share in
their sin and punishment, as we should have shared in their happiness if
they had remained faithful.

46. Q. What other effects followed from the sin of our first parents?
A. Our nature was corrupted by the sin of our first parents, which
darkened our understanding, weakened our will, and left in us a strong
inclination to evil.

47. Q. What is the sin called which we inherit from our first parents?
A. The sin which we inherit from our first parents is called original
sin.

48. Q. Why is this sin called original?
A. This sin is called original because it comes down to us from our
first parents, and we are brought into the world with its guilt on our
soul.

49. Q. Does this corruption of our nature remain in us after original
sin is forgiven?
A. This corruption of our nature and other punishments remain in us
after original sin is forgiven.

50. Q. Was any one ever preserved from original sin?
A. The Blessed Virgin Mary, through the merits of her Divine Son, was
preserved free from the guilt of original sin, and this privilege is
called her Immaculate Conception.

LESSON SIXTH
ON SIN AND ITS KINDS

51. Q. Is original sin the only kind of sin?
A. Original sin is not the only kind of sin; there is another kind of
sin, which we commit ourselves, called actual sin.

52. Q. What is actual sin?
A. Actual sin is any wilful thought, word, deed, or omission contrary to
the law of God.

53. Q. How many kinds of actual sin are there?
A. There are two kinds of actual sin--mortal and venial.

54. Q. What is mortal sin?
A. Mortal sin is a grievous offense against the law of God.

55. Q. Why is this sin called mortal?
A. This sin is called mortal because it deprives us of spiritual life,
which is sanctifying grace, and brings everlasting death and damnation
on the soul.

56. Q. How many things are necessary to make a sin mortal?
A. To make a sin mortal three things are necessary: a grievous matter,
sufficient reflection, and full consent of the will.

57. Q. What is venial sin?
A. Venial sin is a slight offense against the law of God in matters of
less importance, or in matters of great importance it is an offense
committed without sufficient reflection or full consent of the will.

58. Q. Which are the effects of venial sin?
A. The effects of venial sin are the lessening of the love of God in our
heart, the making us less worthy of His help, and the weakening of the
power to resist mortal sin.