The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 239: The Formation of Conscience (2025)
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Aug 27, 2025 Fr. Mike dives into the intricate process of forming a well-informed conscience. He stresses that it's not enough to know what's right or wrong; we must grasp the reasons behind our beliefs. The discussion highlights the vital role of the Holy Spirit, Church teachings, and personal reflection in moral decision-making. Developing this understanding leads to inner peace and virtue, emphasizing that the journey of conscience education is lifelong and essential for ethical living.
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Conscience Is Reason Plus Will
- Conscience is both intellectual and volitional: it reasons and it acts through the will.
- A well-formed conscience requires knowing the good and having the will to choose it.
Noticing When Words Don't Match Belief
- Fr. Mike shares a story of a smart man who noticed he often spoke things he didn't believe.
- The example shows how many people say untrue things out of habit rather than conscience.
Always Ask 'Why' About Moral Judgments
- Ask yourself "Why?" whenever you judge something as right or wrong to ensure your conscience uses reason.
- Demand a good reason, not just preference or convenience, before claiming a moral stance.
