A Catholic Examination of Conscience

55-64 Single 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: 16 minutes

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Disobedience

Was I disobedient to my parents through my deeds?

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

Was I disobedient to my parents?

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

Was I disobedient to my parents in how I managed their household finances?

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

When frustrated with certain members within the Church, did I reject the unity of the Catholic Church?

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 among those in the Church when struggling to accept their imperfections?

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 ridicule or scorn the Church?

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

Did I engage in work on a Sunday when it otherwise could have been avoided, thereby showing disrespect for the Lord's day?

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 and father by disobeying them in some way?

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 failing to show respect for their authority and guidance?

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 shown disrespect to those who have given me life, nurtured me, and formed me in faith and virtue?

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 you condone other Catholics from staying 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, in my words, lead other Catholics to stay away from receiving Sacraments?

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 cause others in my community to remain absent from Sacraments or Mass through my words?

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

Did I fail to guide my child in their spiritual development by avoiding difficult conversations, thereby permitting them to continue in error?

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 I allowed my desire for approval from others to influence what I truly believe, rather than standing firm in my values?

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

Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences, putting their faith at risk?

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 influences that could corrupt 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 by engaging them in activities that may 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 condone another Catholic to marry outside the Church through my words?

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

Did I condone another Catholic to marry in a ceremony outside of the sacrament of marriage within the Catholic 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's decision to marry outside the Church, by word of mouth or otherwise?

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

Did I endorse or justify abortion or euthanasia in conversation with someone, or through any other words?

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 in my thoughts?

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 you look down upon others based on their nationality or job status?

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

Do I look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait, judging them in my thoughts to be inferior or unworthy of respect?

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

Did I allow my own desires for leisure activities, hobbies, and personal interests to overshadow the needs and concerns 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 desires for leisure activities, such as golfing and traveling, to overshadow the needs of others?

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

Did you allow your own leisure activities to take precedence over sharing time with family members?

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 speak to others in a way that wounds their dignity as children of God?

Treating others with disrespect denies their inherent dignity as beings created in God's image and violates Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us.

Did I speak to others in a way that showed I had lost 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 you lose your patience with others when interacting with them in stressful or frustrating situations?

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

Did I permit someone else to be wronged or mistreated?

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, perhaps by remaining silent when witnessing injustice or failing to intervene in situations where others were being mistreated?

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 areas where I have influence, such as through decisions about family time or social interactions?

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

Have I neglected those who genuinely 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, especially during times of hardship, crisis, or when they are struggling with their own personal challenges?

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, particularly in moments when they have been facing difficulties or hardships that are similar to my own experiences?

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, particularly during times of personal crisis or when their needs coincide with my own leisure activities?

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 used words to condemn 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.

Have I condemned others through my words, reducing them to their failings without offering mercy and understanding?

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 in need when they were suffering, despite having the means to assist them?

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

Did you turn away from those who were in need of your physical assistance, showing them no regard or concern for their well-being?

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

Did you turn away from someone who was ill, showing a lack of concern for their 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.

Sloth

Did I turn away from those who were struggling and needed my help?

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

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.

Did you deliberately skip obligatory days such as Ash Wednesday, demonstrating disobedience to Church authority by neglecting self-denial and penance during sacred times?

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.

Have I failed to guide my child toward knowing Christ, resulting in them possibly growing up without a deep understanding of our 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 neglected to pass on my faith to my child, leading them astray from Christ?

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

Have I failed to provide my child with opportunities for regular spiritual guidance, leading them to potentially miss out on forming a deep 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.

In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of those of my family, neglecting their genuine needs and wellbeing?

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

In what ways have I put my own leisure activities ahead of my family's genuine needs and wellbeing?

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

In what ways have I put my own desires for leisure activities, such as golfing, traveling, or engaging in outdoor sports, ahead of genuine family needs and wellbeing?

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

Did I fail to provide my child(ren) with regular opportunities for spiritual growth and 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 neglect to communicate with God daily through 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 daily prayer, a habit essential to maintaining my relationship with God?

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

Did I neglect to prioritize daily prayer, depriving myself of essential communication 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 my obligation to worship God by skipping Mass on Sundays or Holy Days 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 I intentionally deprioritize, skip, or neglect to attend Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, choosing instead to pursue leisure activities or personal interests that are inconsistent with 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.

Resent

Did I reject the unity of the Church when frustrated with my fellow parishioners, causing me to focus on their imperfections rather than the divine truth they represent?

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 become sterilized?

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

Did I become sterilized?

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

Have I become sterilized?

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

Did I harbor any resentment towards those who have wronged me, such as acquaintances or others in my community?

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 others who have wronged me, such as acquaintances or strangers?

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

Have I allowed resentment towards someone who has wronged me to harbor 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."

Have I refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing and instead held onto resentment against myself for past mistakes?

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

Did I deny someone forgiveness by refusing to speak kindly to them after 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 use hurtful words to 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 you hold onto resentment and refuse to extend forgiveness to someone who 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.

Have I deliberately rejected God's revealed truth for any length of time through my thoughts, words, or actions?

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 ever deliberately think about rejecting your Catholic faith for any length of time?

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

Theft

Did you intentionally fail to pay debts owed to others?

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

Did you 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, thereby omitting payment and potentially causing financial harm 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 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 I help others steal by covering up their deceitful actions?

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.

Have I taken something that doesn't belong to me, regardless of its value?

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

Did I avoid paying others a fair price or wage, especially in business dealings involving goods or services that I sell or purchase?

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 take advantage of others by intentionally paying them less than what they were owed for their work or goods?

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 by engaging in deceptive business practices?

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 misrepresent 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 misrepresent myself to gain an advantage in my professional life, using words to deceive others for personal benefit?

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 misrepresent myself to others through words?

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

Did I deceive others through dishonesty in my words, actions, or intentions?

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 deceive others by misrepresenting the truth in your interactions?

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 deceive others by intentionally providing false information in my daily interactions, including work-related conversations, social media posts, or online communications?

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 social interactions, public gatherings, or online communities?

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

Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in conversations, online interactions, or other informal settings?

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

Have I exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in conversations during my leisure activities, hobbies, or social interactions?

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

Effeminacy

Do you fear to say the name of Jesus and preach the gospel, even among acquaintances or coworkers?

Being ashamed or afraid to proclaim Christ represents a denial of our baptismal call to evangelize, shows lack of trust in God's protection, and fails to fulfill Jesus's command to "go and make disciples of all nations."

Do I fear to share Jesus's name openly with those around me?

Being ashamed or afraid to proclaim Christ represents a denial of our baptismal call to evangelize, shows lack of trust in God's protection, and fails to fulfill Jesus's command to "go and make disciples of all nations."

Did I compromise my beliefs to gain the approval of others 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.

Did I compromise my values to gain the approval of 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 I remain silent about Church teachings to avoid discomfort or conflict in community settings?

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 or conflict with those around you, particularly in social settings where speaking up might have been perceived as awkward or confrontational?

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

Retaliation

Do I harbor thoughts of retaliation against others?

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.

Do I nurture thoughts of retaliation against others?

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

Lust

Have you used your imagination or mind's eye 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 reduced others to their appearance, usefulness, or what they could do for me, 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,

Have I reduced others to their appearance, usefulness, or what they could do for me, rather than seeing them as full human beings created in God's image?

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

Have I had actual 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, which could involve viewing pornography, engaging in flirting behaviors that are not respectful to others, or other deeds inspired by 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 given in to lust through any actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage, even if only in my thoughts?

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 devoted an excessive amount of time to trivial pursuits that hinder my spiritual growth and service to others?

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

Have I given priority to excessive and wasteful gambling over my family's financial needs?

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

Have I allowed my pursuit of leisure activities, such as golfing and traveling, to take precedence over my financial obligations or family needs?

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

Have I excessively indulged in gambling, prioritizing it over meeting my financial responsibilities to provide for myself or my dependents?

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.

Sensuality

Did I desire worldly experiences 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 I desire worldly experiences over growth in faith, by prioritizing leisure activities such as golfing, traveling, and outdoor sports?

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 desire worldly experiences over growth in faith, giving priority to temporal pleasures above your 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 use controlled substances to detach myself from reality through indulging in vices that impair my God-given reason?

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 intentionally use controlled substances to escape from your problems?

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

Did I deliberately use controlled substances to impair my God-given reason and free will, attempting to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help?

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 leisure activities, such as golfing and traveling, over my relationship with God?

This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.

Do I allow my desires for physical relaxation, entertainment, and hobbies 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.

Do I allow my desires for leisure activities and personal interests to take precedence over my relationship with God?

This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.

Murder

Did I murder anyone?

The taking of one's life intentionally violates the fifth commandment and takes away the precious gift of life that was granted by God.

Have I, through my words or silence, endorsed or justified abortion or euthanasia in any form?

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

Impiety

Did I condone a funeral where human remains were not treated with proper burial reverence?

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 fail to always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament during my participation in Communion and other liturgical celebrations?

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 in my community gatherings, social events, or daily routines?

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

Did I fail to always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament during special devotions and ceremonies that take place in our community?

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

Scandal

Did you try to make someone commit a sinful act by influencing their 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 you try to lead someone else into sinful behavior through your 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 refused to admit my wrongdoing, clinging instead to the sin that has consumed me?

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

Have I refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing, instead holding onto guilt for an extended period?

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

Blasphemy

Did you swear at God in anger, frustration, or disrespect?

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 serious sin, thereby showing grave disrespect for the sacrament?

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 as a byword or curse in conversation, even carelessly or jokingly?

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

Did you use the name of God, especially in prayer or conversation, as an exclamation or expression to emphasize a point, rather than using it reverently?

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.

Vainglory

Am I more focused on defending my public image and gaining human approval through my leisure activities, hobbies, and social life 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 for my accomplishments in golfing, woodworking, and reading 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 distance yourself from being Catholic when faced with social pressure, boasting about your personal views or experiences, and thus causing others to doubt God's teachings?

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.

Did you publicly distance yourself from your faith when faced with social pressure or discomfort, betraying Jesus' teaching that "whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven"?

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.

Ambition

Did I allow my desire for power and dominance to influence how I treat others in various aspects of my life?

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 allow my desire for power and dominance to influence how I treat others, especially in situations where I feel pressured or challenged?

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 ambition to lead and take charge in various aspects of life, such as at work, in social groups or community projects, influence your decisions and treatment of others?

inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.

Greed

Have I made accumulation of wealth, possessions, or 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.

Did I make accumulating wealth, possessions, and material goods a driving force in my life?

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

Did I make accumulating wealth and possessions a driving force in my life, making them an idol that replaces 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.

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 I attribute my accomplishments in personal projects, such as woodworking and gardening, solely to my own skills and hard work, forgetting to acknowledge God's providence in guiding me?

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 own mind?

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 trust solely in my own abilities, neglecting to acknowledge my dependence on God's grace for success?

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

Did I solely rely on my own abilities and failed to acknowledge God's hand in guiding me, even when it came to things that seemed within my control?

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 attribute my successes, progress, and accomplishments solely to my own abilities, skills, and efforts, rather than recognizing God's grace and providence at work in my life?

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

Incontinence

Did I lack self-control and speak to others with vulgar or inappropriate language, possibly in a situation involving my family, friends, or colleagues?

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 vulgar or inappropriate language in situations where you should have shown more restraint?

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's reasonable while prioritizing leisure activities or personal pleasures?

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

Gossip

Have I taken pleasure in sharing private matters about acquaintances, 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' private affairs through conversations on social media, online forums, or casual gatherings?

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

Have I taken pleasure in discussing others' private affairs through conversations at social gatherings, online forums, or while engaging in leisure activities?

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

Anger

Have I nursed anger against family members, friends, or others in my life rather than seeking reconciliation?

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

Impurity

Did I use certain practices, substances, or objects to prevent pregnancy? Did I engage in behaviors that intentionally separate the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violate the proper use of my sexuality? Did I participate in practices that were intended to deliberately prevent a child from being conceived?

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 does not respect my dignity?

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

Have I revealed myself immodestly in a way that respects my dignity?

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

Have I dressed in attire that exposes too much, thereby offending God's image in myself?

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

Infidelity

Did you break your commitment to remain faithful to your marriage vows?

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

Have I broken my marriage vows through any of my thoughts, words, or actions that would constitute infidelity?

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

Have I entertained inappropriate feelings toward someone else's spouse that could lead to infidelity?

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.

Violence

Have I knowingly acted in ways that brought pain or suffering to someone else through my golfing, traveling, or outdoor sports activities?

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

Have I knowingly done something that intentionally caused someone else physical, emotional, or spiritual pain?

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

Envy

Have I been discontent with what others have, and fixate on coveting their possessions?

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

Have I been discontent with what I have, fixating on coveting others' possessions through thoughts that foster envy in my heart?

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

Lukewarmness

Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my commitment to loving and serving God, perhaps by prioritizing worldly pursuits over spiritual growth?

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

Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my efforts to make time for God amidst busy schedules and numerous pursuits?

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

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 I interacted with mediums, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, or Ouija boards through spoken words or written communications?

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

Have I interacted with those who claim to possess supernatural knowledge or powers through means that are forbidden by God, such as seeking guidance 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 your lifestyle or personal habits?

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 treating God's mercy as a guarantee, without making any sincere 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, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change your ways, perhaps taking solace in your leisure activities, hobbies, or interests, yet neglecting true repentance and amendment of life?

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 in a state of sin, perhaps due to an overly optimistic assumption that you'd 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.

Apostasy

Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally through your thoughts or to others through discussions about faith?

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 God's existence in any thought, conversation, or debate that involved faith or spirituality?

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 intellectually or in your online presence?

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.