A Catholic Examination of Conscience
55-64 Separated Mother with Children Under 18
In preparing for confession, please read through the examination questions and explanations thoughtfully, reflecting on each point and honestly identifying where you've fallen short of God's call in your life. You may click and remove any irrelevant ones as you proceed. Take mental note of any serious sins that require confession, focusing on being thorough but not scrupulous, then use these insights to make a complete and sincere confession to your priest.
Updated: December 3, 2024
Read Time: 16 minutes
Disobedience
Was I disobedient to my parents, especially in regards to making decisions without consulting them when it comes to matters that affect our children?
As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.
Have I disobeyed my parents in any area where they have asked me to assist them, especially concerning the well-being of our children?
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 individual Catholics, especially those within my own family?
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 disagreeing with individuals within it, confusing their human frailties with its divine nature and eternal truths?
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 skip any obligatory days, such as those marked by sacred times like Ash Wednesday?
This is considered sinful because deliberately disregarding prescribed days of fasting represents disobedience to Church authority and fails to honor our spiritual obligation to practice self-denial and penance during sacred times.
Did you intentionally skip days of fasting that were prescribed by the Church, thus showing disrespect for its authority and failing to practice self-denial during sacred times?
This is considered sinful because deliberately disregarding prescribed days of fasting represents disobedience to Church authority and fails to honor our spiritual obligation to practice self-denial and penance during sacred times.
Did I use hurtful words to belittle or 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 speak disrespectfully about the Church, its teachings, or its members?
Mocking the church shows contempt for Christ's established institution on earth, disrespects the Body of Christ, and undermines the Church's divine authority as guided by the Holy Spirit.
Have I, through my actions and attitudes, dishonored my mother and father?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Have I, through my actions and attitudes towards them, dishonored my mother and father?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Have I shown disrespect to my mother through my actions, words, 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.
Condoning
Did I advise fellow Catholics to stay away from Sacraments or Mass?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I ever tell other Catholics that it's okay to avoid attending Mass or receiving 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 you ever lead other Catholics to believe that 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.
Did I fail to correct my child's misunderstanding by avoiding a difficult conversation, leading them further astray?
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 neglect correcting my child's error, thereby allowing them to continue in ignorance out of fear of an uncomfortable conversation?
Permitting a child to continue in error by avoiding difficult conversations is sinful because it neglects our God-given parental duty to guide and form our children's moral and spiritual development, placing our own comfort above their eternal wellbeing.
Did I permit my child to continue in error, avoiding guidance that could have led them towards a more virtuous path?
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 condone a funeral where a loved one's remains were not given a 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 condone a funeral where human remains were not buried?
Failing to advocate for proper burial of human remains is considered sinful as the Church teaches that the body is sacred and deserves reverent burial, with scattering or keeping remains being contrary to the dignity of the human body and resurrection belief.
Did I permit my child to be exposed to influences that could lead them away from our 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 their involvement in activities or relationships that may compromise 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 potentially corrupting influences through their interactions with peers, media, or online platforms?
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 my approval to another Catholic's decision to marry in a ceremony outside of the Church?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I condone another Catholic to enter into a marriage 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 you endorse or justify abortion, thereby promoting its acceptance in any way?
It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.
Uncharity
Do I turn away from those who are homeless, especially in times of hardship?
Per the corporal works of mercy, we are to love our neighbors by feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless and respecting their dignity especially in times of hardship.
Do I look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait, treating them as less deserving of love and respect?
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 condescend to 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 judge others based on their occupation, nationality, or other trait?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Did you put your own interests ahead of 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 let my own needs take precedence over the well-being of others, particularly those in my household?
This is considered sinful because excessive self-focus and selfishness violates Christ's command to love our neighbors as ourselves and contradicts the Christian call to practice charity, compassion, and self-sacrifice for others.
Do I speak to others in ways that show disdain for their inherent dignity as children of God?
Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.
Do I disrespect others? Thinking, saying, or doing something that leads me to treat them in ways that deny their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image.
Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.
Did you lose your patience with those closest to you, such as family members or friends?
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 fail to intervene when someone else was treated unfairly?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Did I permit someone else to be unjustly treated in ways that affect their well-being, dignity, or basic human rights?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Did I permit someone to be unjustly treated in dealings involving family members or close relationships?
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 failed to provide assistance to those who needed my help?
Refusing to help those in need violates Jesus's direct command to love our neighbor and practice the works of mercy, as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Have I failed to be there for someone 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, particularly during times of financial hardship or personal struggle?
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 community, such as family members, neighbors, or acquaintances who are struggling with difficult circumstances?
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 comfortable growing in my faith, rather than being stirred by God's transformative love?
Lukewarmness in spiritual growth is sinful because one essentially chooses comfort and mediocrity over the transformative love God offers, which Jesus specifically warned against in Revelation 3:16.
Merciless
Did I speak about others in a way that condemned them without considering their own struggles and weaknesses?
Condemning others is a sin of mercilessness because it places oneself in God's role as judge and denies others the same mercy and forgiveness that God extends to all of us.
Did I speak harshly against others, cutting them down with my words?
Condemning others is a sin of mercilessness because it places oneself in God's role as judge and denies others the same mercy and forgiveness that God extends to all of us.
Callousness
Did I fail to give assistance, when I had the opportunity, to someone who was struggling with difficulties such as financial troubles or relationship problems?
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 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.
Sloth
Did I turn away from those in my community who needed my help when they were unwell?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did I neglect those who were in need of my help, perhaps when they were ill or struggling?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did I neglect those who were in need of my help?
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 by neglecting our shared spiritual experiences and practices, especially in moments of crisis or uncertainty?
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 introduce my child to Christ through our daily interactions?
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 regularly engage my child in conversations about faith and God's presence in our lives?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
Did I engage in unnecessary activities on a Sunday, thereby neglecting my duty to rest and worship?
It's irreverent to work on a Sunday as it's a holy day of rest, worship, and a day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money (CCC).
Did I use Sundays for personal projects or hobbies when they could have been done on other days, thereby neglecting to rest and give priority to God'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).
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 in our relationships and interactions?
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 regular opportunities for my child's spiritual formation, thereby neglecting their religious education?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did I neglect daily prayer to 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 neglect to make daily prayer a priority?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did I neglect to prioritize my daily relationship with God through prayer?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did I deprioritize and skip Mass on Sundays, allowing worldly priorities to take precedence over my spiritual obligations?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did you deprioritize your commitment to regular Mass attendance, intentionally skipping Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation services for non-serious reasons?
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 give alms to be seen by others, perhaps through social media or public announcements?
Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.
Did I give alms seeking to be seen by others?
Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.
Did I seek praise for sharing my own charitable giving experiences?
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.
Have I compromised my beliefs by seeking the approval of others rather than upholding what I know to be right?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Am I more focused on defending my family's respect and reputation 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 impressing others through my hobbies, interests, and activities 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.
Resent
Did I reject unity within the Catholic Church when feeling frustrated with individuals who represent it?
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 have myself intentionally 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 deliberately choose to sterilize yourself?
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 harbor a resentful desire to deprive others of their blessings when they succeed?
Preventing others' success is sinful because it's the resentful desire to deprive others of their blessings because their achievements make us feel inferior or threatened in comparison.
Do I harbor resentment against others, manifesting in thoughts of personal retaliation?
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.
Did I harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me, such as estranged family members or former friends?
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 harbor any resentment in your heart towards those who have caused you harm, even if they may not have intended to?
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 use my words to withhold forgiveness from someone who wronged me?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Did you reject your Catholic faith in your thoughts, even briefly?
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 intentionally reject my faith during any period in my life, especially during times of personal crisis or transition?
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.
Theft
Did I intentionally fail to pay my debts due to lack of good will or deliberate decision?
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 omit paying debts that were due to others?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did I intentionally fail to pay my financial obligations, thereby withholding from others what is rightfully theirs?
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 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 you knowingly enable others to steal something from them?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Have I, regardless of its value, anything that doesn't belong to me, stolen?
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 I avoid paying others a fair price in my dealings, such as those concerning goods and services I purchase or sell?
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 pay others a fair price, especially in situations where they may be vulnerable or in need of special consideration?
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 in my 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 deliberately deceive others through my words to gain an advantage in a situation that involved personal interests or 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.
Have I done something that led others to believe what was not true?
Deceiving others is a form of bearing false witness, damages trust between people, and breaks down human relationships that should reflect God's truth and love.
Did you intentionally mislead others through your 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.
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 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 casual conversations or online interactions?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in informal conversations, social media posts, or other written exchanges?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Lust
Did you intentionally 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.
Did you harbor thoughts that could lead to an interaction with pornography?
Interacting with pornography reduces human beings to mere objects for personal gratification, violating their inherent dignity and worth as children of God.
Did I reduce others to their usefulness, rather than seeing them in their full humanity?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Did I reduce others to their utility for me, rather than recognizing their inherent dignity and worth?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Have I had actual or simulated sensual acts outside of marriage, that involve a will to indulge in lustful desires?
While our sexual nature is a gift, using it to indulge in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.
Prodigality
Have I devoted an excessive amount of time to engaging in meaningless distractions that squander God's gift for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Have I used excessive and wasteful gambling to take precedence over my family's financial needs, potentially harming our ability to provide for each other?
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.
Do I use excessive and wasteful gambling to take precedence over my financial responsibilities, potentially compromising my ability to provide for myself or support others in need?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Sensuality
Did I allow fleeting pleasures and experiences to distract me from nourishing my 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 desire worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development?
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.
Have I used 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.
Have you used 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 detach from your problems or difficulties?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Do I prioritize my own pleasures, especially those related to relaxation and enjoyment, over my relationship with God in 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.
Do I prioritize my own desires and pleasures in ways that lead me away from a deep relationship with God, often seeking emotional or physical gratification over spiritual fulfillment?
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 place my desires for relaxation and leisure above my commitment to prayer and spiritual growth?
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 you engaged in masturbation for personal satisfaction, unrelated to marriage and procreation?
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 had actual or simulated sensual acts outside of marriage, involving desires or temptations that are contrary to the sacramental love intended for a husband and wife?
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 romantic or physical acts with someone outside of marriage, or fantasized about such actions?
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 by prioritizing others' approval over standing firm in what I know to be right, especially when it comes to matters of faith?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did you publicly distance yourself from being Catholic when expressing opinions on social media to avoid social discomfort among acquaintances?
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.
Autonomy
Did I remain silent about Church teachings when it would have been difficult or uncomfortable to speak out in defense of them?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Did I take for granted the good things in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did you take for granted the good things in your life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did I take for granted the good things in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence, especially when experiencing success or prosperity after a difficult period?
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, in my quiet moments, entertain 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 the purpose and meaning of my life, as defined by God's 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 sought guidance from God's wisdom in my own abilities, rather than relying solely on 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 you allow your own abilities to overshadow reliance on God's guidance, leading to decisions made without acknowledging His presence in your life?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Did I rely solely on my own abilities to manage our family's finances after separation, failing to recognize my dependence on God's guidance in making wise decisions?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Anger
Did I remain silent about Church teachings in a situation where speaking out would be uncomfortable, rather than courageously bearing witness to the Truth?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Scandal
Did you try to lead someone else into 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 encourage someone else to engage in sinful behavior?
Leading others to sin (also called "scandal") is sinful because it actively harms another person's soul by encouraging them away from God, making you spiritually responsible both for your own sin and for potentially damaging another's relationship with God.
Did you try to encourage someone else to engage in sinful behavior through your 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 acknowledge my wrongdoings, and thus clung to sin?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I obstinately refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing, even when confronted with evidence of my sinful behavior?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Blasphemy
Did you swear to God in a moment of frustration, anger, or despair?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did I receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin, thus showing 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 I receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin, potentially undermining my faith life due to recent struggles with separation and strained family relationships?
This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.
Did I receive Holy Communion while knowing that my soul was in a state of grave sin, having willfully refused to resolve outstanding issues with God and my conscience?
This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.
Have I used the name of God, Jesus, or any sacred personage as a byword or curse in my conversation, online presence, or other forms of 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 I let my desire for power and dominance influence how I relate to others, particularly those close to 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 my pursuit of comfort and control over daily life influence how I treat others, particularly those close to 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 how I managed conflicts with others, leading me to prioritize my own needs 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.
Greed
Did I make accumulating material possessions and wealth the driving force in my life, potentially leading me to prioritize them over God's providence and spiritual well-being?
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 abuse, belittle, or demean others through my words or actions?
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, through my words or actions, mistreated or harassed 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.
Envy
Have I secretly wished that others would lose their blessings?
Envy leads us to have discontent for another's possessions so we won't feel the pain of comparison or perceived lack in our own lives.
Have I secretly wished that others would lose their blessings so that mine might seem more impressive?
Envy leads us to have discontent for another's possessions so we won't feel the pain of comparison or perceived lack in our own lives.
Have I been discontent with what I have, fixating on coveting others' possessions through my thoughts?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Have I been discontent with what I have, fixating on coveting others' possessions due to an ingratitude for my own blessings and letting material desires control my heart?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Incontinence
Did I lack self-control and speak to others with hurtful language, potentially damaging our relationships and dignity?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did I lack self-control and speak to others in a manner that was unbecoming of a daughter, wife, or woman?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did you lack self-control in speaking to others with language that was unbecoming of a child of God?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Gluttony
Did you overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable by partaking in excessive indulgences, such as frequent fine dining or consuming excessive amounts of alcohol?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did I overindulge in eating or drinking, allowing myself to become overly attached to worldly pleasures?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did you give in to excessive portions while eating or drinking, showing an unhealthy attachment to indulging in pleasures?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Gossip
Have I entertained myself by speaking about others' private lives, even if what I shared was true?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I shared with others private details about my friends, acquaintances, or family members, even if what I revealed was true?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I entertained myself by sharing others' private affairs through casual conversations, even if what I shared was true?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Impurity
Did I use 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 intentionally use practices to prevent pregnancy?
This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.
Did I use practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy, potentially violating 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 shows disrespect for 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 shows respect for 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, particularly when engaging in social activities or seeking companionship through dating apps or social events?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Infidelity
Did I break any vows made to my spouse in our marriage?
Fidelity in marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant made before God - not just a contract between people, thus breaking vows is seen as a betrayal of both divine and human trust.
Fornication
Did I have any sexual relations outside of marriage that are not open to procreation?
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 sex outside of marriage that was contrary to its unitive and procreative nature?
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 brought pain or suffering to someone else through my deeds?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Adultery
Have I entertained inappropriate feelings toward someone else's spouse through romantic media consumption, social interactions, or other means that have compromised my commitment to their marriage?
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 you entertained feelings toward someone else's spouse that were not in line with your commitment to their marriage?
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.
Murder
Did you 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.
Have I ever participated 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.
Did I, in any capacity, 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?
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 seek guidance or insight from fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Have I interacted with those who claim to possess supernatural knowledge or power through forbidden means, such as mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Presumption
Have you deliberately persisted in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change your ways, perhaps relying too heavily on forgiveness instead of striving for personal growth and self-improvement?
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 continue in sinful behavior, trusting in God's mercy without making any effort to change your ways of thinking that led you to persist in such behaviors?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change or seek guidance from spiritual authorities?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you put off going to confession while in a state of sin, presuming God's mercy would be available later?
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 for an undetermined amount of time while 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.
Did you put off going to confession while aware of sin in your heart?
Deliberately delaying confession while in mortal sin is a serious offense because it recklessly endangers your soul's salvation, shows contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation, and demonstrates prideful presumption that you'll have time later to repent.
Apostasy
Have you explicitly rejected God's existence, either within yourself or in conversation with others?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally through private doubts about divine revelation or to others in casual conversations that downplay its significance?
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 reading, watching, or engaging with media that promotes the rejection of God's existence, implicitly rejected Him?
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 you fail to show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament, even when visiting churches or attending special Masses?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Did you fail to always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament, especially during quiet times in your daily routine or during special devotions?
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 the Blessed Sacrament at home, in daily life, or during private devotions?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.