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You are here: Experts > Religion/Spirituality > Christianity - Catholicism > Catholics > What is grace?
Expert: Edward Bode - 11/6/2009
Question
Hello,
Could you please tell me :
(1) What the church defines as "Grace"?
(2) What grace mean in day to day practice to a catholic?
(3) If it is necesary to earn grace as a Catholic, how is this done please?
Many thanks,
Cheers,
Brian.
Answer
There are two main types of grace:
Sanctifying [habitual] -- The justified people share in the indwelling of God to make their souls holy and pleasing to God.
Actual -- Special help from God to do what is right [morally correct].
We need God's grace to act morally. So we pray for that help and for remaining faithful to God's will.
One receives santifying grace [from the salvation-work of Jesus Christ, our Savior] through the Sacraments, beginning with Baptism. If that grace is lost [committing mortal sin], it can be regained, usually through the Sacrament of Penance.
I urge you to check The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs: 824, 1266, 1999-2000, 2023-2024 on grace; 265, 1989, 1992, 1997, 2020, 2813 on Baptism; 980, 1422, 1446, 1468 on Penance. The Catechism is available online at: www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm
Your questions are rather far-reaching. I have tried to give you the "tip of the iceberg" but there are many other details to provide should you so desire. If you would like me to clarify or add, please write again.
Best wishes, Brian.
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