An examination of conscience is meant to bring peace, not torment. If you struggle with scrupulosity — anxious, repeating self-accusation — keep this short, trust the mercy of God, and follow the direction of one confessor rather than re-checking on your own.
Examination of Conscience
A quiet, honest look before confession.
An examination of conscience is a quiet, honest look at your life in the light of God's love — a way to prepare your heart before the Sacrament of Penance. This guide walks the Ten Commandments with you and gathers what you wish to bring to confession into a private list. It prepares you for a priest; it does not replace him.
Peace, Not Torment
Mercy is the point.
What You Will Walk Through
The Ten Commandments.
The Church’s own framework for examining a life — drawn here from the USCCB examination and traditional Catholic examinations of conscience.
- FirstGod first
- SecondGod's name
- ThirdThe Lord's Day
- FourthHonor and authority
- FifthReverence for life
- SixthChastity and faithfulness
- SeventhJustice and possessions
- EighthTruth and the tongue
- NinthPurity of heart
- TenthContentment
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