A Catholic Examination of Conscience
35-44 Divorced 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: 14 minutes
Disobedience
Was I disobedient to my parents through my actions, words, or decisions?
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, particularly in regards to their authority and guidance?
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 in carrying out their instructions or requests?
As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.
Did you reject the unity of the Church in your thoughts when feeling frustrated by individuals within it, especially those who may have disappointed or hurt you?
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 fasting on solemn days, thereby showing disrespect to God's commandments?
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.
Have I entertained feelings towards someone else's spouse in my thoughts, leading to disrespect for their sacred bond of marriage?
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.
Have I dishonored my mother through my words, actions, and choices?
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 disobeying her authority or refusing to show respect for her parental role in giving life, nurturing, and forming me in faith and virtue?
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 parents through my words and 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.
Did I deprioritize my Sunday Mass for non-essential reasons, showing disrespect to God's authority and disregarding my sacred 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.
Condoning
Did you by your words lead other Catholics into thinking it was 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 cause other Catholics to abstain from receiving Sacraments or attending Mass by my words, which led them to believe it was acceptable?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I permit my child to persist in error by refraining from 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 permit my child to continue in error by failing to hold them accountable for their actions, 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 I condone any funeral where human remains were not buried according to the Church's teachings on the dignity of the human body?
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 influences that contradict the teachings of the Catholic Church?
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 influenced by things that could lead them away from their 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.
Did I allow another Catholic to marry outside the Church by my silence or failure to speak out, thereby giving scandal through my inaction?
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, 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 I endorse or justify abortion through my words, thereby causing harm to others and undermining their dignity?
It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.
Adultery
Did I, in my marriage, forgo a valid Catholic sacrament?
For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.
Have I allowed inappropriate thoughts towards someone who is committed to their spouse?
This sin undermines the sacred bond of marriage by treating another person as an object of desire rather than respecting their dignity and commitment to their spouse.
Uncharity
Do I neglect or turn away from those who are homeless or displaced?
Per the corporal works of mercy, we are to love our neighbors by feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless and respecting their dignity especially in times of hardship.
Do I turn away from those who are homeless?
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, perhaps by judging them based on their job, nationality, or other traits?
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 allow my interests to take precedence over showing genuine concern for others' needs?
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 interests overshadow the needs and well-being of 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 you allow your own needs and desires to take precedence over the well-being and concerns of those around 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 speak disrespectfully to others, reflecting a lack of love and respect 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 harbor feelings of disdain towards others, disrespecting their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image?
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 through thoughtless words, failing to reflect God's infinite patience with us?
Losing patience with others fails to reflect God's infinite patience with us and violates Christ's command to love our neighbor, instead allowing anger and frustration to override charity and kindness.
Did I lose my patience with others, particularly when dealing with challenging situations or people?
Losing patience with others fails to reflect God's infinite patience with us and violates Christ's command to love our neighbor, instead allowing anger and frustration to override charity and kindness.
Did you lose your patience in conversations 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 permit someone else to be denied justice or treated unfairly in any situation?
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 suffer injustice?
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 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 not failed to lend assistance when it was needed by others?
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 assistance when someone nearby needed 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 genuine need, particularly during times of personal crisis or uncertainty?
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, such as family members, friends, or neighbors who are struggling financially, emotionally, or spiritually?
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 genuine need, taking into account their legitimate struggles and challenges?
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 indifferent to growing in my spirituality?
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 in my efforts to love and serve God by only occasionally making time for prayer or spiritual practices, allowing worldly concerns to take priority?
We tend to sin by failing in effort to know and love God while exerting other efforts on worldly things.
Merciless
Have I ever spoken harshly against others, using my words to condemn them instead of offering understanding and mercy?
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 against others, judging them without mercy?
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 assist someone who was struggling financially when you had the means to help them?
As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.
Did I fail to provide comfort to someone who was suffering when I had the opportunity to do so?
As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.
Did I fail to assist someone in need when they were sick?
This is sinful because it violates Jesus's direct command to care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) and fails to fulfill our fundamental Christian duty to show compassion and mercy to those who are suffering.
Sloth
Did I neglect to visit or assist those who were sick, weak, or in need of my care?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Have I failed to teach my child about Christ's love and teachings by omission, neglecting to regularly share God's word and values in our daily life together?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
Have I neglected to cultivate my child's spiritual life through regular conversations about their 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 my family's genuine needs and wellbeing, neglecting their emotional support and care in favor of personal pursuits or leisure activities?
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 our family's genuine needs and wellbeing in terms of time, resources, or emotional support?
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 towards my loved ones in our shared domestic life?
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 fail to dedicate sufficient time and resources to their spiritual education, potentially hindering my children's growth in 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 omit providing regular opportunities for my child's spiritual growth and formation through prayer, catechesis, and sacraments?
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 to devote time daily for spiritual growth and communion with God?
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 deprioritize attending Mass on Sunday, allowing worldly priorities to take precedence over your highest obligation to worship God?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did you deprioritize your commitment to worship God on a Sunday or Holy Day 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.
Vainglory
Did I seek self-praise when 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.
Did I seek praise from others for being generous?
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, such as through social media, 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 admiration from others through my activities, interests, and pursuits 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 defending my reputation among family members, friends, and community rather than seeking God's glory?
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 use hurtful words to distance yourself from your faith when faced with social pressure or discomfort?
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 I intentionally fail to pay my financial commitments?
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?
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 others in taking something that didn't belong to 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 enable others to steal by your deeds?
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, by misusing or exploiting resources provided for others, such as borrowed items from friends, family, or community groups?
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 fair price for goods or services, thereby depriving them of their rightful wages?
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 wage or price by exploiting economic opportunities, especially in transactions involving goods or services provided to me?
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 intentionally pay others less than what I agreed upon?
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 through my words?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did you intentionally distort facts about yourself to gain an unfair 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 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 deceive others through 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 deceived others by withholding, distorting, or manipulating the truth in our interactions?
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 intentionally lead others to believe something that was not true 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 deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth about others, or lied about them in formal or informal conversations, online interactions, or through various forms of communication?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in social interactions, discussions, or online presence?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about people in my social life through words spoken during casual conversations, social media interactions, or community events?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Resent
Did I become sterilized?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Did you deliberately 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 become sterilized, thereby defying God's plan for my fertility?
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, including acquaintances or colleagues?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Have I harbored any resentment against those who have wronged me, whether in my thoughts or actions?
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, including family members, friends, or acquaintances?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Did you deny forgiveness to someone through your words when they wronged you, contrary to Jesus's command to forgive others?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Have I nursed anger in my heart, harboring resentful feelings towards others rather than seeking reconciliation?
Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.
Have I, at any point in time, deliberately abandoned my faith for a period 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.
Have I ever intentionally rejected God's love and guidance through my thoughts, leading me to abandon my Catholic faith for a significant period?
This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
Did you deliberately reject your Catholic faith through any thoughts that led to its abandonment for an extended period?
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 the name of Jesus in my daily life, especially when sharing His message with those around me?
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 Christian beliefs in order to gain others' approval, 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.
Did I remain silent about Church teachings to avoid being uncomfortable or conflict?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Did I remain silent about Church teachings to avoid discomfort from my community?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Sensuality
Did I desire worldly experiences over growth in my spiritual life?
Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.
Did I desire worldly activities over growth in 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 put the desires of worldly experiences above my desire for 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 you use controlled substances to numb your conscience?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Did I intentionally use controlled substances to numb myself from life's challenges?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Do I prioritize my own desires for relaxation and leisure activities 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 allow my desire for emotional comfort and relaxation to distract me from 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.
Scandal
Did I try to lead someone else into committing a sinful act through my deeds?
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 make someone else engage in sinful behavior through my words, actions, or example?
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 lead someone else into doing something sinful through my own words or actions?
Leading others to sin (also called "scandal") is sinful because it actively harms another person's soul by encouraging them away from God, making you spiritually responsible both for your own sin and for potentially damaging another's relationship with God.
Impenitence
Have I refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing, clinging to a particular sin without seeking forgiveness?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I stubbornly refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing, clinging to it instead of allowing God's mercy to transform me?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I clung to my refusal to admit my wrongdoing, persisting in impenitence despite God's mercy?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Blasphemy
Did you receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin, perhaps after engaging in unrepented mortal sins or deliberate actions that separated you from 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 use the name of God, Jesus Christ, or any other sacred title as an exclamation, curse, or blasphemy in my words?
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 I speak the name of Jesus or God in careless, idle, or blasphemous words?
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 influence my decisions when interacting with others?
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 professional advancement let my desire for power and dominance influence how I interacted with others?
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 you publicly distance yourself from being Catholic when faced with social pressure related to your personal goals, aspirations, or lifestyle choices?
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.
Greed
Did I make the accumulation of money a driving force in my life, potentially leading me to idolize material possessions over 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 acquiring wealth a driving force in my 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.
Lust
Did I reduce others to their usefulness, rather than seeing them as full human beings?
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 in my life, including family members, friends, and acquaintances, primarily through what they could provide for me, such as emotional support, practical help, or entertainment, rather than recognizing their inherent dignity and value as individuals?
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 seeing them as individuals 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,
Have I had actual or simulated acts outside of marriage that arouse lust in me or others?
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 simulated or actual acts that compromise my chastity outside of 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 had actual or simulated sensual acts outside of sacred marriage, by deeds that could lead others to lust?
While our sexual nature is a gift, using it to indulge in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.
Autonomy
Did I attribute success in my life, such as maintaining a stable career, raising healthy children, or achieving financial stability, solely to my own hard work and determination, forgetting to acknowledge God's providence as the ultimate source of 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 I attribute my life's successes to personal effort alone, forgetting that God's providence is ultimately responsible?
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 fail to acknowledge my dependence on God's grace, instead relying solely on my own abilities in times of need?
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 seek to accomplish personal goals and make significant decisions without considering my dependence on God's guidance and provision?
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 navigate life's challenges, rather than seeking guidance from 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.
Incontinence
Did I lack self-control when speaking to others with words that were hurtful, coarse, or unbecoming?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did I lack self-control and use words to verbally degrade or disrespect others?
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 in a way that was unbecoming or hurtful?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Prodigality
Have I allowed excessive and wasteful financial risk-taking to take precedence over my responsibilities to support myself, my family, or those in need?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Have I allowed excessive and wasteful spending on leisure activities to take precedence over my financial obligations or family 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 been excessively wasteful in my financial dealings, putting unnecessary risks over essential 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.
Gossip
Have I taken pleasure in sharing 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.
Have I taken pleasure in discussing someone else's 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.
Have I taken pleasure in speaking poorly about others, 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 you unnecessarily engage in an activity on Sunday, a holy day of 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 I fail to show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament, especially during times of stress or distraction, such as when engaging in activities like hiking or volunteering?
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 during times of communal worship, such as Mass or holy hours, through your mannerisms or general behavior?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Impurity
Have you used 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 intentionally use practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy, thereby separating the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violating the proper use of one's sexuality?
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 exposes my body, tempting others to lust after me?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I dressed myself in attire that would cause others to behold me immodestly, thereby offending God?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Fornication
Did I engage in non-procreative sex through actions inspired by my intentions?
While the sexual natures are a gift, it's a sin to stray away from their ordering toward the unitive and procreative nature within marriage.
Violence
Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused physical harm or intentionally sought to cause emotional pain to someone else through my actions?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused physical or emotional harm to someone through my words, actions, or behavior?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Sorcery
Have I consulted mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards for guidance or answers?
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 interacted with those who claim to possess supernatural knowledge or powers 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 ignoring God's call to change, counting on His mercy without making any effort to convert your life?
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 presume on God's mercy by consistently ignoring your own faults without seeking to change them, even when faced with opportunities for personal growth?
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 recklessly relied on God's mercy without genuinely striving to change when engaging in thoughtless or hurtful behavior towards others, especially those close to you?
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, presuming that God's mercy would be available to you at some later time?
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 procrastinate returning to the sacrament of reconciliation while in a state of sin, giving rise to prideful presumption that you would have time later to repent?
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 discussions 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 your thoughts or in conversation with others?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you explicitly rejected God's existence through your thoughts, either internally or when engaging in conversations or discussions about faith and spirituality?
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.
Gluttony
Did you overindulge in eating or drinking to excess, thereby neglecting your physical and spiritual well-being?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did you overindulge in eating or drinking at family gatherings and social events beyond what's reasonable?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.