Life and conscience · subject 19 of 26

Law, grace and moral life

Read this subject in its original source, then choose what to explore next.

Source readingVerify

Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Questions 415–441 · Law, grace and moral life. The link opens the containing section; use the question numbers to find this range.

Read with the publisher

Source, approval and edition

Official papal approval or promulgation

Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Questions 415–441 · Law, grace and moral life. The link opens the containing section; use the question numbers to find this range.

Holy See English edition, 2005, including the Common Prayers appendix

Pope Benedict XVI · 2005-06-28

Verified 2026-09-10. This record covers the listed work, not other material linked by its publisher.

View approval evidence (new tab)

The text is read at its source. Ecclesiastical approval does not give Catechumens permission to reproduce it.

A simple way to use this reading

Open the source and find the numbered question or range above.
Read the surrounding section if a term or short answer needs context.
Choose one point to revisit, a related subject, or a question to discuss with someone.

Prompts to organize your reading

How does this section connect with the earlier subject of conscience?
Which terminology would I like a teacher to explain?

Keep a question in my journey

Related source excerpts to read here

These are separate selections from the approved 1891 historical catechism. They provide related background and do not reproduce or replace the Compendium section above.

What do you mean by grace?

By grace I mean a supernatural gift of God bestowed on us, through the merits of Jesus Christ, for our salvation.

Kinkead’s explanation of the Baltimore Catechism · approved historical edition.

Verify

Read the original page here

Open and keep this answer

Verify original page, edition and approval

Thomas L. Kinkead; sixth edition; Benziger Brothers, copyright 1891. Printed page 117, question 103.

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York; nihil obstat D. J. McMahon; 1891-09-05.

The words are transcribed from the approved edition; line wrapping is normalized. This is a concise historical catechism answer, not a complete treatment of every related question. Original English, including older terms, is retained.

Read the original page and surrounding explanation here · See the printed imprimatur

What is sanctifying grace?

Sanctifying grace is that grace which makes the soul holy and pleasing to God.

Kinkead’s explanation of the Baltimore Catechism · approved historical edition.

Verify

Read the original page here

Open and keep this answer

Verify original page, edition and approval

Thomas L. Kinkead; sixth edition; Benziger Brothers, copyright 1891. Printed page 118, question 105.

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York; nihil obstat D. J. McMahon; 1891-09-05.

Read the original page and surrounding explanation here · See the printed imprimatur

What do you call those graces or gifts of God by which we believe in Him, hope in Him, and love Him?

Those graces or gifts of God by which we believe in Him, and hope in Him, and love Him, are called the divine virtues of faith, hope, and charity.

Kinkead’s explanation of the Baltimore Catechism · approved historical edition.

Verify

Read the original page here

Open and keep this answer

Verify original page, edition and approval

Thomas L. Kinkead; sixth edition; Benziger Brothers, copyright 1891. Printed page 118, question 106.

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York; nihil obstat D. J. McMahon; 1891-09-05.

Read the original page and surrounding explanation here · See the printed imprimatur

Connect this subject with your next step

For personal sacramental circumstances or pastoral help, find an appropriate person to speak with. This reading page does not assess readiness or resolve individual cases.