A Catholic Examination of Conscience
35-44 Single Father with Adult Children
In preparing for confession, please read through the examination questions and explanations thoughtfully, reflecting on each point and honestly identifying where you've fallen short of God's call in your life. You may click and remove any irrelevant ones as you proceed. Take mental note of any serious sins that require confession, focusing on being thorough but not scrupulous, then use these insights to make a complete and sincere confession to your priest.
Updated: December 3, 2024
Read Time: 16 minutes
Disobedience
Was I disobedient to my parents in regards to carrying out their instructions or making decisions without consulting them?
As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.
Did I reject the unity of the Church when frustrated by individuals who did not align with my values or behaviors?
Rejecting Church unity due to frustration with individuals is sinful because it confuses the Church's divine nature and eternal truths with the human imperfections of its members, while also violating Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."
Did I reject the unity of the Church when upset with others in my community?
Rejecting Church unity due to frustration with individuals is sinful because it confuses the Church's divine nature and eternal truths with the human imperfections of its members, while also violating Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."
Did I skip an obligatory fast on Ash Wednesday and other prescribed days?
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 I use words to scorn the Church?
Mocking the church shows contempt for Christ's established institution on earth, disrespects the Body of Christ, and undermines the Church's divine authority as guided by the Holy Spirit.
Did you speak disparagingly about 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 my actions and attitudes, particularly in relation to their guidance and authority over 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 and father through my actions and attitudes, particularly in my relationships with them during difficult times or disagreements?
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 disobeyed my mother's and father's reasonable expectations through my words and actions?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Resent
Am I lacking in initiative?
Laziness represents is a failure to fulfill one’s basic duties.
Did I become sterilized, thereby attempting to exert control over my own fertility instead of trusting in God's plan for my life?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Did I harbor any resentment towards those who have caused me inconvenience?
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."
Have I allowed resentment to harbor in my heart towards others who have wronged me, contrary to Christ's command to love and forgive?
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."
Have I allowed any feelings of resentment towards those who have wronged me to persist in my heart?
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 intentionally refuse to forgive someone who hurt 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 deny forgiveness to someone who wronged me in a way that reflects poorly on my character, particularly when it involves a situation where others are involved?
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 intentionally reject my faith for any length of time?
This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
Did I intentionally reject God's truth for any period of time, perhaps during moments of crisis, doubt, or when faced with conflicting values?
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.
Condoning
Did I, through my words, lead other practicing Catholics to think it was acceptable to stay away from Sacraments or Mass?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I encourage other Catholics to stay away from receiving Sacraments or attending Mass by my words?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I ever lead other Catholics astray from receiving the Sacraments or attending Mass by condoning their absence?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I permit my child to persist in error by failing to have an open conversation when it would have been easier for me?
Permitting a child to continue in error by avoiding difficult conversations is sinful because it neglects our God-given parental duty to guide and form our children's moral and spiritual development, placing our own comfort above their eternal wellbeing.
Did I permit my child to continue in error due to a lack of open conversation, thereby prioritizing my own comfort over their spiritual well-being?
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 buried?
Failing to advocate for proper burial of human remains is considered sinful as the Church teaches that the body is sacred and deserves reverent burial, with scattering or keeping remains being contrary to the dignity of the human body and resurrection belief.
Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences in their daily life, such as through social interactions or media consumption?
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 through their interactions with friends, acquaintances, or online communities that could potentially lead them astray?
Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.
Did I give approval to another Catholic through my words, causing them 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 give my approval or remain silent when another Catholic, such as a friend, acquaintance, or family member, decided 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 approve my friend's decision to marry outside the Church, without correcting them?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I permit others to work on a Sunday when it otherwise could have been avoided?
It's irreverent to work on a Sunday as it's a holy day of rest, worship, and a day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money (CCC).
Did I, through my words, endorse or justify the practice of 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.
Apostasy
Did I forgo a valid Catholic marriage that could have led to adulterous relationships?
For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.
Have you ever explicitly rejected the existence of God, either through internal doubts or discussions with others?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you ever explicitly rejected the existence of God, either through your thoughts, words, or actions?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you, through your thoughts or conversations with others, explicitly denied the existence of God?
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.
Adultery
Did I forgo a valid Catholic marriage with someone in a position of authority who was entrusted to me, such as an employer or mentor?
For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.
Have I entertained inappropriate feelings towards someone else's spouse, potentially leading to a temptation that undermines 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.
Scandal
Did I forgo a valid marriage to someone, leading me to deceive others by pretending that my current relationship is something it's not?
For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.
Did I encourage someone to commit a sinful act through my words, actions, or presence?
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 words or 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.
Uncharity
Have I turned away from strangers and those who are displaced, demonstrating indifference to their plight through my words and actions?
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 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 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 I allow my own needs and desires to overshadow those of others, prioritizing my interests over theirs in my thoughts and actions?
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 your interest in outdoor activities, sports, or other personal hobbies sometimes take precedence over the needs 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 let my interests in personal growth, technology, and outdoor activities overshadow my responsibilities to and relationships with 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.
Do I disrespect others when, in my interactions with them, I fail to treat their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image with the love and respect that Christ commands?
Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.
Did I lose my patience in difficult conversations with others?
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 fail to intervene when someone else was 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.
Have I not been there for others when they needed my help?
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 volunteer work, donations, or support for local charities and community organizations?
Failing to help those in need violates Christ's direct command to love our neighbor and care for the poor, effectively refusing to recognize Jesus Himself in the suffering of others.
Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, especially during times of crisis or when they are struggling with financial difficulties?
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 community, such as volunteering time or resources to support local causes or organizations that care for the poor and vulnerable?
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 content to simply exist in my faith, without actively seeking growth and deeper understanding?
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.
Merciless
Have I spoken judgmentally about others, condemning them in my words?
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.
Have I spoken unkindly of others, judging them harshly in my words?
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 assist someone who was in need when they sought my help?
As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.
Did you fail to lend assistance to someone who was suffering financially when you had the means to provide aid?
As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.
Did I turn away from caring for someone who was ill in my life?
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 ignore those who were ill and needed my help when they reached out to me?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did I fail to provide aid to those in my community who were struggling and needed my assistance?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Have I neglected to share my faith with my child, leading them away from 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 introduce my child to Christ's teachings by omission?
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 provide my child with opportunities for spiritual growth and development, especially in regards to their faith formation?
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 desires for leisure activities ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing, neglecting to prioritize their care and 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.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of genuine needs in relationships with others?
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 adult children'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.
Did I fail to provide my child with regular guidance on their spiritual development?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did I neglect to establish a regular habit of praying daily?
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 fail to make daily prayer a regular part of my busy schedule, leading to a disruption in my relationship with God?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did I deliberately deprioritize and skip Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, perhaps by overscheduling other activities or procrastinating to attend?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did I deprioritize my Sunday obligation by skipping Mass for reasons that prioritized my personal interests?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did I deprioritize and skip participation in communal worship and prayer, such as Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation, 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 seek praise in sharing my financial success?
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 validation from others through my social media presence and online activities 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 public recognition for my accomplishments in work, hobbies, and social media 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.
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 help others steal from someone they know?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did I assist others in taking something that did not belong to me?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did you assist others in acquiring something that didn't belong to them?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Have I stolen anything that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value, through any means or in any way?
Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.
Did I fail to pay others a fair price for goods or services, thereby taking advantage of them unjustly?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
False Witness
Did you misrepresent yourself to gain an advantage in your personal or professional life?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Have I intentionally misrepresented myself to gain an advantage in social, professional, or personal settings?
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 use misleading words to my advantage, potentially harming others' trust in me?
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 mislead 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.
Did I lead others to believe something that was not true through my actions?
Deceiving others is a form of bearing false witness, damages trust between people, and breaks down human relationships that should reflect God's truth and love.
Did I cause others to believe something that was not true by my 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 online interactions, social gatherings, and 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 online interactions or through social media?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others through social media posts, online comments, or conversations in informal settings?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Effeminacy
Do I fear to speak the name of Jesus and share my faith openly in social gatherings and online communities, even when it may prompt differing opinions or criticism?
Being ashamed or afraid to proclaim Christ represents a denial of our baptismal call to evangelize, shows lack of trust in God's protection, and fails to fulfill Jesus's command to "go and make disciples of all nations."
Do I fear to share the name of Jesus with those who are open to hearing it?
Being ashamed or afraid to proclaim Christ represents a denial of our baptismal call to evangelize, shows lack of trust in God's protection, and fails to fulfill Jesus's command to "go and make disciples of all nations."
Did I compromise my beliefs to gain approval from others, especially those in my social circle or online communities, 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 you compromise your values in order to gain approval from others, rather than standing firm on what you know is right?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did I sacrifice my personal convictions to appease others' expectations rather than upholding what I believe is right?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did you remain silent about Church teachings to avoid expressing discomfort or conflict in social gatherings, online communities, or discussions with friends and family?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Did I remain silent about Church teachings to avoid discomfort or conflict, especially when discussing sensitive topics or challenging prevailing views?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Retaliation
Do I harbor thoughts of retaliation against others in my daily interactions?
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 you entertained thoughts of interacting with 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 allowed your thoughts to dwell on or engage in interactions with pornography?
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 usefulness, rather than seeing them for who they truly are?
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 any simulated or actual acts outside of marriage that could have stirred up lust within myself or others?
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.
Imprudence
Have I spent excessive time on digital distractions?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Have I spent excessive time on activities that leave me feeling unfulfilled and without a sense of true purpose?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Have I spent excessive time on trivial pursuits, neglecting my spiritual growth and service to others?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
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 them to become more important than my spiritual development?
Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.
Did you use controlled substances to escape from your problems?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Did I use controlled substances to escape from problems?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Do I allow my desire for physical or emotional pleasure to cloud my judgment and distract me from prioritizing my relationship with God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Do I allow my desires for pleasure and entertainment to distract me from my spiritual priorities, making them more important than my relationship with God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Do I allow my desires for entertainment, relaxation, and leisure to overshadow my relationship with God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Impiety
Did you condone the burial arrangements for loved ones where their remains were not handled with the reverence due to them?
Failing to advocate for proper burial of human remains is considered sinful as the Church teaches that the body is sacred and deserves reverent burial, with scattering or keeping remains being contrary to the dignity of the human body and resurrection belief.
Did you engage in an activity on Sunday that was otherwise avoidable, thereby disregarding 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).
Did I fail to always show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament in my daily life, including during outdoor activities or travel when it may have been readily available?
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 the Most Blessed Sacrament on occasions when it was displayed in public spaces or during processions?
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 proper reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament during Mass or other liturgical celebrations?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Impenitence
Have I stubbornly refused to admit my wrongdoing, thereby clinging to sin?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I refused to acknowledge my own wrongdoing, stubbornly holding onto sinful patterns despite being made aware of their harm?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Blasphemy
Did you swear to God in anger, frustration, or when expressing yourself during an argument or heated conversation?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did you swear in anger, frustration, or during a heated conversation?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did you receive Holy Communion while knowingly harboring unrepented mortal sins?
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, especially after engaging in activities that may have compromised your spiritual well-being?
This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.
Did I use God's name as a byword or curse in conversation, even thoughtlessly?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Did I speak the name of God carelessly or use it to express frustration, anger, or discontent in my words?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Did you use Jesus' name, God's name, or any divine title as an exclamation of surprise, frustration, or in a thoughtless manner?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Ambition
Have I allowed my desire for power and dominance to drive decisions that might harm or exploit others in the pursuit of personal goals and ambitions?
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.
Have you let your desire for power and dominance influence your leadership decisions in your career, potentially leading to prideful self-exaltation at the expense of humble service?
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
Have I made accumulation of money and possessions an idol in my life, distracting me from trust 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.
Did I make acquiring material possessions and wealth an excessive priority in my life, potentially distracting me from what truly brings fulfillment?
This sin makes money an idol that replaces trust in God's providence, turning what should be a tool for good into an object of worship.
Oppression
Have I unjustly used my authority, influence, or position to mistreat others?
It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.
Autonomy
Did you take for granted your achievements and success, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence rather than solely your own efforts?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did I attribute my successes in outdoor activities, traveling, cooking, and attending concerts to my own abilities rather than acknowledging God's providence in my life?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Have you entertained doubts about God's existence in your mind without sharing them with others?
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 ever question or have doubts about God's existence through thoughts, readings, or conversations?
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 place my own abilities above reliance on God's grace, neglecting to acknowledge the limitations of my human strength?
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 rely solely on my own abilities in personal pursuits, such as hobbies and interests, without seeking guidance from God's wisdom and grace?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Did I trust in my own abilities to navigate life's challenges without acknowledging my need for God's guidance and strength?
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 envied others' accomplishments and secretly wished they would stumble in their pursuits?
Envy leads us to have discontent for another's possessions so we won't feel the pain of comparison or perceived lack in our own lives.
Incontinence
Did I lack self-control and speak to others using crude or hurtful language, thereby violating their dignity through my words?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did you lack self-control in your conversations, using language that was unbecoming to others?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did I lack self-control and speak to others in a manner that was hurtful and lacking respect, particularly in conversations about topics like sports, technology, or personal finance?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Gluttony
Did I overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, especially during social gatherings or events where tempting foods are readily available?
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, parties, or special events beyond what's reasonable?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Prodigality
Have I excessively risked my financial resources to prioritize entertainment, hobbies, or personal interests over fulfilling my family's needs and 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 risked financial resources entrusted to me, prioritizing indulgent pursuits over essential responsibilities 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.
Gossip
Have I taken pleasure in sharing others' private affairs or shortcomings, 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 derived pleasure from speaking critically 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.
Have I used my words to share others' private affairs, even if they were true?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Anger
Have I nursed anger or held onto feelings of rage rather than forgiving others and working towards reconciliation in my relationships, whether personal or professional?
Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.
Have I nursed anger or held onto feelings of rage against others when disagreed, disappointed, or frustrated in my personal or professional relationships?
Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.
Impurity
Did I use practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy?
This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.
Did you engage in practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy outside 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 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 in a way that disrespects my own dignity and modesty?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I worn attire that is immodest in a way that respects 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 engaging in flirtations or other forms of emotional infidelity?
Fidelity in marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant made before God - not just a contract between people, thus breaking vows is seen as a betrayal of both divine and human trust.
Have I broken my marriage vows by engaging in behaviors that compromise fidelity in my relationships?
Fidelity in marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant made before God - not just a contract between people, thus breaking vows is seen as a betrayal of both divine and human trust.
Have I broken my marriage vows by failing to prioritize my union with my spouse above all else?
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 entertained inappropriate feelings toward someone's spouse through social interactions, online relationships, or shared connections?
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.
Fornication
Did I engage in non-procreative sex outside of marriage?
While the sexual natures are a gift, it's a sin to stray away from their ordering toward the unitive and procreative nature within marriage.
Did I have any non-procreative sexual encounters 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 bring pain or suffering to others, especially in my relationships and interactions with those around me?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused pain, suffering, or harm to someone through my words or actions?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Murder
Did I participate in the intentional taking of an innocent human life through abortion or euthanasia?
It's a grave sin to actively participate in the intentional taking of another's life, which robs the gift of life that was granted to others by God.
Sorcery
Have you interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Have I interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards in any way that sought to bypass God's providence and divine will?
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 interacted with individuals who claim to possess supernatural knowledge or communicate with spirits through forbidden means, such as tarot card readers, mediums, fortune tellers, 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
Have you deliberately persisted in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change, perhaps in areas of your life where you feel comfortable or where others might be more understanding?
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 presume God's mercy by persisting in sinful behavior without making any effort to change, leading you to take His forgiveness for granted?
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 selfishly pursuing your goals and desires without seriously considering how they might align with God's will, counting on His mercy without making any genuine effort to change?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you procrastinate going to confession while in a state of sin, recklessly endangering your soul's salvation and demonstrating prideful presumption that you'd have time later to repent?
Deliberately delaying confession while in mortal sin is a serious offense because it recklessly endangers your soul's salvation, shows contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation, and demonstrates prideful presumption that you'll have time later to repent.
Did you delay going to confession, neglecting your soul's 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.