As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the U.S. bishops consecrated the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11.  All Catholics are encouraged to join the bishops in praying for the unity and healing of our country. 

One opportunity for parishes and individuals to participate is by contributing to a collective 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy.

In his encyclical, Dilexit nos, Pope Francis instructs us to “nourish our lives with the strength of the Eucharist” in Holy Communion and Adoration, so that we might understand Christ’s love for all more deeply and live out this love ourselves. Our contemplation of the Sacred Heart leads us deeper into the mystery of our salvation and deeper into our love for Christ found in the faces of our sisters and brothers—especially those most in need.

Participate in 250 hours of adoration by offering a Holy Hour on a weekly or monthly basis leading up to the July 4 anniversary. While 250 hours seems like a lot, each person present constitutes an hour prayed. 

While our adoration chapel is not ready yet, our parish church is open during the day for you to come in and pray.  See the Links below for Holy Hour services that can be used communally or privately. 

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The seven Corporal Works of Mercy come to us directly from the Scriptures in the Gospel of Matthew. Rooted in our lives of faith, the actions that Jesus calls us to in feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, burying the dead, and giving alms are central elements of our Catholic identity. 

Pope Leo XIV instructs in Dilexi te, “As we contemplate Christ’s love, ‘we too are inspired to be more attentive to the sufferings and needs of others, and confirmed in our efforts to share in his work of liberation as instruments for the spread of his love’” (no. 2). 

Participate in 250 Works of Mercy by engaging in the existing activities, getting involved in new ways, and by participating with local and national organizations on a weekly or monthly basis leading up to the July 4th anniversary. Our works of mercy draw from the deep well of our faith and prayer, constantly reminding us that in tending to our brothers and sisters, we tend to Christ himself. 

These works of mercy could take a variety of shapes, such as: Assisting women who face a crisis pregnancy, donating to food pantries and clothing closets, participating in a community beautification program, Raising money for an overseas development project, sponsoring a refugee family, volunteering at homeless shelters, and more. 

Find prayers to incorporate before or after the works of mercy at usccb.org/weholdthesetruths