The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Day 239: The Formation of Conscience (2024)

Aug 26, 2024

Fr. Mike, an expert on conscience formation, discusses the significance of cultivating a well-formed conscience and intellect. He emphasizes that understanding why something is right or wrong is crucial to moral decision-making. The conversation explores the lifelong journey of conscience formation, highlighting the importance of personal reflection and divine guidance. Fr. Mike also underlines how education and the influence of the Holy Spirit play a pivotal role in discerning moral choices, supporting the idea that conscience should guide us toward inner peace.

22:18

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Fr. Mike

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Quick takeaways

A well-formed conscience, described as upright and truthful, is essential for making moral judgments aligned with divine law.

The formation of conscience requires ongoing intellectual development and personal growth, supported by Scripture and the Christian community.

Deep dives

Formation of Conscience

The importance of properly forming conscience is emphasized as it plays a crucial role in moral decision-making. A well-formed conscience acts as a guide that is upright and truthful, enabling individuals to make moral judgments based on reason and the true good intended by the Creator. This formation involves not only intellectual development but also personal moral growth, where individuals learn to align their actions with their understanding of what is right. Education of conscience is presented as a lifelong endeavor essential for navigating the negative influences and temptations inherent in human experience.

Intro

2min

The Lifelong Journey of Conscience Formation

4min

The Essential Role of an Informed Conscience

4min

The Importance of Conscience Formation

10min

Guiding Principles for Conscience Formation

3min

Together, with Fr. Mike, we unpack the formation of our conscience. Fr. Mike emphasizes that a well-formed conscience is one that is both “upright and truthful.” He also highlights the idea that a well-formed intellect is vital to having a well-formed conscience. We cannot just say something is either right or wrong, we have to understand why we think that. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1783-1789.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

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