{"id":14569,"date":"2023-05-17T12:00:11","date_gmt":"2023-05-17T16:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ramonaleone.com\/magazine\/?p=14569"},"modified":"2023-05-17T03:15:16","modified_gmt":"2023-05-17T07:15:16","slug":"a-detailed-catholic-examination-of-conscience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mindseyemag.com\/magazine\/a-detailed-catholic-examination-of-conscience\/","title":{"rendered":"A Detailed Catholic Examination of Conscience"},"content":{"rendered":"

Microsoft Word – A Detailed Catholic Examination of Conscience (2nd Ed.).docx (bulldogcatholic.org)<\/a><\/p>\n

A good Catholic examination of conscience can be a great help in making a new start in the life
\nof faith.
\nWe use an examination of conscience to help call to mind our sins and failings during a period
\nof quiet reflection before approaching the Priest in Confession.
\nIt’s important for a good Catholic examination of conscience to be thorough. This will help you
\nto consider what sins you are guilty of and make you aware of sins you might not realize as
\nsins. It’s also a chance to develop your conscience. This is a critical aid for any Catholic.
\nTo make an examination:
\n\u2022 Set aside some quiet time for reflection.
\n\u2022 Start by praying to the Holy Spirit, asking for help in making a good examination to
\nprepare for Confession.
\n\u2022 Read through the matters of this list and honestly reflect on your behavior for each.
\n\u2022 You may want to take this list or some brief notes (in secrecy to avoid scandal) to
\nConfession to help you remember things.
\n\u2022 Remember that a mortal sin is committed when :
\n2
\n1. Full Knowledge that the act (thought, word or omission) was contrary to God\u2019s will
\n(sinful) is possessed by the offender;
\n2. Full Consent (with intentionality; i.e., not forced) is held by the one committing the sin;
\n3. Grave Matter (anything under the Ten Commandments and the Precepts of the Church)
\nis the circumstances of the sin. Not to belabor the point, but, there is a difference in
\ngrave matter between stealing $10 from a friend and stealing $10,000 from an
\norphanage.
\nIf any of these three conditions are not met the sin is to be known as venial. It is a very
\ngood idea to confess venial sins as well, since these sins, like all sin, offend God Who
\ndeserves all of our love. Confessing venial sins helps us to be more sensitive to God and
\nmore faithful in our love to Him.
\nIf all three conditions are met the sin is known as mortal.
\nRemember, ALL mortal sins must be confessed according to the kind (what type of sin) and
\nthe number of times committed for a valid confession. If one willingly withholds and
\nconceals a sin in confession it is a sacrilege (which is another mortal sin) , and it invalidates
\nthe absolution. Do not worry! Do not be afraid! Jesus wants you to tell him your sins with
\nhonesty and courageousness that he may remove the hurt from your heart and soul. Do
\nnot further steep yourself in sin by concealing sins in confession.
\nAlso, it should be noted, the priest is bound under pain of grievous mortal sin and
\nexcommunication, if he ever reveals anything said in the confessional. No matter how
\ngrievous the sin, do not be afraid. Admit your failings openly and God will grant you His
\nsweet gift of forgiveness.<\/p>\n

The Ten Commandments<\/strong>
\nFirst Commandment<\/strong>
\nI am the LORD your God. You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only
\nshall you serve.
\nHave I…
\n\u2022 Reserved or harbored hatred for God?
\n\u2022 Disobeyed the commandments of God or the Church?
\n\u2022 Refused to accept what God has revealed as true, or what the Catholic
\nChurch proclaims for belief?
\n\u2022 Denied the existence of God?
\n\u2022 Neglected to nourish and protect my faith?
\n\u2022 Neglected to reject everything opposed to a sound faith?
\n\u2022 Deliberately misled others about doctrine or the faith?
\n\u2022 Rejected the Catholic faith, joined another Christian denomination, or
\njoined or practiced another religion?
\n\u2022 Joined a group forbidden to Catholics (Masons, communists, etc.)?
\n\u2022 Despaired about my salvation or the forgiveness of my sins?
\n\u2022 Presumed God’s mercy? (Committing a sin in expectation of
\nforgiveness, or asking for forgiveness without interior conversion and
\npracticing virtue.)
\n\u2022 Loved someone or something more than God (money, power, sex,
\nambition, etc.)?
\n\u2022 Let someone or something influence my choices more than God?
\n\u2022 Engaged in superstitious practices? (Incl. horoscopes, fortune tellers,
\netc.)
\n\u2022 Been involved in the occult or occult practices? (S\u00e9ances, Ouija board,
\nworship of Satan, etc.)
\n\u2022 Formally attempted to leave the Catholic Church?
\n\u2022 Hidden a serious sin or told a lie in Confession?
\nSecond Commandment<\/strong>
\nYou shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
\nHave I…
\n\u2022 Used the name of God in cursing or blasphemy?
\n\u2022 Failed to keep vows, promises, or resolutions that I have made to
\nGod? [specify in the confessional which one; the Priest has authority to
\nremove the obligations of promises and resolutions if they are too rash
\nor unjust]
\n\u2022 Spoken about the Faith, the Church, the saints, or sacred things with
\nirreverence, hatred or defiance?
\n\u2022 Watched television or movies, or listened to music that treated God,
\nthe Church, the saints, or sacred things irreverently?
\n\u2022 Used vulgar, suggestive or obscene speech?
\n\u2022 Belittled others in my speech?
\n\u2022 Behaved disrespectfully in the church building (e.g., talking
\nimmoderately in church before, during, after holy Mass)?
\n\u2022 Misused places or things set apart for the worship of God?
\n\u2022 Committed perjury? (Breaking an oath or lying under oath.)
\n\u2022 Blamed God for my failings?
\nThird Commandment<\/strong>
\nRemember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
\nHave I…
\n\u2022 Missed Mass on Sunday or Holy Days (through own fault w\/o sufficient
\nreason)?
\n\u2022 Neglected to set time aside each day for personal prayer to God?
\n\u2022 Committed a sacrilege against the Blessed Sacrament (thrown Him
\naway; brought Him home; treated Him carelessly, etc.)?
\n\u2022 Received any sacrament while in the state of mortal sin?
\n\u2022 Habitually come late to and\/or leave early from Mass?
\n\u2022 Shop, labor, practice sports or do business unnecessarily on Sunday or
\nother Holy Days of Obligation?
\n\u2022 Not attended to taking my children to Mass?
\n\u2022 Not provided proper instruction in the Faith to my children?
\n\u2022 Knowingly eaten meat on a forbidden day (or not fasted on a fast
\nday)?
\n\u2022 Eaten or drunken within one hour of receiving Communion (other than
\nmedical need)?
\nFourth Commandment<\/strong>
\nHonor your father and your mother.
\nHave I…
\n\u2022 (If still under my parents’ care) Obeyed all that my parents reasonably
\nasked of me?
\n\u2022 Shown disregard for my parents wishes, displayed contempt of their
\ndemands, and\/or disdained their very being?
\n\u2022 Neglected the needs of my parents in their old age or in their time of
\nneed?
\n\u2022 Harbored hatred for my parents?
\n\u2022 Brought shame on them?
\n\u2022 (If still in school) Obeyed the reasonable demands of my teachers?
\n\u2022 Disrespected my teachers?
\n\u2022 (If I have children) Neglected to give my children proper food,
\nclothing, shelter, education, discipline and care (even after
\nConfirmation)?
\n\u2022 Provided for the religious education and formation of my children for
\nas long as they are under my care?
\n\u2022 Ensured that my children still under my care regularly frequent the
\nsacraments of Penance and Holy Communion?
\n\u2022 Educated my children in a way that corresponds to Catholic religious
\ndisciplines?
\n\u2022 Provided my children with a positive, prudent and personalized
\neducation in the Catholic teaching on human sexuality?
\n\u2022 Been to my children a good example of how to live the Catholic Faith?
\n\u2022 Prayed with and for my children?
\n\u2022 (for everyone) Lived in humble obedience to those who legitimately
\nexercise authority over me?
\n\u2022 Broken any just law?
\n\u2022 Supported or voted for a politician whose positions are opposed to the
\nteachings of Christ and the Catholic Church?
\n\u2022 Failed to pray for the deceased members of my family . . . the Poor
\nSouls of Purgatory included?
\nFifth Commandment<\/strong>
\nYou shall not murder.
\nHave I…
\n\u2022 Unjustly and intentionally killed a human being (murder)?
\n\u2022 Have I been guilty, through negligence and\/or lacking of intention, of
\nthe death of another (killing)?
\n\u2022 Been involved in an abortion, directly or indirectly (through advice,
\nencouragement, providing money, or facilitating it in any other way)?
\n\u2022 Seriously considered or attempted suicide?
\n\u2022 Supported, promoted, or encouraged the practice of assisted suicide or
\nmercy killing(euthanasia)?
\n\u2022 Deliberately desired to kill an innocent human being?
\n\u2022 Unjustly inflicted bodily harm on another person?
\n\u2022 Unjustly threatened another person with bodily harm?
\n\u2022 Verbally or emotionally abused another person?
\n\u2022 Gossiped, slandered, detracted, calumniated?
\n\u2022 Hated another person, or wished him\/her evil?
\n\u2022 Been prejudiced, or unjustly discriminated against others because of
\ntheir race, color, nationality, sex or religion?
\n\u2022 Joined a hate group?
\n\u2022 Purposely provoked another by teasing or nagging?
\n\u2022 Recklessly endangered my life or health, or that of another, by my
\nactions?
\n\u2022 Driven recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs?
\n\u2022 Abused alcohol or other drugs?
\n\u2022 Sold or given drugs to others to use for non-therapeutic purposes?
\n\u2022 Used tobacco immoderately?
\n\u2022 Over-eaten?
\n\u2022 Encouraged others to sin by giving scandal?
\n\u2022 Helped another to commit a mortal sin (through advice, driving them
\nsomewhere, dressing and\/or acting immodestly, etc.)?
\n\u2022 Caused serious injury of another by criminal neglect?
\n\u2022 Indulged in unjust anger?
\n\u2022 Refused to control my temper?
\n\u2022 Been fateful to, quarreled with, or willfully hurt someone?
\n\u2022 Been unforgiving of others, especially when mercy or pardon was
\nrequested?
\n\u2022 Sought revenge or hoped something bad would happen to someone?
\n\u2022 Delighted to see someone else get hurt or suffer?
\n\u2022 Treated animals cruelly, causing them to suffer or die needlessly?
\nSixth & Ninth Commandments<\/strong>
\nYou shall not commit adultery.
\nYou shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
\nHave I…
\n\u2022 Neglected to practice and grow in the virtue of chastity?
\n\u2022 Given in to lust? (The desire for sexual pleasure unrelated to spousal
\nlove in marriage.)
\n\u2022 Used an artificial means of birth control (including withdrawal)?
\n\u2022 Refused to be open to conception, without just cause? (Catechism,
\n2368)
\n\u2022 Participated in immoral techniques such as in vitro fertilization or
\nartificial insemination?
\n\u2022 Sterilized my sex organs for contraceptive purposes?
\n\u2022 Deprived my spouse of the marital right, without just cause?
\n\u2022 Claimed my own marital right without concern for my spouse?
\n\u2022 Deliberately caused male climax outside of normal sexual intercourse?
\nMasturbated? (Deliberate stimulation of one’s own sexual organs for
\nsexual pleasure outside of the conjugal act.) (Catechism, 2366)
\n\u2022 Willfully entertained impure thoughts?
\n\u2022 Purchased, viewed, or made use of pornography?
\n\u2022 Watched or promoted movies and television that involve sex and
\nnudity?
\n\u2022 Listened to music or jokes that are harmful to purity? Read books that
\nare immoral?
\n\u2022 Committed adultery? (Sexual relations with someone who is married,
\nor with someone other than my spouse.)
\n\u2022 Committed incest? (Sexual relations with a relative closer than the
\nthird degree or an in-law.)
\n\u2022 Committed fornication? (Sexual relations with someone of the opposite
\nsex when the two are not married to one another or any others.)
\n\u2022 Engaged in homosexual activity? (Sexual activity with someone of the
\nsame sex)
\n\u2022 Committed rape?
\n\u2022 Engaged in sexual foreplay (e.g., \u201cpetting\u201d, or excessive touching)
\nreserved for marriage?
\n\u2022 Preyed upon children or youth for my sexual pleasure (pedophilia)?
\n\u2022 Engaged in unnatural sexual activities (anything that is not inherently
\nnatural to the sexual act; e.g., sex toys, even in the context of
\nmarriage)?
\n\u2022 Engaged in prostitution, or paid for the services of a prostitute?
\n\u2022 Seduced someone, or allowed myself to be seduced?
\n\u2022 Made uninvited and unwelcome sexual advances toward another?
\n\u2022 Purposely dressed immodestly?
\nSeventh & Tenth Commandments<\/strong>
\nYou shall not steal.
\nYou shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
\nHave I…
\n\u2022 Stolen? (Taken something that doesn’t belong to me against the
\nreasonable will of the owner.)
\n\u2022 Envied others on account of their possessions?
\n\u2022 Neglected to live in a spirit of Gospel poverty and simplicity?
\n\u2022 Neglected to give generously to others in need?
\n\u2022 Not considered that God has provided me with money so that I might
\nuse it to benefit others, as well as for my own legitimate needs?
\n\u2022 Allowed myself to be conformed to a consumer mentality (buy, buy
\nbuy, throw away, waste, spend, spend, spend?
\n\u2022 Neglected to practice the corporal works of mercy?
\n\u2022 Deliberately defaced, destroyed or lost another’s property?
\n\u2022 Cheated on a test, taxes, sports, games, or in business?
\n\u2022 Squandered money in compulsive gambling?
\n\u2022 Make a false claim to an insurance company?
\n\u2022 Paid my employees a living wage, or failed to give a full day’s work for
\na full day’s pay?
\n\u2022 Failed to honor my part of a contract?
\n\u2022 Failed to make good on a debt?
\n\u2022 Overcharge someone, especially to take advantage of another’s
\nhardship or ignorance?
\n\u2022 Misused natural resources?
\nEighth Commandment<\/strong>
\nYou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
\nHave I…
\n\u2022 Lied?
\n\u2022 Knowingly and willfully deceived another?
\n\u2022 Perjured myself under oath?
\n\u2022 Gossiped?
\n\u2022 Committed detraction? (Destroying a person’s reputation by telling
\nothers about his faults for no good reason.)
\n\u2022 Committed slander or calumny? (Telling lies about another person in
\norder to destroy his reputation.)
\n\u2022 Committed libel? (Writing lies about another person in order to destroy
\nhis reputation. Libel is in substance different from slander because the
\nwritten word has a longer “life” of damage)
\n\u2022 Been guilty of rash judgment? (Assuming the worst of another person
\nbased on circumstantial evidence.)
\n\u2022 Failed to make reparation for a lie I told, or for harm done to a
\nperson’s reputation?
\n\u2022 Failed to speak out in defense of the Catholic Faith, the Church, or of
\nanother person?
\n\u2022 Betrayed another’s confidence through speech, deed, or in writing?<\/p>\n

The Precepts of the Church<\/strong><\/p>\n

First Precept of the Church<\/strong><\/p>\n

You shall attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation and rest
\nfrom servile labor.
\n\u2022 (see Third Commandment above)<\/p>\n

Second Precept of the Church<\/strong><\/p>\n

You shall confess your sins (to a Priest) at least once a year.
\nHave I…
\n\u2022 Made a good Confession of my mortal sins at least once a year?
\n\u2022 Purposely omitted telling my mortal sins in my last Confession?
\n\u2022 Neglected to perform the penance I was given?
\n\u2022 Neglected to make reparation for any harm I have done to others?<\/p>\n

Third Precept of the Church<\/strong><\/p>\n

You shall humbly receive your Creator in Holy Communion at least once
\nduring the Easter season.
\nHave I…
\n\u2022 Neglected to fulfill my Easter duty to receive Holy Communion at least
\nonce between the First Sunday of Lent and Trinity Sunday?
\n\u2022 Received Holy Communion while in the state of mortal sin?
\n\u2022 Failed to fast for at least one hour before receiving Holy Communion?
\n\u2022 Received Holy Communion more than twice in one day?<\/p>\n

Fourth Precept of the Church<\/strong><\/p>\n

You shall observe the prescribed days of fasting and abstinence established
\nby the Church.
\nHave I…
\n\u2022 Neglected to do penance every Friday of the year, if not abstaining
\nfrom meat?
\n\u2022 Neglected to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of
\nLent (if I am 14 years of age and\/or older)?
\n\u2022 Neglected to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (if I am between
\nthe ages of 18 and 59)?
\n\u2022 Participated in diversions on days of penance (e.g., attended crawfish
\nboils and fish fries, ballgames, movies, shopping on Ash Wednesday &
\nGood Friday)?
\n\u2022 Neglected to spend time in prayer, do spiritual and corporal works of
\nmercy, and practice self-denial?<\/p>\n

Fifth Precept of the Church<\/strong><\/p>\n

You shall contribute to the support of the Church.
\nHave I…
\n\u2022 Neglected to contribute a just amount of my time, talents and money
\nto support my parish and the work of the Church?
\n\u2022 Neglected to support the Church by not trying to become a saint or by
\nnot striving to make sincere progress each day in sanctity?<\/p>\n

An Additional Precept of the Church 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

You shall observe the laws of the Church concerning marriage.
\nHave I…
\n\u2022 Been living in a invalid and\/or illicit marriage according to the laws of
\nthe Catholic Church?
\n\u2022 Abandoned my spouse and\/or family by separation or divorce?
\n\u2022 Kept company with someone whom I cannot marry in the Catholic
\nChurch?
\n\u2022 Given scandal by living with a member of the opposite sex without the
\nbenefit of a marriage blessed by the Catholic Church?
\n\u2022 Entered into marriage with more than one person at the same time?
\n\u2022 Failed to embrace the teachings given by the Catholic Church, which
\nare supported by the Natural Law: that marriage can only exist
\nbetween one man and one woman, and that no other union (i.e.,
\nbetween members of the same sex) can be a valid natural and\/or
\nsacramental marriage? [If one holds that same sex unions can be
\nvalid marriages he must recant and repent before he can make a valid
\nconfession.]
\n\u2022 Supported pro same-sex union politicians?
\n\u2022 Publicly proclaimed that the Church’s teaching on marriage is wrong
\nand as such taught others to reject it?<\/p>\n

1 The Catechism of the Catholic Church officially lists 5 Precepts. However, this<\/em>
\nadditional precept is counted among those teachings that are so fundamental to<\/em>
\nCatholicism that they must be observed in order to consider oneself a faithful and<\/em>
\npracticing Catholic.<\/em><\/p>\n

\nConfession: A \u201cHow To\u201d Guide<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Forgotten how to go to confession, or never learned? Here are the \u201cHow to\u2019s\u201d for the
\nSacrament of Penance (i.e., confession).
\nIt should be noted that any person may request to receive absolution in the Extraordinary Form at St. Joan of
\nArc. (This changes nothing of what the penitent has to do. Only the Priest will say different prayers, and in
\nLatin.)
\nPenitent: the person confessing his sins.
\nConfessor: the Priest administering the Sacrament.
\n1. The Penitent enters the confessional and kneels down at the screen.
\n2. The Penitent, making the sign of the cross, says, Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has
\nbeen ________ (state amount of time) since my last confession. These are my sins.
\n3. The Penitent confesses his sins. The Confessor listens, but he may ask questions if
\nsomething the Penitent has said is unclear or in order to lead the Penitent to a more
\nthorough examination of conscience. (NB. All mortal sins \u2013 each kind and the number of
\ntimes committed \u2013 must be confessed. All venial sins should be confessed.)
\n4. When the Penitent finishes confessing, he signifies this by saying: For these and all my sins,
\nI ask forgiveness of God and absolution from you, Father. The Confessor may offer some
\nadvice or counsel, so that the Penitent may take the necessary steps to amend his life.
\n5. The Confessor then gives a penance (usually a prayer or a good work) and then instructs
\nthe Penitent to make an Act of Contrition. There are different formulas. An act of
\nContrition is usually printed in the confessional.
\n6. After the Penitent has made an Act of Contrition, the Confessor imparts absolution with the
\nsacramental formula. The Penitent makes the Sign of the Cross at the absolution.
\n7. The Confessor concludes with these or similar words: Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace.
\nThe Penitent responds, saying: Thanks be to God.
\n8. The Penitent leaves the confessional and fulfills the penance as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

The Act of Contrition<\/strong><\/p>\n

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. And I detest all my
\nsins because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell but, most of
\nall, because they offend Thee, my God Who are all good and deserving of
\nall my love. And I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to confess my
\nsins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.
\nOr:
\nO my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my
\nsins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend
\nThee, my God, Who are all good and deserving of all my love. And I firmly
\nresolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near
\noccasions of sin. Amen.<\/p>\n

The Bible on Confession<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 \u201cI give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be
\nbound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed heaven\u201d (Matthew
\n16:19).
\n\u2022 \u201cTruly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you
\nloose on earth shall be loosed in heaven\u201d (Matthew 18:18).
\n\u2022 \u201cReceive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the
\nsins of any, they are retained\u201d (John 20:22-23).
\n\u2022 \u201cGo, show yourself to the Priest\u201d (Luke 5:14; 17:14; Matthew 8:4).
\n\u2022 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
\n\u2022 “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see
\nlife, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36).<\/p>\n

The Catechism of the Catholic Church on Confession:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 \u201cYou shall confess your sins (to a Priest) at least once a year\u201d (2042).
\n\u2022 \u201cChrist instituted the sacrament of Penance [confession] for all sinful members of His
\nChurch: above all for those who, since Baptism, have fallen into grave sin, and have thus
\nlost their baptismal grace and wounded ecclesial communion. It is to them that the
\nsacrament of Penance offers a new possibility to convert and to recover the grace of
\njustification. The Fathers of the Church present this sacrament as \u2018the second plank [of
\nsalvation] after the shipwreck which is the loss of grace\u2019” (1446).
\n\u2022 “All mortal sins of which penitents after a diligent self-examination are conscious must be
\nrecounted by them in confession, even if they are most secret and have been committed
\nagainst the last two precepts of the Decalogue; for these sins sometimes wound the soul
\nmore grievously and are more dangerous than those which are committed openly” (1456;
\nCouncil of Trent, DS 1680).<\/p>\n

The Saints on Confession:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 “Confession is an act of honesty and courage – an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to
\nthe mercy of a loving and forgiving God\u201d (Pope St. John Paul II).
\n\u2022 “The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works\u201d (St. Augustine).
\n\u2022 “Go to your confessor; open your heart to him; display to him all the recesses of your soul;
\ntake the advice that he will give you with the utmost humility and simplicity. For God, Who
\nhas an infinite love for obedience, frequently renders profitable the counsels we take from
\nothers, but especially from those who are the guides of our souls\u201d (St. Francis de Sales).
\n\u2022 “In failing to confess, Lord, I would only hide You from myself, not myself from You\u201d (St.
\nAugustine).
\n\u2022 “Confession is like a bridle that keeps the soul which reflects on it from committing sin, but
\nanything left unconfessed we continue to do without fear as if in the dark\u201d (St. John
\nClimacus).
\n\u2022 “A soul does not benefit from the sacrament of confession if it is not humble. Pride keeps it
\nin darkness. The soul neither knows how, nor is it willing, to probe with precision the
\ndepths of its own misery. It puts on a mask and avoids everything that might bring it
\nrecovery\u201d (St. Faustina).
\n\u2022 “At the time of your examination (of sins) beware of the devil that ties your tongue\u201d (St.
\nJosemaria Escriva).
\n\u2022 “The devil does not bring sinners to hell with their eyes open: he first blinds them with the
\nmalice of their own sins. Before we fall into sin, the enemy labors to blind us, that we may
\nnot see the evil we do and the ruin we bring upon ourselves by offending God. After we
\ncommit sin, he seeks to make us dumb [i.e., silent], that, through shame, we may conceal
\nour guilt in confession\u201d (St. Alphonsus Liguori).
\n\u2022 “The want of proper examination, true contrition, and a firm purpose of amendment, is the
\ncause of bad confessions, and of the ruin of souls\u201d (St. Benedict Joseph Labre).
\n\u2022 “Obedience to a confessor is the most acceptable offering which we can make to God,
\nand the most secure way of doing the divine will\u201d (St. Alphonsus Liguori).<\/p>\n

POPE FRANCIS ON CONFESSION<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone can say, \u2018I confess my sins only to God.\u2019 Yes, you can say to God, \u2018forgive me,\u2019 and
\nsay your sins. But our sins are also against our brothers, against the Church. This is why it is
\nnecessary to ask forgiveness of the Church and of our brothers, in the person of the Priest
\n. . . Forgiveness is not something we can give ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

“[Someone may say:] Father, I am embarrassed! Even embarrassment is good. It\u2019s healthy to
\nhave a bit of shame… it does us good, because it makes us more humble. Don\u2019t be afraid of
\nconfession . . . When someone is in line for confession he feels all these things – even shame –
\nbut then, when he finishes confessing, he leaves (feeling) free, great, beautiful, forgiven,
\nclean, happy. The sacrament of reconciliation is a sacrament of healing.”<\/p>\n

“Be courageous, and go to confession.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Microsoft Word – A Detailed Catholic Examination of Conscience (2nd Ed.).docx (bulldogcatholic.org) A good Catholic<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":25304,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[637],"class_list":["post-14569","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides"],"yoast_head":"\nA Detailed Catholic Examination of Conscience ~ Mind's Eye Mag<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A good Catholic examination of conscience can be a great help in making a new start in the life\" 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