Begin by asking for light and trust in God’s mercy. Review the choices you have actually made since your last confession. These questions are prompts, not an exhaustive checklist or a judgment of your circumstances.
The Church recommends preparing in the light of Scripture, including the commandments and Beatitudes. See the USCCB’s examinations of conscience for additional approaches.
My relationship with God
- Have I made room for prayer and worship, or deliberately treated God as irrelevant?
- Have I used God’s name carelessly, dishonestly, or to hurt someone?
- Have I knowingly neglected Sunday Mass or a holy day when I was obliged and able to attend?
- Have I treated money, status, control, or another created thing as the center of my life?
My responsibilities to others
- Have I neglected a person entrusted to my care?
- Have I acted violently, threatened someone, or deliberately humiliated them?
- Have I used another person for my own gratification or been unfaithful to my commitments?
- Have I taken what was not mine, cheated, or failed to pay what I justly owe?
- Have I lied, spread gossip, or damaged a reputation unfairly?
- Have I ignored a real need I could reasonably help meet?
My inner choices and daily habits
- Have I deliberately fed resentment, envy, or a desire for revenge?
- Have I used my time or abilities irresponsibly in ways that harmed others?
- Have I excused behavior that I know needs to change?
- Where do I need to ask forgiveness or make amends?
Bring what you know; ask about what you do not
A passing unwanted thought, a feeling, or a temptation is not the same as a freely chosen action. If you are unsure about responsibility, explain the situation simply to your confessor. Do not use this page to label someone else’s conscience.
Finish your preparation
Pray an Act of Contrition. Make a sincere resolution and choose one practical support for it: avoiding an occasion of sin, changing a habit, making restitution, or asking for help.
What to say in confession · The Ten Commandments explained
Questions are original editorial prompts. For individual spiritual guidance, speak with your priest.