An examination of conscience is used before we go to confession (before we approach the sacrament of penance). Such an examination takes us through the Ten Commandments to help us see how we have offended God in thoughts, words, deeds, and omissions. (See the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1454.)
Below we present one such examination of conscience.
“To those who have been far away from the sacrament of Reconciliation and forgiving love, I make this appeal: Come back to this source of grace; do not be afraid! Christ himself is waiting for you. He will heal you, and you will be at peace with God!” — Pope St. John Paul II
The basic requirement for a good Confession is to have the intention of returning to God like the Prodigal son and of acknowledging our sins with true sorrow before his representative, the priest.
Examine your conscience. Recall your sins. Calmly ask yourself what you have done with full knowledge and full consent against God’s Commandments.
(For Parents)
(For Children)
(For married people)
(On abortion, contraception, sterilization, etc., see also The Fifth Commandment).