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Examination Married Parent
Responsibilities to God: Have I rejected God or Have I failed to go to church on a Sunday or holy day of obligation? Have I received communion unworthily? Have I failed to fast at prescribed times? Have I broken a vow made to God? Have I used the Lord’s name in vain? Have I engaged the New Age, Masonry, Scientology, astrology, horoscopes, fortune-telling, superstition, or the occult? Have I put work, money, fame, success, pleasure, or other pursuits before God? Have I been absent-minded or distracted in my worship or prayer? Have I failed to study my faith? To read the Bible? To pray daily? Been apathetic? Have I read, listened to, or viewed any spiritually damaging books or media? Have I failed to recognize, or share, my need for Jesus and his salvation? Have I failed to invite the Holy Spirit to empower me to live the Christian life? Have I been financially stingy with the Church or with those in need? Have I withheld my talents from the Church or community? Not participated in parish or religious activities? Have I neglected any godchildren?
Responsibilities to My Spouse: Have I been financially irresponsible? Have I neglected my parents or in-laws? Have I shown less love, care, gentleness, attention, or concern for my spouse as I have for others or myself? Have I not been generous with my time? Have I neglected to tell my spouse that I love him or her? To show affection? Have I been unconcerned about the spiritual well-being of my spouse? Have I neglected to pay attention to his or her concerns, worries, and problems? Have I allowed resentments and bitterness toward my spouse to take root in my mind? Have I nurtured these? Have I refused to forgive my spouse for the wrongs he or she has committed? Have I allowed misunderstanding, miscommunication, or accidents to cause anger and mistrust between us? Have I nurtured critical and negative thoughts about my spouse? Have I been moody and sullen? Have I bickered with my spouse out of stubbornness and selfishness? Have I spoken sharply or sarcastically, in a demeaning, taunting, or negative way?
Have I gossiped about my spouse? Have I manipulated my spouse in order to get my own way? Have I tried to bully or overpower my spouse? Have I physically abused my spouse? Have I undermined the authority or dignity of my spouse such as through disrespect or rebelliousness? Have I used sexual relations solely for my own selfish pleasure or in a demeaning or disrespectful way? Been too demanding in my desire for sexual fulfillment? Have I refused sexual relations out of laziness, revenge, or manipulation? Have I flirted or fostered improper relationships with someone else, either in my mind or through words and actions? Have I masturbated? Used pornography? Have I committed adultery? Have I refused to welcome children out of selfishness or material greed? Have I failed to seek or follow God’s will for how my family is to care for the orphan and widow in their distress? Have I used artificial contraception like sterilization, condoms, or birth control? Have I neglected to have a proper Christian concern for the poor and needy?
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Examination Married Parent
Responsibilities to My Children: Have I neglected to care for the spiritual needs of my children? Have I failed to be a shepherd and guardian as God has appointed me? Have I neglected to foster a Christian family where Jesus is Lord? Have I forgotten to teach my children the Gospel and God’s commandments? Have I neglected to pray with them? Have I failed to be persistent and courageous in my training and teaching? Have I not disciplined or corrected them when necessary to teach them what is right and good? Have I neglected to talk with them to find out their problems, concerns, and fears? Have I been unaffectionate? Not hugged them or told them that I love them? Neglected to play or recreate with them? Have I been lazy or apathetic? Have I been impatient and frustrated? Have I treated them with disrespect? Have I held resentments against them? Have I not forgiven them? Have I spoken to my children in a sarcastic or demeaning way?
Do I demand one standard for my children and another for myself? Have I not been of one heart and mind with my spouse in their upbringing?
Have I undermined the role of authority in the eyes of my children by speaking negatively against God, the Church, their other parent, our civil leaders, or others who hold legitimate authority over them? Have I undermined or disrespected an adult child’s relationship with his or her spouse, children, in-laws, or other family? Have I been extravagant, or miserly, with my family’s material well-being? Have I abandoned any of my children? Responsibilities to Society: Have I cheated an employer or employee of an honest day’s work or wages? Have I neglected to pay taxes or debts? Have I held resentments and anger against those with whom I work, relatives, or friends? Fostered enmity between others? Refused to forgive?
Have I lied about anyone (calumny)? Have I revealed others’ true but hidden faults (detraction)? Have I contemplated, threatened, encouraged, or inflicted bodily harm on another, including through recklessness, suicide, euthanasia, abortion, or murder? Have I been prejudiced toward others because of race, color, culture, politics, nationality, religion, or social status? Have I been a poor steward of the environment or been cruel to animals? Have I refused to allow the Gospel and study of my faith to influence my social and political opinions and actions? Responsibilities to Myself: Have I misused food, drugs, or alcohol? Have I been less than loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, generous, faithful, gentle, or self-controlled? When my conscience told me to do something good, did I ignore it?
Examination of Conscience for those who are spouses and parents. Published by The Star of the East, 2016
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Examination Single Parent
Responsibilities to God: Have I doubted, denied, or rejected God or Have I believed or told others that one religion is as good as another? Have I failed to go to church on Sundays or holy days? Have I arrived late or left church early without just cause? Have I received communion without first confessing any mortal sins? Failed to go to Confession at least once a year? Have I told a lie in Confession or intentionally not confessed a mortal sin? Have I failed to fast an hour before receiving communion or on fasting days? Have I used God’s name carelessly, in anger, or in surprise? Have I lied after “swearing to God” that I am being honest or would tell the truth? Have I engaged the New Age, Masonry, astrology, horoscopes, fortune-telling, superstition, good luck charms, tarot cards, palm readings, or the occult? Have I read, listened to, or viewed any books or media that drew me away from God or hurt my faith or Christian witness?
Have I failed to seek or follow God’s desires for my vocation in life? Have I despaired of God’s mercy, goodness, love, or hope? Indulged myself in bitterness, self-pity, or resentment? Have I made anything more important than my relationship with God like money, work, popularity, pleasure, or looks? Have I neglected any godchildren? Have I been distracted or disrespectful in my speech, conduct, appearance, or clothing during worship or prayer? Have I been absent-minded or distracted in my worship or prayer? Have I held resentments toward the Church or Church authorities? Have I failed to forgive them? Do I just go through the motions or sit as a spectator at Mass? Have I neglected to read the Bible? Have I neglected to study my faith? Have I neglected to pray every day? Have I only prayed when I wanted or needed something? Have I been financially stingy with the Church or with those in need? Have I withheld my talents from the Church or community? Not participated in parish or religious activities?
Have I failed to share with others our need for Jesus and his salvation? Have I failed to tell God the Father that I love him for creating me and making me his son/daughter? Have I failed to thank Jesus for becoming man, dying for my sin, and rising to give me eternal life? Have I failed to ask the Holy Spirit to help me conquer sin and temptation and to be obedient to God’s commands? When my conscience told me to do something good, did I ignore it? Responsibilities to Family: Have I shown less love, care, gentleness, attention, or concern for my family as I have for others or myself? Have I spoken sharply or sarcastically, in a demeaning, taunting, or negative way? Have I not been generous in sharing my time or talents with my family? Have I taken advantage of my family’s generosity? Failed to be grateful? Have I allowed resentments and bitterness toward parents, siblings, or others to take root in my mind? Have I nurtured these?
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Examination Single Parent
Responsibilities to My Children: Have I neglected to foster a Christian family where Jesus is Lord? Have I forgotten to teach my children the Gospel and God’s commandments? Not ensured they receive religious education and the sacraments? Have I neglected to pray with them? Have I spoken to them in a sarcastic or demeaning way? Blown up in anger? Have I treated them with disrespect? Held resentments? Not forgiven them? Do I demand one standard for them and another for myself? Have I been unaffectionate? Neglected to play or recreate with them? Not hugged them or told my children that I love them? Have I failed to be loving, persistent, and courageous in my training, teaching, and discipline of them?
Have I undermined the role of authority in the eyes of my children by speaking negatively against God, the Church, their other parent, our civil leaders, or others who hold legitimate authority over them? Have I been extravagant, or miserly, with my children’s material well-being?
Responsibilities to Society: Have I held resentments and anger against those with whom I work, relatives, or friends? Fostered enmity between others? Refused to forgive? Have I lied about anyone (calumny)? Have I revealed others’ true but hidden faults (detraction)? Have I been lazy or apathetic? Frustrated or impatient? Jealous or envious? Have I cheated an employer or employee of an honest day’s work or wages? Have I neglected to pay taxes or debts? Have I contemplated, threatened, encouraged, or inflicted bodily harm on another, including through recklessness, suicide, euthanasia, abortion, or murder? Have I been reckless when driving, such as texting, speeding, driving when overly tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or by being distracted or unsafe? Have I been prejudiced toward others because of race, color, culture, politics, nationality, religion, or social status? Have I refused to allow the Gospel and study of my faith to influence my social and political opinions and actions?
Responsibilities to Myself: Have I misused food, drugs, or alcohol? Have I dressed, spoken, or acted immodestly? To get attention? Have I lied about or refused to take necessary medicines? Refused to engage in needed therapy or counseling? Have I entertained impure thoughts (lust or sexual fantasies)? Been impure with myself (i.e. masturbated)? Been impure with another (i.e. lustfully kissed or engaged in sexual talking or touching)? Have I read or written sexually explicit content? Looked at, taken, or created pornographic images, pictures, or movies? Have I had sexual intercourse outside marriage? Encouraged or facilitated others in having impure or sexual relations outside holy matrimony? Have I used contraception like birth control, condoms, or sterilization? Have I fostered a negative self-image, denying God’s blessings and actions?
Examination of Conscience for those who are single adults with children. Published by The Star of the East, 2016
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Examination Married Adult
Responsibilities to God: Have I rejected God or Have I failed to go to church every Sunday and holy day? Have I received communion unworthily? Have I failed to fast at prescribed times? Have I broken a vow made to God? Have I used the Lord’s name in vain? Have I engaged the New Age, Masonry, Scientology, astrology, horoscopes, fortune-telling, superstition, or the occult? Have I put work, money, fame, success, pleasure, or other pursuits before God? Have I been absent-minded or distracted in my worship or prayer? Have I failed to pray every day? To read the Bible? To study my faith? Have I read, listened to, or viewed any spiritually damaging books or media? Have I failed to recognize, or share, my need for Jesus and his salvation? Have I failed to invite the Holy Spirit to empower me to live the Christian life? Have I been financially stingy with the Church or with those in need? Have I withheld my talents from the Church or community? Not participated in parish or religious activities? Have I neglected any godchildren?
Responsibilities to My Spouse: Have I been financially irresponsible? Have I shown less love, care, gentleness, attention, or concern for my family as I have for others or myself? Have I not been generous with my time? Have I neglected to tell my spouse that I love him or her? To show affection? Have I been unconcerned about the spiritual well-being of my spouse? Have I neglected to pay attention to his or her concerns, worries, and problems? Have I allowed resentments and bitterness toward my spouse to take root in my mind? Have I nurtured these? Have I refused to forgive my spouse for the wrongs he or she has committed? Have I allowed misunderstanding, miscommunication, or accidents to cause anger and mistrust between us? Have I nurtured critical and negative thoughts about my spouse? Have I been moody and sullen? Have I bickered with my spouse out of stubbornness and selfishness? Have I gossiped about my spouse? Have I spoken sharply or sarcastically, in a demeaning, taunting, or negative way?
Have I manipulated my spouse in order to get my own way? Have I tried to bully or overpower my spouse? Have I physically abused my spouse? Have I undermined the authority or dignity of my spouse such as through disrespect or rebelliousness? Have I used sexual relations solely for my own selfish pleasure or in a demeaning or disrespectful way? Have I been too demanding in my desire for sexual fulfillment? Have I refused sexual relations out of laziness, revenge, or manipulation? Have I masturbated? Have I flirted or fostered improper relationships with someone else, either in my mind or through words and actions? Have I used pornography? Have I committed adultery? Have I failed to seek or follow God’s will for how my family is to care for the orphan and widow in their distress? Have I refused to welcome children out of selfishness or material greed? Have I used artificial contraception like sterilization, condoms, or birth control to try to avoid having children?
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Examination Married Adult
Responsibilities to Family and Myself: Have I misused food, drugs, or alcohol? Have I fostered a prideful self-image, taking credit for God’s blessings? Have I fostered a negative self-image, denying God’s blessings and actions? Have I cut, harmed, or mutilated my body, which is the Temple of God? Have I contemplated or attempted suicide? Have I lied about or refused to take necessary medicines? Refused to engage in needed therapy or counseling? Have I dressed, spoken, or acted immodestly? To get attention? Do I demand one standard for others and another for myself? When my conscience told me to do something good, did I ignore it? Have I not shown as much love, care, gentleness, or concern for family members as I have for myself or others? Have I neglected my parents or in-laws? Have I allowed resentments and bitterness toward parents, siblings, or others to take root in my mind? Have I nurtured these? Have I not been generous in sharing my time or talents with our families? Have I taken advantage of my family’s or my in-laws’ generosity?
Responsibilities to Society: Have I failed to respect, teach, or defend the dignity of all human life from natural conception to natural death? Do I support unjust wars, the death penalty, human cloning, contraception, embryonic stem cell research, human sterilization, torture, suicide, abortion, euthanasia, or murder? Have I failed to protect, provide for, or defend the vulnerable such as the sick, elderly, poor, prisoners, and migrants? Have I been prejudiced toward others because of sex, age, race, skin color, nationality, sexual attraction, culture, politics, religion, or social status? Do I refuse to learn about, respect, teach, or defend the holiness of one man with one woman marriage? Have I failed to vote if I’m able? Have I broken any just laws? Have I been rebellious, disobedient, or disrespectful to anyone in authority? Have I fostered enmity between others, wanting them to dislike each other? Have I gotten angry? Nurtured and held grudges and resentments? Blown up? Have I gossiped about others? Have I lied about anyone (calumny)?
Have I revealed others’ true but hidden faults (detraction) without cause? or plagiarized? Have I cheated an employer or worker of an honest day’s work or wages? Have I threatened, encouraged, facilitated, caused, or covered up the bodily harm of another, including abortion or abuse? Have I borrowed and not given back? Have I been reckless when driving, such as texting, speeding, driving when overly tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or by being distracted or unsafe? Have I been a poor steward of the environment or been cruel to animals? Have I been less than loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, generous, faithful, gentle, or self-controlled? Have I failed to share with others our need for Jesus and his salvation? Have I caused someone else to sin?
Examination of Conscience for those who are married adults. Published by The Star of the East, 2016
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Examination Single Adult
Responsibilities to God: Have I doubted, denied, or rejected God or Have I believed, or told others, that one religion is as good as another? Have I failed to go to church on Sundays or holy days? Have I arrived late or left church early without just cause? Have I received communion without first confessing any mortal sins? Failed to go to Confession at least once a year? Have I told a lie in Confession or intentionally not confessed a mortal sin? Have I failed to fast on fasting days or an hour before receiving communion? Have I used God’s name carelessly, in anger, or in surprise? Have I lied after “swearing to God” that I am being honest or would tell the truth? Have I engaged the New Age, Masonry, astrology, horoscopes, fortune-telling, superstition, good luck charms, tarot cards, palm readings, or the occult? Have I read, listened to, or viewed any books or media that drew me away from God or hurt my faith or Christian witness?
Have I failed to seek or follow God’s desires for my vocation in life? Have I despaired of God’s mercy, goodness, love, or hope? Indulged myself in bitterness, self-pity, or resentment? Have I made anything more important than my relationship with God like money, work, popularity, pleasure, or looks? Have I neglected any godchildren? Have I been distracted or disrespectful in my speech, conduct, appearance, or clothing during worship or prayer? Have I been absent-minded or distracted in my worship or prayer? Have I held resentments toward the Church or Church authorities? Have I failed to forgive them? Do I just go through the motions or sit as a spectator at Mass? Have I neglected to read the Bible? Have I neglected to study my faith? Have I neglected to pray every day? Have I only prayed when I wanted or needed something? Have I failed to share with others our need for Jesus and his salvation? Have I failed to tell God the Father that I love him for creating me and making me his son/daughter?
Have I failed to thank Jesus for becoming man, dying for my sin, and rising to give me eternal life? Have I failed to ask the Holy Spirit to help me conquer sin and temptation and to be obedient to God’s commands? Have I been financially stingy with the Church or with those in need? Have I withheld my talents from the Church or community? Not participated in parish or religious activities? When my conscience told me to do something good, did I ignore it? Responsibilities to Family: Have I shown less love, care, gentleness, attention, or concern for my family as I have for others or myself? Have I spoken sharply or sarcastically, in a demeaning, taunting, or negative way? Have I allowed resentments and bitterness toward parents, siblings, or others to take root in my mind? Have I nurtured these? Have I taken advantage of my family’s generosity? Failed to be grateful? Have I not been generous in sharing my time or talents with my family?
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Examination Single Adult
Responsibilities to Society: Have I failed to respect, teach, or defend the dignity of all human life from natural conception to natural death? Do I support unjust wars, the death penalty, human cloning, contraception, embryonic stem cell research, human sterilization, torture, suicide, abortion, euthanasia, or murder? Have I failed to protect, provide for, or defend the vulnerable such as the sick, elderly, poor, prisoners, and migrants? Have I been prejudiced toward others because of sex, age, race, skin color, nationality, sexual attraction, culture, politics, religion, or social status? Do I refuse to learn about, respect, teach, or defend the holiness of one man with one woman marriage? Have I failed to vote if I’m able? Have I broken any just laws? Have I been rebellious, disobedient, or disrespectful to anyone in authority? Have I fostered enmity between others, wanting them to dislike each other? Have I gotten angry? Nurtured and held grudges and resentments? Blown up? Have I lied about anyone (calumny)? Have I revealed others’ true but hidden faults without cause (detraction)? Have I gossiped about others?
or plagiarized? Have I cheated an employer or worker of an honest day’s work or wages? Have I borrowed and not given back? Have I threatened, encouraged, facilitated, caused, or covered up the bodily harm of another, including through abortion? Have I been reckless when driving, such as texting, speeding, driving when overly tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or by being distracted or unsafe? Have I been cruel to animals? Have I littered or unnecessarily damaged the environment? Have I wasted water, electricity, gas, or other resources? Have I been less than loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, generous, faithful, gentle, or self-controlled? Have I caused someone else to sin? Responsibilities to Myself: Have I misused food, drugs, or alcohol? Have I fostered a prideful self-image, taking credit for God’s blessings and actions in my life? Have I dressed, spoken, or acted immodestly? To get attention?
Have I fostered a negative self-image, denying God’s blessings and actions? Have I entertained impure thoughts (lust or sexual fantasies)? Been impure with myself (i.e. masturbated)? Been impure with another (i.e. lustfully kissed or engaged in sexual talking or touching)? Have I read or written sexually explicit content? Looked at, taken, or created pornographic images, pictures, or movies? Have I had sexual intercourse outside marriage? Encouraged or facilitated others in having impure or sexual relations outside holy matrimony? Have I used artificial contraception like sterilization, condoms, or birth control to try to avoid having children? Have I cut, harmed, or mutilated my body, which is the Temple of God? Have I contemplated or attempted suicide? Have I lied about or refused to take necessary medicines? Refused to engage in needed therapy or counseling?
Examination of Conscience for those who are single adults. Published by The Star of the East, 2016
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Examination Clergy / Religious
Responsibilities to God: Have I doubted, denied, or rejected God or the Church? Hidden my vocation? Have I picked and chosen which of God’s teachings I want to believe or live? Have I believed or told others that one religion is as good as another? Have I received communion without first confessing any mortal sins? Failed to go to Confession at least once a year? Have I told a lie in Confession or intentionally not confessed a mortal sin? Have I failed to fast at prescribed times? Have I used God’s name carelessly, in anger, or in surprise? Have I lied under oath or after “swearing to God” that I am being honest? Have I been absent-minded or distracted in my worship or prayer? Have I been syncretic, merging nonCatholic/non-Christian faiths into mine? Have I engaged the New Age, Masonry, astrology, horoscopes, superstition, fortune-telling, good luck charms, Ouija boards, tarot cards, palm readings, séances, channeling, or the occult? Have I read, listened to, or viewed any books or media that drew me away from God or hurt my faith or Christian witness?
Have I despaired of God’s mercy, goodness, love, or hope? Indulged myself in bitterness, self-pity, or resentment? Have I made anything more important than my relationship with God like money, popularity, pleasure, or looks? Have I held resentments toward the Church or Church authorities? Have I failed to forgive them? Have I neglected to read the Bible? Have I been unfaithful in praying the Liturgy of the Hours or prescribed prayer? Have I failed to participate in community prayer? Neglected daily personal prayer and meditation? Have I failed to continue to study the truths of faith and allow them to become more of a part of the way I think and act? Have I failed to tell God the Father that I love him for creating me and making me his son/daughter? Have I failed to thank Jesus for becoming man, dying for my sin, and rising to give me eternal life? Have I failed to ask the Holy Spirit to help me conquer sin and temptation and to be obedient to God’s commands? Have I been financially stingy with the Church or with those in need?
Have I selfishly not participated in or discouraged parish or religious activities? Have I neglected any godchildren? Have I been jealous or envious? Selfish or spiteful? Arrogant or stubborn? Less than patient, kind, gentle, and self-controlled? Responsibilities to Promises & Vows: Have I been rebellious, disobedient, or disrespectful to those in authority over me—the patriarch, bishops, superiors? Have I caused others to disrespect or to uncharitably doubt those in authority? Have I been unfaithful to the promises and vows I have made to God? Have I failed to preach and witness to the Gospel? Do I compromise it in some way? Am I unfaithful to the truth of the Gospel or the Church’s tradition and teachings? Have I engaged in sexual fantasies? Have I looked at others lustfully? Have I flirted, lustfully kissed, or sexually touched someone outside marriage? Have I masturbated? Have I read pornographic literature or looked at inappropriate pictures or shows? Have I had sex outside marriage? If so, did I compound the sin by contracepting?
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Examination Clergy / Religious
Have I allowed the things of this world to captivate my heart and mind? Have I used things or spent money not in keeping with Gospel poverty? Have I desired to identify with the rich rather than with the poor? Does my life— how I think, speak and act—bear witness to the reality and primacy of heaven and eternal life?
Responsibilities to Ministry: Have I fostered a prideful self-image, taking credit for God’s blessings and actions? Fostered a negative self-image, denying God’s blessings and actions? Have I shown less love, care, gentleness, attention, or concern for some in my community as I have for others or myself? Have I allowed resentment and bitterness to take root in my mind? Did I nurture it? Have I distanced myself from community? Refused to accept others’ hospitality? Have I taken advantage of the generosity of others? Failed to be grateful? Have I been half-hearted, lazy, or cynical? Have I overworked, not taking time for exercise, relaxation, prayer, and reading? Have I failed to have a real care for God’s people? Am I not driven by a desire for their salvation and eternal life?
Responsibilities to Society: Have I failed to protect, provide for, or defend the vulnerable such as the sick, elderly, poor, prisoners, and migrants? Have I failed to respect, teach, or defend the dignity of all human life from natural conception to natural death? Do I support unjust wars, the death penalty, human cloning, contraception, embryonic stem cell research, human sterilization, torture, suicide, abortion, euthanasia, or murder? Have I been prejudiced toward others because of sex, age, race, skin color, nationality, language, sexual attraction, culture, politics, religion, or social status? Have I not borne witness, in word or deed, to the social implications of the Gospel? Have I broken any just laws? Have I failed to allow the Gospel to influence my political and social opinions? Do I refuse to learn about, respect, teach, or defend the holiness of one man with one woman marriage? Have I gossiped about others? Have I lied about anyone (calumny)? Have I revealed others’ true but hidden faults without cause (detraction)? Have I gotten angry? Nurtured and held grudges and resentments? Blown up? Have I caused scandal in word or deed?
Did I cheat, defraud, or plagiarize? Have I stolen? Accepted stolen property? Have I borrowed and not given back? Have I cheated an employer or worker of an honest day’s work or living wages? Have I failed to speak or act in opposition to wrongs against others I witnessed? Have I been reckless when driving, such as texting, speeding, driving when overly tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or by being distracted or unsafe? Have I threatened, facilitated, caused, or covered up the bodily harm of another? Have I caused someone else to sin? Responsibilities to Myself: Have I misused food, drugs, or alcohol? Have I cut, harmed, or mutilated my body? Contemplated or attempted suicide? Have I lied about or refused to take necessary medicines? Refused to engage in needed therapy or counseling? Have I ignored my conscience?
Examination of Conscience for those who are clergy and/or religious. Published by The Star of the East, 2016
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Examination Youth
Responsibilities to God: Have I rejected God or the Church? Do I deny or hide my faith? Have I believed, or told others, that one religion is as good as another?
Do I get jealous of others? Do I want what others have? Do I want others to lose the good things they have? Do I gloat or take happiness in others’ misfortunes?
Have I refused to share my time and talents with my parish, family, or friends?
Have I picked and chosen which of God’s teachings I want to believe?
Was I lazy about my schoolwork, my homework, or my practice? Was I lazy around the house? Do I leave my chores undone or refuse to pitch in?
Have I used the name of Jesus/God carelessly, in anger, or in surprise?
Did I hurt an animal? Did I forget or refuse to care for a pet?
Do I choose to arrive late, leave early, or miss Liturgy/Mass on Sundays or feasts?
Did I disobey my parents, teachers, or others in authority? Did I break a just law?
Do I come and go unnecessarily, daydream, chat or text during prayer?
Did I skip class? Cheat? Plagiarize?
Have I driven aggressively or recklessly? While distracted? Texting? Speeding?
How many times did I lie to my parents? My teachers? My friends? To others?
Am I prideful, taking credit for the talents and abilities with which God gifted me?
Did I take anything that didn’t belong to me? Borrow and not return something?
Do I use my looks, money, work, objects or abilities to get attention or acceptance?
Do I taunt, tease, or say spiteful things?
Have I misused food, drugs, or alcohol?
Did I threaten or hurt anyone? Kick, throw, or break things when frustrated or angry?
Did I entertain lustful thoughts or actions?
Have I used tarot cards, Ouija boards, or other superstitions or occult items? Have I received communion without first confessing any serious sins? Have I lied in Confession or refused to confess a sin that weighed on my soul?
Responsibilities to Myself: Have I despaired of God’s mercy, goodness, love, or hope? Indulged myself in bitterness, self-pity, or resentment? Have I hurt my body, either intentionally or through careless behaviors?
Responsibilities to Others: Have I spoken poorly of my family or friends for no good reason (detraction)?
Do I curse or swear? Do I blow up?
Have I looked at shows, pictures, books, websites, or other things I shouldn’t?
Have I stayed angry with people for hurting me when I should forgive them?
When my conscience told me to do something good, did I ignore it?
Do I forget to say thank you to people?
Do I spread rumors or lies? Do I gossip?
Am I grouchy? Difficult? Whiny? Do I nag?
Did I break a promise for no good reason?
Is there something else I did that I know I shouldn’t have done?
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Examination Child
Responsibilities to God: Have I said, “O God,” or, “Jesus!” because I was angry or surprised?
Did I say rude or disrespectful things to others? Have I used bad language?
Did we miss church because I was misbehaving?
When my parents tell me to do something, am I disobedient? Am I slow to obey?
Did I distract people at church? Did I talk about things that were not important while we were in church? Did I act silly during prayer?
Was I lazy around the house? Do I leave my stuff lying around?
Do I refuse to pray?
Responsibilities to Friends and Peers: How many times did I lie to my parents? My teachers? My friends? To others?
Responsibilities to Myself: Do I refuse to shower/bathe? Do I forget to brush my teeth? Do I complain about brushing my hair?
Did I hurt other people’s feelings by saying mean things or calling them bad names?
Do I complain about eating healthy food? Do I complain or refuse to take medicine?
Have I blamed other people for things I did? Did I try to get others in trouble?
Have I looked at shows, pictures, books, websites, or other things I shouldn’t?
Have I stayed angry with people who hurt my feelings when I should forgive them?
When my conscience told me to do something good, did I ignore it?
Do I encourage others to do bad things?
Is there something else I did that I know I shouldn’t have done?
Did I make a really bad choice then receive Communion without ever going to Confession? Do I refuse to tell God I’m sorry for a really bad choice I made? Did I “swear to God” that I was telling the truth when I was lying? Responsibilities to Family: Do I get jealous when my parents spend time with my siblings or with each other? Have I been selfish or refused to share? Do I forget to say thank you to people?
Did I leave my chores undone? Did I forget to care for a pet?
Did I take things that didn´t belong to me? Did I borrow something and not return it?
Have I been grouchy or whiny?
Did I refuse to work or play with someone for no good reason?
Have I started fights with my brothers or sisters? Fought with other children?
Was I grumpy when I lost a game or messed up an activity?
Have I cheated? Was I unfair? Have I been a bully? Did I threaten someone or make people feel scared? Did I hurt a person or animal? Did I kick, throw, or break things when I was mad? Was I was lazy about my schoolwork, homework, or practice?
Examination of Conscience for those who are youth or children. Published by The Star of the East, 2016
