SNJM
Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
SNJM Core Values
1. Full development of the human person
2. Education in the faith
3. Hospitality
4. Dedication to women and children
5. Dedication to justice
6. Service to the marginalized and the poor
7. Commitment to liberating action
8. Love for the names of Jesus and Mary
Charism
A gift to be shared, the distinct spirit that animates a religious congregation.
Hospitality
Being a gracious, accepting, and welcoming presence for each person
Morality
Certain codes of conduct put forward by a society or a group. Accepted by an individual for their own behavior. A code of conduct that, given specified conditions, would be put forward by all rational persons
Moral Relativism
The idea that more than one moral position can be correct.
Cultural Relativism: The idea that moral beliefs can differ from culture to culture
Positives: Open to different opinions, inclusive
Negatives: Justifies that everything is right within a culture
Moral Absolutism
There are objective moral rights and wrongs, not dependent on the individual or culture
Positives: simple, clear message
Negatives: who decides what's right and wrong?
The ground problem: the search for the foundation for our moral beliefs, something solid that would make them true in a way that is clear, objective and unmoving
Divine Command Theory
The belief that what's moral and immoral is commanded by the Divine
Conscience
The "interior voice" of a person. A God-given sense of the law of God. A moral conscience leads a person to understand themselves as responsible for their actions and prompts them to do good and avoid evil. Conscience is NOT the majority opinion, not a feeling, your superego, a gut-instinct, a myth.
Primacy of Conscience
The expectation that you use your conscience when making a difficult decision. Your conscience must be fully informed, you've educated yourself on what the Church teaches on the issue and reflected on it before making your decision.
Erroneous Conscience
A conscience can be erroneous if left ignorant. That ignorance is often by choice, we are call to form our consciences. Conscience formation includes: education in Jesus' message and the Church's teaching, surrounding oneself with good examples/mentors
Culpable
Responsible, blame worthy
Sin (according to the Catechism)
An offense against God as well as a fault against reason, truth, and right conscience. Sin is a deliberate thought, word, deed, or an omission contrary to the Eternal Law of God. Just because a person sins or does something morally wrong does not mean they are terrible, or can never do good in the future, or they are definitely going to hell. Central belief in Catholicism is mercy and reconciliation.
Object
The what? of an action. If the object is bad but the intention is good, the action is sinful in the eyes of the Church.
Intention
The why? of an action. If the object is good but the intention is bad, the act is sinful in the eyes of the Church.
Circumstance
Context of an action. For an act to be morally good, both the object and the person's intention must be good. THe circumstances play a secondary role, as they can affect the person's moral freedom or determine how good or bad the act actually is.
Circumstance (according to the Catechism)
Circumstances themselves cannot change the moral quality of acts themselves; they can make neither good not right an action that is in itself evil. Circumstances cannot make something objectively evil into a good act.
Sin of commission
Direct result of freely chosen thought, word, or deed.
Sin of omission
Result of the failure to do something required by God's moral law
Free Will
The supposed power or capacity of humans to make decisions or perform actions independently of any prior event or state of the universe.
Virtue
A habitual and firm position toward good. Habits of good actions.
Virtues: Assertiveness, cheerfulness, integrity, reliability, patience, understanding
Cardinal Virtues: Prudence - wise judgement, opposite of impulsive. Temperance - self control, moderation, balance. Justice - giving God and neighbor their due, considering the needs of others. Fortitude - strength/courage, enables sound moral judgement in challenging scenarios.
Vice
A practice or habit that leads a person to sin. Repeating sins can lead to more serious sins.
Vices: Jealousy, anger, slander, cowardice, impatience
Moral Decision Making
Intentional process to help us make moral decisions throughout our life.
LISTEN
Look for the facts - before making a decision, the choice needs to be informed. Imagine possibilities - seek out all of the possible options that evaluate the consequences. Seek insight beyond your own - who/what can you look to for advice. Turn inward - deep breath and reflect. Expect God's help - have faith no matter how difficult the decision. Name your decision - finalizing your actions