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Home , Religion (virtue), Temperance (painting), Theological virtues

Virtues of our Catholic

Activities for Families of The Parish of Christ the King Summer 2020 Created by: Parish of Christ the King Children’s Ministries Clip Art by:

Vision and mission for online resources:

As Catholic families it is important to draw upon the of our faith. These virtues are the four : , , and . The three Theological Virtues: Faith, , and . As we grow in , we grow closer to Christ. Use this time together as a family to become aware of the virtues you may already practice within your home and to work on growing together in them. These activities are meant as quick resources to bring you together as a family. A reference guide for parents:

These are the virtues of our faith as described in the Catechism of the Catholic . Please read about these virtues as you begin the activities.

Catechism of the states:

A virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions.

The goal of a virtuous life is to become like .63 The cardinal virtues

1805 Four virtues play a pivotal role and accordingly are called "cardinal"; all the others are grouped around them. They are: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. "If anyone righteousness, [Wisdom's] labors are virtues; for she teaches temperance and prudence, justice, and courage."64 These virtues are praised under other names in many passages of Scripture.

1806 Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it; "the prudent man looks where he is going."65 "Keep sane and sober for your prayers."66 Prudence is "right reason in action," writes St. , following Aristotle.67 It is not to be confused with timidity or fear, nor with duplicity or dissimulation. It is called auriga virtutum (the charioteer of the virtues); it guides the other virtues by setting rule and measure. It is prudence that immediately guides the judgment of conscience. The prudent man determines and directs his conduct in accordance with this judgment. With the help of this virtue we apply moral principles to particular cases without error and overcome doubts about the good to achieve and the evil to avoid.

1807 Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor. Justice toward God is called the "virtue of religion." Justice toward men disposes one to respect the rights of each and to establish in human relationships the harmony that promotes equity with regard to persons and to the common good. The just man, often mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures, is distinguished by habitual right thinking and the uprightness of his conduct toward his neighbor. "You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor."68 "Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven."69

1808 Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome obstacles in the moral life. The virtue of fortitude enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death, and to face trials and persecutions. It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in defense of a just cause. "The Lord is my strength and my song."70 "In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."71

1809 Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will's mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honorable. The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good and maintains a healthy discretion: "Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart."72 Temperance is often praised in the : "Do not follow your base desires, but restrain your appetites."73 In the it is called "moderation" or "sobriety." We ought "to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world."74

To live well is nothing other than to God with all one's heart, with all one's soul and with all one's efforts; from this it comes about that love is kept whole and uncorrupted (through temperance). No misfortune can disturb it (and this is fortitude). It obeys only [God] (and this is justice), and is careful in discerning things, so as not to be surprised by deceit or trickery (and this is prudence).75

Reference: Catechism of the Catholic Church: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s1c1a7.htm

Resources for Parents:

• Video: This a video that explains the virtues and ways to encourage them in

your children.

https://watch.formed.org/videos/natural-born-virtues

• Parish of Christ the King YouTube channel is a wonderful resource for us as a parish community: https://www.youtube.com/parishofchristthekingtulsa

• Video Series: This is narrated by children as they tell about Bl. Solanus. These are engaging stories for all ages and tell of Bl. Solanus and his faith and virtues: https://watch.formed.org/extraordinary-stories-for-children

Family Activity 1 I see a virtue in you...

Watch Hope, in the Christian sense, is often misunderstood. It is not the same as optimism or presumption. It is not the blind faith that we will go to heaven or the escapist way to avoid the troubles of this world. It’s not the virtue we need to see the present moment with more positivity. It’s more personal than that. In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains exactly why.

Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgXzigsp5JM

Family Activity

Discussion § Choose one or two virtue and discuss as a family who displays these virtue best within your home. Below you will find discussion questions to help your begin your discussion as a family. Discussion questions: § Who do you think displays the virtue of ______best? § How do they display this virtue? § When do you see this virtue come out in them most? § How does it make you feel when this person shows this virtue? § How can you grow in this virtue? Create a card and write a letter to that person, thanking them and telling them how you see this virtue in them. (Younger children can draw pictures)

Family Activity 2 The have Virtues...

Watch The saints live virtuous lives. They are great examples for us and learning bout them can inspire you and help your faith and virtues grow. Below is a link for several Videos. Watch them as a family, paying attention to the virtues they showed during their lives.

Video Links YouTube Play list of Saint Biographies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJfwehSWnCY&list=PLdSm8Th- dr8tgsdEs2DqJr6QQpNGtthUV

Formed: Saint Videos for young children: https://watch.formed.org/the-saints-and-heroes-collection

Saint Story Podcast: Saint Stories

Family Activity

Saints are our Catholic Super Heroes! As a family create a poster telling all about your favorite Saint/s in your family. Be sure to tell about the virtues they display. Interesting facts, patronage, feast days, and any other interesting information.

Family Activity 3 The Virtue of Faith...

Faith is a virtue and without the gift of faith, we may forget the love God has for us. Use this time as a family to increase your faith. Here are some ideas to help you:

Family Activity

Pray as a family: Attached is the Act of Faith, the Act of Hope and the Act of Love. Use these prayers to pray together and also as a way to discuss our faith.

Attend Mass in person or online

Pray a together: allow each person in your family to set an intention for each decade of the Rosary. You can use the Laudate App as a guide. There is an interactive Rosary within that app.

Go for a prayer walk. Mr. Stoermer spoke of this in his video, Incorporating Movements into Our Prayer Life. Here is the link on how to do this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS-DNoKauo4

Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet as a family. Watch as Mrs. Guinn explains and prays the Divine Mercy Chaplet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhaGAR79ah4 *worksheet mentioned is attached

Family Activity 4 On the lookout for Virtues: Scavenger Hunt

As a family go on a scavenger hunt to find the following the items. You may also, do this virtually and print pictures or you can draw the pictures. Just stick to your comfort level with social distancing and have fun together.

Family Activity

§ Find stained glass windows, in the windows tell what virtue might be displayed. § Stations of the cross-displays a variety of virtues- find a stations of the cross and take a picture next to one where you see a virtue that may help you grow closer to Christ and say a prayer asking the to help you grow in this virtue. § Mother Mary is our Queen of all saints find a statue of her, take a picture and pray a Hail Mary, asking our Mother to guide you to closer to her Son. § What virtue does St. Joseph display? Find a statue and take a picture then pray to Saint Joseph the Patron Saint of Fathers and our Church. Families that send pictures to [email protected] will receive a little treat from our Parish and a shout out online!

*Attached is a list of Parishes that may be helpful in your Scavenger Hunt

*Attached is a Virtues Sort that you can do together to review the Virtues.

Options for Scavenger Hunt: *Christ the King has many beautiful features these are just a few other options if you feel like venturing out.

Outdoor Stations of the Cross

St. Therese Catholic Church Address: 1007 113th Ave E Collinsville, OK 74021

St. Anne Catholic Church Address: 301 S. 9th Street Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Stained Glass

Holy Family Cathedral Address: 122 W 8th St Tulsa, OK 74119

Sacred Heart Catholic Church Address: 1777 E Grayson Ave Sapulpa, OK 74066

Family Activity 5 Act it out in Virtues

Family Activity

As a family act out virtues. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Charades: write virtues on a card and one person draws a card and acts it out, without talking. The first person to guess gets to go next.

Puppet shows or plays: create a script and a show where you act out the virtues we’ve learned about. Include ways the characters are being virtuous and maybe ways they aren’t and focus on how different that makes things. It would be fun to record them on iPads /phones to share with each other.

Create a song about a saint or a virtue: Sing that song and record it for all to hear. You can include instruments or simply your voice.

Use this play list created by Abbie Andrus to sing and dance with your family. https://music.amazon.com/user- playlists/b68354351dcb439890e8b76d026e3526sune?ref=dm_sh_51b7-34d5- dmcp-ccd7-73076&musicTerritory=US&marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Act of Hope

O Lord God, I hope by your grace for the pardon of all my sins and after life here to gain eternal happiness because you have promised it who are infinitely powerful, faithful, kind, and merciful. In this hope I intend to live and die. Amen.

Act of Faith

O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches because you have revealed them who are eternal truth and wisdom, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. In this faith I intend to live and die. Amen.

Act of Love

O Lord God, I love you above all things and I love my neighbor for your sake because you are the highest, infinite and perfect good, worthy of all my love. In this love I intend to live and die. Amen.