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Grade 7 – Lesson 10: Chapter 15

Key Points • are strong habits of doing good that help us make moral decisions and contribute to how we become the people created us to be. • The Theological Virtues: , , and - Gifts from God that help us believe in him, trust in his plan for us, and him as he us. • The : , , Fortitude, and - these help us respect ourselves and others and act with integrity.

Materials • My Truest and Best Self (p. 235E)

Catechist Prayer before the lesson: Lord Jesus, you are the first and finest teacher of . May your be with me, that I may reflect your virtue in all I do, and may my life serve as an inspiration for those I teach. Amen.

Before the lesson: • Hand out My Truest and Best Self.

[5 min] Invite – Being Virtuous- p. 235 • Explain that the virtues are the foundation for living a holy life. Read the opening prayer, then encourage them to listen closely as you read the scripture passage to see what God’s Word has to say about living a virtuous life. • Tell the students that God gave us many gifts that enable us to act as his faithful disciples. Discuss the questions in the “have you ever thought…” box.

[5 min] Good and Holy (p. 238-239)

• If it works well for your class, have the students read pg. 238 (up to the scripture reading) silently to themselves. Then open up a discussion based around the questions “Is living a good life easy?” • Read the scripture passage and invite the students to think about some of the ways God gives us the strength that we need. • Have the students work individually or in pairs on the Activity Master: My Truest and Best Self • Begin reading the textbook from the second sentence, “A virtue is a good spiritual habit…” o The Theological Virtues . Faith is belief in God. Faith helps us understand more about God. . Hope is trust in God’s plan for our happiness and eternal life with him in heaven. . Charity is love for God and others. o Discuss: What are some situations where you can grow in these virtues? o Emphasize the sentence after Theological Virtues that says “They are gifts from God that help us believe in him, trust in his plan for us, and love him as he loves us.

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[10 min] Moral Virtues (p. 240-241)

• Read and discuss the sections on Moral virtues/Modesty and . • Depending on your students’ attitudes and maturity, this may be a good opportunity to address some of these Catholic moral teachings that differ from beliefs held by modern society. Use your best judgement. You can explain that a lot of desires could rule our lives if there were not virtues to control them. One type of desire is sexual desire, which, at its core, is a gift from God for it calls us into loving relationship with other. However, the has specific teachings on the following: o Homosexuality: (CCC 2357) The Church teaches that it is not sinful to have homosexual attractions, but it is wrong to act on those feelings. People who have same-sex attraction deserve our love and respect just like any other person. The Church teaches that marriage is only between a man and a woman; any sexual activity outside the bond of marriage is sinful, whether homosexual or heterosexual. o Pre-marital sex (CCC 2353) is immoral because it goes against God’s plan for sexuality within the sacred bond of marriage. Sex within marriage strengthens the permanent bond between husband and wife and helps ensure that children are raised in the loving environment God intended. o Masturbation, pornography, and impure thoughts are serious sins against chastity (CCC 2352, 2354, 2351). God wants us to be pure in body and soul, and he will help you overcome sexual temptation if you ask for his grace, especially through the intercession of the Virgin Mary. o Discuss: The Church teaches that sex is sacred because it involves the creation of new life. Any behavior that deviates from its original purpose is a serious sin because it violates the sacredness of life. Do you have difficulty accepting what the Church teaches on modesty and chastity? • The Cardinal Virtues (p. 241) o Prudence is being wise and careful when making decisions. o Temperance is balancing your thoughts, actions, and feelings, so that your desires don’t rule your life. o Justice is giving God and others what is due to them. o Fortitude is showing and have strength to do the right thing, even when it is difficult. o The root word of “Cardinal” is cardo, which is Latin for “hinge”. Cardinal Virtues are virtues on which other virtues hinge. o Discuss: How can practicing these virtues help you in your life? •

[15 min] A Life of Virtue (p. 242-244)

• Utilize the text in the margin to guide you through these pages. • [optional] Virtuous Behavior Skit o Divide the class into small groups. o Have each group create and present a skit that demonstrates good and virtuous behavior in a difficult situation. • If time permits, complete the chapter 15 review.

[10 min] Sending – Act of Hope and Love (p. 384 and p.245)

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• Pray the Memorare (p. 384) • Recite the prayer on page 245 and the Scripture passage using the Youth .

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