A Catholic Examination of Conscience

35-44 Widowed Father with Adult Children

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

Updated: December 3, 2024

Read Time: 16 minutes

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Disobedience

Was I disobedient to my parents?

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

Was I disobedient to my parents by not following their guidance in matters related to my career, finances, or family life?

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

Was I disobedient to my parents through my actions?

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

Did you reject the unity of the Catholic Church in your thoughts when dealing with frustration towards its members?

Rejecting Church unity due to frustration with individuals is sinful because it confuses the Church's divine nature and eternal truths with the human imperfections of its members, while also violating Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."

Did I reject unity of the Church when disappointed by shortcomings 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 you deliberately skip observing days of fasting that are mandatory in our faith, 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 you speak disrespectfully 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.

Did I engage in work on a Sunday when it otherwise could be avoided, 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).

Did I work on Sunday unnecessarily, thus showing disrespect for God'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, through my actions and attitudes, dishonored my mother?

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

Condoning

Did I lead other Catholics astray from attending Mass or receiving Sacraments through my words?

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

Did you encourage other Catholics to stay away from Sacraments or Mass by your 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 encourage other practicing Catholics to absent themselves from participating in the sacraments, such as Mass?

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

Did I permit my child to continue in error by failing to address concerns, even when it would have been difficult or uncomfortable 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 allow my child to persist in error without addressing their mistakes, thereby failing to exercise paternal guidance and oversight?

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

Did I allow my pursuit of human approval, particularly in my social life and relationships, to cause me to compromise my beliefs rather than upholding what I know to be right?

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

Have I condoned a funeral where human remains were not buried?

Failing to advocate for proper burial of human remains is considered sinful as the Church teaches that the body is sacred and deserves reverent burial, with scattering or keeping remains being contrary to the dignity of the human body and resurrection belief.

Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences that would lead them away from 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 compromise their faith and lead them into sin?

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 my own habits, relationships, or lifestyle choices?

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 my blessing to another Catholic's intention to marry outside of our Church?

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

Did I ever give my blessing, or remain silent in approval, when another Catholic chose 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 approval to another Catholic by words when they married outside the Church?

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

Detraction

Did I forgo a valid Catholic marriage by entering into another marital commitment without obtaining the proper dispensation?

For Catholics, marriage is sacramental and needs to occur in the Church or receive a dispensation if either people are not Catholic.

Uncharity

Have I turned away from strangers and those who are displaced in my community?

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

Do I turn away from those who are in need, particularly strangers and displaced persons?

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? Does my judgment of others lead me to see them as being less than others in Christ?

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

Did I put my own interests ahead of needs, desires, and well-being of others?

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

Did I allow my own interests to take precedence over the needs of those around me?

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

Did your own interests lead you to neglect the needs of others, especially those who are vulnerable or in need of support?

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 lose my patience with others in conversations about their life choices?

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 lose my patience with family members, friends, or acquaintances?

Losing patience with others fails to reflect God's infinite patience with us and violates Christ's command to love our neighbor, instead allowing anger and frustration to override charity and kindness.

Did I permit someone else to be treated unfairly?

This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.

Did I permit someone to be treated unfairly?

This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.

Did I permit someone else to be unfairly treated in a situation where I had the ability to intervene?

This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.

Did I turn away from someone who was ill, showing them the love and care that they deserved?

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.

Have I not helped others when they needed help, particularly in situations where doing so would have demonstrated a tangible act of charity?

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 not assisted those who were in need when assistance was necessary?

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, including my community and neighbors?

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 or friends facing financial difficulties or personal struggles?

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

Lukewarmness

Am I uninterested in growing deeper 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.

Am I indifferent to growing deeper in my spiritual life?

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

Am I unmotivated to deepen my understanding of God's teachings, and therefore lukewarm in my pursuit of spiritual growth?

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 through engaging in various hobbies, activities, or interests that distract me from deepening my relationship with Him?

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

Merciless

Have I used my words to condemn others, placing myself in God's role as judge and denying them the same mercy and forgiveness that He extends to all of us?

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 critically of others, using my words to judge and condemn them?

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 provide assistance when someone in my community was struggling, although I had the means to 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 assist someone in need when they sought your help, despite having 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 someone who was ill, showing little concern for their physical or emotional well-being?

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

Did I neglect to visit or show concern for someone who was ill in my community?

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 you turn away from those who were in need of your physical assistance?

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

Have I neglected guiding my child toward knowing Christ, leading them further away from God's love?

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

Have I neglected to guide my child toward knowing Christ by failing to share my own faith journey and experiences with them?

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

Have I neglected to introduce my child to faith?

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

In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing, potentially neglecting their welfare in favor of my own desires?

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, neglecting the responsibilities entrusted to me as a caregiver?

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 neglect my child's religious education, leading to their spiritual formation and eternal salvation being compromised?

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

Did I fail to provide regular spiritual guidance and education to my adult children, despite having the opportunity to share my faith and values with them?

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?

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 neglect daily prayer to 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 deprioritize and skip Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation due to worldly priorities, rather than making it a priority to worship God?

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

Did I deprioritize worshiping God by skipping Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation?

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

Did you deprioritize your worship of God by skipping Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, especially when other worldly priorities were at stake?

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 you seek personal recognition for giving alms through social media?

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

Did I seek praise for giving financial support?

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 give alms out of a desire to be admired by others?

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

Am I more focused on seeking praise and recognition from others for my accomplishments 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 recognition and respect from my peers for engaging in outdoor activities, hobbies, or community events than on pleasing God?

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

Am I more focused on seeking human approval and validation for my accomplishments in outdoor activities, hobbies, or career pursuits than pleasing God?

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

Did you publicly say something that would cause others to think less of their Catholic faith, when faced with social pressure or discomfort?

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

Theft

Did I intentionally fail to pay debts owed to others?

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

Did 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 I intentionally fail to pay my debts, causing harm to others through my omission of fulfilling my financial obligations?

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 assist others in stealing something from them?

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

Did I knowingly assist others in stealing?

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

Have I stolen anything that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value?

Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.

Have I stolen anything that 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?

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 you avoid paying others a fair price?

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

Did I, in my financial dealings, intentionally fail to pay others a fair price?

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

False Witness

Did I intentionally distort my own character or image 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 I speak falsely about another person?

Slander deliberately damages another person's reputation through false statements, violating both the Eighth Commandment against bearing false witness and Christ's command to love our neighbor.

Did I 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.

Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in conversations, meetings, or social gatherings?

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 at work, during social gatherings, or through online interactions?

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 informal discussions at community events, online forums, or through social media?

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

Resent

Did I become sterilized?

This is considered sinful because deliberately altering one's fertility represents an act of defiance against God and implies we know better than divine wisdom, placing our desires for control above trust in God's plan for our lives.

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.

Did I harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me, especially those who may be members of my community or family?

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 in ways that prevent me from praying for them as Christ taught?

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

Did you deny forgiveness to someone who wronged you by withholding your mercy?

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

Did I refuse to pardon someone who had wronged me?

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

Did I deny someone forgiveness by using words that showed resentment towards them?

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

Did you, through your thoughts, deliberately reject faith in God 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 deliberately refuse to live according to God's revealed truth for any period of time, showing a lack of faith in Him?

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

Have I, in my thoughts, abandoned God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism 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.

Effeminacy

Do I fear to speak the name of Jesus in front of 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."

Did I compromise my beliefs by prioritizing the approval of others, such as friends, family members, or colleagues, over standing firm in what I know to be right?

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

Did you remain silent about Church teachings to avoid conflict or discomfort in your relationships, community, or public life?

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 sharing them in uncomfortable social situations, potentially disappointing others or failing to witness the Truth?

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

Retaliation

Do you harbor thoughts of revenge against someone, even if only in your mind?

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

Lust

Have I allowed myself to dwell on thoughts that might lead me to interact 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 allowed myself to engage in thoughts about pornography?

Interacting with pornography reduces human beings to mere objects for personal gratification, violating their inherent dignity and worth as children of God.

Have I reduced others to their appearance, usefulness, or what they could do for me, rather than seeing them in their full humanity?

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

Have you reduced others to what they can do for you, rather than seeing their full humanity?

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

Did I reduce others to their usefulness in my thoughts, 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,

Have I participated in or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage?

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

Have I had actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage, through deeds that could lead to lust being fulfilled in my heart?

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

Prodigality

Have I spent excessive time on meaningless distractions that detract from my growth in virtue and my service to others?

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

Have I prioritized excessive and wasteful gambling over my financial responsibilities, thereby neglecting my duty to provide for myself and others 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.

Imprudence

Have I spent excessive time on meaningless distractions from God's plan for my life?

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

Have I squandered my time on fleeting indulgences, rather than cultivating meaningful relationships and personal growth?

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? (Alternatively: Did I allow my desires for the world to overshadow my relationship with God?)

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

Have you used controlled substances to detach from reality?

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

Did I deliberately use controlled substances to harm my own well-being?

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 try to escape from your problems rather than facing them with courage and hope in Christ?

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 pleasures and desires over my relationship with God, especially when engaging in leisure activities or hobbies that bring me joy?

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 let my desire for pleasure in outdoor activities, hobbies, or travel 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 relaxation, such as engaging in outdoor activities or pursuing hobbies, to become 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.

Scandal

Did you try to lead someone else into doing something sinful by your example, 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.

Impenitence

Have I held onto a particular sin, refusing to acknowledge my own guilt?

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

Have I clung to my refusal to admit wrongdoings, even in times of personal struggle?

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

Have I been unwilling to admit my own wrongdoing, refusing to acknowledge my mistakes?

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

Blasphemy

Did you use God's name in vain, saying something like 'swear to God' without intending to invoke Him?

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

Have I ever used God's name in vain, swearing to Him?

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

Did you receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin, thus risking to commit sacrilege?

This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.

Did I receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin, committing a sacrilege against God's presence?

This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.

Did I receive Holy Communion while aware that my heart was not properly disposed to receive it?

This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.

Did you use the name of Jesus or God, sacred to our faith, in a way that was careless or contemptuous through your 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.

Ambition

Did your desire for power and dominance influence how you interacted with others, particularly in your professional or leadership roles?

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 influence how you made decisions that affected those around you, 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 my pursuit of leadership roles within established community organizations, such as clubs, teams, or charities, ever allow me to prioritize power and control over serving others in a humble manner?

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 accumulating wealth, possessions, and material comforts my primary driving force in life?

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

Oppression

Did I ever engage in any unjust, cruel, or oppressive treatment of 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 I take for granted the good things in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?

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

Did you take for granted the good things in your 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 ever let uncertainty about my own identity, values, or purpose lead me to doubt God's existence?

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

Did you entertain doubts about God's existence within yourself?

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 put my trust in and rely solely on my own abilities, failing to recognize my complete dependence on God's grace?

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

Did I rely solely on my own abilities, rather than seeking God's guidance and support in achieving my goals?

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 to navigate life's challenges, without acknowledging and surrendering to God's guidance in times of uncertainty?

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 silently wished ill for others' good fortune, feeling envious that they have received blessings that were not mine?

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

Have I been discontent with what God has given me, fixating on coveting others' possessions?

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

Incontinence

Did I lack self-control in speaking to others using language that was unbecoming and offensive?

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

Did I lack self-control when speaking to others, using language that was crude or unbecoming?

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

Did you lack self-control and speak to others with vulgarity during casual conversations?

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 when it comes to trying new foods and cooking techniques that are time-consuming or expensive?

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 is reasonable, demonstrating an excessive attachment to sensual pleasures?

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 while engaging in leisure activities or social gatherings?

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

Gossip

Have I taken pleasure in discussing others' faults or private affairs, even if what I shared was true, while engaging in social conversations, whether online or in-person?

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

Have I taken pleasure in discussing others' faults or private affairs, even if what I shared was true, perhaps during casual conversations with friends at a coffee shop or while engaging in hobbies like woodworking?

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 conversations, even if what I shared was true?

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

Impiety

Did I allow my work to interfere with God's rest on Sunday, when it could have been avoided?

It's irreverent to work on a Sunday as it's a holy day of rest, worship, and a day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money (CCC).

Did you fail to always show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament, particularly when engaging in personal hobbies or outdoor activities?

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 Most Blessed Sacrament, particularly during times of prayer or reflection?

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 always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament during your free time, such as when participating in outdoor activities or engaging in hobbies?

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

Anger

Have I nursed anger or held onto feelings of rage rather than seeking reconciliation in interactions with others, potentially damaging relationships?

Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.

Impurity

Did you use practices, substances, or objects to intentionally separate the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage, thereby violating the proper use of your own sexuality?

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

Have I dressed immodestly in a way that respects my dignity, avoiding attire that might tempt lust or dishonor myself?

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

Have I dressed in a way that respects my dignity and avoids tempting lustful thoughts?

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

Infidelity

Have I betrayed my marriage vows by breaking them in deeds, even if only to myself?

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

Fornication

Have I engaged in non-procreative sex outside of my current 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.

Have you had any non-procreative sexual relations outside of marriage?

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

Violence

Have I knowingly acted in ways that deliberately brought pain or suffering to someone through my deeds?

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

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

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

Have I knowingly acted in ways that brought pain or suffering to someone through my outdoor activities, hobbies, or interactions with others?

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

Adultery

Have I entertained feelings toward someone else's spouse?

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

Have I entertained feelings towards someone else's spouse in my heart?

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

Murder

Did I, in my words, endorse abortion or euthanasia?

It's sinful to condone sinful behavior and fail to admonish such sinful actions, especially a grave act that would take a life.

Sorcery

Have I 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 you interacted with individuals who claim to possess supernatural knowledge, such as mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or those using 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 sought guidance or information from mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?

This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.

Presumption

Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change, especially when it came to your relationships with those closest to you?

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 assume God's mercy without genuine effort to change, persisting in your sinful 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.

Have you recklessly relied on God's mercy, without making any effort to change your ways, despite knowing that your actions were sinful?

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 put off going to confession while aware of your sin, showing an unwarranted trust in your ability to repent later?

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 internally or to others, through your thoughts, reflections, or conversations about life's meaning and purpose?

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, in your thoughts, explicitly rejected the existence of God, either privately to yourself or publicly 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.