A Catholic Examination of Conscience

18-24 Widowed 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: 16 minutes

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Disobedience

Was I disobedient to my parents, particularly when it comes to decisions regarding the well-being and care of our children under 18?

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?

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 by neglecting their authority and guidance in managing my time, priorities, and 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 frustrated by others' imperfections within your own community?

Rejecting Church unity due to frustration with individuals is sinful because it confuses the Church's divine nature and eternal truths with the human imperfections of its members, while also violating Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."

Did you reject the unity of the Catholic Church when disagreeing with specific teachings or actions within the Church that frustrated your faith?

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 intentionally miss or forget to participate in a designated time of fasting, such as Ash Wednesday?

This is considered sinful because deliberately disregarding prescribed days of fasting represents disobedience to Church authority and fails to honor our spiritual obligation to practice self-denial and penance during sacred times.

Did I use words to belittle or mock the Church, its teachings, or its members?

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

Have I disrespected my mother through my actions and attitudes?

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

Have I failed to show due respect and obedience to my mother and father through my words, 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 disobeyed my mother and father through my deeds, particularly by prioritizing personal goals over family responsibilities?

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

Have I, through my words or actions, led other Catholics to believe that it was acceptable for them to stay away from the Sacraments or Mass?

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

Did I use my words to discourage other Catholics from receiving the Sacraments?

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

Did I allow my child to persist in ignorance, rather than guiding them through difficult 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 you condone a funeral where human remains were not properly buried, possibly disregarding the Church's teaching on the sacredness of the body?

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 remain silent about Church teachings, allowing others to contradict them without speaking up?

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

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, social media usage, or interactions with peers?

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 allow another Catholic to proceed with marrying outside the Church, thereby giving tacit approval?

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

Adultery

Did you, through your actions, forgo a valid Catholic marriage?

For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.

Have I entertained inappropriate feelings toward someone else's spouse in online communities or social media?

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 in my mind feelings towards someone who is another person's 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.

Uncharity

Have I turned away from those in need, including 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 look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait?

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

Do I judge others based on their job, nationality, or other trait?

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

Did I prioritize my own entertainment, gaming, and online activities over others' needs in my thoughts?

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 pursuit of personal interests, such as gaming or YouTube videos, take precedence over other people's needs in your thoughts?

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

Did I let my own gaming habits, social media usage, or online community engagement distract me from being present for and prioritizing others' needs?

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

Do I speak to others in ways that belittle their worth 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 fellow gamers online?

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 you allow someone else to be treated unfairly?

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

Did I permit someone else to be treated unjustly through my own deeds?

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

Did I permit someone to be treated unfairly in my online gaming communities?

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 neglected to assist those in genuine need when they requested 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 during times of crisis or hardship?

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

Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, particularly through my digital presence, social media use, and community engagement?

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 unwilling to make sacrifices for the sake of growing in my faith, and instead prioritizing comfort and mediocrity over the transformative love God offers?

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

Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my commitment to loving and serving God, especially when engaging in activities that consume a significant portion of my daily time?

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

Merciless

Have I condemned others, possibly through hurtful comments or judgments shared in online gaming communities, social media posts, or casual conversations with friends?

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 spoken harshly against others?

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

Sloth

Did you fail to render aid to those who were sick and needed assistance?

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

Did you refuse to assist those who were in need of help?

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

Did you ignore those who were in genuine need of your assistance?

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

Have I neglected to guide my child toward knowing Christ?

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

Have I failed to guide my child toward knowing Christ, allowing them to grow in their faith and relationship with God due to my own lack of effort or attention?

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

Have I failed to guide my child towards knowing Christ by neglecting to make time for sharing my faith with them amidst our busy daily lives?

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

In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing, potentially neglecting responsibilities towards them in favor of personal pursuits such as gaming or entertainment?

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 responsibilities towards dependent family members, compromising their 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 the needs and wellbeing of those entrusted to me?

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

Have I neglected 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 fail to provide my child with a regular opportunity for prayer, catechesis, and formation in their Catholic 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 fail to pass on my faith to my child through regular prayer, reflection, and conversation about God's love?

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 make daily prayer a priority in my life?

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 the highest priority in my life, the worship of God, and deliberately choose to skip Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation?

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

Did I deprioritize and skip Mass on a Sunday, allowing worldly activities to dominate my day?

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 attending Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, preferring to engage in personal activities such as playing video games, watching YouTube videos, or participating in online gaming communities?

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

Vainglory

Did I seek to glorify myself through giving alms?

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

Am I more focused on seeking human validation and praise for my accomplishments 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 digital likes and online validation 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.

Do I seek praise and validation from others, even if it means compromising my values and integrity in order to gain their respect, rather than seeking true fulfillment and joy that comes from 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 or values when faced with social pressure, criticism, or ridicule online or among peers?

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.

Have I taken pleasure in sharing others' personal struggles or flaws through online communities, social media, or group chats, even if what I shared was true?

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

Theft

Did I intentionally fail to pay debts owed to others?

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

Did you intentionally fail to pay debts owed to others?

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

Did I intentionally neglect to fulfill my financial obligations, thereby failing to pay debts owed to others?

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

Did you 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 enable others to steal?

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

Did I help others steal by knowingly or unknowingly engaging in activities that facilitated or encouraged dishonesty among 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 doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value?

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

Have I stolen anything that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value, through digital means or in my physical life?

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

Did I avoid paying others a fair price, thereby depriving them of what was rightfully theirs?

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, in my business dealings or financial interactions, avoid paying others a fair price or wage?

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

Did I avoid paying others a fair price or wage, especially in situations involving business transactions or monetary exchanges?

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 someone in order to gain an advantage?

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

Did I misrepresent myself to gain an advantage, especially in my online interactions where I engage with gaming communities and social media platforms?

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

Did I use words to deceive others and 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 deceived others by sharing false information 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.

Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others through digital communication (e.g., social media posts, online comments) 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, family, or others in online communities, social media, or everyday conversations?

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

Have you exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about friends, family, or acquaintances in online communities, group chats, or social media?

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 without God's consent or guidance?

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 without trusting God's plan for my life and fertility?

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

Did I allow myself to hold grudges towards those who have wronged me, fostering resentment 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 harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged or treated you poorly in online communities or social media interactions?

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 deny forgiveness to someone who wronged me through hurtful words?

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

Did you deliberately reject your Catholic faith for any length of time, perhaps during periods of stress, anxiety, or uncertainty in your life?

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 and preach the gospel to others, especially when engaging in activities that bring me joy and connection with others?

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 you fear to share the name of Jesus in online communities where others participate?

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 have a fear of proclaiming my faith in Jesus Christ to others through words, which represents a denial of our baptismal call to evangelize?

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."

Have I compromised my beliefs by valuing the approval of others over what I know to be true, leading me away from upholding God's truth?

Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.

Have I compromised my beliefs by prioritizing the approval of those around me, especially in regards to matters of faith, over standing firm in what I know to be true?

Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.

Did I compromise my beliefs to gain approval from others in online communities, such as gaming forums or social media groups, rather than standing firm in what I know is right?

Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.

Did you remain silent about Church teachings to avoid uncomfortable discussions with your peers during breaks from school?

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

Did you publicly distance yourself from your faith in order to gain acceptance or avoid discomfort among people who do not share your beliefs?

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.

Retaliation

Do you entertain thoughts against others in your mind, wishing them harm or seeking revenge for perceived wrongs?

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 I, through my thoughts or visualizations during times of solitude or idle moments, interacted with pornography?

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

Did you give in to lustful temptations by 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 what they could do for me, or how I might benefit from them, rather than seeing their inherent value and worth?

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

Did I reduce others to their usefulness or utility in my thoughts, words, or actions, rather than seeing them as full human beings 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 reduced others, particularly those I interact with online through gaming communities and social media, to their usefulness or what they can do for me, rather than seeing them as full human beings 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 had actual or simulated 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 had actual or simulated acts outside of marriage that involved lust?

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 digital pursuits, neglecting opportunities for spiritual growth and service to others?

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

Have I used excessive and wasteful digital entertainment (e.g., streaming services, video games) to 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 indulged in gambling, recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to me, to the detriment of 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, prioritizing indulgences over fulfilling 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.

Impiety

Did I fail to uphold proper reverence for human remains by attending a funeral where they were not properly 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 intentionally engage in work on Sunday, thereby violating the sacred rest day?

It's irreverent to work on a Sunday as it's a holy day of rest, worship, and a day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money (CCC).

Did I use my free time on a Sunday for work, 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 show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament, even in moments when daily distractions, such as video games or social media, drew my attention away?

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

Did you fail to show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament, especially in your daily life where you often spend excessive time on digital devices, such as video games or social media?

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

Scandal

Did I ever try to make someone else commit a sinful act while participating in online gaming communities, social media, or other digital platforms?

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

Did you encourage someone else to engage in sinful behavior through your actions?

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

Impenitence

Have I refused to admit my wrongdoing, clinging to a particular sin in my thoughts?

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

Have I refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing in something, refusing to admit that it was wrong, even when confronted about it?

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

Have I refused to admit my wrongdoing, clinging instead to past mistakes and failures that still trouble me?

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

Sensuality

Did you use substances to detach from reality?

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

Do you prioritize your own desires for entertainment, relaxation, and leisure over maintaining a consistent 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 pleasures and desires over God's will in my use of digital devices, spending excessive amounts of time on them for personal entertainment and productivity?

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 make my desires for entertainment, gaming, and social media a higher priority than my relationship with God?

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

Have I engaged in masturbation?

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

Blasphemy

Did you swear to God in anger, frustration, or careless speech?

This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.

Did you receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin due to excessive focus on digital entertainment or activities that distract from prayerful preparation?

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 knowingly receive Holy Communion while having unrepented mortal sins in your life, thus committing sacrilege against God?

This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.

Did I receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of mortal sin, profaning the real presence of Christ?

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 use the name of Jesus or God in an irreverent manner through my words on social media, online gaming communities, or other digital platforms?

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

Have you used the name of Jesus or God in a way that is irreverent, careless, or contemptuous through your words?

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

Ambition

Did I allow my desire for power and dominance to influence my decisions in online communities, potentially leading me to prioritize self-interest over the well-being of 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.

Did I let my desire for power influence how I interacted with those around me, particularly in online communities where I engage in gaming activities?

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 how I interact with others, particularly in online communities and gaming forums?

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 allow my desire for material possessions, such as gadgets, gaming equipment, and other luxuries, to become a driving force in my life?

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

Have I made accumulation a driving force in my life, leading me to prioritize material possessions over what is truly important?

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.

Did I make accumulating wealth, possessions, and material comforts a central driving force in my life, potentially idolizing these things 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

Did you intentionally mistreat, harass, or discriminate against others through your words and actions within online gaming communities and social media platforms?

It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.

Have I engaged in any unjust, cruel, or oppressive behavior towards others through my words or actions?

It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.

Autonomy

Did I take for granted the good things in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?

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

Did you take for granted the opportunities and blessings in your life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?

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

Did I attribute my academic success, career achievements, and overall well-being solely to my own efforts, forgetting to acknowledge God's providence in guiding me?

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 I entertained doubts about God's existence, even if only in my own 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.

Did you entertain doubts about God's existence during times of stress, uncertainty, or when faced with conflicting views and opinions?

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 attribute my accomplishments solely to my own abilities, failing to give thanks for God's guidance in achieving them?

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

Have I relied solely on my own abilities, without acknowledging God's presence in my life, when making decisions related to my career or education?

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

Envy

Have I felt envious of others' accomplishments or possessions, such as their social media fame or material wealth?

Envy leads us to have discontent for another's possessions so we won't feel the pain of comparison or perceived lack in our own lives.

Have I inwardly resented the accomplishments and successes of others, feeling envious when they receive good fortune?

Envy leads us to have discontent for another's possessions so we won't feel the pain of comparison or perceived lack in our own lives.

Have I been discontent with my own possessions, fixating on others' goods?

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

Incontinence

Did I lack self-control and speak to others with vulgar or inappropriate language, potentially offending them through my words?

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

Did I lack self-control when speaking to others online, using language that was vulgar or inappropriate?

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

Did you lack self-control and use inappropriate language in conversations, potentially offending those around you?

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, perhaps at times of stress, anxiety, or celebration, when the desire to indulge was stronger than your self-control?

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

Did you overindulge in eating or drinking, especially when it came to food and beverages that provide little to no nutritional value?

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, within online gaming communities or social media platforms where I am active?

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, through my online gaming communities or social media posts?

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, 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 my friends' private lives, even if what I shared was true?

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

Anger

Have I nursed anger against those around me, rather than seeking reconciliation in my thoughts?

Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.

Impurity

Did I use certain practices or substances to prevent pregnancy?

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

Did you intentionally use certain practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy?

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

Did I use practices, substances, or objects to intentionally separate the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violate the proper use of my sexuality?

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

Have I dressed in a way that is immodest for me, thereby offending my own dignity?

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

Have I dressed in a way that promotes modesty and respect for my own dignity, especially when engaging in activities that may attract attention from others?

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

Have I worn attire that is immodest in a way that offends my own dignity, leading me away from chastity?

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

Fornication

Have I engaged in non-procreative sex outside of marriage?

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

Violence

Have I knowingly acted in ways that intentionally brought pain or suffering to someone else through my words, actions, or online behavior, even if it was done thoughtlessly while engaged in activities such as gaming, social media usage, or watching videos?

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

Sorcery

Have I interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?

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

Did I engage in conversations or interactions that involve seeking knowledge or guidance from mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?

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

Have I interacted with those who claim to possess supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, such as mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?

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

Presumption

Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change, even after engaging in excessive digital activities or succumbing to peer pressure?

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.

Have you deliberately persisted in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change, such as repeatedly giving into excessive digital distractions or neglecting your spiritual life while relying on divine 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 selfishly prioritizing your interests, counting on God's mercy without making any genuine effort to change or seek His 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 deliberately delay going to confession while in a state of sin, neglecting your responsibilities before God?

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

Did you willfully put off going to confession for an extended period, even after committing serious sins?

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 through doubts in your heart or verbally expressing them to others?

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

Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God through thoughts or expressions that deny His reality, either in personal reflections or discussions 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 ever explicitly rejected the existence of God through your thoughts, words, or actions in online communities related to shared interests or while engaging in digital activities that consume a significant amount of time?

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.