Examination for a 55-64 Married Mother with Adult Children

Disobedience

Was I disobedient to my parents by not responding promptly to their guidance and requests?

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

Was I disobedient to my parents by disregarding their wise counsel or refusing to carry out their legitimate instructions?

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

Did I reject the unity of the Church when frustrated by certain members' human weaknesses?

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 differences in opinion or behavior among those who share my faith?

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 mock 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 use my words to mock 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 you engage in activities on a Sunday that could have been avoided, thereby showing disrespect to this day of rest?

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

Have I through my actions and attitudes toward my mother, disobeyed her authority and will, which is deserving of honor?

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

Did I willfully disregard my faith in God for an extended period by giving it little thought or consideration?

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.

Condoning

Did I discourage other Catholics from receiving the Sacraments or attending Mass through my words?

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

Did I lead other practicing Catholics into spiritual complacency by minimizing the importance of 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 ever use my words to discourage other Catholics from receiving the 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 fail to speak up when my child continued in error, rather than addressing their mistake head-on?

Permitting a child to continue in error by avoiding difficult conversations is sinful because it neglects our God-given parental duty to guide and form our children's moral and spiritual development, placing our own comfort above their eternal wellbeing.

Did I allow my adult child to persist in a mistaken understanding by failing to initiate a 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 you condone a funeral where human remains were left without 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 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 permit my child to be exposed to bad influences through our relationship, activities, or environment that could potentially harm 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 permit my child to be exposed to bad influences through their involvement in certain activities or associations?

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 encourage another Catholic to marry outside the Church by my words?

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 for marrying 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's decision to marry outside the Church?

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

Adultery

Did you forgo a valid Catholic marriage in your lifetime?

For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.

Apostasy

Did I forgo a valid marriage through an adulterous relationship?

For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.

Have you explicitly rejected God's existence, either through your thoughts or by openly expressing such views to others?

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

Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either through your thoughts, conversations, or writings, especially in situations where faith is being discussed or questioned?

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, through your thoughts, explicitly rejected the existence of God?

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.

Uncharity

Do I turn away from those who are homeless?

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

Do you turn away from those who are displaced and in need of shelter, demonstrating a lack of compassion and disregard for their dignity?

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

Do I turn away from those who are homeless and in need of shelter?

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.

Have I judged others based on their job, nationality, or other trait?

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

Do I look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait, when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us?

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

Did I let my own interests and desires overshadow concern for others' needs?

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

Did I lose my patience with others in frustrating situations where they were unable to understand my perspective?

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 frustration to cloud my interactions with others, causing me to lose patience with them?

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 to be treated unjustly in our community?

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

Did you permit someone to be mistreated, bullied, or unfairly treated?

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

Did you permit others to be treated unfairly?

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

Have I not 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 who are struggling with poverty, sickness, or other forms of suffering?

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 for local community organizations or responding to family and friends in times of crisis?

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

Have I shown compassion to those who are in physical or emotional need, through practical assistance such as providing material support, volunteering time, or offering a listening ear?

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 failing to seek spiritual growth through regular reflection on my faith?

Lukewarmness in spiritual growth is sinful because one essentially chooses comfort and mediocrity over the transformative love God offers, which Jesus specifically warned against in Revelation 3:16.

Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my efforts to deepen my love for God, even when engaging in meaningful activities such as volunteering, gardening, and spending quality time with family?

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

Merciless

Have I used my words to condemn 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.

Did you use your words to criticize or condemn others?

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

Have I spoken words that condemned 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.

Callousness

Did you fail to extend practical assistance to someone who was struggling when you had the means to do so?

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

Did you intentionally 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 turn away from caring for someone who was seriously unwell, perhaps by not visiting them or showing sufficient concern for 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.

Did I turn away from caring for someone who was ill, showing a lack of compassion and mercy?

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 my help when they needed it most?

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

Did you show indifference to those who needed assistance from you?

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

Have I neglected to guide my child toward knowing Christ, leading them astray from their spiritual heritage?

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 my faith to my child, leaving them uninstructed in matters of 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 share the love of Christ with my child in ways that are meaningful and relevant to their life?

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

In what ways have I put my own interests 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.

In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing, leading to neglect or disregard for their true priorities?

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

In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing, potentially hindering their emotional growth and development?

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 intentionally withhold teaching my child about their faith, leading them to grow in understanding of Catholic principles?

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 daily pray?

This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God

Did I deprioritize my commitment to worshiping God 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.

Vainglory

Did I seek self-glory when giving alms?

Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.

Did I seek self-glory by 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.

Am I more focused on defending my reputation through public recognition, especially in community organizations and volunteer work, than pleasing God?

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

Am I more focused on defending my reputation among friends, family, and community than pleasing God? Note: The demographic's traits suggest a strong social connections and desire for respect within their communities. This rephrased question maintains the original's focus on vainglory while reflecting this aspect of their lives.

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 teachings when facing pressure from others to conform?

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 that were rightfully owed to others?

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

Did you intentionally fail to pay debts owed to others?

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

Did you intentionally neglect to pay your debts?

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

Did you knowingly encourage others to steal?

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

Did I help others steal by my words, actions, or silence?

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

Did I assist others in taking something that 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.

Have I taken something that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value?

Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.

Did I avoid paying others a fair price?

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 fail to pay others a fair price for goods or services rendered?

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 fail to pay others a fair price, exploiting their trust in me?

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

False Witness

Did you intentionally misrepresent yourself to gain an advantage, perhaps in your personal or professional life?

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.

Have I misrepresented myself to gain an advantage by withholding or distorting information about my personal life, career, or financial situation?

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?

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.

Did I deceive 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 mislead others through my words or actions?

Deceiving others is a form of bearing false witness, damages trust between people, and breaks down human relationships that should reflect God's truth and love.

Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in my personal conversations and interactions?

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

Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in formal or informal conversations among friends, family, and community members?

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 friends, family, or community in informal conversations or social settings?

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

Resent

Did I become sterilized?

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

Did I intentionally become sterilized?

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

Have I harbored any resentment towards those who have wronged me, leading to a heart that holds onto bitterness rather than forgiveness?

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 forgiveness to someone by harboring resentment in my words 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 at any time deliberately reject God's truth through thoughts that led you to abandon your 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.

Did I, at any point in my life, willfully turn away from God's love and guidance for an extended period of time?

This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.

Retaliation

Do I harbor thoughts of retaliation against others?

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

Do I harbor thoughts of revenge against 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.

Lust

Did I harbor thoughts that lead me to interact with pornography?

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

Have you engaged in thoughts that involve interacting with pornography?

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

Have you had any 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.

Have I reduced others to their usefulness, appearance, or what they could do for me, 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,

Did I reduce others to their appearance, usefulness, or what they could do for me, rather than seeing them as full human beings?

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

Have I engaged in actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage?

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

Have I had actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage, through any means that could be considered lustful, including but not limited to: visual, auditory, written or digital materials?

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 actual or simulated acts outside of marriage, which involve the stirring up of 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.

Have I entertained inappropriate feelings towards someone else's spouse through my actions in social settings, online interactions, or conversations with others?

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.

Imprudence

Have I spent excessive time on meaningless pursuits during my free hours, which could have been used for more productive and spiritually enriching activities?

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

Have I spent excessive time on digital distractions, squandering the precious moments God has given me for meaningful relationships, personal growth, and service to others?

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

Sensuality

Did I desire worldly pleasures and experiences over growth in faith?

Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.

Did I desire worldly pursuits over growth in faith?

Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.

Did I allow worldly distractions to crowd out my desire for spiritual growth?

Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.

Did I use controlled substances to detach myself 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 you use controlled substances to impair your reason and free will?

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 use controlled substances to deliberately impair my reason and free will?

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 pleasures and desires over your relationship with God, potentially leading to an idolization of physical or emotional gratification in your thoughts?

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 you make your physical or emotional desires secondary to your relationship with God, even if only in thought?

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 pursuit of personal gratification to become an idol in my life, displacing my relationship with God as the center of my thoughts and desires?

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 engage in masturbation, using your body for self-indulgence and sensual pleasures?

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 I engaged in masturbation that was motivated by self-indulgence, rather than a desire to foster intimacy or closeness with my partner?

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.

Effeminacy

Did you compromise your beliefs rather than upholding them when faced with pressure from others, even those close to me?

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

Did I remain silent about Church teachings to avoid social discomfort or conflict among my peers, family, or community?

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

Autonomy

Did I remain silent about Church teachings when confronted with disagreement or discomfort?

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 blessings 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 accomplishments, forgetting to acknowledge God's providence in guiding my efforts?

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.

Have I ever questioned God's existence through my own thoughts?

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 attempt to accomplish my goals, objectives, and projects solely through my own abilities and strength without recognizing or relying on God's grace?

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

Did I rely solely on my own abilities, neglecting to recognize the indispensable role of God's grace in guiding me through life's challenges?

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

Scandal

Did you try to make someone commit a sinful act by your deeds?

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

Did I try to make someone else commit a sinful act through my words, actions, or influence in social settings, such as community gatherings or dinner parties?

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

Did I ever try to lead someone into sinful behavior, perhaps through my words, actions, or encouragement?

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

Impenitence

Have I refused to admit my own wrongdoing, clinging to it in my heart?

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

Have I clung to pride, refusing to admit my wrongdoing in my pursuit of self-improvement?

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

Have I refused to acknowledge my personal wrongdoing, holding onto guilt and shame rather than seeking forgiveness?

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

Blasphemy

Did you swear at God, or use His name in an unjust manner?

This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.

Did you 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 I receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin caused by my own selfish desires, leading to grave disrespect for the sacrament?

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 speak the name of God as a byword or curse in conversation, discussions, or online interactions?

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 speak the name of God as a byword, curse, or utterance devoid of reverence?

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 speak the name of God, Jesus Christ, or any other divine being in anger, frustration, or disrespect?

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

Ambition

Did I let my desire for power and dominance cloud my judgment when making decisions that affect 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 I let my desire for power and dominance influence my decisions and treatment of others, leading me to prioritize personal gain over humble service and genuine relationships?

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 desire for power and dominance in your community or social circles influence how you treated others, such as leaders, colleagues, or volunteers?

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 wealth and possessions a driving force in my life?

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

Did I make accumulation of wealth and material possessions a driving force in my life, potentially leading me away from trusting in God's providence?

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

Oppression

Did you mistreat, harass, or discriminate against others through your words, actions, or attitudes?

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.

Did I engage in any unjust treatment, harassment, or discrimination against others?

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.

Incontinence

Did I lack self-control and speak to others with vulgar or inappropriate language when expressing my opinions in social gatherings, online forums, or conversations?

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

Did I lack self-control in my conversations with others, using language that was vulgar or inappropriate?

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 with vulgarity or inappropriate language, thus violating their dignity?

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

Gluttony

Have I overindulged in eating or drinking beyond what is reasonable, especially in moments of celebration or social gatherings?

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

Did I allow my desire for comfort and pleasure in eating and drinking to become excessive?

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

Prodigality

Have I put excessive and wasteful personal expenses ahead of my financial obligations and family needs?

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

Have I excessively risked financial resources entrusted to me, prioritizing unnecessary expenditures over my family's needs or important responsibilities?

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

Gossip

Have I taken pleasure in sharing others' private affairs through casual conversations, even if what was 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 another person's personal struggles or shortcomings, even if what was shared was true?

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

Have I spoken about someone else's private affairs in a way that brought me pleasure, even if what I said was true?

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

Impurity

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

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

Did you use substances, practices, or objects to deliberately prevent pregnancy within your marriage?

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

Did I intentionally use practices to prevent pregnancy, thereby separating the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage?

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 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 is immodest, yet still respects my own dignity?

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

Have I dressed in a way that disrespects my dignity and may provoke lustful thoughts in others?

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

Infidelity

Did I compromise the fidelity promised in my marriage vows through any deed?

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 non-procreative sex in my 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-marital, non-procreative sex?

While the sexual natures are a gift, it's a sin to stray away from their ordering toward the unitive and procreative nature within marriage.

Violence

Have I deliberately acted in ways that caused emotional pain to others?

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

Murder

Have I, through my words or presence, endorsed or justified abortion or euthanasia?

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

Did I participate in an abortion?

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.

Sorcery

Have I interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards through conversations, advice sought from them, or endorsements of 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.

Did I engage in conversations with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija board operators?

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

Have you ever interacted with individuals who claim to possess supernatural knowledge or powers, such as mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?

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

Presumption

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

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

Have you deliberately persisted in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change your thoughts or ways?

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

Did you deliberately persist in taking God's mercy for granted without making any genuine effort to change your ways, relying on His forgiveness without truly turning away from sinful behavior?

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 contempt for God's mercy and demonstrating prideful presumption that you'll 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 procrastinate going to confession while in a state of sin, showing presumption that God's mercy would always be available to you?

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 knowing yourself to be 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.

Impiety

Did you fail to always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament in your daily devotions?

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 when it was exposed in our parish or home?

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

Did you fail to show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament, especially in moments of quiet reflection or communal worship?

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

A Catholic Examination of Conscience

55-64 Married Mother with Adult Children

Disobedience

Condoning

Adultery

Apostasy

Uncharity

Lukewarmness

Merciless

Callousness

Sloth

Vainglory

Theft

False Witness

Resent

Retaliation

Lust

Imprudence

Sensuality

Effeminacy

Autonomy

Scandal

Impenitence

Blasphemy

Ambition

Greed

Oppression

Incontinence

Gluttony

Prodigality

Gossip

Impurity

Infidelity

Fornication

Violence

Murder

Sorcery

Presumption

Impiety