b'NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE, continued2020 State Essay Contest Winners. GEORGIA STATE COUNCILThe Virtue of Charity Isabella Fritz, 11th Grade WinnerEsther Maye Gonsalves, Marietta, GA 8th grade Winner Council 8731 CarolltonWhat is virtue? The definition according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a ha- Ever since I was little, I can remember doing nice things bitual and firm dispostion to do good. In sim- for people-going places to serve the needy, making food and pler terms virtue is a positive habit or somethinggiving it to the hungry, and other acts of kindness. I didnt that you do that is morally good. The Churchrealize that this was charity work, I just thought it was good teaches us that there are 4 cardinal virtues -pru- to be kind to others. As I got older, I found out this is charity dence, justice, fortitude, and temperance andwork. Our family has always done works of charity and has 3 theological virtues -faith, hope, and charity.made sacrifices for The virtue of charity is love and Saint Paul inothers, not because we want to look good, but because we his letter to the Corinthians calls it the greatestlove helping others. among all virtues when he writes about love.I have been raised to want to help, to always have a good But that does not mean the other virtues areattitude, to live how God told us to live our lives, and to spread lessimportant,virtuesareimportantintheirHis Word, to be humble, merciful, loving, sacrifice for others, own way and they all accentuate each other.and to be a good and a practicing Catholic. It has become a Charity is a virtue that reflects the very naturepart of who I am. I cant explain how I feel after I have helped of God. As we have been created in Gods image we have to personify Godssomeone, but to me its one thebest feelings to help some-nature.one feel loved and wanted. So then how should we live and embody the virtue of charity? Well in Mat- Of the works of charity that I have been involved in, three thew chapter 22 a scholar of the law wanted to test Jesus and asked him whatcome to mind that are very special and important to me. The was the greatest commandment. Jesus told him, Love the Lord your Godfirst is Tonys Camp. Tonys Camps is a camp for adults with with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Jesus alsospecial needs and disabilities. I worked there as a counselor said that we must love our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus made charity the newfor two years in a row. I was assigned a camper for the week-commandment. He says As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you,end to help and guide. This weekend allows the campers to abide in my love. (John 15:9) By saying these words Jesus istrying to tell usenjoy themselves in a safe environment and to feel special as that to be charitable we must love one another as God loves us.the counselors treat them like they are their best friends. This In todays world for a teenager, it is tough to lead a charitable and compas- weekend also gives the parents a much-needed break. To be sionate life. In the age of technology and smart everything, our actions arenthonest, to see them so happy, not worrying about stuff that getting any smarter. We are connected but we are still so disconnected fromisnt really big or important, makes me rethink my problems each other. Then how in this day and age do we be charitable? It is not easy toand see how beautiful life is. embody the virtue of charity as an eighth grader but I try my best to be char- The second work of charity that is very special to me is itable in my words, deeds, and actions to my family, friends, and community.holding up signs saying beautiful words like, You are loved, There is a common saying that charity starts at home. It does start at home.God is with you, You are beautiful, Dont give up and Our parents are always being charitable to us. They give up everything so wemore. My Mama one day said Hey, I have an idea! and so can have goodlives. Our moms carry us in the womb for 9 months becausethat day we when out to Carrollton and held up our signs. To she loves us. We must, in turn, return that amount of love to them. We mustsee the looks on peoples faces will never leave my memo-be obedient and listen to them. I embody the virtue of charity at home when Iry. Seeing their smiles made me realize that everyone needs listen to my parents. Sometimes I do not listen to them and yes that will hap- to feel important and that everyone carries crosses that they pen but I try to make up for it by apologizing. Charity truly does start at home.need help with. To see them happier and smiling made me We have friends and friends sometimes fight. But friends are always beingsmile bigger and feel happier. It was a simple act that made charitable to one another. Our friends are always there when we need them.a huge difference. I embody the virtue of charity to my friends when I am always there for them.The last work of charity that is important to me is going on I listen to them and help them through their hard times. As Saint Maximillianmission trips with the youth group. I went this summer and felt Kolbe said, God sends us friends to be our firm support in a whirlpool oflike I came back changed in a spiritual way. During that week struggle.on the mission trip we went to a retirement home, a school for Charity is mostly embodied in our community. When we do little things likechildren with disabilities, we hung out with foster teens, and giving to a homeless man an apple or volunteering at a soup kitchen we aredid more. To see old people having a good time-laughing, being charitable. I embody the virtue of charity in my community by volun- smiling, and talking, and the kids feeling like they were special teering at an orphanage and helping out at my church. Over summer I helpedand important, helped me to see that I could make a differ-out at an orphanage and it was a great experience. I love working with otherence in their lives by just treating them kindly. kids because it makes me happy. At church I altar serve and I help out at ourI have come to understand that charity work isnt easy and school masses. Serving other people is what makes the world a better place.its a lot of sacrificing, but in the end, it is very rewarding. It not We must be like Jesus and be the servant and not the master. only makes others feel loved and happy, but it makes me feel Everyone in the world has the capability to do good and be charitable. Saintspiritually fulfilled, happier, and closer to God. Mother Teresa says, It is not how much we give but how much love we putI feel very blessed because I was raised to want to help in giving. We should not seek reward in our actions but we must humbly doothers and be a good disciple of Christ. It is when we help it out of love. Saint Mother Teresa saw Jesus in each person she served. Weothers that we reflect Gods love, kindness, holiness, and must take her as an example of how we can live our lives. We might have badmercy. When we are charitable, we obey Gods command-days and it is not always easy to be charitable to others but at that momentment to love Him and to love our neighbor as ourselves.we just have to put our trust in God and keep moving forward85'