Examination of Conscience for Catholics: Adults, Kids, Teens & Before Confession

Commandment I

I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before me.

• •Have I neglected prayer or my relationship with God?
• •Have I placed money, work, pleasure, or other things above God?
• •Have I been involved in superstition, horoscopes, or the occult?
• •Have I doubted or denied my faith in God?
• •Have I failed to trust God in times of difficulty, relying only on myself?
• •Have I sought guidance from psychics, fortune tellers, or New Age practices?
• •Have I treated my Catholic faith as unimportant or embarrassing?
• •Have I failed to thank God for His blessings?
• •Have I neglected to grow in my knowledge and love of God?

Commandment II

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

• •Have I used God's name carelessly, irreverently, or as a curse?
• •Have I made false oaths or promises in God's name?
• •Have I spoken disrespectfully about sacred things, persons, or places?
• •Have I used the names of Jesus Christ, Mary, or the saints as exclamations or curses?
• •Have I broken a serious promise or oath made before God?
• •Have I blasphemed in speech, writing, or thought?
• •Have I mocked religion or sacred things in the presence of others?
• •Have I failed to show reverence in church or during Mass?

Commandment III

Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

• •Have I missed Mass on Sundays or holy days of obligation without a serious reason?
• •Have I treated Sunday as just another workday?
• •Have I distracted others from worship?
• •Have I arrived habitually late to Mass or left early without cause?
• •Have I failed to rest and reflect on Sunday, ignoring the spirit of the Lord's Day?
• •Have I been inattentive, distracted, or irreverent at Mass?
• •Have I forgotten to observe holy days of obligation?
• •Have I done unnecessary work on Sunday when it could have been avoided?

Commandment IV

Honor your father and your mother.

• •Have I been disobedient, disrespectful, or ungrateful to my parents?
• •Have I neglected my duties toward my family?
• •Have I failed to care for elderly or sick family members?
• •Have I caused serious worry or distress to my parents without just reason?
• •Have I failed to respect and support legitimate civil and religious authority?
• •Have I dishonored the family through my behavior, speech, or choices?
• •Have I neglected to pray for my parents and family members?
• •Have I been harsh, impatient, or dismissive toward family members?
• •Have I held lasting resentment or refused to forgive family members?

Commandment V

You shall not kill.

• •Have I physically harmed anyone?
• •Have I harbored hatred, anger, or the desire for revenge against anyone?
• •Have I damaged someone's reputation through gossip or slander?
• •Have I harmed myself through reckless behavior, substance abuse, or self-harm?
• •Have I been guilty of violent outbursts, threats, or intimidating behavior?
• •Have I bullied, harassed, or made someone feel unsafe?
• •Have I driven recklessly or under the influence, putting others at risk?
• •Have I failed to help someone in serious need when I had the ability to do so?
• •Have I caused emotional or psychological harm to others through cruelty or manipulation?
• •Have I held contempt for or dehumanized any person or group?

Commandment VI

You shall not commit adultery.

• •Have I been unfaithful to my spouse in thought or action?
• •Have I engaged in sexual activity outside of marriage?
• •Have I used pornography or entertained impure thoughts deliberately?
• •Have I dressed immodestly or encouraged others toward impurity?
• •Have I engaged in fornication, cohabitation, or sexual immorality?
• •Have I entertained romantic or sexual fantasies about someone other than my spouse?
• •Have I exposed others, especially children, to inappropriate sexual content?
• •Have I failed to guard my eyes and mind from temptation in media or entertainment?
• •Have I been guilty of any form of sexual harassment or unwanted advances?

Commandment VII

You shall not steal.

• •Have I taken anything that does not belong to me?
• •Have I cheated, defrauded, or been dishonest in business or financial matters?
• •Have I damaged or failed to return others' property?
• •Have I been wasteful with the resources entrusted to me?
• •Have I paid my employees or workers a just wage?
• •Have I paid my taxes honestly, without evasion or cheating?
• •Have I given generously to the poor and to the Church according to my means?
• •Have I copied, pirated, or used software and content without authorization?
• •Have I gambled excessively, risking money needed for my family?
• •Have I borrowed things and failed to return them?

Commandment VIII

You shall not bear false witness.

• •Have I lied or deliberately deceived others?
• •Have I gossiped or spread rumors about others?
• •Have I damaged someone's reputation unfairly or unjustly?
• •Have I failed to keep confidences or broken someone's trust?
• •Have I lied under oath, in official statements, or on legal documents?
• •Have I exaggerated or embellished the truth to make myself look better?
• •Have I stayed silent when I should have spoken up for the truth?
• •Have I been deceptive in how I present myself online or in public?
• •Have I failed to correct false information I spread about another person?
• •Have I judged others harshly without sufficient cause or evidence?

Commandment IX

You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.

• •Have I entertained impure desires toward others?
• •Have I been jealous of others' relationships or marriages?
• •Have I deliberately cultivated attraction toward someone who is not my spouse?
• •Have I encouraged or tolerated impure conversation, stories, or jokes?
• •Have I failed to guard my heart in friendships that risk becoming inappropriate?
• •Have I allowed jealousy or longing to poison my view of my own relationships?

Commandment X

You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.

• •Have I been envious of others' possessions, success, or talents?
• •Have I been greedy or materialistic?
• •Have I been ungrateful for what God has given me?
• •Have I allowed envy to damage my relationships with others?
• •Have I complained about my circumstances rather than trusting God's provision?
• •Have I resented others' good fortune instead of rejoicing with them?
• •Have I defined my worth or happiness by what I own or achieve?
• •Have I been stingy or refused to share when I had more than enough?

Examination of Conscience for Adults

Adults carry the full weight of moral responsibility. This examination helps you honestly review your actions across all dimensions of adult life — work, relationships, faith, and personal integrity.

• •Have I fulfilled my professional duties honestly and diligently?
• •Have I been a faithful and loving spouse and parent?
• •Have I contributed positively to my community and society?
• •Have I used my time, talents, and resources for good?
• •Have I cared for my physical and mental health?
• •Have I been a just and generous employer or employee?
• •Have I participated responsibly as a citizen — voting, serving, contributing?
• •Have I set a good example of faith and virtue to those around me?

Examination of Conscience for Children

A simple, age-appropriate examination of conscience for kids preparing for their First Confession or regular confessions. Read each question slowly and answer honestly in your heart. Parents: read these aloud with younger children.

• •Did I say my prayers every day — morning and night?
• •Did I go to Mass on Sunday?
• •Did I use God's name or Jesus's name in a mean or careless way?
• •Did I thank God for the good things in my life?
• •Did I obey my parents and teachers?
• •Did I talk back, argue, or be rude to my mom or dad?
• •Was I kind and helpful to my brothers and sisters?
• •Did I do my chores and schoolwork without being asked too many times?
• •Was I kind to my friends and classmates?
• •Did I say mean things to or about anyone — in person or online?
• •Did I leave anyone out on purpose or ignore someone who felt lonely?
• •Did I help someone who needed it, even when it was inconvenient?
• •Did I tell any lies?
• •Did I try to trick or fool anyone?
• •Did I take anything that wasn't mine?
• •Did I copy someone's work and say it was my own?
• •Did I blame someone else for something I did?
• •Did I say something unkind just to look cool or fit in?
• •Was I ungrateful for what I have?
• •Did I watch, listen to, or look at things I know are wrong?

Examination of Conscience for Teenagers

Teens face unique moral challenges around peer pressure, identity, and relationships. This guide addresses those areas honestly and without judgment.

• •Have I treated my parents with respect, even when I disagreed with them?
• •Have I been honest with my friends and avoided peer pressure to do wrong?
• •Have I been responsible with social media — avoiding bullying, gossip, or harmful content?
• •Have I been honest in school — avoiding cheating or plagiarism?
• •Have I respected my own body and the dignity of others?
• •Have I consumed pornography or other content I know to be harmful?
• •Have I been kind to people who are bullied, excluded, or lonely?
• •Have I been grateful for my parents and family, even when it was difficult?

Examination of Conscience for Women

This guide addresses areas of life particularly relevant to women — family, relationships, self-image, and vocation.

• •Have I honored my vocation — as a wife, mother, single woman, or consecrated religious?
• •Have I nurtured and protected the emotional health of those in my care?
• •Have I been kind to myself, avoiding self-criticism that goes beyond healthy reflection?
• •Have I used my influence and voice for good?
• •Have I compared myself to others in ways that breed envy or discouragement?
• •Have I been a positive example of faith to those around me?
• •Have I cared for my own spiritual nourishment as well as others'?
• •Have I spoken honestly with those I love, rather than suppressing important truths?

Traditional Form

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.

Modern Form

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.

What is an examination of conscience?

An examination of conscience is a prayerful practice of reflecting on your thoughts, words, and actions to identify where you have fallen short of God's commands and your own moral standards. It is typically done before the Sacrament of Confession.

How often should I examine my conscience?

Catholics are encouraged to make a brief examination of conscience each evening as part of their daily prayer. A more thorough examination is done before receiving the Sacrament of Penance (Confession).

What is a good conscience?

A good conscience is one that has been formed through prayer, knowledge of God's law, and honest self-reflection. Having a good conscience means striving to do what is right and making sincere amends when you fall short.

Do I need to confess every sin I find in my examination?

In Catholic practice, you are required to confess all mortal (grave) sins by number and kind. Venial sins are encouraged to be confessed but are not strictly required. Your priest can help guide you.

Can I do an examination of conscience if I am not Catholic?

Yes. While this practice is rooted in Catholic tradition, anyone can benefit from honest moral self-reflection. Many people of all faiths — and no faith — find it valuable to periodically examine their actions and relationships.

How long does an examination of conscience take?

A thorough examination using the Ten Commandments checklist typically takes 10-20 minutes. A brief daily examination can be done in 2-3 minutes. Take whatever time you need to be honest with yourself.

What questions should I ask during an examination of conscience?

The best questions come from God’s commandments: Have I loved God with my whole heart? Have I been honest in my relationships? Have I treated others with dignity? Have I been responsible with what God gave me? These questions, rooted in the Great Commandment and Ten Commandments, cover the essentials.