Examination of Conscience for Young People
Example
The First Commandment
It concerns God's place in our lives.
- Do I find time for God, or do I push Him to the margins of my life, to the end of the day?
- Do I neglect daily prayer? What is my prayer like? It is worth stating how often I have neglected prayer.
The Second Commandment
It concerns respect for God and what is holy.
- Do I reject God's will as expressed in the commandments and the teaching of the Church, for example by saying: “For me, this is not a sin”?
- Do I reject God by avoiding confession for a long time and remaining in mortal sin?
The Third Commandment
It concerns fulfilling religious duties.
- How do I participate in Holy Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation? If I have missed Mass through my own fault, state how many times and why.
- How do I participate in Holy Mass: do I listen and take part in communal prayer?
- Did I refrain from attending parties and dances during Lent?
- Did I go to confession and receive Holy Communion during the Easter season?
The Fourth Commandment
It calls us to show respect and gratitude to our parents.
- How do I treat my parents?
- Am I honest and truthful with them?
- Am I willing to take responsibility for household and family matters, for example by helping with cleaning and other chores?
The Fifth Commandment
It calls us to respect and protect our own lives and the lives of others.
- Do I respect and defend life at every stage, from conception to death?
- Do I condone disregard for life, especially in discussions about killing unborn children?
- Do I take care of my health? Reflect on drug use, alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking, stating how often you have engaged in these activities.
The Sixth and Ninth Commandments
They safeguard human dignity and respect in matters concerning the transmission of life.
It is worth reflecting on sins against these commandments, such as premarital intercourse, immodest acts (self-abuse, masturbation), and arousing lust and impure thoughts, for example by visiting erotic or pornographic websites.
The Seventh and Tenth Commandments
They safeguard other people's property and shared property.
- Have I committed theft?
- Have I damaged someone else's property or shared property, such as public facilities?
- Have I returned stolen or found items if I know who owns them?
- How great was the harm caused by the sin committed?
The Eighth Commandment
It concerns responsibility for our words.
- Am I guided by the truth, or do I lie?
- Have I hurt anyone through slander, meaning telling lies about them; detraction, meaning spreading word of another person's shortcomings; gossip; suspicions; or accusations?