A Catholic Examination of Conscience

Senior, Divorced 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: 15 minutes

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Disobedience

Was I disobedient to my parents through my deeds?

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

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

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

Did I reject the unity of the Church when I grew frustrated with a certain group within 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 reject unity among fellow believers when frustrated by imperfections in their behavior?

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 speak disparagingly about the Church?

Mocking the church shows contempt for Christ's established institution on earth, disrespects the Body of Christ, and undermines the Church's divine authority as guided by the Holy Spirit.

Did I engage in activities on Sundays that could have been avoided, potentially disrespecting the Lord's Day?

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 harbored inappropriate desires toward someone else's spouse, leading to thoughts that disrespected their commitment to one another?

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 dishonored my mother through my actions and attitudes, particularly in regards to showing disrespect for her authority or values?

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

Have I dishonored my mother and father through my actions and attitudes by failing to show them the respect, gratitude, and obedience they deserve for their love, care, and sacrifice in raising 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 words and actions, dishonored my mother and father by disobeying their authority or failing to show them the respect they deserve?

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 you publicly said something to distance yourself from your faith when faced with social pressure or discomfort, in a way that disrespects God's will?

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.

Condoning

Did I encourage other Catholics from absenting themselves from Sacraments or Mass?

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

Did I permit my grandchild to continue in error to avoid a difficult conversation?

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

Did I allow my child to persist in wrongdoing by failing to address their mistakes?

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 human remains were left unburied?

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 deny forgiveness to someone who wronged me, especially in relationships where I value emotional support and companionship?

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 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, potentially damaging their faith or leading them into sin?

Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.

Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences through their online interactions?

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, in my words, condone another Catholic to marry outside the Church?

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

Uncharity

Have I turned away from those who are displaced, leaving them to face hardships alone?

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

Do you look down upon 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 job, nationality, or other traits, looking down upon them in my heart?

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 job, nationality, or other trait?

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

Did you prioritize your own interests over the needs of others in your life, such as family members or close friends?

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 judge others harshly, treating them without the respect due to their dignity as children of God?

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

Did I allow someone else to be treated unfairly?

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

Did you permit someone to be treated unjustly?

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 mistreated in any way?

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 turn away from showing compassion and kindness to 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.

Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to my fellow seniors in need?

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

Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, such as family members, friends, or acquaintances who may be struggling with their own aging process, health issues, or financial challenges.

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

Have I been halfhearted in my commitment to loving and serving God, especially in regards to devoting my time and energy to Him amidst other pursuits?

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 in my faith because, although familiar with religious teachings, I have become too comfortable and complacent in my current spiritual state?

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.

Are you uninterested in growing in your faith?

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

Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my commitment to loving and serving God, often neglecting Him for more immediate concerns and responsibilities?

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

Merciless

Did I speak words that condemned others?

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

Vainglory

Did I seek praise in 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.

Am I more focused on defending my reputation and gaining respect from others in our community 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 seeking praise from those around me 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 and seeking human approval than pleasing God through my actions and decisions?

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 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, causing harm to those who entrusted you with financial responsibility?

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

Did I help others steal?

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

Did I aid others in taking something that did not belong to them?

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

Did you assist others in doing something that did not belong to them?

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

Have I 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.

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 fail to pay others a fair price or wage, taking something that wasn't rightfully mine?

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 for their goods or services, or did I take advantage of them by not doing so?

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 take advantage of others by not paying them a fair wage?

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

False Witness

Did I deceive others by misrepresenting myself 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 others for personal gain?

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 cause others to believe something false about me?

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 caused others to believe something that is 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 I intentionally misrepresent something to 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 people in informal conversations?

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' experiences, intentions, or characteristics in our conversations or 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 conversations, such as sharing stories or gossip?

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 everyday 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 my personal relationships or social 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 conversations, communications, or interactions within my community?

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

Resent

Have 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 harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me in my life, especially those close to me?

Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Did I harbor any grudge or negative emotions towards those who have wronged me?

Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Did I harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me, particularly in regards to conflicts of wills or disagreements over significant life decisions?

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 hurtful words to deny someone forgiveness when they wronged me?

Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.

Did I hold onto resentment towards someone who wronged me, refusing to let go of my anger and bitterness?

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 harbor thoughts against your Catholic faith, intentionally turning away from it 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.

Have you intentionally abandoned your Catholic faith for any length of time, rejecting God's revealed truth and covenant relationship established through baptism?

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

Effeminacy

Do I fear to say the name of Jesus when sharing my faith with others, especially those who may be struggling or in need?

Being ashamed or afraid to proclaim Christ represents a denial of our baptismal call to evangelize, shows lack of trust in God's protection, and fails to fulfill Jesus's command to "go and make disciples of all nations."

Did you compromise your beliefs to gain approval from others rather than upholding 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 surrender my conscience to avoid conflict with others, 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 I remain silent about Church teachings to avoid discomfort among my peers, family members, or those in positions of authority?

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

Did I remain silent about Church teachings to avoid discomfort or conflict, potentially leading others to hold me in higher esteem than Christ's teachings?

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

Lust

Have I looked at or listened to anything that could lead me to interact with pornography?

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

Did I engage in mentally viewing or considering pornography?

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

Have I reduced others to their appearance, usefulness, or what they could do for me, rather than seeing their full humanity?

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

Did I reduce others to their usefulness, rather than seeing them in their full humanity, perhaps by focusing on what they could do for me?

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

Have I reduced others to their usefulness, rather than seeing their full humanity in my thoughts, words, and actions?

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,

Prodigality

Have I devoted an excessive amount of time to useless pursuits?

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

Have I indulged in excessive and wasteful spending on luxuries that take precedence over my financial responsibilities, particularly towards my family's needs?

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

Have I allowed excessive and wasteful spending to take precedence over my financial obligations, potentially harming my ability to provide for myself and those in need?

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

Have I prioritized excessive and wasteful financial risks over my family's needs, recklessly jeopardizing our ability to provide for one another?

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

Vanity

Did you obsess over your physical appearance, focusing excessively on it out of pride and self-admiration?

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 my faith?

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

Did I desire worldly pleasures 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 you deliberately 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.

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 I use controlled substances to intentionally impair my God-given reason and free will, rather than facing life's challenges with God's help?

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 give in to desires for comfort, ease, and entertainment that compromise my relationship with God?

This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.

Do I allow my emotional needs to overshadow 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.

Have I engaged in actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage, whether through my own desires or by compromising myself to someone else's wishes?

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.

Scandal

Did I cause someone else to commit a sinful act by my 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 intentionally lead someone else to commit a sinful act through my 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 lead someone to commit a sinful act through my deeds?

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

Impenitence

Have I persisted in refusing to acknowledge my wrongdoing, clinging to that sin despite knowing better?

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

Have I refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing, clinging to pride rather than God's mercy?

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

Callousness

Did you fail to provide adequate care and support to an elderly person who was unwell?

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

Have I failed to guide my child toward knowing Christ in ways that are available to me?

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

Have I failed to guide my child toward knowing Christ by omitting regular opportunities for them to deepen their faith, or have I neglected to create a nurturing environment that fosters spiritual growth in our family?

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

Have I failed to guide my grandchild 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 been lukewarm in my commitment to loving and serving God by making excuses or procrastinating when it comes to spiritual growth, prayer, or attending Mass?

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

In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing, potentially leading to a neglect of my responsibilities towards 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 the needs and well-being of those entrusted to me?

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

In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of those of my adult children, especially when their genuine needs and well-being are concerned?

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

Did I neglect my child's religious education, failing to provide them with the faith and spiritual guidance they need?

Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.

Did I fail to provide my child with regular religious instruction and guidance in a way that helped them grow closer to God?

Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.

Did I fail to instruct my child in their faith, depriving them of spiritual guidance and direction?

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 pray daily, thus wasting the precious gift of time given to me by 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 pray daily in a way that demonstrates ingratitude to God, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship Him?

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 thus deliberately choose to skip Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation?

deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.

Did you deliberately deprioritize your Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation by choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons, showing ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice and prioritizing worldly activities above worshiping 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 you deliberately deprioritize your time for spiritual nourishment, such as attending Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation, to pursue other activities that did not contribute to your growth in faith?

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.

Blasphemy

Did you swear to God in a state of passion, anger, or other emotions?

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, possibly due to unresolved conflicts or unrepented sins that have separated me from God's love?

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 due to unresolved conflicts and unfulfilled responsibilities in my personal 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 knowingly in a state of sin that led me to disrespect God's presence and laws?

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 use the name of God or Jesus as a word of disrespect or blasphemy?

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

Have I used God's name as a profane expression or blasphemy in my speech?

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 I use God's name to express anger, frustration, or annoyance in my words?

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

Ambition

Did I allow my desire for power and control to influence how I treated others, especially in difficult or stressful situations?

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 allow my desire for power and dominance to influence how I relate to others, leading me away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation?

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 control and authority in relationships with others influence my decisions and treatment of them?

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

Greed

Have I made accumulation of 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 unjustly dominate, control, or intimidate 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.

Did I by my words, actions, or influence, contribute to treating others unjustly or cruelly?

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, actions, or deeds, oppressed or mistreated 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.

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 you take for granted your good things in 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 your own abilities and accomplishments, forgetting to acknowledge God's providence in guiding your efforts?

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

Did I 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 allow 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 trust solely in my own abilities, failing to acknowledge 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 rely solely on my own abilities, without acknowledging my dependence on God's grace in navigating life's challenges?

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

Incontinence

Did I lack self-control and speak to others using language that was vulgar, obscene, or otherwise unbecoming?

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 with harsh or unbecoming language?

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 with vulgar or inappropriate language in situations where strong emotions, stress, or frustration were involved?

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

Gluttony

Did I overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, especially when it came to comfort foods that are reminiscent of my youth?

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

Gossip

Have I taken pleasure in sharing others' private affairs through conversations, even if what I shared was true?

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

Have I taken pleasure in sharing others' private affairs through conversation, even if what was shared was true?

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

Have I taken pleasure in speaking badly about others' private lives, even if what I said was true?

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

Impiety

Did I engage in work on a Sunday when it otherwise could have been avoided, thus disregarding 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).

Did you fail to always show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament, especially during visits to Eucharistic adoration or other sacred 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 always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament when participating in Eucharistic celebrations or displaying it in my home?

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 in my daily encounters?

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

Impurity

Did you use certain 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 deliberately use practices or substances to prevent pregnancy, intentionally separating the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage?

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

Have I dressed in a way that, while modest and respectful, reveals more than is necessary for my dignity?

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

Have I dressed immodestly, thereby offending God's plan for my dignity in ways that could tempt others to sin?

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

Have I revealed my body in a way that disrespects my dignity?

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

Infidelity

Have you broken your vows of fidelity in marriage through any deeds, words, or thoughts?

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 my marriage vows through any deeds related to infidelity in self?

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 you publicly distance yourself from your faith commitments when faced with social pressure or discomfort related to discussions about aging, health, and financial planning?

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.

Fornication

Have I ever engaged 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.

Violence

Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused hurtful consequences for someone else?

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

Have I knowingly acted in ways that intentionally caused hurt or harm to someone else through my actions?

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

Envy

Have I allowed my thoughts to dwell on coveting others' possessions?

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

Murder

Did I, through my words, endorse abortion or euthanasia?

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

Sorcery

Have I interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards through any means of communication?

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 ever interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards in any way?

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

Did you engage in seeking guidance from sources that claim to possess supernatural knowledge, such as tarot card readers or Ouija boards?

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

Presumption

Did you deliberately count on God's mercy without making any effort to change your life, even when you knew that your sinful behavior was still present?

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, perhaps during periods of comfort or security when temptation seemed minimal?

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 presume God's mercy would excuse your habitual, deliberate refusal to make changes in response to concerns or difficulties that arose in your 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 recklessly postpone going to confession when aware of your own sinfulness?

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 willfully put off going to confession while in a state of mortal sin, showing contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation?

Deliberately delaying confession while in mortal sin is a serious offense because it recklessly endangers your soul's salvation, shows contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation, and demonstrates prideful presumption that you'll have time later to repent.

Apostasy

Have you ever explicitly rejected the existence of God, whether in your own heart or when speaking to others?

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

Have you explicitly rejected God, either internally or to others, through thoughts that denied His existence after being taught about 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.