A Catholic Examination of Conscience

35-44 Divorced Father with Adult Children

In preparing for confession, please read through the examination questions and explanations thoughtfully, reflecting on each point and honestly identifying where you've fallen short of God's call in your life. You may click and remove any irrelevant ones as you proceed. Take mental note of any serious sins that require confession, focusing on being thorough but not scrupulous, then use these insights to make a complete and sincere confession to your priest.

Updated: December 3, 2024

Read Time: 16 minutes

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Disobedience

Was I disobedient to parents?

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

Was I disobedient to my parents by not following their advice on important matters?

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

Did I reject unity among fellow Catholics 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 you reject the unity of the Catholic church in thought when frustrated by perceived hypocrisy among clergy and members?

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 disrespectfully speak against 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 I belittle the Church through my 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.

Did I use my words to belittle 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 disobeyed my mother's and father's guidance through my actions, especially in decisions affecting my adult children?

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

Have I dishonored my mother through my actions and attitudes by failing to prioritize their well-being in my daily decisions, particularly when it comes to spending quality time with them or supporting their needs?

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 and father by failing to respect their authority in matters of faith and virtue?

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

Condoning

Did I, through my words, encourage other 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 ever discourage other Catholics from participating in Sacraments or Mass 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 you ever, through your words, discourage other Catholics from receiving the Sacraments?

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

Did I fail to provide sufficient support when someone in my community was struggling, even though I had the opportunity to assist them?

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

Did I permit my adult child to continue in error by avoiding difficult conversations?

Permitting a child to continue in error by avoiding difficult conversations is sinful because it neglects our God-given parental duty to guide and form our children's moral and spiritual development, placing our own comfort above their eternal wellbeing.

Did I permit my adult child to continue in error by avoiding difficult conversations about their spiritual development, rather than guiding them towards a deeper understanding of their faith?

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.

Have I allowed others to influence my thoughts or values rather than upholding what I know to be right, compromising my beliefs in order to gain their approval?

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 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 condone another Catholic to marry outside the Church through my words?

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

Did I give scandal by condoning another Catholic 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 blessing to another Catholic for marrying 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, through my words or actions, 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 through my words, whether in conversation, media consumption, or public discourse?

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 you forgo a valid Catholic marriage, potentially entering into an adulterous relationship through deeds?

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 the existence of God, either in your own thoughts or conversations with others?

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

Uncharity

Do I turn away from those who are displaced, showing no compassion in my deeds?

Per the corporal works of mercy, we are to love our neighbors by feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless and respecting their dignity especially in times of hardship.

Do I look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait?

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

Do I look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait, viewing them as somehow lesser than myself because of it?

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? In examining this sin of uncharity, have I discriminated against people in my life because of what they do, where they are from, or who they are?

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 and desires before those of my loved ones, such as my adult children?

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 you allow your own interests and priorities to overshadow the needs and well-being of those around you?

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 pursuits and activities to overshadow the needs and well-being of others, especially those in my community and social circle?

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

Have you treated others, including those you may have disagreed with or had differing opinions from, in a way that shows disrespect to their dignity as children of God?

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

Did I lose my patience with others while engaging in sports, traveling, or pursuing hobbies?

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 else to be treated unfairly in any situation where you had the ability to intervene?

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 allow someone to be unfairly treated through your 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 in my community or through actions taken by groups I am affiliated with?

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 my community who are struggling with basic needs such as food, shelter, or financial stability?

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 demonstrated practical assistance to my neighbors, family members, and friends 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 apathetic about deepening my spiritual life?

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

Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my commitment to loving and serving God, especially when it comes to balancing my worldly pursuits and responsibilities?

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 of growing deeper in faith, especially during periods where worldly distractions seemed to overshadow my desire for a closer relationship with God?

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 assist someone who was suffering when I had the means 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 a family member 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.

Vainglory

Did you seek praise from others for your charitable giving through public displays of generosity, such as sharing your donations 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.

Am I more focused on defending my reputation among peers 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 in social circles than pleasing God? Does my desire for human recognition influence how I engage in activities like sports, traveling, or pursuing hobbies? Do I sometimes prioritize seeking admiration from others over living a life that honors God's will?

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, especially in situations where others were boasting about their accomplishments or privileges?

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.

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 I intentionally fail to pay my debts owed to others, thereby committing theft through omission?

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 neglect paying off debts that were rightfully owed to others?

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

Did you help others steal?

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

Did you encourage others to steal?

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

Did you assist others in taking 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.

Have I stolen anything that does not 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 depriving others of a fair price?

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

Did I avoid paying others a fair price or wage, especially when making business decisions or engaging in 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 in personal or professional relationships where trust and honesty are crucial?

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

Did I misrepresent myself to others for personal gain?

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

Did I speak falsely about another?

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 you intentionally deceive others by withholding information or providing false representations in your personal or professional dealings?

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 intentionally mislead 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 I lie or misrepresent facts to others?

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 formal or informal conversations?

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 conversations, presentations, or written communications related to my career, business ventures, or community activities?

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 formal or informal settings where their reputations are at stake?

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

Effeminacy

Do I fear to speak the name of Jesus in public settings?

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 fear to speak the name of Jesus in public gatherings, such as charity functions or community events?

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 in order to gain others' approval rather than upholding what I know 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 I compromise my beliefs rather than standing firm in what I know to be right, especially when faced with pressure from others?

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

Did I remain silent about Church teachings when it was difficult to speak out, for fear of causing social discomfort or conflict?

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

Worldliness

Do I obsess over acquiring new possessions?

From a Catholic perspective, obsessing over possessions is considered sinful because it makes material things an idol that takes precedence over God and prevents spiritual growth while hindering one's ability to be generous and detached from worldly goods.

Do I excessively fixate on acquiring new possessions?

From a Catholic perspective, obsessing over possessions is considered sinful because it makes material things an idol that takes precedence over God and prevents spiritual growth while hindering one's ability to be generous and detached from worldly goods.

Retaliation

Do you entertain thoughts of seeking revenge against others, particularly in situations where you feel wronged or unjustly treated?

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 that lead to desires for 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.

Imprudence

Have I spent excessive time on meaningless distractions, squandering the precious time God has given me for meaningful spiritual growth?

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

Prodigality

Have I excessively indulged in time-consuming leisure activities that distract me from my 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 prioritized excessive and wasteful gambling over my financial responsibilities?

This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.

Have I been excessively and wastefully gambling with resources that should be prioritized for my family's needs or 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.

Have I excessively prioritized indulgences over my financial responsibilities?

This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.

Vanity

Did I allow my perception of myself to be excessively influenced by my physical appearance, leading me to obsess over it?

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 experiences over growth in faith, perhaps by prioritizing leisure activities that bring temporary joy rather than seeking deeper spiritual fulfillment?

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 desires for worldly experiences to take precedence over 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.

Did you use controlled substances to escape 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 deliberately impair your own freedom and self-control?

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

Did you deliberately use controlled substances to impair your self-control?

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

Do I allow my own desires for entertainment, leisure, and relaxation to overshadow my relationship with God?

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

Do I allow my own desires for leisure activities, entertainment, and relaxation to take precedence over my relationship with God?

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

Do I place my own desires for physical enjoyment above my relationship with God, making them the central focus of my thoughts?

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.

Did I engage in masturbation when alone?

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

Have you engaged in masturbation?

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

Resent

Did I allow myself to harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me in my life?

Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Did you harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged you, particularly in situations where you felt hurt or betrayed?

Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Did I allow resentment to harbor in my heart towards those who have wronged me, especially in situations where relationships were strained or trust was broken?

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 abandon my Catholic faith for any length of time due to thoughts that rejected God's revealed truth, 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.

Did I abandon my faith for any length of time through thoughts that led me to distance myself from God's will?

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 you deliberately reject your faith by giving up on God's revealed truth for any length of time?

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

Autonomy

Did you remain silent about Church teachings in situations where speaking up would have required facing uncomfortable disagreement or criticism?

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

Did I take for granted the good things in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence, leading me to trust solely in my own abilities?

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

Did I attribute my success, good fortune, or accomplishments in life solely to my own abilities and efforts, forgetting to acknowledge God's providence?

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

Did I allow my own independence and free will to become more important than 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 trust solely in my own abilities, rather than humbly acknowledging my need for God's grace to guide 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.

Did I place exclusive trust in my own abilities, failing to acknowledge the role that God's grace plays in guiding my 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 solely rely on my own abilities to achieve success, rather than humbly recognizing that my accomplishments are a gift of God's grace?

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 try to lead someone else into committing a sinful act, perhaps by encouraging them to engage in activities or behaviors that are contrary to God's will?

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 encourage someone else to engage in sinful behavior through my actions, either intentionally or unintentionally?

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 admit my wrongdoing, even after being confronted by those closest to me?

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

Have I allowed myself to become stubbornly set against admitting my wrongdoing, refusing to let go of past mistakes?

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

Have I refused to examine my conscience, stubbornly refusing to admit wrongdoing?

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

Sloth

Have I neglected to engage my child in meaningful conversations about Christ, leading them to doubt their faith?

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

In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing through my actions?

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

In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of the genuine needs and well-being of those around me, particularly in my personal relationships?

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

Have I put my own desires ahead of genuine consideration for others' needs in my daily activities?

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

Did you neglect the spiritual education entrusted to you by God for your child?

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

Have I failed to provide my adult child(ren) with adequate opportunities for their religious education, potentially leading them astray from the faith?

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

Did I neglect to fulfill my responsibility as a parent in teaching my child about their faith?

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

Did you deprioritize and skip Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, perhaps due to prioritizing other activities such as sports events, traveling, or pursuing hobbies?

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 duty to attend Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation for frivolous reasons, showing a lack of reverence for God's Word and a preference for worldly pursuits?

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

Did I deprioritize my commitment to worship God 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 I receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin, despite having opportunities to reconcile with God through prayer and confession prior to receiving it?

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 aware that my heart was not fully open to receiving God's love and forgiveness, due to some unresolved sin or unconfessed fault within me?

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 Jesus' name or God's sacred name as a curse or in a way that shows 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.

Did you use the name of God as a byword or curse in your speech, words, or online interactions?

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

Did you speak the name of God carelessly, using it in vain conversation or thoughtless expressions?

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

Ambition

Did I allow my desire for power and dominance to motivate decisions that may have been hurtful or unjust towards others in my personal and professional life?

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

Did your desire for power and dominance influence your decisions when interacting with colleagues, community leaders, or those in positions of authority?

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

Did my pursuit of recognition and advancement through my career influence my decisions and treatment of others in ways that compromised my commitment to serving them humbly?

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 my accumulation of wealth and material possessions become an end in itself, making them a driving force that inspires and directs my deeds?

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 an ultimate goal 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

Did I harass others through my words, actions, or decisions that reflected unjust authority or favoritism?

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 you reduce others to their usefulness, rather than seeing them in 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 I reduce others to their usefulness, rather than seeing them as whole 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 had actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage, including any behavior that could be interpreted as an attempt to arouse lust in someone else?

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 actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage, potentially leading to lustful thoughts that offend God?

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 felt envious when seeing others' achievements, wealth, or good fortune?

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

Have I been discontent with what I have and fixate on coveting others' possessions, often finding myself comparing my life to those who seem more successful or wealthy?

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

Have I been discontent with what God has provided for me and allowed my thoughts to fixate on envying others' possessions?

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

Incontinence

Did I lack self-control and speak to others in such a way that was unbecoming of my dignity?

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

Did I lack self-control in my words, speaking to others with impertinent or unseemly language?

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

Did you lack self-control in using language that was unbecoming or hurtful to others?

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, particularly when dining out or enjoying special occasions?

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

Have I overindulged in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, especially when it comes to treats or meals shared with others?

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

Did I overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, particularly when enjoying social gatherings or leisure activities?

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, even if what was shared was true, through casual conversations or social interactions?

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

Have I taken pleasure in sharing someone's private affairs, even if it was true, that would cause them embarrassment or hurt?

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

Impiety

Did I engage in paid activities on a Sunday, when otherwise possible to avoid them?

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, especially in moments of solitude or quiet contemplation?

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 life, especially during visits to adoration chapels or exposure to sacred music?

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 moments of quiet reflection, such as during daily prayers or devotions?

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

Impurity

Have I used practices to prevent pregnancy?

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

Did I use certain practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy within any marital union?

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

Did you use certain practices to prevent pregnancy, especially in ways that intentionally separate the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage?

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

Have I dressed in such a way that reveals more than is fitting for my dignity?

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

Have I dressed immodestly in public in a way that offends 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 exposes my body, thereby offending God's gift of dignity within myself?

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

Infidelity

Have I broken my marriage vows by intentionally or recklessly engaging in relationships that have damaged the trust and commitment owed to my spouse?

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

Fornication

Did I have any non-procreative, consensual sex outside of marriage?

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

Did I engage in non-marital, non-procreative sex through any deeds?

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 or actions?

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

Have I knowingly acted in ways that brought hurt or harm to others through my actions, decisions, or behavior?

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

Adultery

Have I entertained inappropriate feelings 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.

Murder

Have you participated in an abortion?

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

Did I interact with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards through words that promoted such occult practices?

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 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.

Presumption

Did you, through your habits or behaviors, deliberately rely on God's mercy without making any genuine effort to change or improve yourself?

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 count on God's mercy without truly making an effort to change your life, even when engaging in activities or habits that bring comfort and relaxation?

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 assuming God's mercy without making any effort to change your ways, even when faced with challenging circumstances or difficult decisions that require genuine growth?

Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.

Did you procrastinate going to confession while in a state of sin, recklessly endangering your soul's salvation and demonstrating 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.

Resistance Of Truth

Have you entertained doubts about God's existence, especially in moments of uncertainty or personal crisis?

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.