he "Immaculate Conception" mean?
A. The Immaculate Conception means the Blessed Virgin's own exclusive
privilege of coming into existence, through the merits of Jesus Christ,
without the stain of original sin. It does not mean, therefore, her
sinless life, perpetual virginity or the miraculous conception of Our
Divine Lord by the power of the Holy Ghost.

Q. 272. What has always been the belief of the Church concerning this
truth?
A. The Church has always believed in the Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin and to place this truth beyond doubt has declared it an
Article of Faith.

Q. 273. To what should the thoughts of the Immaculate Conception lead
us?
A. The thoughts of the Immaculate Conception should lead us to a great
love of purity and to a desire of imitating the Blessed Virgin in the
practice of that holy virtue.

LESSON SIXTH.
ON SIN AND ITS KINDS.

Q. 274. How is sin divided?
A. (1) Sin is divided into the sin we inherit called original sin, and
the sin we commit ourselves, called actual sin. (2) Actual sin is
sub-divided into greater sins, called mortal, and lesser sins, called
venial.

Q. 275. In how many ways may actual sin be committed?
A. Actual sin may be committed in two ways: namely, by wilfully doing
things forbidden, or by wilfully neglecting things commanded.

Q. 276. What is our sin called when we neglect things commanded?
A. When we neglect things commanded our sin is called a sin of omission.
Such sins as wilfully neglecting to hear Mass on Sundays, or neglecting
to go to Confession at least once a year, are sins of omission.

Q. 277. {51} Is original sin the only kind of sin?
A. Original sin is not the only kind of sin; there is another kind of
sin, which we commit ourselves, called actual sin.

Q. 278. {52} What is actual sin?
A. Actual sin is any wilful thought, word, deed, or omission contrary to
the law of God.

Q. 279. {53} How many kinds of actual sin are there?
A. There are two kinds of actual sin--mortal and venial.

Q. 280. {54} What is mortal sin?
A. Mortal sin is a grievous offense against the law of God.

Q. 281. {55} Why is this sin called mortal?
A. This sin is called mortal because it deprives us of spiritual life,
which is sanctifying grace, and brings everlasting death and damnation
on the soul.

Q. 282. {56} How many things are necessary to make a sin mortal?
A. To make a sin mortal, three things are necessary: a grievous matter,
sufficient ref