A Catholic Examination of Conscience

55-64 Widowed Man

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

Updated: December 3, 2024

Read Time: 16 minutes

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Disobedience

Was I disobedient to those in authority over me, such as parents or guardians?

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 spouse, siblings, or other family members in carrying out their wishes or directions?

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 superiors, authority figures, or those in charge of me, through deeds?

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

Have I rejected the unity of the Catholic Church when frustrated with specific individuals within, by viewing their imperfections as a reflection of the Church's flaws rather than its divine nature?

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."

When frustrated with individuals within my community, have I rejected the unity of the 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 you reject the unity of the Catholic Church when disagreeing with the teachings or actions of its members?

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

Did I deliberately disregard prescribed days of fasting on obligatory days, such as Ash Wednesday?

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

Did you deliberately skip an obligatory fast, such as Ash Wednesday, thereby demonstrating disobedience to Church authority?

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

Did I speak disrespectfully about the Church?

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

Did you speak disrespectfully about the Church?

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

Did I unnecessarily engage in work on a Sunday that otherwise could have been avoided, 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 shown disrespect to my mother through my attitudes and actions towards her?

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

Have I disobeyed my parents through my actions and attitudes by failing to honor them appropriately?

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.

Sloth

Am I idly neglecting my responsibilities?

Laziness represents is a failure to fulfill one’s basic duties.

Did you neglect those who were ill 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 neglect those who needed my assistance?

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

Did I permit a youth to continue in error by avoiding difficult conversations, thereby neglecting my God-given duty to guide and form their moral and spiritual development?

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

Did you intentionally skip fasting during days specifically designated for self-mortification and prayer, demonstrating a lack of reverence for 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 neglected to guide my child toward knowing Christ, thereby depriving them of their rightful inheritance in the 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 provide spiritual guidance and formation that would enable my child, even if only metaphorically or in thought, to come to know Christ?

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

Have I failed to provide guidance on my spiritual journey, particularly in regards to knowing Christ, to someone who may have looked up to me for direction?

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

In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my own well-being and that of those around me, neglecting essential aspects of life such as physical or emotional care?

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 opportunities to serve others?

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 genuinely seeking and responding to my friends' needs?

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 guidance and instruction in matters of faith, particularly those related to my own spiritual formation, by neglecting my child's religious 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 you neglect to pray daily, even in small moments of quiet reflection or prayerful intentions?

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

Did I fail to make daily prayer a consistent priority in my quiet time, demonstrating ingratitude for God's presence and breaking our 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 deliberately deprioritize my commitment to Sunday Mass, choosing instead to engage in leisurely activities or volunteering on a Holy Day of Obligation?

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

Did you intentionally deprioritize attending Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation for non-serious reasons, showing disrespect to God's commandment and prioritizing worldly concerns over your highest spiritual 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.

Condoning

Did I ever lead other Catholics away from their right to receive Sacraments or participate in Mass by my words?

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

Did I lead other Catholics to stay away from 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, through my words, lead fellow Catholics to neglect receiving Sacraments or attending 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 condone the scattering or improper disposal of human remains at any funeral?

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 remain silent about Church teachings, allowing them to be ignored or contradicted in order to avoid social discomfort or conflict?

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

Did I permit my own soul to be exposed to bad influences?

Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.

Did I permit my child(ren) to be exposed to bad influences?

Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.

Did I permit my grandchild to be exposed to bad influences?

Parents have to protect their children's well-being, guarding them from harmful elements that could damage their faith or lead them into sin.

Did I condone another Catholic to marry outside the Church through my words, giving them the impression that such an action was acceptable?

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

Did I ever endorse or justify the taking of human life through abortion or euthanasia?

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

Adultery

Did I forgo a valid Catholic marriage through my actions?

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

Have I harbored improper desires for someone else's spouse?

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

Uncharity

Do I turn away from those who are displaced, perhaps through my words or actions that show indifference?

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

Do I look down upon others based on their job, nationality, or other trait?

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

Do I look down upon others based on their occupation, cultural background, or other characteristics that are outside my control?

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 desire for leisurely activities to take precedence over the needs and concerns of those around me?

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

Did I allow my own needs to overshadow the concerns and struggles of those around me, such as friends, family members, or fellow volunteers?

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 judge others unfairly, showing contempt for 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 permit someone else to suffer injustice?

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 to be treated unfairly in your community, perhaps through silence or inaction when witnessing injustice?

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

Have I neglected to provide assistance to those who needed it?

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 consistently used my time and talents to assist those in genuine need, especially when they have reached out for help?

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

Have I shown compassion and practical assistance to those who are elderly, widowed, or in need of support?

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 offered practical assistance and demonstrated genuine compassion to those in need, such as neighbors, acquaintances, or community members who may be experiencing hardship?

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

Lukewarmness

Am I uninterested in growing in my faith?

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

Am I uninterested in growing in my faith? Consider: when reflecting on your spiritual growth, have you allowed comfort and routine to overshadow a deeper desire for transformation by God's love?

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

Have I been unmotivated or halfhearted in my commitment to loving and serving God, especially when it comes to my daily routine and leisure activities?

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

Callousness

Did I fail to come to the aid of someone in physical or emotional distress when they needed help, despite having the opportunity to do so?

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

Did you turn away from caring for someone who was ill, perhaps due to your own lack of interest or time?

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

Did you show indifference towards someone who was in need of assistance due to illness?

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

Did you turn away from showing compassion to someone who was ill, perhaps in their time of greatest need?

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.

Vainglory

Did I seek to glorify myself through giving alms in my community?

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

Did I seek public approval for my charitable giving by sharing it on social media or in conversations?

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 be seen by others?

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

Am I more focused on defending my reputation among acquaintances rather than pleasing God? (Note: This rephrased question maintains the noun "honor" and verb "Am" from the original, while adapting to the demographic's traits and experiences.)

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

Am I more focused on defending my good name and gaining respect from others than seeking true spiritual growth?

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 deny your faith when faced with social pressure through words spoken to friends at a local community center or in casual conversations?

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

Theft

Did I intentionally fail to pay debts owed to others?

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

Did 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 to pay my debts, thereby withholding what was rightfully 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 assist others in stealing, such as helping them acquire something that does not belong to them or covering up their theft?

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 through your actions?

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

Did I avoid paying others a fair wage or price?

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

Did I take unfair advantage of others by not paying them a just wage for their work?

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 in my interactions with others?

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

Did I intentionally misrepresent myself to gain an advantage over others, especially in situations where my words could have a significant impact on those around me?

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 in words to gain an advantage over others, particularly when communicating my financial situation or needs?

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.

Have I intentionally misled others through my words, actions, or omissions?

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 intentionally misled others through my words, actions, or silence?

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

Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in formal or informal conversations that may have involved sharing history, experiences, or perspectives?

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

Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in informal conversations, written accounts of my experiences, or community activities?

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, stories, or accounts shared with friends, family members, or community groups?

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.

Have you 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 in my personal relationships, possibly stemming from past experiences or unaddressed emotional pain?

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 to harbor in my heart towards those who have wronged me?

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

Did I deny forgiveness to someone who has wronged me, perhaps in response to hurtful words or actions that stirred up resentment within 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 hold onto resentment towards someone who wronged me by refusing to grant them 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 you refuse to pardon someone who had wronged me?

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

Did you receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of sin, perhaps having harbored unrepented anger or resentment towards others?

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, through thoughts or words, intentionally remove myself from active participation in the 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.

Have I ever intentionally stopped practicing my Catholic faith for any length of time, without seeking guidance from spiritual leaders or reconciling with God?

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

Did I deliberately reject my faith by choosing to abstain from attending Mass, participating in sacraments, or following Catholic teachings for any significant period?

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

Effeminacy

Do I fear to proclaim Christ's name in public settings where I interact with others?

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

Do you fear to openly proclaim Jesus' name when discussing faith-related topics in your community?

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 your willingness to please others compromise your beliefs rather than upholding what you know to be right?

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

Did you compromise your beliefs in order to gain human approval rather than standing firm in what you 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 remain silent about Church teachings to avoid discomfort or conflict when discussing them with my peers, especially in informal settings?

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

Lust

Have you allowed yourself to engage in thoughts that involve pornography?

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

Did I reduce others to their 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, rather than seeing them as full human beings, in my interactions and relationships?

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 look at others primarily in terms of their usefulness to me, rather than recognizing their inherent dignity and value?

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 by engaging in fantasy, looking at pornography, or having conversations that stirred up lustful desires?

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 acts of lust outside of marriage that involved gazing, staring, or engaging in any form of visual 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.

Imprudence

Have I spent excessive time on worthless pursuits that hinder my spiritual growth?

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

Have I spent excessive time on things that bring little joy, wasting God's gift of time for more meaningful pursuits?

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 spiritual wisdom?

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

Did I prioritize worldly experiences over growth in faith, often settling for comfort and familiarity rather than seeking to deepen 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, such as leisurely activities, hobbies, and personal interests, 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 deliberately use controlled substances to detach myself from reality?

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

Did I intentionally use controlled substances to escape from reality?

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

Do I prioritize my own desires for relaxation and leisure activities over cultivating a deeper relationship with God?

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

Do I allow my desire for leisurely activities, hobbies, and social engagements to become an idol that distracts 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 you give precedence to your own desires for relaxation and leisure over your spiritual well-being?

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

Have I intentionally harmed, injured, or killed 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.

Did I intentionally participate in an abortion?

It's a grave sin to actively participate in the intentional taking of another's life, which robs the gift of life that was granted to others by God.

Impiety

Did I condone a funeral where human remains were not treated with 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.

Have I failed to show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament, particularly when visiting church or participating in Eucharistic celebrations?

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 show proper reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament in times when it was especially deserving of honor and worship?

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

Did I fail to show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament during quiet moments at home?

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

Autonomy

Did I remain silent about Church teachings when it would have been uncomfortable for others, rather than speaking out and being a witness to the truth?

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

Have I taken 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.

Have you taken for granted your good health, abilities, and circumstances, 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 God's guidance in my life, forgetting to acknowledge His hand at work in achieving my goals and desires?

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 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 you entertain doubts about God's existence by questioning the fundamental truth of our faith through personal reflections or discussions with others?

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 lean on my own understanding and failed to recognize my complete dependence on God's guidance?

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

Have I solely relied on my own abilities, failing to acknowledge my dependence on God's grace in managing life's challenges?

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

Scandal

Did you attempt to persuade someone else to engage in an action that would be considered sinful?

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

Impenitence

Have I refused to acknowledge my own wrongdoing, stubbornly clinging to a particular sin?

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

Have I persisted in refusing to acknowledge my wrongdoing, stubbornly holding on to guilt without seeking forgiveness?

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

Have I refused to acknowledge my own wrongdoing, stubbornly holding onto pride rather than embracing God's mercy?

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

Blasphemy

Did you, in conversation or public speaking, swear to God?

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

Did you swear to God in anger, frustration, or disrespect during a heated conversation or disagreement with someone?

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

Did you receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of serious personal sin or unresolved conflicts?

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

Did you receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of grave interior sin, particularly one that involves a deliberate turning away from God's will and laws?

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 harbored feelings toward someone else's spouse, compromising my respect for their marital bond?

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.

Did you publicly distance yourself from your Catholic faith when faced with criticism or disagreement from others about the Church'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.

Have I spoken the name of Jesus or God as a byword or curse in conversation, while engaging in leisure activities, participating in group discussions at church or community centers, or interacting with others through various means of communication?

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 utter the name of God as a byword or curse in conversation or during discussions with friends, family, or in community settings?

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

Have you used the sacred name of God, Jesus, or Mary as an exclamation, curse, or careless expression in conversation?

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

Ambition

Did I allow my desire for power and dominance to guide my decisions when engaging in community service or volunteering, potentially leading me to prioritize my own interests over serving 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.

Did I allow a pursuit of control over my relationships and interactions to influence my decisions, potentially causing me to prioritize my own interests above those 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

Did I make accumulation of wealth and possessions 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.

Have I made the accumulation of money and possessions a driving force in my life, potentially replacing 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.

Have I become envious of my friends' possessions, fixating on what they have, especially when comparing their blessings to mine?

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

Oppression

Did I mistreat others through unjust treatment, harassment, or discrimination in any form?

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 intentionally or through thoughtless actions mistreated, harassed, or discriminated against others?

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

Envy

Have I secretly wished others to experience some of my own struggles or hardships, thereby diminishing their blessings in my eyes?

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

Have I secretly compared my own blessings to those of others in a way that led me to feel resentful or dissatisfied?

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

Have I been discontent with my own blessings and fixated on coveting others' possessions, allowing material desires to control my heart?

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

Incontinence

Did you lack self-control and speak to others with vulgar or hurtful language, violating their dignity?

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

Did you lack self-control when speaking to others, using language that was unbecoming of your dignity?

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

Did you lack self-control and use words that were hurtful to others, particularly those in positions of authority or with whom I have a close relationship?

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

Gluttony

Did I overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, perhaps neglecting my physical and spiritual well-being in doing so?

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

Did you overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, especially during social gatherings or when spending time with friends?

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

Prodigality

Have I allowed excessive and wasteful gambling to take precedence over my financial responsibilities and obligations towards those in need?

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

Have I excessively risked financial resources meant for family needs or essential expenses through engaging in wasteful gambling?

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 engaged in idle conversations, taking pleasure in discussing others' private affairs or faults, even if what I shared was true?

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

Have I engaged in conversations that involve sharing or discussing others' private affairs, even if what was shared was true?

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

Anger

Have I held onto feelings of anger, rather than seeking reconciliation in relationships that bring me joy?

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

Impurity

Did I use 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.

Did you use 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 attire that immodestly reveals my dignity, potentially tempting others into sinful thoughts or actions?

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

Fornication

Did I have any non-marital, non-procreative sexual intercourse?

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 deliberately chosen ways that caused another person to experience pain or suffering?

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

Have I knowingly acted in ways that caused harm, pain, or suffering to others?

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

Sorcery

Have you interacted with tarot card readers, mediums, Ouija boards, or fortune tellers?

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 in a way that attempts to bypass God's providence and divine will by seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means?

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, relying solely on God's mercy without making any genuine 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 habits or routines that have become deeply ingrained?

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 as a retired or semi-retired individual?

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, delaying reconciliation for yourself when aware that you had committed serious sins?

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 put off confessing your sins while in a state of grave disobedience, recklessly endangering your eternal salvation?

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 through internal doubts or verbal denials?

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 through your internal thoughts or by expressing such views to others, while continuing to identify yourself as a Catholic?

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

Have you, in your thoughts or conversations with others, explicitly rejected the existence of God?

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