Fear

Vital, intense emotion and bio-mechanical process activated by perceived threats or danger, triggering physical “fight-or-flight” responses like a rapid heart rate, adrenaline, and anxiety

Anger

A strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility

Secrets

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others

Euthanasia

The painless killing of a person or animal suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma

DNR

Stands for Do Not Resuscitate, an advance directive indicating that healthcare providers should not use CPR or other life-saving

Suicide

The act of intentionally causing one’s own death, often stemming from overwhelming pain, hopelessness, or mental health struggles like depression

Abortion

The deliberate termination of a human pregnancy, most often performed during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy

Sabbath

A day of religious observance and abstinence from work, kept by Jewish communities from Friday evening to Saturday evening, and by most Christians on Sunday

Alms Giving

The practice of giving money or food to poor people

Fasting

Abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance

Tithe

One tenth of annual produce or earnings, taken/given as a tax for the support of the Catholic Church and Clergy

Sins

An immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law

Venial Sin

A less serious act that weakens, but does not break, the relationship with God and the soul’s relationship to grace

Mortal Sin

Grave violations that destroy the sanctifying grace and covenant with God. Requires full knowledge, grave matter, and free consent

Social Sin

Situations, institutions, or societal structures that promote injustice, violate human dignity, or cause harm resulting from the accumulation of personal sins

Capital Sin

A foundational vice - rather than just an action - that serves as the root cause of other sins

Object

The specific goal of the action in its simplest form

Intention

The nature or reasoning behind someone's action, whether or not they want to commit a good or bad act

Circumstances

Environmental and other outside factors that can change the results of an action or shape how it occurs

Sin of Commission

Deliberately doing something against God’s commands

Sin of Omission

Failing to perform an action that is commanded, potentially through neglect

Original Sin

The inherited sinful inclination or state of human nature separating humans from God, often associated with the fall of Adam

Reconciliation

The sacrament in which sins committed after Baptism are forgiven through God’s Mercy. The person confesses sins to a priest, expresses sorrow, and receives absolution and grace to grow in holiness.