The Saint Next Door

    Examination of Conscience

    Prepare your heart for the Sacrament of Reconciliation with this guide based on the Seven Deadly Sins.

    Before You Begin

    Begin with a prayer to the Holy Spirit, asking for the grace to see your sins clearly and to be truly sorry for them:

    "Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind that I may clearly know my sins. Move my heart that I may be sincerely sorry for them, honestly confess them, and firmly resolve to amend my life. Amen."

    Review your life since your last confession. Consider your thoughts, words, actions, and omissions. Remember that this examination is meant to help you, not to discourage you. God's mercy is always greater than our sins.

    Examine Your Conscience

    Pride
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    • •Have I been arrogant or conceited?
    • •Have I refused to admit when I was wrong?
    • •Have I looked down on others?
    • •Have I been ungrateful for God's gifts?
    • •Have I failed to give God credit for my achievements?
    • •Have I been overly concerned with my reputation?

    Greed
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    • •Have I been excessively attached to material possessions?
    • •Have I been dishonest in financial matters?
    • •Have I failed to give to those in need when I could?
    • •Have I been envious of others' possessions?
    • •Have I placed money above God and family?
    • •Have I been wasteful with resources?

    Lust
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    • •Have I entertained impure thoughts?
    • •Have I viewed inappropriate content?
    • •Have I been immodest in dress or behavior?
    • •Have I failed to respect the dignity of others?
    • •Have I violated the sanctity of marriage in thought or deed?
    • •Have I used others for my own pleasure?

    Envy
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    • •Have I been jealous of others' success or talents?
    • •Have I wished harm on others out of jealousy?
    • •Have I spoken badly of others out of envy?
    • •Have I been resentful of others' blessings?
    • •Have I failed to rejoice in others' good fortune?
    • •Have I compared myself unfavorably to others?

    Gluttony
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    • •Have I eaten or drunk to excess?
    • •Have I been wasteful with food?
    • •Have I failed to fast when required?
    • •Have I been overly concerned with physical pleasures?
    • •Have I neglected my health through overindulgence?
    • •Have I made food or drink an idol in my life?

    Wrath
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    • •Have I lost my temper?
    • •Have I held grudges or refused to forgive?
    • •Have I sought revenge?
    • •Have I spoken harshly to others?
    • •Have I been impatient with others?
    • •Have I harbored hatred in my heart?

    Sloth
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    • •Have I neglected my prayers?
    • •Have I failed to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days?
    • •Have I been lazy in my duties?
    • •Have I wasted time that should have been spent productively?
    • •Have I neglected to grow in my faith?
    • •Have I been indifferent to the needs of others?

    Act of Contrition

    After your examination, pray an Act of Contrition to express your sorrow for your sins:

    "O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell; but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen."

    Learn More About the Seven Deadly Sins

    Deepen your understanding of the capital sins to better guard against them in your daily life.

    Explore the Seven Deadly Sins

    Preparing for confession? Pray an Act of Contrition and other Catholic prayers.