A Catholic Examination of Conscience
45-54 Divorced 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: 15 minutes
Disobedience
Was I disobedient to my parents through my deeds?
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 through actions taken without their guidance or consent?
As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.
When frustrated with others within the Church, did I reject the unity of the Church?
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 reject the unity of the Catholic church when disagreeing with others 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 deliberately disregard prescribed days of fasting, such as those observed during Lent, without making amends or seeking forgiveness?
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 condone a funeral where a loved one's remains were not buried, showing disrespect for their dignity and the Church's teachings on reverent 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 condone a funeral where human remains were not properly buried, showing disrespect for the dignity of the deceased and their family?
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 speak disrespectfully about the Church?
Mocking the church shows contempt for Christ's established institution on earth, disrespects the Body of Christ, and undermines the Church's divine authority as guided by the Holy Spirit.
Did I speak disrespectfully about the Church, its teachings, or its members?
Mocking the church shows contempt for Christ's established institution on earth, disrespects the Body of Christ, and undermines the Church's divine authority as guided by the Holy Spirit.
Have I, through my actions and attitudes, dishonored my mother and father?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Have I disobeyed my mother's wishes through my actions and attitudes?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Have I dishonored my mother through my actions 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.
Condoning
Did I condone other Catholics from staying away from Sacraments or Mass by 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.
Did I ever tell other Catholics that it was okay for them to stay away from Sacraments or Mass?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I lead other Catholics astray from attending the Sacraments by 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.
Did I permit my child to persist in error by refraining from addressing it, even though it would have required a difficult conversation?
Permitting a child to continue in error by avoiding difficult conversations is sinful because it neglects our God-given parental duty to guide and form our children's moral and spiritual development, placing our own comfort above their eternal wellbeing.
Did I permit my child to persist in error, allowing them to continue down a wrong path rather than having an uncomfortable conversation about it?
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 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.
Have I permitted my child to be exposed to bad influences, causing them to fall 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 damage their faith?
Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.
Did I give my blessing to another Catholic who was considering marrying outside of the Church?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I give approval to another Catholic for marrying outside the Church, potentially causing scandal?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I ever justify or endorse abortion or euthanasia 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 use my words to endorse or justify euthanasia, a grave act that takes human life?
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 look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait that makes them different from me?
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 occupation, social status, or cultural background?
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 dehumanize others by judging them 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 and well-being 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 I make my own interests, hobbies, or activities a higher priority than spending quality time with family members?
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 needs and desires before those of family members and friends, prioritizing them over genuine expressions of charity, compassion, and self-sacrifice for others?
This is considered sinful because excessive self-focus and selfishness violates Christ's command to love our neighbors as ourselves and contradicts the Christian call to practice charity, compassion, and self-sacrifice for others.
Do I speak down to others, treating them without the respect and dignity due to them as children of God?
Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.
Do I speak disrespectfully to others, diminishing their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image?
Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.
Did I lose my patience with others in conversations that involve disagreements or differing opinions?
Losing patience with others fails to reflect God's infinite patience with us and violates Christ's command to love our neighbor, instead allowing anger and frustration to override charity and kindness.
Did I lose my patience with others in interactions that involved frustration, anger, or disappointment, rather than responding with kindness, understanding, and compassion?
Losing patience with others fails to reflect God's infinite patience with us and violates Christ's command to love our neighbor, instead allowing anger and frustration to override charity and kindness.
Did I allow someone to be treated unfairly?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Did I fail to stand up for someone else who was being treated unfairly?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Did I allow someone to be treated unjustly by 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 failed to assist those who needed my help?
Refusing to help those in need violates Jesus's direct command to love our neighbor and practice the works of mercy, as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Have I not been there for others when they needed my help?
Refusing to help those in need violates Jesus's direct command to love our neighbor and practice the works of mercy, as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, especially family members, friends, and neighbors who are struggling financially or facing other forms of hardship?
Failing to help those in need violates Christ's direct command to love our neighbor and care for the poor, effectively refusing to recognize Jesus Himself in the suffering of others.
Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, particularly through volunteering at local community organizations or offering help to friends and family members?
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, particularly to vulnerable individuals such as my adult children, grandchildren, or others who may be struggling due to life's challenges.
Failing to help those in need violates Christ's direct command to love our neighbor and care for the poor, effectively refusing to recognize Jesus Himself in the suffering of others.
Lukewarmness
Am I uninterested in growing in my faith by taking the comfort and familiarity of established routines over the transformative love that God offers?
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 lacking genuine enthusiasm for growing deeper in my spiritual life, settling instead for mere routine and complacency?
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.
Merciless
Did I unjustly judge or speak critically 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 seek to glorify myself through giving alms?
Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.
Did I seek praise for my charitable endeavors?
Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.
Did I seek praise for my charitable giving through social media platforms?
Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.
Am I more focused on defending my reputation and seeking human approval than pleasing God, especially in how others perceive me through my hobbies, relationships, or career choices?
Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.
Am I more focused on defending my reputation in social circles and gaining approval from others 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.
Did you publicly distance yourself from your faith convictions when faced with social pressure or discomfort, effectively choosing human respect over fidelity to God?
This is a public betrayal of Jesus' teaching that "whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven," effectively choosing human respect over fidelity to God.
Theft
Did I intentionally fail to pay my debts to others?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did I intentionally fail to pay my 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 I intentionally fail to pay back 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 I help others steal?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did 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 aid others in taking something that did not belong to them?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Have I stolen something that does not belong to me, regardless of its value?
Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.
Have I, through my deeds, stolen anything that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value?
Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.
Have I stolen anything that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value, including items from family members or 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.
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 you 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, in my dealings with others, avoid paying them 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.
Sloth
Did I fail to provide guidance that might have helped my child avoid continuing in error, by not having the more difficult conversations necessary for their spiritual growth?
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.
Have I neglected to pray with my child, that they might know 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 nurture my child's spiritual life, thereby denying them the opportunity to deepen their faith in 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 neglected to pass on the faith and values that are essential for my child's spiritual growth?
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.
Did I engage in work on a Sunday that otherwise could have been avoided, thereby neglecting the Lord's day and disregarding the rest and worship due to Him?
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).
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing in managing our household expenses, childcare responsibilities, or other domestic duties?
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.
Have I put my own needs and desires ahead of my family's genuine wants and needs, especially in times when they require more support and 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.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my loved ones' genuine needs and wellbeing, leading to a lack of attention or support for them?
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 adequately assist my child in their spiritual growth, by neglecting their 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.
Did I fail to provide adequate spiritual guidance and education to my child?
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 your child's spiritual 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 you neglect to pray daily, possibly due to being overwhelmed with life's responsibilities or finding it difficult to make time for spiritual practices?
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 prioritize daily prayer and communion with God in my 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 deprioritize attending Mass on Sundays or Holy Days 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.
Did you deprioritize worshiping God by skipping 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.
Did I deprioritize and skip Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, failing to make worshiping God my top priority despite having time for other activities?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
False Witness
Did I misrepresent myself to gain an advantage over others through my words?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I intentionally use false words to deceive 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 intentionally deceive someone for personal gain by misrepresenting 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 I speak falsely about another through my words?
Slander deliberately damages another person's reputation through false statements, violating both the Eighth Commandment against bearing false witness and Christ's command to love our neighbor.
Have you deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in online interactions, conversations, or other forms of communication?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in my personal life, social interactions, or online presence?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I intentionally misrepresented others, whether through spoken or written words, in informal conversations or online interactions?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Resent
Did you become sterilized?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Did I become sterilized, thereby defying God's will and asserting human control over divine design for my reproductive life?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Did I become sterilized by choice, thus defying God's plan for my life?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Have I harbored any resentment towards those who have wronged me, such as family members or individuals in my community?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Have I allowed resentment to harbor in my heart towards anyone who has 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."
Did I harbor any resentment towards those who have caused me frustration or disappointment?
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 deny others forgiveness when they 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.
Have I withheld pardon from someone who wronged me, leading to bitterness in my 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 you refuse to give up resentment towards someone who wronged me?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Did I, through my thoughts or actions, ever deliberately reject or abandon the Catholic faith that was given to me in baptism?
This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
Effeminacy
Do I fear to proclaim the name of Jesus, especially when engaging in social gatherings or community events?
Being ashamed or afraid to proclaim Christ represents a denial of our baptismal call to evangelize, shows lack of trust in God's protection, and fails to fulfill Jesus's command to "go and make disciples of all nations."
Do I fear to speak Jesus' name in front of those who disagree or mock me?
Being ashamed or afraid to proclaim Christ represents a denial of our baptismal call to evangelize, shows lack of trust in God's protection, and fails to fulfill Jesus's command to "go and make disciples of all nations."
Did you compromise your beliefs to fit in with others' opinions, rather than standing firm on what you 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 sacrifice my core values for others' approval rather than upholding 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 you deliberately remain silent about Church teachings in a group setting to avoid discomfort or conflict?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Did you remain silent about Church teachings to avoid discomfort or conflict among friends, family members, or peers?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Did I remain silent about Church teachings to avoid discomfort among family, friends, and community members?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Lust
Have I given in to impure thoughts about 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 their usefulness, rather than seeing them in their full humanity?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Have I reduced others to their usefulness, rather than seeing their full humanity, especially in situations where they are serving me or supporting my goals?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Did I objectify others in my interactions, particularly those who are vulnerable or seeking help, by reducing them to their needs or usefulness 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,
Have I participated in any acts that simulated 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 indulging in meaningless distractions, such as watching streaming services or engaging in idle activities during my daily commutes?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Have I squandered the time God has given me for meaningful pursuits through excessive engagement in idle or frivolous activities?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Have I allowed excessive and wasteful gambling to take precedence over my financial obligations, thereby neglecting my responsibilities towards my family's needs?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Have I excessively indulged in gambling that takes precedence over my financial obligations to family and those in need?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Vanity
Did you obsess over your physical appearence?
Excessive focus on physical appearance reflects vanity and can indicate a lack of trust in God's creation of you as inherently worthy.
Sensuality
Did I desire worldly experiences over growth in faith, particularly when engaging in activities that bring me joy and relaxation?
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 desire worldly experiences over growth in my spiritual life, particularly during times of relaxation or leisure?
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 temporal interests over spiritual growth?
Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.
Did you use controlled substances to dull your mind and senses?
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 you prioritize your own desires for relaxation and leisure over nurturing your spiritual life?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Do I allow my own desires for relaxation and leisure to take precedence over my relationship with God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Do I allow my desires for relaxation, leisure activities, and personal indulgences to take precedence over cultivating a deeper relationship with God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Did you give in to sensual desires by engaging in masturbation?
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.
Have you engaged in masturbation? Did this involve using your body for selfish pleasure, rather than respecting its true purpose?
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.
Murder
Have you, in any deed, murdered anyone?
The taking of one's life intentionally violates the fifth commandment and takes away the precious gift of life that was granted by God.
Have I participated in an abortion or euthanasia?
It's a grave sin to actively participate in the intentional taking of another's life, which robs the gift of life that was granted to others by God.
Have I participated in an abortion or euthanasia, which is a grave sin that robs another human being of their God-given life?
It's a grave sin to actively participate in the intentional taking of another's life, which robs the gift of life that was granted to others by God.
Scandal
Did you try to encourage someone else to engage in a sinful behavior through your words, actions, or example?
Leading others to sin (also called "scandal") is sinful because it actively harms another person's soul by encouraging them away from God, making you spiritually responsible both for your own sin and for potentially damaging another's relationship with God.
Impenitence
Have I held onto a particular sin, refusing to let go of my wrongdoing?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing, even when confronted by the reality of my actions?
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?
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 fail to provide adequate care for someone in your life who was seriously ill?
This is sinful because it violates Jesus's direct command to care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) and fails to fulfill our fundamental Christian duty to show compassion and mercy to those who are suffering.
Blasphemy
Have you used God's holy name in vain, swearing to Him without reverence?
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?
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 receive Holy Communion while knowing yourself to be in a state of grave sin?
This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.
Have I used the sacred name of Jesus or God to insult, curse, or speak disrespectfully in conversation or everyday language?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Did you use the name of Jesus or God, as revered by our faith, in a thoughtless or irreverent manner, speaking it carelessly or disrespectfully?
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 your desire for power and dominance influence your decisions in your personal and professional life, leading you to prioritize control over humble service to others?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Have I let my desire for power and dominance influence my decisions and treatment of others in my personal and professional life, leading me to prioritize self-exaltation over humble service to God and 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.
Did your pursuit for influence and control in work-related decisions lead you to prioritize personal ambitions over the well-being of others?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Greed
Did I make accumulation of possessions, specifically wealth and material goods, a dominant force in my life by prioritizing them over what truly gives me fulfillment?
This sin makes money an idol that replaces trust in God's providence, turning what should be a tool for good into an object of worship.
Oppression
Did you intentionally mistreat others through your words, actions, or decisions?
It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.
Have I mistreated, harassed, or discriminated against others through any unjust exercise of power or authority?
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.
Autonomy
Have you taken for granted the good things 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 take for granted the accomplishments in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did I take credit for accomplishments in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did you harbor doubts about God's existence during times of personal struggle or uncertainty?
Deliberately entertaining doubts about God's existence is a sin against faith because it questions the most fundamental truth of our faith and shows a lack of trust in God's clear self-revelation through creation, scripture, and the Church's teachings.
Did you rely solely on your own abilities and failed to recognize your complete dependence on God's grace, even in moments of success or accomplishment?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Did I rely solely on my own abilities, rather than acknowledging and humbling myself before God's grace in all areas of my life?
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 envied 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 envied the blessings that others possess, and secretly wished that 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 allowed dissatisfaction with my own possessions to fixate on coveting others' things?
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 were hurtful, offending, or contrary to their dignity?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did I lack self-control and use words to speak in ways that disrespected others, violating their dignity?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did you lack self-control and use hurtful language when engaging in conversations, particularly with family members or friends?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Gluttony
Did I overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable through my daily habits?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did I overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what is reasonable, potentially undermining my self-control and willpower?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did I overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, neglecting my duty to temperance and self-control?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Gossip
Have I taken pleasure in sharing others' private affairs, even if what I shared was true, through conversations or online interactions?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I taken pleasure in discussing others' private affairs through casual conversations, even if what was shared seemed harmless?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Impiety
Did I use my talents and skills on Sunday to benefit others when otherwise it 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).
Did you fail to show reverence for God, especially in moments of solitude or prayer, such as during daily Mass attendance or when contemplating the Most Blessed Sacrament?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Did I fail to always show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament during times of personal stress, such as when managing my relationships or navigating life's challenges?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Anger
Have I held onto anger or nursed feelings of rage within myself, rather than seeking reconciliation in my relationships with others?
Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.
Impurity
Have I used certain practices to prevent pregnancy?
This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.
Have I immodestly dressed in a way that respects my dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I dressed in a way that respects my dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Fornication
Did you have 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.
Have I engaged in non-marital, non-procreative intimate relations?
While the sexual natures are a gift, it's a sin to stray away from their ordering toward the unitive and procreative nature within marriage.
Violence
Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused hurt to someone, either through my words or deeds?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Adultery
Have I harbored improper thoughts toward another person'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.
Sorcery
Have you interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards through words, such as reading books, attending seminars, or participating in online forums, that promote their services?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Have I interacted with those who claim to possess supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, such as mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Did you engage in conversations with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija board operators, seeking guidance through forbidden means that bypass God's providence?
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 approach to daily struggles or challenges?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Have you deliberately persisted in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change your ways, especially when it comes to habits that negatively impact those around you, such as relationships or finances?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Have you deliberately persisted in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change your thoughts or habits related to spending time with family and friends?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you put off going to confession while in a state of sin, presuming 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 when you knew you needed it, thereby delaying your return to God's grace?
Deliberately delaying confession while in mortal sin is a serious offense because it recklessly endangers your soul's salvation, shows contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation, and demonstrates prideful presumption that you'll have time later to repent.
Apostasy
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally through personal doubts or externally 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 ever explicitly rejected the existence of God, either through thoughts or expressions 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 internally through your thoughts or to others in conversation?
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.