Before You Begin
This guide helps you prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation with a complete guide organized by the Seven Deadly Sins.
This examination of conscience can be used in two ways:
- Frequent Confession – reviewing your sins since your last valid Confession.
- General Confession – reviewing the sins of your life from your earliest memories of childhood. A general confession is recommended at key moments of grace and transition in the Christian life. For example, it is often made before major vocations or commitments—such as ordination to the priesthood or entering into marriage—as a way of placing one’s entire life under the mercy of Christ. It is also encouraged after a long absence from the sacrament or during a deep conversion, when someone returns to the faith and desires a fresh beginning, particularly if there is uncertainty about whether past mortal sins were fully confessed. Finally, it can be very fruitful during a retreat or time of spiritual renewal, when the Holy Spirit is inviting a person to deeper healing, freedom, and growth in holiness. I recommend you print out this blog post, bring it to the confessional, and then burn or destroy the paper in some fashion after (symbolizing what happens to your sins!)
A clarification about venial and mortal sins:
- Mortal sins: Sins below marked with * are commonly considered grave matter. If they were committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent, they must be confessed in kind (type of sin) and number (how often it occurred), since they are mortal sins (CCC 1857).
- Example: Instead of saying, “I sinned against purity,” you would say, “I watched pornography five times,” or “I missed Sunday Mass twice without a serious reason.”
- Clarification on number: You can confess the exact number, or your best guess to the average amount of times per week or month.
- Venial sins: Sins without a * are venial sins. Although not necessary, the Church encourages confessing venial sins as well, since doing so helps us form our conscience, resist sinful tendencies, be healed by Christ, and grow in the Spirit (CCC 1458; CIC 988).
- Example: You might say, “I was impatient with my family several times,” or “I participated in gossip a few times.” Exact numbers are not required, but it is helpful to be honest and concrete.
Before you begin, remember this: it takes courage and humility to look honestly into your heart and face the darkness, brokenness, and sin that may be there. But Christ does not reveal your sins in order to condemn you. He reveals them in order to heal you.
Prayer Before Confession
Jesus, crucified for me, who bore the weight of all my sins—past, present, and future—grant me the grace to see my soul in the light of Your truth. Send Your Holy Spirit into the shadows of my heart and mind, and let Your light reveal whatever needs healing. Give me the courage to acknowledge my sins honestly, and the humility to open my heart to Your mercy. Jesus, I trust in You. Have mercy on me. Amen.
Step-By-Step Guide for Confession
1. Begin
Make the Sign of the Cross and say:
“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been _______ [for example, four months / one year] since my last confession.”
2. Confess Your Sins
Try your best to say what you did and how many times since your last confession, especially all mortal sins. If you deliberately withhold a mortal sin, the confession is invalid. So do not hold back—try your best to confess everything honestly.
Use this examination of conscience to confess any sins that apply.
Pride
Pride is “the disordered love of one’s own excellence” above God and others (see Aquinas Summa Theologiae, II-II, q. 162). Jesus warns: “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled” (Luke 14:11), and “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18).
With God, I have…
- placed created things (wealth, pleasure, career, family, or my own will) above God ____ times (venial, but *grave if it leads to a rejection of Him).
- * engaged in superstitious or occult practices (astrology, magic, fortune-telling, horoscopes, charms, witchcraft) ____ times.
- * used God’s holy name in vain through profanity, irreverence, or mockery ____ times.
- * intentionally concealed mortal sins in a previous Confession ____ times.
- * presumed on God’s mercy by committing mortal sins expecting absolution without repentance ____ times.
- neglected prayer, failing to seek God daily ____ times (venial, but * grave if prayer is habitually abandoned).
- tried to manipulate or blame God for my struggles ____ times.
With others, I have…
- lied, exaggerated, or borne false witness to enhance my image ____ times (venial; * grave if serious harm results).
- * profaned the dignity of the Church, Mary, saints, or sacred persons with mockery or irreverence ____ times (grave if malicious, venial if careless).
- judged, criticized, or dwelt on others’ faults in thought or speech ____ times.
- bragged, boasted, or dominated conversations with a “know-it-all” attitude ____ times.
- disrespected parents, teachers, civil or Church authority ____ times (venial; * grave if serious disobedience with harm).
- * damaged another’s reputation through calumny, false accusation, or serious gossip ____ times (grave if major harm; venial if light/mild).
- ignored guidance from Confession or spiritual direction ____ times.
- refused to learn from others or accept correction ____ times.
- complained, whined, or blamed others instead of taking responsibility ____ times.
- lacked gratitude and respect toward parents or grandparents ____ times (venial; * grave if ongoing and willful contempt).
- misrepresented Church teaching to others ____ times (* grave if deliberate and harmful; venial if careless).
- reacted harshly to others’ questions, comments, or humour ____ times.
- made fun of, ignored, or failed to help the elderly or disabled ____ times (venial; * grave if it causes serious harm or neglect).
With myself, I have…
- * participated in groups or beliefs (e.g., Masonry, New Age, occult, schismatic groups, heretical sects) contrary to the Catholic faith ____ times.
- * cheated in school, work, finances, or other areas ____ times (grave if major harm; venial if minor).
- been impatient or harsh with my own weaknesses ____ times.
- refused to admit faults or learn from mistakes ____ times (venial; * grave if rooted in contempt of truth/authority).
- acted from pride, seeking personal glory ___ times.
- treated myself or my achievements as more important than God or others ____ times (venial; * grave if it replaces God).
Anger
Anger is a disordered desire for revenge that exceeds the control of reason—whether in its cause or its intensity. Jesus warns: “Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment” (Matthew 5:22).
With God, I have…
- * used God’s holy name in anger / blasphemy ____ times.
- harboured resentment toward God for unanswered prayers or sufferings _____ times (venial, unless it becomes hatred of God, which is grave).
With others, I have…
- * committed murder ____ times.
- * abused others through serious verbal, emotional, or physical harm ____ times (*grave if serious harm).
- * wished death or serious harm upon another ____ times.
- * seriously neglected or harmed those entrusted to my care ____ times (e.g., children, dependents).
- shown prejudice, hatred, or unjust discrimination toward another race or group ____ times (*grave if acted upon or causing serious harm; venial if interior).
- seriously disobeyed or dishonored rightful authority (e.g., parents, teachers, civil authorities) (*grave if serious)
- spoken or acted with rudeness, impatience, or harshness ____ times.
- failed to listen before responding ____ times.
- reacted harshly or rashly ____ times.
- held grudges or refused to forgive ____ times (*grave if deliberate and sustained).
- entertained revenge or angry fantasies — ____ times (*grave if willed seriously).
- lost my temper or yelled in a disproportionate ways ____ times (*grave if accompanied by serious injury or scandal).
With myself, I have…
- turned anger inward by cursing myself, despising myself, or refusing to accept my weakness? (*grave if it leads to despair)
- complained or refused to carry my crosses with faith ____ times.
- been resentful of suffering instead of uniting it to Christ ____ times.
Lust
Lust is a disordered desire for sexual pleasure, separated from its procreative and unitive purpose (CCC 2351). Jesus warned: “Whoever looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).
With God, I have…
- * knowingly rejected the Church’s teaching on marriage, chastity, or sexuality _____ times.
- * entered or remained in an invalid union (e.g., marriage outside the Church) ____ times.
- idolized sex above God ____ times (*grave if it leads to sexual acts).
With others, I have…
- * used contraception, abortifacients, procured or assisted in abortion, or supported euthanasia ____ times.
- * committed sexual activity outside of marriage (fornication, adultery) — ____ times.
- * engaged in sexual abuse, exploitation, or prostitution ____ times.
- * engaged in gravely disordered sexual acts (e.g., anal sex, oral sex outside of marital foreplay, intentional withdrawal/onanism) ____ times.
- failed to love and honour my spouse faithfully, fully, fruitfully, and freely, as Christ loves the Church ____ times (*grave if violated by infidelity, abuse, or sterilization).
- pursued emotional or romantic intimacy that endangered fidelity ____ times (venial if light flirtation; *grave if seriously endangering fidelity).
- acted or dressed with the intention of arousing someone other than my spouse ____ times (*grave if intended to lead another into serious sin; venial if careless).
- * engaged in impure physical contact outside marriage ____ times.
- looked at others lustfully, treating them as objects (*grave if done willfully and with full consent).
- entertained lustful thoughts or fantasies? (*grave if fully consented to for arousal; venial if fleeting or resisted).
- willingly listened to or shared impure jokes or stories? (venial unless gravely scandalous)
- made sexually suggestive remarks or comments? (venial unless gravely scandalous)
With myself, I have…
- * viewed pornography with full consent ____ times.
- * committed masturbation ______ times (excludes nocturnal emissions since no consent).
- * participated in immoral reproductive technologies (e.g., in-vitro fertilization, selective reduction, surrogate motherhood, artificial insemination, human cloning, or donated sperm or ovum) _____ times.
- used vulgar or sexually suggestive language _____ times.
Envy
Envy is a disordered sadness at another person’s possessions, qualities, or blessings. St. James warns: “For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (James 3:16).
With God, I have…
- been resentful toward God for what I lack ____ times *(venial; grave if rejecting His providence).
- avoided prayer out of jealousy or discouragement (* grave if it leads to a willful rejection of God).
With others, I have…
- envied others’ gifts, talents, looks, possessions, money, friends, or family _____ times (*grave if it leads to deliberate hatred or serious injustice).
- damaged another’s reputation through gossip, lies, or exaggeration ____ times (*grave matter if serious harm is done to reputation, livelihood, or relationships; venial if slight or careless).
- failed to defend another’s reputation because of envy ____ times.
- taken pleasure in another’s misfortune _____ times (venial; grave if it involves active hatred or desire for serious harm).
- compared myself to others instead of rejoicing in their good ____ times.
With myself, I have…
- been ungrateful for God’s gifts to me _____ times.
- compared myself with others, feeding resentment or discouragement _____ times (venial; *grave if it leads to despair or hatred of self/others).
- tried to exalt myself spiritually or socially out of jealousy for another’s progress _____ times.
- lied or exaggerated to make myself look better in comparison to others ____ times (grave matter if it causes serious harm; venial if trivial).
Gluttony
Gluttony is a disordered love of eating, drinking, or other material goods. Jesus said, “The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days” (Luke 5:35).
- Note: Minor overindulgence is usually a venial sin. However, grave excess—such as drunkenness, drug abuse, reckless neglect of health, or serious indifference to the hungry—can be mortal sin if done with full knowledge and deliberate consent (CCC 1857–1859).
With God, I have…
- neglected fasting or self-denial, especially on Fridays _____ times.
- failed to abstain from meat on Fridays in Lent _____ times (*grave if done with serious contempt for the Church’s law).
- received Communion without observing the Eucharistic fast _____ times (*grave if done with serious contempt for the Church’s law).
- given in to “spiritual gluttony” by compulsively buying spiritual goods (books, devotions, sacramentals) without using them well _____ times.
With others, I have…
- eaten greedily or without consideration for others at table _____ times.
- failed to share food, resources, or money with those in need ____ times (*grave if neglect showed serious indifference to grave need).
With myself, I have…
- spent excessive money, time, or energy on food, drink, or comforts ______ times.
- been overly picky or demanding about food, drink, or surroundings _____ times.
- consumed food or drink that harmed my body merely to satisfy cravings _____ times (*grave if it causes serious damage to health or life).
- consumed more than my body needs, leading to unhealthy weight or habits _____ times (*grave if it gravely harms health).
- been wasteful with food, drink, or other material things _____ times (*grave if the waste is serious, deliberate, and deprives others of basic needs).
- neglected proper care of my health _____ times (* grave if it causes grave harm).
- * consumed alcohol excessively, to the point of intoxication ____ times.
- * used illegal drugs or intentionally abused prescription drugs ____ times.
- * driven while impaired by alcohol or drugs, endangering myself or others ____ times.
Avarice
Avarice is a disordered love of worldly goods, placing wealth or possessions above God, charity, and justice. Jesus warned: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).
- Guiding principle: Most sins of avarice are venial when they involve minor selfishness, greed, or waste. They become grave matter (mortal sin) when they cause serious harm to others, involve significant theft or fraud, or replace trust in God with attachment to wealth.
With God, I have…
- failed to give generously of my time, talent, or treasure to God _____ times.
- been resentful of my lack of money or resources _____ times.
- placed trust in wealth and security rather than God _____ times (* grave if it seriously replaces trust in God).
- * stolen something consecrated to God ____ times.
With others, I have…
- failed to give to those in need when I was able _____ times (*grave if neglect deprived others of urgent necessities).
- given resentfully, without love _____ times.
- used others for personal gain ____ times (* grave if it causes serious harm).
- shown indifference to the needs of others ____ times (* grave if involving neglect of dependents).
- failed to contribute to the well-being of parents, family, or those entrusted to my care _____ times (* grave if serious neglect).
- * failed to pay just wages _____ times (*grave if value significant; venial if trivial).
- * stolen or defrauded others ______ times (*grave if value significant; venial if trivial).
- * refused restitution for damage caused by my fault or negligence _____ times (*grave if harm is serious; venial if minor).
- * committed fraud, forgery, tax evasion, blackmail, embezzlement, price fixing, piracy of software/media, or slavery/cruelty to animals _____ times.
With myself, I have…
- wasted money on unnecessary luxuries _____ times (*grave if it deprived dependents of necessities).
- spent extravagantly out of vanity, comfort, or pride _____ times.
- * gambled excessively, risking family support or obligations _____ times.
- * stolen a large sum of money or a valuable item _____ times.
- stolen something small or inexpensive _____ times.
- * cheated, stolen, or failed to pay debts/bills _____ times (*grave if serious; venial if minor)
- been overly attached to wealth, security, or comfort _____ times (venial if tendency; * grave if it replaces God as my ultimate trust).
Sloth
Sloth is sorrow or indifference toward spiritual goods, leading to neglect of God, duty, or love. Jesus warned: “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown” (Matthew 25:26).
With God, I have…
- * missed Sunday Mass or a Holy Day (Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 in Vancouver, check your own diocese) without a just reason (e.g., illness, caring for infants/sick) _____ times.
- done unnecessary work on Sunday, treating it like an ordinary day _____ times (*grave if it seriously violates rest/worship).
- put friendships, ambition, sports, hobbies, or comfort ahead of God _____ times (*grave if it leads to abandoning Him entirely).
- neglected prayer or my relationship with God ____ times (*grave if total neglect).
- allowed bad company or fear to weaken or cause me to abandon my faith ____ times (*grave if deliberate loss of faith/piety).
- failed to prepare prayerfully before Mass or give thanks afterward ____ times.
- arrived late to Mass without good reason, missing a significant part ____ times (*grave if intentionally missed most of Mass; venial if small portion).
- been inattentive, irreverent, or distracted at Mass ____ times.
- neglected daily prayer or skipped my prayer schedule without cause ____ times (*grave if habitual neglect leading to loss of relationship with God).
- neglected to learn the teachings of the Church ____ times.
- been lazy in devotions (Scripture, spiritual reading, Rosary, etc.) ____ times.
- left prayer early or deliberately allowed my mind to wander ____ times.
- avoided prayer, especially in temptation ____ times.
- * received Holy Communion knowingly in a state of mortal sin ____ times.
- * received Confirmation or Matrimony knowingly in a state of mortal sin ____ times.
- * neglected to confess mortal sins at least once a year ____ times.
- * needlessly delayed Confession when conscious of mortal sin ____ times (*grave if knowingly remained unrepentant; venial if minor delay without malice).
- unnecessarily delayed baptizing my child beyond the first weeks/months after birth, without a serious reason ____ times.
- fallen into despair, doubting God’s mercy or grace _____ times (venial if fleeting discouragement; *grave if deliberate rejection of God’s mercy).
With others, I have…
- been lazy in helping those in need ______ times (*grave if serious harm).
- expected others to serve me while refusing to contribute _____ times.
- scandalized others by my laziness or bad example _____ times (*grave if it leads another into serious sin).
- failed to defend the Church when mocked _____ times (*grave it involves public denial of faith).
- wasted others’ time or dishonoured them by habitual lateness or lack of commitment _____ times.
- pressured others to break the Sunday rest by unnecessary demands ____ times (*grave if serious harm).
- neglected my family’s needs through laziness or indifference ____ times (*grave if persistent and serious).
- been too lax or too harsh with discipline, failing in justice or charity ____ times (*grave if causing serious harm).
- * broken just civil laws without serious reason _____ times (*grave if serious matter: e.g., tax fraud, reckless driving endangering life; venial if minor infractions).
- * seriously neglected my children’s religious formation (teaching them prayer, faith, sacraments) ____ times.
- failed to set a good Christian example for my children ____ times (*grave if it causes serious scandal).
- * failed to carry out the just last will of deceased parents _____ times (*grave if deliberate and unjust).
With myself, I have…
- * attempted suicide or seriously entertained suicidal thoughts ____ times (*grave matter).
- neglected honest work or responsibilities out of laziness ____ times (*grave if it caused serious harm to others).
- failed to observe proper rest and recreation on Sunday ____ times.
- neglected necessary medicine or health care ____ times (*grave if it endangered life).
- wasted time excessively on phone, TV, gaming, or internet instead of duties ____ times (*grave if it seriously harmed obligations).
- focused only on pleasure and resisted sacrifice in daily life ____ times.
- listened habitually to degrading or spiritually harmful music ____ times (*grave if it led to grave sin).
- binge-watched or gamed excessively to neglect duties ____ times (*grave if it caused serious neglect).
- driven carelessly ____ times (*grave if reckless and endangering life).
- procrastinated schoolwork, chores, or duties ____ times (*grave if the neglect caused serious consequences).
3. When You Finish Confessing
Say: “For these sins and for any sins I may have forgotten, I am truly sorry.”
4. Listen to the Priest
The priest may offer advice, ask questions for clarity, and give you a penance (such as prayers or acts of charity) to help repair the harm of sin and grow in virtue. He may then invite you to pray the Act of Contrition, unless you prayed it already as a group prior to.
5. Act of Contrition
“O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who are all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.”
6. Receive Absolution
The priest prays the words of forgiveness in Christ’s name, concluding with: “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Make the Sign of the Cross and respond: “Amen.”
7. Dismissal and Penance
The priest may say: “Go in peace, your sins are forgiven.”
Respond: “Thanks be to God.”
Leave the confessional and complete your penance as soon as possible.
For further prayers to renounce and heal the seven deadly sins, click here.
Resources Used (with permission):
- Examination of Conscience based on the 7 Deadly Sins by Fr. Dylan James
- Be Healed by Dr. Bob Schuchts
- Examination of Conscience by Word on Fire
- Fr. Robert Altier’s Examination of Conscience.
- Msgr. Charles Pope: www.blog.adw.org
Prodigal Catholic 
Excellent!! Thank you for sharing Father
Thank you very much Father Richard…. Blessed Lent.