This series was published in 2025 in our bulletin and newsletter and is now archived here. Many thanks to our Service and Justice committee for sharing these articles.

Faith, Hope, and Charity and Catholic Teaching

This overview is the first in a series of articles on Catholic Teaching on virtue.

Virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do good. Catechism of the Catholic Church 

(CCC, 1803). The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God. (CCC, 1803). The practice of virtue brings us closer to God and closer to one another, and the craving for God brings us greater virtue.

The Church articulates three theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, which come directly from God, and four human or cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance which are rooted in theological virtues. (CCC, 1805, 1812, 1813).

Faith, hope, and charity are intertwined. Faith witnesses the presence of hope and the love of God.  Charity is the highest form of love, signifying the reciprocal love between God and man that is made manifest in unselfish love of one's fellow men. (See CCC, 1822).

We can practice our Faith through participation in Mass and programs offered by our  Parish. The food pantry, Helping Hands program, volunteering on committees and other church ministries offer ways for all of us to practice “good” through acts of Charity for those in need, and to foster Hope for ourselves and others as we work toward the future. What are ministries you can support and participate in that will help you become the “virtuous person who is happy to practice” acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity?

Justice and Catholic Teaching

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. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1807.

The relationships of justice and love form the fabric of society and lead us to peace. Social justice calls for defense of unrecognized and violated rights, especially those of the poor, the least and the weak. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church,  81, 201-203, and 494. Pope Leo XIV stands in the social justice tradition.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”  Matthew 5:6. 

What can you do to promote social justice? 

When you meet Jesus, do you want justice or mercy?

As you seek justice in your life, will you be merciful?

Fortitude and Catholic Teaching

Fortitude is commonly understood as courage in pain or adversity, while  persevering with strength of character. “Fortitude is the moral virtue that …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. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1808)

In Pope Francis' encyclical Fratelli Tutti,  Christians are called to exercise fortitude in these ways:

• to build bridges of unity, social friendship and fraternity;
• to challenge existing divisive structures and norms and to actively work towards a more just and equitable society;
• to overcome prejudice and fear, and to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration with those who may be different;
• to speak out against injustice, to advocate for the rights of others, and to take concrete actions to alleviate suffering;
• to stand firm against the forces of division and to actively promote reconciliation and healing; and 
• to live a life of service and love, even in the face of opposition and adversity. 

Will you pray for fortitude to be a part of the solution to achieve these goals?

Temperance and Catholic Teaching 

Temperance is one of the four cardinal virtues in Catholic tradition, alongside prudence, justice, and fortitude. Temperance is the virtue of moderation and self-control, particularly in regards to desires and pleasures. The Catechism teaches that temperance also provides balance in the use of created goods.(CCC 1809)

Temperance has a significant social dimension, extending beyond individual self-control to influence the well-being of the wider community. In the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, temperance is presented as a crucial aspect of individual and social life. It promotes a lifestyle that resists the excesses of consumerism and encourages respect for creation and the needs of all by: 

Promoting the Common Good:  By encouraging responsible consumption and the responsible use of resources, temperance helps ensure that everyone has access to what they need for a dignified life.

• Building a Just Society:  Temperance is linked to the pursuit of social justice. By encouraging moderation and self-discipline, it helps to create a society where resources are shared equitably and where individuals prioritize the well-being of others.
• Cultivating Social Harmony: Temperance fosters social harmony by promoting respectful interactions and discouraging destructive behaviors stemming from uncontrolled passions. For example, the Church's social teaching emphasizes that temperance with words is vital for maintaining healthy relationships, especially within families.

In essence, temperance is not simply a private virtue but a social one that contributes to the building of a more just, sustainable, and harmonious society. 

How often do I pray for help to moderate my desires?  Do I practice temperance within my family, model it in the workplace, and promote it within my community?

Presented by the St. Columba Service and Justice Committee.

Act justly, love mercifully, walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8)