Morality and God's Love, Unit 5, Chapter 12

grace

The free and undeserved gift of God's loving and active presence in our lives.

sanctifying grace

The grace that heals our human nature wounded by sin and restores us to friendship with God.

actual graces

God's interventions and support for us in the everyday moments of our lives.

sacramental graces

The gifts proper to each of the Seven Sacraments.

special graces

Gifts intended for the common good of the Church, also called charisms.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Seven traditional gifts given to us to live as disciples and to build up the Church.

Cardinal Virtues

Four virtues that are viewed as pivotal or essential for full Christian living.

prudence

Cardinal Virtue by which a person is inclined toward choosing the moral good and avoiding evil.

justice

Cardinal Virtue that ensures we give to God and neighbor, particularly those who are poor and oppressed, what is due them.

temperance

Cardinal Virtue by which one moderates his or her appetites and passions.

fortitude

Cardinal Virtue that enables one to maintain sound moral judgment and behavior in the face of difficulties and challenges.

Theological Virtues

The three virtues that draw us into deeper knowledge and relationship with the Holy Trinity.

faith

Theological Virtue by which one freely accepts God's full Revelation in Jesus Christ.

hope

Theological Virtue by which we trust in the promise of God and expect from God eternal life.

love

Theological Virtue by which we love God above all things and love our neighbors as ourselves.

culpable

To be guilty of wrongdoing.

conscience formation

Educating ourselves about Divine Law so our conscience will lead us to good moral choices.