What are virtues?
According to Webster's the word virtue means:
general moral excellence; right action or thinking; or goodness of character.
Virtues are necessary in building strong moral character. The Catechism of the Catholic Church #1810 states “With God’s help, they (virtues) forge character and give facility in the practice of good.”
The Theological Virtues are: Faith, Hope and Love
These are infused into us at Baptism and are a gift from God. Even though they are a gift, these virtues need to be received, practiced, and strengthened.
The Cardinal Virtues: Wisdom or Prudence, Temperance or Moderation, Courage or Fortitude, and Justice. They are called Cardinal because from these four virtues spring all other virtues.
These are also called moral virtues and are achieved through habit and practice. According to the Catechism #1839, " The moral virtues grow through education, deliberate acts, and perseverance in struggle. Divine grace purifies and elevates them." Just like vices are formed from bad habits; Virtues are formed from good habits. Practicing virtues is just that - it takes practice. Just like physical exercise builds up muscles, building strong character takes practice. In practicing and perfecting the virtues in our lives, we become stronger and are generally less likely to easily fall into sin. You could think of them as guard rails on the path to holiness. The more perfect our practice, with God's grace, the more Christ-like we become.
Other virtues include:
Audacity or Boldness; Flexibility; Friendship; Generosity; Humility; Industriousness or Zeal; Loyalty; Modesty; Obedience; Orderliness; Optimism; Patience; Patriotism; Perseverance; Respect for Others; Responsibility; Self-Sacrifice; Simplicity; Sincerity; Sociability or Hospitality; Understanding or Empathy;
Gifts or Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control
Perfecting in the virtues takes practice. We recommend frequent reception of the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confession as well as reading the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
We also recommend the following books:
Of course, the Holy Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a must in every home or classroom.
"A Guide for Parents and Teachers:Character Building" by David Isaacs (Four Courts Press)
"The 12 Steps to Holiness and Salvation" from the works of St. Alphonsus Liguori adapted by Fr. Leick & Fr. Warren CSSR (Tan Books)
"Lifeline: The Religious Upbringing of Your Children" by James Stenson (Scepter Press)
Virtues are necessary in building strong moral character. The Catechism of the Catholic Church #1810 states “With God’s help, they (virtues) forge character and give facility in the practice of good.”
The Theological Virtues are: Faith, Hope and Love
These are infused into us at Baptism and are a gift from God. Even though they are a gift, these virtues need to be received, practiced, and strengthened.
The Cardinal Virtues: Wisdom or Prudence, Temperance or Moderation, Courage or Fortitude, and Justice. They are called Cardinal because from these four virtues spring all other virtues.
These are also called moral virtues and are achieved through habit and practice. According to the Catechism #1839, " The moral virtues grow through education, deliberate acts, and perseverance in struggle. Divine grace purifies and elevates them." Just like vices are formed from bad habits; Virtues are formed from good habits. Practicing virtues is just that - it takes practice. Just like physical exercise builds up muscles, building strong character takes practice. In practicing and perfecting the virtues in our lives, we become stronger and are generally less likely to easily fall into sin. You could think of them as guard rails on the path to holiness. The more perfect our practice, with God's grace, the more Christ-like we become.
Other virtues include:
Audacity or Boldness; Flexibility; Friendship; Generosity; Humility; Industriousness or Zeal; Loyalty; Modesty; Obedience; Orderliness; Optimism; Patience; Patriotism; Perseverance; Respect for Others; Responsibility; Self-Sacrifice; Simplicity; Sincerity; Sociability or Hospitality; Understanding or Empathy;
Gifts or Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control
Perfecting in the virtues takes practice. We recommend frequent reception of the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confession as well as reading the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
We also recommend the following books:
Of course, the Holy Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a must in every home or classroom.
"A Guide for Parents and Teachers:Character Building" by David Isaacs (Four Courts Press)
"The 12 Steps to Holiness and Salvation" from the works of St. Alphonsus Liguori adapted by Fr. Leick & Fr. Warren CSSR (Tan Books)
"Lifeline: The Religious Upbringing of Your Children" by James Stenson (Scepter Press)
