Agenda: Sunday, August 23rd 2026

11:00am: Mass at St. Anne’s Catholic Church 440 E. Elliot Rd. Gilbert, 85234

1:30pm: Desert Monks Brewing Company 1094 S. Gilbert Rd. #101, Gilbert, AZ 85296

Announcements: Please make sure to pay your tab

Ice Breaker: Aside from a life of faith, what else would you say has been a helpful tool for combating the seven deadly sins in your life and why? And in what way can that same tool be distorted by sin?

Discussion Topic: Sin and the Effects of Sin Part 2: The Effects of Original Sin

Sources: Human Person According To John Paul Ii | Pauline Books and Media

Supplement Material: 

Terms: 

Imago Dei– Image and likeness of God

Concupiscence- An inclination toward sin

Discussion prompts:

1. Sin initiates a cycle by which man continually attempts to achieve an illusory plateau of meaning (p.142). Can you think of some examples of what this might look like? How has sin changed the experience of the world?
2. Sin is often portrayed as a legalistic or superficial thing. Why does this view not adequately describe what sin is and what it does to a person?
3. How does sin and concupiscence affect our ability to understand truth?
4. How does concupiscence affect the powers of the soul to seek out virtue?
5. Can sin be reinforced enough to make it a perceived good for someone who commits it?
6. Why is it important to understand what a human person is in making decisions and why is it important to understand virtue and the negative effects of sin?
7. The book describes the initial sin of David to illustrate the snowball effect of how sin can become deadly. What themes or narratives can you pull from the story of David that can serve as a warning signal?
8. Do you see the sin of acedia (laziness) being a problem in today’s society and how? What perpetuates this problem, what do you think is at the root of the issue.
9. Of the seven deadly sins (gluttony, fornication, avarice, anger, sadness, acedia, vainglory/pride) which one would you say is the most prevalent in society?
10. The book states that when we indulge the appetites we feel the cumulative effects of uncontrolled passions. The passion exercises such undue influence on our decisions and goals that an unreal world is created. What do you think is meant by this?
11. How might prayer, fasting, and almsgiving play a vital role in curbing this unreal world?
12.  Are there any other themes from the book you found compelling?

3:30pm: End