A Catholic Examination of Conscience
18-24 Committed Woman
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 through actions in situations where guidance was requested?
As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.
Was I disobedient to my parents by refusing to follow their reasonable advice or guidance on matters that concern them?
As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.
Did I reject the unity of the Catholic Church when frustrated with individuals within it?
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 mock the Church in public, online, or social settings?
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.
Did you mistreat, harass, or discriminate against others through your words, actions, or behaviors that demonstrated disrespect for their dignity and autonomy?
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.
Have I dishonored my mother through my actions?
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 by prioritizing independence over guidance?
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, such as prioritizing independence over obedience to her guidance?
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 I advise Catholics from 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 lead other Catholics away from the Sacraments or Mass by my words?
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 ever tell fellow Catholics that it is better for them to receive the Sacraments or attend Mass, rather than staying away from them?
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 younger sibling or peer to continue in error by failing to speak up and correct them when necessary?
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 I allow others' expectations to influence my decisions, causing me to sacrifice what I know is right in order to gain their approval?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did I condone a funeral where the body was not given proper burial?
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.
Have you, in any way, condoned a funeral 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 condone another Catholic to marry outside the Church through my words?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I approve another Catholic to marry outside the Church through my words?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did you condone another Catholic to marry outside the Church through your words, by failing to speak up or advise them of the importance of receiving the sacrament?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I, through my words or social media presence, endorse or justify abortion or euthanasia?
It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.
Did you endorse or justify abortion, possibly through online discussions, social media posts, or conversations with friends?
It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.
Uncharity
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 you 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 people 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.
Did I prioritize my own interests over the needs of others, perhaps by investing more time in social events or activities that benefit me personally rather than serving others?
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 I give more importance to my own interests over others' needs, particularly in situations where they have been affected by my social media activities or spending habits?
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 I prioritize my own social media presence over others' online experiences?
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 I show a lack of patience when interacting with others?
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 allow 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 you permit someone else to be treated unfairly in your social interactions, such as at parties, events, or while hanging out with friends?
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 suffer injustice 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.
Have I not helped those who truly needed help when they were in need?
Refusing to help those in need violates Jesus's direct command to love our neighbor and practice the works of mercy, as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Have I not omitted to provide assistance when those around me needed it?
Refusing to help those in need violates Jesus's direct command to love our neighbor and practice the works of mercy, as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, particularly in situations where individuals are struggling with basic necessities or facing difficulties that might be overlooked by others?
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 need, especially during difficult times when they may be struggling with their own problems?
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 community, such as through volunteering, donating to charity, or simply being present for someone in need.
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.
Merciless
Did I speak harshly or unfairly against others?
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 turn away from those in my community who were suffering and needed my help?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
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 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 neglect someone who was unwell?
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.
Vainglory
Did I seek social media validation for giving alms?
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.
Am I more focused on defending my reputation online and gaining human approval than pleasing God?
Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.
Am I more focused on seeking validation from my social media presence than pleasing God?
Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.
Theft
Did I intentionally fail to pay others their debts?
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 debts, depriving others of what was rightfully theirs?
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 obligations 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 help others steal? This sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity, even if it's done indirectly or through facilitating someone else's actions.
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did you help others steal? (Considered traits from demographic profile: young adults often socialize in group settings, attend events, and engage in activities where items might be misplaced or taken without permission.)
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did I help others steal their belongings by giving them access to my own?
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 I stolen anything that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value, by taking something from someone else's property or account without their permission?
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 pay others a fair price or wage for goods or services I received?
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 shortchange others by paying them less than what they deserved?
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 in social situations?
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 through words to gain an advantage over others?
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 deceive others by misrepresenting myself in order 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.
Did I speak falsely about another?
Slander deliberately damages another person's reputation through false statements, violating both the Eighth Commandment against bearing false witness and Christ's command to love our neighbor.
Have I deceived others by telling them false information that was intended to mislead or manipulate their understanding of a situation?
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 that was not true through my 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 you intentionally misrepresent yourself to others through your words or 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 casual conversations or online interactions?
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 casual conversations or online interactions?
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 online posts, social media updates, or conversations with friends?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Resent
Did you 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 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 I harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me in my personal relationships?
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 I harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me in ways that keep me awake at night?
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 I harbor any grudges against those who have wronged me, fostering feelings of resentment in my heart?
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 I deny forgiveness to someone who wronged me by refusing to let go of my hurt feelings, even after they had apologized?
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 use hurtful words to someone who wronged me?
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 deliberately reject God's revealed truth in my thoughts, abandoning my faith 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.
Effeminacy
Do I fear to speak of Jesus and evangelize others in my daily conversations?
Being ashamed or afraid to proclaim Christ represents a denial of our baptismal call to evangelize, shows lack of trust in God's protection, and fails to fulfill Jesus's command to "go and make disciples of all nations."
Do you fear to say the name of Jesus when discussing Him with friends, peers, or others in casual conversations?
Being ashamed or afraid to proclaim Christ represents a denial of our baptismal call to evangelize, shows lack of trust in God's protection, and fails to fulfill Jesus's command to "go and make disciples of all nations."
Did I compromise my beliefs in order to gain approval from others rather than standing firm in what I know is right?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Retaliation
Do I hold onto thoughts of revenge, especially in difficult relationships or online interactions?
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.
Lust
Did I engage in mental or emotional arousal through exposure to, or use of, pornography?
Interacting with pornography reduces human beings to mere objects for personal gratification, violating their inherent dignity and worth as children of God.
Have I reduced others to mere objects, useful only for my own gratification, rather than treating them as human beings worthy of love and respect?
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 you reduce others to mere objects, treating them solely for their usefulness or entertainment value rather than acknowledging their inherent dignity?
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 marriage, particularly through casual dating or short-term relationships?
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.
Imprudence
Have I spent excessive time on meaningless distractions, squandering the precious time God has given me for meaningful spiritual growth and service to 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 allow worldly experiences to dominate my thoughts and desires?
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 allow worldly desires to dominate my thoughts, leading me away from spiritual growth?
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 use controlled substances to escape 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 deliberately use controlled substances to impair my God-given reason and free will, rather than facing life's challenges with faith?
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 allow myself to seek constant pleasure and entertainment, prioritizing my own desires 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 I prioritize my own desires and pleasures over my spiritual 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 desires for emotional and physical gratification 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.
Have I engaged in simulated or actual acts that are contrary to my marriage vows, particularly through digital means such as online interactions or relationships?
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.
Scandal
Did I attempt to lead someone else into doing something sinful?
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.
Did I try to encourage someone else to commit a sinful act, perhaps by suggesting they engage in behaviors that would lead them away from God?
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 held onto a particular sin, refusing to admit my wrongdoing?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I refused to admit wrongdoing, clinging instead to my selfish pride?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing, even in private thoughts?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Sloth
Have I failed 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 by neglecting opportunities for spiritual guidance in their daily life, prioritizing secular pursuits over faith-based education?
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 our relationship'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 desires ahead of my partner's genuine needs and well-being?
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 desires ahead of my partner'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.
Did I neglect my child's religious education by not prioritizing their spiritual formation alongside their secular pursuits?
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 formation for my own child's faith?
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 time for prayer each day, allowing my relationship with God to become neglected?
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 neglect to prioritize daily prayer, allowing your relationship with God to grow stale?
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 deliberately deprioritize your obligation to God by skipping Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation?
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 Sunday Mass for worldly pursuits, such as spending time with friends or engaging in leisure activities?
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.
Blasphemy
Did you swear to God?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did I swear to God in anger, frustration, or disrespect?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did I swear to God in a moment of frustration, anxiety, or anger?
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 mortal sin due to my intentional actions and choices during social gatherings or events?
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 grave sin, having possibly compromised my spiritual purity through various temptations or poor choices?
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, having committed actions that profaned the real presence of Christ and showed grave disrespect for the sacrament through my own deliberate choices?
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.
Have I spoken God's name lightly, using it as a curse word in conversation with others?
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 how I interact with others, particularly in social situations where there is a strong need to assert myself or achieve status?
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 influence decisions and interactions with those around me, particularly in situations where I sought to assert control or dominance?
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 my pursuit of social status and online influence lead me to desire power over others in my relationships, especially in situations where I feel pressure or competition?
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 accumulating money and possessions my driving force in life?
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 my spending habits and accumulation of possessions a driving force in my life, prioritizing material wealth over 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
Have I mistreated, harassed, or discriminated against others through my words, actions, or behavior in social settings?
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.
Have I ever mistreated, harassed, or discriminated against others through my words or actions?
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 you take for granted the good things in your 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 relationships, 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 attribute my successes in social life, career, and finances solely to my own efforts and abilities, forgetting that God's providence is ultimately responsible for these blessings?
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 you entertain doubts about God's existence in your mind, particularly when faced with challenging circumstances or uncertainties that test your faith?
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.
Did I trust solely in my own abilities, neglecting to recognize my dependence on God's grace?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Did I trust solely in my own abilities, neglecting to acknowledge God's grace and my dependence on Him?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Did I attribute my accomplishments, skills, and successes solely to my own abilities, failing to acknowledge my dependence on divine guidance?
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 felt envious when seeing others' success, accomplishments, or possessions?
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 been envious of others' possessions and fixated on coveting them?
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 in a manner that used vulgar or inappropriate language, thereby violating their dignity?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did I speak to others with an intention that lacked self-control and used language that was vulgar or inappropriate?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did I lack self-control and speak to others with language that was crude or unbecoming, thereby violating their dignity?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Gluttony
Have I overindulged in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, leading to an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and a rejection of the call to temperance?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did you overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, particularly during social gatherings, events, or when spending time with friends?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did you overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, particularly when spending time with friends at social gatherings?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Prodigality
Have I excessively spent money on frivolous pursuits that compromise my financial obligations, family needs, and 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.
Have I excessive and wasteful gambling to take precedence over my financial responsibilities, potentially harming my ability to provide for myself and others?
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 placed excessive and wasteful pursuits over my financial obligations, potentially harming my ability to provide for myself and others?
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.
Gossip
Have I taken pleasure in sharing others' private affairs through words, even if what I shared was true?
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, even if what I shared was true, through social media or conversations?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I indulged in discussing others' private affairs, even if what I shared was true, for my own amusement or to gain attention from friends?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Impiety
Did I allow unnecessary work on a Sunday, thereby disrespecting its sacred character?
It's irreverent to work on a Sunday as it's a holy day of rest, worship, and a day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money (CCC).
Did I fail to show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament when neglecting opportunities to honor it in my daily life?
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 show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament in my daily life, despite knowing it is a sacred and holy presence?
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 show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament when engaging in leisure activities that distracted your attention away from God?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Anger
Have I nursed anger towards those close to me, rather than seeking reconciliation?
Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.
Have I nursed anger in my heart, allowing it to consume me and causing harm to myself or others?
Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.
Impurity
Did you use certain practices to prevent pregnancy?
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 respects my dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I dressed in a way that respects my dignity, especially when dressing for social events or gatherings?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I dressed immodestly, in a way that disrespects my own dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Infidelity
Have I broken my marriage vows by engaging in infidelity through my deeds?
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.
Have I broken my marriage vows by committing infidelity through deeds?
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.
Have I entertained feelings toward someone else's spouse that could lead to thoughts of infidelity?
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.
Fornication
Have I engaged in non-procreative sex outside of marriage?
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.
Did I ever engage in non-procreative sex outside of marriage?
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.
Have I engaged in any non-procreative sexual relationships outside of marriage?
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 done things that hurt someone else's feelings or brought them pain, even if it was unintentional at first?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that cause harm to someone else through my words, actions, or behaviors, potentially damaging their dignity and well-being?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Lukewarmness
Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my pursuit of true devotion to God, when engaging in activities that bring me joy and fulfillment?
We tend to sin by failing in effort to know and love God while exerting other efforts on worldly things.
Murder
Did I ever condone abortion or euthanasia, perhaps through conversations or discussions on social media?
It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.
Sorcery
Have I interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards through words, writings, or online activities?
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 interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards in a way that seeks to bypass God's providence and divine will through forbidden means?
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 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.
Presumption
Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change through your activities, relationships, or daily experiences?
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 social media habits or online presence?
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 thinking that God's mercy would excuse your lack of effort to change, without actually making any attempt to alter your thoughts or actions?
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, demonstrating a presumptuous attitude that neglects your spiritual well-being?
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 put off going to confession, intentionally delaying your reconciliation with God when you were aware of having committed mortal sin?
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 the existence of God, either internally through doubts or in conversations 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 rejected the existence of God, either through internal thoughts or external expressions, in your conversations or online presence?
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 your thoughts, words, or actions, in any public setting where others might be influenced by such a declaration?
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.