Formulas of Catholic Doctrine

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
For they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst,
For righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
For they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart,
For they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted,
For righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people revile you,
And persecute you and utter all kinds of evil, Against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad,
For your reward will be great in heaven.

Faith: Faith is the virtue by which we believe in God and all that He has revealed to us, particularly through the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Church. It is the firm belief in God’s existence, His goodness, and the truth of His promises.

Hope: Hope is the virtue by which we desire and expect eternal happiness with God, trusting in His promises of salvation. It is the confident expectation that God will fulfil His promises and grant us the grace needed to attain eternal life in heaven.

Charity (Love): Charity, or love, is the greatest of all virtues and the foundation of all the other fruits. It is the selfless, unconditional love that we are called to show to God and to others. This fruit reflects God’s love for us and is expressed through acts of kindness, sacrifice, and service.

Prudence: Prudence is the virtue that allows a person to judge correctly what is right and what is wrong in any given situation. It is the ability to make sound decisions based on reason and moral principles, taking into account the circumstances and consequences of actions.

Justice: Justice is the virtue that guides a person to give each individual their due, respecting the rights and dignity of others. It involves fairness, honesty, and a commitment to truth, both in personal relationships and in society at large.

Fortitude (Courage): Fortitude is the virtue that gives a person the strength to endure difficulties, face dangers, and overcome fear in order to do what is good and right, even in the face of suffering or adversity. It involves perseverance and courage to stand firm in one’s faith and moral convictions.

Temperance: Temperance is the virtue that moderates our desires for physical pleasures, ensuring that they are in harmony with reason and morality. It helps a person control their appetites and emotions, practicing moderation and self-restraint in all things, particularly with respect to food, drink, and other bodily pleasures.

Pride: Pride is the excessive belief in one’s own abilities, achievements, or worth, often leading to a sense of superiority over others. It is considered the “root” of all other sins because it fosters a self-centred attitude and a rejection of God’s sovereignty.

Envy: Envy is the feeling of jealousy or resentment toward someone else’s good fortune, success, or qualities. It involves a desire to have what others have, often leading to bitterness and unhappiness.

Wrath (Anger): Wrath is intense, uncontrolled anger that seeks to harm others. It involves a desire for revenge and a loss of self-control, often leading to violence or destructive behavior. Wrath can cause deep divisions in relationships and lead to a lack of forgiveness.

Sloth: Sloth is a form of spiritual laziness or indifference, where a person neglects their duties to God, others, and themselves. It is a refusal to engage in the spiritual life or fulfil one’s responsibilities, especially out of apathy or laziness.

Avarice (Greed / Covetousness): Avarice is the excessive desire for material wealth or possessions, often at the expense of others. It leads to an obsession with accumulating more wealth and resources, even to the point of neglecting the needs of others or disregarding moral principles.

Lust: Lust is an intense desire for sexual pleasure that disregards the dignity of others and the moral order established by God. It reduces the beauty of human sexuality to mere self-gratification, often objectifying and exploiting others.

Gluttony: Gluttony is the overindulgence in food and drink, particularly when it goes beyond what is necessary for sustenance and is driven by a desire for excess or self-gratification. It can also extend to other forms of indulgence in physical pleasures. Drunkenness, which is caused by excessive consumption of intoxicating beverages, is also considered a type of gluttony.

1. Charity (Love): Charity, or love, is the greatest of all virtues and the foundation of all the other fruits. It is the selfless, unconditional love that we are called to show to God and to others. This fruit reflects God’s love for us and is expressed through acts of kindness, sacrifice, and service.
2. Joy: Joy is a deep, spiritual happiness that comes from knowing and loving God. Unlike mere happiness, which can be fleeting and dependent on external circumstances, joy is rooted in the experience of God’s presence and love in our lives.
3. Peace: Peace is the tranquillity and harmony that comes from being in a right relationship with God and others. It is not just the absence of conflict, but a deep sense of well-being that flows from knowing God’s will and living in harmony with it.
4. Patience: Patience is the ability to endure suffering, difficulty, or delay without becoming frustrated or angry. It is rooted in trust in God’s timing and a willingness to bear with others’ faults and weaknesses.
5. Kindness: Kindness is a disposition to be gentle, compassionate, and generous toward others. It involves showing consideration and care in both words and actions.
6. Goodness: Goodness is a general disposition to do what is morally right and to seek the welfare of others. It reflects a desire to act with integrity, justice, and compassion.
7. Generosity: Generosity is the willingness to give freely of one’s time, resources, and talents without expecting anything in return. It is an expression of selflessness and care for others.
8. Gentleness: Gentleness, also known as meekness, is the ability to respond to others with calmness, understanding, and respect, even when provoked. It involves humility and a willingness to serve others with a spirit of meekness rather than asserting one’s own will.
9. Faithfulness: Faithfulness is being true and loyal to God and others, honouring commitments, and living in trust and obedience to God’s will. It involves perseverance in faith, even in difficult times.
10. Modesty: Modesty involves humility and a sense of propriety in one’s actions, speech, and dress. It is a virtue that seeks to honour God by avoiding prideful or immoderate behaviour.
11. Self-control: Self-control is the ability to regulate one’s desires, impulses, and emotions, particularly when they conflict with God’s will. It is the strength to resist temptation and live according to the virtues rather than indulgence.
12. Chastity: Chastity is the virtue that helps individuals express their sexuality in a way that is in accord with God’s plan. It involves purity of heart, mind, and body, and refraining from sinful sexual behaviour.

1. Wisdom: Wisdom allows a person to see things from God’s perspective and to make decisions that align with His will. It is more than just knowledge; it involves understanding the deeper truths of faith and applying them to life.
2. Understanding: Understanding helps a person to grasp the meaning of the truths of faith. It enables a deeper insight into God’s word, allowing one to comprehend the mysteries of the faith and how they relate to daily life.
3. Counsel (Right Judgment): Counsel is the ability to make sound decisions, especially when facing moral dilemmas. It helps a person discern God’s will and choose the right course of action. This gift is especially important in guiding others with advice rooted in faith.
4. Fortitude (Courage): Fortitude is the strength to endure difficulties and persevere in faith, even when facing trials, persecution, or suffering. It is the gift of courage that enables a person to stand firm in their convictions, especially in challenging or hostile circumstances.
5. Knowledge: Knowledge enables a person to understand the meaning of life and to see things in the light of faith. It is not just intellectual knowledge, but the ability to perceive and interpret the world through God’s eyes, helping one grow in virtue and holiness.
6. Piety (Reverence): Piety is the gift that deepens a person’s love for God, fostering a spirit of devotion and reverence. It helps the person approach God with humility and recognise God as their Father, leading them to live a life of prayer and worship.
7. Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe): Fear of the Lord is not about being afraid of God, but about having a profound respect and awe for God’s majesty and holiness. It leads to humility and a deep sense of reverence for God, recognising His greatness and the need to avoid sin in His presence.

1. You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.
2. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and remain free from work or activity that could impede the sanctification of such days.
3. You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
4. You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.
5. You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.

1. Admonish sinners: This involves helping someone recognise and correct their wrongdoing. It is done with charity and compassion, seeking not to condemn but to guide the person back to God through correction and repentance. It calls for sensitivity, as it requires one to help others see their faults without causing harm or judgment.
2. Instruct the ignorant: Teaching others about the faith, moral living, and the truths of the Gospel. This work includes educating those who may not know about God, the teachings of the Church, or Christian values. It can be done through formal instruction, personal example, or providing spiritual resources.
3. Counsel the doubtful: Offering guidance and support to those who are struggling with doubt, confusion, or uncertainty about their faith or life choices. This involves listening with empathy, providing spiritual insight, and helping the person find clarity and trust in God’s plan.
4. Comfort the afflicted (sorrowful): Providing emotional and spiritual support to those who are grieving, suffering, or experiencing hardship. This could include comforting those who have lost loved ones, are dealing with illness, or facing personal difficulties. It also involves offering hope and encouragement, helping them turn to God for strength.
5. Bear wrongs patiently: Enduring offenses, injustices, or personal hardships without retaliation or bitterness. This spiritual work encourages forgiveness and forbearance, following the example of Christ, who suffered wrongs without seeking vengeance. It involves practicing patience and turning to God for the grace to endure.
6. Forgive offences: Extending forgiveness to those who have wronged or hurt us. This work emphasises mercy, following Christ’s call to forgive “seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22), no matter how difficult. It seeks to heal relationships and foster peace through forgiveness, which is essential to spiritual healing.
7. Pray for the living and the dead: Offering prayers for others, both the living and the deceased, is a key aspect of spiritual mercy. Praying for the living supports their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, while praying for the dead helps them on their journey toward eternal peace, particularly those in Purgatory.

1. Feed the hungry: Providing food to those who are hungry or suffering from food insecurity.
2. Give a drink to the thirsty: Offering water or drink to those who are thirsty or do not have access to clean water.
3. Clothe the naked: Providing clothing to those who are poor or lacking appropriate attire, especially for protection against the elements.
4. Shelter the homeless: Offering a place to stay or helping those without a home to find shelter.
5. Visit the sick: Spending time with those who are ill or suffering, whether in hospitals, nursing homes, or at home.
6. Visit the imprisoned: Providing support and companionship to those who are incarcerated, whether through prayer, letters, or direct visitation.
7. Bury the dead: Ensuring that the bodies of the deceased are properly buried and treated with dignity. This act recognises the sanctity of life and the importance of honouring the deceased, offering support to grieving families, and praying for the souls of the departed.

1. Death: The end of earthly life, when the soul separates from the body. Catholics believe that death is a natural part of the human condition, and it marks the beginning of the soul’s journey toward judgment. It is a moment of great importance, as it determines the soul’s eternal fate.
2. Judgment: After death, each soul undergoes two judgments:
   Particular Judgment: This is the judgment that occurs immediately after death, where the soul is judged by God based on the individual’s life, actions, and faith. The soul is either destined for Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory.
   General (or Final) Judgment: This will occur at the end of time, when Christ returns to judge the living and the dead. It will be a public revelation of all deeds and the final confirmation of the soul’s eternal destiny. At this time, the bodies of the dead will be resurrected and reunited with their souls.
3. Heaven: Heaven is the eternal state of perfect communion with God, where those who are saved live in complete happiness, peace, and joy. It is a place of perfect union with God, free from suffering, sin, and death. Catholics believe that Heaven is the ultimate goal for all believers who have lived according to God’s will.
4. Hell: According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, hell is the “state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed.” Hell is the eternal separation from God for those who have freely chosen to reject His love and grace. Catholics believe that Hell is not a place of physical torment alone, but rather the absence of God, which is the ultimate suffering for a soul.