BREAKING Catholic Bishops of the USA Invite the Nation to 250 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration + Mercy for America's 250th Anniversary

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by turning prayer into power and faith into action! As the U.S. bishops prepare to consecrate our country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 2026, you are invited to join a landmark spiritual movement: 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy. This isn't just a milestone—it's a collective mission to bring healing and unity to our communities. Whether you are kneeling in the quiet glow of the Blessed Sacrament or serving those on the margins, every hour prayed and every hand extended builds a bridge of love across our nation. Dive into their resources, mobilize your parish, and let’s offer 250 years of gratitude through a legacy of grace.

250 Hours of Adoration - A Catholic resource for commemorating America 250

USCCB - As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. All Catholics are encouraged to join the bishops in praying for the unity and healing of our country.

One opportunity for parishes and individuals to participate is by contributing to a collective 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy. This page provides examples for 250 Hours of Adoration, and guidance for 250 Hours of Mercy can be found here.

In his encyclical, Dilexit nos, Pope Francis instructs us to “nourish our lives with the strength of the Eucharist” in Holy Communion and Adoration, so that we might understand Christ’s love for all more deeply and live out this love ourselves. Our contemplation of the Sacred Heart leads us deeper into the mystery of our salvation and deeper into our love for Christ found in the faces of our sisters and brothers—especially those most in need.

How to Participate

Parishes can participate in 250 hours of adoration together by offering a Holy Hour on a weekly or monthly basis leading up to the July 4 anniversary. Parishes and communities can decide how best to set up their holy hours, continue current practices, or invite new people to join. While 250 hours seems like a lot, each person present constitutes an hour prayed. Parishes and communities can also consider how to incorporate both the 250 Works of Mercy alongside the 250 Hours of Adoration. Afterwards, report your community’s participation here.

Resources for Holy Hour include: Holy Hour for Life
Holy Hour for Peace
Holy Hour for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty
Holy Hour for Vocations
Holy Hour Against Racism
Sacred Heart Holy Hour

Consider hosting a holy hour or series of holy hours at your parish using the templates provided above. You may have other ways to invite members of your community to spend some time in prayer for our country with Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. To prepare for the Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart, parishes can also incorporate the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus into their Holy Hour.

Additional resources to support prayer for healing and unity during the 250th Anniversary include podcasts, prayers, and reflections at usccb.org/weholdthesetruths. Access the 250 Hours of Adoration PDF below.

America 250 Catholic Resource - 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy.pdf

250 Works of Mercy during the 250th Anniversary of America 

This resource provides examples for 250 Works of Mercy, and guidance for 250 Hours of Adoration is on the reverse side of this resource. The seven Corporal Works of Mercy come to us directly from the Scriptures in the Gospel of Matthew. 

Rooted in our lives of faith, the actions that Jesus calls us to in feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, burying the dead, and giving alms are central elements of our Catholic identity. 

Pope Leo XIV instructs in Dilexi te, “As we contemplate Christ’s love, ‘we too are inspired to be more attentive to the sufferings and needs of others, and confirmed in our efforts to share in his work of liberation as instruments for the spread of his love’” (no. 2). 

How to Participate

 Individuals and groups can participate in 250 Works of Mercy by engaging in the existing activities and efforts of their parishes, getting involved in new ways, and by participating with local and national organizations on a weekly or monthly basis leading up to the July 4th anniversary.

 Our works of mercy draw from the deep well of our faith and prayer, constantly reminding us that in tending to our brothers and sisters, we tend to Christ himself. 

Afterwards, report your community’s participation here. 

These works of mercy could take a variety of shapes, such as: 

Assisting women who face a crisis pregnancy 

Donating to food pantries and clothing closets 

Participating in a community beautification program 

Raising money for an overseas development project 

Sponsoring a refugee family Tutoring children 

Volunteering at homeless shelters 

Organizations to get involved with in your local community include: 

Local Catholic Charities agencies 

CRS chapters and clubs 

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul 

Find prayers to incorporate before or after the works of mercy at usccb.org/weholdthesetruths. 
USCCB Release