A Guide to Catholic Virtues, Sins, and Commandments

What is Virtue?

Virtue is an acquired habit and firm disposition to do good.

Theological Virtues:

• Faith: Belief in God and all that He has revealed to us. It is a theological virtue by which we believe in God and all He has revealed to us.
• Hope: Firm confidence in eternal life.
• Charity: Love God above all things and all neighbors as ourselves.

Moral Virtues:

• Prudence: Practical reason to discern in all moments.
• Temperance: Moderates the attraction to sensual pleasures.
• Justice: Consists in the constant and firm will to give to God and neighbor what is due to them.
• Fortitude: Firmness and constancy in the practice of good.

The Seven Deadly Sins

The deadly sins, or capital vices, are those to which fallen human nature is mainly inclined. The deadly sins are listed by St. Thomas Aquinas as seven:

• Pride: It consists of self-estimation or improper self-love, which seeks attention and honor and puts a man in antagonism with God. Overcoming virtue: Humility
• Greed: The inclination or disordered desire for having pleasure or possessions. It is one of the deadly sins and is prohibited by the Ninth and Tenth Commandments.
• Lust: A messed up, undesired desire for sexual pleasure.
• Sloth: Guilty lack of physical or spiritual effort; idleness. It is one of the deadly sins. Overcoming virtue: Diligence
• Envy: Resentment or sadness caused by someone else's good fortune, along with the disordered desire to possess it. Overcoming virtue: Charity
• Gluttony: The messy desire for the pleasure associated with food or drink.
• Wrath: The emotional sense of extreme anger and, generally, antagonism, prompted by real or apparent damage. Overcoming virtue: Patience

Commandments: 5 Precepts of the Church

These are required of all the faithful.

• The Sunday Duty: You shall attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation and rest from servile labor.
• Confession: You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
• Easter Duty: You shall receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.
• Fasting and Abstinence: You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence designated by the Church.
• Supporting the Church: You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.