A Catholic Examination of Conscience
18-24 Committed Father 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
Disobedience
Was I disobedient to my parents by disregarding their guidance in matters concerning my children?
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 and decisions regarding me and our household?
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 how I carried out family responsibilities?
As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.
Did you reject the unity of the Church when, in frustration with how members handled your personal issues, you mentally separated yourself from their collective identity?
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 use my words to mock the Church?
Mocking the church shows contempt for Christ's established institution on earth, disrespects the Body of Christ, and undermines the Church's divine authority as guided by the Holy Spirit.
Did you 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 dishonored my mother and father through my actions and attitudes by prioritizing my own interests over their counsel, especially in matters concerning my children's upbringing and well-being?
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 actions and attitudes, especially in my relationships with them as a parent myself?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Have I dishonored my mother through my actions and attitudes by failing to show her the respect, gratitude, and obedience that is due to her?
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 participating in sacraments or Mass 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 lead other Catholics into spiritual lethargy by failing to encourage them to receive Sacraments or participate in 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 child to persist in wrongdoing by failing to speak up?
Permitting a child to continue in error by avoiding difficult conversations is sinful because it neglects our God-given parental duty to guide and form our children's moral and spiritual development, placing our own comfort above their eternal wellbeing.
Did you compromise your beliefs by allowing societal expectations to influence your decisions, rather than upholding what you know to be right?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did I condone a funeral where a loved one's remains were not buried?
Failing to advocate for proper burial of human remains is considered sinful as the Church teaches that the body is sacred and deserves reverent burial, with scattering or keeping remains being contrary to the dignity of the human body and resurrection belief.
Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences through their online activities?
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 activities and social media use?
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 in our home through their activities, online interactions, or associations?
Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.
Did I 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 approve another Catholic's decision to marry outside the Church, potentially giving scandal by condoning their choice?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Apostasy
Did I forgo a valid Catholic marriage within our relationship, without receiving the proper dispensation from the Church?
For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.
Did I forgo a valid Catholic marriage in a situation that may have occurred due to my relationships or personal life decisions?
For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.
Have you explicitly rejected God's existence through your thoughts, either privately to yourself or when interacting with others?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you explicitly rejected God's existence through your online presence, either internally or 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 denied God's existence, either through your thoughts, words, or actions, in any context where faith and reason converge?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Uncharity
Do I turn away from those who are homeless, without shelter?
Per the corporal works of mercy, we are to love our neighbors by feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless and respecting their dignity especially in times of hardship.
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 others based on their job, nationality, or other trait, judging them to be inferior due to superficial characteristics?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Did I prioritize my own interests over those of my family, especially when it comes to decisions about our shared time, resources, or goals?
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 desires over the needs of those around me, such as family members, friends, and others in my life?
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 your priorities, such as spending time on hobbies or pursuing career goals, take precedence over the needs of those around you?
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 you permit 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 else to suffer unjust treatment in your community?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Did you permit someone to be treated unfairly in situations where you had the ability to intervene?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Have I helped others when they needed 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 not neglected to assist those who were in need of 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 not failed to be there for others when they needed my help?
Refusing to help those in need violates Jesus's direct command to love our neighbor and practice the works of mercy, as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, particularly in moments when I could have provided tangible support?
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 demonstrated practical assistance to those in need, especially during times of personal crisis such as financial setbacks or family emergencies?
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 neglected my daily interactions with God, making them mere habit rather than genuine devotion?
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, choosing comfort over transformation?
Lukewarmness in spiritual growth is sinful because one essentially chooses comfort and mediocrity over the transformative love God offers, which Jesus specifically warned against in Revelation 3:16.
Am I too easily satisfied in my faith?
Lukewarmness in spiritual growth is sinful because one essentially chooses comfort and mediocrity over the transformative love God offers, which Jesus specifically warned against in Revelation 3:16.
Sloth
Did I turn away from those in my community who needed my help?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did I turn away from those in my community who were struggling with physical or mental illness, and needed help?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did you neglect those who were in need of your help when they needed it most?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Have I neglected my child's spiritual guidance, failing to lead them towards Christ?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
Have I neglected my child's spiritual growth by failing to guide them toward Christ?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
Have I neglected to guide my child toward knowing Christ, instead being overly consumed by our busy family life and social obligations?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing?
Neglecting family duties is considered sinful because it violates both divine law and natural law, where God entrusts us with specific responsibilities to nurture, protect, and care for our family members as part of our fundamental Christian vocation.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing, leading to neglect or imbalance in 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 our family's genuine needs and wellbeing, neglecting duties such as quality time with children, shared responsibilities, and prioritizing their emotional support?
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?
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 my child's religious education through lack of involvement in their spiritual growth?
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 my child's education, failing to ensure their spiritual formation and eternal salvation are prioritized amidst my busy lifestyle?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did you deprioritize and skip Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation due to prioritizing worldly activities, such as gaming, sports, or social media engagement?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did I deprioritize and skip attending Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation, choosing instead to prioritize my worldly commitments?
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 Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation for trivial reasons, showing disregard for your spiritual duties and prioritizing worldly activities over your relationship with 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.
Vainglory
Did you seek praise from others through your charitable giving?
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 winning human approval through my social media presence 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 approval from others, particularly through social media and online platforms, 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 distance yourself from your faith when faced with social pressure or discomfort, thereby 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.
Theft
Did you intentionally fail to pay your debts, thereby neglecting your financial commitments to others?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did I intentionally fail to pay debts due to my spending habits, leading to neglecting financial commitments to others?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did you help others steal?
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 acquiring 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 I enable others to steal through my actions?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Have I stolen anything that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value? Does this behavior reflect a lack of trust in God's providence or demonstrate greed in my life, potentially disrespecting others' human dignity and property rights, and breaking trust within communities?
Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.
Did I avoid paying others a just price for work done, goods purchased, or services received?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
Did I avoid paying others less than they were fairly owed?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
Did you avoid paying others a fair price or wage, perhaps by taking advantage of your position in the workplace to undervalue goods or services provided?
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 misrepresent myself to gain an advantage through my online presence, especially on social media platforms where I am highly active?
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 gain an advantage in social situations, potentially damaging relationships through deceitful words?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I speak falsely against another, damaging their reputation through my words?
Slander deliberately damages another person's reputation through false statements, violating both the Eighth Commandment against bearing false witness and Christ's command to love our neighbor.
Did I deceive others through my words, actions, or behavior online?
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 deceive others by intentionally misleading them through my words or actions, potentially damaging trust and relationships that reflect God's truth and love?
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 cause others to believe something that was not true through my actions?
Deceiving others is a form of bearing false witness, damages trust between people, and breaks down human relationships that should reflect God's truth and love.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others' accomplishments, skills, or character in formal or informal 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 my relationships, personal life, or online interactions in formal or informal situations?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about friends, acquaintances, or others in informal settings or online?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Resent
Did I become sterilized?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Did I 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 personal or public settings?
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 against those who have wronged me in various aspects of my life?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Did I harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me, including enemies, acquaintances, or individuals in my personal 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."
Have I continued to harbor resentment or bitterness towards myself, refusing to acknowledge and make amends for my wrongdoing?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Did you deny forgiveness to someone by holding onto resentment towards them?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Did I deny someone forgiveness when they asked for it after hurting me, perhaps in a situation where our relationship was already strained?
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 abandon my Catholic faith for any length of time, intentionally rejecting God's revealed truth by withholding my assent to it?
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, through my thoughts, abandon faith in God 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.
Did you intentionally turn your back on God's revealed truth 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.
Effeminacy
Do I fear to proclaim the name of Jesus publicly?
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."
Do I fear to say the name of Jesus, especially when surrounded by friends who might ridicule me or make me feel uncomfortable?
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."
Do I fear to share my faith openly and proclaim Christ's message, especially in casual conversations with friends and acquaintances?
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 remain silent about Church teachings, even when it was difficult, to avoid uncomfortable conversations or disagreements?
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 online backlash or digital discomfort?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Retaliation
Do I harbor thoughts of revenge against others?
Entertaining thoughts of revenge is sinful because it rejects Christ's teaching of forgiveness and love of enemies, choosing instead to harbor malice and a desire for personal retaliation rather than leaving justice to God.
Imprudence
Have I spent excessive time on activities that distract me from my spiritual growth and service to others?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Sensuality
Did I desire worldly experiences over growth in faith?
Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.
Did I desire worldly experiences over growth in faith, compromising my eternal relationship with God for temporal satisfaction?
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 entertainment experiences over growth in virtue?
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 intentionally use controlled substances to dull your senses and 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 intentionally use controlled substances to escape from reality, rather than confronting life's challenges head-on?
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 entertainment, leisure, and social media engagement over 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 you prioritize your own desires for entertainment, social media engagement, and leisure activities over your relationship with God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Do I prioritize my own desires for physical gratification, such as excessive screen time or other forms of entertainment, over 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.
Scandal
Did I try to make someone else commit a sinful act by encouraging them to engage in activities that could lead others away from God?
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 continued to harbor a stubborn refusal to acknowledge my wrongdoing?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I refused to confront my wrongdoing when first becoming aware of it, instead choosing to hold onto guilt or shame?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Callousness
Did you turn away from someone who was struggling to care for themselves, showing a lack of compassion and concern?
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 you use God's holy name to swear?
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 serious spiritual unrest?
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 persisting in serious venial sin that could have been forgiven through the sacrament of Reconciliation?
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 receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of mortal sin, having given in to your usual tendency to prioritize fleeting pleasures over spiritual growth?
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 Jesus or God as a casual expression, utterance, or oath?
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 God's name as a casual expression in conversation, without giving proper respect to His divine nature?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Ambition
Did I let my desire for power and dominance influence how I interacted with others in pursuit of personal goals and ambitions?
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.
Have I let my desire for power and dominance influence my decisions in pursuing leadership positions, career advancement, and financial growth?
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 advancement in career and professional life allow me to prioritize power over serving others?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Greed
Did I make accumulation of money and possessions a driving force in my life, potentially leading me to idolize material wealth over 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
Have I used my power, authority, or position to mistreat, harass, or discriminate against others?
It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.
Lust
Did you view others, especially those who are significant to me, merely in terms of what they could provide for my own desires or entertainment, rather than seeing them as full human beings worthy of love and respect?
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 mere objects, valuing their usefulness or appearance over their inherent dignity?
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 them as individuals 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 simulated or actual sexual acts outside of marriage?
While our sexual nature is a gift, using it to indulge in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.
Have I engaged in any acts of lust outside of marriage, either with myself or another person?
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.
Autonomy
Did I take for granted the good things in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did I take for granted the good things in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Have you entertained doubts about God's existence, thereby questioning His self-revelation?
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 you place sole reliance on your own abilities without acknowledging your 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 to navigate life's challenges, rather than humbly acknowledging God's guidance in all things?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Did you rely solely on your own abilities, rather than trusting in God's grace, to navigate 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.
Did you entertain doubts about God's existence in your mind?
Deliberately entertaining doubts about God's existence is a sin against faith because it questions the most fundamental truth of our faith and shows a lack of trust in God's clear self-revelation through creation, scripture, and the Church's teachings.
Have I ever doubted God's existence in my thoughts, even if only for a moment?
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.
Envy
Have I secretly wished others would struggle to find happiness in their blessings, making me feel better about my own life?
Envy leads us to have discontent for another's possessions so we won't feel the pain of comparison or perceived lack in our own lives.
Incontinence
Did you lack self-control and speak to others in a manner that violated their dignity?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did you lack self-control and use words to disrespect others in conversations?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Gluttony
Did you overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable through your daily habits?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did you overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, especially during times of social gatherings and celebration?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did you overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, particularly in moments of celebration or social gatherings?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Prodigality
Have I excessive and wasteful gambling to take precedence over my financial responsibilities and family needs?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Have I made excessive and wasteful use of resources entrusted to me for purposes that take precedence over my financial obligations or family needs?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Have I excessively risked my financial resources, causing them to take precedence over 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.
Gossip
Have I taken pleasure in discussing others' private affairs, 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 others' faults or private affairs, even if what I shared was true, while using social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram?
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 conversations on social media?
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 could have been avoided?
It's irreverent to work on a Sunday as it's a holy day of rest, worship, and a day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money (CCC).
Did I fail to always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament during Masses that I attended throughout this year?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Did I fail to always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament in my daily life, often distracted by personal interests and activities?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Did you fail to always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament in times of recreation or leisure activities?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Impurity
Did I intentionally 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.
Have I dressed immodestly in a way that respects my dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I dressed in a way that respects my dignity before others?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I appeared immodestly in a way that respects my dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Fornication
Did you have any non-procreative sex outside of marriage?
While the sexual natures are a gift, it's a sin to stray away from their ordering toward the unitive and procreative nature within marriage.
Violence
Have I knowingly acted in ways that deliberately caused physical or emotional pain to someone else, such as engaging in arguments, being verbally aggressive, or using my words or actions to intentionally hurt or belittle them?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that intentionally caused harm or pain to someone else through my actions, such as words, social media posts, or behaviors that were hurtful or damaging?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused harm, pain, or suffering to others?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Infidelity
Have I entertained inappropriate feelings toward someone else's spouse, particularly through interactions facilitated by social media or other digital platforms?
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.
Adultery
Have I entertained feelings towards my partner's spouse that are unworthy of their commitment to each other?
This sin undermines the sacred bond of marriage by treating another person as an object of desire rather than respecting their dignity and commitment to their spouse.
Murder
Did I, through words or actions, 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
Did you interact with tarot card readers, fortune tellers, or mediums through online platforms or social media?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Have I interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards in an attempt to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Have I interacted with individuals who claim to have knowledge or powers that come from supernatural sources, such as mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Presumption
Did you count on God's mercy without making any effort to change, despite knowing your sinful behavior was a pattern in your daily life?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change through your gaming habits or other leisure activities that take precedence over prayer and spiritual growth?
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, while perhaps excusing or justifying it through thoughts of "I'm young" or "I'll get around to changing later"?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you procrastinate going to confession when in a state of sin despite knowing that God's mercy was available through the sacrament?
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 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 put off going to confession while in a state of sin, recklessly endangering your soul's salvation by presuming you would 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.