Examination for a Senior, Single Mother with Adult Children

Sloth

Was I disobedient to my parents by neglecting to show them respect and obedience, even when our opinions or wills differed?

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

Did I fail to provide assistance or support to those who needed it in my community?

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

Have I neglected to intentionally guide my child towards knowing Christ, thereby failing in my responsibility as their first teacher of faith?

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

In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my adult children'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 prioritized my own comfort and convenience ahead of genuinely considering my adult children's genuine needs and wellbeing?

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

Did I fail to provide my child with adequate guidance in their spiritual formation, potentially hindering their growth in faith?

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

Did I neglect to spend daily time in prayerful conversation with God?

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

Did I deprioritize and skip Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation for reasons that show disdain for my faith and preference for worldly pleasures?

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 and skip Sunday or Holy Day Mass for leisure activities, hobbies, or worldly pursuits?

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 and skip attending Holy Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, allowing worldly priorities to take precedence over your highest obligation to worship God?

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

Disobedience

Was I disobedient to my authority figures, such as parents or guardians, in regards to their lawful requests or commands?

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

When experiencing frustration with individuals in my community, did I reject the unity of the Church by confusing its divine nature with the human imperfections of its members?

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."

When frustrated with individuals within the Church, did you reject its unity, confusing the divine nature of Christ's Body with the human imperfections of its members?

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 disrespectfully about the Church?

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

Have I disobeyed my mother and father through my actions and attitudes?

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

Have I shown disrespect to my mother and father through my words and actions?

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 disrespected my mother and father through my actions and attitudes by prioritizing my own desires over their guidance and wisdom?

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

Condoning

Did I ever discourage fellow Catholics from receiving Sacraments or attending Mass, perhaps through my words or actions?

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

Did I lead other Catholics away from receiving sacraments by my words?

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

Did I encourage fellow Catholics to abstain from Sacraments, leading them to stay away?

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 child to continue in error, failing to address mistakes, by choosing to avoid uncomfortable conversations?

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

Did I allow my adult child to persist in a mistaken understanding of their faith, rather than having an uncomfortable conversation about it?

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

Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences through their own choices?

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 activities, associations, or surroundings?

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

Did I permit my child to be exposed to influences that undermine our Catholic values?

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 you condone another Catholic to marry outside the Church through your words or silence?

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 the act of abortion or euthanasia through your words, either in conversation or written communication?

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

Uncharity

Have I turned away from strangers and those who are displaced?

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

Do I turn away from those who are living on the streets, especially during harsh weather conditions?

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

Do I turn away from those who are homeless, especially during harsh weather conditions?

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 look down upon people based on their job, nationality, or other trait?

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

Do I look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait? This sin dehumanizes people in our community when we are called to love them as a child of God as Jesus loved us.

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

Did you put your own interests above those of others in need?

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 prioritize my own interests over those of my neighbors, especially in regards to volunteering for local community organizations?

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

Have I thoughtlessly spoken or acted in ways that disrespect others as children of God?

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

Did I lose my patience with others while traveling, engaging in outdoor hobbies, or participating in social events?

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 lose my patience with others in frustrating conversations, such as those with neighbors, acquaintances, or family members about mundane matters?

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 speak to others in ways that showed a lack of patience?

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 being treated unfairly?

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

Did I permit injustice to be inflicted on someone else?

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

Have I failed to assist those who needed assistance in my community?

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

Have I not neglected to assist those in need when they sought 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, especially through deeds such as participating in local community organizations or responding to immediate needs of acquaintances in my daily life?

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

Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, such as neighbors, fellow parishioners, or individuals encountered through community organizations?

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 through my involvement in local community organizations, volunteering, or other charitable activities?

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 complacent in my spiritual journey?

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

Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my efforts to cultivate a deeper love for God, allowing worldly pursuits and desires to distract me from my spiritual life?

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

Merciless

Did I speak judgmentally about others, placing myself in God's role as judge and denying them the same mercy and forgiveness that He extends to all of us?

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

Have I unjustly judged others through 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.

Vainglory

Did I seek praise from others for my charitable giving, perhaps through social media posts or conversations with friends?

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

Did I seek praise for giving to charitable causes?

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 public reputation and seeking human admiration 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 gaining recognition from others through my travel and leisure 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.

Did you publicly deny your Catholic faith when faced with social pressure or discomfort from friends, family, or 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.

Did you publicly distance yourself from your Catholic faith when faced with social pressure or discomfort, effectively choosing human respect over fidelity to God?

This is a public betrayal of Jesus' teaching that "whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven," effectively choosing human respect over fidelity to God.

Did you publicly distance yourself from your Catholic faith when faced with social pressure or discomfort, betraying Jesus' teaching that "whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven"?

This is a public betrayal of Jesus' teaching that "whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven," effectively choosing human respect over fidelity to God.

Theft

Did I intentionally fail to pay my debts that were owed to others?

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

Did I 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 help others steal something of value?

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

Did you encourage others to take something that did not belong to them?

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

Have I stolen anything that does not 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, or caused to be taken, anything that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value?

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

Did I intentionally charge others an unfair price for goods or services?

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

Did I deprive others of a fair price for my goods or services by undercharging them?

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

False Witness

Did I intentionally distort my words to gain an advantage?

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

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

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

Have I misrepresented myself to gain an advantage in social interactions, such as online communities or local clubs?

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 lead others to believe something that was not true?

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

Did I lead others to believe something that was not true?

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

Did I intentionally mislead others through my words, actions, or silence?

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 our community or social groups, either intentionally or unintentionally through my words?

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

Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about people in my life, especially when expressing opinions or sharing stories in social situations?

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

Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in conversations at social events or while participating in local community organizations?

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

Resent

Did I become sterilized?

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

Have 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.

Do I show reverence for Christ's name in my conversations, even when discussing non-religious topics?

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

Did I hold any grudges against individuals who have wronged me, harboring resentment in my thoughts?

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 hurt me through words, actions, or unkind treatment in my daily life?

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

Did I allow resentment towards those who have wronged me to reside in my heart?

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

Did you deny forgiveness to someone who wronged you in a conversation, potentially harming your relationship and blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins?

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

Did I refuse to pardon someone who hurt 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.

Have I presented myself in a manner that is respectful to my own dignity?

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

Have I intentionally neglected my faith for any period of time?

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

Did I deliberately reject God's revealed truth for any length of time, even in thought?

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 in a casual conversation among friends?

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

Retaliation

Do I entertain thoughts of holding others accountable for my own mistakes?

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

Lust

Have you entertained thoughts that could lead to interacting with pornography?

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

Did I reduce others to their usefulness or what they could do for me, rather than seeing them as full persons created in God's image?

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

Have I engaged in any acts that simulated a romantic relationship outside of marriage?

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

Have I engaged in actual or simulated acts of lust outside of marriage through words, deeds, or imaginations?

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 excessive time to meaningless leisure activities, squandering the precious time God has given me 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 indulged in excessive online browsing, spending an inordinate amount of time on meaningless digital distractions?

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

Have I squandered God's gift of time on excessive engagement in non-essential pursuits, leading to a lack of time 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 given precedence to excessive and wasteful travel or leisure activities over my financial obligations or family needs?

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

Sensuality

Did I desire worldly experiences over growth in faith, especially when engaging in leisure activities such as travel or weekend getaways?

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 experiences, such as leisure activities or travel, over nurturing 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 you use controlled substances to detach from reality? Maintaining 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.

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

Did you use controlled substances to escape your problems and challenges?

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 deliberately impair my God-given reason and free will by using controlled substances to avoid dealing with life's challenges?

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 desires for relaxation and leisure over time spent nurturing my spiritual life?

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

Do you prioritize your own desires for relaxation, entertainment, and personal enjoyment over regular prayer and spiritual practices?

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

Do I give precedence to my own desires for pleasure and relaxation over my relationship with God in daily life?

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

Scandal

Did you try to lead someone else into committing a sinful act?

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

Impenitence

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

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

Have I refused to acknowledge and turn away from a particular sin, even when confronted with my wrongdoing?

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

Have I refused to let go of a specific sin, stubbornly holding onto my wrongdoing?

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

Callousness

Did I turn away from visiting someone who was sick in my community?

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.

Blasphemy

Did I receive Holy Communion while being aware that my heart was not properly disposed to receiving it?

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 speak the name of God as a byword or curse, showing disrespect for His divine nature through my words?

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

Did you use the name of Jesus or God as a casual expression in conversation?

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

Have I used the name of God as a byword or curse in conversation, especially when expressing frustration, anger, or disappointment?

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 interacted with others, particularly in situations where I had to prioritize their needs or concerns?

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 my interactions with others, potentially leading me to control or dominate them in some way?

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 desire for power and dominance influence how I relate to others in social settings?

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 let my desire for material possessions become an unhealthy driving force in my life, distracting me from my trust in God's providence?

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

Oppression

Did I exploit, harass, or discriminate against others through my words, actions, or deeds?

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 my comfort and security in this stage of 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 leisure activities, travel, and other 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.

Have you entertained doubts about God's existence?

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

Did I entertain doubts about God's existence in my mind while engaging in leisure activities, reading, or conversations?

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 and failed to recognize my complete dependence on God's grace?

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

Did I place excessive confidence in my own abilities, forgetting to rely on God's guidance and strength for every aspect of my 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 attribute my accomplishments to purely natural talents, without giving due credit to God's grace in enabling me?

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

Incontinence

Did you lack self-control and speak to friends, family, or acquaintances with vulgar or inappropriate 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 in a manner that was unbecoming of my Christian values?

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

Did you lack self-control and speak to others with words that were unbecoming of your dignity?

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, particularly when engaging in activities such as traveling or participating in leisurely events?

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

Did you overindulge in eating or drinking at social events, such as dinner gatherings or parties, beyond what's reasonable?

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

Have I taken more than my fair share in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable?

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

Gossip

Have I taken pleasure in discussing others' faults or private affairs, even if what I shared was true, through conversations at social events or online forums related to shared interests?

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

Have I taken pleasure in speaking about others' personal 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 taken pleasure in discussing private matters, even if true, that were shared about friends or acquaintances?

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

Impurity

Have you used 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.

Have I used practices to prevent pregnancy?

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

Infidelity

Have I broken the vows of fidelity made in my 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 engage in non-marital, non-procreative sex?

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

Have I engaged in non-procreative intimate activities outside of marriage?

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

Violence

Have I knowingly acted in ways that wounded someone's heart or spirit through my words, deeds, or silence?

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

Adultery

Have I entertained inappropriate feelings toward someone else's spouse through social interactions or shared interests?

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 entertained inconsiderate thoughts towards someone's committed spouse?

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

Envy

Have I been discontent with what I have and fixate on coveting possessions owned by others?

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

Sorcery

Have you 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.

Have I consulted mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards? Did I seek guidance from these sources for my own understanding of God's providence and divine will?

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 take God's mercy for granted by persisting in sinful behavior without making any effort to change, relying solely on His forgiveness?

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 your habits or patterns of thought that have been ingrained through routine activities like traveling, gardening, or volunteering?

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 on God's mercy by making excuses for your lack of effort to grow in virtue, without truly seeking His help or guidance?

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 delay going to confession while in a state of sin, recklessly endangering your soul's salvation and demonstrating prideful presumption that you'll have time later to repent?

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

Did you put off going to confession while aware of your need for forgiveness, yet unwilling to make time for it?

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

Apostasy

Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally or to others, in any context related to your faith or spiritual life?

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

Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either through internal doubts or conversations with others, especially during times of personal crisis, spiritual uncertainty, or intellectual exploration?

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 ever denied the existence of God, either within your own thoughts or when discussing it 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.

Impiety

Did you fail to always show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament, particularly in situations where it would have been a meaningful expression of your faith?

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

Did I fail to show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament, particularly during quiet moments of reflection or contemplation in my daily life?

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 give due honor and respect to the Most Blessed Sacrament in your daily devotions and prayer life?

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

A Catholic Examination of Conscience

Senior, Single Mother with Adult Children

Sloth

Disobedience

Condoning

Uncharity

Lukewarmness

Merciless

Vainglory

Theft

False Witness

Resent

Effeminacy

Retaliation

Lust

Prodigality

Sensuality

Scandal

Impenitence

Callousness

Blasphemy

Ambition

Greed

Oppression

Autonomy

Incontinence

Gluttony

Gossip

Impurity

Infidelity

Fornication

Violence

Adultery

Envy

Sorcery

Presumption

Apostasy

Impiety