
Click the tabs above to learn about and play the game!
Works of Heart Game
Learn how to play by following the steps below.
Tour the Board
- Open the game board and lay it flat.
- Click the Categories tab above.
- Click/tap each color category, read the description, learn about each service type, and find them on the game board.
Game Play
Goal: Work together to cover four spaces in a row in any direction.
Take turns:
- Draw a card (under the Play tab) and read out loud the daily life example.
- Guess which service type ( space) it matches.
- Click/tap the card for the answer. If your guess is shown, put a coin/token on the matching space.
- If necessary, help your child understand the situations and how they relate to the service types.
- Write down examples you want to do on paper or as reminders on your phone.
- Seven ways we are called to help with people’s physical needs (their bodies).
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Feed the Hungry
Share food, especially with those who struggle to always have enough to eat. -
Give Drink to the Thirsty
Make sure everyone has access to clean water and drinks, especially in places where fresh water is scarce. -
Clothe the Naked
Provide clothes and shoes to those who cannot afford them, and be good stewards of your own clothes. -
Shelter the Homeless
Help to make sure that everyone has a safe, warm, and dry place to sleep and call home. -
Visit the Sick
Spend time with and support people with health issues so they know they are cared for, loved, and not alone. -
Visit the Imprisoned
Reach out with kindness to people in prison or situations where they feel trapped. -
Bury the Dead
Show respect for people who have died and offer comfort and support to their grieving families.
- Seven ways we are called to help with people’s spiritual needs.
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Share Knowledge
Respectfully share what you know about school, life, or faith with friends, classmates, or others. -
Give Good Advice
Support friends who feels confused or unsure by helping them to make good choices. -
Gently Correct Mistakes
Kindly help people to realize when they make a bad choice so they can do what is right. -
Be Patient When Hurt
Stay calm and kind when people are annoying, unfair, or hard to get along with instead of getting angry. -
Forgive Those Who Hurt You
Let go of your anger when someone wrongs you and choose peace instead of holding a grudge. -
Comfort the Sorrowful
Show care to those who are hurt, lonely, or going through a tough time. -
Pray for Everyone
Talk to God to ask him to bless and care for everyone, living or dead.
- Seven blessings from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 6:20-26), identifying values of service, mercy, and humility.
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Be Peacemakers
Do everything you can to stop fights and bring people together in friendship. -
Be Pure in Heart
Being motivated from the inside by goodness, honesty, and God, instead of being wishy-washy or divided. -
Be Meek
Actively choose to be gentle, generous, patient, and helpful to others. -
Be Merciful
Show kindness to those who have done something wrong or are especially in need. -
Mourn & Be Sorry
Feel sad and sorry for your sins and for the pain and suffering in the world, so we can welcome God's healing. -
Be Poor in Spirit
Be humble and remember that everything we have and everything we are comes from God, who we depend on. -
Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
Support fairness, goodness, and justice and the people and groups who fight for it.
- Several themes that Church uses to teach us how to serve each other.
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Give Work Dignity
Recognize that everyone deserves honest, fair, respectful work and a living wage to support their families. -
Practice Stewardship
Receive, care for, and share the gifts God has given you: time, talent, and treasure (money & things) that God has given you. -
Build Community
Find ways to connect people like a family, so they can work together and help each other, as God intended. -
Prioritize the Poor
Put the basic needs of the people who are poor and vulnerable ahead of other wants. -
Use Technology Wisely
Set healthy limits on technology and use it for good, not in ways that rule our lives or hurt human relationships. -
Respect Human Life
Treat every single person's life as sacred and worth protecting from the moment it begins until natural death. -
Care for Creation
Honor God by protecting the Earth, nature, and people impacted when the environment is harmed.
Spend a weekend sorting donations, boxing food, or helping in other ways.


Add an extra fruit or pre-packaged snack to your school lunch bag to share with a classmate who forgot theirs or didn't bring enough.


Keep a granola bar or other snacks in your car in case you encounter a person in need.


Ask permission to pick fruit from trees in your neighborhood to donate to the food bank and keep it from being wasted.


Commit as a family to plan meals, eat leftovers, and avoid throwing away edible food, saving money to donate to hunger-relief organizations.


Fast from a favorite snack or dessert once a week and donate the money saved directly to a hunger charity.


Research and sponsor a portion of a global clean-water initiative through parish drives or school mission projects.

Turn off the tap while brushing teeth, take shorter showers, and reuse water from rinsing veggies to water house plants so it's not wasted.



Volunteer to pour water, juice, or coffee at parish receptions, community breakfasts, or shelter meal services.

Keep clean water bowls outside for outdoor pets, birds, or stray animals during hot or freezing seasons.


Help clean up trash along local rivers, lakes, streams, or beaches to keep local water supplies clean and safe for the community.



Share facts about global water scarcity with friends or present a project at school to raise awareness about access to clean drinking water.



Go through closets twice a year to gather gently used clothes, shoes, coats, and boots that no longer fit and donate them to a local thrift store.



Purchase packs of brand-new socks and underwear, often the most requested and least donated items, for local shelters.


Pick a tag from a parish or community "Angel Tree" to buy specific clothes, coats, or shoes requested by a child in need.


Hand down clean, well-cared-for clothing to younger siblings, relatives, or neighbors instead of throwing them away.


Learn to sew buttons, mend small rips, or patch jeans so clothes last longer and stay in good condition for future donation.



Collect gently used coats, gloves, scarves, and hats from classmates, team members, or neighbors to give to a homeless shelter before winter.


Participate as a family in community build days or youth-appropriate tasks to contribute to building homes for those in need.


Set aside time in family prayers specifically for individuals without adequate shelter, especially during extreme heat or cold.


Learn about local housing challenges and advocate for affordable housing initiatives to help keep people off the streets.



Welcome family friends, neighbors, or out-of-town guests into your home with warm hospitality and clean quarters.


Donate extra blankets, sleeping bags, tarps, or pillows during severe weather warning periods.



Pack bags with travel-sized shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, washcloths, combs, and deodorant for emergency shelters.


Spend time visiting an elderly neighbor or relative, bringing along homemade artwork, cards, or baked goods.


Deliver easily reheatable casseroles or soups after childbirth, surgery, or other health concerns.


Rake leaves, shovel snow, walk dogs, or haul trash cans for a neighbor who is ill or recovering from surgery.


Add sick friends, family, doctors, and nurses to daily personal or family prayer lists.


Join church youth group caroling or craft sessions held at senior living facilities.

Call, video-chat, or write regular letters to grandparents or relatives living in care facilities or dealing with long-term illness.


Collect requested types of books, Bibles, or educational materials for correctional facility book drives.


Pray for incarcerated individuals, victims of crime, correctional officers, and prison chaplains.



Read age-appropriate articles or watch documentaries as a family to understand justice, forgiveness, and rehabilitation.


Donate work clothes, hygiene items, or public transit passes to local programs helping former inmates re-enter the workforce.


Participate in approved parish or diocesan pen-pal programs that send holiday or birthday cards to prisoners.


Buy Christmas gifts or back-to-school supplies for children who have an incarcerated parent.


Prioritize attending funeral services, visitations, or memorial masses of people you know who pass away.


Write personal notes of condolence or send flowers/mass cards to someone who recently lost a loved one.


Offer prayers for deceased family members, friends, and those who have no one left to pray for them.


Help prepare and drop off a meal, basket of fresh fruit, or paper goods to a family preparing for funeral services.


Offer to mow the lawn, run errands, or walk the pet of a neighbor who is grieving a major family loss.


Set up a family photo display during November to remember and pray for passed ancestors.


Volunteer to tutor a younger sibling or neighbor with their reading, math, or study cards when they are struggling.


Patiently teach a friend or younger child how to play a sport, ride a bike, play an instrument, or learn a new game.


Volunteer to help at Vacation Bible School (VBS) or in other faith formation events at your parish.


Read scripture or faith-filled books out loud to other family members before bedtime.

When friends ask about your faith, ashes on Ash Wednesday, or church habits, explain what they mean in simple, friendly terms.

Pick a question about faith or Church history each week to research and discuss together during dinner.

Give full attention to a friend who is feeling lost, confused, or unsure about a tough decision.

Use family mealtime to talk through difficult choices and practice making wise, moral decisions as a team.

Offer encouraging words to a classmate who feels like giving up on a subject, sport, or hobby.

Sit down with a sibling or friend who doesn't know what to do and help them list the pros and cons of their options.

Help a friend who is stuck on a big problem talk to a trusted adult, like a parent, priest, counselor, or teacher.

Tell a friend about a time God helped you or your family get through a scary, sad, or confusing situation.

Step in or report bad behavior to a teacher or staff member when you see someone being picked on at school.


Politely ask peers to stop using swear words, mean nicknames, or offensive jokes around you.

Speak up gently or change the topic when friends start spreading rumors or talking trash about a classmate.

Remind a sibling or friend to tell the truth when they are tempted to lie to avoid getting into trouble.


Pull a friend aside privately—never publicly—to let them know if their actions or words hurt someone else.

Decline to share test answers or copy homework, and encourage friends to earn their own grades honestly.


Take a deep breath and stay quiet instead of yelling when a sibling uses your things without permission.


Say a quick silent prayer for patience whenever you feel yourself getting upset or frustrated.


Keep a calm voice and respectful tone when a teacher, boss, referee, or coach makes a call you disagree with.


Take time to cool down before responding when someone accidentally breaks or damages something you own.


Listen to corrections from parents, coaches, or teachers without getting defensive or making excuses.

Give people the benefit of the doubt, assuming they had a bad day rather than trying to hurt you on purpose.


Speak those exact words clearly and sincerely when a friend or sibling apologizes for hurting your feelings.

Reach out to make peace after a fight, even if you were only partially at fault.


Say a prayer for a classmate who was mean to you or left you out during lunch or recess.



Commit to not bringing up a wrong again once you have agreed to forgive and move on.


Choose not to get even or spread rumors when someone embarrasses or mistreats you.

Invite a friend back into your group activity or lunch table after a disagreement has been cleared up.


Sit next to a classmate who is sitting alone at lunch or crying, listening without trying to fix everything right away.

Draw a card or write a note to someone in your neighborhood or parish who recently lost a family member or pet.

Offer a prayer specifically for a family member or friend dealing with bad news, illness, or loss.



Make regular phone calls to a grandparent or relative who lives alone after losing their spouse.

Invite a sad or grieving friend to go for a bike ride, play games, or do a fun activity to give them a break.

Call family or friends on the anniversary of a loved one’s passing.

Keep a notebook on the refrigerator where family members write down people who need extra prayers.

Pray a decade of the Rosary as a family for sick friends, people hurt by natural disasters, or global peace.

Say a quick silent prayer (like "Lord, protect them") whenever you hear an ambulance, fire truck, or police siren.

Pause before grace at meals to let everyone name one person who needs prayers that day.

Name three living people and three deceased relatives or saints to pray for every night before going to sleep.

Say a brief prayer of protection and strength for parents, siblings, and friends before heading to school or work.

Refuse to join in when friends start "roasting" or arguing in group texts; send a message that calms things down or changes the topic.

Tell your elected representatives to work for peace and turn to war as only a last resort.

At work, school, or practice, step between two peers who are getting heated and suggest switching to a new game or activity.

Participate in local unity events, neighborhood peace walks, or parish reconciliation efforts as a family.


Set aside time during family prayers to pray specifically for world leaders, local communities, and anyone else facing conflict.


Agree as a family to take a 10-minute break whenever a discussion gets heated to prevent doors from slamming or voices from rising.

Turn off or exit video games, shows, or social media content that feature crude language, unnecessary violence, or inappropriate themes.


Speak the truth to parents and teachers, even when making a mistake that carries consequences.

Replace swear words, mean slang, and crude humor with encouraging and positive words.

Prioritize developing kindness and integrity rather than obsessing over popularity, appearance, or online clout.

Avoid acting like a completely different person just to fit in with popular groups at school or practice.

Perform chores, secret acts of kindness, or make donations quietly without seeking praise.

Let a younger sibling or friend pick the game, movie, or car seat first without making a fuss.

Accept a loss in sports, gaming, or board games with a smile, congratulating the winning team sincerely.

Give credit to your teammates or group project partners when a project, presentation, or game goes well.

Offer the last slice of pizza, serving of dessert, or snack to a sibling or parent without complaining or making a big deal out of it.

Keep body language respectful when parents or teachers assign chores or redirect behavior, responding with a simple "Okay."

Pick up trash or tidy shared areas without demanding credit or insisting someone else clean up their portion first.

Help a classmate pick up dropped supplies or fix a mistake in class instead of pointing and laughing.

Show mercy to animals by volunteering at an animal shelter or caring well for family pets.


Practice putting yourself in other people's shoes when they act out, remembering that everyone carries hidden struggles.

Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy or simple prayers asking God to show love and mercy to those who have made serious mistakes.


Speak up or make a lighthearted comment to distract attention when a classmate drops a tray, slips, or makes an embarrassing mistake.


Use your own allowance to pay for a friend's lunch or treat when they realize at the counter that they are short on funds.

Take full responsibility when you lose your temper, say mean words, or take something without asking, rather than making excuses.

Regularly go to this sacrament of forgiveness as a family to experience God’s clean slate and healing grace.

Stop immediately as a family when you see news about a natural disaster, war, or tragedy to pray for the victims and rescue workers.


Use your own allowance or personal time to repair, clean, or replace an item you carelessly broke or ruined.


Tell a teacher or parent the truth if you cheated, lied, or broke a rule, ask for forgiveness, and willingly accept the consequences.

Write an apology note, offer a hug, or do a helpful chore for someone you hurt to help heal the relationship.


Focus on being thankful for what you currently have instead of constantly asking for new gadgets, clothes, or games.


Ask God for guidance each morning, recognizing that you need his strength to get through the day well.

Be willing to ask for help with schoolwork, sports, or personal struggles rather than trying to pretend you know everything.

Write down three things you are grateful for every night to keep your heart humble and thankful.

Remember that your talents are gifts from God meant to help others, not just benefit yourself.


Express sincere gratitude to God for daily food, health, and home before meals and at bedtime.

Choose ethically made or fair-trade goods when shopping to ensure workers receive fair wages for their labor.


Learn about issues affecting vulnerable populations and support community groups working to fix them.


Play fairly and follow all game rules strictly, even when no coach, teacher, or parent is watching.

Check clothing and food labels with your family to support brands that treat their workers fairly and pay living wages.


When eating at restaurants, taking ride shares, getting a haircut, or getting other services, tip well so workers can have a living wage.


Encourage your elected officials to prioritize those with less money, power, and influence.


Practice resourcefulness by reusing school supplies, avoiding waste, and being mindful of household energy and food use.


Pack school or work lunches with reusable containers, water bottles, and cloth napkins to cut down on single-use plastic waste.


Consider eating vegetarian meals once or twice a week to lower your impast on the environment.

Whenever you can, purchase clothing, books, and sports gear from thrift stores to reduce manufacturing waste.


Reduce gasoline and pollution use by walking, riding bicycles, or carpooling to school, work, and errands.

Hang bird feeders and birdhouses in the yard to provide natural food and shelter for local wildlife.

Leave fair or generous tips for restaurant servers, gig workers, delivery drivers, and other service workers (who are usually underpaid).


Express gratitude to school custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, and other service workers for their work.

Tell your elected officials to prioritize the needs of workers, for a living wage, safe working conditions, and the right to organize.

Buy from companies that treat their workers (including those in other countries) with dignity, respect, and fairness.


Don't leave extra messes in restaurants, at school, or in restrooms to respect the workers who maintain those spaces.

Give handwritten notes of appreciation to mail carriers, sanitation workers, or other service workers in your community.


Take proper care of clothes, sports gear, and school books so they last longer instead of needing early replacement.

For all money received (as individuals and/or as a family), set aside a certain percentage for donating, saving for later, and spending now.

Each year, intentionally decide as a whole family on which charitable causes you want to support and how much you want to give.

Decide how you can give your time (and perhaps talent) in a parish ministry, as a family or as individuals.

Find a way to volunteer through community service (search online for "National Days of Service" for ideas).


Pick a skill you are good at and interested in, and make a plan to become better at it.

Participate in (or help plan!) neighborhood activities like street clean-ups, block parties, group bike rides, or community concerts.

Meet your elderly neighbors, especially those who may be lonely and/or have extra needs; find ways to regularly connect and offer help.


Make sure to introduce yourself to your neighbors and find opportunities to stay in touch.

Attend parish potlucks, picnics, festivals, and social time to meet, get to know, and connect with other parishioners

Build neighborly relationships around sharing items like tools, carpet cleaners, lawn mowers, and other things everyone doesn't need to own.



Go to town hall, neighborhood association, city council, or other gatherings to see how local decisions are made and participate.


Research organizations like Common Hope that let you sponsor and financially support a child in another country.


Learn how your diocese serves your community's needs (sometimes called Catholic Charities), and choose at least one way to support them.

Learn about international service through your country's bishops (Catholic Relief Services, Caritas Canada, etc.) and how you can help.

Learn about how your parish serves those in need (often through a St. Vincent de Paul group) and find out how you can help.


Place phones and tablets in a special basket during family meals and bedtime to encourage face-to-face conversation and rest.

Refuse to participate in online gossip, mean comments, or group chat exclusion, using digital devices strictly to encourage others.



Pick one day a week, such as Sunday, to take a complete break from social media and video games.

Turn off all phones, tablets, and gaming consoles an hour before bedtime for better sleep and family time.

Research how AI works inside—what it is good and bad at and how it is different from people—so you won't be fooled by it.

Ask your school to set healthy limits on the use of computers, phones, and artificial intelligence, so they don't detract from learning.

Collect baby diapers, wipes, and infant clothing for centers assisting mothers in need.

Practice safe habits like wearing bicycle helmets, wearing seatbelts, and caring for your physical health.

Include expectant mothers, unborn babies, and medical professionals who help in childbirth in your prayers.


Show reverence and attention when listening to storytellers, grandparents, and older family members.

Tell elected officials to value and prioritize life at every stage, so it isn't ended early, no matter who they are, what they've done, or their age.

Pray for prisoners preparing for the day they will be executed in our name, and for the victims of their crimes.

