A Catholic Examination of Conscience

45-54 Widowed Mother with 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: 13 minutes

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Disobedience

Was I disobedient to my parents through my actions?

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 my actions, especially when it involved disregard for their guidance or authority?

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

Was I disobedient to my parents in matters that concern their authority over me?

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

Did I reject the unity of the Church when disagreeing with fellow parishioners?

Rejecting Church unity due to frustration with individuals is sinful because it confuses the Church's divine nature and eternal truths with the human imperfections of its members, while also violating Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."

Did I reject the unity of the Catholic Church when disagreeing with specific members, confusing their human flaws with the Church's divine nature?

Rejecting Church unity due to frustration with individuals is sinful because it confuses the Church's divine nature and eternal truths with the human imperfections of its members, while also violating Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."

Did I reject the unity of the Church when frustrated by others within, confusing their human imperfections with Christ's divine nature?

Rejecting Church unity due to frustration with individuals is sinful because it confuses the Church's divine nature and eternal truths with the human imperfections of its members, while also violating Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."

Did I deliberately skip the prescribed days of fasting for spiritual purposes, failing to honor my obligation to practice self-denial during sacred times?

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 become sterilized through a deliberate choice that disregarded God's plan for my fertility?

This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.

Did I 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.

Have I spoken against 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, through my actions and attitudes towards them, dishonored my mother?

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 and father through my actions and attitudes by failing to respect their authority and wisdom?

Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.

Condoning

Have I encouraged fellow Catholics to absent themselves 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 give others the impression through my words that it is acceptable for fellow Catholics to stay away from receiving Sacraments or attending Mass?

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

Have I used my words to encourage other Catholics to abstain from receiving Sacraments or attending Mass?

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

Did I use my words to encourage other Catholics to disregard their need for Sacraments?

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 allow my child's mistake to persist because I put off addressing 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 allow human opinions, such as societal expectations or peer approval, to influence my decisions about what is right, thereby compromising my beliefs rather than upholding them?

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

Did I allow my desire for others' approval to influence what I know to be true, rather than standing firm in my beliefs?

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

Did I condone a funeral where the deceased's remains were not given proper 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 permit my child to be exposed to bad influences by being careless about their environment or companionship?

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 influences that could potentially undermine their faith or lead 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 approval to another Catholic for marrying outside the Church, leading them away from sacraments?

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

Did you give another Catholic your explicit approval to get married outside 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 my approval to another Catholic marrying without receiving the sacraments in a church?

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

Did I use my voice to endorse or justify abortion, thereby taking a life, especially in conversations with others?

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 in need of my assistance and charity, such as homeless individuals or strangers experiencing hardship?

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 those I encounter 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.

Do I harbor prejudices against others based on their occupation, place of origin, or other characteristics?

This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.

Did I put my own interests before 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.

Did your own needs and interests take precedence over the well-being and happiness of those around you, especially in times when they may have been seeking support or assistance from you?

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

Have I given thoughtless words or actions to others that could have wounded their dignity as children of God?

Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.

Do I think critically about others in a way that shows respect for 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 lose my patience with those around me in moments of frustration?

Losing patience with others fails to reflect God's infinite patience with us and violates Christ's command to love our neighbor, instead allowing anger and frustration to override charity and kindness.

Did I permit someone else to be treated unfairly?

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 permit injustice to be done to someone else?

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 omitted helping others when they needed help?

Refusing to help those in need violates Jesus's direct command to love our neighbor and practice the works of mercy, as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, particularly through opportunities for volunteering or community service that I have had access to?

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

Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, such as neighbors, fellow community members, or acquaintances who are struggling financially, emotionally, or spiritually?

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

Have I neglected to demonstrate practical compassion and assistance to those in need, particularly through volunteer work or acts of charity within my community?

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

Merciless

Have I used my words to judge, criticize, or condemn others in any way?

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 against others without offering them the mercy and forgiveness that God extends to me?

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

Callousness

Did I fail to provide assistance when someone in my community was struggling, even though I had the means to help them?

As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.

Did I turn away from caring for someone who was struggling with their health?

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

Sloth

Did I turn away from those who were in need of physical help, such as walking their dog or running errands for them?

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

In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing, leading me to neglect responsibilities entrusted to me?

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

In what ways have I put my own desires for leisure time ahead of my family'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.

Did I neglect my child's religious formation through my own inaction, failing to provide them with the faith that is their due?

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 deliberately deprioritize your relationship with God by skipping Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, choosing instead to pursue worldly priorities?

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 Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation, showing disdain for Christ's sacrifice and giving precedence to worldly interests over my 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.

Vainglory

Did I seek praise from others for giving to charity through my social media presence?

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 seeking praise and admiration from others for my accomplishments rather than doing them solely to please 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 Catholic values when faced with social pressure or discomfort among friends who share your hobbies, such as gardening or outdoor activities?

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.

Did you publicly distance yourself from your Catholic faith 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 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 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 my financial obligations 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 assist others in stealing something?

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

Did you aid others in 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 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.

Did I pay others a fair price for goods and services?

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

Did you avoid paying others a just price for goods or services?

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

Did I deliberately pay less than a fair price for goods and services, thereby depriving others of their rightful wages?

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

False Witness

Did I intentionally misrepresent myself to gain an advantage over others?

This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.

Did you misrepresent yourself to gain an advantage, potentially betraying the trust placed in you by others?

This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.

Did I deliberately deceive others through my words to gain an advantage?

This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.

Did I speak falsely about another person?

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 I intentionally misled others?

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 lead others to believe something that was not true?

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 casual conversations or social settings?

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

Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about my family members, friends, or acquaintances in our conversations or interactions?

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

Have I intentionally misrepresented others in formal or informal conversations, even if done so through gossip, rumors, or exaggerations?

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

Effeminacy

Do you fear to say the name of Jesus and preach the gospel among your acquaintances?

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 you fear to speak the name of Jesus in everyday conversations, especially among friends and acquaintances?

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."

Retaliation

Do you harbor thoughts of personal retaliation towards others?

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

Imprudence

Have I spent excessive time on leisure activities that distract me from meaningful relationships, spiritual growth, and service to others?

Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.

Prodigality

Have I devoted excessive time to frivolous pursuits, thereby neglecting my responsibilities and opportunities for spiritual growth?

Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.

Vanity

Did I excessively focus on how I look to others?

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 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 intentionally use controlled substances to separate yourself from reality?

Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.

Did I intentionally use controlled substances to impair my freedom and judgment?

Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.

Did you use controlled substances to escape into an unhealthy mindset?

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 and pleasures over time spent in prayer, reflection, and intimacy 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 emotional and physical needs to overshadow my relationship with God, making them an idol in 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 give in to sensual desires over living a life centered on 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.

Did I engage in solitary self-stimulation for personal gratification?

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.

Resent

Did I nurture any negative feelings towards those who have wronged me, especially when I feel justified in doing so?

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 any negative feelings towards those who have wronged me to take up residence in my heart, fostering resentment and hindering my ability to love them as God desires?

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 refuse to forgive someone who wronged you, especially in your words or actions towards them?

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 fail to extend forgiveness through your words to someone who had wronged you?

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 any thought or consideration, deliberately reject my Catholic faith for even a short 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.

Autonomy

Did I fail to speak up in support of Church teachings when they were shared among friends, family, or community members?

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

Did I take for granted the good things in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?

Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.

Did I take for granted my own talents, skills, and abilities, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's gift of free will?

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 in your mind?

Deliberately entertaining doubts about God's existence is a sin against faith because it questions the most fundamental truth of our faith and shows a lack of trust in God's clear self-revelation through creation, scripture, and the Church's teachings.

Did I have any thoughts that questioned God's existence?

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.

Have I relied solely on my own gardening and outdoor activities, without seeking God's guidance in them?

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 encourage someone else to commit a sinful act through your words or deeds?

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

Impenitence

Have I held onto a particular sin, refusing to acknowledge my wrongdoing?

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

Have I refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing, stubbornly holding onto guilt and regret?

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

Blasphemy

Did you receive Holy Communion while knowing that your heart was not in a state of love and reverence for God, and thus, not worthy to receive Him?

This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.

Did I receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin and thus commit sacrilege by profaning the real presence of Christ?

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 entertained feelings toward someone else's spouse that were not rooted in respect for their marriage and relationship?

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.

Did you speak the name of God as a byword or curse, particularly in casual conversations or when expressing frustration 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.

Did you use the name of God, especially in prayer or conversation, as a mere expression or exclamation?

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 used the sacred name of God, Jesus, or any other divine title in a careless or disrespectful manner through my words?

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

Ambition

Did I allow my desire for power and dominance to influence how I interacted with others, particularly in situations where I wanted control or authority?

inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.

Did my pursuit of influence in community organizations or volunteer work ever cloud my judgment, leading me to prioritize my own desires over serving 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

Have I made accumulation of money and possessions, such as wealth or material goods, the driving force in my life, prioritizing it over trust 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.

Have I harbored an unjust desire for the possessions that others have, and been consumed by it?

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

Oppression

Did I treat others with unjust favoritism, harshness, or bias in my interactions with family members, friends, or acquaintances?

It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.

Lust

Did you reduce others to their usefulness for your own purposes, 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 engaged in any actual or simulated intimate acts outside of marriage, which would give scandal to others?

While our sexual nature is a gift, using it to indulge in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.

Have I engaged in or simulated sensual acts outside of marriage, which would give occasion for lust?

While our sexual nature is a gift, using it to indulge in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.

Envy

Have I secretly wished that others would be less blessed than me in their travels, hobbies, or personal accomplishments?

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.

Incontinence

Did I lack self-control and speak to others with unbecoming language, thereby causing them distress?

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

Did I lack self-control when speaking to others using language that disrespected their dignity?

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

Did you lack self-control and speak to others with language that was hurtful, coarse, or unbecoming?

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

Gluttony

Did you overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, perhaps when trying new recipes or enjoying meals during social gatherings?

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

Did you overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, particularly when sharing meals with loved ones?

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

Did I indulge excessively in eating or drinking to an extent that was not reasonable, thereby revealing an excessive attachment to worldly pleasures and rejecting the call to temperance?

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

Gossip

Have I taken pleasure in speaking about 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 my friends' or acquaintances' 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 sharing uninvited comments about people's private lives, even if what I shared was true?

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

Impiety

Did I engage in work on a Sunday, especially when it could have been avoided 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 show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament when, in my daily routines, I may have neglected opportunities to express proper respect?

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

Did I fail to show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament at times when it was exposed or processed in our parish?

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 always show reverence for God in those moments when you were praying, attending Mass, or receiving Holy Communion?

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

Impurity

Did you use practices to prevent pregnancy?

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

Did you use certain practices, substances, or objects to intentionally prevent conception?

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

Have I dressed immodestly, in a way that reveals too much and thus offends my own dignity?

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

Have I dressed in such a way that my modesty was compromised, leading to immodesty?

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

Have I dressed immodestly in ways that dishonor my own dignity?

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

Infidelity

Have I broken my marriage vows by engaging in any form of infidelity through deeds?

Fidelity in marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant made before God - not just a contract between people, thus breaking vows is seen as a betrayal of both divine and human trust.

Fornication

Did I have any non-procreative sex outside of a valid sacramental marriage?

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.

Did I have any non-procreative sexual relations outside of marriage?

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 intentionally caused pain or suffering to someone else, such as through harsh words, thoughtless deeds, or hurtful actions?

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

Have I knowingly acted in ways that cause pain, suffering, or emotional distress to someone else through my words, actions, or behavior?

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

Have I knowingly acted in ways that brought physical or emotional harm to someone through my words, actions, or decisions?

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

Adultery

Have I harbored illicit desires toward someone else's spouse?

This sin undermines the sacred bond of marriage by treating another person as an object of desire rather than respecting their dignity and commitment to their spouse.

Lukewarmness

Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my commitment to loving and serving God through daily prayer, reflection, and service to others?

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

Sorcery

Did I engage in conversations that involved 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 I interact with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards in any way that sought to bypass God's providence or trust in occult practices?

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

Heresy

Did I, at any point in my life, deliberately reject God's revealed truth through thoughts of abandonment or doubt regarding 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.

Presumption

Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, taking God's mercy for granted without making any effort to change your habits or routines?

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, relying on God's mercy without truly turning to Him for forgiveness or making any effort to change?

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

Did you deliberately persist in assuming God's mercy without making any effort to change your ways, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy?

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

Did you procrastinate going to confession while in a state of sin, showing a lack of urgency to seek forgiveness and reconciliation?

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 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.

Apostasy

Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either through internal doubt or expressing such thoughts 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 through your thoughts, either internally 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 God's existence in thought, word, or deed?

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.