Examination of Conscience

Ask God to help you make a good confession. In quiet reflection ask yourself: Since my last confession…

  • Did I pray to God, daily and from my heart?
  • Did I live and witness to my Catholic faith, joyfully & courageously? Did I take God’s name in vain? Did I curse anyone or make false oaths? Did I engage in superstitious or occult practices?
  • Did I attend and participate actively at Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation? Did I fast & abstain on prescribed days?
  • Did I respect people in authority? My employer? Did I honor my parents?
  • Was I violent or unnecessarily aggressive (e.g., physically, verbally, psychologically, etc.) with anyone?
  • Was I prideful, stubborn, or rude with anyone? Did I hold a grudge?
  • Did I abuse alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs? Did I overindulge in food?
  • Did I consent to, recommend, advise, or actively take part in an abortion? Did I use abortifacient drugs?
  • Did I view pornography, entertain lustful thoughts, conversations or actions?
  • Was I unloving to my spouse? Did I engage in adulterous activity (e.g., sexual, emotional, virtual, etc.)? Did I use contraceptives?
  • Was I neglectful of the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, or physical needs of my spouse, children, or family?
  • Did I steal or damage another’s property? Was I honest and just in my business relations? Did I waste time at work?
  •  Did I contribute to the needs of the spiritually and materially poor with my time and resources?
  •  Did I engage in gossip? Did I lie? Did I speak poorly of others? Did I judge anyone unfairly?
  • Did I envy anyone? Was I jealous of others or or covet another’s belongings?

Examinations of Conscience for Children

 

Taken from the Archdiocese of Washington.

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