This issue of Vermont Catholic magazine focuses on works of mercy and how people and parishes help their neighbors in need. Managing Editor Cori Fugere Urban asked people throughout the Diocese of Burlington, “How does your faith call you to serve those in need?” Their answers follow.

“It’s just who I am. I’ve cared for others my whole life. … Once I came closer to God, I just kept going. The song ‘Here I Am Lord’ fits me to a T. Every time I hear it I say, “’Yes, here I am. I got this. Tell me what to do.’”

—Karoline Flower

St. John the Baptist Church, Enosburg Falls

“I’ve always had this desire to reach out and help other people. Seeing that I am living my faith, maybe they would want to come into our faith and … help others.”

—Joan Poulin

St. Augustine Church, Montpelier

“Our faith is very much in the person of Jesus Christ and of course the Holy Trinity. Jesus gave us the model of service because He always met needs first before He shared the word of the Gospel.”

—Deacon Dan Pudvah

St. Monica Church, Barre

“We are all part of the Body of Christ, and we have to take care of each other. If one of us is suffering, we ought to do what we can to help them.”

—Sarah Chiaravalli

St. Peter Church, Vergennes

“My faith has helped me, and my priests have shown me, I should be doing God’s work. I love it, and it keeps me going.”

—Kathy Douglas

St. Peter Church, Vergennes

“Faith calls me to serve those in need by tending local efforts in St. Albans with Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court #468, facilitating efforts with Rice Memorial High School [in South Burlington], or by anonymous donations.”

—Pam King

Immaculate Conception Church, St. Albans

“The faith calls us to help those in need, for He created them just as us, in the likeness and image of God.”

—Father Gregory Caldwell, parochial vicar

St. Michael Church, Brattleboro

—Originally published in the Winter 2023 issue of Vermont Catholic magazine.