179 pages – Suggested weeks to complete 12-16 weeks minimum
Table of Contents
Chapter One – Introduction to the Virtues, The First Theological Virtue: Faith
Chapter Two – The Second Theological Virtue: Hope
Chapter Three – The Third Theological Virtue: Charity
Chapter Four – Introduction to the Cardinal Virtues, The First Cardinal Virtue: Prudence
Chapter Five – The Second Cardinal Virtue: Justice, Part I
Chapter Six – The Second Cardinal Virtue: Justice, Part II
Chapter Seven – The Third Cardinal Virtue: Fortitude
Chapter Eight – The Fourth Cardinal Virtue: Temperance
A sample two-hour session
7:00 p.m. – Hellos
7:15–7:20 p.m. – Opening Prayer
7:20–8:50 p.m. – Read & Discuss
8:50 p.m. – Closing Prayers/Announcements
9:00 p.m. – Goodbyes
Supplemental resources
- Audio Chapter 1 of Aquinas for Beginners Part II
- Summa Theologiae Online – Thomistic Institute
- Summa Theologiae Online – New Advent
- Pints with Aquinas
- Aquinas 101
- Thomistic Institute
- The Virtue of Leisure: Laura interviews Simone!
- The Vice of Sloth: Laura interviews Simone!
- The Four Cardinal Virtues: Annette interviews Simone!
- Aquinas for Beginners Part I and II YouTube Playlist
- Philosophy & Theology YouTube Playlist
- Course on St. Thomas Aquinas for Beginners|Catholic Exchange
- The Virtuous Life: An Interview with Endow Host Teresa Hodgins on Aquinas for Beginners Parts I and II
I love Endow. It is so much – me – to the core. Feminine genius: nothing more nothing less.
Natalie
In Part II of Aquinas for Beginners, we take the virtues we have come to intimately understand in Part 1 and put them in practice. There are many everyday examples to help solidify these concepts so women may consciously live the moral life to which we are called. By learning the names and descriptions of various vices and virtues, women are encouraged to live vibrant Catholic lives with deliberateness and purpose.
Navigating the study
This study is one of our most crucial and profound since the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas is the Church’s supreme philosophical and theological touchstone. Although there are 8 chapters, we recommend a minimum of 12 weeks to complete this study. A few quick notes for facilitators of this study:
- You will be studying the thought of St. Thomas in his masterpiece work the Summa Theologiae which you can easily access online.
- There are many discussion questions in this study guide. It is up to the discretion of the facilitator to follow the lead of the women as well as the Holy Spirit in helping steward the questions that are most striking to the group
The commentary is written by Susan Selner-Wright, Ph.D.
We are here to support you
Throughout your study, as spiritual, theological, or pastoral questions arise, please contact us for support. Please also consider emailing us testimonies from your group! We love to hear what the Lord is doing through Endow!
The Endow team is here to support you in studying this important document! For an initial 20-minute Zoom meeting with us, please contact info@endowgroups.org with the subject line “Mentoring meeting.”
Aquinas for Beginners Part II promotional kit