St. John Vianney Catholic Church

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

A Journey of Faith

RCIA WEEK 18

Personal Sin / Forgiveness and Mercy

Catechism of the Catholic Church 417-418:

“Adam and Eve transmitted to their descendants human nature wounded by their own first sin and hence deprived of original holiness and justice; this deprivation is called "original sin." As a result of original sin, human nature is weakened in its powers; subject to ignorance, suffering, and the domination of death; and inclined to sin (This inclination is called "concupiscence.").”

Catechism of the Catholic Church 985:

“Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of the forgiveness of sins: it unites us to Christ, who died and rose, and gives us the Holy Spirit.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church 986:

“By Christ's will, the Church possesses the power to forgive the sins of the baptized and exercises it through bishops and priests normally in the sacrament of Penance.”

MEDITATION: If Baptism renews us, why do we still have a wounded nature, inclined to sin?

“God makes greater speed to pardon a penitent sinner than a mother to snatch her child out of the fire.” -- St. John Vianney