A Catholic Examination of Conscience
25-34 Married Mother with Children Under 18
In preparing for confession, please read through the examination questions and explanations thoughtfully, reflecting on each point and honestly identifying where you've fallen short of God's call in your life. You may click and remove any irrelevant ones as you proceed. Take mental note of any serious sins that require confession, focusing on being thorough but not scrupulous, then use these insights to make a complete and sincere confession to your priest.
Updated: December 3, 2024
Read Time: 15 minutes
Disobedience
Was I disobedient to my parents by refusing to follow their rules and instructions, especially when it came to taking care of our children?
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 failing to carry out their requests in a timely manner?
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 neglecting their authority in managing the household?
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 Church when frustrated with members of my community?
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 in my thoughts when frustrated by the imperfections of fellow believers?
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 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.
Did I speak disparagingly 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 dishonored my mother through my actions and attitudes, particularly in regards to listening to her guidance on parenting decisions and taking her values and life lessons into account?
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 actions that were contrary to her wishes?
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 and father through my actions, words, and attitudes in our home?
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, through my words, encourage or allow other Catholics to stay away from the 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 use my words to encourage other Catholics to stay away from 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 fail to provide necessary support or assistance when someone in your community, such as a neighbor or acquaintance, was struggling with difficulties that you had the means to alleviate?
As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.
Did I fail to correct my child's error due to fear of having an uncomfortable conversation?
Permitting a child to continue in error by avoiding difficult conversations is sinful because it neglects our God-given parental duty to guide and form our children's moral and spiritual development, placing our own comfort above their eternal wellbeing.
Did I fail to correct my child's mistake by avoiding an uncomfortable conversation, rather than guiding them towards the truth?
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 permit something to be done in a way that dishonored the dignity of human remains, particularly by failing to ensure proper burial at a funeral?
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 through their online interactions, social media, or peer relationships?
Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.
Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences in our home, which could potentially lead them away from faith or into sin?
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, by my words, condone another Catholic's decision to marry outside of 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 approval to another Catholic through my words, thereby condoning them for marrying outside of the Church?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Adultery
Did you forgo a valid Catholic marriage with someone other than your spouse?
For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.
Did you forgo a valid Catholic marriage by entering into a non-sacramental union, such as a civil marriage or cohabitation?
For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.
Uncharity
Do I look down upon others based on their job, income level, or other distinguishing characteristic?
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 nationality, job title, or other characteristics that can be perceived as "different" from my own?
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', such as your family's needs, when making decisions or allocating time and resources?
This is considered sinful because excessive self-focus and selfishness violates Christ's command to love our neighbors as ourselves and contradicts the Christian call to practice charity, compassion, and self-sacrifice for others.
Did you prioritize your own interests over the needs and well-being of your family, especially in moments when they required support or compromise from you?
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.
Do I treat others as less than worthy of my respect and kindness, thereby showing disrespect for their dignity as children of God?
Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.
Do I speak to others in a way that shows disdain for their dignity as children of God?
Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.
Did I lose my patience with others in times of frustration, fatigue, or stress?
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 speak harshly to my family members when I lost patience with them?
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.
Have I lost my patience when dealing with the demands and needs of those around me?
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 permit someone else to be treated unfairly, perhaps by failing to intervene when I had the opportunity?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Did I permit someone to be treated unfairly in my daily interactions?
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 allow an injustice to occur in someone else's life?
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 intentionally neglected to assist those in need when they sought my help?
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, such as family members, neighbors, or community members who are struggling financially, emotionally, or physically?
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 struggling, such as family members, neighbors, or friends facing difficulties?
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 critically or harshly about others, leading them to feel condemned or belittled?
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 publicly shamed or condemned others through my words, without offering them kindness, compassion, or understanding?
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 you fail to provide necessary aid or support when someone in your community was suffering, despite having the means to do so?
As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.
Sloth
Did I deliberately choose to ignore those who were ill and needed my help?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did I turn away from those who were in need of my help?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did I turn away from those who were in need of assistance?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Have I neglected to lead my child in prayer, resulting in their being unfamiliar with Christ's teachings?
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 regularly teach my child the faith, especially through our daily interactions?
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 the genuine needs and well-being of those entrusted to 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 interests ahead of my responsibilities to nurture, protect, and 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.
Did I neglect my child's religious education by failing to establish a regular routine for teaching them about our 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 provide a nurturing environment that fosters my child's spiritual growth through regular prayer, teaching, and example?
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 deprioritize my obligation to attend Mass on Sundays or Holy Days, choosing to prioritize worldly activities over worshiping God?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did I deliberately deprioritize my Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation to pursue leisure activities, worldly commitments, or personal interests over my duty to worship God?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did you deprioritize your commitment to God by skipping Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, choosing to prioritize worldly activities instead?
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 seek praise from others when helping my family, particularly in matters related to our children?
Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.
Did I seek praise for sharing my family's charitable efforts?
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 receiving praise and admiration from others, such as family, friends, or social media followers, than pleasing God in my words and actions?
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 winning approval from my family and friends than pleasing God? Is my desire for human recognition or praise influencing how I behave in front of others, especially when I'm doing something for the first time?
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 others through my parenting, household management, and 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 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 that others were counting on?
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 what is 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 help others steal from them?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did you aid others in stealing?
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 things from them?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Have I, through my deeds, 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 taken something that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value?
Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.
Did you avoid paying others a fair price?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
Did I avoid paying others a fair price or wage through my own deeds?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
Did I avoid paying others a fair price or wage, taking advantage of them through my actions?
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 a social setting, potentially leading to strained relationships or loss of trust among friends, family, or acquaintances?
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 say something that was not true in order 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 you deliberately misrepresent yourself to others for personal gain?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I deceive others by intentionally misleading them through my 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 lied to others through my 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 exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in informal conversations, particularly when defending my own opinions or interests?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented others through my words in formal or informal situations?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in informal conversations or through digital communication?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth about others' opinions, advice, or experiences in informal conversations or online discussions?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I exaggerated, misrepresented, or lied about others to my spouse, family members, friends, or social acquaintances in conversations, gossip, or online interactions?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Resent
Did I become sterilized without first considering God's plan for my reproductive gifts?
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 become sterilized, thereby deliberately altering my natural fertility in defiance of God's plan for my life?
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 others who have wronged me, particularly those closest to my family or community?
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 in my thoughts towards those who have wronged me, failing to love them as Christ commands?
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 refuse to pardon 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.
Effeminacy
Do you fear to say the name of Jesus and preach the gospel in your daily conversations, especially with those closest to you?
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 I fear to speak Jesus' name in front of my family, especially when sharing my faith with them?
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 to gain approval from others rather than upholding what I know to be right in my family relationships?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did I compromise my beliefs to gain my family's approval rather than upholding what I know to be right, potentially leading to moral cowardice?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did you compromise your beliefs to avoid conflict or criticism from others, rather than standing firm in what you know to be right?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did you remain silent about Church teachings to avoid discomfort or conflict in your personal relationships, especially those within your household?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Did I fail to speak up about Church teachings in order to avoid confrontation or disagreement, even when doing so would have been a witness to Truth?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Retaliation
Do you harbor thoughts of retaliation when feeling wronged by others?
Entertaining thoughts of revenge is sinful because it rejects Christ's teaching of forgiveness and love of enemies, choosing instead to harbor malice and a desire for personal retaliation rather than leaving justice to God.
Do I nurture thoughts of revenge towards others?
Entertaining thoughts of revenge is sinful because it rejects Christ's teaching of forgiveness and love of enemies, choosing instead to harbor malice and a desire for personal retaliation rather than leaving justice to God.
Imprudence
Have I wasted my time on frivolous activities that distract me from nurturing my faith and serving others?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Have I wasted my time on frivolous pursuits that could have been used for personal growth, serving others, or nurturing meaningful relationships?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Have I spent my family's time on meaningless distractions, squandering the precious moments God has given us 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.
Sensuality
Did I prioritize 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 use controlled substances to impair my own freedom and judgment?
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 you deliberately use controlled substances to impair your 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.
Do I prioritize my own desires for physical gratification, such as exercise routines or beauty standards, over cultivating a deeper 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 sensual desires over my love for God and my family?
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.
Scandal
Did you encourage someone else to do something sinful, possibly in front of your children?
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 attempt to encourage another person in any way, through my words or actions, 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 acknowledge my wrongdoing, holding onto it as if it were mine?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I clung to a particular sinful attitude, refusing to admit my wrongdoing and instead justifying my actions before God?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Blasphemy
Did I receive Holy Communion while deliberately choosing to harbor unrepented sin in my heart?
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, which would have profaned the real presence of Christ, showing grave disrespect for the sacrament?
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 ever use the name of God or Jesus in my words or speech to express anger, frustration, or disappointment?
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 allow my desire for power to influence how I make decisions that affect those around me, particularly in situations where others may rely on my leadership or guidance?
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 your desire for power and dominance influence how you made decisions that affected those around you?
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 allow my desire for power and dominance to influence how I manage and prioritize family responsibilities, potentially leading me to put my own interests above theirs?
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 acquiring wealth and material possessions the driving force in my life, turning my focus away from God's providence?
This sin makes money an idol that replaces trust in God's providence, turning what should be a tool for good into an object of worship.
Oppression
Did you harass, discriminate against, or show unjust favoritism towards those in your life who depend on you, such as family members?
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 you unjustly dominated, belittled, or oppressed others through your words and 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 I reduced others to their usefulness or what they could do for me, rather than seeing their full humanity, by valuing them based on how they contribute to my life, relationships, or goals?
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 their usefulness, rather than seeing them as human beings created in God's image?
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 reduce others to mere objects, using them for my own purposes rather than treating them with dignity 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,
Have I committed any actual or simulated acts of lust outside of my marriage?
While our sexual nature is a gift, using it to indulge in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.
Have I engaged in actual or simulated acts outside of marriage, particularly through conversations, gazes, or writings that could be considered lustful?
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 I take for granted the good things in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did you take for granted the good things in your life, including your family and career blessings, 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 you take for granted the benefits of your career advancement, 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 you harbor doubts about God's existence during prayer, meditation, or quiet moments?
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 you put your complete trust and reliance solely on my own abilities and failed to recognize my dependence on God's grace, even when faced with challenges and uncertainties?
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 rely solely on my own abilities to manage my family's needs, failing to recognize my complete dependence on 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 allow my own desires and goals to dictate my thoughts, words, and actions without seeking God's guidance and direction?
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 ever felt envious of my friends' successes, wishing they wouldn't be so blessed?
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 secretly resented others' good fortune, wishing it was mine instead?
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 discontent with what I have, fixating on coveting others' possessions in my thoughts?
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 when comparing my own life to that of acquaintances or friends who seem to possess more material goods?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Incontinence
Did I lack self-control in expressing myself through words, speaking to others with language that lacked respect for their dignity?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did you lack self-control and use words that were unbecoming or demeaning to others, especially in interactions with family members or close friends?
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, especially during family gatherings or special occasions?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did I overindulge in eating or drinking, leading to an excessive attachment to worldly pleasures that compromised my commitment to temperance?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Prodigality
Have I engaged in excessive and wasteful gambling to take precedence over my family's needs?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Have I excessively prioritized spending on myself or frivolous activities over meeting my family's essential needs?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Gossip
Have I taken pleasure in discussing others' faults or private affairs, even if what I shared was true, within conversations at social gatherings, online forums, or while spending time with family and friends?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I taken pleasure in sharing with friends or acquaintances confidential information about others, even if what was shared was true?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Impiety
Did you engage in work on a Sunday, even though it was not necessary?
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 the Most Blessed Sacrament when engaging in household routines or daily activities?
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 give due respect to Most Blessed Sacrament 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.
Anger
Have I nursed anger or held onto feelings of rage in my relationships, rather than seeking reconciliation when conflicts arose?
Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.
Impurity
Did you use 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 I use 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 revealed myself immodestly, in a way that does not respect my dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I worn attire in a way that may be seen as immodest, thereby offending my own dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I dressed in such a way that my attire reveals an excessive focus on material appearance over inner dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Infidelity
Did I break my marriage vows in ways that have compromised our relationship, especially through actions that have been hurtful or dishonest towards you?
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 vow through deeds that betray the trust placed in me by my spouse?
Fidelity in marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant made before God - not just a contract between people, thus breaking vows is seen as a betrayal of both divine and human trust.
Fornication
Did I have any sexual relations outside of my marriage that were not open to procreation?
While the sexual natures are a gift, it's a sin to stray away from their ordering toward the unitive and procreative nature within marriage.
Violence
Have I knowingly acted in ways that brought pain or suffering to my spouse, children, or others through any of my words, actions, or deeds?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that intentionally caused emotional pain or distress to someone else, particularly within my family or close relationships?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that intentionally caused emotional pain or distress to my family, particularly my spouse and children, through my words or actions?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Lukewarmness
Have I been unmotivated in my efforts to prioritize time for God, neglecting Him in favor of daily responsibilities and worldly pursuits?
We tend to sin by failing in effort to know and love God while exerting other efforts on worldly things.
Sorcery
Have you interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards through words or conversations?
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 mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards through words, writings, or online platforms, seeking to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge 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 you ever interacted with those who claim to have supernatural knowledge or abilities, 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 despite feeling pressure from societal expectations or peer influence?
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 count on God's mercy without making any genuine effort to change your life, showing disrespect for His justice and mercy?
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 effort to change your thoughts about managing family responsibilities or providing for your children?
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 put off going to confession while in a state of sin, perhaps due to thinking you had more time to make amends later?
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 deliberately put off going to confession while in a state of sin, showing a lack of urgency for your own 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.
Apostasy
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally through private doubts or to others through discussions or arguments?
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 your own thoughts or conversations with your children?
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 your thoughts, words, or actions, despite having been baptized into the Catholic faith?
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.