A Catholic Examination of Conscience
55-64 Separated Father with Children Under 18
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: 13 minutes
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.
Did I reject the unity of the Church when my frustration with the imperfections of others led me to view them as obstacles to Christ's prayer that they may all be one?
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 reject the unity of the Church when frustrated with its imperfect members, thus violating Christ's prayer for all believers to be one?
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 use my words to mock or belittle 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, through my actions and attitudes, disobeyed my mother and father?
Respecting parental authority helps maintain proper order in families and society, and that parents deserve honor for their role in giving life, nurturing, and forming their children in faith and virtue.
Have I dishonored my mother and father through my actions and attitudes by failing to show them respect, love, and obedience, especially in times of struggle or disagreement?
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, through my actions and attitudes, dishonored my mother and father by disobeying their authority and guidance in my life?
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 stray from participating in Sacraments or Mass by my words?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did you, through your words or actions, give others Catholics reason to believe it is acceptable for them to stay away from Sacraments or Mass?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I lead other Catholics astray from participating in Sacraments by my words?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I 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 permit my child to be exposed to bad influences through their online interactions, social media, or relationships with peers?
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 our family gatherings, social media use, or exposure to worldly ideas?
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 our family's online activities and digital presence?
Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.
Did I give approval to another Catholic'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 by remaining silent when they intended to marry outside of the Church?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Did I give my approval to another Catholic by remaining silent when they spoke of marrying outside the Church?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Uncharity
Do I turn away from those who are homeless, especially in times of hardship?
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 in my daily interactions and conversations?
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 give alms to impress others, rather than for the love of God?
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 prioritize my own needs and desires over those of my family, especially during difficult times?
This is considered sinful because excessive self-focus and selfishness violates Christ's command to love our neighbors as ourselves and contradicts the Christian call to practice charity, compassion, and self-sacrifice for others.
Do I think poorly of others, considering them unworthy of love and respect as children of God?
Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.
Did I allow others to be treated unjustly?
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 absent from helping others when they needed my assistance?
Refusing to help those in need violates Jesus's direct command to love our neighbor and practice the works of mercy, as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, particularly during times of uncertainty or hardship when others might be struggling to make ends meet?
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 practical assistance to those in need, particularly through tangible acts of charity such as providing financial support or volunteer work in my community?
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.
Merciless
Have I spoken judgmentally about others?
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 material assistance to someone who was suffering financially when I had the means to do so?
As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.
Sloth
Did I deny my assistance to those who were unwell and truly needed it?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Did I deprive those who were ill by not lending them my help?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Have I neglected to guide my child in their spiritual development, particularly in regards to their relationship with Christ?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
Have I neglected to share my faith with my child, leading them to remain in ignorance of Christ?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
Have I neglected to share my faith and values with my child in meaningful ways?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
Did I intentionally use my free time on Sunday for personal gain, thereby neglecting the rest and worship that it is intended to be a day of?
It's irreverent to work on a Sunday as it's a holy day of rest, worship, and a day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money (CCC).
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of our family's genuine needs, leading to neglect or dissatisfaction for them?
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 needs and desires ahead of my family's genuine well-being?
Neglecting family duties is considered sinful because it violates both divine law and natural law, where God entrusts us with specific responsibilities to nurture, protect, and care for our family members as part of our fundamental Christian vocation.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of genuine needs in providing for my family's daily living arrangements?
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 you fail to provide regular opportunities for your child's spiritual growth and development through their education?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did I fail to provide regular spiritual guidance to my child?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did I intentionally fail to provide my child with regular guidance on their faith, leading them to potentially misunderstand or neglect their own spiritual development?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did you intentionally refrain from devoting time to prayer?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did I neglect to prioritize daily prayer, potentially demonstrating ingratitude to God and violating my fundamental relationship with Him?
This is a sin because daily prayer is our essential lifeline of communication with God - deliberately neglecting it demonstrates ingratitude to our Creator, breaks our fundamental relationship with Him, and violates the First Commandment's call to properly worship God
Did I deprioritize and skip Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, choosing instead to pursue worldly interests or leisure activities?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did I deprioritize my obligation to attend Mass on Sundays or Holy Days by choosing other leisure activities over worshiping 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 participating in Sunday or Holy Day Mass due to worldly priorities, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and disobedience to Church authority?
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 praise from others when giving alms for their sake rather than God's?
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 in order to impress 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 among friends and acquaintances than pleasing God?
Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.
Am I more focused on gaining human praise for my accomplishments rather than doing them to please God?
Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.
Theft
Did I intentionally neglect to pay my debts?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did I intentionally neglect paying my debts?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did I 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.
Did you 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 I assist others in taking something that didn't belong to them without their permission?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Have I deliberately taken something that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value?
Theft disrespects the human dignity and property rights of others, breaks trust within communities, and demonstrates both greed and a lack of trust in God's providence.
Did you avoid paying others a just price for goods or services you purchased?
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 unfairly underpay others for 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 just price, taking advantage of my financial position for personal gain?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
False Witness
Did I intentionally deceive others by misrepresenting myself 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 misrepresent myself to others in order to gain some personal 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 lead others to believe something untrue about me through my words or actions?
Deceiving others is a form of bearing false witness, damages trust between people, and breaks down human relationships that should reflect God's truth and love.
Did I lead others to believe something that was not true about myself?
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 you cause others to believe something that was not true through your words, actions, or decisions?
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, emails, or other forms of communication?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in formal or informal conversations among family members, colleagues, or friends?
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 my personal and professional relationships, such as at work or while interacting with friends, neighbors, or community members?
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.
Do I wish to see others fail in their endeavors, especially when they succeed in areas where I feel I have struggled or been unsuccessful?
Preventing others' success is sinful because it's the resentful desire to deprive others of their blessings because their achievements make us feel inferior or threatened in comparison.
Did you harbor any resentment towards others who have wronged me, even if it was in my thoughts or imagination?
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 hold any grudge against those who have wronged me, even in my thoughts?
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 refuse to pardon someone who wronged you, keeping their transgression in mind even after they sought forgiveness?
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 use my words to hurt someone's feelings, making it difficult for me to extend forgiveness when they wronged me?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Did I, through thoughts and deliberation, intentionally reject or abandon my 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 I, at any point in my life, deliberately reject God's revealed truth for a length of time, 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.
Worldliness
Do I excessively think about acquiring new possessions?
From a Catholic perspective, obsessing over possessions is considered sinful because it makes material things an idol that takes precedence over God and prevents spiritual growth while hindering one's ability to be generous and detached from worldly goods.
Imprudence
Have I spent excessive time on meaningless distractions, potentially hindering my spiritual growth and service to others?
Wasteful pursuits squander the precious time God has given us for meaningful spiritual growth and service to others.
Sensuality
Did I desire worldly experiences over growth in faith, thereby putting temporal pursuits above my eternal 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.
Did I allow desires for worldly experiences to overshadow my commitment to spiritual growth?
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 allow worldly pursuits to take precedence over spiritual growth in my 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 deliberately use controlled substances to detach from life's realities?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Do I allow my desires for leisure activities and personal enjoyment to become an idol in my life, distracting 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 relaxation and leisure activities to overshadow my relationship with God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Did you engage in masturbation? In this examination, consider whether your intentions were ordered towards using your sexual nature for a particular purpose, or if they were instead inspired by self-indulgence in sensual pleasures.
While our sexual nature is a gift, using it for self-indulgence in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.
Effeminacy
Did I compromise my beliefs to gain approval from others, rather than standing firm in what I know is right?
Prioritizing human approval over standing firm in God's truth demonstrates both moral cowardice and places human opinion above divine authority.
Did you remain silent about Church teachings in social settings, such as family gatherings or community events, to avoid awkwardness or conflict?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Did I fail to speak up about Church teachings in order to avoid conflict or disagreement with those around me?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Scandal
Did I try to make someone commit an act that would lead them away from God?
Leading others to sin (also called "scandal") is sinful because it actively harms another person's soul by encouraging them away from God, making you spiritually responsible both for your own sin and for potentially damaging another's relationship with God.
Did I encourage someone else to engage in sinful behavior?
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 attempt to influence someone else to engage in sinful behavior through my words, actions, or example?
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 obstinately refused to admit my own wrongdoing, despite knowing the truth?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I refused to confront my wrongdoing, instead holding onto guilt from past mistakes?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Blasphemy
Did you swear to God in a moment of frustration, anger, or stress?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did I receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin, particularly through my habitual failure to reconcile with my spouse during our time apart?
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 grave sin, thereby profaning Christ's real 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.
Have I used the name of God, such as Jesus or Lord, carelessly in conversation, using it as a byword or curse?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Have I used the name of God, Jesus, or any sacred title as a curse or in a way that shows disrespect?
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 allow my desire for power and dominance to influence how I interacted with others, especially in situations where I wanted to assert control or be in charge?
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 interacted with others, particularly in situations where you felt the need to be in control or dominate conversations?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Did I let my desire for power and dominance influence my decisions regarding family responsibilities?
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 and material possessions the driving force behind my life's decisions?
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 you abuse your authority, power, or position to mistreat others?
It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.
Have I used my authority or position in ways that have mistreated, harassed, or discriminated against others?
It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.
Lust
Did I reduce others to their usefulness, 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 I reduced others to their usefulness in my thoughts, rather than seeing them for who they truly are?
While not sexual in nature, this sin is still a form of lust in that it objectifies others who are created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity,
Did I reduce others to mere spectators in my life, rather than seeing their full humanity and treating them with 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 engaged in actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage, exploiting my God-given gift for sensual pleasure?
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 given in to lustful desires through actual or simulated acts outside of marriage, whether in thought, word, or deed?
While our sexual nature is a gift, using it to indulge in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.
Autonomy
Did you 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 take for granted the blessings in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did I entertain any doubts about God's existence, even if only for a moment?
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 trust solely in your own abilities and failed 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 and failed to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine 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.
Incontinence
Did you lack self-control and speak to others with words that were hurtful, degrading, or contrary to what is expected from someone in your position of authority?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Gluttony
Did I overindulge in eating or drinking, especially during social gatherings or celebrations?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Prodigality
Have I excessively indulged in wasteful gambling, compromising my financial responsibilities to family needs?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Gossip
Have I taken pleasure in sharing others' private affairs, even if what I shared was true?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I taken pleasure in sharing others' private affairs, even if true, in casual conversations at home or with friends?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I taken pleasure in speaking about others' shortcomings, even if what I shared was true?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Impurity
Did I use certain 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 such a way that manifests immodesty, showing disrespect for my own dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I dressed in a way that immodestly reveals my body and contradicts my respect for myself?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I dressed in attire that is excessively revealing, failing to respect my dignity and potentially leading me to temptation?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Infidelity
Did you break your marriage vows by infidelity through your deeds?
Fidelity in marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant made before God - not just a contract between people, thus breaking vows is seen as a betrayal of both divine and human trust.
Have I entertained inappropriate feelings toward someone else's spouse, particularly in situations where their relationship status is complicated or uncertain?
This sin undermines the sacred bond of marriage by treating another person as an object of desire rather than respecting their dignity and commitment to their spouse.
Fornication
Did I have non-procreative sex, either within marriage or outside of it?
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 engage in non-procreative sex outside of marriage?
While the sexual natures are a gift, it's a sin to stray away from their ordering toward the unitive and procreative nature within marriage.
Violence
Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused another person pain or suffering?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that brought physical or emotional pain to another person?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused harm or suffering to someone through my words, actions, or decisions?
When we deliberately harm others, we attack their God-given dignity.
Envy
Have I been fixated on coveting others' possessions, leading to discontent with what I have?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Sorcery
Have you interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Have you ever interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Have you ever interacted with those who claim to possess supernatural knowledge or power through forbidden means, such as mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards?
This sin is a violation of the First Commandment because it attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, effectively placing trust in occult practices rather than in God.
Presumption
Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change your ways?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you deliberately persist in sinful behavior, relying solely on God's mercy without making any genuine effort to change or seeking His guidance?
Presumption of God's mercy is a sin against hope because it takes His forgiveness for granted without true repentance or effort to amend one's life, showing disrespect for divine justice and mercy.
Did you deliberately rely on God's mercy, expecting forgiveness without making genuine efforts to reform your thoughts and 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.
Did you delay going to confession while in a state of sin, showing contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation?
Deliberately delaying confession while in mortal sin is a serious offense because it recklessly endangers your soul's salvation, shows contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation, and demonstrates prideful presumption that you'll have time later to repent.
Did you intentionally put off going to confession while in a state of sin, showing a reckless disregard for your soul's salvation and a prideful assumption that you'll have time later to repent?
Deliberately delaying confession while in mortal sin is a serious offense because it recklessly endangers your soul's salvation, shows contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation, and demonstrates prideful presumption that you'll have time later to repent.
Apostasy
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally to yourself or in conversations with others?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally through your thoughts or conversations with others?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God through your words, actions, or internal thoughts, thereby committing apostasy?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Impiety
Did you fail to always show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament, particularly in moments of quiet contemplation or during devotional activities?
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 Blessed Sacrament in your daily life, particularly during times of stress or distraction?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Did I fail to show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament in my daily life, possibly by neglecting to make an act of reverence during Holy Mass or when passing by a church?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Lukewarmness
Am I uninterested in growing in my faith, choosing comfort over the transformative love God offers?
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.