A Catholic Examination of Conscience

25-34 Separated 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

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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, whether in thought, word, or deed?

As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.

Was I disobedient to my parents in doing something that was contrary to their legitimate guidance and authority?

As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.

Did I reject the unity of the Church when frustrated by the imperfections in individuals within, perhaps criticizing them instead of lovingly correcting their errors?

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

When frustrated with individuals within, did I reject the unity of the Church by considering their human imperfections to be a reflection of its divine nature?

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

Did you deliberately skip obligatory days of fasting, such as Ash Wednesday, showing disrespect for Church authority and your own spiritual obligations to practice self-denial and penance?

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

Did you skip any days that were designated for fasting during sacred times, showing disregard for your spiritual obligations?

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

Did you use words to disparage or mock the Church?

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

Did you ridicule the Church, its teachings, or its leaders through words?

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 through my 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.

Have I dishonored my mother through actions that disregard her guidance in our family dynamics?

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 words and actions, dishonored my mother by disrespecting or disobeying her authority, particularly in matters related to my own life choices and decisions?

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 you lead other Catholics away from Sacraments or Mass by your 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 you permit fellow Catholics to abstain from receiving Sacraments or participating in Mass?

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

Did you allow others' opinions to influence your decisions, causing you to betray your own beliefs rather than standing firm in what you know is right?

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

Did I condone a funeral where human remains were not buried?

Failing to advocate for proper burial of human remains is considered sinful as the Church teaches that the body is sacred and deserves reverent burial, with scattering or keeping remains being contrary to the dignity of the human body and resurrection belief.

Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences?

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 my approval to another Catholic who chose 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, or remain silent about, another 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 you give approval to another Catholic by your words when they married 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 you endorse or justify abortion? Have you ever given words of approval to individuals who have taken a life, either through 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 you endorse or justify abortion?

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 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 I look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait that makes them different from me?

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 view others based on their job, nationality, or other characteristics with disdain or disregard?

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 put my own interests ahead of others' needs in situations where they might be struggling, such as during a difficult time or when making decisions that affect them?

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

Did I put my own interests over those of friends, acquaintances, and others I interact with regularly?

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

Do I think poorly of others, as children of God?

Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.

Do I treat others in my life, particularly those who may be struggling or experiencing difficulties, with disrespect, denying their inherent dignity and value as children of God?

Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.

Did I lose my patience in conversations with others, especially when they are being unreasonable or frustrating?

Losing patience with others fails to reflect God's infinite patience with us and violates Christ's command to love our neighbor, instead allowing anger and frustration to override charity and kindness.

Did you permit someone to be treated unfairly?

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

Did I allow someone to be unfairly treated through my actions?

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 others to be treated unfairly, perhaps by standing idly by when injustice occurred in my social circles or community?

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

Have I been reluctant to lend assistance when those who needed help were in my presence?

Refusing to help those in need violates Jesus's direct command to love our neighbor and practice the works of mercy, as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, particularly to individuals who may be struggling financially or facing challenges due to circumstances beyond their control?

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 you shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, especially during times of personal crisis or when encountering individuals who may be struggling with their own relationships or career pressures?

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 unmotivated to deepen my understanding of God's teachings?

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 pursuit of God's will, allowing worldly pursuits to distract me from a deeper love for Him?

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 commitment to loving and serving God, especially when it comes to pursuing spiritual growth alongside worldly pursuits?

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

Callousness

Did you fail to provide assistance to someone in need when they were struggling, despite having the resources to help them?

As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.

Did I 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 show indifference to someone in need of assistance due to illness?

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.

Vainglory

Did I seek praise for giving alms in order to be seen by others, rather than solely for God's glory?

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 you seek praise for giving alms in an effort to impress others, rather than solely to glorify God?

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 concerned with what others think of me when I engage in outdoor activities, sports, or other hobbies, than with 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.

Resent

Did I harbor resentment towards others within the Church, leading to rejection of its unity when frustrated with their imperfections?

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 I become sterilized, taking control of my fertility away from God's plan for my life?

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 hold back from proclaiming Jesus' name when engaging in conversations about faith, spirituality, or values-related discussions?

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 you harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged you, particularly in situations where others may be putting pressure on you to hold onto these feelings?

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 refuse to pardon someone after they apologized for hurting 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 I been unwilling to pardon 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.

Did you receive Holy Communion while knowingly harboring resentment towards someone?

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 at any time deliberately rejected the truth, guidance, and teachings of God and the Catholic Church, and thus abandoned my faith for a length of time?

This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.

Have I deliberately rejected God's revealed truth by abandoning 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.

Did I intentionally reject God's revealed truth by abandoning my Catholic faith for any length of time, breaking my promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church?

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 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 pay debts owed to others?

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

Did I intentionally fail to honor my financial commitments, such as paying debts on time?

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

Did I assist others in stealing?

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

Did you aid others in acquiring something that didn't belong to them?

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

Did you assist others in taking something that did not belong to them without their consent?

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 avoid paying others a fair price for your goods and services, potentially depriving them of their rightful earnings?

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

Did I, in my business dealings, intentionally avoid paying others a fair price for 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 deliberately shortchange others by paying them less than what was due to 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.

False Witness

Did you deliberately misrepresent yourself to others 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 you deliberately misrepresent yourself to others for personal gain?

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

Did you intentionally misrepresent yourself to gain an advantage, potentially betraying trust in personal relationships and violating the eighth commandment against bearing false witness?

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 deliberately speak falsely about another, damaging their reputation through my words?

Slander deliberately damages another person's reputation through false statements, violating both the Eighth Commandment against bearing false witness and Christ's command to love our neighbor.

Did I intentionally mislead or deceive others through my words or actions, causing harm to their trust and relationships?

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 led others to believe something that is not true?

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 led others to believe something that is not true?

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 during social gatherings?

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

Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in social settings, work-related conversations, or online 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 social settings such as parties or online interactions?

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

Effeminacy

Do you fear to say the name of Jesus when sharing your faith with others in casual 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 I compromise my beliefs to gain others' approval rather than upholding what I know to be right, possibly leading me to prioritize human opinion over divine authority?

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

Did I sacrifice my values or principles to appease others, rather than upholding what I believe to be right?

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

Did you remain silent about Church teachings to avoid discomfort or conflict among your friends, acquaintances, or social circle?

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

Did you remain silent about Church teachings to avoid discomfort in social settings and interactions?

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 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 I entertain thoughts of personal revenge against others, particularly those who have wronged me in my past?

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 fleeting entertainments?

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

Have I devoted excessive time on frivolous diversions, squandering the precious hours God has given me for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others?

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

Have I recklessly prioritized entertainment expenses over my financial responsibilities, risking harm to those who depend 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.

Vanity

Did you obsess over your physical appearence?

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 you desire worldly experiences over growth in faith, leading to a prioritization of temporal pleasures above your eternal relationship with God?

Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.

Did you desire worldly entertainment and experiences over spiritual growth in your life?

Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.

Did you deliberately use 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 detach from reality?

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

Did you use controlled substances to dull your conscience?

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 consistently make choices that put the pursuit of physical 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 allow my desires for pleasure and entertainment to distract me from my spiritual priorities?

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.

Murder

Have you intentionally harmed or killed anyone?

The taking of one's life intentionally violates the fifth commandment and takes away the precious gift of life that was granted by God.

Did you participate in the intentional taking of another's life by supporting, facilitating, or being involved in decisions related to 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.

Autonomy

Did I remain silent about Church teachings in social situations when speaking up would have required me to confront or disagree with others?

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

Did you take for granted your success in life, forgetting to acknowledge its source in God's providence?

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

Have I attributed my successes in life solely to my own hard work and determination, forgetting that God's providence is the ultimate source of all good things?

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

Did I entertain doubts about God's existence in my mind, perhaps while questioning life's purpose or struggles?

Deliberately entertaining doubts about God's existence is a sin against faith because it questions the most fundamental truth of our faith and shows a lack of trust in God's clear self-revelation through creation, scripture, and the Church's teachings.

Have I entertained doubts about God's existence through my thoughts?

Deliberately entertaining doubts about God's existence is a sin against faith because it questions the most fundamental truth of our faith and shows a lack of trust in God's clear self-revelation through creation, scripture, and the Church's teachings.

Did I rely solely on my own abilities and failed to recognize my complete dependence on God's grace in times of success or achievement?

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

Did you solely rely on your own abilities, neglecting to acknowledge God's role in your accomplishments?

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

Scandal

Did you attempt to lead someone into a sinful act through your words, actions, or presence in their life?

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 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.

Impenitence

Have I obstinately refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing, stubbornly clinging to a particular sin without repentance?

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

Have I stubbornly refused to acknowledge my own wrongdoing, clinging to prideful excuses rather than seeking forgiveness from God?

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

Sloth

Have I neglected to provide guidance that would lead my child to know Christ, had they been present?

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 cultivate my own spiritual life, which would allow me to more effectively guide my child towards Christ?

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

Have I neglected to be a spiritual guide to my child, leading them away from their faith in 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.

In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of genuine responsibilities to others in my 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.

In what ways have I put my own desires ahead of my responsibilities to genuinely contribute to my community, even if that means sacrificing personal interests?

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 provide my child with their first and most important religious education, thereby putting them at risk of spiritual ignorance or neglect in their faith development?

Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.

Did you neglect to prioritize daily communication with God?

This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God

Did I intentionally prioritize other activities, such as sporting events or concerts, over attending Sunday Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation?

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

Did I prioritize worldly activities, such as leisure events and entertainment, over attending Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation?

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

Blasphemy

Did you swear to God?

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

Have you used God's holy name in idle conversation, swearing to Him without reverence or purpose?

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 mortal sin, thus committing sacrilege against God?

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

Did you receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of grave sin, potentially committing sacrilege against the real presence of Christ?

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

Did I use God's holy name as a byword or curse in conversation, often relying on casual references rather than reverence?

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 I use the name of Jesus or God in a careless, flippant, or irreverent manner through my words?

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

Did you use God's name as an expletive or curse word 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.

Ambition

Did my pursuit of career growth and advancement, driven by a desire for power and dominance, lead me to treat others with prideful self-exaltation and disregard for 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.

Did my pursuit of career growth and advancement lead me to prioritize power and control over humble service and respect for others?

inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.

Greed

Did I make accumulation and possession of wealth a driving force in my life?

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

Oppression

Have I used my power, authority, or influence to mistreat or discriminate against others?

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

Have I, through my words or actions, mistreated 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 reduce others to their appearance, usefulness, or what they could do for me, rather than seeing their full humanity?

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

Did you reduce others to their physical appearance, usefulness in your life, or what they could do for you, rather than treating them as full human beings created in God's image?

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

Have I engaged in actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage through my words, actions, 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 engaged in simulated sexual acts outside of marriage through digital means, such as online content or interactions?

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.

Envy

Have I had feelings of discontent for others' blessings, wishing they might lose them?

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

Incontinence

Did I lack self-control and use words that were hurtful or indecent towards others, violating their dignity?

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

Did I exhibit a lack of self-control, speaking to others with language that was vulgar or inappropriate in a social setting?

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

Gluttony

Did you overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, potentially compromising your physical and spiritual well-being?

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

Did you overindulge in eating or drinking, prioritizing your own desires above what's truly necessary for a healthy life?

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

Have I done deeds that excessively indulged in eating or drinking, demonstrating an 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.

Gossip

Have I taken pleasure in sharing private conversations or discussing others' business, 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 delight in exposing others' faults or private matters, 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 others' private affairs or faults for my own amusement, even if what I shared was true?

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

Impiety

Did you use Sunday for something other than rest, worship, and recreation when it otherwise could have been avoided?

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

Did I fail to show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament in times when it was readily available or presented to me?

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

Have I failed to show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament, especially during times of distraction or inattention?

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

Did you fail to show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament during your frequent outdoor activities or when attending sporting events and concerts?

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

Impurity

Did you use substances, practices, 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 walked immodestly in a way that respects my dignity?

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

Have I revealed myself immodestly in a way that dishonors my dignity?

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

Have I harbored lustful thoughts toward someone else's spouse?

This sin undermines the sacred bond of marriage by treating another person as an object of desire rather than respecting their dignity and commitment to their spouse.

Infidelity

Have I broken my vows by engaging in any form of infidelity in my marriage?

Fidelity in marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant made before God - not just a contract between people, thus breaking vows is seen as a betrayal of both divine and human trust.

Violence

Have I intentionally caused pain or suffering to someone through my actions?

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

Adultery

Have I entertained feelings toward someone else's spouse through my thoughts?

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

Did you engage in conversations 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 ever used, consulted, or cooperated 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 consulted, sought advice from, or relied on mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards for guidance or decision-making?

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

Presumption

Did you deliberately take God's mercy for granted, counting on it without making any effort to change your behavior in areas where you know you have fallen short?

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 rely on God's mercy without making any effort to change your ways, counting on His forgiveness without truly seeking it?

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 counted on God's mercy without making any effort to change your ways, presuming that His forgiveness would always be available to you?

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 put off going to confession while in a state of sin, assuming that you would have time later to make amends?

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

Apostasy

Have you explicitly rejected God's existence, either to yourself in your thoughts or openly to others through conversation or actions?

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

Have you explicitly rejected God, either in your thoughts or through verbal expressions, in any situation where faith was expected?

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.