A Catholic Examination of Conscience
18-24 Married 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: 14 minutes
Disobedience
Was I disobedient to my parents?
As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.
Have I rejected the unity of the Church when frustrated by certain aspects of its teachings or members, particularly those that relate to social justice and equality?
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 I reject the unity of the Church when frustrated by conflicts within my community, workplace, or social circles?
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 obligatory day of fasting, 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 I use 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.
Did I speak disrespectfully about 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 shown disrespect to my mother through my actions and attitudes?
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 through my deeds dishonored my mother?
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
Have I, through my words, condoned other 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 ever encourage fellow Catholics to neglect receiving Sacraments or attending 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 you, through words, lead fellow Catholics to think it 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.
Did I permit others to continue in error by failing to address their mistakes, even when it would have required a difficult 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 where human remains were not 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 condone a funeral by allowing human remains to be disposed of in a way that dishonored their dignity?
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 fail to advise another Catholic against marrying outside the Church?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I give my consent to another Catholic marrying 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 allow others to be burdened by my work on a Sunday, which is a day meant for rest and worship?
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 you endorse or justify abortion? Consider your words, conversations, social media interactions, and discussions with friends and family that may have supported or condoned this grave act.
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 turn away from those who are in need, particularly strangers and displaced individuals?
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 in my thoughts?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Have I looked 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 job, nationality, or other trait, failing to treat them with love and dignity as children of God?
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 you prioritize your own interests over others' needs in situations where you had to make difficult decisions?
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 let my own desires and needs take precedence over those of others in need?
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 shown disrespect towards others, considering them as children of God, through my thoughts and words?
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 with others, especially in situations where I was feeling frustrated or overwhelmed?
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 fail to stand up for someone else being 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 others 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.
Have I failed to assist those who were in need of assistance?
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 neglected to lend my assistance to those who were in genuine need of 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, especially during times of crisis or hardship?
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 life who are experiencing financial struggles or material need, such as friends, acquaintances, or individuals encountered through volunteering for social causes.
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 friends, acquaintances, or community members who are struggling with various needs?
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 spiritually?
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 engaging in activities that could draw me closer to Him?
We tend to sin by failing in effort to know and love God while exerting other efforts on worldly things.
Merciless
Did I speak harshly against those who disagree with me?
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.
Have I spoken harshly or judgmentally about 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.
Did you deny forgiveness to someone who wronged you through unkind words or actions?
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.
Callousness
Did I fail to provide for someone who was suffering when they needed my means?
As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.
Did I use harsh words to someone who wronged me, refusing them forgiveness?
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 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 showing compassion to 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.
Sloth
Did I neglect those who needed my assistance?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Have I failed to guide my child toward knowing Christ, by neglecting my responsibility as their primary educator in matters of faith?
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 taking genuine care for those who depend on me?
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 spouse's genuine needs and well-being in our marriage?
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, potentially hindering their spiritual growth and development?
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 neglect my child's religious education by failing to provide them with regular instruction in the 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 you deprioritize your duty to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, choosing instead to engage in worldly pursuits or 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.
Did you deprioritize attending Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation for reasons that were worldly, superficial, or unimportant?
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 deliberately deprioritize my commitment to Sunday or Holy Day Mass, choosing instead to focus on worldly pursuits or 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.
Vainglory
Did I allow myself to be motivated by personal gain while 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 social reputation and gaining human admiration 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 gaining social media followers and likes 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 impressing my social media followers than pleasing God? (This question maintains the exact noun "honor" and verb "Am" of the original while considering the demographic's traits and experiences, especially their social life and online presence.)
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.
Did you publicly distance yourself from your faith when faced with social pressure or discomfort that made you feel like hiding or downplaying your Catholic beliefs?
This is a public betrayal of Jesus' teaching that "whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven," effectively choosing human respect over fidelity to God.
Theft
Did you intentionally fail to pay debts 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 you intentionally fail to pay debts 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 you intentionally fail to pay your 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 assist others in stealing something?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did I assist in obtaining something that did not belong to others?
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 does not 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, while engaging in or due to my involvement in online communities related to hobbies?
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 goods or services I purchased?
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 my personal or professional life?
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 misrepresent myself to gain an advantage in personal relationships?
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 through my words 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 intentionally cause others to believe something that is not true?
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 cause others to believe something false by my words, actions, or silence?
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 through my words in social settings or casual conversations?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I intentionally exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in my personal relationships, social media interactions, or professional settings?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I misrepresented others, spoken falsely about them, or exaggerated their words or actions in social gatherings, online communities, or conversations with friends and acquaintances?
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.
Do I nurture jealousy in others by being resentful when they succeed?
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.
Did I harbor any bitterness towards 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."
Did I abandon my Catholic faith for any length of time, deliberately turning away from 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.
Have I willfully rejected God's truth by 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.
Sensuality
Did I allow worldly pursuits to supersede my growth in spiritual maturity?
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 let worldly pursuits and desires overshadow my desire for spiritual growth and deepening my relationship with God?
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 deliberately use controlled substances to impair my God-given reason?
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 use controlled substances to escape into an unhealthy world?
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 gratification over my relationship with God, especially in moments when I'm seeking pleasure or relaxation?
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 make choices that elevate my personal desires over seeking God's will in my 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 allow my desires for pleasure and relaxation to distract me from my relationship with God, making them my primary focus?
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 had actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage through physical contact, visual stimulation, or other forms of intimacy?
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.
Effeminacy
Did I deliberately choose to be silent about Church teachings in order to avoid potential conflict or social discomfort?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Scandal
Did I encourage someone else to commit a sinful act?
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 you try to encourage someone else to engage in sinful behavior?
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 admit my wrongdoing, clinging to it instead?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Violence
Did I fail to safeguard my child from influences that could lead them away from our faith?
Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused physical or emotional harm to someone else, whether intentionally or thoughtlessly?
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.
Blasphemy
Did I, in the heat of conversation, swear to God?
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, particularly after engaging in activities that may have compromised my relationship with God?
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 that profaned the real presence of Christ?
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 used the name of God as a curse or blasphemy in my conversations, either online or offline?
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 the name of God as a casual expression or curse, especially in conversation or online interactions?
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 used the name of God, specifically the name of Jesus, in careless conversation or taken it in vain?
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 interacted with others in social settings, such as gatherings with friends or family?
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 success in my career influence how I interact with others, particularly those who may be subordinate to me or in positions of less power?
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
Have I made accumulation of money and possessions a driving force in my life, leading me to idolize material goods 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.
Did I make accumulating money, possessions, and material goods my primary source of fulfillment and happiness?
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 exercise unjust power or authority over others, treating them unfairly or disrespectfully 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.
Lust
Have you reduced others to their appearance, usefulness, or what they could do for me, rather than seeing them in 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 to me, rather than respecting their inherent dignity and value?
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 see others solely in terms of what they could contribute to my own life, rather than respecting their inherent dignity and value?
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 engaged in 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 committed actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage through my thoughts, words, or actions?
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.
Autonomy
Did you take for granted your own abilities and accomplishments, 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 blessings in my life, assuming they were solely due to my own abilities and efforts rather than 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 success in my personal and professional life solely to my own efforts, forgetting that God's providence is at work in every aspect of my existence?
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 harbor thoughts that questioned 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.
Did I solely rely on my own abilities to accomplish tasks without seeking guidance from God's providence?
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 lean solely on my own abilities, failing to acknowledge God's guidance in making key decisions?
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 prioritize my own judgment and decision-making over seeking God's guidance in all matters, relying solely on myself rather than humbly acknowledging my dependence on divine wisdom?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Incontinence
Did you lack self-control and speak to friends, family, or others in your social circles with vulgar or inappropriate language?
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 hurtful, insulting, or off-color language?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did I lack self-control and speak to friends, family, or others with vulgarity or inappropriate language?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Gluttony
Did I overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, demonstrating an excessive attachment to worldly pleasures that rejects 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 to excess, thereby demonstrating an attachment to worldly pleasures that rejects the call to temperance?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Prodigality
Have I used my financial resources in ways that prioritize entertainment over family needs or long-term 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 excessively engaged in gambling, prioritizing it over my financial 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 excessively and wastefully gambled, taking precedence over my financial obligations?
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 or confidential information, even if what I shared was true, without their consent?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I used my words to share others' private affairs, even if what I shared was true?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Impiety
Did I engage in unnecessary labor on a Sunday, thereby failing to respect its holy 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 in my daily interactions, especially when in church or participating in Eucharistic celebrations?
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 the Most Blessed Sacrament, especially during times of busyness or distractions 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 you fail to show reverence for God in your private moments and quiet reflection, such as during Eucharistic Adoration or personal prayer?
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 or held onto feelings of rage, particularly in difficult conversations or disagreements, rather than seeking reconciliation?
Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.
Have I nursed anger in my thoughts, especially when dealing with conflicts or difficulties with others, rather than seeking reconciliation?
Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.
Impurity
Have you used certain practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy?
This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.
Did you use practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy in ways that intentionally separate the unitive and procreative purposes of 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 respects my dignity, particularly in regards to modest attire, and thus avoided fostering impurities of thought or actions in myself?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I dressed in ways that are immodest, yet respect my dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I dressed in a way that exposes my body, tempting lustful thoughts from others?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Infidelity
Did I engage in any conduct that would damage the trust and faithfulness promised in my marriage vows?
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 doing something that could be perceived as a betrayal of trust between me and my partner, or have I made decisions that compromise our commitment to one another?
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 non-procreative sex outside my 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.
Adultery
Have I entertained inappropriate feelings towards someone else's spouse in my interactions with them online or through mutual friends?
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.
Envy
Have I been discontent with what I have and fixate on coveting others' possessions?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Have I been discontent with what I have and fixate on coveting others' possessions, often in comparison to my social media feeds or conversations with friends who share similar interests?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Have I fixated on envying others' possessions, and allowed discontent to fuel my heart's desires?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Murder
Have I participated in an abortion or euthanasia?
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.
Did you 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 you interacted with 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.
Did I interact with individuals who claim to possess knowledge or power from sources other than God, such as 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 interacted with those who claim to possess supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, such as 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, taking God's mercy for granted without making any effort to change your habits or practices?
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.
Have you deliberately persisted in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any genuine effort to change or improve your life through faith and good works?
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.
Have you deliberately persisted in sinful behavior, trusting God's mercy without making genuine efforts to change and grow in faith?
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 delay going to confession while in a state of sin, 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 neglect to confess your sins before receiving Holy Communion, despite being aware of them?
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 through internal doubts or expressed to others in your thoughts, conversations, or writing?
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 private thoughts or public statements?
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 through your thoughts, words, or actions, either publicly or privately?
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.