What is an examination of conscience?

An examination of conscience is a prayerful review of your thoughts, words, and actions in light of God's commandments and the teachings of the Church. It is an essential preparation for the Sacrament of Confession and a daily spiritual practice.

How often should I examine my conscience?

St. Ignatius of Loyola recommended a brief examination twice daily — at noon and before bed. At minimum, a thorough examination before each Confession is essential. Daily practice helps develop a sensitive conscience and awareness of sin.

What is the difference between a daily examen and preparing for Confession?

The daily examen (Ignatian) focuses on gratitude, reviewing the day, and noticing God's presence. Preparation for Confession is a more thorough review of sins against the Ten Commandments and Church precepts since your last Confession.

What if I can't remember all my sins?

Confess what you remember with sincere sorrow. Forgotten sins are forgiven through the absolution. However, if you remember a serious sin later, mention it in your next Confession. The key is honest effort, not perfect recall.

Can children do an examination of conscience?

Yes! Children preparing for First Confession should learn a simple examination of conscience. Age-appropriate guides help them review the Ten Commandments in simple language. This builds lifelong habits of moral reflection.

How to Make a Good Examination of Conscience for Confession

An examination of conscience is prayerful review of thoughts, words, and deeds against the Ten Commandments and Gospel before Confession. Catholics examine sins of commission and omission, note kind and number of mortal sins, and prepare to confess honestly to the priest for valid absolution.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the greatest gifts Jesus left to His Church. However, to fully receive the grace of forgiveness, a contrite heart and sincere preparation are necessary. The examination of conscience is not an exercise in guilt, but an act of love and truth before a God who is Father and Mercy.

What is the Examination of Conscience?

It is the effort to recall sins committed by thoughts, words, acts, and omissions since the last good confession. It is placing oneself under the light of the Holy Spirit to see the wounds that sin has caused in our relationship with God, with our neighbor, and with ourselves.

Step by Step for a Good Examination

1. Invoke the Holy Spirit

Alone, we tend to justify our errors or despair. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you clarity, courage, and true repentance. "Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind so I may see my sins and touch my heart so I may detest them."

2. Use a Guide (Commandments)

The most classic way is to follow the Ten Commandments. Ask yourself: Did I give God first place? Did I use His name in vain? Did I keep Sundays holy? Did I honor my parents? Was I violent or did I hold grudges? Was I pure in my thoughts and actions? Was I honest? Did I speak the truth?

The Three Dimensions of Sin

Relationship with God: Omission of prayers, lack of trust, superstitions.
Relationship with Neighbor: Judgments, gossip, lack of charity, dishonesty.
Relationship with Oneself: Pride, laziness, gluttony, lack of care for one's own soul.

The Sorrow of the Heart (Contrition)

More important than the list of sins is repentance. Contrition is the sorrow of the soul for having offended such a good God. Without the purpose of sinning no more, confession loses its transforming meaning.

"Confession is the baptism of tears."

— Saint John Chrysostom

Mortal vs. Venial Sin: What to Confess

Mortal sin destroys charity in the soul and requires Confession before receiving Communion. It involves grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. Venial sin weakens charity but does not cut you off from grace. In Confession, all mortal sins must be confessed in kind and number (as far as you can recall). Venial sins may be confessed generally ("I was impatient with my children many times") or omitted — though confessing them strengthens humility. When unsure whether a sin was mortal, confess it anyway; the priest will help you discern.

The Precepts of the Church

Beyond the Ten Commandments, review the six precepts: attend Mass on Sundays and holy days; confess serious sins at least once a year; receive Communion at least once during Easter; observe days of fast and abstinence; help provide for the Church's needs; and follow marriage laws. Ask: Did I miss Mass without serious reason? Did I eat meat on Ash Wednesday or Good Friday? Did I support my parish financially according to my means?

The Ignatian Daily Examen (Five Steps)

Gratitude: Thank God for concrete gifts of the day.
Petition: Ask the Holy Spirit to show where you fell short.
Review: Walk through the day hour by hour — meetings, screens, conversations.
Sorrow: Express regret without despair; trust in mercy.
Resolution: Choose one practical change for tomorrow.

St. Ignatius taught this examen twice daily — at noon and before sleep. It complements, but does not replace, the thorough review before Confession.

Sample Opening Prayer

"Lord, You know all things. You see my heart. I come before You as I am — with my failures and my desire to change. Illuminate what I have hidden from myself. Give me courage to speak honestly to Your priest and grace to sin no more. Mary, Mother of Mercy, pray for me."

In the Confessional: What to Say

Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Say how long since your last Confession ("Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been three months since my last confession"). List mortal sins clearly and briefly. Mention patterns if relevant ("I struggle with pornography" or "I have been avoiding my elderly parent"). Listen to the priest's counsel, pray the Act of Contrition he assigns, and accept your penance. Leave resolved to avoid near occasions of sin — the examination continues in daily life, not only before Confession.