A Catholic Examination of Conscience
25-34 Committed Man
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
Disobedience
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, particularly when they offered guidance on matters that required my obedience?
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 failing to show respect for their guidance, wisdom, and authority?
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 your frustration with others led you to criticize their faithfulness?
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 Christ's Church when frustrated with my 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 I intentionally disregard any prescribed days 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.
Have I spoken disrespectfully about the Church?
Mocking the church shows contempt for Christ's established institution on earth, disrespects the Body of Christ, and undermines the Church's divine authority as guided by the Holy Spirit.
Have I misused 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 dishonored my mother and father through my actions and attitudes, particularly in regards to respecting their authority and valuing their role in giving 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 shown disrespect to my mother and father through my actions and attitudes by failing to appreciate their sacrifices for me?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Have I shown disrespect to my mother and father through my words, attitudes, and actions?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Condoning
Did I condone other Catholics from staying away from Sacraments through my words?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I cause others to feel encouraged by my words to stay away from attending Mass or receiving 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 lead fellow Catholics away from receiving Sacraments by my words?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I allow my child to persist in error without correcting them, even when it was within my power to guide and instruct them?
Permitting a child to continue in error by avoiding difficult conversations is sinful because it neglects our God-given parental duty to guide and form our children's moral and spiritual development, placing our own comfort above their eternal wellbeing.
Did I permit my child to persist in a flawed understanding, rather than addressing it directly?
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 sacrifice my values to gain acceptance from others, rather than standing firm in what I believe 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 condone a funeral where the remains of someone who died without proper burial rites were not given the dignified treatment due to them, contrary to the Church's teachings?
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 a loved one's remains were not treated in accordance with Church teachings?
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.
Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences through our social media interactions and 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 you condone another Catholic to marry outside the Church, potentially giving scandal by your approval?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I fail to speak out against a Catholic marrying outside of 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 give my approval to another Catholic marrying outside the Church, giving them reason to doubt the importance of receiving sacraments in our faith?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I endorse or justify abortion or euthanasia, especially through words or actions that condone taking human life?
It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.
Apostasy
Did I forgo a valid Catholic marriage to be in a romantic relationship?
For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.
Have you explicitly rejected God's existence, either internally through your thoughts or outwardly 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, either internally through your thoughts or to others in conversation?
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 your thoughts or discussions with others, either in casual conversation or formal debates?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Uncharity
Do I turn away from those who are 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 turn away from those who are homeless, shelterless, and vulnerable?
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 show indifference to those in need by turning away from strangers and those who are displaced?
Per the corporal works of mercy, we are to love our neighbors by feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless and respecting their dignity especially in times of hardship.
Do you look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Do you look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Do I condescend to others based on their job, nationality, or other trait?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Did you allow your own interests to overshadow others' needs in times of scarcity or competition?
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 own desires for success and advancement in life to overshadow the needs 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.
Did I let my own desires for advancement in my career overshadow my responsibility to prioritize the needs of those around me, such as my partner, friends, and family members?
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 lose my patience with others, especially in situations where I felt frustrated or overwhelmed?
Losing patience with others fails to reflect God's infinite patience with us and violates Christ's command to love our neighbor, instead allowing anger and frustration to override charity and kindness.
Did I fail to act on behalf of someone who was being treated unfairly?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Did you permit someone else to be treated unfairly in your daily interactions?
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 not omitted helping those who were in need of my assistance?
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 my community, such as friends, acquaintances, or strangers in need?
Failing to help those in need violates Christ's direct command to love our neighbor and care for the poor, effectively refusing to recognize Jesus Himself in the suffering of others.
Lukewarmness
Am I uninterested in growing spiritually?
Lukewarmness in spiritual growth is sinful because one essentially chooses comfort and mediocrity over the transformative love God offers, which Jesus specifically warned against in Revelation 3:16.
Am I uninterested in growing in my faith? Consider this: Have you ever felt a lack of enthusiasm or motivation to deepen your understanding and practice of Catholicism, instead finding comfort in familiar routines and avoiding opportunities for spiritual growth.
Lukewarmness in spiritual growth is sinful because one essentially chooses comfort and mediocrity over the transformative love God offers, which Jesus specifically warned against in Revelation 3:16.
Am I uninterested in growing spiritually because I prioritize 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, particularly when it comes to prioritizing time and energy for spiritual growth amidst other demands on my life?
We tend to sin by failing in effort to know and love God while exerting other efforts on worldly things.
Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my pursuit to prioritize God above worldly endeavors, allowing mundane activities and secular interests to distract me from a deeper commitment to His love?
We tend to sin by failing in effort to know and love God while exerting other efforts on worldly things.
Callousness
Did I fail to provide assistance to someone who was struggling financially 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 you fail to provide necessary aid to someone in need who was suffering financially, when you 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 you turn away from caring for 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.
Did you deliberately 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 I neglect those who were ill and needed my 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, by neglecting to share the faith with them in our daily conversations?
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 provide my child, entrusted to me by God, with the opportunity to know Christ in a meaningful way?
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 partner'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 desires for leisure and entertainment ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing, potentially neglecting responsibilities and commitments towards them?
Neglecting family duties is considered sinful because it violates both divine law and natural law, where God entrusts us with specific responsibilities to nurture, protect, and care for our family members as part of our fundamental Christian vocation.
Did I fail to instruct my child in their religious duties?
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 intentionally ignore the daily practice of prayer, which is essential for communicating 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 you neglect to spend time in daily prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength for your spiritual journey?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did I deprioritize and skip Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, allowing worldly commitments and habits to take precedence over my spiritual duties?
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 Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation, putting my worldly priorities above worshiping God?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did I deprioritize and skip participating in Sunday Mass or Holy Days of Obligation for non-serious reasons, such as prioritizing leisure activities or worldly commitments?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Vainglory
Did I give alms so that others would see my generosity?
Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.
Did I seek praise for giving charity?
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 social media reputation and gaining online respect than pleasing God?
Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.
Am I more focused on defending my reputation and gaining human approval than pleasing God through my thoughts, words, and actions?
Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.
Am I more focused on gaining recognition and admiration from my peers and superiors than pleasing God, even in my daily thoughts and actions?
Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.
Did you publicly distance yourself from your faith when faced with social pressure or discomfort?
This is a public betrayal of Jesus' teaching that "whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven," effectively choosing human respect over fidelity to God.
Did you publicly distance yourself from God's teachings when faced with social pressure or discomfort, effectively choosing human respect over fidelity to Him?
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.
Resent
Did I reject the unity of the Catholic Church by harboring resentment towards certain individuals within it due to my own frustrations?
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 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 become sterilized?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Do I hesitate to proclaim the name of Jesus, especially in public settings, and share my faith 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 I seek to feel envious or resentful when others succeed?
Preventing others' success is sinful because it's the resentful desire to deprive others of their blessings because their achievements make us feel inferior or threatened in comparison.
Have I harbored any resentment towards those who have wronged me?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Did I harbor any resentment against those who have wronged me, causing me to hold onto unforgiveness and bitterness 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 I harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me, especially in situations where I felt hurt or taken advantage of?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Did you deny forgiveness to someone who wronged you, perhaps through unkind words or actions that reflected resentment towards them?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Did you deny forgiveness to someone by holding onto resentment towards them?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Did you refuse to let go of resentment towards someone who wronged you?
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 harbored resentment or nursed anger towards others, rather than seeking reconciliation in a spirit of forgiveness?
Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.
Did I harbor any thoughts against God's revealed truth for an extended period, leading me to distance myself from my Catholic faith?
This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
Did I, at any point in my life, willfully renounce or reject my Catholic faith?
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.
Theft
Did I intentionally fail to pay my legitimate debts?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did I intentionally fail to repay my debts?
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 refuse to fulfill my financial obligations by not paying debts?
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 aid others in stealing?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did you contribute to others stealing?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did I enable others to steal through my deeds?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Have I taken something that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value?
Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.
Have I taken something that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value?
Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.
Did I avoid paying others a just price for my goods or services?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
Did I avoid paying others less than what they deserved?
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 in my work, business dealings, or financial transactions?
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, especially through my online interactions and public presence?
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 my words to deceive 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 willfully deceive others through my words or actions, causing harm to their trust in me?
Deceiving others is a form of bearing false witness, damages trust between people, and breaks down human relationships that should reflect God's truth and love.
Have you intentionally misled or deceived others through your 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.
Did you willfully mislead others through your 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 casual conversations or social interactions?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others through spoken words in conversations, arguments, or social interactions?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in our social interactions, online presence, or professional settings?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Effeminacy
Do you fear to speak up and proclaim the name of Jesus, even in everyday conversations?
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 your pursuit of success and external validation lead you to compromise what you know to be right in order to gain others' approval?
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 in order to avoid social discomfort or conflict, even when it would have been more difficult but courageous to speak up and witness to the Truth?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Did I fail to speak up about Church teachings, even when it would have been uncomfortable, in order to avoid potential conflict or disagreement?
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 revenge against others?
Entertaining thoughts of revenge is sinful because it rejects Christ's teaching of forgiveness and love of enemies, choosing instead to harbor malice and a desire for personal retaliation rather than leaving justice to God.
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 mere spectators in my life, rather than truly seeing them as full participants and partners?
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 mere spectators, observers, or tools for my own purposes, rather than seeing them as fellow human beings worthy of dignity and respect?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Have I had actual or simulated sexual 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.
Have I had actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage, including in scenarios that could be considered flirtatious or suggestive?
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 given over to fleeting distractions, and thus failed to make good use of my time for eternal purposes?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Have I excessive and wasteful gambling to take precedence over my financial responsibilities and family needs?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Have I recklessly prioritized excessive gambling over my financial responsibilities, potentially harming those who rely on me?
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.
Imprudence
Have I wasted my time on trivial pursuits, which could have been devoted to spiritual growth and serving others?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Sensuality
Did I let my desire for worldly experiences influence my choices, causing me to prioritize them over spiritual growth?
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 experiences that distracted me from deepening my faith?
Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.
Did I intentionally use controlled substances to detach myself from reality?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Did I use controlled substances to intentionally impair my mind and will?
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 allow my desires for entertainment, leisure activities, and personal pleasure to overshadow my devotion to God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Scandal
Did I try to make someone else commit a sinful act by encouraging them to engage in activities that could lead them away from God?
Leading others to sin (also called "scandal") is sinful because it actively harms another person's soul by encouraging them away from God, making you spiritually responsible both for your own sin and for potentially damaging another's relationship with God.
Did I try to lead someone else into sinful behavior through my 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.
Did I ever encourage someone else to engage in sinful 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.
Impenitence
Have I clung to a particular sin, refusing to admit my wrongdoing?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing, clinging to it instead of turning back to God's mercy?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Blasphemy
Did you swear to God when expressing frustration, anger, or disappointment?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Have I sworn to God?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did you, in a moment of frustration or anger, swear to God using His holy name irreverently?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did you receive Holy Communion while aware that you were in a state of sin, showing disrespect for the sacrament and its significance?
This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.
Did I receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin, perhaps due to unrepented flaws in my character or unresolved conflicts within my personal relationships?
This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.
Did you receive Holy Communion while deliberately choosing to continue in sin, despite knowing its sacrilegious nature?
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, particularly Jesus Christ, as a casual expression or swearword 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.
Did you use the name of God, Jesus Christ, or any sacred personage as an exclamation, oath, or curse?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Did you use the name of Jesus or God in conversation without proper reverence, disrespecting their sacred nature?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Ambition
Did I let my desire for power and dominance influence my decisions regarding those in positions of authority, such as supervisors or colleagues?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Did I allow my desire for power and dominance to influence my decisions and treatment of others, potentially leading me to prioritize self-interest over the well-being and dignity of those around me?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Did I allow my desire for power and dominance to influence my decisions and treatment of others in ways that might have led me to prioritize my own interests over their well-being?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Greed
Did I make accumulating wealth, possessions, and material comforts the 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.
Did I make acquiring material possessions and wealth a driving force in my life, potentially leading me to value them above 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.
Autonomy
Did I take for granted the good things in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did you take for granted your successes in life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did you harbor doubts about God's existence?
Deliberately entertaining doubts about God's existence is a sin against faith because it questions the most fundamental truth of our faith and shows a lack of trust in God's clear self-revelation through creation, scripture, and the Church's teachings.
Have I entertained doubts about God's existence in my mind, even if only for a moment?
Deliberately entertaining doubts about God's existence is a sin against faith because it questions the most fundamental truth of our faith and shows a lack of trust in God's clear self-revelation through creation, scripture, and the Church's teachings.
Did you trust solely in your own abilities, excluding God's grace, when facing challenges or making decisions?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Did I rely solely on my own abilities and skills, rather than trusting in God's providence and guidance for success?
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 resented others' successes and silently wished they would stumble?
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 and fixate on coveting others' possessions? Do you see yourself regularly desiring or envying the material goods, status, or accomplishments of those around you? Is my mind consumed by feelings of dissatisfaction with what God has provided for me, leading me to focus on acquiring more wealth, status, or possessions from others? Have I been consumed by a desire for the things that others have, without properly appreciating and being thankful for the blessings in my own life?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Incontinence
Did you lack self-control and speak to others using vulgar or inappropriate language, violating their dignity?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did I lack self-control in my conversations with others, using language that was vulgar or inappropriate?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did I lack self-control in expressing myself through words, causing others to be disrespected?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Gluttony
Did I overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, especially during social gatherings such as dinners, parties, or events where food and drinks are plentiful?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did I engage in eating or drinking excessively, leading to an unhealthy attachment to worldly pleasures?
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' 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 sharing others' private affairs through conversations or social media, 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 shared others' personal struggles or weaknesses, even if they were true, for my own entertainment or to elevate myself?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Impiety
Did I engage in unnecessary work on a Sunday, which is a day set aside for rest and worship?
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 allow my daily activities to interfere with rest on Sundays, when it could be 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 in my daily life, especially when visiting or contemplating its significance?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Did I fail to show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament, particularly during times when I was in a place of worship or near an altar?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Anger
Have I nursed anger in my thoughts towards those I disagree with, rather than seeking understanding and reconciliation?
Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.
Impurity
Did you use practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy?
This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.
Did you use certain practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy?
This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.
Have I dressed in a way that is immodest, yet still respects my dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I dressed immodestly, 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 disrespects my own dignity, especially when engaging in outdoor activities or social events?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Fornication
Did I have non-procreative sex?
While the sexual natures are a gift, it's a sin to stray away from their ordering toward the unitive and procreative nature within marriage.
Have you had actual or simulated sexual acts, either alone or with another person, outside of your committed 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.
Violence
Have I knowingly engaged in physical altercations or verbal confrontations that brought pain or suffering to someone else?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that intentionally inflicted physical, emotional, or psychological pain on someone else?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused harm to others, intentionally inflicting pain or suffering on them?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Murder
Have you ever intentionally contributed to, or in any way facilitated, an abortion or euthanasia?
It's a grave sin to actively participate in the intentional taking of another's life, which robs the gift of life that was granted to others by God.
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?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Have I interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards, seeking to bypass God's providence through forbidden means?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Presumption
Have you deliberately persisted in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change your habits or routines?
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, despite knowing what is expected of a faithful person?
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 thoughts or actions towards achieving a healthier work-life balance?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you delay confessing your sins to a priest while remaining in a state of sin, giving rise to a prideful presumption 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.