A Catholic Examination of Conscience
18-24 Committed Mother with Children Under 18
In preparing for confession, please read through the examination questions and explanations thoughtfully, reflecting on each point and honestly identifying where you've fallen short of God's call in your life. You may click and remove any irrelevant ones as you proceed. Take mental note of any serious sins that require confession, focusing on being thorough but not scrupulous, then use these insights to make a complete and sincere confession to your priest.
Updated: December 3, 2024
Read Time: 15 minutes
Disobedience
Was I disobedient to my parents by failing to heed their advice and guidance, especially when it came to decisions affecting our household or family relationships?
As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.
When experiencing frustration within the Catholic community, did I reject the unity of the Church when thinking ill of its members?
Rejecting Church unity due to frustration with individuals is sinful because it confuses the Church's divine nature and eternal truths with the human imperfections of its members, while also violating Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."
Did you intentionally skip an obligation to fast on a designated day, such as Ash Wednesday?
This is considered sinful because deliberately disregarding prescribed days of fasting represents disobedience to Church authority and fails to honor our spiritual obligation to practice self-denial and penance during sacred times.
Did you deliberately disregard the requirement to abstain from certain activities on obligatory days such as Ash Wednesday by skipping those prescribed days?
This is considered sinful because deliberately disregarding prescribed days of fasting represents disobedience to Church authority and fails to honor our spiritual obligation to practice self-denial and penance during sacred times.
Did I use my words to belittle or mock the Church?
Mocking the church shows contempt for Christ's established institution on earth, disrespects the Body of Christ, and undermines the Church's divine authority as guided by the Holy Spirit.
Have I, through my actions and attitudes, dishonored my mother and father?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Have I dishonored my mother through my actions and attitudes, particularly in regards to respecting her authority and guidance in making decisions for our family?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Have I shown disrespect to my mother through my actions, especially when they involve priorities other than family responsibilities?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Condoning
Did you use your words to tell other Catholics it is acceptable to stay away from Sacraments or Mass?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Have I by my words led others to feel comfortable staying away from Sacraments or Mass?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I discourage other practicing Catholics from receiving Sacraments or participating in Mass?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I permit my child to persist in a wrong path by failing to address their mistakes, even if it meant having an uncomfortable conversation?
Permitting a child to continue in error by avoiding difficult conversations is sinful because it neglects our God-given parental duty to guide and form our children's moral and spiritual development, placing our own comfort above their eternal wellbeing.
Did you condone a funeral service where human remains were not properly buried?
Failing to advocate for proper burial of human remains is considered sinful as the Church teaches that the body is sacred and deserves reverent burial, with scattering or keeping remains being contrary to the dignity of the human body and resurrection belief.
Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences?
Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.
Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences through their activities, social media use, or other digital platforms?
Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.
Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences by sharing access to technology without proper supervision?
Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.
Did you condone another Catholic to marry outside the Church by your words?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I fail to correct another Catholic for marrying outside the Church, allowing them to proceed with their plans without advising or warning them of the potential consequences?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I endorse or justify abortion or euthanasia through my words, in any social conversation or discussion?
It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.
Uncharity
Have I turned away from strangers who are in need, particularly those who are displaced?
Per the corporal works of mercy, we are to love our neighbors by feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless and respecting their dignity especially in times of hardship.
Do you turn away from those in need, including strangers and those who are displaced?
Per the corporal works of mercy, we are to love our neighbors by feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless and respecting their dignity especially in times of hardship.
Do I look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Do I look down upon others based on their career stage, job type, or nationality?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Do I look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait, showing a lack of respect and love for those who are different from me?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Did your thoughts, words, and actions prioritize your own needs over those of your family, friends, or community?
This is considered sinful because excessive self-focus and selfishness violates Christ's command to love our neighbors as ourselves and contradicts the Christian call to practice charity, compassion, and self-sacrifice for others.
Did you prioritize your own desires over others' needs in making decisions about how to spend time, money, or energy?
This is considered sinful because excessive self-focus and selfishness violates Christ's command to love our neighbors as ourselves and contradicts the Christian call to practice charity, compassion, and self-sacrifice for others.
Have I treated others, particularly those in my life through online interactions and social gatherings, as children of God?
Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.
Did I lose my patience when interacting with others in public, such as while hiking or at social events?
Losing patience with others fails to reflect God's infinite patience with us and violates Christ's command to love our neighbor, instead allowing anger and frustration to override charity and kindness.
Did I lose my patience with those closest to me, failing to reflect God's infinite patience with us and violating Christ's command to love our neighbors?
Losing patience with others fails to reflect God's infinite patience with us and violates Christ's command to love our neighbor, instead allowing anger and frustration to override charity and kindness.
Did you permit someone else to be treated unfairly?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Did I permit someone else to be treated unfairly in my presence?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Did I permit someone to be subjected to unjust treatment?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, particularly during times of crisis or financial struggle when they are most vulnerable?
Failing to help those in need violates Christ's direct command to love our neighbor and care for the poor, effectively refusing to recognize Jesus Himself in the suffering of others.
Have I demonstrated compassion and practical assistance to those around me in need, such as neighbors, friends, and members of my community?
Failing to help those in need violates Christ's direct command to love our neighbor and care for the poor, effectively refusing to recognize Jesus Himself in the suffering of others.
Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in my daily life, such as neighbors, acquaintances, or fellow community members, demonstrating Christ's love for His people by being a good Samaritan?
Failing to help those in need violates Christ's direct command to love our neighbor and care for the poor, effectively refusing to recognize Jesus Himself in the suffering of others.
Lukewarmness
Am I uninterested in growing in my faith, especially when I could be more intentional about my relationship with God amidst the comforts of daily life and various pursuits?
Lukewarmness in spiritual growth is sinful because one essentially chooses comfort and mediocrity over the transformative love God offers, which Jesus specifically warned against in Revelation 3:16.
Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my commitment to loving and serving God, especially when faced with everyday challenges and demands that require a deeper devotion and love for Him?
We tend to sin by failing in effort to know and love God while exerting other efforts on worldly things.
Merciless
Have you spoken poorly or condemned others, judging them harshly without considering their struggles and weaknesses?
Condemning others is a sin of mercilessness because it places oneself in God's role as judge and denies others the same mercy and forgiveness that God extends to all of us.
Callousness
Did I neglect to help someone in need when they were suffering, despite having the means to provide assistance?
As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.
Did you turn away from caring for someone who was ill?
This is sinful because it violates Jesus's direct command to care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) and fails to fulfill our fundamental Christian duty to show compassion and mercy to those who are suffering.
Did you intentionally turn away from caring for someone who was suffering?
This is sinful because it violates Jesus's direct command to care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) and fails to fulfill our fundamental Christian duty to show compassion and mercy to those who are suffering.
Did you fail to care for someone who was suffering and in need, turning away from them?
This is sinful because it violates Jesus's direct command to care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) and fails to fulfill our fundamental Christian duty to show compassion and mercy to those who are suffering.
Sloth
Did I neglect to provide assistance to those who needed it?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did I turn away from those who needed my help when they were in need?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Have I neglected to guide my child toward knowing Christ?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
Have I failed to guide my child toward knowing Christ, even when it would have been easy for me to share my faith and values in everyday moments?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
Have I neglected to provide my child with guidance in their spiritual development?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing?
Neglecting family duties is considered sinful because it violates both divine law and natural law, where God entrusts us with specific responsibilities to nurture, protect, and care for our family members as part of our fundamental Christian vocation.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing in our daily life together?
Neglecting family duties is considered sinful because it violates both divine law and natural law, where God entrusts us with specific responsibilities to nurture, protect, and care for our family members as part of our fundamental Christian vocation.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing, potentially leading to neglect or imbalance in our relationships?
Neglecting family duties is considered sinful because it violates both divine law and natural law, where God entrusts us with specific responsibilities to nurture, protect, and care for our family members as part of our fundamental Christian vocation.
Did I neglect my child's religious education by failing to provide them with a proper understanding of Catholic teachings?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did I fail to provide my child(ren) with regular guidance on their religious education?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did I fail to provide spiritual guidance and direction to my child's education?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did I fail to make daily prayer a priority in my busy life?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did you intentionally deprioritize and skip Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, choosing worldly priorities over our highest obligation to worship God?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did I deprioritize and skip Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, showing ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice by prioritizing worldly engagements over my highest obligation to worship God?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Vainglory
Did I give alms in order to be complimented by others?
Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.
Did I seek personal gain from giving alms, using it as an opportunity to brag about my generosity?
Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.
Theft
Did I intentionally fail to pay my debts to others, thereby committing theft through omission?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did I intentionally omit paying debts that were owed to others?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did I intentionally fail to pay my financial commitments on time?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did you help others steal?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did I encourage others to steal? While not personally stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did I enable others to steal by my actions?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Have I stolen anything that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value?
Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.
Have you done something that would be considered stealing, regardless of its value?
Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.
Have I taken something that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value?
Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.
Did I avoid paying others a just price for my services, goods, or labor?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
Did I avoid paying others a fair price in my business dealings?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
Did I fail to pay others a fair price in business transactions?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
False Witness
Did I misrepresent myself to gain an advantage?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Have I misrepresented myself to gain an advantage, intentionally deceiving others through my words?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I intentionally misrepresent myself to others for personal gain?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I deceive others through dishonest words, actions, or behaviors?
Deceiving others is a form of bearing false witness, damages trust between people, and breaks down human relationships that should reflect God's truth and love.
Did I deceive others in my words, actions, or online presence?
Deceiving others is a form of bearing false witness, damages trust between people, and breaks down human relationships that should reflect God's truth and love.
Did I lead others to believe something untrue about me through my actions?
Deceiving others is a form of bearing false witness, damages trust between people, and breaks down human relationships that should reflect God's truth and love.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in informal conversations, particularly those that involve sharing unverified information or gossip?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others' words and actions in social situations, online communities, or conversations with friends and acquaintances?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in social settings, online forums, or through my words to friends, family, or acquaintances?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Resent
Did I become sterilized?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Did you intentionally become sterilized?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Do I seek to resentfully desire that others fail in their pursuits?
Preventing others' success is sinful because it's the resentful desire to deprive others of their blessings because their achievements make us feel inferior or threatened in comparison.
Do you allow thoughts of retaliation to harbor bitterness in your heart towards others?
Entertaining thoughts of revenge is sinful because it rejects Christ's teaching of forgiveness and love of enemies, choosing instead to harbor malice and a desire for personal retaliation rather than leaving justice to God.
Did I harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me in my daily life?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Have I held resentment against those who have wronged me in my thoughts?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Have you, in your thoughts, harbored any resentment towards those who have wronged me?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Did you deny forgiveness to someone who wronged you, such as a sibling or friend in your life?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Did I deny forgiveness to someone who wronged me, especially in situations where holding onto resentment has hindered our relationships or my ability to pray for them?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Have I had actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage, through physical contact or visual representations?
While our sexual nature is a gift, using it to indulge in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.
Did I abandon my Catholic faith for any length of time, rejecting God's revealed truth and covenant relationship established through baptism?
This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
Did you deliberately reject God's revealed truth in your thoughts for any length of time?
This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
Did I willfully reject my Catholic faith for any length of time, even if only in thought?
This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
Lust
Did you give yourself over to the temptation of lust by interacting with pornography?
Interacting with pornography reduces human beings to mere objects for personal gratification, violating their inherent dignity and worth as children of God.
Have you reduced others to their physical appearance, usefulness, or what they could do for me, rather than seeing their full humanity?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Did I view others primarily in terms of their usefulness, entertainment value, or what they could do for me, rather than seeing them as full members of my community?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Have I had actual or simulated sexual acts outside of my marriage?
While our sexual nature is a gift, using it to indulge in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.
Have I engaged in any actual or simulated acts outside of marriage that give rise to lust?
While our sexual nature is a gift, using it to indulge in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.
Prodigality
Have I excessively wasted time on fleeting diversions that take me away from my spiritual duties?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Have I prioritized indulging in excessive and wasteful gambling over providing for my family's financial needs or fulfilling my own responsibilities?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Do I allow excessive and wasteful gambling to take precedence over my financial obligations and family needs, thereby recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to me and potentially harming our ability to provide for those in need?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Have I prioritized excessive and wasteful spending on myself over providing for my family's needs?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Imprudence
Have I spent excessive time engaging in meaningless pursuits that distract me from growing closer to God and serving others?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Vanity
Did I obsess over my physical appearance?
Excessive focus on physical appearance reflects vanity and can indicate a lack of trust in God's creation of you as inherently worthy.
Sensuality
Did I desire worldly experiences over growth in faith?
Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.
Did I desire worldly experiences over growth in my spiritual life?
Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.
Did I desire worldly experiences over growth in faith, prioritizing fleeting pleasures above eternal well-being?
Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.
Did you deliberately use controlled substances to detach from reality?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Did I intentionally use controlled substances to numb myself from life's challenges?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Do I prioritize my own desires and pleasures over a genuine relationship with God in my daily life?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Do I prioritize my own pleasures over the joy that comes from living for God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Do you allow desires for pleasure and enjoyment to distract you from your relationship with God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Do I give priority to my own desires for physical comfort, entertainment, and relaxation over my relationship with God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Do you prioritize your own physical or emotional gratification over nourishing your relationship with God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Effeminacy
Did you sacrifice your authentic self by conforming to others' expectations, rather than staying true to what you know is right?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did I remain silent about Church teachings in order to avoid discomfort or conflict, rather than speaking out boldly in defense of Truth?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Did you remain silent about Church teachings to avoid discomfort among your family, friends, and community?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Did I remain silent about Church teachings to avoid speaking up in social situations where my opinions might differ from others?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Scandal
Did I try to lead someone else into sinful behavior through my actions?
Leading others to sin (also called "scandal") is sinful because it actively harms another person's soul by encouraging them away from God, making you spiritually responsible both for your own sin and for potentially damaging another's relationship with God.
Impenitence
Have I refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing after realizing it, even when confronted by myself?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I clung to my unwillingness to change, refusing to admit my wrongdoing and seek forgiveness?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I refused to acknowledge my own wrongdoing, clinging to prideful excuses rather than seeking God's mercy?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Blasphemy
Did you swear to God in moments of frustration, anger, or surprise?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did I use God's holy name to swear in a manner that disrespects His reverence?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did I receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin, especially after engaging in activities that may have compromised my spiritual well-being?
This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.
Did I receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin, profaning the real presence of Christ and showing grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily?
This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.
Did I speak the name of God, such as Jesus, in vain, using it as an idle phrase or a curse?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Have you spoken the name of Jesus or God, either alone or in company, as a byword or curse?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Did you use Jesus' name or God's name carelessly in conversation or as an expression, thereby showing disrespect for His divine nature?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Ambition
Did I let my desire for power and dominance influence my decisions in relationships and family life, potentially leading me to prioritize control over humility and trust?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Did I let my desire for power and dominance influence how I relate to those in positions of authority, such as leaders or influencers?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Greed
Did I make accumulation of money and possessions a driving force in my life, such that it overshadows trust in God's providence?
This sin makes money an idol that replaces trust in God's providence, turning what should be a tool for good into an object of worship.
Did I make accumulating money and possessions a driving force in my life, so that it takes precedence over trusting in God's providence?
This sin makes money an idol that replaces trust in God's providence, turning what should be a tool for good into an object of worship.
Did I make accumulating possessions a driving force in my life, making them an idol that replaces trust in God's providence?
This sin makes money an idol that replaces trust in God's providence, turning what should be a tool for good into an object of worship.
Oppression
Did I unfairly treat others through my words, actions, or behaviors?
It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.
Autonomy
Did I take for granted the good things in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did I take for granted the good things in my family's life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did I harbor doubts about my own identity, created by questioning God's existence?
Deliberately entertaining doubts about God's existence is a sin against faith because it questions the most fundamental truth of our faith and shows a lack of trust in God's clear self-revelation through creation, scripture, and the Church's teachings.
Have I relied solely on my own abilities in planning, preparing for, or participating in outdoor activities and hobbies, without acknowledging a need for God's guidance and support?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Envy
Have I envied others' blessings, such as their success in my field, their financial stability, or their relationships, and secretly wished they would lose these benefits?
Envy leads us to have discontent for another's possessions so we won't feel the pain of comparison or perceived lack in our own lives.
Have I resented others' accomplishments, silently wishing they had failed to achieve them?
Envy leads us to have discontent for another's possessions so we won't feel the pain of comparison or perceived lack in our own lives.
Have I fixated on coveting others' possessions, dwelling on thoughts of what I don't have rather than being grateful for what I possess?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Incontinence
Did I lack self-control and speak to others with vulgar or inappropriate language when sharing my experiences from social events, parties, or online communities?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did you lack self-control in your words to others, using language that is crude or unbecoming?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did you lack self-control when speaking to others with impulsive, hurtful, or thoughtless words?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Gluttony
Have you overindulged in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did I overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, perhaps to excess at social gatherings, parties, or when trying out new restaurants?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Have you overindulged in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, neglecting the balance necessary for overall well-being?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Gossip
Have I taken pleasure in discussing others' faults or private affairs, even if what I shared was true, especially within my social circle where everyone knows each other's business?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I taken pleasure in sharing others' private affairs through casual conversations, even if what was shared was true?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I taken pleasure in discussing private details from social media, parties, or gatherings that were not meant for public knowledge?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Anger
Have I nursed anger or held onto feelings of rage towards my loved ones, rather than seeking reconciliation and understanding in our relationships?
Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.
Impurity
Did you intentionally use practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy outside of the unitive and procreative purposes of your marriage?
This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.
Have I dressed in a way that offends my dignity, potentially leading to impure thoughts in myself or others?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I dressed immodestly in ways that reflect poorly on my dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Infidelity
Have I broken my marriage vows by doing something that could damage trust in our relationship?
Fidelity in marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant made before God - not just a contract between people, thus breaking vows is seen as a betrayal of both divine and human trust.
Fornication
Did I have any non-marital sex that may be considered fornication?
While the sexual natures are a gift, it's a sin to stray away from their ordering toward the unitive and procreative nature within marriage.
Violence
Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused harm, pain, or suffering to someone else?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that brought physical, emotional, or spiritual pain to someone else through my actions?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly caused pain or suffering to someone through my actions?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Adultery
Have I entertained feelings toward someone else's spouse?
This sin undermines the sacred bond of marriage by treating another person as an object of desire rather than respecting their dignity and commitment to their spouse.
Murder
Did I participate in an abortion?
It's a grave sin to actively participate in the intentional taking of another's life, which robs the gift of life that was granted to others by God.
Sorcery
Have I had dealings, interacted, consulted, or sought guidance from mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Have I engaged with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards in any way?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Have I sought guidance through mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Presumption
Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change, especially when faced with challenges and temptations that arise from your daily life, relationships, and career goals?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change your ways, even when trying new things like outdoor activities, social sports, or exploring new restaurants and cuisines?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you deliberately persist in taking God's forgiveness for granted without making any effort to change your life, counting on His mercy alone?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you procrastinate going to confession while in a state of sin, thereby recklessly endangering your soul's salvation and showing contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation?
Deliberately delaying confession while in mortal sin is a serious offense because it recklessly endangers your soul's salvation, shows contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation, and demonstrates prideful presumption that you'll have time later to repent.
Did you willfully put off going to confession, while knowing that you were in need of forgiveness for your sins?
Deliberately delaying confession while in mortal sin is a serious offense because it recklessly endangers your soul's salvation, shows contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation, and demonstrates prideful presumption that you'll have time later to repent.
Apostasy
Have you explicitly rejected God's existence, either within yourself or in conversation with others?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you explicitly denied God's existence, either internally or to others, in any context?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you explicitly rejected God's existence, either through thoughts or words that denied His presence, after having received the sacrament of Baptism?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Impiety
Did I fail to always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament in my daily life, even when it seemed unimportant or inconvenient?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Did I fail to always show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament, especially in moments of silence or private devotion?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Did you fail to always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament, particularly in those moments when attending Mass or visiting it?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.