Examination of Conscience

Prayer Before Examination

Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind and heart. Help me to see my sins clearly, to be truly sorry for them, and to confess them with humility and trust in God's infinite mercy. Mary, Mother of God, pray for me. Amen.

✦︎Before You Begin

He seeks the
one who is lost.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is not a trial — it is a reunion. The Father who runs to meet the prodigal son, the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one: this is who you are coming to.

Come to Confession not with dread but with hope. The grace waiting for you there is greater than any sin you have committed.

"I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."

Luke 15:7 · NABRE

Toward God — First Commandment

Have I doubted or denied my Catholic faith?

Have I placed anything above God — money, status, relationships?

Have I consulted fortune tellers, horoscopes, or engaged in the occult?

Have I despaired of God's mercy or presumed upon it?

Have I neglected to grow in my relationship with God?

Second & Third Commandments

Have I used God's name or the name of Jesus in vain?

Have I spoken irreverently of God, Our Lady, or sacred things?

Have I missed Mass on Sundays or Holy Days without a serious reason?

Have I been late to Mass through my own fault, or left early?

Have I failed to observe the Church's prescribed fast before Communion?

Prayer & Sacraments

Have I neglected morning or evening prayer?

Have I received Holy Communion in a state of mortal sin?

Have I failed to confess my sins at least once a year?

Have I concealed sins in Confession out of shame?

Have I received any sacrament unworthily?

Toward Others

Have I harbored hatred, resentment, or refused to forgive?

Have I gossiped or damaged someone's reputation?

Have I stolen, cheated, or been dishonest in financial matters?

Have I failed to keep my word or broken a promise?

Have I neglected the poor when I could have helped?

Have I disobeyed or disrespected lawful authority?

Family & Vocation

Have I failed in my duties as a spouse, parent, or child?

Have I failed to educate my children in the Faith?

Have I given scandal by my words or example?

Have I been neglectful in my professional duties?

Have I failed to create a prayerful home environment?

Chastity & Temperance

Have I been guilty of impurity in thought, word, or deed?

Have I viewed pornography or immodest content?

Have I abused food, drink, drugs, or other substances?

Have I been excessively indulgent in entertainment?

Pride, Envy & Anger

Have I been proud, boastful, or vain?

Have I sought praise and recognition excessively?

Have I been envious of others' gifts or success?

Have I allowed anger to rule me?

Have I harbored grudges and refused to pray for those who hurt me?

Closing Prayer

O my God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. You are all good and I have not loved You as I should. With Your grace I will try to do better. Lord, have mercy on me. Amen.

Find Confession Near Me →

Other Examinations of Conscience

USCCB · US Catholic Bishops

USCCB Examination

Official examination from the US bishops — thorough, organized by commandment.

Visit USCCB.org →

Roman Catholic Man

Traditional Examination

A detailed examination rooted in traditional Catholic spirituality and the Ten Commandments.

Read the Examination →

Integrated Catholic Life

For Married Couples

Tailored for spouses — addressing the specific duties and sins of the married vocation.

Read the Examination →

Formed.org

Formed Examination

Beautifully organized and accessible — available on the FORMED Catholic platform.

Visit Formed.org →

Catholic Sprouts

For Children

Age-appropriate examination to help children prepare for their first Confession.

Read the Examination →

Hallow App

Guided Confession Prep

The Hallow app includes a beautifully guided examination with audio — step by step.

Open Hallow →

✦︎The Sacrament of Reconciliation

How to go to
Confession.

It takes about ten minutes. The grace it gives lasts a lifetime. Here is everything you need to know.

Prepare your heart

Find a quiet moment before you go. Use the examination of conscience above to review your sins since your last Confession. You don't need to memorize a list — simply ask: Where have I failed to love God and my neighbor? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what you need to bring.

Enter the confessional

You may go face-to-face with the priest or behind a screen — both are valid. Either way, the grace is the same. When you are ready, the priest will greet you. Begin with the Sign of the Cross.

State how long it has been

Say: "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [length of time] since my last Confession." If it has been a very long time — or if this is your first Confession — simply say so. The priest will help you.

Confess your sins

Tell the priest your sins simply and honestly. You don't need to explain every circumstance — just what you did and (for serious sins) how many times. The priest is there to help, not to judge. He has heard everything. You cannot surprise him. You cannot shock him. You can only receive mercy.

Listen to the priest

The priest may offer a brief word of counsel. He will then give you a penance — usually a few prayers or a small act of charity. Accept it with gratitude. Your penance helps repair the wound that sin has left in your soul.

Pray the Act of Contrition

The priest will prompt you. Pray from your heart:

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, 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 sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.

Receive absolution

The priest will extend his hand and pray the words of absolution. This is the moment of forgiveness — real, complete, and irrevocable. When he says "I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," your sins are gone. Not lessened. Gone.

The Seal of the Confessional

What you confess is protected by the absolute seal of confession. The priest cannot reveal it to anyone — under any circumstances, ever. You are completely safe.

Complete your penance & give thanks

Before you leave the church, complete the penance the priest gave you. Then spend a few quiet minutes in thanksgiving — you have just received one of the greatest gifts in the Christian life. The weight is gone. You are free.

"Confession is not a torture chamber — it is the embrace of the Father who runs to meet his returning child."

Pope Francis

Prepare your heartfor Confession.

He seeks theone who is lost.

Other Examinations of Conscience

How to go toConfession.

Prepare your heart
for Confession.

He seeks the
one who is lost.

How to go to
Confession.