A N E X P L O R E 4 F A I T H P R A C T I C E VIRTUES, WORKS OF MERCY, & MORALITY What is a Virtue? Virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do good (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1833). What does that mean? It means that the virtuous person consistently chooses the good, despite emotions or desires. The Cardinal Virtues Prudence: Prudence disposes the practical reason to discern, in every circumstance, our true good and to choose the right means to achieve it. CCC 1835 What does that mean? Prudence is the virtue that helps us think rationally through a situations best end, and then choose the right way to get there. It directs all the other virtues. Justice: The firm and constant will to give God and neighbor their due. CCC 1836 What does that mean? The YouCat says: "Justice is concerned with equity and longs to see people get that to which they are entitled. We must allow justice to govern our relationships with God also and give him what is his: our love and worship." Fortitude: Fortitude ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. CCC 1837 What does that mean? Someone who practices fortitude perseveres in their commitment to what is good, even when it is most difficult, and in the most extreme circumstances, even unto death. The martyrs are a great example! Temperance: Temperance moderates the attraction of the pleasures of the senses and provides balance in the use of created goods. CCC1838 What does that mean? The YouCat says, " Someone who is immoderate abandons himself to the rule of his impulses, offends others by his inordinate desires, and harms himself." This could be things such as over eating or not being mindful in your speech. The Theological Virtues Faith: By faith, we believe in God and believe all that he has revealed to us and that Holy Church proposes for our belief, because he is truth itself. CCC 1814 The YouCat says: "Faith is the power by which we assent to God, acknowledge his truth, and commit ourselves personally to him." Hope: Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ's promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit. CCC 1817 The YouCat says, "Hope is trusting in what God has promised us in creation, in the prophets, but especially in Jesus Christ, even though we do not yet see it." Charity: By charity, we love God above all things and our neighbors as ourselves for love of God. Charity, the form of all virtues, "binds everything together in perfect harmony." CCC 1844 The YouCat says, " Charity, love, is the greatest virtue, the energy that inspires all the other virtues and fills them with divine life." Corporeal Works of Mercy The Corporal Works of Mercy are these kind acts by which we help our neighbors with their material and physical needs. - feed the hungry: Pack a sack lunch, and include a mask! At a red light, put on your mask, and hand it to them. Be sure to ask for their name and tell them you hope they have a good day. - shelter the homeless: contact a local homeless shelter and ask what they are in most need of, and then go drop that item off for them! - clothe the naked: Donate your outgrown clothes during our Clothing Drive on November 7/8th. - visit the sick and imprisoned: Call a local hospital. If they are receiving cards, buy a pack of construction paper and make cards for the patients and staff! - bury the dead: Pray the Eternal Rest Prayer as part of saying grace before meals. "May the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace." - give alms to the poor: Make homeless care packages (include things such as a bottle of water, socks, a granola bar, etc.) and hand them to homeless people you encounter. Spiritual Works of Mercy The Spiritual Works of Mercy are acts of compassion, as listed below, by which we help our neighbors with their emotional and spiritual needs. - instruct: Help a younger sibling with their Faith Formation activities, or share about your faith honestly and confidently with a friend at school. - advise: Give honest, faith-oriented advice the next time your friend asks! - console: Offer support to a friend going through a hard time. Don't try to fix it; just sit with them and listen! Ask how you can be a good friend during this time. - comfort: Offer to help a hurt friend or sibling. - forgive: Actively forgive (say "I forgive ____ for ______.") and seek to rebuild the relationship. - bear wrongs patiently: Practice patience with your siblings or friends when you know they are in the wrong. Try keeping your volume the same and speaking slowly. Put it in to Practice + Tell me about it! 1. perform 1 Corporeal work of mercy and 1 spiritual work of mercy 2. Tell me about which virtue you feel is your strongest, and which one needs the most improvement, and then tell me HOW you are going to work on strengthening that virtue. All this should be discussed in the Youth Ministry Explore 4 Reflection Form you submit! .