A Catholic Examination of Conscience

35-44 Married Man

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

Updated: December 3, 2024

Read Time: 15 minutes

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Disobedience

Was I disobedient to my parents by failing to follow their guidance in times of conflict?

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

Did you deliberately skip fasting on obligatory days, thereby disobeying Church authority?

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 deliberately engage in work on a Sunday, thereby showing disrespect to the Lord's day of rest?

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).

Have I dishonored my mother through my actions, particularly in regards to how I have lived out the values she instilled in me?

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

Have I dishonored my mother through my actions, especially when it comes to respecting her values and principles in various aspects of my life?

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 through actions that show disrespect for their guidance and values, particularly in regards to decisions related to career advancement and material possessions?

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, condone other Catholics from staying 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 you, in conversation or discussion with other Catholics, condone them from attending Sacraments or Mass?

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

Did I permit my child's ongoing mistake to continue uncorrected by failing to have an uncomfortable conversation?

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 you fail to address a misunderstanding in someone younger, such as a child or student, out of fear of having an uncomfortable conversation?

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 allow my child to persist in error, thereby forsaking the opportunity for correction and guidance?

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 allow my pursuit of popularity among peers, acquaintances, and colleagues to compromise my beliefs rather than standing firm in what I 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 permit my child to be exposed to bad influences that undermine our faith and values?

Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.

Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences? Note: The demographic's marital status is married, but it does not have children. This rephrased question was extrapolated from their traits related to parenting or the parental influence they may have, and it maintains the original noun and verb as requested in the guidelines

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, potentially giving scandal by 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 ever use my words to condone another Catholic's decision to marry outside the Church?

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

Did you, by word, condone another Catholic to enter into a marriage outside the Church?

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

Uncharity

Do I turn away from strangers and those who are displaced in times of hardship, neglecting to show them the dignity and compassion that is due unto them?

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 treat strangers and those who are displaced with indifference?

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

Do I turn away from those who are homeless, migrants, and refugees?

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 occupation, nationality, or other personal characteristics?

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

Do I judge others based on their job, nationality, or other trait?

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

Did your thoughts about personal interests and goals lead you to disregard the needs and well-being of others?

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

Did I prioritize my own desires over the needs of those around me, particularly in moments when they require support or assistance from me?

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

Did you allow your own financial goals to overshadow the needs of others in your life?

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, say, or act in ways that show I don't value 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.

Have I treated others, particularly those in my personal and professional life, as being worthy of dignity and respect by virtue of their creation in God's image?

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 allow 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 you permit someone to be treated unfairly in your interactions at work, in social situations, or among friends?

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 treated unjustly in situations where I had the power 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.

Have I consistently been available to help others when they needed assistance?

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

Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, particularly through my career choices, daily activities, and social interactions?

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 tangible support to acquaintances in need, beyond mere words or sentiments?

Failing to help those in need violates Christ's direct command to love our neighbor and care for the poor, effectively refusing to recognize Jesus Himself in the suffering of others.

Lukewarmness

Am I uninterested in growing in my faith, and does this lukewarmness towards spiritual growth manifest in my lack of effort to develop a consistent prayer practice or engage deeply with scripture?

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

Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my commitment to loving and serving God, particularly when it comes to making time for prayer and spiritual reflection amidst my busy schedule of outdoor activities, hobbies, and professional pursuits?

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 God amidst the demands and distractions of daily life?

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

Merciless

Have I spoken harshly against others?

Condemning others is a sin of mercilessness because it places oneself in God's role as judge and denies others the same mercy and forgiveness that God extends to all of us.

Callousness

Did I fail to help someone who was suffering when I had the means to do so?

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

Did you turn away from someone who was ill?

This is sinful because it violates Jesus's direct command to care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) and fails to fulfill our fundamental Christian duty to show compassion and mercy to those who are suffering.

Did you turn away from visiting someone who was ill, neglecting their need for companionship and care?

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 turn away from someone who was ill, showing no concern for their well-being?

This is sinful because it violates Jesus's direct command to care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) and fails to fulfill our fundamental Christian duty to show compassion and mercy to those who are suffering.

Sloth

Did I deprive those who were in need of my assistance, failing to render them aid when they required it?

Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.

Did you deliberately skip praying during days that require special devotion, such as Ash Wednesday?

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

Have I failed to guide my child toward knowing Christ?

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

Have I failed to guide my child toward knowing Christ? (Revised) Have I failed to introduce my child to Christ through regular family prayer, reading Scripture together, or engaging in faith-filled conversations?

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

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

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

In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my relationships with those around me?

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

In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my responsibilities to loved ones in our shared household, causing them undue burden or stress?

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

Did you fail to provide your child with opportunities for religious education?

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

Did I neglect passing on my faith to my child(ren) through regular education and spiritual guidance?

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 deliberately deprioritize and skip attending Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, treating the Lord's day as just another ordinary day to pursue worldly priorities?

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

Did you deprioritize your obligation to worship God on Sundays or Holy Days by choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons, such as being too busy with worldly activities?

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

Vainglory

Did I seek praise from others for giving alms in order to elevate my own status?

Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.

Did I seek praise for being generous in my charitable giving?

Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.

Did I seek public acclaim for sharing my charitable donations?

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 seeking admiration from others in my career, social life, and hobbies than pleasing God?

Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.

Am I more focused on seeking validation from others through my career achievements, social media presence, and public recognition rather 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.

Did you use your words to publicly distance yourself from being Catholic when faced with social pressure, despite knowing that it is a public betrayal of Jesus' teaching?

This is a public betrayal of Jesus' teaching that "whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven," effectively choosing human respect over fidelity to God.

Did you publicly distance yourself from your faith when faced with social pressure or discomfort, thereby betraying Jesus' teaching that "whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven"?

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 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 my debts, leading to financial obligations being neglected?

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 omit paying your debts, thereby violating the principle of justice that requires honoring one's commitments to others?

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

Did I help others steal? While not stealing myself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.

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

Did you help others steal something by doing nothing while they were engaging in dishonest behavior?

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

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

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, through any means, whether in a moment of carelessness or a deliberate act?

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 doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value, through my actions in handling personal and work-related items?

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.

False Witness

Did you 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 I intentionally misrepresent myself through my words to gain an advantage over others?

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 intentionally deceive someone through my words to achieve a personal advantage?

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

Did I maliciously speak false words 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.

Have I deceived others through my words, actions, or silence?

Deceiving others is a form of bearing false witness, damages trust between people, and breaks down human relationships that should reflect God's truth and love.

Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in formal or informal situations involving conversations or interactions related to work, social events, or networking opportunities?

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 situations?

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 situations, particularly when sharing stories or experiences on social media, at work, or during casual 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 my personal and professional life?

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

Resent

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 harbor any resentment in my heart towards others who have wronged me?

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

Did you harbor any resentment towards someone who has wronged or hurt you?

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

Did I deny forgiveness to someone who wronged me in my words, causing resentment towards them?

Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.

Did I refuse to forgive others who have wronged me, even in my words?

Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.

Did I refuse to pardon someone in my life after they had apologized to 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 harbor doubts about your 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 at any point think about abandoning my Catholic faith for a significant amount of time, even if only intellectually or emotionally?

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 ever intentionally abandoned my Catholic faith for any length of time, deliberately rejecting God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism?

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.

Retaliation

Do you harbor thoughts of retaliation towards others?

Entertaining thoughts of revenge is sinful because it rejects Christ's teaching of forgiveness and love of enemies, choosing instead to harbor malice and a desire for personal retaliation rather than leaving justice to God.

Do you 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 harbor thoughts of revenge, particularly towards those who have wronged me in my career or personal life?

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 squandered God's precious time for self through excessive engagement in meaningless pursuits?

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

Have I indulged in excessive and wasteful gambling, allowing it to take precedence over my financial obligations or family needs?

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

Have I been wasteful in my financial dealings, putting them before my family's needs and future 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 risked financial resources entrusted to me, prioritizing unnecessary indulgences over meeting my 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.

Sensuality

Did I desire worldly experiences over growth in faith?

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

Did I desire worldly experiences over growth in faith through my enthusiasm for travel, photography, and other leisure activities?

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

Have I used controlled substances to detach from reality?

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

Did you deliberately use controlled substances to impair your own reason and willpower?

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 you prioritize your own desires over your relationship with God, making them an idol in your life?

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

Do you prioritize your own desires for pleasure and enjoyment over your relationship with God, often allowing these to become an idol in your life?

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

Do you prioritize your own desires over your relationship with God, especially in regards to your recreational activities or personal interests?

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

Have I given in to sensuality by engaging 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.

Did I engage in voluntary self-stimulation for sensual pleasure?

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.

Effeminacy

Did I remain silent about Church teachings, particularly those on virtues and moral values, to avoid social discomfort or conflict in my community and among friends?

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 or conflict among friends, colleagues, or family members?

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

Scandal

Did I attempt to lead someone into committing an act that is contrary to God's law through my words, actions, or associations?

Leading others to sin (also called "scandal") is sinful because it actively harms another person's soul by encouraging them away from God, making you spiritually responsible both for your own sin and for potentially damaging another's relationship with God.

Impenitence

Have I clung to a particular sin, refusing to admit my wrongdoing in personal areas where I've been resistant to growth or change?

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

Have I refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing, clinging to a particular sin despite God's call to repentance?

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

Blasphemy

Did you use God's holy name to swear?

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

Have I used hurtful words to mock the Church, showing contempt for Christ's established institution on earth?

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 receive Holy Communion while knowingly holding any unrepented mortal sin in your heart?

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 sin, having neglected to reflect on your relationships and family life in accordance with God's will?

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 take the name of God in vain by speaking it as an oath, curse, or blasphemy?

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 conversations, especially when engaging in discussions that involve sports, entertainment, or other recreational activities?

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

Have you used the name of God as a curse or byword in conversation, social media, or other digital platforms?

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 your desire for power and dominance influence how you make decisions about your relationships, career, and daily activities?

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 let you prioritize achieving success in your career and personal life over serving others with humility and respect?

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 a driving force in my life by making money and possessions a priority, rather than trusting in God's providence?

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

Oppression

Have you used your position, influence, or authority to mistreat, harass, 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.

Lust

Have I reduced others to their appearance, usefulness, or what they could do for me, rather than seeing their full humanity in my interactions with friends, acquaintances, and strangers?

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 see others primarily in terms of what they could do for me, rather than recognizing their inherent dignity and value as human beings?

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 utility, usefulness, or what they could do for me, rather than seeing them in all their fullness?

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

Have I engaged in actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage through deeds inspired by lust?

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

Have I committed acts of lust outside of marriage, either in reality or through fantasy?

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 harbored lustful feelings towards 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.

Autonomy

Did I attribute success in my personal life, career, and relationships solely to my own abilities, efforts, and decision-making, forgetting that God's providence is ultimately responsible?

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 take for granted God's providence in my successes, thinking that they were solely due to my own efforts and 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 you intentionally harbor uncertainties about God's existence in your mind?

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

Did you entertain doubts about God's existence in your mind?

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 entertain doubts about God's existence in my thoughts?

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

Did I prioritize my own strength and abilities over seeking God's guidance and support in achieving success?

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

Envy

Have I secretly wished that my friends' success in their careers or business ventures would be hindered, so I wouldn't feel envious of their accomplishments?

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

Have I secretly wished others' blessings, achievements, or successes were not so great, in order to feel better about my own life?

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 harbored envy towards others' possessions, fixating on what they have rather than being content with my own blessings?

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 using language that was unbecoming of me?

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

Have I been discontent with what I have, fixating on others' possessions through excessive consumption of media that highlights their wealth and material success?

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

Gluttony

Have I overindulged in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, leading to an excessive attachment to worldly pleasures?

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

Did I indulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, thereby weakening my resolve to temperance?

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

Did you overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, demonstrating an excessive attachment to worldly pleasures that neglects 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 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 or faults, even if what I shared was true, through casual conversations during breaks or social gatherings?

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

Pride

Did I engage in work on a Sunday when it could have been avoided, causing others to bear the burden of my responsibilities or making them have to work on that day of rest?

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).

Impiety

Did I use my free time on a Sunday for something other than rest, worship, or relaxation when it 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 always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament in times of prayer, especially when participating in Eucharistic celebrations or adoring it in private?

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 in your daily life, particularly when engaged in activities that involve physical or mental distractions?

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 substances, practices, or objects to intentionally prevent pregnancy within marriage?

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

Have I dressed immodestly in a way that respects my dignity?

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

Have I dressed in a way that respects my own dignity?

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

Have I dressed immodestly in public places, thereby offending God's justice?

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

Infidelity

Did I commit infidelity against my marriage vows by any deeds?

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

Have I committed any deeds that would be considered infidelity against my marriage vows?

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

Fornication

Have I engaged in non-procreative sex?

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

Did you have any non-procreative sex outside your committed partnership?

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 have any non-procreative sexual relations 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.

Violence

Have I knowingly acted in ways that brought pain or suffering to someone else through my physical activities, words, or actions?

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

Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused pain, distress, or suffering to someone else through my physical presence, verbal communication, or actions?

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

Have I knowingly acted in ways that wounded someone else's heart, soul, or dignity through my deeds?

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

Adultery

Have I entertained inappropriate feelings towards someone else's spouse in my personal life, which could undermine their sacred bond of marriage?

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

Sorcery

Did you interact with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards through words of encouragement, support, or participation?

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 at any time verbally communicated or sought advice from 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, through words, placed trust in occult practices by consulting 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 deliberately persist in sinful behavior, relying on God's mercy without making genuine effort to change, often taking for granted His forgiveness without truly amending your ways?

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 taking God's mercy for granted, relying on His forgiveness without making any genuine effort to change your ways or turn away from sin?

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 taking God's mercy for granted without making any effort to change, counting on His forgiveness without true repentance or amendment of life?

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

Did you procrastinate seeking spiritual guidance while in a state of sin?

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 internally through private doubts or to others by expressing such views?

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

Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally through private thoughts or discussions within your social circle?

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's existence through internal thoughts or external expressions, thus committing the sin of apostasy?

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.