Examination of Conscience
You may use this Examination of Conscience in your preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

RELATIONSHIP TO GOD
Is my life focused on God and His kingdom?  Do I have an attitude of greed? Is my attention constantly preoccupied with attaining a certain social status or wealth?

Do I devote sufficient time to prayer?  In moments of temptation, do I turn to God?  Have I rationalized my need to retain a sinful habit or attitude?

Have I taken the name of God in vain?

Have I blamed the Lord for painful experiences I have undergone?

Have I taken time to thank God for His gifts?  Or is my attitude such that I think I deserve more?

Have I worshipped God as an active member of my parish community by participating in Sunday Mass and Holy Days?  Have I been faithful to the sacraments?  Or is my attitude one of disinterest?

Have I been open to the teaching of Church authority?  Or am I constantly critical?

Have I been embarrassed by my faith?  Have I been reluctant to manifest it in public?

Have I been involved with occult practices which are contrary to the Christian experience of God?

Have I observed my communion fast of one hour?  Or have I habitually disregarded it?


RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS
Have I been just with my neighbors and love them as I love myself?

Have I cheated anyone?  Have I lied to another?

Have I gossiped about another or spread rumors about another even if they are true?  Have I caused scandal by my words or actions -- which caused another to sin?

Have I been honest in business dealings?

Have I been envious or jealous?

Have I been deceitful?  Or have I made rash judgments?

Am I guilty of slander or libel?

Have I worked constantly, upheld contracts, and paid fair wages?

Have I been faithful to others in my relationship with them?
 
Am I guilty of adultery or premarital sexual relations?  Have I used indecent language?

Have I hated others, manifested prejudice, or shown discrimination?  Have I stolen or damaged the property of another?

Have I returned or paid for stolen goods?

Have I been selfish with what God has given me and not shared my bounty with others?  Have I injured another in word or deed?  Have I upheld another's rights?

Have I procured or cooperated in abortion?

Have I been respectful of the aged?

Have I been respectful of those who are mentally or physically challenged?  Have I ridiculed the faith of another?

Have I obeyed legitimate authority?

Have I honestly tried to manifest my faith by trying to eliminate hunger, poverty, discrimination, oppression, disease, and injustice?

Have I been wasteful of God's gifts to me such as food, money, or good health?

Have I supported God's church according to my means and abilities?  Or have I simply expected others to do so?


MY PERSONAL GROWTH
Do I maintain attitudes of sinful pride, jealousy, intemperance, lust, or greed?  Do I continually try to be the center of attention?

Am I guilty of overeating or overindulging in alcohol?

Have I taken illegal drugs?

Have I been respectful of my sexuality?  Or have I willfully indulged in thoughts, reading, entertainment, and other actions contrary to the dignity of sex?

Have I observed the days of penance and self-denial taught by the Church?

Do I take care of my health?  Have I been lazy?  Have I indulged in self-pity?  Have I consistently manifested impatience?