72 pages 2 hours read

Gregory Boyle

Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion

Nonfiction | Essay Collection | Adult | Published in 2009

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Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Introduction-Chapters 3

Reading Check

1. When did Boyle act as pastor for the Dolores Mission Church in Los Angeles?

2. In what Los Angeles neighborhood was Boyle active?

3. Who helped transform Jobs for a Future into Homeboy Industries?

4. Why did Homeboy Industries’ bakery burn down?

5. What is the entire book about, according to Boyle?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What was one of Boyle’s first initiatives at Dolores Mission Church? Why?

2. How did Boyle’s parishioners foster a welcoming attitude toward gang members?

3. What was Jobs for a Future?

4. What happened when the host of 60 Minutes came to Homeboy Industries?

5. Why was it important that Cesar asked if he was Boyle’s son?

6. Why does Boyle refer to shame and disgrace as “great weights”?

7. Why is compassion important, according to Boyle?

Paired Resource

“Ten Elements of Ignatian Spirituality”

  • This web page introduces readers to the Society of Jesus and Ignatian Spirituality.
  • Is it useful to have this background to Father Boyle’s spirituality? Why or why not?

“Our Mission | Homeboy Industries”

  • This page from the Homeboy Industries website describes the organization’s mission.

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