Contact: Laraine Bennett, National Council of Catholic Women, 703-224-0990, lbennett@nccw.org

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- In honor of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) answered Pope Francis' call to embrace works of mercy, both corporal and spiritual. The Million Works of Mercy initiative, proposed by supporting member Jane Carter, asked NCCW members to tally their works of mercy, performed either individually or as a council affiliate.

"We have reached 1,094,315 and are still counting until the close of the Jubilee year," said NCCW President Sheila Hopkins. She had challenged NCCW members to reach a Million Works of Mercy by the close of the Jubilee Year, November 20, 2016. The call went out via social media (#worksofmercy, #millionworksofmercy); through the Connect, the NCCW e-newsletter; Catholic Woman magazine and at the annual convention and regional conferences.

"Council members are doing good deeds, serving those in need, and praying for others every day. It is who we are. It is our call and our mission, every day--in big and small ways," said Hopkins. "Making lightweight, waterproof mats for the homeless from grocery story bags, knitting caps for chemo patients and school children, collecting furniture for newly arrived immigrant families, sending cards to prisoners and the homebound, advocating for the unborn and elderly, gathering toiletries for women fleeing domestic violence, praying for those with no one to pray for them… what a joy to know that each and every Work of Mercy reported helped someone in need. NCCW programs continue to help members answer the spiritual and corporal needs of families, parishes and communities."

Pope Francis wrote, "It is my burning desire that, during this Jubilee, the Christian people may reflect on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. It will be a way to reawaken our conscience, too often grown dull in the face of poverty." (Misericordis Vultus, 15)

The National Council of Catholic Women, founded in 1920 by the U.S. Catholic bishops, acts through its membership to support, empower and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service.

For more information, visit www.nccw.org.  To speak directly with Sheila Hopkins, call (850) 570-7061 or schedule an interview through lbennett@nccw.org.