Pope Francis Faith Journal

Fortitude
FORTITUDE is the gift of the Holy Spirit that helps us to be confident to say we
are disciples of Jesus. A person with Fortitude has the strength to stand up for
what is right, even it means being unpopular. Fortitude gives us the strength and
stamina to walk out into the world and feel prepared.
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Own up when you have done something wrong.
Try a new hobby.
Join a new club / team / group.
Make a new friend.
Challenge yourself to improve a skill.
Explain your opinion honestly and patiently and allow others to do the same.
Tell the truth, even if it brings consequences you don’t want. For example say to your
parents, “At school today I was in trouble for answering back.”
Listen to your conscience and act on your convictions, for example by raising money for a
charity/ supporting a conservation project/ writing a letter to support a good cause.
Don’t be distracted by the bad behaviour of others.
Offer to take on a role of responsibility in the parish e.g., give out bulletins/ hymn books/
prayer cards, tidy the church at the end of a service, be a reader, become an altar server,
join the choir, take part in the offertory procession.
Give the Sign of Peace with a smile and firm handshake.
Ask an older person at home to take you to Mass or a Church service.
Go to Confession often and be honest in admitting your mistakes.
Join the parish Youth Group, even if your friends will not come at first.
Spend some time with someone outside your usual group of friends
Visit an elderly relative and tell them something about your interests.
Explain your thinking patiently to someone whose language or actions has caused you
offence.
Control your emotions when you feel under pressure from others to speak or behave
badly.
Add your own suggestions below.
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