What's the difference between a mortal sin and a venial sin?" It's one of the most common questions Catholics ask, especially when preparing for confession.

The short answer: all sin damages our relationship with God, but not all sin damages it the same way. A venial sin wounds the relationship. A mortal sin kills the life of grace in your soul entirely.

In this episode of Ask Deacon Michael, I explain the three conditions that make a sin mortal, what venial sin does to us, and — most importantly — how God's mercy meets us in both cases.

Have a question about the Catholic faith? Leave it in the comments or send it my way — I'd love to tackle it in a future video.