A Catholic Examination of Conscience

55-64 Committed Man

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

Updated: December 3, 2024

Read Time: 14 minutes

print

Disobedience

Was I disobedient to my spouse or significant other?

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?

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 consistently prioritizing my own desires over their advice in times of difficulty?

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

Did I reject the unity of the Church when frustrated by people who disagreed with me in conversations?

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 intentionally skip fasting on prescribed days without making proper amends, showing disrespect for the Church's teachings and my own spiritual discipline?

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

Did I 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 you speak ill of the Church?

Mocking the church shows contempt for Christ's established institution on earth, disrespects the Body of Christ, and undermines the Church's divine authority as guided by the Holy Spirit.

Have I failed to show proper respect for my mother through my actions and attitudes?

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 shown disrespect to those who have given me life and nurtured me, through my actions and attitudes?

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

Have I disobeyed the authority of my parents through my actions and attitudes?

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

Condoning

Did I lead other Catholics to believe that staying away from Sacraments or Mass is acceptable?

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

Did I, through my words, encourage other Catholics to refrain from participating in the Sacraments or Mass?

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

Did I ever lead fellow Catholics into error by words that suggested staying away from Sacraments or Mass, rather than urging them to participate in these essential aspects of our faith?

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 fail to address the error in someone who looks up to me, such as a friend or mentor, by avoiding difficult conversations?

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 fail to guide someone, such as a friend or acquaintance in error by avoiding a difficult conversation?

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

Have you compromised your values by prioritizing acceptance from others rather than standing firm in what you believe 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 I allow my desire for human approval to compromise my beliefs rather than standing firm in what I know is right?

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

Did I condone 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 condone a funeral where human remains were not properly buried?

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

Did I condone a funeral where human remains were not given proper burial?

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?

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?

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?

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 approve another Catholic's decision 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 give my approval to another Catholic to marry in a non-Catholic ceremony?

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

Did I use my words to 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.

Did I use my words to 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.

Uncharity

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 that is different from my own?

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, dehumanizing them when they are called to be loved as children of God?

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 you prioritize your own needs over the well-being and interests of those around you?

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

Did I let my own interests and desires take precedence over serving and showing charity to 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 I allow my own needs, comforts, and desires to overshadow those of others in my thoughts?

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 speak harshly to others, losing patience with them?

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 allow someone to be treated unfairly?

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

Did you permit someone 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 others to be treated unfairly in my dealings with them?

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 been unwilling to assist those in need when they have reached out for help?

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

Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in my community, such as neighbors, acquaintances, or strangers in need?

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

Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in my community who are struggling or experiencing financial difficulties, perhaps due to unforeseen circumstances such as job loss or unexpected expenses?

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 given God only a portion of my time, effort, and devotion, rather than dedicating myself fully to loving and serving Him?

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

Lukewarmness

Do I take my faith for granted?

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 complacent in my spiritual life, choosing routine over renewal?

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, especially when it comes to making time for Him amidst my busy lifestyle of work, leisure activities, and socializing?

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

Merciless

Have I spoken against others in a way that was hurtful or judgmental?

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

Callousness

Did I fail to help someone who was suffering when I had the means to do so, perhaps due to being too absorbed in my own activities or interests?

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

Did I fail to help someone in genuine need when they were suffering, despite having the opportunity to do so?

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

Did I fail to assist someone in need when they required my help?

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

Did you fail to provide care for 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.

Sloth

Did I turn away from those who were in need of my assistance?

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? (Rephrased Question) Have I neglected the role of teaching faith to those entrusted to me, allowing them to grow in spiritual ignorance due to my lack of guidance and instruction? (Note: The rephrased question maintains the noun "child" and verb "failed" from the original while adapting it to fit a sin of omission related to sloth, considering the demographic's traits and experiences.)

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 help my child understand their 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.

Have I failed to provide guidance to my child, particularly in matters of 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 desires for leisurely activities ahead of my responsibility to care for those in need?

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 desires ahead of my partner's genuine needs and wellbeing?

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

Did I neglect my child's religious education, which is essential for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation?

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 my community's children with religious instruction?

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

Did you neglect to prioritize daily prayer, which is essential for maintaining a strong spiritual connection with God?

This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God

Did I deprioritize and skip attending Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, allowing worldly concerns to take precedence over my highest obligation to worship God?

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

Did I deprioritize and skip Mass on a Sunday, choosing instead to engage in leisurely outdoor activities or other worldly 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.

Did you deprioritize your obligation to attend Mass on Sundays or Holy Days, allowing worldly priorities to take precedence over your devotion to 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.

Vainglory

Did I seek praise when doing charitable work for 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 defending my reputation and gaining respect from others, especially in social settings where I value stability and tradition, 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 concerned with gaining admiration from my peers than pleasing God through my words?

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

Theft

Did you intentionally fail to pay your 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?

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 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 enable others to steal?

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

Did you assist others in taking something that did not belong to them?

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

Did you intentionally aid others in taking something that didn't belong to them?

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

Have I 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.

Have I taken anything that belongs to others, 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 avoided 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 avoid taking unfair advantage of others by failing to pay them a just price for my goods or services?

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

Did I avoid paying others a fair price or wage in my business dealings?

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 true nature 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 distort my words to achieve an advantage over others?

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

Did I mislead others through my words or actions?

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

Did I intentionally mislead others through my words, actions, or silence?

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

Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in formal or informal situations, such as conversations, emails, or 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 through my words in formal or informal conversations?

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

Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about people in my social life or community, particularly through conversations at dinner clubs, social events, or in discussing current events?

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

Resent

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 you become sterilized through means that intentionally defy God's plan for your life?

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

Have I harbored any resentment towards those who have wronged me in my personal life, relationships, or career?

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, particularly in situations where I felt my rights or dignity were compromised?

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

Did I deny forgiveness to someone who wronged me by holding onto resentment in my words?

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

Did you deny forgiveness to someone who has wronged you in our relationships, causing resentment?

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 denied forgiveness to someone who wronged me through my words, holding onto resentment?

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 deliberately abandoned my faith for any length of time, thereby breaking my promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church?

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

Did I deliberately turn away from God's revealed truth by abandoning my Catholic faith for any length of time, even if only in thought?

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 say the name of Jesus in everyday conversations, especially among friends and acquaintances?

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 remain silent about Church teachings to avoid social discomfort or conflict among those in my community?

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 when it would have been difficult to speak out, in order to avoid causing social discomfort or conflict?

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

Did you remain silent about Church teachings to avoid discomfort among your peers, colleagues, or acquaintances?

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

Did you publicly distance yourself from being Catholic when expressing opinions on sensitive topics, such as faith, morals, or values, in order to avoid controversy or maintain social harmony?

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.

Retaliation

Do I nurture desires for retaliation against others in my thoughts?

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

Did I allow thoughts or intentions that could lead to interacting with pornography?

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

Did I reduce others, particularly those in positions of authority or influence in my life, to their usefulness or status rather than seeing them as full human beings?

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

Did I use others for my own purposes, reducing them to what they could provide me, rather than recognizing their inherent worth?

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

Have I reduced others to what they can do for me, rather than seeing their inherent dignity?

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 acts outside of marriage that give rise to lust?

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

Have I engaged in actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage, which would be considered an act of lust?

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

Sensuality

Did I desire worldly experiences over growth in faith by prioritizing leisurely activities, travel, socializing, or hobbies that bring me temporary pleasure rather than focusing on deepening my spiritual life?

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

Did I desire worldly pleasures over growth in faith, especially in regards to my leisurely activities and social life?

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

Did I give precedence to leisure activities, travel, and social events over growth in my spiritual life?

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

Did you 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 desires for relaxation, entertainment, and personal pleasures over my relationship with God and my responsibilities?

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 comfort and relaxation to become an idol, distracting me from 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 leisure, relaxation, and pleasure-seeking to distract me from cultivating a deeper 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 I cause someone to commit a sinful act through my actions?

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

Did I ever intentionally encourage someone to commit a sinful act, perhaps through my words or actions that undermine their moral integrity?

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 refused to admit my wrongdoing, thereby showing a lack of remorse for my sins?

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

Blasphemy

Did you intentionally swear to God in word?

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

Did I receive Holy Communion while knowingly having committed serious moral failings?

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

Did you receive Holy Communion while knowingly harboring a grave distrust in the Church's teachings?

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

Have you used the name of God, Jesus Christ, or any other sacred title as a curse word or in a disrespectful manner?

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

Ambition

Did I let my desire for power influence my decisions, potentially prioritizing personal gain 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.

Did my pursuit of influence and control over others stem from an insatiable desire for power, potentially leading me to prioritize my own interests above their needs?

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 wealth accumulation a driving force in my life, causing 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 accumulation of wealth, possessions, and material security a driving force in my life, potentially leading me to idolize them 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.

Oppression

Have I mistreated, harassed, or discriminated against others through my words, actions, or decisions that exercised unjust power or authority over them?

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.

Did I by my deeds unjustly oppress or mistreat others?

It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.

Autonomy

Did you take for granted the blessings 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 entertain doubts about God's existence in my thoughts or conversations, potentially questioning His clear self-revelation through creation, scripture, and the Church's teachings?

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

Did I rely solely on my own abilities and failed to recognize God's grace in my accomplishments?

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

Incontinence

Did I lack self-control in using words that were vulgar or inappropriate, thereby violating the dignity of others?

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

Did you lack self-control in your speech to others, using words that were unbecoming of a Christian?

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

Gluttony

Did you overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what is reasonable, potentially harming your own well-being and temperance?

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 it comes to leisurely activities or socializing?

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

Prodigality

Have I allowed excessive and wasteful gambling to take precedence over my financial responsibilities?

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

Have I allowed excessive and wasteful gambling to take precedence over my financial obligations, putting at risk my ability to provide for those in need?

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

Gossip

Have I taken pleasure in sharing others' private affairs or speaking about their faults, 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 discussing others' faults or private affairs, even if what I shared was true, during social gatherings or conversations with close acquaintances?

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

Have I taken pleasure in discussing my friends' faults or private affairs, even if what I shared was true?

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

Impiety

Did you allow Sunday to be a day of rest, especially when it could have been avoided through other means?

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 allow yourself to rest on a holy day when it could be avoided, thus violating the Lord's command to keep the Sabbath?

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 the Most Blessed Sacrament in your daily life, especially during visits to church or when passing by a church or chapel?

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

Did I fail to show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament, especially during my leisurely outdoor activities or when participating in community events?

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 feelings of anger against those closest to me, rather than seeking reconciliation?

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

Impurity

Have you used 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 respects my dignity, potentially leading to scandalous thoughts from others?

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

Have I dressed in attire that is immodest, yet respects my own dignity?

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

Have I dressed in attire that immodestly reveals my body, thereby offending my own dignity and tempting me to lust?

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

Fornication

Did I have non-procreative sex outside of marriage?

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

Did I have 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.

Did I have non-procreative sex outside of marriage, which is a sin against self through fornication by deed?

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, through my actions, intentionally caused pain or suffering to another person?

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

Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused hurt or distress to others through my deeds?

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

Have I knowingly engaged in actions that caused pain or suffering to someone else through my words, thoughts, or deeds?

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

Adultery

Have I entertained inappropriate 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 inappropriate feelings toward someone else's spouse, especially in situations where social gatherings or community events have led to familiarity with them?

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 participate in an abortion?

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 through words, either in person, online, or through other forms of communication?

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.

Did you use, consult, or seek guidance from mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards in your search for knowledge, insight, or guidance?

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 mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards through words or actions that led to a violation of God's providence and divine will?

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

Presumption

Have you relied on God's mercy without making any effort to change, deliberately choosing to persist in sinful behavior?

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, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change, under the assumption that your good intentions or good heart can compensate for your actions?

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, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change, especially when faced with the challenges of growing older and experiencing life changes?

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, manifesting a presumption that you would have ample time later to repent?

Deliberately delaying confession while in mortal sin is a serious offense because it recklessly endangers your soul's salvation, shows contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation, and demonstrates prideful presumption that you'll have time later to repent.

Did you procrastinate seeking spiritual guidance or confession, putting off the opportunity to reconcile with God due to a lack of urgency or importance in your schedule?

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 ever explicitly rejected the existence of God, either through internal doubts or verbal declarations?

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

Have you ever explicitly rejected the existence of God, either intellectually or emotionally, even if only in thought?

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 truth about God's existence, either in your own mind or when discussing it with others?

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