Charity

The Virtue of Charity

Theme Verse:

“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.”
— Mark 12:43

What is Charity?

Charity is a big word for a simple but beautiful idea — helping others with love. God wants us to care for those in need. Whether someone is hungry, sad, lonely, or needs help with their schoolwork, we can show charity by offering our time, our help, or even our toys and allowance.

As christians, we follow the example of Jesus. He always saw the people others ignored. He stopped to help. He listened. He gave. And He teaches us to do the same.

Story Time: The Widow’s Offering

(Mark 12:41–44) -adapted for children grades k-2

One day, Jesus was sitting near the temple with His friends, watching people bring their offerings to God. Some rich people came and gave large amounts of money — clink! clank! Their coins made a lot of noise.

Then came an old woman. She was a widow — she had no husband and very little money. Slowly, she placed two tiny coins into the offering box. They were worth only a few cents.

Jesus smiled and said to His disciples,

“Did you see her? That poor widow gave more than all the others. They gave from their extra money, but she gave everything she had.”

Wow! That means Jesus sees our hearts. When we give with love, even a small gift is BIG to God!

Ways You Can Show Charity:

Charity isn’t just about money. Here are simple, kind-hearted ways you can be charitable every day:

• Help a friend with homework or chores.
• Share your pencil or snack with someone in need.
• Let someone else choose the game or TV show.
• Smile and offer kind words when someone is having a hard day.
• Help clean up at home — even if it’s not your mess!
• Hold the door open for someone.
• Call your grandma or grandpa just to say, “I love you.”
• Donate your old books or toys to children who don’t have many.
• Save part of your allowance to give to someone in need or to support a mission, like the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate!
• Pick up litter and help care for God’s creation.

Birthday Blessing Idea:

Is your birthday coming up? What if, instead of presents for yourself, you asked friends and family to bring something for others — like:

• Books for a children’s shelter
• Food or blankets for an animal rescue
• Coins for a child in another country who needs school supplies or medicine

That’s what being a little missionary looks like — bringing joy to others, just like Jesus!

Be a Missionary with Mom and Dad!

Ask your parents to show you a charity online — like the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate, talk about the people they help and talk about how you might give a little — even just your time or prayers.

Remember: your giving doesn’t have to be big. It just has to come from the heart.

As Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate, we go where the need is greatest. We care for the poor, the lonely, the forgotten. We do it because God loves every person, and we are called to love them too — with generous hearts.

You can be a missionary too — right in your home, your school, and your playground. Whenever you show kindness, help someone, or give with love, you are being charitable.