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Examination of Conscience

A quiet preparation for sacramental Confession

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This is a private aid for prayer and self-examination — it does not replace, hear, or absolve confession. Only a validly ordained priest can absolve sins in the Sacrament of Penance. Open each section below and read it prayerfully; the progress bar above marks what you've reviewed.

Before You Begin

Reflect that this confession may be the last of your life. Therefore, prepare yourself for it as if you were lying sick upon your deathbed, and already at the brink of the grave. Ask God to give you the grace to make a good examination of conscience, the light to see your sins clearly, and the strength to make a sincere confession and to amend your life.

O Holy Spirit, come in Thy mercy; enlighten my mind and strengthen my will that I may know my sins, humbly confess them, and sincerely amend my life. Mary, my mother, Refuge of Sinners, assist me in Thy intercession.

Examine Yourself

A sin is mortal if there is grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. If you think a sin is mortal, mark it † and note how many times it was committed, as best you recall, since mortal sins must be confessed in kind and number.

Your Examination Is Complete

Pray the Act of Contrition below, then bring your list with you.

0 items noted

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.

For Further Reflection

The Four Sins that Cry to Heaven for Vengeance

Wilful murder
The sin of Sodom
Oppression of the poor
Defrauding a laborer of his wages

The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy

To admonish sinners
To counsel the doubtful
To instruct the ignorant
To comfort the sorrowful
To bear wrongs patiently
To forgive all injuries
To pray for the living and the dead

The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy

To feed the hungry
To give drink to the thirsty
To clothe the naked
To harbor the harborless
To visit the sick
To ransom the captive
To bury the dead

How Confession Is Made

Enter and kneel. Make the Sign of the Cross with the priest.
Greet the priest: "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [time] since my last confession."
Confess your sins plainly, in kind and number as best you can recall — mortal sins first, then venial.
Listen to the priest's counsel and receive your penance.
Pray the Act of Contrition, aloud or silently as he directs.
Receive absolution as the priest prays the words of forgiveness over you.
Go in peace — and complete your penance promptly, in thanksgiving for God's mercy.

℣. Thanks be to God.
Deo gratias.