Middle-schoolers at St. Gabriel Church, Fayetteville, have had a busy year, said Christine Krabel, the parish’s Edge coordinator.

Students participated in monthly service projects centered on the corporal works of mercy. Here’s what they did: In August, they “gave drink to the thirsty” by collecting over 1,000 water bottles for the local homeless shelter. In September, they helped the St. Vincent de Paul Society live the works of mercy by raising $1,243 at the annual Walk for the Poor. In October, they “clothed the naked” by donating more than 750 clothing items to Gracie’s Closet, a service that provides free clothing for foster children. In November, they “gave food to the hungry” by donating 387 food items to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. In December they “helped the imprisoned” by praying to St. Dismas for the prisoners at the state prison. In January, they helped to “visit the sick” by making 84 rosaries for the parish pastoral care ministry to distribute to the sick and homebound. In March, they helped “shelter the homeless” by collecting over 1,500 toiletry items and creating over 250 toiletry kits for the local homeless shelter. In April, they helped to “bury the dead” by donating over 450 candles to be used at the parish’s funeral receptions.