Morality Semester 1

Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM)

A religious community dedicated to education, social justice, and serving the poor.

SNJM Core Values

Key beliefs guiding the SNJM, like respect, compassion, and justice.

Charism

A spiritual gift or focus of a religious group (e.g., education for SNJM).

Hospitality

Being welcoming, kind, and open to others.

Morality

Knowing right from wrong and acting ethically.

Moral Relativism

Belief that morality depends on culture or situation.

Moral Absolutism

Belief that moral rules are always true, no matter the situation.

Grounding Problem

The challenge of explaining why moral rules exist.

Conscience

The inner sense of right and wrong that guides actions.

Primacy of Conscience

The belief that following your conscience is most important.

Erroneous Conscience

A conscience that makes mistakes in moral judgment.

Culpable

Being responsible for wrongdoing.

Sin (Catechism)

Deliberate offense against God’s law.

Object

The action taken.

Intention

The reason behind an action.

Circumstance

The context or situation of an action.

Sin of Commission

Doing something wrong actively.

Sin of Omission

Failing to do the right thing.

Free Will

The ability to make choices.

Virtue

A good habit or quality.

Vice

A bad habit or moral weakness.

Moral Decision-Making

Choosing actions based on moral principles.

LISTEN

A process for making moral choices: Look for the facts, Imagine possibilities, Seek insight beyond your own, Turn inward, Expect God's help, Name your decision.

Symbol

A visible sign representing a deeper meaning.

Ritual

A repeated action with spiritual meaning.

Sacrament

A sacred Christian ceremony where God’s grace is given.

Sacramentality

Seeing God’s presence in the world.

Paschal Mystery

Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection for salvation.

Ex opera operato

Sacraments work through God’s power, not human worthiness.

Efficacious Sign

A symbol that actually causes what it represents.

Redemption

Being saved from sin through Jesus.

Sanctifying Grace

God’s life within us, received through sacraments.

Actual Grace

God's help in specific moments.

Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation.

Sacraments of Healing

Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick.

Sacraments of Service

Matrimony, Holy Orders.

Indelible

Permanent, can’t be erased.

Godparents

Spiritual mentors at Baptism.

Paschal Candle

Large candle symbolizing Christ’s light.

Original Sin

Human tendency to sin from birth.

Sacred Chrism

Holy oil used in Baptism.

Holy Water

Blessed water symbolizing purification.

RCIA

Process for adults becoming Catholic.

Liturgy of the Word

Scripture readings during Mass.

Lectionary

Book with Bible readings for Mass.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

The part of Mass where bread and wine become the Body and Blood.

Roman Missal

Book with prayers and instructions for Mass.

Consecration

When bread and wine become Jesus’s Body and Blood.

Tabernacle

The container for the Eucharist.

Eucharist

The Body and Blood of Christ in Communion.

Transubstantiation

The bread and wine changing into Christ’s Body and Blood.

Closed vs. Open Communion

Closed = only Catholics receive; Open = all Christians can receive.

Confirmation Sponsor

A mentor who supports the confirmed.

Confirmation Saint

A saint chosen for guidance and inspiration.

Concupiscence

Tendency to sin.

Repentance

Feeling sorry for sin and wanting to change.

Penance

Actions to make up for sin.

Absolution

Forgiveness given by a priest.

Examination of Conscience

Reflecting on sins before confession.

Sacramental Seal

The promise a priest won’t reveal sins heard in confession.

Oil of the Sick

Holy oil used for healing the sick.

Sacramental Marriage

A marriage blessed by the Church.

Civil Marriage

A legal marriage without a religious blessing.

3 Requirements of Marriage

Free choice, lifelong commitment, openness to children.

Annulment

Declaring a marriage invalid.

3 Forms of Marriage Preparation

Classes, counseling, mentorship.

Vocation

A calling from God.

3 Levels of Ordination

Bishop, Priest, Deacon.

Bishop

Oversees a diocese.

Priest

Leads a parish and sacraments.

Seminary

School for priests-in-training.

Deacon

Assists priests but can’t perform all sacraments.

Five Levels of Church Hierarchy

Pope, Cardinal, Bishop, Priest, Deacon.

Who are the poor?

Those lacking basic needs like food, shelter, or healthcare.

Who are the marginalized?

People excluded from society due to race, poverty, or other factors.

Wheel of Power/Privilege

A tool showing who holds power and privilege in society.

Voluntourism

Volunteering mainly for personal benefit rather than real help.

White Savior Complex

When privileged people help in a way that centers themselves instead of those in need.

Co-conspirator

Someone who actively works alongside marginalized groups for justice.

Kinship

Deep connection and solidarity with others, especially the marginalized.

Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez

A priest who founded Liberation Theology.

Liberation Theology

A belief that faith should focus on freeing the oppressed.

Organizations serving the poor and marginalized

Groups that support vulnerable people through aid and advocacy.

Commitment to Liberating Action

Actively working for justice and freedom for all.

Brave Spaces (6 Pillars)

Guidelines for open, respectful dialogue on tough topics.

Characteristics of Good Listening

Being present, empathetic, and open-minded.

Listening Circles

Group discussions focused on sharing and understanding experiences.

Conversations in the Spirit

Dialogue focused on spiritual reflection and mutual understanding.

Three parts of a good apology

Admit fault, apologize sincerely, and make amends.

Reconciliation

Restoring peace and repairing relationships after harm.

Residential Schools

Institutions where Indigenous children were taken from families, often abused.

Assimilation

Forcing a culture to adopt another, often against their will.

Sen. Murray Sinclair

A leader in Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation efforts.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

An organization investigating residential school harm.

The Camino

A spiritual pilgrimage in Spain.

Metanoia

A deep spiritual transformation or change of heart.