A Catholic Examination of Conscience

35-44 Committed Woman

In preparing for confession, please read through the examination questions and explanations thoughtfully, reflecting on each point and honestly identifying where you've fallen short of God's call in your life. You may click and remove any irrelevant ones as you proceed. Take mental note of any serious sins that require confession, focusing on being thorough but not scrupulous, then use these insights to make a complete and sincere confession to your priest.

Updated: December 3, 2024

Read Time: 16 minutes

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Disobedience

Was I disobedient to my parents, by failing to heed their guidance and counsel in matters that concerned them?

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 respect their authority in making decisions for me?

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 in authority who are responsible for my guidance?

As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.

Did you intentionally become sterilized, thereby rejecting God's plan for your 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.

Have I used words to scornfully belittle 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 engaged in activities on Sundays when they could have been avoided, thereby showing disrespect for the 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 entertained feelings towards someone else's spouse that are inappropriate and disrespective of their commitment to one another?

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 and father through my actions and attitudes, particularly in how I have responded to their guidance and authority?

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 words, actions, and attitudes in our relationship?

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 and attitudes, by not honoring their role in giving me 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.

Condoning

Did you condone other Catholics from staying away from Sacraments or Mass through your words?

One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.

Did I discourage other Catholics 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.

Have you, through words, encouraged other Catholics to abstain from receiving Sacraments or attending Mass without offering them correction or guidance?

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 continue in error, allowing them to remain uninstructed, by avoiding difficult conversations?

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 in order to avoid 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 allow societal pressures to influence my thoughts and decisions, leading me to compromise what I believe is right in favor of gaining approval from others?

Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.

Did I, in any capacity, condone a funeral where human remains were not properly buried?

Failing to advocate for proper burial of human remains is considered sinful as the Church teaches that the body is sacred and deserves reverent burial, with scattering or keeping remains being contrary to the dignity of the human body and resurrection belief.

Did I condone any funerals where human remains were not buried?

Failing to advocate for proper burial of human remains is considered sinful as the Church teaches that the body is sacred and deserves reverent burial, with scattering or keeping remains being contrary to the dignity of the human body and resurrection belief.

Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences?

Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.

Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences, compromising their faith and potentially 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 undermine their faith, 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 give my approval to another Catholic to marry in a non-Catholic ceremony without advising them to follow Church teachings on sacramental marriage?

Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.

Did you ever use your words to justify or support abortion or euthanasia, and if so, did you fail to speak out against them?

It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.

Uncharity

Do I turn away from those who are homeless, especially during harsh weather conditions?

Per the corporal works of mercy, we are to love our neighbors by feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless and respecting their dignity especially in times of hardship.

Do I look down upon others based on their job, lifestyle, nationality, or other trait that is not inherent to them?

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 might be different from mine?

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 judge 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.

Did you prioritize your own interests over the needs 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.

Did you prioritize your own desires over the needs of others in my life, for example, putting personal goals ahead of commitments to loved ones?

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 put my own interests above those of my loved ones?

This is considered sinful because excessive self-focus and selfishness violates Christ's command to love our neighbors as ourselves and contradicts the Christian call to practice charity, compassion, and self-sacrifice for others.

Have I shown disrespect to others by my words, tone, or body language that denigrate their inherent 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 let my frustrations with others get the better of me, causing me to lose patience?

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 permit someone to be treated unfairly? In this sin, one fails to act when they have the ability to intervene on behalf of another person who is being wronged or unjustly treated. This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect others from harm.

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 allow someone to be treated unfairly in your presence?

This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.

Did I allow someone to be treated unfairly, through my actions?

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 shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, especially during times when they may be facing uncertainty or hardship, such as struggling financially, going through a divorce, or dealing with a serious illness?

Failing to help those in need violates Christ's direct command to love our neighbor and care for the poor, effectively refusing to recognize Jesus Himself in the suffering of others.

Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, especially during times of financial hardship, illness, or personal crisis?

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 who are struggling, such as neighbors in need, acquaintances facing financial hardship, or individuals experiencing health issues?

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 uninterested in growing in my faith? Have I been too comfortable in my relationship with God, prioritizing mediocrity over transformation, and neglecting to seek a deeper love for Him?

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.

Am I neglecting opportunities for spiritual growth that allow me to deepen 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.

Am I neglecting to deepen my understanding of God's love in my daily life, allowing myself to become lukewarm and complacent in my spiritual growth?

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 you neglect those who were in need of physical assistance due to illness?

Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.

Did you fail to render assistance to those who were ill and in need of support?

Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.

Have I neglected to guide my child toward knowing Christ?

Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.

Have I failed to teach my child about Christ's love and guidance in their daily life?

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 relationship with Christ through prayer, scripture study, and Christian 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 partner's genuine needs and wellbeing?

Neglecting family duties is considered sinful because it violates both divine law and natural law, where God entrusts us with specific responsibilities to nurture, protect, and care for our family members as part of our fundamental Christian vocation.

In what ways have I put my own desires ahead of my loved ones' genuine needs and wellbeing, potentially prioritizing leisure activities over their care?

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 providing my child's religious education?

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.

Have I neglected my child's religious education through omissions in our daily life together?

Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.

Did I neglect my child's religious education? (This is in reference to your role as a parent.)

Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.

Did you neglect to make daily prayer a priority in your busy life?

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 communicate with God through daily prayer?

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 deprioritize my Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation Mass for non-serious reasons, such as prioritizing 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 you deliberately choose to deprioritize attending Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation Mass, prioritizing worldly interests 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.

Merciless

Have I spoken words that condemned others to judgment without showing them the mercy and compassion that God shows us?

Condemning others is a sin of mercilessness because it places oneself in God's role as judge and denies others the same mercy and forgiveness that God extends to all of us.

Did I speak harshly of those who disagree with me?

Condemning others is a sin of mercilessness because it places oneself in God's role as judge and denies others the same mercy and forgiveness that God extends to all of us.

Have I spoken judgmentally about others?

Condemning others is a sin of mercilessness because it places oneself in God's role as judge and denies others the same mercy and forgiveness that God extends to all of us.

Vainglory

Did I give alms to gain admiration from others?

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 give alms to seek others' approval rather than God's?

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 public image and gaining social approval than pleasing God?

Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.

Am I more focused on gaining human respect through 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.

Am I more focused on seeking human approval for my accomplishments, such as exercising regularly or advancing in my career, 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 my debts?

Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.

Did I intentionally fail to pay my personal debts on time?

Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.

Did you intentionally fail to pay your debts, neglecting your commitments to others in a manner that could be considered theft?

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?

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.

Did you help others steal their property?

While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.

Have I intentionally 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 avoid paying others a fair price or wage?

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 take unfair advantage of others by paying them less than what they deserved?

Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.

False Witness

Have I misrepresented myself 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 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 misleading words to secure an advantage for myself?

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 deceive others through your words, actions, or decisions?

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 mislead others by 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, or lied about others in my personal and professional relationships?

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, or lied about others in social media posts, conversations, or other online interactions?

Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.

Resent

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.

Do I seek to feel envious when others succeed in their endeavors?

Preventing others' success is sinful because it's the resentful desire to deprive others of their blessings because their achievements make us feel inferior or threatened in comparison.

Did I harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me, perhaps due to perceived injustices in our relationships or interactions?

Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Did I harbor any resentment towards someone who has wronged me, perhaps in a situation where I felt hurt or betrayed?

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 against those who have wronged me, potentially poisoning my relationships and hindering my ability to forgive?

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 who wronged you, causing resentment in your heart?

Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.

Did I refuse to grant pardon to someone who has wronged me?

Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.

Did I ever intentionally dismiss or turn away from my Catholic faith for any significant 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.

Did you, at any point in your life, deliberately turn away from God's revealed truth by abandoning the Catholic faith?

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 you fear to speak the name of Jesus in conversations about faith, spirituality, and values with others?

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 say the name of Jesus, especially in conversations where His message is relevant?

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."

Greed

Do I obsess over acquiring more possessions, often to satisfy my own desires rather than for a greater good?

From a Catholic perspective, obsessing over possessions is considered sinful because it makes material things an idol that takes precedence over God and prevents spiritual growth while hindering one's ability to be generous and detached from worldly goods.

Did I make accumulation of money and possessions my primary goal, seeking security and happiness through material wealth rather than trusting in God's providence?

This sin makes money an idol that replaces trust in God's providence, turning what should be a tool for good into an object of worship.

Retaliation

Do I harbor 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.

Do I harbor thoughts of revenge in my mind, especially towards those who have wronged me?

Entertaining thoughts of revenge is sinful because it rejects Christ's teaching of forgiveness and love of enemies, choosing instead to harbor malice and a desire for personal retaliation rather than leaving justice to God.

Lust

Have I entertained thoughts that lead to interacting with pornography?

Interacting with pornography reduces human beings to mere objects for personal gratification, violating their inherent dignity and worth as children of God.

Have you intentionally engaged your mind with pornography?

Interacting with pornography reduces human beings to mere objects for personal gratification, violating their inherent dignity and worth as children of God.

Have you allowed yourself to dwell on thoughts that involve interacting with pornography?

Interacting with pornography reduces human beings to mere objects for personal gratification, violating their inherent dignity and worth as children of God.

Did I reduce others to mere objects of entertainment, such as celebrities or social media influencers, rather than treating them as fellow human beings deserving of 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,

Did you view others primarily based on their usefulness to you, 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 look at others only for what they could do to enhance my social life, hobbies, or career goals, rather than seeing them as full persons with inherent dignity?

While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,

Have I engaged in actual 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 had actual or simulated sensual 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 engaged in acts that simulate or imitate sexual intimacy 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.

Prodigality

Have I devoted excessive time to frivolous pursuits that hinder my 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 made reckless spending decisions that compromise 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 engaged in excessive and wasteful gambling, prioritizing it over my financial responsibilities to others?

This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.

Have I recklessly prioritized indulging in excessive and wasteful gambling over responsible financial planning for my future needs and goals?

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 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 desire worldly experiences over growth in faith, especially during leisure time activities such as traveling, attending concerts or festivals, and trying new restaurants?

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 experiences over growth in faith, leading me to prioritize temporal pleasures above my eternal 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 you deliberately use controlled substances to impair your self-control?

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 dull your senses and avoid facing 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 pleasures, such as excessive exercise or indulging in favorite hobbies, over my relationship with God?

This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.

Do I prioritize my own pleasures over God's will, turning them into the primary focus of my life?

This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.

Do I prioritize my own pleasures over a life deeply rooted in prayer, fasting, and charity?

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.

Autonomy

Did you remain silent about Church teachings in situations where doing so might have caused temporary discomfort or conflict, but sharing them would have been an authentic witness to their truth?

While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.

Did you take for granted your success in advancing in career, forgetting to acknowledge God's providence as being 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 take credit for my accomplishments and good fortune without giving thanks to God, forgetting that He is ultimately responsible for all things?

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 credit for your accomplishments in areas such as career advancement, personal interests, or family life, forgetting to acknowledge God's providence as the source of your success?

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 solely rely on your own abilities to excel in your career, without seeking guidance from God's wisdom and grace?

Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.

Did I rely solely on my personal abilities, accomplishments, and successes in my career and life, rather than acknowledging and giving thanks for 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.

Scandal

Did you try to encourage someone else to engage in sinful behavior through your words or actions, possibly using social media, conversations, or other means of 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.

Did you try to lead someone, such as your partner, friends, or acquaintances, into a sinful behavior?

Leading others to sin (also called "scandal") is sinful because it actively harms another person's soul by encouraging them away from God, making you spiritually responsible both for your own sin and for potentially damaging another's relationship with God.

Impenitence

Have I refused to admit my wrongdoing, thereby clinging to sin?

Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.

Have I refused to acknowledge my own wrongdoing, refusing to admit when I have sinned against myself?

Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.

Callousness

Did you turn away from caring for someone who was ill in their time of need?

This is sinful because it violates Jesus's direct command to care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) and fails to fulfill our fundamental Christian duty to show compassion and mercy to those who are suffering.

Did you turn away from someone who was ill, showing little concern for their well-being?

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.

Blasphemy

Did I receive Holy Communion while knowing myself unworthy, having failed to repent of my sins?

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 knowing that I had failed to prioritize my spiritual life and was in need of forgiveness for past betrayals of trust, such as not being honest about my spending habits or breaking promises to loved ones?

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 you use the name of God as a byword or curse in conversation, especially when expressing frustration, anger, or annoyance?

This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.

Have I spoken the name of God irreverently, using it in conversation or jokingly, rather than with reverence and respect?

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 my pursuit of success in my career let my desire for power influence how I interacted with others, particularly those who may be subordinate to me or seeking 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 I allow my desire for power and dominance to influence how I treat others in positions of authority or those who rely on 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.

Envy

Have I harbored feelings of discontent towards others' blessings, wishing they would lose 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 had secret wishes that others would lose their blessings, so I wouldn't feel discontent?

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 fixated on coveting others' possessions?

This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.

Have I allowed discontent with my own blessings to lead me in fixating on 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 use my words to speak inappropriately to others, causing them harm or offending their dignity?

This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.

Did I lack self-control in speaking to others with coarse language, thus violating their dignity?

This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.

Did you lack self-control in speaking to acquaintances using language that was profane or unfitting?

This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.

Gluttony

Did you overindulge in eating or drinking, thereby neglecting to regulate your desires for worldly pleasures?

This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.

Did you overindulge in eating or drinking, prioritizing personal pleasure over responsible moderation?

This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.

Gossip

Have I taken pleasure in discussing 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 others' faults or private affairs, even if what I shared was true, in conversations that were meant to be casual or entertaining, such as those at social gatherings or online forums?

Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.

Have I taken pleasure in sharing through words private matters about others, even if they were true?

Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.

Impiety

Did I unnecessarily engage in work on a Sunday, which is a day set aside for rest and worship?

It's irreverent to work on a Sunday as it's a holy day of rest, worship, and a day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money (CCC).

Did I fail to always show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament during Adoration services?

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 Most Blessed Sacrament, neglecting its significance in your daily life and devotion?

This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.

Have I failed to always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament in my daily life, especially during Communion or Adoration?

This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.

Impurity

Have I used certain practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy?

This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.

Did I intentionally separate the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage by using 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 separate the unitive and procreative purposes of our marriage by using 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 a way that does not reflect respect for my own dignity, potentially leading to impurity?

Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.

Have I dressed in a way that is immodestly revealing, violating chastity?

Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.

Have I dressed immodestly in my daily attire, lacking respect for my own dignity?

Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.

Infidelity

Did I break my marriage vows by doing something that could be perceived as infidelity?

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 the vow of fidelity in my marriage through my words, actions, or desires?

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 engage in any non-marital, non-procreative sex?

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 have brought pain or suffering to someone else through my words, deeds, or silence?

When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.

Have I intentionally acted in ways that caused emotional pain or suffering to someone through my words, actions, or behavior?

When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.

Adultery

Have I entertained in my mind inappropriate feelings toward someone who is committed to another person?

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 commitment to loving and serving God, especially when it comes to devoting time and effort to personal spiritual growth alongside engaging in worldly activities?

We tend to sin by failing in effort to know and love God while exerting other efforts on worldly things.

Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my daily efforts to prioritize my relationship with God amidst my busy schedule of work, hobbies, and social activities?

We tend to sin by failing in effort to know and love God while exerting other efforts on worldly things.

Sorcery

Have I communicated with, paid for, or used services from mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?

This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.

Have I interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards, 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 interacted with individuals claiming to possess supernatural knowledge, such as mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija board operators?

This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.

Presumption

Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change your habits or lifestyle?

Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.

Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change, even when doing things that bring you joy or comfort, such as exercising regularly, traveling, or spending time with loved ones?

Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.

Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change your digital habits or online presence?

Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.

Did you put off going to confession while in a state of sin, recklessly endangering 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 confessing your sins, while in a state of mortal sin, presuming 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.

Did you put off going to confession while aware of your own spiritual shortcomings?

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.

Resistance Of Truth

Did I entertain doubts about God's existence through my thoughts, especially when engaging in activities that challenge my faith or values?

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 the existence of God, either through your internal thoughts or in conversations with others?

Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.

Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally through thoughts or conversations with others?

Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.

Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either by thinking it to yourself or sharing such thoughts 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.