A Well-Formed Conscience
The Dogmatic Constitution, Gaudium et Spes, is about the Church in the modern world. It touches on conscience, describing it as “man’s most secret core and his sanctuary. There he is alone with God whose voice echoes in his depths,” (16).
Conscience helps us determine the right course of action when faced with a decision. It is the voice of God which guides us to what is right and good. Conscience also "judges particular choices" and "bears witness to the authority of truth," (Catechism, 1777).
Further, "conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act that he is going to perform, is in the process of performing, or has already completed," (Catechism, 1778).
Conscience is about seeking and finding truth, which we all desire:
“The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for,” (Catechism, 27).
Moreover, God's law is on our hearts: "I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts," (Jeremiah 31:33).
The reasoning and critical thinking we are capable of as humans is a wonderful gift that comes with responsibility. Regarding conscience, we are morally obligated to do two things: 1) always follow our conscience 2) keep our conscience well-informed.
The Catechism teaches us that sometimes, we are culpable for sins if we have purposefully avoided catechizing ourselves and forming our conscience:
“Ignorance can be imputed to personal responsibility that you’ve taken no trouble to find out what’s true and good or you’ve blinded your conscience through the habit of committing sin,” (1791).
In other words, we need to make sure we don't dull our conscience by habitual sin.
The Church’s Magisterium, Scripture, and Tradition help us learn what is moral and immoral. We are blessed to have the teaching authority of the Catholic Church because it helps us to understand God's wisdom and his creation.
We have many controversial things going on in the world and people have varying opinions about these issues. But moral principles are not about opinions; they come from God.
Some issues are difficult to wrap our heads around. It is prudent and wise to read on such topics. St. Augustine said, “believe that you may understand.” When we genuinely seek understanding, the Holy Spirit helps us find truth, which leads us to find joy because we have learned more about God.
We can rightly form our consciences by, of course, prayer. God opens our hearts when we converse with him. Reading is important. The Catechism is helpful in explaining Church teachings. For example, to better understand Church teaching on contraception, read Humane Vitae (paragraph 17 helps!). Read sacred scripture, for "your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path," (Psalm 119: 105).
When it's difficult to know if what is right or wrong in certain situations, we can call upon the Holy Spirit and pray for the virtue of prudence. He will always assist us. I would also recommend reading Psalm 119!
“Your hands made me and fashioned me; give me understanding to learn your commandments,” (Psalm 119: 73).