a) What are the different types of virtues?
There are two types of virtues. First, the human virtues guide our actions and control our passions according to reason and faith. They can be acquired and grow both through our own efforts by consciously developing good habits and persevering in them (in this case they are also known as “natural” or “acquired” virtues), and through God’s grace (known as “supernatural” or “infused” virtues). There are four principal human virtues, called the cardinal virtues, under which all the other human virtues may be grouped: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.
Secondly, the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity directly dispose us to live in a relationship with God. They cannot be acquired through our efforts alone, but are rather infused in us by God himself. But we can and should ask God to grant us these gifts. We can also develop them by freely exercising them, that is, by performing acts of faith, hope, and charity.
b) Why should Altar Servers know the different types of virtues?
Knowing the different types of virtues will help the Altar Server acquire them all. All the virtues are interrelated, such that an increase or a decrease in one virtue automatically causes an increase or a decrease in all others.
Altar Servers can explain the virtues to others only if they know and live them first. Leading others to appreciate the virtues is a continuous task, not only when one prays or serves in the Church, but above all through one’s ordinary dispositions and actions in daily life.