A Catholic Examination of Conscience
55-64 Married Woman
In preparing for confession, please read through the examination questions and explanations thoughtfully, reflecting on each point and honestly identifying where you've fallen short of God's call in your life. You may click and remove any irrelevant ones as you proceed. Take mental note of any serious sins that require confession, focusing on being thorough but not scrupulous, then use these insights to make a complete and sincere confession to your priest.
Updated: December 3, 2024
Read Time: 14 minutes
Disobedience
Was I disobedient to those in authority, such as parents, teachers, or supervisors?
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 others through my deeds?
As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.
Have I rejected the unity of the Catholic Church by expressing disdain or frustration towards individuals within my community due to perceived imperfections?
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 unity when I let frustration or disappointment with Church members influence my thoughts and attitudes towards the Body of Christ?
Rejecting Church unity due to frustration with individuals is sinful because it confuses the Church's divine nature and eternal truths with the human imperfections of its members, while also violating Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."
Did you reject the unity of the Church when experiencing frustration within faith communities?
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 ever use words to criticize or belittle the Church?
Mocking the church shows contempt for Christ's established institution on earth, disrespects the Body of Christ, and undermines the Church's divine authority as guided by the Holy Spirit.
Did I deliberately choose to work on a Sunday when it could be avoided, thereby showing disrespect for the Lord's day of rest?
It's irreverent to work on a Sunday as it's a holy day of rest, worship, and a day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money (CCC).
Have I shown disrespect to my mother through my actions and attitudes?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Have I dishonored my mother through my actions, especially in regards to her role in giving life and nurturing me?
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, through my deeds, dishonored my mother and father by failing to respect their authority and guidance in my life?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Condoning
Did I lead other Catholics to believe that staying away from Sacraments or Mass was acceptable 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 fellow Catholics to believe it is acceptable 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.
Have I ever failed to correct or warn other Catholics when they were absent from Mass or Sacraments, leading them further away from spiritual nourishment?
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 provide support to someone who was struggling financially when I 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 I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences?
Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.
Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences?
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 condone another Catholic to marry outside the Church through 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 approval to another Catholic by my words, when they were considering marrying outside of our 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 silent approval through my words to another Catholic who 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 use my words to endorse or justify abortion, thereby causing harm to 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 displaced, leaving them to fend for themselves?
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, displaced, or in need?
Per the corporal works of mercy, we are to love our neighbors by feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless and respecting their dignity especially in times of hardship.
Do I look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait, treating them unfairly by judging them solely on these 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 allow my own desires for leisure activities, such as gardening, painting, or learning new skills, to overshadow a sense of responsibility towards 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 put my own needs before those of others in our community or social groups, neglecting opportunities for charity, compassion, and self-sacrifice?
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 permit someone to be unfairly treated in my community or workplace?
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 treated unfairly in a situation where you had the opportunity to intervene?
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 refused to help those who were in need of assistance?
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 helped others when they were in need?
Refusing to help those in need violates Jesus's direct command to love our neighbor and practice the works of mercy, as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Have I not omitted to assist those who are in need of assistance?
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 volunteering or community service?
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 acts of kindness and service that involve time, talent, or resources?
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 my daily life, such as neighbors, acquaintances, or individuals encountered through community service?
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 been halfhearted in my efforts to deepen my relationship with God through prayer, reading Scripture, and serving others?
We tend to sin by failing in effort to know and love God while exerting other efforts on worldly things.
Lukewarmness
Am I uninterested in growing spiritually, choosing comfort over transformation?
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 commitment to loving and serving God, especially when it comes to dedicating time and energy to spiritual pursuits amidst other priorities?
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 judge 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.
Did I lack self-control and use hurtful or unkind words that offended others, particularly in my online interactions or conversations with acquaintances?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Callousness
Did I fail to assist someone in financial need when I 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 turn away from visiting 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.
Sloth
Did I ignore those who were ill and needed my help?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did you neglect to provide care for those who were hungry and needed your assistance?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Have I failed to guide my child toward knowing Christ?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
Have I neglected to guide my child toward knowing Christ?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing, leading me to neglect our relationships and prioritize leisure activities over meaningful interactions with them?
Neglecting family duties is considered sinful because it violates both divine law and natural law, where God entrusts us with specific responsibilities to nurture, protect, and care for our family members as part of our fundamental Christian vocation.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of genuine needs and well-being, leading to neglect or dismissal of others' responsibilities within our shared life?
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 personal interests ahead of my relationships, specifically those that involve mutual support and care for others in my life?
Neglecting family duties is considered sinful because it violates both divine law and natural law, where God entrusts us with specific responsibilities to nurture, protect, and care for our family members as part of our fundamental Christian vocation.
Did I fail to provide guidance on my child's spiritual formation?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did I neglect to spend daily quiet time reflecting on my relationship with God?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did I fail to prioritize my daily spiritual practice, leaving me ungrounded and disconnected from God?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did I deprioritize attending Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, allowing worldly pursuits to take precedence over my worship of God?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did I deprioritize attending Sunday Mass or Holy Day of Obligation in favor of leisure activities?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Vainglory
Did I seek to gain personal satisfaction through sharing my charitable endeavors?
Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.
Did I seek praise for giving charitable contributions in my community?
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 in various areas of life, such as volunteering, hobbies, or career development, 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 peers, acquaintances, or community members than pleasing God?
Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.
Theft
Did I intentionally fail to pay my debts 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 fail to pay your debts, thereby neglecting the financial commitments made to others?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did you help others steal from them?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did you assist others in stealing?
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 in another person stealing something?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Have I entertained inappropriate feelings toward someone who is taken?
This sin undermines the sacred bond of marriage by treating another person as an object of desire rather than respecting their dignity and commitment to their spouse.
Have I, through any means, 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 by shortchanging them, deceiving them about costs, or withholding payment due to them?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
False Witness
Did I misrepresent myself to gain an advantage through false witness in my personal relationships?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I use words to deceive someone in order to gain an advantage?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I misrepresent myself to someone in order to gain an advantage, thereby bearing false witness and violating Christian values of honesty and integrity?
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 deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in formal or informal social situations?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in informal conversations or online 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 informal social settings through conversations or online interactions?
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 you become sterilized?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Did I become sterilized, intentionally thwarting God's plan for my life by assuming control over my own 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.
Do I hesitate to share the name of Jesus and proclaim the Gospel through spoken words in everyday conversations?
Being ashamed or afraid to proclaim Christ represents a denial of our baptismal call to evangelize, shows lack of trust in God's protection, and fails to fulfill Jesus's command to "go and make disciples of all nations."
Did I harbor any resentment towards others who have wronged me, particularly those in my personal or professional life?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Did I harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me in my life, causing me to feel bitter or indignant?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Did I harbor any resentment towards people who have wronged me, such as those who have disappointed or betrayed my trust?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Did you deny others forgiveness when you had difficulty forgiving them in your own life?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Did I refuse to forgive someone in my life by using hurtful words?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Have I, at any point in my life, deliberately rejected God's revealed truth by abandoning our Catholic faith for a length of time?
This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
Did I deliberately reject God's truth in my thoughts for any length of time?
This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
Retaliation
Do I harbor thoughts of 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.
Do you 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.
Lust
Did you have thoughts involving pornography?
Interacting with pornography reduces human beings to mere objects for personal gratification, violating their inherent dignity and worth as children of God.
Did I reduce others to their 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,
Did I reduce others to 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,
Have I committed acts of lust through simulated or actual deeds 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 committed acts of lust outside of marriage through my deeds?
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.
Imprudence
Have I spent excessive time on meaningless distractions from my spiritual growth?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Have I spent excessive time on meaningless pursuits that distract me from serving others and fulfilling my responsibilities?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Have I spent excessive time on pursuits that do little to nourish my soul?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Vanity
Did I allow my desire for social acceptance to lead me to obsess over my physical appearence?
Excessive focus on physical appearance reflects vanity and can indicate a lack of trust in God's creation of you as inherently worthy.
Sensuality
Did I desire worldly experiences over growth in faith?
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 desires to distract me from spiritual pursuits, leading me to prioritize fleeting experiences over eternal 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 use controlled substances to detach 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 obscure your perception of 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 ability to engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Do I allow my desire for sensual pleasures to distract me from my relationship with God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Do I prioritize my own sensual pleasures over intimate moments with my spouse, turning what should be a gift of love into the primary focus of our relationship?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Have I engaged in the solo sensual pleasure of self-stimulation?
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 actual or simulated acts that objectified others by exploiting their physical nature for personal gratification outside of a sacramental 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.
Effeminacy
Did I compromise my beliefs to gain others' approval rather than standing firm in what I know is right?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did your thoughts and actions compromise your beliefs, values, and integrity in order to gain approval from others rather than standing firm on what you know is right?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did I compromise my beliefs to appease the opinions of those around me rather than standing firm in what I know is right?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Murder
Did I murder anyone?
The taking of one's life intentionally violates the fifth commandment and takes away the precious gift of life that was granted by God.
Scandal
Did I try to encourage someone else to engage in sinful behavior through my words or actions?
Leading others to sin (also called "scandal") is sinful because it actively harms another person's soul by encouraging them away from God, making you spiritually responsible both for your own sin and for potentially damaging another's relationship with God.
Impenitence
Have I refused to admit my wrongdoing, clinging instead to my own pride and resistance to God's mercy?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I clung to my own stubbornness, refusing to admit when I am wrong?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Blasphemy
Did you swear to God in anger, frustration, or during an intense conversation?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did you swear to God in anger, frustration, or during a heated conversation?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did I receive Holy Communion while knowing myself to be unworthy and in a state of sin, thus offending God's presence among us?
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 grave sin, which profanes the real presence of Christ and shows 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 your conversations, discussions, or interactions with others?
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 utter the name of Jesus or God as a profanity or blasphemy, using His sacred name in a manner that shows disrespect for His divine nature?
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 you, in thoughtless conversation or frustration, spoken the name of Jesus or God as a careless expression?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Ambition
Did my pursuit for influence over others lead me to prioritize personal power over their well-being?
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 ambition to advance in my career let me prioritize dominance over service to others, even in my thoughts?
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 accumulating material 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.
Oppression
Did I mistreat, harass, or discriminate against others through deeds of unjust exercise of power or authority over them?
It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.
Have I mistreated, harassed, or discriminated against others through my words, actions, or behaviors in positions of authority or influence?
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 oppress others through my words or deeds, disrespecting their God-given dignity?
It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.
Autonomy
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 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 permit myself to harbor doubts about 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.
Did I entertain doubts about God's existence when reflecting on the meaning of life and my purpose, or did I resolve to have faith in His plan for me?
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 abilities in pursuing hobbies, interests, or personal goals, failing to recognize my complete dependence 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 take credit for accomplishments through my own abilities without acknowledging God's guidance in achieving 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.
Did I take credit for accomplishments in my career, hobbies, or community service without acknowledging God's guidance and support?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Incontinence
Did you lack self-control in expressing yourself through words that hurt others' feelings, dignity, or respect?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Gluttony
Have I given in to excessive eating or drinking, thereby neglecting moderation and self-control?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did I overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, demonstrating an excessive attachment to worldly pleasures that rejects the call to temperance?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Prodigality
Have I let my enthusiasm for social events, entertainment, or hobbies lead me to excessive spending that takes precedence over my financial obligations or family needs?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Have I recklessly risked resources entrusted to me, taking precedence over meeting my financial obligations or supporting those in genuine need?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Have I excessively and wastefully indulged in financial activities that prioritize entertainment over meeting my important responsibilities, potentially jeopardizing my ability to provide for those who rely on me?
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 indulged in sharing others' private affairs, even if true, for the sake of excitement or to prove a point?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I entertained thoughts or conversations that harmed others' reputations through sharing private or unverified information, even if what was shared seemed true?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Impurity
Did I use certain practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy, thereby intending to separate 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 in ways that might provoke sinful intentions or behaviors in others?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I worn attire in public that could be considered immodest, potentially giving scandal to others?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Infidelity
Have I broken my marriage vows, especially in regards to fidelity and faithfulness, through deeds that compromised the trust placed in me?
Fidelity in marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant made before God - not just a contract between people, thus breaking vows is seen as a betrayal of both divine and human trust.
Did I break any of my marriage vows by doing something that undermined trust in our relationship?
Fidelity in marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant made before God - not just a contract between people, thus breaking vows is seen as a betrayal of both divine and human trust.
Fornication
Did I engage in non-procreative sex?
While the sexual natures are a gift, it's a sin to stray away from their ordering toward the unitive and procreative nature within marriage.
Have I engaged in non-procreative sex 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.
Have I had non-procreative sex through my engagement in activities outside of marriage that could lead to fornication, such as engaging in intimacy or physical affection with someone other than my spouse?
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 another person to suffer harm or pain?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused emotional pain to someone through my words, deeds, or actions?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that intentionally caused physical harm, emotional pain, or suffering to someone else?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Sorcery
Did I use my words to seek guidance from mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Did you interact with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards through words, either by seeking advice, guidance, or validation from them, or by promoting or encouraging others to engage in such 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.
Presumption
Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change, perhaps by relying too heavily on your established routines or social connections, rather than seeking true spiritual renewal?
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 take God's mercy for granted, persisting in sinful behavior without making any effort to change your ways, counting on His forgiveness without true repentance or amendment of life?
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, counting on His forgiveness without making any effort to change your ways of doing things?
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 willfully delay going to confession while in a state of mortal sin, presuming that God's mercy would somehow magically apply to your tardiness?
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 receiving spiritual guidance, especially in regards to your relationship with God, while knowingly being in a state of sin?
Deliberately delaying confession while in mortal sin is a serious offense because it recklessly endangers your soul's salvation, shows contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation, and demonstrates prideful presumption that you'll have time later to repent.
Resistance Of Truth
Did I harbor doubts about God's existence through my thoughts, especially during times of spiritual reflection or contemplation?
Deliberately entertaining doubts about God's existence is a sin against faith because it questions the most fundamental truth of our faith and shows a lack of trust in God's clear self-revelation through creation, scripture, and the Church's teachings.
Apostasy
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally through thoughts or to others, especially in conversations about faith, spirituality, or values?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally through doubts or reservations, or to others through vocalized disbelief?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either through internal thoughts or external expressions, in your daily experiences, discussions, or reflections?
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.
Impiety
Did I fail to show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament when participating in adoration or other 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 proper reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament, especially when attending adoration or other prayer services?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Did I fail to always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament in my daily interactions, including when engaging in hobbies or leisure activities?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.