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Holiness and the Virtues of Christian Character

Holiness and the Virtues of Christian Character. Reflection:. In your notes, answer the following : 1. What kind of person do I want to become? 2. What kind of person am I becoming? 3. What is the meaning of my life? We answer these questions through the decisions we make daily

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Holiness and the Virtues of Christian Character

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  1. Holiness and the Virtues of Christian Character

  2. Reflection: • In your notes, answer the following: • 1. What kind of person do I want to become? • 2. What kind of person am I becoming? • 3. What is the meaning of my life? • We answer these questions through the decisions we make daily • Morality involves making decisions that shape our character (who you are, will be) • Morality reflects how we see life’s meaning

  3. Catholic Morality • We need to strive to build virtues and avoid vices • Virtue - a good habit that enables us to act according to right reason, enlightened by faith • Vice – a habit that leads to sin Plant an act, reap a habit Plant a habit, reap a virtue or vice Plant a virtue or vice, reap a character Plant a character, reap a destiny

  4. Virtues become part of character when we practice (like any skill) • character is a unique mix of qualities; • character is formed-affects our actions and choices Actions Destiny Character Virtues Actions and choices Good Habits Bad Vices

  5. Sin in Catholic teachings • Sin can be characterized as: • Venial - results in partial separation from God’s grace, diminishes charity • Mortal - destroys charity in the heart of people, destroys grace • All sins are forgivable, with the 3 Cs • Contrition • Confession • Correction • MAYBE only one sin is unforgiveable (discuss)

  6. Vice and Virtues • In Catholic tradition each vice is matched with a corresponding virtue. • In your small group, match the vices with their virtues • Complete your chart individually

  7. Attributes of God • All humans have a spiritual dimension – the yearning for something more. • Our soul helps us find this and gives us character. • character - attributes that make up a human, that make us accountable, act responsibly toward God and other people. • Character and personality are not the same things – character is more stable.

  8. What is a person of good character? • lives by good values • worthy of admiration, imitation • “more human” – relates well with others, is happy • There are attributes of God that we try to imitate: • Goodness • Power • Wisdom • Love • Mercy • Justice • (Optional: In 6 small groups, please prepare a summary of your assigned attribute).

  9. Summary • Goodness • God’s goodness is made real by people’s actions • Morally virtuous, right, honourable • Power • God’s power is made real when we take control of our relationships, create change, don’t misuse power • authority, control, influence, strength • Wisdom • Knowledge that leads to finding the truth • Prudence: being cautious, weighing consequences • Right judgment: the ability to make the best choice

  10. Love • phile: attachment, devotion, tenderness (e.g. parents/children, friends) • eros: passion, sexual attraction • agape: unselfish, self-giving love that extends beyond family and friends (i.e. mutually beneficial relationships) – agape is given without expecting anything in return. • Mercy • Compassion, patience • forgiveness is a gift of mercy –justice doesn’t always require it • Justice • proper, fair, correct, equal • Social justice means that people must aid in creating systems to provide for the common good

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