What do we as catholics believe about the relationship of faith and work?

Justification, according to Catholicism, actually wipes out sin, and provides a supernatural, renewing, infusion of grace. We believed that faith in Jesus Christ is not saving faith unless it bears fruits in good works. In this way, good works is necessary for sallvation, and sanctification is connected to justification.

Grace is defined in Catholicism as God's merciful aid, given to enable us to be more holy. It is an absolutely unmerited, free gifts of God, made possible through our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and his atoning death on the cross for us. When, therfore, Catholics speak of merit on the part of man, it must be understood in a secondary, derived sense.

The Bible and the Catholic church teach that God Rewards (grace enabled) good works, and that a person cannot saved himself by his own self originated works. Nor is anyone saved by the Blessed Virgin Mary or a pope or anyone else besides our Lord and Savior Jesus. When the rich young ruler asked Jesus how he could be saved (Lk 18:18-25), our Lord commanded him to perform "work" to sell all that he had. Jesus also rewards and grant salvation atleast partially according to works and act of charity.(Mt 16:27, 25:31-46 note conjunction "for" in 25:35)