Education in Virtue
At Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, faith isn't just taught, it is lived. We believe that living heroic virtue means responding to God's grace with courage, joy and love in our daily lives. Through this shared journey of virtue, we grow closer as a school family - anchored in faith, united in purpose, and inspired by the truth that LOVE CONQUERS ALL.
Rooted in the Cardinal Virtues
At Saint Thomas Aquinas, our virtue formation is rooted in the Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance and their daughter virtues. Our daily practices help students grow in character and pursue lasting happiness. By weaving these virtues into prayer, classroom discussions, and everyday interactions, students are encouraged to rise above the ordinary and strive for the extraordinary.
What is Virtue?
Virtue helps us live with intention. It means we’re not just reacting to life - we’re choosing how to live. Through virtue, we learn how to stay calm when things are hard, how to be kind even when we’re frustrated, and how to stay faithful when we’re tempted to give up. It brings clarity to our thoughts and consistency to our actions. We strive to practice virtues in everything we do at Aquinas.
Cardinal & Theological Virtues
Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance
These four virtues play a pivotal role and accordingly are called “cardinal”; all the others are grouped around them.
Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity
The three theological virtues relate directly to God. They encourage Christians to live in a relationship with the Holy Trinity. The theological virtues are the foundation of Christian moral activity; they animate it and give it its special character. They inform and give life to all the moral virtues. They are infused by God into the souls of the faithful to make them capable of acting as his children and of meriting eternal life: (CCC 1812-1813).
At Saint Thomas Aquinas, our Virtue formation is like a playbook for living a strong, positive life! We focus on building traits like respect, kindness, and perseverance that guide us both on and off the field. As a cheerleader, I see how these virtues bring our whole school together whether we’re supporting each other in the classroom, on sports teams, or in service projects, we’re all striving to live out these values every day. Living heroic virtue helps us become not only better students but better people, inspiring us to lead with integrity and cheer each other on as we grow in faith and character!
Brielle Diaz, '26
Living Heroic Virtue
Virtue of the Month
Virtue isn't just a concept, it's a community effort. Each month we focus on one virtue and dedicate to growing in that virtue and its "daughter" virtues as a school community. Teachers incorporate this virtue into their classes and we pray every afternoon for the grace to practice that virtue.
Once a month we recognize a student and a faculty member who best exemplify the Virtue of the Month, as selected by their peers. These individuals are honored at our All School Masses, celebrating the everyday heroes who quietly and boldly live out their faith.
Dear Jesus,
I want to live with purpose. I don’t want to just go through the motions. Help me to act with thoughtfulness and love today. Show me how to live as someone who follows You, not just in my words, but in every decision I make. Make me steady, focused, and filled with Your peace.
In Your name, we pray. Amen.
Schedule
| Month | Virtue | Saint |
|---|---|---|
| August | What is Virtue? | |
| September | Justice/Kindness | St. Martin Porres |
| October | Prudence/Command | St. Francis Xavier Cabrini |
| November | Fortitude/Magnanimity | St. Louis DeMontfort |
| December | Hope | St. Josephine Bakhita |
| January | Justice/Gratitude | Bl. Solanus Casey |
| February | Prudence/Circumspection | Bl. Miguel Pro |
| March | Temperance/Moderation | Bl. Carlo Acutis |
| April | Justice/Loyalty | St. Charles Lwanga |
| May | Temperance/Modesty | St. Maria Goretti |
Virtue Guide by Month
![Virtues | Living a Virtuous Life]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724333599/stasaintsnet/txtz6zul1ynpba9y9uwz/VirtueTree.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724333599/stasaintsnet/txtz6zul1ynpba9y9uwz/VirtueTree.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724333599/stasaintsnet/txtz6zul1ynpba9y9uwz/VirtueTree.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724333599/stasaintsnet/txtz6zul1ynpba9y9uwz/VirtueTree.jpg","width":1000}])
What is Virtue?
Virtue means always trying to do good and being the best person you can be. It's about making good choices, acting with kindness, and following what is right.
Justice is often represented by a scale because it helps us weigh what is right and fair and to act accordingly. In ancient times, people thought that ideal justice was blind, blind to influence or flattery. Christian justice sees with the eyes of the heart, animated and motivated by charity.
Prudence can be represented by a scroll and torch. Prudence is the right reason in action. Illumined by the light of faith, Christian prudence is able to see clearly even in the midst of darkness to know the truth and the best way to act in any situation.
Openlight Media | Arise
The Disciple of Christ, Education in Virtue program was developed by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist and is based on the teachings of Saint Thomas Aquinas on virtues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
At Saint Thomas Aquinas, we source curriculum from Openlight Media, specifically, Arise.
Learn more about the program on the Openlight Media website.
