you die" list comprise? Here is what some of our staff members suggested:

Write a note of appreciation to a bishop, priest, deacon or religious for his/her vocation or ministry.

Walk the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem.

Send an anonymous sacrificial (larger than usual) gift to a soup kitchen, free clinic or similar charity.

Visit Lourdes, France.

Volunteer for a parish committee to visit the sick or prepare meals for their families.

Visit the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

Invite your priest over for dinner.

Pray the devotion of nine First Fridays or six First Saturdays.

Attend a Mass celebrated by your local bishop.

Read the Bible all the way through.

Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church all the way through.

Fast for one meal and spend the time praying for someone you know in need.

Volunteer to help out at a Special Olympics event.

Visit residents of a nursing home.

Sponsor a needy child in a developing nation.

Write three letters to people you love, thanking them just for being who they are -- mention specifics.

Tell someone what God has done for you.

Visit someone who is homebound.

Forgive someone who has injured or offended you.

Invite someone to dinner who's in no position to reciprocate.

Make a silent retreat.