CHAPTER 5 NOTES
Define virtues.
Virtues are spiritual habits or behaviors that help us do what is right and what is wrong.
What does the practice of virtues do for us?
Virtues 1)build healthy relationships between God, other people, and us; 2) help us to do
what is right and avoid what is wrong; 3) are firm dispositions or attitudes; 4) strengthens
us to live a life in Christ.
What are the 3 theological virtues? Explain each of the theological virtues.
The three Theological virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity (Love). Theological virtues are
the strengths or habits that God gives us to help attain holiness. They are the pillars on
which our life in Christ is built.
1. Faith—this virtue is a gift from God inviting us to believe in Him. It is the power
or ability that helps us to respond to His invitation.
2. Hope—this virtue helps us keep our eyes on the Kingdom of Heaven. It enables
us to trust in God and in his promises.
3. Charity—this is the greatest of these virtues. This virtue enables us to love God
simply because He is God. This virtue also helps us love our neighbor as
ourselves. Love gives life and form to all the other virtues.
Which is the greatest of these virtues?
The greatest of these is Charity (Love).
What are moral virtues?
Moral virtues are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Moral virtues are also
called Cardinal virtues. Moral virtues are good habits that help you make good choices
and live a good moral life. Developing the 4 moral virtues takes practice.
Explain what the meaning of ‘cardinal’ is and why moral virtues are also referred to as
cardinal virtues.
The word ‘cardinal’ comes from a Latin word that means ‘hinge.’ These moral virtues are
also called cardinal virtues because our moral life and decision-making hinge on the
development and practice of the four cardinal virtues.
How do we develop moral virtues and why should we develop good moral virtues?
The more we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, the more we develop these virtues. The
more we develop the moral virtues, the better able we will be to make decisions to live as
children of God and followers of Christ.
Name the 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
They are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, and
self-control. (Cf. Gal 5: 19-26)
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Define society.
Society is a group of people distinct from other groups and sharing a common culture,
interest, and activities. A society is made up of many smaller communities such as
families, schools, workplaces, towns, cities, and nations.
Define common good.
Common good is defined as the ultimate good each and every member of society has
been created to achieve.
What is the responsibility and obligation of public authority?
Public authority has the responsibility and obligation to help individuals and smaller
communities to work together for the common good.
What are the characteristics of a true authority?
All authority flows from God. True authority in society supports the members of society
to live their lives according to God’s plan. Authority that leads its members away from
living according to God’s plan is a sham and a lie.
Enumerate the 7 Corporal Works of Mercy and the 7 Spiritual Works of Mercy.
The Corporal Works of Mercy:
1. Feed the hungry
2. Give drink to the thirsty
3. Shelter the homeless
4. Clothe the naked
5. Visit the prisoners
6. Comfort the sick
7. Bury the dead
The Spiritual Works of Mercy:
1. Admonish the sinner
2. Instruct the ignorant
3. Give advice to the doubtful
4. Comfort the suffering
5. Be patient with other people
6. Forgive those who hurt you.
7. Pray for the living and the dead.
What constitutes a ‘just society?’
A society that truly works at achieving the common good is a just society. A just society
is first and foremost a morally right society. It is a society that guides and supports its
members to live in a right relationship with God and others.
Define ‘just.’
The word ‘just’ is defined to include what is 1) honorable and fair; 2) morally right; 3)
properly due and well-deserved; 4) based on good reason and well-founded; 5) lawful.
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What is ‘social sin’ and what makes up social sin?
Individuals cooperating with one another and working against human life and human
rights are guilty of social sin. Such sin is when 1)we participate directly and freely in
another person’s or groups sin; 2) we order, advise, praise, or approve another person’s or
group’s sinful acts; 3) we fail to appropriately disclose or hinder another person’s or
group’s sin when we can do so; 4) we protect those who sin.
What is the Catholic Worker Movement; who were the founders; and for what purpose
was the organization founded?
The Catholic Worker Movement was founded by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin. These
two founders put into practice the Church’s teachings on social justice and worked
toward building a just society. The original mission of the CWM was to help the poor and
the suffering caused by the Great Depression. It established hospitality houses to help
provide food and shelter for the needy. Today, the CWM continues its mission by
promoting justice and mercy among the poor and the homeless.
What is prudence? What are some examples of prudence?
Prudence is practical wisdom that helps you choose what is good and choose the things
necessary to do what is right. Examples found on p. 56: prioritize and use your time
wisely and not put homework off to the last minute; choose your friends wisely and know
when to get out of troublesome relationships; seek advice and help from the wise.
What is justice? What are some examples of justice?
Justice is the virtue that gives you the strength to respect the rights of every person to
receive a fair share of the blessings and the goodness that God has given to the world.
Examples on p. 56: always play fair; show respect for others; don’t be prejudiced against
others; avoid making fun of others or putting people down.
What is fortitude? Give examples of fortitude.
Fortitude is the strength and courage to do what is right and good. Examples on p. 57:
standing up for what is right even if you are standing alone; give your best in all that you
do; overcome difficulty and challenges.
What is temperance? Give examples of temperance.
Temperance is the attitude and habit that helps you exercise self-control. Examples on p.
57: maintain balance and moderation in all things; don’t be too excessive or overindulge;
be disciplined and choose to do what is right even when no one is looking.
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