A Catholic Examination of Conscience
35-44 Separated Father with Both Minor And 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
Disobedience
Was I disobedient to my parents through any deliberate actions or decisions that went against their guidance or authority?
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 through my actions?
As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.
Did you reject the unity of the Church when frustrated with the imperfections of its members, especially in times of stress or conflict?
Rejecting Church unity due to frustration with individuals is sinful because it confuses the Church's divine nature and eternal truths with the human imperfections of its members, while also violating Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."
When frustrated with Church members, did I reject their unity in thought?
Rejecting Church unity due to frustration with individuals is sinful because it confuses the Church's divine nature and eternal truths with the human imperfections of its members, while also violating Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."
Did you deliberately disregard prescribed times of fasting, such as during sacred days like 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.
Did you deliberately miss or intentionally disregard any prescribed days of fasting, such as those leading up to Lent, demonstrating a lack of respect for Church authority and spiritual discipline?
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 publicly ridicule the Church?
Mocking the church shows contempt for Christ's established institution on earth, disrespects the Body of Christ, and undermines the Church's divine authority as guided by the Holy Spirit.
Have I dishonored my mother and father through any actions, attitudes, or decisions that have demonstrated disrespect for their authority and guidance?
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 any disrespectful attitudes or actions towards them, including those that occurred when I was younger?
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 my actions, especially when it comes to respecting their authority in matters concerning me and our family?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Condoning
Did I lead other Catholics to believe that staying away from Sacraments or Mass was acceptable?
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, by my words, allow other Catholics to neglect receiving the Sacraments or attending Mass?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I permit my child to continue in ignorance or error, rather than speaking honestly and directly with them about their mistakes?
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 condone a funeral where human remains were not properly disposed of?
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.
Have I permitted my child to be exposed to bad influences?
Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.
Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences, potentially leading them away from God's will?
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 by allowing them to spend excessive time engaging in activities that could potentially lead them away from 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 fail to speak out against 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 I give my approval to another Catholic's decision to marry outside the Church through 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 give my approval to another Catholic by staying silent when they were planning to marry outside of the Church?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I endorse or justify abortion or euthanasia in my conversations with others?
It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.
Did I endorse or justify abortion or euthanasia, either through my words or actions?
It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.
Uncharity
Do I turn away from those who are displaced, including refugees and migrants?
Per the corporal works of mercy, we are to love our neighbors by feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless and respecting their dignity especially in times of hardship.
Do you turn away from strangers who are experiencing hardship, such as those who have been displaced or struggling to find a place to stay?
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 view people based on their job, nationality, or other trait with disdain or disrespect?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Did I allow my own desires to overshadow the needs of others, potentially leading me to prioritize my interests over theirs?
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 prioritize your own interests over those of your family, friends, and community?
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 disrespect others in my thoughts, words, or actions by failing to treat them with the dignity they deserve 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 as children of God in my thoughts, words, and actions with disrespect?
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 when interacting with others in frustrating or annoying situations?
Losing patience with others fails to reflect God's infinite patience with us and violates Christ's command to love our neighbor, instead allowing anger and frustration to override charity and kindness.
Did I permit someone to be treated unfairly?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Did you permit someone to be treated unfairly? This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect others from harm when we have 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 I permit someone else to be treated unfairly by remaining silent or inaction when witnessing unjust treatment?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, such as acquaintances or coworkers facing financial hardship or personal struggles?
Failing to help those in need violates Christ's direct command to love our neighbor and care for the poor, effectively refusing to recognize Jesus Himself in the suffering of others.
Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in my life who are struggling, such as friends, family members, or neighbors, especially during times of crisis or 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.
Have I been halfhearted in my commitment to loving God through my many activities, relationships, 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 halfhearted in my efforts to love and serve God through my many responsibilities and activities, such as work, family, and social life?
We tend to sin by failing in effort to know and love God while exerting other efforts on worldly things.
Lukewarmness
Am I uninterested in growing spiritually, allowing myself to become lukewarm and stagnant in my faith?
Lukewarmness in spiritual growth is sinful because one essentially chooses comfort and mediocrity over the transformative love God offers, which Jesus specifically warned against in Revelation 3:16.
Callousness
Did I fail to come to someone's aid when they were suffering, despite having the means to provide assistance?
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 someone who was ill and in need of my 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.
Sloth
Did I neglect those who needed my assistance?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did you neglect those who were suffering and in need of your assistance?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did you intentionally neglect those in need of your assistance when they were ill?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Have I neglected to provide my child, through my words and actions, a clear understanding of Jesus Christ?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
Have I neglected to regularly engage in conversations about faith and Christ with my child, potentially leading them away from spiritual guidance?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
Have I neglected to lead my child toward a deeper understanding of our 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 genuine needs and wellbeing in my family life?
Neglecting family duties is considered sinful because it violates both divine law and natural law, where God entrusts us with specific responsibilities to nurture, protect, and care for our family members as part of our fundamental Christian vocation.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of providing for my family's genuine needs?
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 those of my family, especially in times when they genuinely needed my attention or support?
Neglecting family duties is considered sinful because it violates both divine law and natural law, where God entrusts us with specific responsibilities to nurture, protect, and care for our family members as part of our fundamental Christian vocation.
Did I fail to provide a regular and thorough religious education to my minor 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 provided an inadequate religious education to my child, resulting in their spiritual formation and eternal salvation being compromised?
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 a suitable spiritual foundation for my child's faith, thus neglecting their education in matters of God?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did you neglect to pray daily, causing yourself spiritual harm through your own deliberate choice?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did you neglect to communicate daily with God through prayer?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did I deprioritize worshiping God by skipping Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did you deprioritize and skip attending Mass on Sundays, allowing worldly priorities to take precedence over your obligation to worship God?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did I deprioritize my obligation to worship God on Sundays or Holy Days by skipping Mass for non-serious reasons?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Vainglory
Did I give alms solely to be seen by others?
Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.
Did you seek self-approbation for giving alms?
Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.
Am I more focused on defending my reputation and gaining admiration from others than pleasing God through my actions?
Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.
Am I more focused on defending my reputation among acquaintances 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 gaining applause and praise from others than pleasing God with my actions, especially when it comes to activities that showcase my achievements or talents?
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 in conversations where you felt pressured to conform to the opinions or values of others?
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 you intentionally fail to pay debts owed to others?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did you intentionally fail to pay debts that are 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 omit to pay my debts, thereby failing to honor my 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 something?
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?
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 from them?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did I avoid paying others a fair price for goods and services?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
Did I avoid paying others a fair price for goods and services through deceitful or dishonest means?
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 ever engage in taking an unfair price from others?
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 in my personal or professional life, causing harm to others through false witness?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I intentionally use my words to deceive 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 deceive others through my 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.
Have I intentionally led others to believe something that was not true?
Deceiving others is a form of bearing false witness, damages trust between people, and breaks down human relationships that should reflect God's truth and love.
Have you done something to 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.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in situations where sharing accurate information was necessary?
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 conversations, online posts, or other forms of communication?
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 or public interactions?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Resent
Did you become sterilized, thereby deliberately altering your fertility against God's plan for your life?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Did you intentionally choose to sterilize yourself, thereby taking control over your own fertility and potentially opposing God's plan for your life?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Do you entertain thoughts of bearing resentment 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 entertain thoughts of harboring resentment 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.
Did I hold any resentment in my heart towards those who have wronged me, allowing it to fester and consume 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 those who have wronged you, especially in situations where you felt unfairly treated 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 you harbor any resentment towards others that has caused you to hold grudges, even if it was unintentional?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Did you deny forgiveness to someone who wronged you, even after they have apologized and shown remorse?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Did you refuse to forgive someone who wronged you, causing resentment and hindering God's forgiveness of your own sins?
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 who has wronged me?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Did I, through deliberate thoughts or actions, at any point in my life, abandon my Catholic faith and remain away from it for an extended period.
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 abandon your faith for any length of time, rejecting God's revealed truth and breaking your 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 you harbor any doubts about your faith for an extended period, leading to a separation from God's revealed truth?
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.
Effeminacy
Do you fear to proclaim Christ's name and share His message with those around you?
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 you fear to say the name of Jesus in front of friends who may mock or ridicule you?
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."
Have I compromised my beliefs by prioritizing my online image and social media popularity, 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.
Have I compromised my values by seeking validation through social media rather than standing firm in what I know to be true?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did you remain silent about Church teachings to avoid causing discomfort among your friends, colleagues, or family members?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Retaliation
Do I nurture thoughts of revenge against others?
Entertaining thoughts of revenge is sinful because it rejects Christ's teaching of forgiveness and love of enemies, choosing instead to harbor malice and a desire for personal retaliation rather than leaving justice to God.
Lust
Have I entertained thoughts about pornography?
Interacting with pornography reduces human beings to mere objects for personal gratification, violating their inherent dignity and worth as children of God.
Have you interacted with pornography through thoughts, images, or desires that objectify human beings and reduce them to mere objects for personal gratification?
Interacting with pornography reduces human beings to mere objects for personal gratification, violating their inherent dignity and worth as children of God.
Have I reduced others to their appearance, usefulness, or what they could do for me, rather than seeing their full humanity?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Have I reduced others, especially those in positions of vulnerability (such as family members, friends in need, or strangers), to their usefulness or potential benefits for me, rather than seeing them as full and deserving humans?
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 committed any actual or simulated acts outside of marriage that have given occasion for 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.
Prodigality
Have I devoted an excessive amount of time to meaningless distractions, squandering the precious time God has given me for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Have I excessively risked financial resources entrusted to me, potentially compromising my ability to provide for family needs or meet important 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 excessively prioritized entertainment or leisure activities over my financial responsibilities, thereby neglecting my duty to provide for those in need?
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, allowing my love for them to distract me from nurturing my spiritual life?
Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.
Did I desire worldly pleasures over growth in faith through prioritizing activities, hobbies, and interests that bring me joy and entertainment rather than nurturing my spiritual life?
Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.
Did you deliberately use controlled substances to distract yourself from life's challenges?
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 distract yourself from life's challenges?
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 allow your desire for pleasure and leisure activities to take precedence over your 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 entertainment, relaxation, and indulgence to take precedence over my relationship with God in 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.
Do I make my desires for entertainment, leisure, and relaxation my top priority over spending quality time 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.
Did you engage in self-stimulation for purposes other than marriage?
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 I had actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage through conversations, online interactions, or physical encounters?
While our sexual nature is a gift, using it to indulge in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.
Autonomy
Did you remain silent about Church teachings in situations where speaking up would have been uncomfortable, perhaps causing conflict or disagreement among friends and acquaintances?
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 blessings in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did you take for granted your success in advancing professionally, forgetting to acknowledge God's providence as being 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 at any time seriously question 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 rely solely on my own abilities and strength, forgetting to seek God's help in times of struggle?
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 exclusively rely on my own abilities in managing various aspects of my life, neglecting to acknowledge and trust in God's guidance and providence?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Did you solely rely on your own abilities in making financial decisions, failing to acknowledge the need for God's guidance in managing your resources?
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 I cause someone to commit a sinful act by my actions?
Leading others to sin (also called "scandal") is sinful because it actively harms another person's soul by encouraging them away from God, making you spiritually responsible both for your own sin and for potentially damaging another's relationship with God.
Did you try to encourage someone else to engage in sinful behavior through your 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?
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 stubbornly refused to admit my wrongdoing, clinging to it instead?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I continued to hold onto a particular sin, unwilling to let it go?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I refused to acknowledge and repent from my own wrongdoing, clinging instead to my pride and stubbornness?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Blasphemy
Did you swear God's name in frustration, anger, or disappointment?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did I receive Holy Communion while knowingly having unrepented mortal sin in my 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.
Have I used the name of God, Jesus, or any sacred title as an exclamation or curse in my conversations, especially when stressed, angry, or frustrated?
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 or Jesus as a careless expression in conversations, online posts, or social media 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.
Ambition
Did my pursuit of career advancement and success allow my desire for power and dominance to influence my decisions and treatment of others?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Did I let my desire for power and dominance influence how I made decisions that affected those around me, including my family and colleagues?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Did my pursuit of success and advancement in my career, influenced by my desire for power and dominance, lead me to treat others unfairly or unjustly?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Greed
Did I make accumulating material possessions, such as money, luxury items, and assets, a central priority 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.
Have I been envious of others' possessions, particularly their material wealth and luxury items?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Incontinence
Did you lack self-control in your words, speaking to others with vulgarity that violated their dignity?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did you lack self-control and speak to others with words that violated their dignity?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did you lack self-control in your conversations, speaking words that lacked dignity for 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 to an extent that compromised my self-control and resulted in excessive indulgence?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Have I indulged excessively in eating, drinking, or other pleasures to the point where it has negatively impacted my physical health or relationships?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did I overindulge in eating or drinking at social gatherings, such as parties, game nights, or sporting events?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Gossip
Have I derived pleasure from sharing details about others' private lives, even if what I shared was true?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Impurity
Did I use practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy, thereby intentionally separating 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 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 compromises my dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I dressed in ways that objectify myself and disrespect my dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Infidelity
Have I broken my marriage vows by 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.
Violence
Have I knowingly acted in ways that brought pain or suffering to someone else through my words, actions, or decisions related to our children's well-being?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that intentionally caused emotional pain to someone else, perhaps through my words or actions in a social setting?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that brought hurtful words, actions, or consequences to someone else's well-being?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Adultery
Have I entertained 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.
Have you entertained inappropriate thoughts 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.
Have I entertained improper feelings towards someone else's spouse, thereby undermining the sacred bond of their marriage?
This sin undermines the sacred bond of marriage by treating another person as an object of desire rather than respecting their dignity and commitment to their spouse.
Envy
Have I been discontent with what I have, fixating on coveting others' possessions in various aspects of my life?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Murder
Have I ever, in my conversations or writings, endorsed 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.
Sorcery
Have you interacted with individuals who claim to possess supernatural knowledge or powers, such as mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija board operators?
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, either intentionally or unintentionally, sought guidance through means that place trust in occult practices rather than in God by interacting with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Have I used tarot card readings, Ouija boards, or engaged in conversations that rely on supernatural knowledge or occult practices to predict outcomes or gain insight?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Presumption
Have you deliberately persisted in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change in your relationships and interactions online?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change your habits or overcome vices that hinder your spiritual 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 deliberately persist in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change despite recognizing the importance of self-care and experiencing stress related to work-life balance and finances?
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 negligently put off going to confession, thereby recklessly endangering your own salvation, 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.
Did you delay going to confession while in a state of sin, recklessly endangering your soul's salvation and showing contempt for God's mercy?
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
Did I harbor doubts about God's existence in my heart, especially when faced with personal struggles and uncertainties?
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, especially when faced with challenges that make me question His plan for my life?
Deliberately entertaining doubts about God's existence is a sin against faith because it questions the most fundamental truth of our faith and shows a lack of trust in God's clear self-revelation through creation, scripture, and the Church's teachings.
Apostasy
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally or to others?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you explicitly denied the existence of God, either internally to yourself or openly to others, in any situation where faith is paramount?
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 in your heart or through any public declaration, since being baptized?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Impiety
Did I fail to show proper reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament when attending spiritual events, such as Mass or adoration, especially in moments of distraction or disengagement?
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 moments of distraction, such as during sporting events or concerts?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Did I fail to show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament on days when attending sporting events or concerts?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.