Thursday, January 22, 2026
7:00 pm EST - 9:00 pm EST
Catholic Information Center
1501 K Street NW
Washington,
DC
20005
United States
Description
“The Church’s teaching on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy is not merely an invitation to volunteer but rather a holy and joyful call to reorder our lives according to the wisdom of Christ.”
–Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR will lead a discussion with authors Elizabeth Marcolini and Neena Gaynor on their new book, Pocket Guide to the Works of Mercy. The program takes place at the CIC on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM. This book will be available for purchase at the CIC bookstore as will be Fr. Mark-Mary’s previous publications.
Fr. Ames will also offer Mass at 6:10 PM.
January 22nd Schedule:
- 6:00 PM: Doors open for Registrant check-in
- 6:10 PM: Daily Mass celebrated by Fr. Mark-Mark Ames, CFR
- 7:00 PM: Discussion on Pocket Guide to the Works of Mercy – this portion of the evening will be offered both in-person and virtually via a livestream
- 8:00 PM: Booksigning with the authors and a light happy hour
- 8:00 PM: Evening concludes
About the Book:
Mercy is a language of love.
We are all called to live like Christ in the world. As followers of Jesus we are called to embrace those around us and serve them with God’s healing love.
In Pocket Guide to the Works of Mercy, authors Claire Couche, Neena Gaynor, and Elizabeth Marcolini offer a clear, practical, and prayerful path to living out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
In this compact work, readers will discover how to live the works of mercy in a way that emphasizes each person’s dignity, and leads them closer to Christ.
Through practical examples and examination questions, Pocket Guide to the Works of Mercy is perfect for Catholics who want to serve those around them. Whether you are single, consecrated, or have a family, this guide will show you how you can live out the Works of Mercy in your state of life.
Each chapter includes practical and applicable wisdom on each Work of Mercy, including:
- Biblical examples from both the Old and New Testaments
- An explanation of the meaning for the works of mercy for Catholics today
- A dedicated prayer to offer your works as prayers to God
- Real-life applications for every season of life
- And more!
Pocket Guide to the Works of Mercy takes a difficult and abstract set of actions and makes them not only tangible, but possible no matter your season of life. With the help of this book, readers will truly see the other as a beloved child of God, and care for them in the way the Church asks.
Learn how to live out the radical call to mercy alongside this small but powerful book.
RSVP for this Event
About the Speakers
Neena Gaynor is a Catholic author, beekeeper, and master gardener.
Elizabeth Marcolini is the co- author of the Pocket Guide to the Works of Mercy (2025). Elizabeth is also the CEO of Rose Roofing and Restoration, a high-growth construction company that has doubled in size every year since its founding.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR is the Director of Priestly Studies and Director of Communications for the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and canonical spiritual director at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie in New York. Fr. Mark-Mary is the host of the Ascension Presents video series The CFRs and the host of the 2025 podcast “The Rosary in a Year.”
