Catholic Examination of Conscience with the 10 Commandments

Adapted from Go in Peace: Your Guide to the Purpose and Power of Confession (Ascension Press)

1️⃣ First Commandment

“I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before me.” (Ex 20:1–2; cf. Mt 4:10)

  • Have I doubted or denied God’s existence or His love for me?
  • Have I lost hope in God’s mercy or despaired of salvation?
  • Have I rejected or resisted what God has revealed through Scripture and the Church?
  • Have I turned to superstition, the occult, horoscopes, fortune-telling, or similar practices?
  • Have I been ashamed of my Catholic faith or failed to defend it when appropriate?
  • Have I neglected daily prayer or a relationship with God?
  • Have I received Holy Communion in a state of mortal sin?
  • Have I lied or deliberately withheld a mortal sin in Confession?
  • Have I allowed addictions (substances, screens, habits) to weaken my freedom?
  • Have I made hobbies, entertainment, or success more important than God?

2️⃣ Second Commandment

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” (Ex 20:7; cf. Mt 5:33–37)

  • Have I used God’s name carelessly, angrily, or irreverently?
  • Have I spoken disrespectfully about God, the Church, or sacred things?
  • Have I cursed others or wished harm upon them?
  • Have I broken promises, vows, or serious commitments?
  • Have I been angry with God or blamed Him unjustly?
  • Have I remained silent about God out of fear or embarrassment?
  • Have I neglected to grow in my knowledge of the faith?

3️⃣ Third Commandment

“Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.” (Ex 20:8; cf. Mk 2:27)

  • Have I missed Sunday Mass or Holy Days of Obligation without serious reason?
  • Have I been late or left Mass early without necessity?
  • Have I been distracted or inattentive at Mass?
  • Have I treated Sunday as just another day of work or entertainment?
  • Do I make time for rest, prayer, and family on the Lord’s Day?

4️⃣ Fourth Commandment

“Honor your father and your mother.” (Ex 20:12; cf. Eph 6:1–3)

  • Have I disobeyed or disrespected rightful authority (parents, Church, lawful authority)?
  • Have I neglected my responsibilities toward my family?
  • Have I failed to give good spiritual example?
  • Have I neglected the moral or religious formation of those entrusted to me?
  • Have I caused division, tension, or neglect within my family?
  • Have I failed to care for the elderly, sick, or vulnerable?

5️⃣ Fifth Commandment

“You shall not kill.” (Ex 20:13; cf. Mt 5:21–22)

  • Have I harmed others physically or emotionally?
  • Have I supported or participated in abortion or euthanasia?
  • Have I had thoughts or actions of self-harm or despair of life?
  • Have I harbored anger, hatred, jealousy, or a desire for revenge?
  • Have I treated others with cruelty, impatience, or indifference?
  • Have I abused my authority or those entrusted to my care?

6️⃣ Sixth Commandment

“You shall not commit adultery.” (Ex 20:14; cf. Mt 5:27–28)

  • Have I looked at pornography or entertained impure thoughts?
  • Have I used others (or myself) as objects rather than persons to be loved?
  • Have I engaged in sexual activity outside of marriage?
  • Have I been unfaithful in thought, word, or action?
  • Have I used contraception or rejected God’s plan for life and love?
  • Have I spoken or acted in ways that degrade human dignity?

7️⃣ Seventh Commandment

“You shall not steal.” (Ex 20:15; cf. Eph 4:28)

  • Have I taken what does not belong to me?
  • Have I been dishonest in money, work, or responsibilities?
  • Have I cheated, lied, or taken advantage of others?
  • Have I failed to make restitution when required?
  • Have I been wasteful or irresponsible with what God has given me?
  • Have I been generous to the poor and those in need?

8️⃣ Eighth Commandment

“You shall not bear false witness.” (Ex 20:16; cf. Eph 4:25)

  • Have I lied or deceived others?
  • Have I gossiped, slandered, or harmed someone’s reputation?
  • Have I revealed secrets or spoken without charity?
  • Have I judged others harshly or assumed the worst?
  • Have I failed to speak the truth when I should have?
  • Do I speak with honesty, kindness, and integrity?

9️⃣ Ninth Commandment

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s spouse.” (Ex 20:17; cf. Mt 5:28)

  • Have I entertained lustful thoughts or fantasies?
  • Have I chosen to dwell on impure desires?
  • Have I treated others as objects in my mind or imagination?
  • Do I strive for purity of heart and intention?
  • Do I turn to prayer and discipline when tempted?

🔟 Tenth Commandment

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.” (Ex 20:17; cf. Mt 6:21)

  • Have I been envious of others’ possessions or success?
  • Have I been greedy or overly attached to material things?
  • Do I constantly want more instead of being grateful?
  • Have I trusted more in wealth than in God’s providence?
  • Do I thank God for what I have and use it for good?