A Catholic Examination of Conscience
35-44 Single 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: 15 minutes
Disobedience
Was I disobedient to my parents in ways that were noticeable through my deeds?
As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.
Was I disobedient to my parents in matters concerning their wishes for me?
As per the fourth commandment, it's a child's duty to respond to parental love, wisdom, and respect with obedience.
Did you intentionally skip fasting during designated days, such as Ash Wednesday?
This is considered sinful because deliberately disregarding prescribed days of fasting represents disobedience to Church authority and fails to honor our spiritual obligation to practice self-denial and penance during sacred times.
Did I intentionally engage in work on a Sunday when it could have been avoided, thereby showing disrespect for the Lord's day of rest?
It's irreverent to work on a Sunday as it's a holy day of rest, worship, and a day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money (CCC).
Have I dishonored my mother through my actions? (Rephrased, considering the demographic's traits: the emphasis on family values, close relationships, and prioritizing quality time with loved ones.)
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 failed to show respect for my mother through my actions and attitudes by, for example, prioritizing my own desires over her needs or advice?
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 idle in my daily activities, allowing me to procrastinate on important responsibilities?
Laziness represents is a failure to fulfill one’s basic duties.
Did I become sterilized?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Did I become sterilized?
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.
Have I become sterilized?
This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.
Do you entertain thoughts of resentment towards others when they wrong you?
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 harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me, including acquaintances, colleagues, or others in my life?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Did I harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me, whether in personal relationships, the workplace, or other areas of my life?
Holding a grudge with enemies is sinful as it directly contradicts Christ's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Did I harbor any resentment towards individuals who have wronged me, particularly those in positions of authority or whom I previously respected?
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 through your words?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Have I dishonored my mother through my actions and attitudes, particularly when she has been present in our home or provided for 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.
Did you form the intention to abandon your Catholic faith, even if only in thought, 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 you entertain thoughts against God's revealed truth for any length of time?
This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
Condoning
Did I lead fellow Catholics away from receiving Sacraments or attending Mass through my words?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I lead fellow Catholics 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 tell other Catholics that it was okay to miss attending Sacraments or Mass, when they were struggling spiritually?
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 be exposed to bad influences that could damage their faith?
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 that could damage their faith?
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 that could harm their faith, lead them into sin, or compromise our family 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 you condone another Catholic to marry outside the Church by giving your approval 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 give approval for another Catholic to marry outside the Church by my words?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I condone another Catholic to marry outside the Church through words or actions, potentially leading them away from the sacrament of Marriage?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did you ever publicly endorse or justify abortion or euthanasia?
It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.
Did you endorse or justify abortion?
It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.
Adultery
Did you forgo a valid Catholic marriage?
For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.
Did I forgo a valid Catholic marriage, thereby committing adultery through my deeds?
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 toward someone'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 feelings towards someone else's spouse?
This sin undermines the sacred bond of marriage by treating another person as an object of desire rather than respecting their dignity and commitment to their spouse.
Fornication
Did I forgo a valid Catholic marriage by engaging in intimate relations outside of one?
For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.
Did I have any non-marital, non-procreative sex through intimate relations outside of marriage?
While the sexual natures are a gift, it's a sin to stray away from their ordering toward the unitive and procreative nature within marriage.
Uncharity
Do I turn away from those who are displaced, showing them compassion and respect for their dignity?
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 those who are in need, whether strangers or those displaced?
Per the corporal works of mercy, we are to love our neighbors by feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless and respecting their dignity especially in times of hardship.
Do I look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Do I look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Do I look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait, judging them to be inferior due to superficial characteristics?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Did I place my own interests above the needs of others in my life?
This is considered sinful because excessive self-focus and selfishness violates Christ's command to love our neighbors as ourselves and contradicts the Christian call to practice charity, compassion, and self-sacrifice for others.
Did I allow my own interests, particularly those related to leisure activities such as travel, socializing, and hobbies, to overshadow the needs of others in my life?
This is considered sinful because excessive self-focus and selfishness violates Christ's command to love our neighbors as ourselves and contradicts the Christian call to practice charity, compassion, and self-sacrifice for others.
Have I treated others in ways that are unworthy of their dignity as children of God?
Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.
Do I intentionally treat others, created in God's image, 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 you lose your patience with others in the midst of heated discussions, intense social events, or stressful work 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 injustice to be done to someone in my presence?
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 neglected to lend my assistance when it was needed by others?
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 during unexpected expenses or emergencies in my life?
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, such as neighbors, friends, and family members who are struggling financially or facing health issues?
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 when they may be struggling or facing 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.
Lukewarmness
Am I uninterested in growing 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.
Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my commitment to loving and serving God, particularly when it comes to devoting time and energy to spiritual growth and development amidst other pursuits and responsibilities?
We tend to sin by failing in effort to know and love God while exerting other efforts on worldly things.
Merciless
Have I spoken harshly to 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.
Callousness
Did you fail to extend help or assistance to someone who was suffering, despite having the means to do so?
As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.
Did you turn away from caring for someone who was ill, perhaps while prioritizing your own schedule or activities?
This is sinful because it violates Jesus's direct command to care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) and fails to fulfill our fundamental Christian duty to show compassion and mercy to those who are suffering.
Did I turn away from showing compassion to someone who was ill?
This is sinful because it violates Jesus's direct command to care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) and fails to fulfill our fundamental Christian duty to show compassion and mercy to those who are suffering.
Did I turn away from someone who was struggling with an illness?
This is sinful because it violates Jesus's direct command to care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) and fails to fulfill our fundamental Christian duty to show compassion and mercy to those who are suffering.
Sloth
Did I ignore those who needed my assistance when they were unwell?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did I neglect those who were struggling financially and needed my assistance?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did you turn away from those who were in need of my assistance, particularly when I had the time and means to provide help?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Have I failed to guide my child toward knowing Christ, neglecting this fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood?
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 engage my child in regular spiritual discussions, such that they may come to know 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 take an active role in guiding my child toward knowing Christ, perhaps by not prioritizing their spiritual development amidst my own busy schedule?
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.
Did I engage in productive activities on Sunday that could have been avoided, thereby neglecting the Lord's day of rest and worship?
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).
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing?
Neglecting family duties is considered sinful because it violates both divine law and natural law, where God entrusts us with specific responsibilities to nurture, protect, and care for our family members as part of our fundamental Christian vocation.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of our family's genuine needs and wellbeing?
Neglecting family duties is considered sinful because it violates both divine law and natural law, where God entrusts us with specific responsibilities to nurture, protect, and care for our family members as part of our fundamental Christian vocation.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing in our daily life together?
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's spiritual formation by neglecting their education?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did I fail to provide spiritual guidance and 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.
Did I neglect to pray daily, thus breaking my relationship with God and demonstrating ingratitude towards Him?
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 consistent priority in my life, despite knowing its importance for my spiritual well-being?
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 and skip Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, allowing worldly priorities to take precedence over my most solemn duty 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 you deprioritize participating in Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation, choosing instead to engage in weekend activities or social gatherings that took precedence over your Sunday 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 your obligation to attend Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, preferring instead to engage in weekend social activities or other leisure pursuits?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Vainglory
Did I seek to be admired by others when 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.
Did I seek praise for doing something charitable, hoping it would make me feel good about myself?
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 online, such as through social media posts or online communities, than pleasing God?
Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.
Am I more focused on defending my reputation among acquaintances 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.
Did you publicly distance yourself from your faith when faced with social pressure or discomfort, effectively choosing human respect over fidelity to God?
This is a public betrayal of Jesus' teaching that "whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven," effectively choosing human respect over fidelity to God.
Theft
Did I intentionally fail to pay my debts?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did you intentionally fail to pay your debts, thereby depriving others of what is rightfully theirs?
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 your creditors?
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 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 you actively assist others in stealing something?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Have I taken something that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value?
Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.
Did I avoid paying others a fair price or wage?
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 intentionally charge others less than what was fairly owed to me?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
Did I avoid paying others a fair price or wage, perhaps by taking advantage of loopholes or exploiting situations where they were in a vulnerable position?
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 intentionally deceive someone through my words to gain an advantage?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I intentionally deceive others through my words to gain an advantage?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did you misrepresent yourself to gain an advantage in online interactions, such as social media or forums related to your hobbies?
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 in my words, actions, or online presence?
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 intentionally lead 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 I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others, such as friends, family members, colleagues, or acquaintances, in formal or informal situations?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in conversations, online interactions, or other situations where my words could harm their reputation?
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 forums, social media, or other digital platforms where I engage with friends, family, and colleagues?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Effeminacy
Do I fear to speak publicly about my faith and share the name of Jesus with others?
Being ashamed or afraid to proclaim Christ represents a denial of our baptismal call to evangelize, shows lack of trust in God's protection, and fails to fulfill Jesus's command to "go and make disciples of all nations."
Do I fear to speak publicly about my faith in Jesus, proclaiming Him to others?
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 Jesus' name openly and without hesitation, especially in social settings where my friends and acquaintances gather?
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 seeking others' approval, rather than upholding what I know to be right, in order to avoid conflict or maintain social harmony?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did I compromise my beliefs to gain approval from others, rather than upholding what I know is right in the pursuit of personal goals and professional advancement?
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 in order to avoid conflict or criticism from friends, family, or colleagues?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Lust
Did you entertain thoughts involving pornography?
Interacting with pornography reduces human beings to mere objects for personal gratification, violating their inherent dignity and worth as children of God.
Did I reduce others to their appearance, usefulness, or what they could do for me, rather than seeing them as full human beings created in God's image?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Did you use others for personal gain, convenience, or to fulfill your own desires, rather than treating them with the respect, dignity, and compassion they deserve?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Did I reduce others to mere sources of entertainment, relaxation, or personal fulfillment in my thoughts, rather than treating them as full human beings created in God's image?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Have I had actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage through means such as online interactions, conversations, or encounters that compromise my chastity?
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 meaningless distractions, such as excessive screen time or leisure activities that hinder 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 prioritize worldly pleasures over spiritual growth in my leisure activities?
Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.
Did I use controlled substances to disconnect from reality?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Did you use controlled substances to detach from reality?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Do I prioritize my own physical and emotional pleasures over my relationship with God, allowing them to become the primary focus of my life?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Do I give my desires for physical comfort and entertainment greater importance in my life 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 desire for entertainment, leisure activities, and material possessions to take precedence over my relationship with God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Did I engage in masturbation, using my own body for personal gratification in ways that contradict its natural purpose within 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.
Scandal
Did you try to lead someone else into doing something sinful?
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 get someone else involved in doing something that would cause them to sin?
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 words, actions, or influence?
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 acknowledge my wrongdoing against myself, despite being given many opportunities to change?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I clung to my refusal to admit wrongdoing, even in matters that affect my relationships with loved ones?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Blasphemy
Did you, in your conversations with others, take God's name lightly by swearing?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Have you ever used the name of Jesus or God as a byword or curse in conversation or through digital communication, such as social media or texting?
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 Jesus or God to express anger, frustration, or disrespect in conversation?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Have you used the name of God, Jesus, or any sacred title as an exclamation or curse in conversation, online or offline?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Ambition
Did your desire for power and dominance in your career, especially in leadership roles, influence how you treat others, such as colleagues or family members?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Did your desire for power and dominance, perhaps fueled by ambition to take on leadership roles within your career or community, influence your decisions and treatment of others in ways that compromised their dignity or well-being?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Have I let my desire for power influence decisions that favor personal ambition over the well-being of those around me?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Greed
Did I make accumulation of money and possessions a driving force in my life, leading me to prioritize material wealth over 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 accumulation a driving force in my life, leading me to prioritize material possessions over 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 accumulating wealth, possessions, and material goods a primary driving force in my life?
This sin makes money an idol that replaces trust in God's providence, turning what should be a tool for good into an object of worship.
Oppression
Have I, through my actions, mistreated, harassed, or discriminated against others?
It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.
Autonomy
Have I taken for granted the many blessings and opportunities 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 I take for granted the success and accomplishments 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 I take for granted the good things in my life, thinking they were solely due to my own hard work and determination?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did I entertain doubts about God's existence in my 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 you entertain doubts about God's existence in your 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 solely rely on my own abilities to succeed in life, rather than trusting in God's providence for guidance?
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 solely in my own abilities, excluding God's grace, even when navigating complex challenges such as career transitions or making important financial decisions?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Did I solely rely on my own abilities in navigating personal and professional challenges, without acknowledging God's guidance in making decisions that impact my life?
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 felt envious of others' accomplishments and secretly wished they would encounter setbacks?
Envy leads us to have discontent for another's possessions so we won't feel the pain of comparison or perceived lack in our own lives.
Have I felt resentful of others' accomplishments, and secretly wished they would experience setbacks?
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 in speaking to others with vulgar language, violating their dignity and disrespecting myself through such unbecoming words?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did I lack self-control and use inappropriate language when interacting with others, thereby violating their dignity?
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 travel?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did I overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, particularly when socializing with friends or family during weekends?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did you overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, particularly when socializing with friends or family?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Prodigality
Have I excessively indulged in wasteful gambling, allowing it to take precedence over my financial 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.
Have I been excessively and wastefully gambling to take precedence over my financial responsibilities, potentially harming 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.
Have I used gambling to risk our family's financial stability and well-being, taking precedence over their needs and my own 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.
Gossip
Have I taken pleasure in discussing others' private affairs through conversations or online posts, even if what I shared was true?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I taken pleasure in sharing others' private affairs or personal struggles, even if what I shared was true, during conversations with friends, family, or colleagues?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I taken pleasure in sharing others' private affairs through words, 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 within my relationships, rather than seeking reconciliation when confronted with disagreements or conflicts?
Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.
Impurity
Did you use 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 I use practices to prevent pregnancy?
This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.
Did I intentionally separate the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage through my use of 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.
Have I dressed in a way that is modest and respectful to myself?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Violence
Have I knowingly acted in ways that inflicted physical or emotional pain on others through my deeds?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that intentionally hurt someone else through my words, actions, or deeds?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Murder
Have I, through my actions or decisions, contributed to an 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 I 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 you ever interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Have I ever had interactions, conversations, or discussions with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Presumption
Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change your habits or ways of thinking?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Have you deliberately persisted in sinful behavior, relying on God's mercy without making any effort to change your ways?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, trusting that God's mercy would excuse your lack of effort to change without truly seeking forgiveness or amendment?
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, presuming that your time would come later for reconciliation?
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 procrastinate going to confession while in a state of sin, thereby recklessly endangering your soul's salvation by showing contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation?
Deliberately delaying confession while in mortal sin is a serious offense because it recklessly endangers your soul's salvation, shows contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation, and demonstrates prideful presumption that you'll have time later to repent.
Apostasy
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either in your own thoughts or through verbal expressions 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 rejected the existence of God, either internally through your philosophical interests in self-improvement books or externally among friends, family, or social media peers?
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 words or thoughts, explicitly rejected 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.
Impiety
Did you fail to show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament in your daily life?
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 always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament, particularly during moments of silence or in the presence of others who were praying?
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 during times of spiritual dryness or when my faith was being tested?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.