Ascension Presents
How to examine your conscience and prepare for the Sacrament of Penance.
Examination of conscience
A quiet, honest look at your life in the light of God's love. Use this guide, based on the Ten Commandments, to prepare for Confession or to end your day in prayer.
Private by design. Nothing you mark on this page is saved or sent anywhere.
How to examine your conscience
This is not about fear or shame. It is about seeing clearly, so that God's mercy can reach every part of your life.
- 1
Ask the Holy Spirit for light
Find a quiet place and a few minutes. Ask God to help you see yourself honestly, the way he sees you, with truth and with love.
- 2
Look back since your last confession
Go slowly through the questions below. Think about your thoughts, words and actions, and also the good you failed to do.
- 3
Be sorry and resolve to change
Tell God you are sorry, not only out of fear but because you love him. Ask for his help to avoid what leads you to sin.
- 4
Bring it to Confession
Name your sins simply to the priest. Jesus forgives them through him, and you leave with a clean heart and a fresh start.
A short prayer before you begin
Come, Holy Spirit, light up my mind so that I may see my sins clearly. Move my heart to be truly sorry, and help me to change my life. Amen.
The examination
Read each question slowly and answer it honestly before God. Tick any that apply to help you remember them in Confession.
- 1
First commandment
I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange gods before me.
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Second commandment
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
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Third commandment
Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day.
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Fourth commandment
Honor your father and your mother.
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Fifth commandment
You shall not kill.
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Sixth commandment
You shall not commit adultery.
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Seventh commandment
You shall not steal.
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Eighth commandment
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
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Ninth commandment
You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
- 10
Tenth commandment
You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.
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The precepts of the Church
Five duties the Church asks of every Catholic (Catechism 2041 to 2043).
Questions written for My Catholic Compass, following the Ten Commandments as the US bishops recommend. More examinations from the USCCB, including ones for married and single people and young adults.
For children
Simple questions for a child preparing for First Confession, or for any young person. Parents can read them aloud together.
Loving God
Loving others
Jesus loves you very much. When you tell him you are sorry, he is always happy to forgive you.
How to go to Confession
It has been a while for many people, and that is fine. Here is what happens, step by step.
- 1
Prepare
Before you go, pray to the Holy Spirit and examine your conscience. Think honestly about the ways you have sinned since your last confession.
- 2
Begin
Kneel behind the screen or sit face to face with the priest. Make the Sign of the Cross and say, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [how long] since my last confession."
- 3
Confess your sins
Tell the priest your sins simply and honestly. Name any serious sins and about how many times. If you feel unsure, the priest will gladly help you.
- 4
Listen and accept a penance
The priest may offer advice, then gives you a penance, such as a prayer or a good deed, to help make amends and grow.
- 5
Pray an Act of Contrition
Tell God you are sorry. You can use the prayer here, or your own words.
- 6
Receive absolution
The priest prays the words of absolution. Answer "Amen." Then go and complete your penance soon.
Act of Contrition
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.
Everything you say is protected by the seal of confession. A priest may never reveal it to anyone, for any reason (Catechism 1467).
Find confession times near youWatch and learn
Short videos on making a good confession and on God's mercy.
Busted Halo
Why Catholics confess their sins to a priest, and what God gives in this sacrament.
Busted Halo
Why Catholics baptize, and how Baptism begins the life of grace.
Common questions
What is an examination of conscience?
It is a prayerful look back over your thoughts, words and actions to see where you have sinned and where you need God's help. Catholics usually make one before going to Confession, and many also make a short one every night.
What is the difference between mortal and venial sin?
A mortal sin is a serious sin that breaks our friendship with God. Three things must all be true: the matter is grave, the person knows it is seriously wrong, and the person freely chooses it anyway (Catechism 1857). Venial sins are less serious. They weaken our love for God but do not break it.
Do I have to confess venial sins?
It is not strictly required, but the Church strongly recommends it. Regular confession of everyday faults helps form our conscience and helps us grow in holiness (Catechism 1458).
How often do I need to go to Confession?
Catholics must confess serious sins at least once a year (Catechism 1457). Anyone aware of a mortal sin should go to Confession before receiving Holy Communion. Many Catholics go once a month.
What if I forget a sin during Confession?
Don't worry. When you honestly try to confess all the serious sins you can remember, you place all of them before God's mercy (Catechism 1456). If you later remember a serious sin, simply mention it at your next confession.
Can I bring a list with me?
Yes. Many people jot down a few notes to help them remember. Just keep it private and throw it away afterward.
Is anything I mark on this page saved?
No. The checkboxes only help you while you read. Nothing is stored or sent anywhere, and everything clears when you leave the page.
Your Father is waiting
"While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him."
Luke 15:20