Pope Francis spends much of his encyclical On Care for Our Common Home decrying our consumer attitudes of consumption.

Turn our consumer attitudes around for Back to School. Spend, not on yourself, but on the needs of under-privileged kids returning to school.

Collect money for foreign missions.

Donate to the annual Mission Collection.

Donate to the Catholic Relief Services' project: Valuing Girls’ Formal Education.

Donate used magazines to a Veterans Hospital.

Organize a parish ministry fair that showcases the ministries where parishioners can be involved. Make sure to include opportunities for faith formation. 

Volunteer at organizations with education programs:
SMART
Salem-Keizer Coalition for Equality
UNETE (Medford)
Adelante Mujeres (Forest Grove)

Volunteer at Catholic Charities' Financial Wellness Program.

Go on a service trip or short term mission trip.

Volunteer to help with religious education programs at your parish.

Be the primary source of religious education and formation for your children.

Invite someone to go to mass with you this weekend.

Tutor or read to children at Randall Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospital, or other hospitals.

Defend

Many federally-funded child nutrition programs go under-utilized because parents, teachers, and other community members are unaware of their existence, or face barriers to accessing them.

Publicize and expand participation in these nutrition programs, especially:

The After-School Meal and Snack Program
The Summer Food Service Program
The School Breakfast Program

Speak kindly and lovingly about those on the margins of society—racial minorities, immigrants, etc.

Speak truth to power when the powerful neglect or oppress the weak and vulnerable.

Live the Gospel value of active non-violence in a way that inspires and empowers others.

REFLECT AND FOLLOW-UP: The work of mercy isn't finished when the activity ends. Spend time in prayer, reflecting on where you saw and experienced the love and mercy of Christ. If you did an activity with a group, follow-up with others in that group and share insights or observations. This is a chance to grow in faith - and mercy! - together.