A Catholic Examination of Conscience
25-34 Married 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: 14 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 spouse, authority figures, or those in charge?
As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.
Did I reject Church unity when frustrated by differences within my 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 reject Church unity when frustrated with others who are part of it, especially in situations where they seemed to be failing to live up to Christ's teachings?
Rejecting Church unity due to frustration with individuals is sinful because it confuses the Church's divine nature and eternal truths with the human imperfections of its members, while also violating Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."
Did I use my words to belittle or mock the Church, its teachings, or its authority?
Mocking the church shows contempt for Christ's established institution on earth, disrespects the Body of Christ, and undermines the Church's divine authority as guided by the Holy Spirit.
Did you publicly ridicule 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 shown disrespect to my mother and father through my actions, particularly in how I have dealt with their guidance or authority in matters that concern them?
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 through my actions and attitudes shown disrespect to those who have provided 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.
Condoning
Did I lead fellow Catholics astray by discouraging them from receiving Sacraments or attending 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.
Have I through words or actions encouraged fellow Catholics 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 tell fellow Catholics that they can stay away from Sacraments or Mass without correcting them for their absence?
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.
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 others 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 give silent approval to another Catholic through my words for their decision to marry outside 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 consent to another Catholic marrying outside the Church, thereby implying approval of such an action?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I give silent approval to another Catholic's decision to marry in a civil ceremony, rather than within 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 verbally endorse or justify abortion or euthanasia?
It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.
Did I endorse or justify abortion or euthanasia in any conversation, public statement, or social media post?
It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.
Uncharity
Do I turn away from those who are homeless, especially in times of hardship?
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 career, nationality, or other traits?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Do I look down upon others, especially those who may hold different job titles or nationalities, based on these characteristics?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Have I judged others based on their occupation, nationality, or other traits that reveal their background or social standing?
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 allow my personal interests to take precedence over 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.
Did I make my own interests, such as pursuing leisure activities or advancing in my career, more important than showing charity and compassion to 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 allow my own desires to influence decisions regarding others, especially in situations where their needs might have taken precedence over mine?
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 fail to speak out when someone else was being treated unfairly in my presence?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Did I permit someone else to be treated unfairly in my social interactions, work environment, or online presence?
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 shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, especially to individuals struggling with financial burdens or seeking support for their personal goals?
Failing to help those in need violates Christ's direct command to love our neighbor and care for the poor, effectively refusing to recognize Jesus Himself in the suffering of others.
Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, such as neighbors struggling financially, fellow gamers experiencing online harassment, or friends dealing with stress and burnout?
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 too focused on my own desires, such as enjoying recreational sports and hobbies, to desire genuine growth in my faith?
Lukewarmness in spiritual growth is sinful because one essentially chooses comfort and mediocrity over the transformative love God offers, which Jesus specifically warned against in Revelation 3:16.
Have I been unmotivated in my efforts to prioritize prayer, Scripture reading, and spiritual growth amidst my busy lifestyle and daily pursuits?
We tend to sin by failing in effort to know and love God while exerting other efforts on worldly things.
Merciless
Have I spoken harshly against others, putting myself above them in judgment?
Condemning others is a sin of mercilessness because it places oneself in God's role as judge and denies others the same mercy and forgiveness that God extends to all of us.
Sloth
Did I neglect to help those who were sick and in need of my assistance?
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 by neglecting opportunities for spiritual guidance and teaching?
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 lead my family toward knowing Christ in our daily life 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.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs, prioritizing personal desires over their 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 socializing and leisure ahead of my responsibilities towards my spouse'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 God's will in my daily life?
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 omit teaching my child about their faith, leading them astray from their spiritual formation?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did I fail to provide my child with adequate spiritual guidance, potentially hindering their growth in faith?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did I intentionally neglect to make daily prayer a priority in my life?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did I neglect to daily communicate with God through 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 neglect to seek daily spiritual nourishment in a consistent manner?
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 attending Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation for worldly priorities, such as leisure activities or personal interests?
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 deliberately deprioritize and skip Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, choosing instead to pursue other worldly activities that took precedence over your highest obligation to worship God?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did I deprioritize my Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation Mass attendance for non-serious reasons, showing disobedience to Church authority and prioritizing worldly obligations over my highest obligation to worship God?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Vainglory
Did I seek to be admired for my generosity when 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.
Did I seek personal benefit for sharing my accomplishments on social media?
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 my good deeds?
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 reputation in online platforms than pleasing God?
Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.
Am I more focused on seeking online validation and praise from my social media followers than pleasing God? Is my desire for human acclaim, especially through public displays of achievement in sports, gaming, or other activities, influencing my motivations 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 concerned with earning social media likes and 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.
Have you publicly declared yourself to be no longer Catholic when faced with social pressure or discomfort from others, such as peers or acquaintances, by distancing yourself through words?
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 you harbor resentment towards individuals within the Church, undermining its unity through your thoughts, when frustrated or disappointed by their actions?
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.
Have I harbored any resentment towards those who have wronged me in thought, word, or deed?
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 any resentment towards others to reside in my heart, even if they 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 towards those who have wronged me, causing harm to my relationships and reputation?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Did I deny someone forgiveness after they wronged me, holding their transgression against them in my words or actions?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Did I refuse to grant pardon or mercy to someone who has wronged me?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Have you denied forgiveness to someone who wronged you, causing them to remain burdened by their guilt?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Did I ever deliberately reject God's revealed truth through my thoughts, words, and actions, causing me to abandon my faith 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.
Theft
Did I intentionally fail to pay debts owed to others?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did you intentionally fail to pay debts owed to others?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did you intentionally fail to pay back money that was owed to others?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did I help others steal?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did I help others steal?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did you assist others in acquiring something that did not belong to them?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
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.
Did you intentionally fail to pay others a fair price or wage?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
Did I avoid paying others a fair price for services rendered by them?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
Did I cheat others out of their fair compensation for work done, goods sold, or services provided?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
False Witness
Did I intentionally speak falsely to gain an advantage?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Have I intentionally misled others through my words, actions, or silence?
Deceiving others is a form of bearing false witness, damages trust between people, and breaks down human relationships that should reflect God's truth and love.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in our personal lives, conversations, and 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 online interactions or through social media?
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 my personal relationships, online interactions, or public conversations?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Effeminacy
Do I fear to openly profess my faith in public, proclaiming Jesus' name and message without hesitation or embarrassment?
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 prioritize pleasing others, rather than standing firm in what I believe to be true, by compromising my values?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Retaliation
Do you harbor thoughts against others with the intention of revenge?
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.
Do I 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.
Do you entertain thoughts against others that seek revenge for perceived wrongs?
Entertaining thoughts of revenge is sinful because it rejects Christ's teaching of forgiveness and love of enemies, choosing instead to harbor malice and a desire for personal retaliation rather than leaving justice to God.
Prodigality
Have I devoted excessive time to leisure activities that distract me from cultivating a deeper relationship with God and serving others?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Have I engaged in excessive and wasteful spending on recreational activities to take precedence over my financial obligations or responsibilities towards others?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Have I excessively prioritized recreational activities, such as gaming or traveling, over meeting my financial 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.
Vanity
Did you obsess over your appearance? (considering how often I spend time looking at myself in mirrors or screens, take selfies, worry about my physical appearance to others)
Excessive focus on physical appearance reflects vanity and can indicate a lack of trust in God's creation of you as inherently worthy.
Did I obsess over my physical appearance, especially on social media platforms?
Excessive focus on physical appearance reflects vanity and can indicate a lack of trust in God's creation of you as inherently worthy.
Sensuality
Did I desire worldly pleasures over growth in my faith, allowing them to take precedence in my thoughts?
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 pleasures to distract me from my 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.
Have I used controlled substances to detach from reality?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Have you used controlled substances to intentionally distract yourself from your problems?
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.
Have you used controlled substances to detach from your responsibilities?
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 put my own desires and pleasures above 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 place my own desires for entertainment, leisure activities, and pleasures above my relationship with God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Scandal
Did you try to lead someone else into doing something sinful?
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 attempt to lead someone else into doing something sinful 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 you try to lead someone into doing something sinful by your words, actions, or example?
Leading others to sin (also called "scandal") is sinful because it actively harms another person's soul by encouraging them away from God, making you spiritually responsible both for your own sin and for potentially damaging another's relationship with God.
Impenitence
Have I refused to confront my own wrongdoing, instead clinging to it in my thoughts?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I refused to admit my wrongdoing, clinging to sin in thought?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Callousness
Did I turn away from visiting someone who was ill in my community?
This is sinful because it violates Jesus's direct command to care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) and fails to fulfill our fundamental Christian duty to show compassion and mercy to those who are suffering.
Did you show disregard for someone in need when they were 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.
Blasphemy
Did you ever use God's name in vain, swearing an oath that was not a solemn promise or vow?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did you receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin, thus desecrating the sacred sacrament that represents God's love for us?
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.
Have I spoken the name of Jesus or God in a thoughtless, irreverent, or profane manner?
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 God's name in jest, mockery, 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 I let my desire for power and dominance influence my leadership decisions and treatment of 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 my pursuit of career advancement and professional success in the tech industry allow me to prioritize power and control over serving others?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Greed
Did I make the pursuit of material possessions a driving force in my life, potentially leading me to idolize wealth and neglect my relationship with God?
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 material possessions and wealth a driving force in my life, distracting me from what truly brings value and purpose?
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 wealth and material possessions my ultimate goal 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.
Oppression
Did I unjustly treat others in my personal, social, or professional life?
It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.
Have I used my position, influence, or authority to unjustly and cruelly mistreat others?
It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.
Lust
Did I view others primarily in terms of what they could provide for me, rather than recognizing their inherent value and worth?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Did I reduce others to their usefulness, 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 I simulated or engaged in acts outside of marriage that stimulate lust or give occasion for sinful thoughts, words, or deeds?
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 sensual acts outside of my marriage, which are ordered for the purpose of mutual love and procreation within a sacramental bond?
While our sexual nature is a gift, using it to indulge in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.
Autonomy
Did I take for granted the benefits of my successes, forgetting to acknowledge God's providence in achieving them?
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 entertain doubts about God's existence?
Deliberately entertaining doubts about God's existence is a sin against faith because it questions the most fundamental truth of our faith and shows a lack of trust in God's clear self-revelation through creation, scripture, and the Church's teachings.
Did I rely solely on my own abilities and failed to recognize my dependence on God's grace in my daily pursuits, whether personal or professional?
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 trust solely in my own abilities and neglected to acknowledge God's grace in my decisions and actions?
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 trust solely in my own abilities, rather than acknowledging God's grace at work within me?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Presumption
Did you presume your successes in life to be solely due to your own abilities, forgetting to acknowledge God's hand in guiding them?
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 intentionally persist in sinful behavior, assuming God's mercy without making any effort to change or genuinely seeking His forgiveness?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you deliberately take God's mercy for granted, counting on it without making any effort to change your behavior in areas where you know you should be striving to grow and improve?
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, often finding yourself taking shortcuts or relying too heavily on your own abilities rather than seeking guidance from a trusted source?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you delay going to confession while knowingly in a state of sin, showing contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation?
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 struggling with persistent temptations against God's will?
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.
Envy
Have I felt envious of others' success and secretly wished for them to 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, fixated on coveting others' possessions through social media or conversations about material goods?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Incontinence
Did I lack self-control when speaking to others in a manner that could be considered vulgar or inappropriate, especially during casual gatherings or social events where my words may have caused offense or disrespected their dignity?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did you lack self-control and use words that were hurtful or disrespectful to others, potentially damaging your relationships with friends and acquaintances?
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 when enjoying recreational activities or social gatherings?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did you overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, demonstrating an excessive attachment to worldly pleasures and rejecting the call to temperance?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did I overindulge in eating or drinking at social gatherings, such as sporting events, concerts, or dinner parties?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Gossip
Have I spoken about others' private affairs with pleasure, 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 share another person's private affairs or faults, even if what I shared was true, for the purpose of entertainment or pride in my social interactions?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I used words to discuss others' private affairs, even if what I shared was true, for my own entertainment or enjoyment?
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 conception?
This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.
Have I dressed immodestly in ways that demonstrate respect for 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 immodestly reveals my body, causing me to stumble or tempt others?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Infidelity
Have I, through any action or deed, broken my marriage vows?
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.
Have I intentionally broken my marriage vows by doing something that could be perceived as infidelity?
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.
Have I broken my marriage vows through any actions, words, or deeds that could be considered infidelity?
Fidelity in marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant made before God - not just a contract between people, thus breaking vows is seen as a betrayal of both divine and human trust.
Fornication
Did I engage in any form of non-procreative sex, even if it was just once?
While the sexual natures are a gift, it's a sin to stray away from their ordering toward the unitive and procreative nature within marriage.
Have I engaged in non-procreative intimacy outside of my marriage?
While the sexual natures are a gift, it's a sin to stray away from their ordering toward the unitive and procreative nature within marriage.
Violence
Have I knowingly acted in ways that brought pain or suffering to someone else through my words, actions, or behavior?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Adultery
Have I entertained feelings toward someone else's spouse that are not respectful of their marriage?
This sin undermines the sacred bond of marriage by treating another person as an object of desire rather than respecting their dignity and commitment to their spouse.
Have I entertained feelings towards another person's spouse that could lead to desiring them for myself?
This sin undermines the sacred bond of marriage by treating another person as an object of desire rather than respecting their dignity and commitment to their spouse.
Sorcery
Have I interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards through words or actions?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Did you use or consult fortune tellers, mediums, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Did you interact with people who claim to communicate with spirits, predict the future, read tarot cards, or use a Ouija board?
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.
Resistance Of Truth
Did I intentionally harbor any form of skepticism about God's existence through my thoughts, perhaps especially when engaging in activities that allow for introspection or intellectual exploration?
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.
Apostasy
Have you explicitly denied the existence of God, either internally or to others?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally or to others through your conversations about technology and innovation, especially when discussing emerging trends that challenge traditional beliefs?
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 online presence, social media discussions, or conversations with friends, either internally or to others?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Impiety
Did I fail to always show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament in my daily life, especially during times of leisure or when distracted?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Did I fail to always show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament, especially in moments of silence or quiet reflection?
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 in your daily encounters, especially during moments of quiet contemplation?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.