seven Catholic virtues
First Nations Peoples teachings
September
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH: Why is Christian Hospitality so important?
Lord, give us the eyes of Jesus to see our neighbors and the strangers we meet. Teach us what it means to love the stranger as we love ourselves. Forgive us for our selfishness, for our silence, for not caring enough for the strangers who come to our communities. Teach us to love and care for the stranger the way you do.
Amen
“Who practices hospitality entertains God himself.” —Proverb
If you want to feel welcomed, make sure that you are welcoming others.
"Only those who have opened their hearts to Christ can offer a hospitality that is never formal or superficial but identified by gentleness and reverence"
Pope John Paul ll Dear Jesus,
We ask you to bless and protect all of our families, and family members. Mother Mary, Pray to Jesus for us and for all the families of the world, so that children all over the world will be safe and secure in their homes and schools. Dear Jesus, We ask you to watch over our homes, and all the members of our families and the families of our friends, and bring them peace and comfort. Amen. |
Hospitality is an important virtue. We prefer not to be bothered by or to bother others. Hospitality requires us to accept others when they come into our lives, whether or not we like them or what they do. One of the things which Jesus showed throughout his ministry was hospitality. He walked with, talked with, and ate with sinners. He was willing to lower and to humble himself so that he can lift up the sinner. Jesus didn't come to condemn the world but to save it. We too must understand this and follow his example. If we truly care for someone we will welcome them into our lives. We will show them hospitality and love. Everyone is looking for and needing such love. When they find it, they will listen to the one who gives it to them.
Hospitality Discussion Starters
Reflect upon a time when you were treated by a family, parish or school member in a loving, compassionate and caring way.
How can we strengthen our virtue of hospitality? What signs of “community” do you see at your school or parish in terms of welcoming others? What areas can your school or parish improve on?
According to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., life's most persistent question is, "What are you doing for others?" Search your soul and then write an honest answer in your journal.
Hospitality -media link (click)
Reflect upon a time when you were treated by a family, parish or school member in a loving, compassionate and caring way.
How can we strengthen our virtue of hospitality? What signs of “community” do you see at your school or parish in terms of welcoming others? What areas can your school or parish improve on?
According to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., life's most persistent question is, "What are you doing for others?" Search your soul and then write an honest answer in your journal.
Hospitality -media link (click)
simple_everyday_act_of_kindness_-_september.pdf | |
File Size: | 586 kb |
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The Hidden Power of Smiling (click)
One of the best ways we have of “feeding our students” symbolically is to listen to them. For the month of September, when you find yourself wanting to advise, or lecture either positively or in reproach, listen instead. Listen wholeheartedly, with a curious and non-judgmental approach. An interesting observation to consider… God gave us two ears and one month… Is it because we are called to listen more than we talk?
Journal Prompts: Hospitality
Reflect on what the Cross means in your life.
Write about a time you showed hospitality to someone else.
What sorts of jobs do you think show hospitality?
When do you think people should make an extra effort to be hospitable?
How are you making other people feel today? Think about how you want to be treated.
OCTOBER
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH: GRATITUDE
gratitude 1
gratitude 2
How To Show Gratitude
Quote of the month “This is the day, the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.” Psalm 118:24 1. Give thanks to God for every day He gives us. 2. If we expect others to be grateful for what we do, we should show appreciation to others. 3. Everything we have to be thankful for comes from God. 4. Remember the story of the lepers who Jesus healed and think of how many returned to show their gratitude. |
overview_october_virtues_ocsge_principles_of_catholic_social_teaching_2012.pdf | |
File Size: | 567 kb |
File Type: |
November's Virtue: Peace
Quote of the month: “Peace I leave to you, my peace I give to you” John 14:27
Because I accept my responsibilities, I can make a difference, and I will live my life like Jesus.
Promotion of Peace:“Peace is not just the absence of war...” said Pope John Paul II. Peace is the fruit of justice.
Quote of the month: “Peace I leave to you, my peace I give to you” John 14:27
Because I accept my responsibilities, I can make a difference, and I will live my life like Jesus.
Promotion of Peace:“Peace is not just the absence of war...” said Pope John Paul II. Peace is the fruit of justice.
During the month of November we will be focusing on the virtue of PEACE. We connect the virtue of peace to the Sign of Peace at mass. Each time we gather for Eucharist we are invited to extend a sign of peace to those around us, our family, friends, neighbours, and strangers. Catholic social teaching reminds us that we are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, religious, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbour has global dimensions in a shrinking world. The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict. What can you do to be a peacemaker in your family, your class, our school, our city and the world?
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How To Show Peace
1. By opening ourselves to God, we will feel peace within us. 2. Every person can work for peace by carefully considering how their words and actions make others feel. 3. Be guided by the words of Paul to the Colossians – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” 4. Peace among nations starts with peace among us. |
December's Virtue: Charity
"Charity begins at home, but should not end there."
Thomas Fuller
"Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance."
Francis of Assisi
"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving."
Mother Teresa
Thomas Fuller
"Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance."
Francis of Assisi
"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving."
Mother Teresa
JANUARY
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH: COURAGE
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH: COURAGE
How To Show Courage
1. Let your actions be guided by the idea that God is inside everyone 2. Know that sometimes doing the right thing is very tough but with courage you CAN do the right thing 3. Stand up respectfully when you see something wrong that is being done 4. Live your life in a way that makes others know you are a follower of Christ |
Courage Quotes:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
-Reinhold Neibuhr
Though the path is plain and smooth for men of good will, he who walks it will not travel far, and will do so only with difficulty, if he does not have good feet: that is, courage and a persevering spirit.
-St. John of the Cross
I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.
-Blessed Mother Teresa
Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.
Winston Churchill
What does courage mean?
1. Doing the right thing even if it is difficult.
2. Facing your fears with confidence – being brave.
What are some ways you can show courage?
1. Do the right thing, even if others are not. 2. Bravely deal with your daily challenges. 3. Be willing to try new things, even if you might fail. 4. Tell the truth regardless of the consequences. 5. Face your fears and work to overcome them. 6. Admit your mistakes and learn from them. 7. Do not give into negative peer pressure .
Name some people who have shown courage?
1. Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Susan B. Anthony, soldiers, police officers, fire fighters.
Which action is courageous and which is foolish?
1. Fighting or walking away from a fight 2. Doing something dangerous that others are doing or not participating even if someone calls you “chicken" 3. Teasing and bullying someone or standing up for someone who is being mistreated 4. Blaming others for your mistakes or accepting responsibility 5. Ignoring a new student or making friends with a new student 6. Only looking out for yourself or helping others 7. Following the crowd or doing what's right 8. Quitting when things get tough or working hard, even when it's difficult
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
-Reinhold Neibuhr
Though the path is plain and smooth for men of good will, he who walks it will not travel far, and will do so only with difficulty, if he does not have good feet: that is, courage and a persevering spirit.
-St. John of the Cross
I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.
-Blessed Mother Teresa
Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.
Winston Churchill
What does courage mean?
1. Doing the right thing even if it is difficult.
2. Facing your fears with confidence – being brave.
What are some ways you can show courage?
1. Do the right thing, even if others are not. 2. Bravely deal with your daily challenges. 3. Be willing to try new things, even if you might fail. 4. Tell the truth regardless of the consequences. 5. Face your fears and work to overcome them. 6. Admit your mistakes and learn from them. 7. Do not give into negative peer pressure .
Name some people who have shown courage?
1. Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Susan B. Anthony, soldiers, police officers, fire fighters.
Which action is courageous and which is foolish?
1. Fighting or walking away from a fight 2. Doing something dangerous that others are doing or not participating even if someone calls you “chicken" 3. Teasing and bullying someone or standing up for someone who is being mistreated 4. Blaming others for your mistakes or accepting responsibility 5. Ignoring a new student or making friends with a new student 6. Only looking out for yourself or helping others 7. Following the crowd or doing what's right 8. Quitting when things get tough or working hard, even when it's difficult
Click on the links below to open them.
Does the acceptance of others gives courage?
signs of courage
courage
Letter from God
Does the acceptance of others gives courage?
signs of courage
courage
Letter from God
FEBRUARY
Virtue of the Month: LOVE Quote of the month Love is in your heart not to stay but to be shared. Love is like the air we breathe. It may not always be seen, but it is always felt, used and needed. |
HOW TO SHOW LOVE
1. Let your actions be guided by the idea that God says we should love one another as He has loved us. • Think of what God’s love is like. • If God is inside everyone, it becomes easier to try to show love to them. 2. Jesus said we should love our enemy • It’s easy to show love to those with whom we are close. The challenge is to show love to those with whom we do NOT get along. • We should try to respect and love everyone, even those who do NOT respect and love us back. 3. The Bible says that Love is always patient and kind • When we start to lose our patience with someone, we need to remember what love is. • One of the easiest way to show love to others is to be kind to them. 4. Live your life in a way that makes others know you are a follower of Christ • The Golden rule asks us to love our neighbour as we would want them to love us. • Living a life of virtue means to show love to all whom we meet. |
March Virtue: Forgiveness
How To Show Forgiveness
1. Let your actions be guided by the idea that
Jesus said, "Let he who is without sin, cast
the first stone."
• It's easy to criticize others but no one is perfect
• If God doesn't judge us, how can WE judge others
2. The first step to forgiveness is to take responsibility for your actions.
• We usually know when we've done something wrong
• Saying sorry can be tough but if you're wrong, it's the right thing to do
3. If you want to be forgiven, you need to make sure you forgive other people
• We know that God will always forgive us when we do something wrong
• If someone is really trying to make things better, we should try and move on from our anger and forgive them the way God forgives us
4. Live your life in a way that makes others know you are a follower of Christ
• Jesus forgave others even when he was on the cross
Forgiveness Quotes:
May we never risk the life of our souls by being resentful or by bearing grudges.
- St.Gregory of Nyssa
Forgiveness is the final form of love.
- Reinhold Niebuhr
Forgiveness is the remission of sins. For it is by this that what has been lost, and was found, is saved from being lost again.
- St. Augustine
To Err is Human, to Forgive is Divine.
- Alexander Pope
1. Let your actions be guided by the idea that
Jesus said, "Let he who is without sin, cast
the first stone."
• It's easy to criticize others but no one is perfect
• If God doesn't judge us, how can WE judge others
2. The first step to forgiveness is to take responsibility for your actions.
• We usually know when we've done something wrong
• Saying sorry can be tough but if you're wrong, it's the right thing to do
3. If you want to be forgiven, you need to make sure you forgive other people
• We know that God will always forgive us when we do something wrong
• If someone is really trying to make things better, we should try and move on from our anger and forgive them the way God forgives us
4. Live your life in a way that makes others know you are a follower of Christ
• Jesus forgave others even when he was on the cross
Forgiveness Quotes:
May we never risk the life of our souls by being resentful or by bearing grudges.
- St.Gregory of Nyssa
Forgiveness is the final form of love.
- Reinhold Niebuhr
Forgiveness is the remission of sins. For it is by this that what has been lost, and was found, is saved from being lost again.
- St. Augustine
To Err is Human, to Forgive is Divine.
- Alexander Pope
April
Virtue Of The Month: Justice
How To Show Justice
1. The first step to achieving justice is to do what is right and stand up for what we know God wants.
• It is often not easy to do the right thing
• Remember that when you act justly, you are doing what God wants
2. Let your actions be guided by the idea that even in the face of injustice (death on the cross) Jesus always acted with dignity.
• Often times we complain how unfair life is to us
• Accepting God’s will is one of the most important (and toughest)
things to do
3. Everyone wants to be treated fairly; we need to remember to treat others fairly.
• The Golden rule applies to justice just like all the other virtues
• Keep in mind how it feels when you’re treated unfairly
4. Jesus was always an instrument for justice in his work with people.
• Examine the various ways that Jesus was an instrument for justice
• God is forgiving and just to all – how can we work towards being the
same with our friends and family.
May
Virtue of the Month: COMPASSION
Quote of the month - “Jesus saw her weeping…his heart was touched, and he was deeply moved.” John 11:33
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”
― Plato
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
―Mother Teresa“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
― Dalai Lama
“I would rather make mistakes in kindness and compassion than work miracles in unkindness and hardness.”
― Mother Teresa
How to show compassion
1. Show compassion by thinking about how your words make people feel.
2. Show compassion by thinking about how your actions make people feel.
3. Show compassion by understanding WHY someone is acting the way
they do.
4. Show compassion by being considerate to other people.
How to show Faithfulness
1. Being a Catholic is founded in faith – Faith in God.
2. Remember that it is through our words and actions that our faith becomes
evident.
3. Let your actions be guided by Centurion’s words to Jesus “Lord I am not
worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.”
4. It is our faith in God that brings comfort to our lives.
Ten Commandments
1. Being a Catholic is founded in faith – Faith in God.
2. Remember that it is through our words and actions that our faith becomes
evident.
3. Let your actions be guided by Centurion’s words to Jesus “Lord I am not
worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.”
4. It is our faith in God that brings comfort to our lives.
Ten Commandments