A Catholic Examination of Conscience
35-44 Committed Mother with Both Minor And Adult Children
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, particularly when it came to fulfilling their expectations and authority in our home?
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 those entrusted with my care?
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 the imperfections of those who claim to follow its teachings?
Rejecting Church unity due to frustration with individuals is sinful because it confuses the Church's divine nature and eternal truths with the human imperfections of its members, while also violating Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."
Did I reject the unity of the Church when frustrated by conflicts within my own relationships?
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 Christ's body, the Church, in my thoughts when frustrated with the imperfections of individuals within?
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 disregard the Church's guidelines on fasting during prescribed days, such as Ash Wednesday?
This is considered sinful because deliberately disregarding prescribed days of fasting represents disobedience to Church authority and fails to honor our spiritual obligation to practice self-denial and penance during sacred times.
Did I 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.
Did I speak contemptuously of the Church?
Mocking the church shows contempt for Christ's established institution on earth, disrespects the Body of Christ, and undermines the Church's divine authority as guided by the Holy Spirit.
Did I speak disrespectfully about those in authority, particularly within my own Church community?
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 allow something that could have been avoided on a Sunday, thereby disrespecting the Lord's day of rest?
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).
Have I, through my actions and attitudes, disrespected my mother and father?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Have I shown disrespect to my mother through my actions and attitudes towards her?
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, particularly in regards to my responsibilities towards them?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Condoning
Have I condoned other Catholics from staying away from Sacraments or Mass through my words?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Have I encouraged other Catholics, in my words, to remain 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 use my words to encourage other Catholics to neglect their spiritual responsibilities, such as receiving the 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 I neglect to address a child's error, choosing instead to spare them a potentially 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 permit my child to continue in a state of spiritual ignorance to avoid having an uncomfortable conversation about their faith?
Permitting a child to continue in error by avoiding difficult conversations is sinful because it neglects our God-given parental duty to guide and form our children's moral and spiritual development, placing our own comfort above their eternal wellbeing.
Did I allow my values or beliefs to be compromised for the sake of maintaining social harmony 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 fail to speak out in defense of Church teachings when confronted by friends or acquaintances who hold opposing views, thereby allowing their perspectives to go unchallenged?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Have I permitted my child to be exposed to bad influences, potentially jeopardizing their faith or leading them 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 permit my child to be exposed to bad influences that could lead them away from our faith?
Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.
Did I permit my child to expose themselves to situations that could lead them away from God's will?
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 give my approval to another Catholic's decision to marry outside of the Church, even though it was contrary to our faith?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I give my approval to another Catholic who was planning to get married outside the Church, thereby implicitly condoning their decision?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I endorse or justify abortion through my words?
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, directly or indirectly through words, actions, or omission, especially by failing to speak out against it in discussions or conversations where others may have condoned it?
It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.
Presumption
Did I forgo a valid Catholic marriage without receiving a dispensation from the Church?
For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.
Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, trusting that God's mercy would suffice without making any genuine effort to change your ways?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you deliberately persist in assuming God's mercy without making any effort to change your behavior, despite being aware of areas where improvement is needed?
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 presume God's mercy without making any effort to change your thought patterns, taking divine justice and mercy for granted in your daily reflections?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you procrastinate going to confession while in a state of sin, thereby showing contempt for God's mercy through reckless disregard for your soul's salvation?
Deliberately delaying confession while in mortal sin is a serious offense because it recklessly endangers your soul's salvation, shows contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation, and demonstrates prideful presumption that you'll have time later to repent.
Did you put off going to confession because you thought you would have time 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.
Uncharity
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 turn away from those in need, especially strangers and displaced individuals, without showing them charity and compassion?
Per the corporal works of mercy, we are to love our neighbors by feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless and respecting their dignity especially in times of hardship.
Do you look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait that they hold?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Do you look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait that you deem inferior?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Do you look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait? (This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.)
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 speak to others in ways that show little consideration for their dignity and worth 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 allow someone else to be treated unjustly?
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 someone to be treated unjustly?
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 someone to be treated unjustly?
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 neglected those who needed my assistance, perhaps in small ways but still deserving of 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 extended practical assistance to those in need, particularly during times of financial hardship?
Failing to help those in need violates Christ's direct command to love our neighbor and care for the poor, effectively refusing to recognize Jesus Himself in the suffering of others.
Have I provided tangible support to those in my life, such as family members and friends, who are experiencing difficulties or hardships?
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.
Sloth
Am I complacent in my spiritual growth, neglecting to seek out new ways of deepening my faith?
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.
Did I neglect those in my community who were suffering and needed my assistance?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did you show indifference to those who needed your assistance?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did I neglect those who were in physical need of my assistance?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Have I failed to intentionally guide my child towards knowing Christ, neglecting this responsibility?
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 guide my child's spiritual development, especially in their relationship with Christ?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
Have I failed to share the Gospel teachings with my child, thereby neglecting their spiritual formation?
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 by prioritizing activities or pursuits that bring me personal enjoyment, potentially leaving them neglected or undervalued?
Neglecting family duties is considered sinful because it violates both divine law and natural law, where God entrusts us with specific responsibilities to nurture, protect, and care for our family members as part of our fundamental Christian vocation.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's needs and wellbeing, potentially causing them undue stress or burden?
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 provide my child with sufficient guidance and instruction in their faith, leading them to potentially miss out on spiritual nourishment?
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 deliberately fail to provide my child with adequate guidance in their faith formation?
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 daily prayer, which is essential for communicating 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 I neglect to make time for God in my busy daily routine?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did you deliberately choose to deprioritize and skip Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, 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 I allow worldly priorities to take precedence over my highest obligation, leading me to deprioritize the celebration of Mass 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.
Merciless
Did I speak harshly or unjustly about others?
Condemning others is a sin of mercilessness because it places oneself in God's role as judge and denies others the same mercy and forgiveness that God extends to all of us.
Have I judged others harshly in my words, failing to show them the same mercy and compassion that God shows me?
Condemning others is a sin of mercilessness because it places oneself in God's role as judge and denies others the same mercy and forgiveness that God extends to all of us.
Callousness
Did I neglect to assist someone who was struggling, even though I had the ability to lend a helping hand?
As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.
Did I harshly speak to someone who wronged me, denying them mercy?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Did you neglect someone in need who was sick, injured, or unwell?
This is sinful because it violates Jesus's direct command to care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) and fails to fulfill our fundamental Christian duty to show compassion and mercy to those who are suffering.
Vainglory
Did I seek praise from others for giving to charity?
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 gaining admiration from people who know me, such as friends and family, 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 concerned with receiving praise and admiration from others, especially those in my social circle, than with seeking God's approval and pleasure?
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 concerned with receiving praise from people for my accomplishments rather 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 neglect 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 help others steal something from them that did not belong to you?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did I enable others to steal?
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, that could compromise my relationships with family and friends?
Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.
Have I taken something that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value?
Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.
Did I ever intentionally fail to pay others a fair price for goods or services I purchased from them?
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 you intentionally fail to pay others a fair price for your work, goods, or services?
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 deliberately pay others less than what was due to them for work done or services provided?
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 intentionally deceive someone in order to gain an advantage?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I use my words to deceive someone in order to gain an advantage?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I misrepresent myself to others for personal gain?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I lead others to believe something that was not true about myself?
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 by concealing the truth in my interactions with them?
Deceiving others is a form of bearing false witness, damages trust between people, and breaks down human relationships that should reflect God's truth and love.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about my family members, friends, or colleagues in formal or informal situations?
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 my personal and social interactions?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth about my family members in formal or informal situations?
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.
Have you become sterilized?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Did I allow resentment to fester in my heart towards those who have wronged me?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Have I allowed myself to feel resentment towards those who have wronged me, rather than forgiving them and praying for their well-being?
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 intentionally reject my Catholic faith for any length of time?
This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing, compromising our time together and leading to feelings of resentment or neglect?
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.
Effeminacy
Do I fear to proclaim the name of Jesus and preach the gospel to others in my daily conversations, especially when sharing my faith 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."
Do I fear to proclaim Jesus' name in my daily conversations?
Being ashamed or afraid to proclaim Christ represents a denial of our baptismal call to evangelize, shows lack of trust in God's protection, and fails to fulfill Jesus's command to "go and make disciples of all nations."
Imprudence
Have I spent excessive time on meaningless pursuits that detract from my relationships and responsibilities?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Prodigality
Have I devoted excessive time to frivolous pursuits, squandering the moments God has given me for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
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 excessively indulged in recreational spending that prioritizes my personal desires over providing for my family's needs?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Sensuality
Did I desire experiences over growth in faith, perhaps in a way that prioritized worldly pleasures?
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 more readily pursue worldly pleasures and experiences than growth in faith through prayer, scripture study, and spiritual practices?
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 intentionally use controlled substances to avoid confronting your responsibilities?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Do I allow my desires for pleasure and relaxation to take precedence over making time for spiritual growth and deepening 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 make my desires and pleasures the primary focus of my life, rather than making God the center and highest good?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Do I allow my desires for entertainment and relaxation to take precedence over nurturing 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.
Have I engaged in masturbation, using my body for sensual pleasure rather than its intended purpose within marriage?
While our sexual nature is a gift, using it for self-indulgence in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.
Impiety
Did you condone a funeral where a loved one's remains were left unburied, failing to respect their dignity as a human person?
Failing to advocate for proper burial of human remains is considered sinful as the Church teaches that the body is sacred and deserves reverent burial, with scattering or keeping remains being contrary to the dignity of the human body and resurrection belief.
Did I condone a funeral where a deceased loved one's body was not given its due respect in burial?
Failing to advocate for proper burial of human remains is considered sinful as the Church teaches that the body is sacred and deserves reverent burial, with scattering or keeping remains being contrary to the dignity of the human body and resurrection belief.
Did I fail to show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament in my daily interactions, even when engaging in activities that bring me joy, such as spending quality time with family and friends or participating in hobbies like gardening, reading, or painting?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Did I fail to show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament in my private moments, such as when alone or at home?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Did I fail to show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament, especially during times of personal stress or when engaging in activities that involve a strong sense of community and social bonding?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Scandal
Did I encourage someone else to commit a sinful act?
Leading others to sin (also called "scandal") is sinful because it actively harms another person's soul by encouraging them away from God, making you spiritually responsible both for your own sin and for potentially damaging another's relationship with God.
Did you encourage someone else to engage in sinful behavior through your words, actions, or influence?
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 persisted in a particular sin, unwilling to acknowledge my guilt?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I refused to admit my wrongdoing, stubbornly clinging to sin?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Blasphemy
Did you "swear to God" in a moment of frustration or anger, using words that dishonored His holy name?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did I receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin that profaned the real presence of Christ, showing grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily?
This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.
Did I use the name of Jesus or God in a manner that was careless, irreverent, or mocking?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Ambition
Did I let my desire for power and dominance influence my decisions, especially in my pursuit of career advancement or leadership roles within our family's social circle?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Did I let my desire for power and dominance influence my decisions, particularly in how I manage my household responsibilities and prioritize the needs of my family?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Did my pursuit of career advancement and personal recognition influence my decisions and treatment of those around me?
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.
Oppression
Have I through my words, actions, or decisions as an authority figure, caused others to feel disrespected, harassed, or discriminated against?
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 objectified others, created in God's image, by reducing them to their usefulness or what they can do for me, rather than seeing their full humanity?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Did I view others as mere means to an end, such as achieving a personal goal or fulfilling a desire, rather than respecting their inherent dignity and worth?
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 their usefulness or potential benefit to me, rather than treating them with the dignity and respect due to all persons 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 been involved in or simulated sexual acts 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 intentionally engaged in any acts outside of marriage that could be simulated or interpreted as sexual in nature?
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 physical acts outside of my marriage that involved lust or led to impure thoughts?
While our sexual nature is a gift, using it to indulge in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.
Autonomy
Did you take for granted the accomplishments in your life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did I attribute my achievements and successes in career, family life, and personal growth solely to my own efforts and abilities, forgetting that they are also gifts from God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did I allow myself to entertain doubts about God's existence through my thoughts, even if only fleetingly?
Deliberately entertaining doubts about God's existence is a sin against faith because it questions the most fundamental truth of our faith and shows a lack of trust in God's clear self-revelation through creation, scripture, and the Church's teachings.
Did I place my own abilities and accomplishments above God's grace and goodness?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Did I attribute my successes, accomplishments, and positive experiences solely to my own abilities without giving credit to God's grace and 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.
Envy
Have I secretly wished for others' blessings to be taken away, perhaps out of discontent that I am receiving less than them?
Envy leads us to have discontent for another's possessions so we won't feel the pain of comparison or perceived lack in our own lives.
Have I fixated on others' possessions and been discontent with my own blessings?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Have I allowed discontentment with my own blessings to manifest in coveting others' possessions through my thoughts?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Incontinence
Did I lack self-control and speak to others with words that lacked respect for their dignity?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did I lose self-control in expressing myself through my words, using language that was unbecoming or hurtful to others?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did I lose self-control in my conversations with others, speaking to them with crude language that offended their dignity?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Gossip
Have I taken pleasure in discussing others' faults or private affairs, even if what I shared was true, perhaps within social gatherings or dinner parties that I regularly attend?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I taken pleasure in discussing private family matters, 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 entertained myself by 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.
Pride
Did I unnecessarily take on a responsibility, such as work or chores, on Sunday when it otherwise could be avoided?
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).
Impurity
Did you use practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy in any relationship?
This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.
Have you used certain practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy?
This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.
Have I dressed in attire that is immodest and disrespects my own dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I worn attire that is immodest in a way that shows a lack of respect for my own dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Infidelity
Have I broken my marriage vows by committing any infidelity through my deeds?
Fidelity in marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant made before God - not just a contract between people, thus breaking vows is seen as a betrayal of both divine and human trust.
Have I broken my commitment to fidelity in marriage by acting on desires that contradict my vows?
Fidelity in marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant made before God - not just a contract between people, thus breaking vows is seen as a betrayal of both divine and human trust.
Did you publicly distance yourself from being Catholic when facing social pressure related to your relationships, family life, or cultural expectations?
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.
Violence
Have I knowingly engaged in ways that caused pain or suffering to those around me?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Adultery
Have I entertained inappropriate feelings toward someone else's spouse?
This sin undermines the sacred bond of marriage by treating another person as an object of desire rather than respecting their dignity and commitment to their spouse.
Lukewarmness
Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my pursuit of devoting quality time to loving and serving God, while at times allowing worldly distractions to take precedence?
We tend to sin by failing in effort to know and love God while exerting other efforts on worldly things.
Sorcery
Have I interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards, seeking to bypass God's providence 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 consulted fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or used 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.
Heresy
Did I harbor doubts about my Catholic faith that led me to neglect prayer, Mass, or other spiritual practices 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.
Resistance Of Truth
Did you entertain doubts about God's existence through your thoughts, especially during times when you felt uncertain or questioned life's meaning?
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.
Apostasy
Have you explicitly rejected God's existence, either internally in your mind or by sharing such views 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 internally through thoughts or verbally to others?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either through internal doubts or verbal expressions, in any aspect of your life?
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.