Venial Sin

In Roman Catholicism, a venial sin is a "moral disorder that is reparable by charity..." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 1875).  It is a sin that is done accidentally or is of a minor offense such as stealing something minor (a paper clip, candy), lying about something trivial, etc.  Venial Sin "does not break the covenant with God...Venial sin does not deprive the sinner of sanctifying grace, friendship with God, charity, and consequently eternal happiness," (CCC 1863).

Venial sin is not as bad as mortal sin which is a serious and willful transgression of God's Law and can result in eternal damnation. It lessens the grace of God within a person's soul.