An integral feature in the Be My Disciples program is the “Disciple Power” feature. This feature focuses on the character formation of the learners by teaching virtues, gifts, and habits that build disciples. Through the Disciple Power feature, the children grow in their understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. They will be challenged to integrate these virtues, gifts, and habits into their lives.

Saint Gregory of Nyssa said, “The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God” (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1803). We are helped in our virtuous living through the gift of grace, God’s life within us. A virtue is the habit and firm disposition, or tendency, to do good. Virtues enable us to “perform good acts…(and) to give the best” of ourselves (CCC 1803).

Theological Virtues
There are two major types of virtues. The first are the Theological Virtues—faith, hope, and charity. “The word theological comes from a word that means “of God.” These three virtues are gifts from God; gifts we cannot earn on our own. They make it possible for us to enter into a grace-filled relationship with the Holy Trinity. God’s grace makes it possible for us to live morally good lives, according to God’s Laws and the teachings of Jesus and the Church.

Cardinal Virtues
The second major type of virtues is called the Cardinal Virtues. These virtues are traditionally identified as prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. The Cardinal Virtues give us the strength to do what is right and to live holy lives. The word cardinal means “hinge.” All human virtues are related to or “hinged” on the Cardinal Virtues.

Human virtues form the soul and train our mind, hearts, and will. They enable us to live in harmony with God and our neighbor. Examples of human virtues include compassion, responsibility, self-discipline, loyalty, and persistence. These and other human virtues help to nourish a strong moral life. The Cardinal Virtues and their related human virtues are acquired by the practice and repetition of good moral choices and actions. We may also attain these virtues by witnessing them in the words and actions of others.

The virtues, gifts, and good habits taught in Be My Disciples will empower children to follow Jesus. As the children grow in their faith and practice living these virtues, they will develop good habits that will serve them well on their life-long journey as disciples of Jesus Christ.

For Reflection

• Look over the virtues, gifts, and habits included in the program. Identify three that are at the center of your life and ministry. Then identify three that you want to further develop within yourself.
• How do you respond to God’s gifts of faith, hope, and love?