Actual Sin – Venial and Mortal Sin

Building on the lesson of the creation and the fall of man, this catechism lesson addresses actual sin, those sins which we commit through our own fault.

There are two kinds of sin – venial and mortal.  Venial sin is the lesser of the two sins, but no less dangerous.  These types of sin are generally small offenses against God but they weaken our spiritual life and are not to be underestimated.  Many small sins can lead us to commit bigger sins.

Mortal sin is the grievous offense against God’s laws.  Examples of mortal sin are the seven deadly sins – Greed, Pride, Envy, Sloth, Lust, Anger, and Gluttony.  These types of sin separate us from God and prevent us from eternal salvation.

There are many differences between these types of sins, such as venial sin can be forgiven without sacramental confession.  Mortal sin, however, can only be forgiven in reconciliation through a priest.  

What makes our actions a mortal sin? 

We must satisfy three conditions for a sin to be mortal.  

1. It must be seriously wrong or considered seriously wrong.  
2. The sinner must be mindful of the serious wrong.  
3. The sinner must fully consent.

Young children are generally incapable of committing mortal sin, as they do not possess full understanding of their actions yet.  Even some adults may not be held liable for these types of sin if they do not realize their actions are wrong.  Christians, however, will be more accountable, as we have full knowledge of right and wrong.

Near Occasions of Sin 

There are ways we put ourselves in danger of committing a sin and these are called near occasions of sin.  For instance, if you have a habit of missing church and decide to stay up late, this is a near occasion of sin.  The action itself isn’t a sin, but it puts you in the position of possibly committing one.

Avoiding Sin 

There are many things we can do to try to avoid falling into sin.  

• Pray
• Receive the Sacraments frequently
• Remember God is always with us
• Remember our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit
• Keep busy with work or play
• Resist temptations
• Avoid near occasions of sin

Slide Show Lesson Plan 

This slideshow on Actual Sin was created in Canva and it can be played in the browser or accessed and modified in Canva, as well as printing a PDF.

Discussion 

• Does God try to keep us from having fun?
• Why does He give us laws?
• Is actual sin that we commit worse than original sin? Why?
• What is worse – dying in a fire or committing a mortal sin?
• Do you think it’s okay to live in mortal sin? Why or why not?
• What do our sins have to do with Jesus dying on the cross?
• Is stealing change from your mom a venial or mortal sin?
• Is committing murder a venial or mortal sin?
• If someone forces you to steal, is it a sin?
• If you commit a mortal sin but do not realize it’s a mortal sin, is it a sin for you?
• If you commit a sin that you think is venial but find out it is mortal, what type of sin is that for you?
• What are some ways we can try to resist sinning?
• How can we wipe away our venial sins?
• How can we wipe away our mortal sins?

Activities 

This YouTube video on sin from the 3 Minute Catechism highlights the differences between the types of sin.  This video can also be played at the end of the slideshow.

Venial or Mortal Sin Worksheet – this worksheet lesson helps kids to understand the difference between a venial sin and mortal sin.  Cut out the statements on page two, mix them up and have kids place them in the correct columns.