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This discussion of theological, cardinal and civic virtues is adapted from a short catechism on
virtue I prepared for religion students I taught at Corpus Christi Parish School in Oklahoma City.
The comments on the theological and cardinal virtues are based on the Y


Y
 
Y  The discussion of civic virtues is basically derived from common sense.

A Prayer to God for Virtue

The Theological Virtues are Faith, Hope, Love. The Cardinal Virtues are Prudence, Justice,
Fortitude, Temperance. Ten Important Civic Virtues: Self Discipline, Respect, Cooperation,
Responsibility, Honesty, Motivation, Friendship, Courage, Non-violence, and Work.

1. What is virtue? A virtue is the habit of doing good.

2. Why do we say virtue is a habit? It is a firm attitude. It is a way of life. It governs our actions.
It guides our conduct by thinking and by faith.

3. How does virtue help us? Virtue brings joy. It helps us govern ourselves. It brings comfort and
peace.

4. How do I learn virtue? I pray for the virtue. I learn about virtue. I practice virtue. I follow
through and I stick with it. I am not a moral quitter.

T 



5. What are the theological virtues? The theological virtues are faith, hope, and love. They are
the foundation of Christian virtue. They give life, joy, and peace. They are gifts from God. They
teach us to live with God.

6. What is Faith? By Faith we believe in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We
believe all that God has said. We freely commit ourselves to God. The Bible says, "The righteous
shall live by faith."

7. What is Hope? Hope is the virtue by which we desire the Kingdom of God and eternal life.
We trust in Christ's promises to us. We rely on God, not ourselves. Hope keeps us from
discouragement.

8. What is Love? Love is the virtue by which we love God above all things. We love our
neighbor as we love ourselves. Jesus said, "This is my commandment, that you love one another
as I have loved you.

 



ñ. What are the Cardinal Virtues? The Cardinal Virtues are four virtues that are central to my life
as a Christian. They are Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Fortitude.

10. What is Prudence? Prudence helps me decide what is good in every circumstance of my life.
By prudence, I choose to do good things and I do not do bad things. When I take the time to
think of the consequences of my actions, I am prudent. When I don't do some things because of
the bad consequences, that is prudence. Prudence is necessary for a happy and successful life.
Prudence helps keep the stress out of life.

11. What is Justice? Justice is a consistent decision to do what is right towards God and my
neighbor. I respect the rights and duties of others. Justice brings harmony. Without justice, there
is no peace. There are no rights without duties attached. If I wish to exercise my rights, in justice
I must also exercise my duties.

12. What is Fortitude? Fortitude means that I do what is right, in every circumstance. If others
tempt me to do wrong, I do not do it. I stand up for what is good and true. I avoid what is evil.
Fortitude conquers fear.

13. What is Temperance? Temperance is the virtue of balance and moderation. It is the mastery
of my will over my urges. If I have the desire to do what is wrong, I resist it. I can and do govern
myself.






14. What are civic virtues? Civic virtues are habits of personal living that are important for the
success of the individual, the family, and the community. This catechism discusses ten such
virtues.

15. What is Self Discipline? Self Discipline is self government for the sake of improvement. It is
me making myself do what is right, even if nobody is looking. I show self discipline when I
follow instructions.

16. What is Respect? I show Respect when I give particular attention to someone. I hold them
high in my thoughts. I have a good attitude about them. I show Respect when I listen to and obey
my teachers and parents.

17. What is Cooperation? Cooperation is voluntarily working together with others for a good
common purpose. Cooperation is fundamental to a successful life. People who can cooperate
with others get ahead in life.

18. What is Responsibility? Responsibility is doing the things I am supposed to do. I can be
counted upon to do what is right, not just talk about it. I tell the truth. I admit my mistakes and
try to do better next time. I do not blame others for my own mistakes. This is my life and I am
responsible for my life. It's my job to make sure I have a good life. I want to succeed in life so I
take responsibility for my life.
1ñ. What is Honesty? I am honest when I tell the truth. I do not steal, cheat, or lie.

20. What is Motivation? I am involved with my own life. I look for interesting things to learn
and do. I work diligently at everything that I do. I am always ready to discover and learn
something new. All things that are good, all things that are true, all things that are just, all things
that are righteous, these are my goals in life. I am a steward of my time.

21. What is Friendship? To have friends, I must be a friend. A friend is sincerely interested in
other people. A friend is true and faithful. A friend is helpful and fun. A friend does not lie or
gossip. A friend does not put down others. A friend does not help others do wrong. A friend
helps us to do the right thing, at all times, in all places, in all situations. A friend does not laugh
or make fun of others when they make a mistake. A friend stands by others through good times
and bad times. A friend listens when others need to talk about good and bad things in life. A
friend is hospitable to newcomers. Jesus is an example of perfect love and perfect friendship. His
example helps me to be a friend to others.

22. What is Courage? I have courage when I stand up for the Gospel. Courage is the willingness
to do what is right. If people say, "Let's do something wrong", I have Courage and do not follow
the crowd. Jesus is my example of courage. I will follow Jesus' example.

23. What is Non-Violence? I do my part to make the world a peaceful place. If I have a problem
with someone, I look for peaceful solutions. I know I can always ask for help in resolving a
situation non-violently. I know I sometimes must do my part to help others resolve situations
non-violently. The only moral and proper use of force is in self-defense, but it is also proper to
meet violence with non-violence.

24. What is Work? Work is the opposite of laziness. To succeed in life, I must work for success.
To succeed in school, I must work at my studies. Work is the opportunity to fulfill my life.
Through Work, I follow the example of God who created the earth, and Jesus the Worker, who
labored with his hands. It is my duty to Work to support myself and my family. Good work
brings fulfillment and happiness.

25. Why are these virtues important? Life is a challenge. These virtues are skills that I must learn
and live every day in order to meet the challenges of life and be successful and happy. Life is
better when I live these virtues every day. By living these virtues, I show pride in myself, my
family, my school, my church, and my community.

A Prayer to God for Virtues

+Father in Heaven,

I love you with all my heart.

I want to be like Jesus.

Please help me to learn and live the virtues of

Faith, Hope, Love,

Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance,

Self Discipline, Respect, Cooperation, Responsibility,

Honesty, Motivation, Friendship,

Courage, Non-violence, and Work.

May these virtues guide my every action.

I ask these things in the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen.