Growing Strong in Goodness
Opening Prayer
Lord God,
You call us to grow in goodness.
Help us develop strong and faithful hearts.
Teach us the virtues
that lead us closer to You.
Amen.
Part One
What Is a Virtue?
When someone practises a sport,
they grow stronger with practice.
When someone learns music,
they improve with repetition.
The same is true in the spiritual life.
A virtue is a good habit.
It is a stable strength in the soul
that helps us choose what is right
more easily and consistently.
The Bible says:
“The just man shall live by faith.”
Virtue helps us live faithfully,
not only once,
but again and again.
Virtue is not a feeling.
It is strength built over time.
Scripture
“The just man shall live by faith.”
(Romans 1:17)
Think and Discuss
How do good habits make life easier?
Why is it easier to choose good when we practise it?
Can one good choice make us virtuous?
Why does growth take time?
Allow thoughtful answers.
Part Two
The Theological Virtues
There are three special virtues
that come directly from God:
Faith
Hope
Charity
Faith helps us believe in God
and trust what He has revealed.
Hope helps us trust in God’s promises
and desire heaven.
Charity helps us love God
and love others for His sake.
These virtues are given at Baptism.
They grow stronger
when we pray,
receive the sacraments,
and choose what is good.
Faith keeps our mind steady.
Hope keeps our heart lifted.
Charity shapes everything we do.
Guidance for Adults
Explain these virtues with concrete examples — trusting God in difficulty, persevering in prayer, choosing kindness when it is costly.
Part Three
The Cardinal Virtues
There are four other important virtues
that help guide daily life:
Prudence
Justice
Fortitude
Temperance
Prudence helps us choose wisely.
It helps us think before acting.
Justice helps us give others what they are due.
It protects fairness and honesty.
Fortitude gives courage in difficulty.
It helps us endure hardship and resist temptation.
Temperance teaches self-control.
It helps us avoid excess and keep balance.
These virtues work together.
They form strong character.
A virtuous person is not perfect.
But they are steady.
Virtue makes good choices
more natural.
Without virtue,
we are easily pushed around
by feelings or pressure.
With virtue,
we stand firm.
Virtue grows slowly.
Each small act of honesty,
each moment of patience,
each decision to forgive,
builds strength.
Holiness is not sudden.
It is formed by virtue.
Quiet Reflection
Sit quietly for a moment.
Which virtue do you think you need most right now?
Now say quietly:
“Lord, strengthen me.”
Remain in silence together.
Practise This Week
Choose one:
• Practise patience in one difficult moment.
• Think carefully before making a decision.
• Show fairness in a small situation.
• Exercise self-control in something small.
Choose one and keep it steady.
Optional Response
Choose one:
Memory
Repeat slowly:
“Faith, hope, and charity.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.
Action
Place your hand over your heart and say:
“Form my character, Lord.”
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Help us grow in virtue.
Strengthen our faith.
Deepen our hope.
Increase our charity.
Make us steady and faithful
in all we do.
Amen.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 