Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 3/23/2004

Question
Hi, I'm doing a school report and I needed to know the answers for a few questions: What is a social sin? and What are the "marks" of the church? Thanks a bunch!

Answer
                      Shalom/Pax/Peace

Dear Caitlin
    A social sin can defined two ways. First its a sin that effects a society  or persons relationship with other people directly or indirectly. Such a abortion and use of artifictual birth control. The second meaning refers to the collective guilt of a group. The Church is never guilty of social sins,members of the Church can be. The season of Lent is remind us of personal sins also the sins that other claim to do in the name of the Church, and the need to pray for their repentance as well as our own.
 How many marks? "Traditonal" there are four:
One---Holy---Catholic and Apostolic. St Robert Ballermine came up with fifteen. I can double check in one of my refence book for them if you want.

                     your servant but His First
                             George/rav Jerome72