committed without sufficient reflection or full consent of the will.

Q. 291. Can we always distinguish venial from mortal sin?
A. We cannot always distinguish venial from mortal sin, and in such
cases we must leave the decision to our confessor.

Q. 292. Can slight offenses ever become mortal sins?
A. Slight offenses can become mortal sins if we commit them through
defiant contempt for God or His law; and also when they are followed by
very evil consequences, which we foresee in committing them.

Q. 293. {58} Which are the effects of venial sin?
A. The effects of venial sin are the lessening of the love of God in our
heart, the making us less worthy of His help, and the weakening of the
power to resist mortal sin.

Q. 294. How can we know a thought, word or deed to be sinful?
A. We can know a thought, word or deed to be sinful if it, or the
neglect of it, is forbidden by any law of God or of His Church, or if it
is opposed to any supernatural virtue.

Q. 295. {59} Which are the chief sources of sin?
A. The chief sources of sin are seven: Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Anger,
Gluttony, Envy, and Sloth, and they are commonly called capital sins.

Q. 296. What is pride?
A. Pride is an excessive love of our own ability; so that we would
rather sinfully disobey than humble ourselves.

Q. 297. What effect has pride on our souls?