Initial Questions

When was your last confession?

Did you conceal any sin?

Did you confess with true contrition?

Did you perform your penance?

I. TO LOVE GOD ABOVE ALL THINGS

Have I denied the existence of God? (Example: atheist, agnostic. Catechism, 2125).

Have I denied the love of God? (Viewing Him as a vengeful, evil, or punishing God, etc.).

Have I tempted God? (Example: "If God exists, let such a thing happen right now!").

Have I failed to bear witness to my faith? (Feeling embarrassed or ashamed to express my faith).

Have I distrusted God?

Have I doubted the truth of the Bible? (A sudden, involuntary doubt during temptation differs from a doubt accepted deliberately).

Have I doubted the dogmas of faith? (Truths that must be believed, e.g. everything contained in the Creed).

Have I despaired, doubting God's mercy? (No sin is greater than God's mercy. Example: "God will not forgive me").

Have I presumed that I can save myself without conversion?

Have I sinned with the intention of going to confession afterwards?

Have I been indifferent to God's love?

Have I been a lukewarm Catholic? (Rev 3,16).

Have I hated God?

Have I devoted sufficient time to prayer?

Do I complain or resent things that require sacrifice?

Have I broken any promise made to God or His Church?

Have I been superstitious? Have I believed in and/or practised: witchcraft, sorcery, fortune-telling, magic (including white magic), palmistry, mediums, omens, horoscopes, playing cards, cocoa/tea leaf reading, ritual baths ("riegos"), incense burning rituals ("sahumerios"), talismans, aloe vera charms, potions, hexes, spells, Kabbalah, tarot, birth charts, alchemy, Ouija boards, Santería, amulets, voodoo, gurus, shamanism, numerology, spiritism, necromancy, crystals, stones, mantras, or medals used superstitiously?

Have I placed faith in, practised, and/or allowed myself to be led by groups, movements, or non-Christian sects that mix the truth of Jesus Christ with other ideologies? Such as: mind power, reincarnation, false metaphysics, the Silva Method, occultism, spiritism, astrology, transcendental meditation, yoga, reiki, gnosticism, the I Ching, astral travel, Dianetics, holistic medicine, parapsychology, sophrology, pseudoscientific practices (unrecognised by scientific medicine) such as reflexology, homeopathy, acupuncture (when accompanied by esoteric practices), hypnosis, past-life regression, aura reading, colour and floral essence therapy, esotericism, theosophy, Rosicrucianism, Buddhism, Hare Krishna, spirit channelling, and everything related to the New Age. As well as sects like the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses, who do not believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

Have I engaged in Satanism? Have I performed Satanic rituals?

Have I put anything or anyone in place of God? (E.g. money, people, celebrities, etc.).

Have I committed sacrilege? (Treating sacraments, sacred places, or persons consecrated to God unworthily).

Have I received any sacrament in a state of mortal sin? (Receiving Holy Communion, getting married, being confirmed, or receiving Holy Orders in mortal sin).

Have I confessed without repentance or without a firm purpose of amendment? (One is neither repentant nor has a purpose of amendment if, upon approaching confession, one intends to commit the sin again).

Have I read or owned writings against religion and the Church? (It is sinful when one's faith is unnecessarily exposed. If required by one's state in life, it must be done with extreme prudence while seeking the arguments of faith against such writings).

Have I been lazy in failing to educate/form myself in the faith?

Have I been a Freemason or a Communist? (Communism and Freemasonry are incompatible with Catholicism, and the Church has clearly declared that one cannot be Catholic and belong to them).

II. YOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD YOUR GOD IN VAIN

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Have I blasphemed? (Uttering insulting words against God or sacred things).

Have I used the name of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or the saints irreverently? (Jokes, crude comments, offensive nicknames, vulgar diminutives, etc.).

Have I ridiculed the mysteries of God? (Jokes about the Crucifixion, the Incarnation, or miracles).

Have I used the name of God and the saints in profane settings? (Nightclubs, cinemas, bars, etc.).

Have I broken promises made to someone in the name of God? (Being unfaithful to them is like making God out to be a liar. Catechism, 2147).

Have I sworn falsely? (An oath must only be taken with truth, justice, and necessity).

Have I made promises that I have no intention of keeping?

Have I sworn to do something evil?

III. REMEMBER TO KEEP HOLY THE LORD'S DAY

Have I deliberately missed Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation? 

Have I arrived late or left before the end of Mass without a valid reason? (Catechism, 2042).

Have I been deliberately distracted during the Eucharist? (Being physically present but with mind and heart elsewhere).

Have I worked or made others work without urgent necessity on a Holy Day of Obligation?

Have I failed to observe abstinence from meat on the Fridays of Lent? (The law of abstinence binds Catholics from the age of 14 until death. On all Fridays of Lent, unless they coincide with a Solemnity, abstinence from meat or another food determined by the Bishops' Conference must be observed – Code of Canon Law, 1251).

Have I failed to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday? (The law of fasting requires Catholics aged 18 to 59 to reduce their usual amount of food. The Church defines this as one full meal plus two smaller meals that together do not equal the main meal in quantity).

Have I failed to observe the Eucharistic fast? (Abstaining from all food and drink for one hour before receiving Holy Communion, Canon, 919).

Have I delayed going to confession after committing a mortal sin? (The Church commands that mortal sins be confessed at least once a year, in danger of death, or before receiving Holy Communion – Catechism, 2042).

Have I failed to receive Holy Communion at least during the Easter season?

Have I failed to contribute to the needs of the Church?

Have I misused my time on a Holy Day of Obligation? (Engaging in improper activities or things other than family time and spiritual growth).

IV. HONOUR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER

Children:

Have I disrespected my parents?

Have I been ungrateful to them?

Have I disobeyed my parents and superiors?

Have I shown a spirit of rebellion towards them? (E.g. a disorderly desire for independence that leads me to reject my parents' guidance simply because they command it).

Have I threatened or mistreated them? (Whether in word or deed).

Have I wished harm upon them?

Have I been ashamed of them? (E.g. due to age, social standing, physical appearance, etc.).

Have I failed to assist my parents in their needs? (Whether spiritual or material).

Have I judged their faults harshly?

Have I held hatred or resentment towards my parents?

Have I been negligent in my studies? (Failing to appreciate the effort my parents make for my education).

Have I failed to pray and offer Mass for the eternal repose of my deceased parents?

Have I disrespected lawful authority? (Teachers, employers, superiors, the State, and public officials).

Have I quarrelled with my siblings or peers?

Have I harboured hatred or resentment towards my siblings? (E.g. stopping speaking to them and failing to make efforts towards reconciliation).

Have I set a bad example for my siblings and/or peers?

Have I failed to help my siblings and relatives in their needs? (Both spiritual and material).

Have I partially or completely abandoned my parents without justification?

Have I yielded to a bad temper?

Parents:

The fruitfulness of conjugal love is not restricted to the procreation of children alone; therefore:

Have I striven for the moral education and spiritual formation of my children?

Have I had children outside or before marriage? (This is an act of injustice towards children, as it deprives them of family stability).

Have I set a bad example for my children? (Failing in my religious, family, or professional duties).

Have I failed to discipline my children for their own good? (Rather than merely venting anger).

Have I neglected to evangelise my children?

Have I failed to warn them against bad company?

Have I forced them to receive any Sacrament without proper preparation?

Have I hindered them from pursuing the profession or vocation to which God calls them?

Do I permit them to study or work in places where their soul or body is in danger? (E.g. failing to choose an educational institution that offers a Christian upbringing).

Have I tolerated scandals or moral/physical dangers among those living in my household? (E.g. cohabitation within the home, allowing children to sleep with their partners under my roof).

Have I cursed my children?

Have I allowed them to dress indecently?

Have I permitted them to attend inappropriate shows or performances? (Immoral shows or harmful concerts).

Have I quarrelled with my spouse? (Abusive words or actions).

Have I partially or completely abandoned my spouse and/or children? (Referring to irresponsible abandonment).

Have I failed to work sufficiently to provide decently for my family?

Have I given orders contrary to human dignity? (To children, employees, or dependents).

V. YOU SHALL NOT KILL

Have I killed anyone?

Have I attempted to kill anyone?

Have I refused assistance to anyone in danger?

Have I injured anyone?

Have I driven under the influence of alcohol or recklessly? (Placing my own life and the lives of passengers at risk).

Have I been indirectly involved in a murder?

Have I failed to prevent someone's death when I had the power to do so?

Have I directly or indirectly participated in an abortion? (Incurring excommunication ipso facto, showing the gravity of this crime).

Have I practised euthanasia? (Ending the lives of the sick or dying by action or omission).

Have I attempted suicide?

Have I assisted in someone's suicide?

Have I participated in kidnappings, acts of terrorism, or torture?

Have I participated in amputations, mutilations, or sterilisations performed on non-consenting or unconscious persons?

Have I led someone into sin? (This is scandal, Mt 18,6).

Have I worshipped my body? (E.g. anorexia, bulimia, cosmetic surgery out of vanity, excessive exercise).

Have I abused food?

Have I abused alcohol, tobacco, or medication?

Have I used drugs or hallucinogenic substances? Have I dealt in them?

Have I used subliminal messages to manipulate people's will?

Have I listened to music knowing that it contains subliminal messages or lyrics contrary to faith or morals? (Endangering mental and spiritual health by inciting violence, rebellion, etc.).

Have I failed to help the dying to achieve a holy death? (Accompanying them in prayer and ensuring they receive the Sacraments in time).

Do I feel hatred or resentment towards anyone?

Have I wished evil upon anyone? (Mt 5,44-45).

Have I harboured a desire for revenge? (Mt 5,22).

Have I failed to avoid conflict to the best of my ability?

Have I caused unnecessary suffering to or killed an animal unnecessarily?

VI. YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY

Have I engaged in masturbation?

Have I viewed pornography?

Have I been involved in pornography or exhibitionist shows? (As performer, promoter, trader).

Have I committed fornication? (Carnal act between an unmarried man and woman).

Have I engaged in prostitution?

Have I profited from or traded in prostitution?

Have I sexually abused anyone? (Any violent aggression against sexual privacy, sexual acts, unwanted touching, or harassment, including within marriage).

Have I committed incest? (Carnal relations between relatives within prohibited degrees of marriage; this includes sexual abuse of minors in one's care) (1 Cor 5,4-5; Lev 18,7-20; Catechism, 2388-2389).

Have I committed paederasty/child sexual abuse?

Have I engaged in homosexual acts? (Rom 1,24-27; 1 Cor 6,10; 1 Tim 1,10; Gen 19,1-29).

If I experience homosexual inclinations, have I striven not to consent to them? (The Church does not reject individuals with these inclinations, but calls them to chastity).

Spouses:

Have I been unfaithful? (Mt 5,32; Mt 19,6; Mk 10,11; 1 Cor 6,9-10; Hos 2,7).

Have I separated from my spouse? Have I broken the marriage bond through divorce? (Mk 10,9) (Catechism, 2382-2386).

Have I lived in polygamy? Have I neglected my duties to these women and children? (Catechism, 1645).

Have I lived in cohabitation?

Have I intentionally impeded fertility in my marriage?

Have I used or sold contraceptive methods? (E.g. condoms, spermicides, birth control pills, injections, etc.).

Have I used or sold abortifacient contraceptives or those with potential abortifacient effects? (E.g. IUDs/coils, emergency contraception, etc.).

Have I engaged in coitus interruptus? (Gen 38,9-10).

Have I resorted to artificial procreation/conception? (e.g. in vitro fertilisation).

Have I undergone sterilisation? (Tubal ligation, vasectomy).

VII. YOU SHALL NOT STEAL

Have I stolen?

Have I defrauded anyone in business? (E.g. artificially inflating prices).

Have I paid unjust wages?

Have I participated in corruption? (Replacing upright conduct with what is convenient).

Have I performed my work poorly or unfaithfully?

Have I stolen time from my workplace?

Have I committed tax fraud against the State? (Evading just taxes that serve the community). (See: commutative and distributive justice. Catechism, 2409-2413).

Have I forged documents?

Have I squandered my assets? (Spending excessively on luxury, status, or spending huge sums on pets that could better relieve human misery).

Have I damaged public or private property?

Have I broken morally binding contracts or promises?

Have I gambled irresponsibly?

Have I cheated in games of chance?

Have I made personal profit the sole purpose of my economic activity? (Forgetting that it is a service to others: "You cannot serve God and money") (Mt 6,24; Lk 16,13).

Have I neglected to practise the works of mercy?

VIII. YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOUR

Have I lied? (Eph 4,25).

Have I borne false witness publicly? (Prov 19,9).

Have I committed perjury under oath?

Have I rashly judged my neighbour's moral faults?

Have I exposed the faults and failings of others (detraction/gossip)? (Sir 21,28).

Have I committed slander/calumny, damaging another's reputation?

Have I praised or flattered someone for doing evil?

Have I breached professional secrecy? (E.g. psychologist, priest, doctor).

Have I betrayed confidences made under secrecy? (Sir 22,22).

Have I eavesdropped on private conversations?

Have I read private correspondence or writings without the owner's consent?

IX. YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOUR'S WIFE

Have I fought against the concupiscence of the flesh? (Gal 5,16.17.24; Eph 2,3).

Have I harboured or consented to impure thoughts?

Have I consented to impure looks? (Wis 15,5).

Have I lusted after my neighbour's wife? (Applies equally in reverse).

Have I offended modesty in my feelings and intentions? (Failing to guard my heart and respect others).

Have I worn immodest clothing designed to sexually arouse others?

Have I harmed the modesty of children or adolescents?

X. YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOUR'S GOODS

Have I excessively coveted the goods of others?

Have I fallen into avarice/greed? (Inordinate desire for material wealth) (Sir 14,9).

Have I felt envy? (Sorrow at another's good fortune or an inordinate desire to possess it).

Have I been excessively attached to earthly things, spending all my time accumulating wealth?