Stage 1: Alienation from Self, God, Family or Community

Through Ignorance or Blindness

Stage 2: Awareness Other names for this:

Raising of Conscience Coming to our Senses Waking up Hitting Bottom “ I have sinned:” Sacramental Moment

Stage 3: Conversion “turning around” change of heart Metanoia “think again”

Stage 4: Contrition Sorrow for doing wrong

Stage 5: Reconciliation with Self, God, Family, or

Community

The Prodigal Son, Rembrandt

The Rite of Reconciliation Confession—words

acknowledging sinfulness Act of Contrition—words

expressing sorrow Penance— action demonstrating

repentance of the sinner Absolution—pronouncement of

God’s forgiveness of sins

What is a sin? Any action that alienates or cuts us

off from ourselves, others, and God.

Two main types of sin Mortal sin Venial sin

Mortal (or Serious) sinA very grave or serious violation of

God’s law done willingly and knowingly.

Cuts us off completely from God.Can only be forgiven through the

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Venial sin? Venial means “forgivable.” A less serious offense Weakens our relationship with God, but

does not cut us off. Can be forgiven through any Sacrament,

as long as there is true contrition for one’s sins. Reconciliation, Anointing, Eucharist, all

have the power to forgive a venial sin

Sin of Commission vs. Sin of Omission A sin of commission is doing something

sinful; an action. A sin of omission is NOT doing

something you could have done, usually for someone’s good; a lack of action. Biblical example: the two men who passed by

the beaten man in the story of Good Samaritan.

Modern example: passing by a homeless person without offering to help in some way.

Personal Sin vs. Social Sin Personal sin is an individual act of wrongdoing Social sin is the wrongdoing of an entire

community, usually against the common good. Prophets make us aware of our social sin

Biblical examples: The prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures; John the

Baptist; Jesus—all openly challenged the social sins of their leaders

Modern Examples: Sins in the economy (homelessness, Wall Street greed) Sins against humanity (genocide, racism, Katrina

victims) MLK Jr., Elie Wiesel—modern-day prophets

Social Sin in the Church Sexual Abuse, cover-up of abuse Anti-Semitism, Anti-IslamismSocial Sin at SMCHS? Bullying? Racism, Homophobia, Classism, Sexism,

Cheating?

Originally a list of mortal sins Better understood today as underlying

attitudes that can lead to sinful behavior if left unchecked Lust: excessive sexual thoughts Gluttony: overindulgence to the point of waste Greed: excessive acquisition of wealth Sloth: excessive indifference, failure to act Wrath: uncontrolled anger or hatred Envy: excessive desire of what another has Pride: excessive love of self (considered the

worst of the Seven Deadly Sins because it leads to the others!)