Grow in Virtue

The virtue of faith enables us to "believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us, and that Holy Church proposes for our belief." (CCC 1814)

Examples of practicing the virtue of faith include but are not limited to:

• Praying as you can.

• Reading the Bible.

• Reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).

• Seeking spiritual direction for guidance in practicing the virtue of faith.

The virtue of hope "keeps [us] from discouragement" (CCC 1818) and "affords us joy even under trial." (CCC 1820)

Examples of practicing the virtue of hope include but are not limited to:

• Journaling about your emotions, thoughts, words, and actions and what triggers them.

• Connecting with someone for a DVR in person or on the phone.

• Being fully present with a listening ear and compassionate word to those in despair.

• Seeking professional counseling for guidance in practicing the virtue of hope.

The virtue of charity enables us to "love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God." (CCC 1822)

Examples of practicing the virtue of charity include but are not limited to:

• Showing love for others through words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, physical touch, and gift giving.

• Performing corporal works of mercy (ie. feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the prisoners, bury the dead, give alms to the poor)

• Performing spiritual works of mercy (ie. counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish the sinner, comfort the sorrowful, forgive injuries, bear wrongs patiently, pray for the living and the dead)

The virtue of prudence enables us to "discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it." (CCC 1806) 

Examples of practicing the virtue of prudence include but are not limited to:

• Reading, watching, or listening to the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), or other books and media that guide the practice these virtues.

• Listening to others share in meetings  about what they're doing to practice these virtues.

• Documenting habits you're practicing to live these virtues and reviewing progress with those habits.

• Seeking personal coaching for guidance in practicing these virtues.

The virtue of justice enables us to "give their due to God and neighbor." (CCC 1807)

Examples of practicing the virtue of justice include but are not limited to:

• Performing your work diligently.

• Managing your finances responsibly.

• Participating in the sacramental life and ministries of the Church.

• Respecting others as children of God regardless of whether or not they offer you the same respect.

"The virtue of fortitude enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death, and to face trials and persecutions." Fortitude ensures "firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome obstacles in the moral life." (CCC 1808)

Examples of practicing the virtue of fortitude include but are not limited to:

• Getting proper rest, nutrition, and exercise.

• Seeking help from others as necessary.

• Resting in God in response to temptation.

The virtue of temperance "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." (CCC 1809)

Examples of practicing the virtue of temperance include but are not limited to:

• Avoiding temptations where possible.

• Spending more time with people, places, & things that encourage virtue.

• Fasting from people, places, & things that encourage vice.