A Catholic Examination of Conscience
Senior, Married 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: 15 minutes
Disobedience
Was I disobedient to those in authority, 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 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.
Did I reject the unity of the Church when, due to frustrations with some members, I failed to hold them in the same esteem as the rest of the faithful?
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 the unity of the Church when disagreeing with those in leadership positions within it, perhaps due to frustration or disappointment with certain individuals?
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 Church unity when frustrated with members who disagreed with my views on local parish matters?
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 intentionally skip designated fasting 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 I deliberately skip fasting on prescribed days, failing to honor my spiritual obligation to practice 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.
Did I mock the Church?
Mocking the church shows contempt for Christ's established institution on earth, disrespects the Body of Christ, and undermines the Church's divine authority as guided by the Holy Spirit.
Have I dishonored my mother and father through my actions and attitudes, especially in regards to 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 dishonored my father through my actions and attitudes, showing disrespect for his role in giving me life, nurturing, and forming 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.
Have I, through my actions and attitudes, dishonored my mother and father in ways that demonstrate a lack of 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.
Condoning
Have I, through my words, condoned 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 cause other Catholics to feel comfortable staying away from Sacraments or Mass by my words?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I use my words to encourage other Catholics to stay away from Sacraments or Mass?
One of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish the sinner and to correct them out of love and charity instead of condoning sin.
Did I condone a funeral where a loved one's remains were improperly handled?
Failing to advocate for proper burial of human remains is considered sinful as the Church teaches that the body is sacred and deserves reverent burial, with scattering or keeping remains being contrary to the dignity of the human body and resurrection belief.
Did I permit my child to be exposed to bad influences through their social relationships?
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 give my approval to another Catholic getting married outside the Church, leading them to disregard its sacramental value?
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 or remain silent when a Catholic friend or acquaintance was considering marrying outside of the Church?
Marriage is a sacrament within the Catholic faith and thus giving approval and not admonishing the action gives scandal by condoning.
Uncharity
Do you turn away from strangers, especially those who are displaced?
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 that is outside my own experiences?
This sin dehumanizes people on the margins when we are called to love each other as a child of God as Jesus loved us.
Did you make your own desires or needs take precedence over the concerns, well-being, or priorities 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 put my own leisure activities, hobbies, or interests above those of my friends and family?
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 fail to show patience with others, especially in times of difficulty or frustration?
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 another person to be treated unjustly in our community or social circle?
This sin violates the principles of justice, charity, and our moral obligation to defend human dignity and protect our neighbors from harm when we have the ability to intervene.
Did I permit someone to be unjustly treated, possibly in a situation where my own desires or interests were at stake?
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 shown compassion and practical assistance to those in need, especially during times of crisis or when it involves sacrificing my own comfort or convenience?
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, especially through concrete actions such as volunteering or donating to local community projects?
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 my neighbors, especially those who are elderly, poor, or in need?
Failing to help those in need violates Christ's direct command to love our neighbor and care for the poor, effectively refusing to recognize Jesus Himself in the suffering of others.
Lukewarmness
Am I uninterested in growing in my relationship with God through prayer, study, and service?
Lukewarmness in spiritual growth is sinful because one essentially chooses comfort and mediocrity over the transformative love God offers, which Jesus specifically warned against in Revelation 3:16.
Am I complacent in my spiritual pursuits?
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.
Merciless
Did I speak harshly against others, denying them the mercy and forgiveness that God extends to me?
Condemning others is a sin of mercilessness because it places oneself in God's role as judge and denies others the same mercy and forgiveness that God extends to all of us.
Have I spoken judgmentally or critically about others, making them feel condemned or unworthy?
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.
Did I speak judgmentally about others, placing myself in God's role as judge?
Condemning others is a sin of mercilessness because it places oneself in God's role as judge and denies others the same mercy and forgiveness that God extends to all of us.
Callousness
Did I fail to provide necessary assistance when someone in my community was struggling?
As part of the corporal works of mercy, we're called to be merciful and compassionate to those in distress.
Did I turn away from visiting someone in my community who was ill?
This is sinful because it violates Jesus's direct command to care for the sick (Matthew 25:36) and fails to fulfill our fundamental Christian duty to show compassion and mercy to those who are suffering.
Did you turn away from providing practical help to someone who was unwell, perhaps due to being preoccupied or simply choosing not to get involved?
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 neglect those who were ill and 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 I neglect those in my community who needed assistance from me?
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 help?
Neglecting the sick violates Jesus's direct command to care for the ill as if they were Christ himself.
Have I failed to guide my child toward knowing Christ, thereby neglecting my responsibility as their first teacher of faith?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
Have I failed to provide Christ-centered guidance, support, and example to my child?
Parents have the duty to be the first teachers of faith to their children, as promised in their child's baptism and outlined in Church teaching as the fundamental responsibility of Christian parenthood.
Have I neglected to share my faith with those closest to me, potentially robbing them of the opportunity 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.
In what ways have I put my own interests ahead of my marriage'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 leisure activities ahead of my relationships with family members?
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 engage in meaningful relationships and experiences with 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.
Did I fail to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation, thereby depriving my children of an opportunity for spiritual nourishment?
Parents have a primary and sacred duty to pass on the faith to their children, as they are considered their children's first and most important religious teachers who are directly responsible for their spiritual formation and eternal salvation.
Did I fail to provide my grandchildren with guidance on their religious education, thereby missing an opportunity to pass on our faith traditions?
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 cultivate my daily relationship with God 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 deprioritize my Sunday or Holy Day Mass obligation by choosing to engage in leisure activities, such as traveling, golfing, or hobbies like gardening, woodworking, or reading?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did I deprioritize my obligation to attend Mass on Sundays or Holy Days, instead choosing leisure activities such as traveling, golfing, or attending community events?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Did I deprioritize and skip Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation Mass for non-serious reasons, thus showing a lack of reverence for God's commandments and choosing earthly priorities over my highest duty to worship Him?
deliberately choosing to skip Mass for non-serious reasons shows disobedience to Church authority, ingratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and places worldly priorities above our highest obligation to worship God.
Vainglory
Did I seek personal glory when giving alms?
Seeking praise for charitable giving is sinful because it transforms an act meant to glorify God and help others into an exercise of pride and self-glorification.
Did I seek praise for my charitable giving?
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 social standing and gaining the respect of those who share my interests 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 defending my reputation and gaining admiration from others than pleasing God in my daily activities?
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 reputation among acquaintances than pleasing God?
Vainglory corrupts our good actions by doing them for human acclaim rather than for God's glory, making us slaves to others' opinions rather than true servants of God.
Theft
Did I intentionally fail to pay my debts owed to others?
Intentionally failing to pay debts is sinful because it violates both the seventh commandment against theft and the principle of justice that requires honoring our commitments to others.
Did I enable others to steal something?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did I assist others in taking something that did not belong to them?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did I assist others in taking something that did not belong to them?
While not stealing yourself, this sin still participates in breaking the seventh commandment and shows disregard for others' rightful property and dignity.
Did I cheat others out of what was rightfully theirs by paying them less than fair prices for my goods or services?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
Did I, in my commercial dealings, pay others a fair price?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
Have I avoided paying others a fair price or wage by taking advantage of them in my business dealings?
Failing to pay a fair wage or price is a sin because it violates both the seventh commandment against stealing and the principle of social justice.
False Witness
Did you deliberately misrepresent yourself in order to gain an advantage, especially through your 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 you misrepresent yourself to gain an advantage by giving false information about your accomplishments, skills, or experiences?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I intentionally deceive others through my words to gain an advantage?
This is considered sinful because deliberately deceiving others for personal gain violates the eighth commandment against bearing false witness and breaks trust in human relationships while failing to reflect Christian virtues of honesty and integrity.
Did I lead others to believe something that was not true?
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 misinformed others through 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.
Have I deliberately exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in formal or informal conversations, presentations, or written communications?
Bearing false witness puts one's desires over truth, justice, and love of God.
Have I intentionally exaggerated, misrepresented the truth, or lied about others in formal conversations, online interactions, or other verbal exchanges?
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 social settings, such as community events, gatherings with friends, or when discussing past experiences?
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 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 you become sterilized without a just cause, thereby acting against divine wisdom?
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 hold any grudges against 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 harbor any resentment in my heart towards those who have wronged me, holding onto negative feelings that prevent me from loving them as Christ commanded?
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 caused me frustration in my daily life?
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 refuse to make amends to someone who wronged me, by choosing my words in a way that showed resentment rather than mercy?
Refusing to forgive others is sinful because it contradicts Jesus's direct command to forgive and His example of mercy, while also blocking God's forgiveness of our own sins.
Have I deliberately rejected God's revealed truth through thought, word, or deed 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 at any time, even for a moment, abandoned my Catholic faith through negative thoughts or attitudes towards God's revealed truth?
This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
Did you deliberately reject God's faith through thoughts, words, or actions for any length of time?
This sin represents a deliberate rejection of God's revealed truth and the covenant relationship established through baptism, breaking the promise to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
Effeminacy
Do I fear to say the name of Jesus in the context of everyday conversations?
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 proclaim the name of Jesus in public settings?
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 values to gain others' approval 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 in discussing them?
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 in my heart?
Entertaining thoughts of revenge is sinful because it rejects Christ's teaching of forgiveness and love of enemies, choosing instead to harbor malice and a desire for personal retaliation rather than leaving justice to God.
Lust
Did I harbor thoughts of lust that could lead me to interact with pornography?
Interacting with pornography reduces human beings to mere objects for personal gratification, violating their inherent dignity and worth as children of God.
Did you reduce others to mere acquaintances, rather than seeing them as full human beings deserving of love and respect?
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, especially those that could lead to lust?
While our sexual nature is a gift, using it to indulge in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.
Have I engaged in any physical or emotional intimacy outside of my marriage, such as simulated or actual acts that could lead to lust?
While our sexual nature is a gift, using it to indulge in sensual pleasures is sinful as it's ordered for a particular purpose within marriage.
Sensuality
Did I desire worldly experiences over growth in faith, leading me to prioritize temporal pleasures above my eternal relationship with God?
Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.
Did I allow worldly desires to take precedence over my commitment to spiritual growth?
Prioritizing worldly pleasures and experiences over spiritual development is considered sinful as it violates the First Commandment by placing temporal desires above one's eternal relationship with God.
Have you used controlled substances to detach from reality?
Using controlled substances deliberately impairs your God-given reason and free will, and an attempt to avoid dealing with life's challenges rather than facing them with God's help.
Did 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 you use controlled substances to impair your 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.
Do I allow my own desires for comfort, relaxation, and enjoyment to distract me from my relationship with God?
This sin makes idol of physical or emotional gratification, turning what should be a gift from God into the primary focus of one's life, displacing God as the center and highest good.
Do you allow your desires for relaxation, leisure activities, or personal interests to overshadow your 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, such as traveling or golfing, 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
Have I murdered 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 you actively participated in an abortion or euthanasia?
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.
Did I participate in taking someone's life, such as through euthanasia or actively contributing to 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.
Did you engage in productive activities on a Sunday, which could have been avoided by prioritizing rest and leisure?
It's irreverent to work on a Sunday as it's a holy day of rest, worship, and a day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money (CCC).
Did you fail to always show reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament in your daily devotions and prayer life?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Have I failed to show reverence for Most Blessed Sacrament by omitting it in my daily prayers or reflections?
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 my visits to the chapel or church?
This sin is in failing to show proper reverence demonstrates a lack of faith, respect, and proper worship due to God.
Disbelief
Did I fail to express Church teachings in conversations where they would strengthen others' faith?
While it is a hardship and uncomfortable, we should not display softtness, but rather be witnesses to the Truth.
Scandal
Did I encourage someone else to commit a sinful act through my own deeds?
Leading others to sin (also called "scandal") is sinful because it actively harms another person's soul by encouraging them away from God, making you spiritually responsible both for your own sin and for potentially damaging another's relationship with God.
Did I intentionally encourage someone to engage in sinful behavior?
Leading others to sin (also called "scandal") is sinful because it actively harms another person's soul by encouraging them away from God, making you spiritually responsible both for your own sin and for potentially damaging another's relationship with God.
Impenitence
Have I persisted in denying my wrongdoing, refusing to acknowledge and make amends for a particular sin?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I obstinately held onto a particular sin, refusing to acknowledge my wrongdoing, despite opportunities for spiritual reflection and growth?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Have I refused to acknowledge my wrongdoing, clinging to sin despite knowing better?
Impenitence is sinful because refusing to repent is a prideful rejection of God's mercy.
Blasphemy
Did you swear to God in anger, frustration, or thoughtlessly in a moment of weakness?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did you ever use God's holy name in vain, such as swearing to God without proper reverence?
This sin violates the Second Commandment by treating God's holy name with disrespect rather than reverence.
Did I use my words to belittle or mock the Church, showing contempt for Christ's established institution on earth?
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 receive Holy Communion while knowingly in a state of mortal sin, such as unresolved conflicts or unrepented transgressions against others or myself?
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 serious sin, possibly arising from unresolved conflicts or unrepented wrongs within your personal life?
This mortal sin is a form of sacrilege and profanes the real presence of Christ and shows grave disrespect for the sacrament by receiving unworthily.
Did I receive Holy Communion while knowing myself to be unworthy, in a state of mortal sin, by receiving it in my hands rather than on my tongue?
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 speak the name of God as an insult, curse, or byword in any 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.
Did I speak the name of God, Jesus, or another divine person in a way that was irreverent or profane?
This is sinful as using God's holy name carelessly or disrespectfully shows contempt for His divine nature and fails to give proper honor to the sacred name of God, which should only be used in prayer, worship, or respectful discussion.
Ambition
Did I allow my desire for power and dominance to influence my interactions with others, perhaps in subtle ways such as seeking to be recognized or respected by peers?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Did I let my desire for power and dominance influence my actions towards others, particularly in situations where I sought to assert control or get what I wanted?
inordinate ambition and the obsession with power corrupts the soul by placing our desire to dominate and control above God's authority, turning us away from humble service and toward prideful self-exaltation.
Did I let my desire for power and dominance influence my interactions with others in my community, possibly leading to prideful self-exaltation?
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 the acquisition of material possessions a central driving force in my life, potentially leading to an excessive focus on wealth and status?
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 material wealth, possessions, and financial security 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 allow my desire for material possessions to become a driving force in my life, leading me to prioritize wealth over trust in God's providence?
This sin makes money an idol that replaces trust in God's providence, turning what should be a tool for good into an object of worship.
Oppression
Did I use my authority, position, or influence in ways that harmed, belittled, or mistreated others?
It's a sin to execute an unjust and cruel exercise of power or authority over others instead of respecting the God-given dignity of every human person.
Autonomy
Did I take for granted the good things in my life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did you take for granted the good things in your life, forgetting to acknowledge their source in God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did I take for granted my good fortune in life, forgetting to acknowledge God's providence?
Believing that one's blessings are due to one's own self-sufficiency and determination is a sin as it is a rejection of recognizing Divine Providence as being ultimately responsible.
Did I entertain doubts about God's existence through my thoughts?
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 rely solely on your own abilities in pursuing hobbies and interests, failing to recognize your complete dependence on God's guidance and provision?
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 take personal credit for accomplishments, successes, and good fortune without acknowledging God's providence and grace?
Pride is self-reliance repeats Lucifer's original sin of wanting independence from God and fails to acknowledge our complete dependence on divine grace.
Envy
Have I experienced discontent for another's blessings, wishing they would lose them, due to feeling a perceived lack in my own life?
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 wished that someone else would struggle in their pursuits, rather than being content for them to succeed?
Envy leads us to have discontent for another's possessions so we won't feel the pain of comparison or perceived lack in our own lives.
Have I been discontent with what I have, fixating on coveting others' possessions?
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Have I fixated on coveting others' possessions through discontentment with what I have?
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 and fixate on coveting others' possessions? This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts, which can be seen in our thoughts and envy towards the possessions of others.
This sin stems from ingratitude for one's own blessings and letting material desires control our hearts.
Incontinence
Did I lack self-control and speak to others with unbecoming language?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Did I lack self-control in speaking to others with coarse or unseemly words?
This sin of incontinence shows a lack of self-restraint and violates the dignity of others.
Gluttony
Have I overindulged in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, leading me to neglect my physical and spiritual well-being?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Did you overindulge in eating or drinking beyond what's reasonable, particularly during social gatherings or celebrations that involve food and drink?
This sin of gluttony demonstrates an inordinate attachment to worldly pleasures and rejects the call to temperance.
Prodigality
Have I allowed my pursuit of leisure activities, such as traveling, golfing, or attending community events, to take precedence over my financial responsibilities?
This sin violates the virtue of stewardship by recklessly risking resources God has entrusted to us, while potentially harming our ability to provide for family and those in need.
Gossip
Have I taken pleasure in discussing others' personal stories 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 taken pleasure in sharing others' private affairs, even if what I shared was true, through conversations or discussions at community events or gatherings?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Have I entertained others by sharing about their private affairs, even if what I shared was true?
Gossip violates human dignity and charity by harming others' reputations for our own entertainment or pride.
Anger
Have I nursed anger in my heart, allowing it to simmer rather than seeking reconciliation?
Uncontrolled anger corrupts our own heart, damages our relationship with both God and neighbor.
Impurity
Did you intentionally use practices or substances to prevent pregnancy, thereby separating the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violating the proper use of one's sexuality?
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 intentionally prevent pregnancy, thereby separating the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage?
This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.
Did I use certain practices, substances, or objects to intentionally separate the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violate the proper use of my sexuality in any manner?
This sin intentionally separates the unitive and procreative purposes of marriage and violates the proper use of one's sexuality.
Have I had actual or simulated sexual acts outside of marriage through deeds that involved lustful thoughts, words, or intentions?
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 dressed in such a way that respects my own dignity?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I dressed in a way that respects my own dignity, especially when engaging in social events or activities outside of family gatherings?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Have I dressed immodestly, exposing myself inappropriately?
Wearing attire that's exceptionally revealing or indecent violates chastity and beckons sins from others.
Infidelity
Have I broken my vows of fidelity in marriage by any act, deed, or omission?
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 by doing something that was not faithful to my spouse?
Fidelity in marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant made before God - not just a contract between people, thus breaking vows is seen as a betrayal of both divine and human trust.
Fornication
Did I have any non-procreative sex?
While the sexual natures are a gift, it's a sin to stray away from their ordering toward the unitive and procreative nature within marriage.
Have I engaged in non-procreative sex?
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.
Adultery
Have I entertained inappropriate feelings toward someone else's spouse through interactions at community events, social gatherings, or shared hobbies?
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.
Sorcery
Have you engaged in conversations, readings, or interactions that involve 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.
Have I ever sought guidance from tarot card readers, fortune tellers, Ouija boards, or mediums for insight into my future or well-being?
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 on God's mercy without making any genuine effort to change your ways, especially during periods of spiritual complacency or when faced with familiar yet unrepented 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 sinful behavior, counting on God's mercy without making any effort to change, perhaps even relying on your age or life stage for a sense of exemption from amendment?
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 taking God's mercy for granted without making any effort to change your life, relying on His forgiveness without a true desire for repentance?
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, due to an unjustified confidence that time would allow for repentance later?
Deliberately delaying confession while in mortal sin is a serious offense because it recklessly endangers your soul's salvation, shows contempt for God's mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation, and demonstrates prideful presumption that you'll have time later to repent.
Did you procrastinate going to confession, thereby neglecting your spiritual obligations and endangering your soul's 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.
Did you put off going to confession while aware of your own spiritual needs?
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 I presume to have complete mastery over my own abilities, neglecting to seek God's guidance in all aspects of 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.
Apostasy
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally to yourself through personal doubts or to others, such as in discussions or writings?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God, either internally or to others, through your reflections on history, culture, or philosophy?
Denying God's existence after having been baptized apostasy is one of the gravest sins possible because it is declaring the Author of Life and Source of all being to be non-existent, which directly contradicts both reason and divine revelation.
Have you explicitly rejected the existence of God through internal thoughts or external conversations, which would constitute a grave sin against 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.