A Catholic Examination of Conscience
25-34 Divorced Father with Adult Children
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, particularly in decisions related to my adult 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 through deeds?
As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.
Was I disobedient to my parents in any way that has caused them distress?
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 expressing frustration towards other members, confusing their human flaws with the Church's divine nature?
Rejecting Church unity due to frustration with individuals is sinful because it confuses the Church's divine nature and eternal truths with the human imperfections of its members, while also violating Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."
When feeling frustrated with fellow believers, did I reject their unity due to my own negative attitudes?
Rejecting Church unity due to frustration with individuals is sinful because it confuses the Church's divine nature and eternal truths with the human imperfections of its members, while also violating Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."
Did I reject the unity of the Church when frustrated with my peers in social settings, leading me to voice dissent or criticism towards Christ's prayer for unity?
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 choose to skip an obligatory fast, such as Ash Wednesday, without a valid reason?
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 make fun of 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, through my actions and attitudes, dishonored my mother and father?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Have I disobeyed my mother and father by my actions and attitudes, thereby showing disrespect for their authority and role in giving me life, nurturing, and forming me in faith and virtue?
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, especially by not respecting her authority and guidance in matters of faith and virtue?
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 words, led others to think it is okay to stay away from Sacraments or Mass?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I ever use my words to encourage other Catholics to absent themselves from Sacraments or Mass?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I permit my child to continue in wrongdoing by failing to address it, even though it would have been difficult?
Permitting a child to continue in error by avoiding difficult conversations is sinful because it neglects our God-given parental duty to guide and form our children's moral and spiritual development, placing our own comfort above their eternal wellbeing.
Did I condone a funeral where human remains were 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 condone a funeral where human remains 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 permit my child to be exposed to bad influences?
Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.
Have I permitted my child to be exposed to bad influences?
Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.
Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences through my own actions or decisions?
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 by my words?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Have I condoned another Catholic to marry outside the Church, thereby giving scandal through my words?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I give my blessing to another Catholic's union with someone who was not first married in the Church?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I publicly endorse or justify abortion in any conversation, speech, or written communication?
It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.
Scandal
Did I forgo a valid Catholic marriage, thereby causing scandal and potentially offending others?
For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.
Did you try to lead someone into a sinful act through your words, actions, or behavior?
Leading others to sin (also called "scandal") is sinful because it actively harms another person's soul by encouraging them away from God, making you spiritually responsible both for your own sin and for potentially damaging another's relationship with God.
Uncharity
Have I turned away from strangers who are displaced, by failing to show them the same respect and kindness that I would want for myself in a similar situation?
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, especially those who may be struggling or in need of understanding and compassion?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Have I looked 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.
Have I looked 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.
Did I give preference to my own interests over those of others in my daily activities?
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 allow my personal interests to overshadow the needs and well-being of others?
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 put my own personal goals and ambitions ahead of the needs and well-being of those around me?
This is considered sinful because excessive self-focus and selfishness violates Christ's command to love our neighbors as ourselves and contradicts the Christian call to practice charity, compassion, and self-sacrifice for others.
Have I spoken to others in ways that show disrespect for their dignity as children of God?
Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.
Have I treated others, including those I interact with online, in a way that shows I respect their inherent dignity as children of God?
Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.
Did I speak harshly to others, losing my patience with them?
Losing patience with others fails to reflect God's infinite patience with us and violates Christ's command to love our neighbor, instead allowing anger and frustration to override charity and kindness.
Did I allow someone to be treated unjustly?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Did I fail to stand up for someone being treated unfairly?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Have I neglected to lend assistance to those who were in genuine need of it?
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 personal struggle?
Failing to help those in need violates Christ's direct command to love our neighbor and care for the poor, effectively refusing to recognize Jesus Himself in the suffering of others.
Have I shown compassion to those in need, particularly through tangible assistance and support in their times of physical or emotional struggle?
Failing to help those in need violates Christ's direct command to love our neighbor and care for the poor, effectively refusing to recognize Jesus Himself in the suffering of others.
Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, particularly through my use of resources and time, thereby reflecting Christ's command to love our neighbor and care for the poor?
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 uninterested in growing in my spiritual life?
Lukewarmness in spiritual growth is sinful because one essentially chooses comfort and mediocrity over the transformative love God offers, which Jesus specifically warned against in Revelation 3:16.
Merciless
Have I used my words to condemn others without showing them the same mercy that God has shown me?
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 judgmentally against others, condemning them in my words?
Condemning others is a sin of mercilessness because it places oneself in God's role as judge and denies others the same mercy and forgiveness that God extends to all of us.
Callousness
Did I fail to provide relief to someone who was suffering when I had the means to do so?
As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.
Did I fail to provide essential aid when someone was suffering financially, despite having the means to assist them?
As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.
Did you fail to use your resources to help those in need when they were suffering?
As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.
Did you turn away from someone who was ill?
This is sinful because it violates Jesus's direct command to care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) and fails to fulfill our fundamental Christian duty to show compassion and mercy to those who are suffering.
Sloth
Did you turn away from those who were struggling with their physical or emotional well-being, despite having the means to provide them with comfort and support?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did I turn away from someone who was in need of my help when they were most vulnerable?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Have I failed to guide my child toward knowing Christ, especially in those moments when we could have shared our faith together?
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, neglecting opportunities to share faith and values that would have strengthened their spiritual foundation?
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 share my faith with my child through everyday conversations and examples, causing them to grow up without a deep understanding of Christ's love?
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, neglecting their needs for my personal desires?
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 diminishment of their care?
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 you fail to provide your child with regular opportunities for spiritual growth and 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.
Have I neglected to teach my child about their Catholic faith, depriving them of the spiritual knowledge they need to grow in their faith?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did I neglect to prioritize daily prayer, reflecting on my relationship with God?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did I neglect to prioritize my relationship with God through daily prayer?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did I fail to set aside daily time for God?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did I deprioritize Sunday or Holy Day Mass Obligation in favor of worldly priorities, such as leisure activities?
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, perhaps prioritizing worldly activities such as travel, outdoor adventures, or social events that brought fleeting joy but neglected your spiritual obligations?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did I deprioritize my commitment to worship God by skipping Sunday or Holy Day Mass for non-serious reasons?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Vainglory
Did I seek personal validation 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 defending my public image and seeking human approval than pleasing God?
Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.
Am I more focused on seeking human validation and applause for my accomplishments, such as hobbies, career achievements, or social media presence, than on 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 concerned with what others think of me, especially when it comes to my accomplishments and actions, rather than seeking God's approval and glory?
Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.
Theft
Did I intentionally fail to pay debts owed to others?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did you intentionally fail to pay back debts owed to others?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did you intentionally fail to pay your financial commitments 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 assist others in stealing something from them?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did I enable others to steal something?
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 their rightful property?
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 taken something that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value?
Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.
Did I avoid paying others a just wage in my dealings?
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 business transactions where honesty is crucial?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
False Witness
Did I misrepresent myself to gain an advantage in personal or professional relationships?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I misrepresent myself to others for personal gain?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I deceive others through my words or actions?
Deceiving others is a form of bearing false witness, damages trust between people, and breaks down human relationships that should reflect God's truth and love.
Have I intentionally misrepresented myself to others through my words or actions?
Deceiving others is a form of bearing false witness, damages trust between people, and breaks down human relationships that should reflect God's truth and love.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in our personal and social lives?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in online conversations, discussions, or written communications?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in social interactions or conversations, potentially undermining their dignity and reputation?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Resent
Have I become sterilized?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Did you become sterilized?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Did you harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me in my personal relationships?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Did I allow resentment to harbor within me against those who have wronged me, refusing to let go of past hurts and instead holding onto anger and bitterness?
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 others in 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 you deny forgiveness to someone who wronged me through your words, showing a stubborn resentment that kept me from letting go of the hurt?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Have I abandoned my Catholic faith for any length of time, perhaps by being less attentive to prayer or neglecting to prioritize God's will in my thoughts and decisions?
This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
Have you deliberately rejected 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.
Have I abandoned my faith through thoughtless consideration of secular values and worldviews?
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 Jesus' name in public?
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 compromise my beliefs to gain approval from those around me, rather than 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 in order to appease others, thereby undermining the values that are most dear to me?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did I sacrifice my values and principles to gain social approval, rather than upholding what I believe is true?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did I remain silent about Church teachings when it would have been uncomfortable to speak up, in order to avoid social discomfort or conflict?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Retaliation
Do you harbor thoughts of personal retaliation 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.
Lust
Have I intentionally viewed, accessed, or engaged with pornography?
Interacting with pornography reduces human beings to mere objects for personal gratification, violating their inherent dignity and worth as children of God.
Have I reduced others to their appearance, usefulness, or what they could do for me, rather than seeing their full humanity?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Did you reduce others to their usefulness, rather than seeing them as persons created in God's image?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Have you reduced others to objects for your own entertainment, rather than treating them as fellow human beings deserving of respect and 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 engaged in actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage through deeds that have given occasion to 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.
Have I had actual or simulated acts outside of marriage that were inspired by 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.
Imprudence
Have I squandered time given me by God for meaningless pursuits, rather than using it 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.
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, prioritizing fleeting pleasures above eternal relationship with God?
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 allow worldly pursuits to dominate my thoughts, rather than allowing faith to guide them?
Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.
Did you use controlled substances to intentionally detach yourself from reality?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Did you use controlled substances to impair your self-control?
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 physical and emotional pleasure over my relationship with God, turning them into an idol that displaces Him as the center of my life?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Do I prioritize my own desires for sensual pleasure 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 I allow my own desires for physical pleasure and comfort to take precedence over my spiritual well-being in moments of temptation?
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 had actual or simulated sexual acts outside of my marriage through flirting, suggestive conversations, or physical contact that could be interpreted as leading to such acts?
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.
Impenitence
Have I allowed myself to hold onto a particular sin, refusing to acknowledge my wrongdoing?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I refused to acknowledge my wrongdoings against myself, clinging to them instead of turning towards God's mercy?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Blasphemy
Did you use God's holy name to swear in anger, frustration, or annoyance?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did I swear in a way that shows disrespect to God?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did you receive Holy Communion while knowing yourself to be in a state of sin, having failed to reflect on your past actions and make amends?
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 knowingly receive Holy Communion while having intentionally ignored God's laws in my heart, thus committing sacrilege?
This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.
Did you use the name of God or Jesus as an expletive or curse in conversation?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Have I used the name of God, which is holy and revered, as an expletive or curse in conversation or among friends?
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 speak the name of Jesus or God in anger, frustration, or disrespect?
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 you let your desire for power and dominance influence your decisions and treatment of others in ways that betray humility and undermine respect for authority?
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 your pursuit of power and influence in various areas of life, such as your career or social circles, lead you to dominate or control 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
Have I made wealth and material possessions my primary driving force in 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.
Did I make accumulating wealth and possessions a driving force in my life?
This sin makes money an idol that replaces trust in God's providence, turning what should be a tool for good into an object of worship.
Oppression
Have you in your dealings with others, mistreated, harassed, or discriminated against them?
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 own 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 I taken for granted my success in life, forgetting to acknowledge its source in God's providence, even if I attribute it to my own hard work and determination?
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 successes in life, such as achieving career goals or enjoying leisure activities, solely to my own abilities and hard work, forgetting to acknowledge God's providence and guidance?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did I entertain doubts about God's existence in my thoughts?
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 entertained doubts about God's existence through my thoughts?
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 rely solely on your own abilities, failing to acknowledge God's presence in your life?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Did I place my trust solely in my own abilities, failing to acknowledge and rely on God's grace for guidance and support?
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 solely rely on my own abilities, failing to recognize my complete dependence on God's grace in managing 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.
Envy
Have I secretly wished others would lose their accomplishments, blessings, and successes that make me feel inferior or less accomplished?
Envy leads us to have discontent for another's possessions so we won't feel the pain of comparison or perceived lack in our own lives.
Have I secretly wished others would lose their good fortune or blessings?
Envy leads us to have discontent for another's possessions so we won't feel the pain of comparison or perceived lack in our own lives.
Have I ever felt envy towards others' accomplishments or successes, even if only in my thoughts?
Envy leads us to have discontent for another's possessions so we won't feel the pain of comparison or perceived lack in our own lives.
Have I been discontent with what I have, fixating on coveting others' possessions through my thoughts?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Have I been discontent with what I have and fixate on coveting others' possessions, leading me to take undue interest in their lifestyles and material wealth?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Have I allowed discontentment with my own blessings to manifest in thoughts of coveting others' possessions?
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, especially in informal social settings?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did I lack self-control in speaking to others in ways that showed disrespect for their dignity?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Gluttony
Did I overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, potentially neglecting my responsibility to nourish my body for God's glory?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Have I overindulged in eating or drinking, causing me to neglect my own needs and those of others?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did you overindulge in eating or drinking during social gatherings, such as dinner parties or happy hours?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Prodigality
Have I excessively risked financial resources entrusted to me for personal gain, neglecting my responsibilities towards family needs and obligations?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Have I prioritized excessive and wasteful gambling over my own financial responsibilities?
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 someone's private affairs or personal struggles through conversations, even if what was shared was true?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I taken pleasure in 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 used my words to spread information about others' personal lives, even if it was true?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Impurity
Have you used practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy?
This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.
Have I used certain practices to prevent pregnancy?
This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.
Did you use certain practices 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 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 attire that reveals too much about myself, thus risking impurity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Infidelity
Did I break the vow of fidelity in my marriage?
Fidelity in marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant made before God - not just a contract between people, thus breaking vows is seen as a betrayal of both divine and human trust.
Fornication
Did I have non-procreative sex outside the sacrament 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.
Have I intentionally engaged in non-procreative sex?
While the sexual natures are a gift, it's a sin to stray away from their ordering toward the unitive and procreative nature within marriage.
Violence
Have I deliberately acted in ways that brought pain or suffering to others through my deeds?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused emotional pain or suffering to someone else, perhaps through my words, actions, or decisions?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Sorcery
Have you interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Have you interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards, trusting in their predictions rather than seeking guidance from God?
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 your ways, even when faced with personal struggles or challenges?
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, trusting that God's mercy would excuse your lack of effort to change without a true desire for amendment of 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 your ways, especially when it comes to resolving conflicts or addressing issues that cause harm to yourself and others?
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 while in a state of sin, giving in to the temptation that 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.
Did you put off going to confession while in a state of serious sin, taking for granted God's mercy and your own need for forgiveness?
Deliberately delaying confession while in mortal sin is a serious offense because it recklessly endangers your soul's salvation, shows contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation, and demonstrates prideful presumption that you'll have time later to repent.
Apostasy
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally through rational doubts or philosophical arguments, or to others in conversation or writing?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally or to others, in your personal thoughts, discussions, or online interactions?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you, through your thoughts or expressions, explicitly denied the existence of God after having been baptized?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Impiety
Did I fail to show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament in my daily life, especially when visiting or being near a place of worship?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Did you fail to show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament when you attended Eucharistic celebrations, especially during periods of personal stress or emotional turmoil?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.