How to use this Examination of Conscience?
The Examination of Conscience helps you examine your conscience before the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Find a quiet time and place for this. Begin with prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to help you honestly reflect on your thoughts, words, and deeds in the light of God’s Word. Reflect on your life since your last confession and how you have loved God and your neighbor.
Read the section of questions appropriate for your age slowly and attentively. Pause at those that help you recognize a sin or a good deed left undone. Repent of your sins and resolve, with the help of God’s grace, to avoid them. During confession, honestly confess all grave sins that come to mind after a careful examination of conscience. If you do not know how to begin or have any doubts, ask the priest for help.
If you want to read more about confession, then click here.
For Adults
Have I been indifferent to my faith, denied it, or neglected it? Have I been ashamed of my faith or refused to defend it? Is there any aspect of my faith that I do not acknowledge?
Have I used God’s name without reason? Have I been involved with occultism, trusted horoscopes or psychics? Have I been disrespectful towards consecrated things, sacred places, or consecrated persons?
Have I failed to attend Mass on Sundays or on Holy Days of Obligation?
Have I received Holy Communion while not in a state of grace?
Have I received Holy Communion without first showing reverence and gratitude to God?
Have I been impatient, angry, or jealous?
Have I harbored resentment or refused to forgive?
Have I hurt others with my words or actions, or subjected them to violence? Have I supported or participated in abortion, the destruction of a fetus, euthanasia, or in any other way taken a life?
Have I been intolerant or judgmental towards others in my thoughts or actions? Have I considered myself superior to others?
Have I spoken ill of someone or gossiped about them?
Have I used drugs or consumed excessive alcohol?
Have I watched pornographic videos or visited pornographic websites? Have I committed impure acts by myself or with someone else? Am I living in a marital relationship outside of marriage?
If married, do I strive to love my spouse above all else? Are my marriage and children paramount to me? Am I open to new life?
Do I allow my work to steal time and energy that should belong to my family and friends? Have I been proud or selfish in my thoughts and actions? Have I neglected the poor and others who suffer in need? Have I forgotten my duties to the Church and others, and spent money on personal comfort and luxury?
Have I lied? Have I not been honest and diligent in my work? Have I stolen or cheated anyone in my work?
Have I succumbed to laziness? Have I preferred my own bodily comfort over serving others? Have I let opportunities pass to bring others closer to God with my words and example?
For the Youth
Have I been indifferent to my faith, denied it, or neglected it? Do I try to learn more about my faith? Have I been ashamed of my faith or refused to defend it?
Have I used God’s name in vain? Have I been involved with occultism, trusted horoscopes, or psychics? Have I been disrespectful towards consecrated things, sacred places, or consecrated persons?
Have I failed to attend Mass on Sundays or on Holy Days of Obligation? Have I neglected to pray, thereby putting God in the background of my life?
Have I received Holy Communion while not in a state of grace?
Have I received Holy Communion without first showing reverence and gratitude to God?
Have I helped with household chores? Have I shown little love for my parents?
Have I been impatient, angry, or envious? Have I held a grudge or refused to forgive? Have I been sullen or sarcastic?
Have I been intolerant or judgmental towards others in thought or deed?
Have I been diligent and orderly enough in my studies? Have I given in to laziness? Have I been disrespectful towards my teachers or other adults?
Have I been violent or participated in fights? Have I harmed others by speaking ill of them or spreading rumors about them? Have I kept secrets or spoken about things simply to harm others?
Have I used indecent words? Have I looked at indecent magazines, websites, or videos? Have I committed impure acts by myself or with someone else?
Have I lied to excuse myself, harm others, or make a better impression of myself? Have I envied others for their appearance, popularity, or good work? Is it important for me to own many things?
Have I encouraged anyone to behave badly?
Have I consumed alcohol or drugs?
Have I been selfish, vain, or proud in my thoughts or deeds?
Have I given in to laziness? Have I preferred my own physical comfort to serving others?
Have I missed opportunities to bring others closer to God by my words and example?
For Children
Have I prayed?
Have I attended Mass on Sundays?
Have I used God’s name without reason?
Have I done foolish things at Mass or in church?
Have I helped out properly at home?
Have I sometimes behaved selfishly or badly towards my family members?
Have I been obedient to my parents and teachers?
Have I shared my toys with others?
Have I been impatient, angry, or jealous?
Have I been selfish or demanded that things go my way?
Have I been lazy at school?
Have I done my homework as well as I can? Have I written tests honestly and properly?
Have I participated in fights?
Have I spoken badly about someone?
Have I lied?
Have I stolen? Have I broken or damaged things that belong to others?
Have I been a good example to others?
Have I encouraged others to misbehave?
Have I been selfish in my thoughts or actions?
Am I envious of others?
Have I left someone out of a game?
Have I prayed for others and tried to bring them closer to God?