Catholic Examination of Conscience Before First Confession
This is an examination of conscience for the Sacrament of Penance for the very first time — usually for a child in second grade preparing for First Reconciliation, but also useful for adults who are being received into the Church or returning to confession after many years away.
Don't be afraid. The first confession is something Jesus has been waiting for. The priest will help you through it. He cannot ever tell anyone what you say (this is the Seal of Confession, which binds him under the most serious penalty in Church law). All you have to do is be honest, and Jesus will give you his peace.
How to begin
Find a quiet place. Pray to the Holy Spirit, asking him to help you remember the times you have sinned. Then look through these questions one by one. Make a list (in your head or on paper) of what you want to tell the priest.
- Did I love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength?
- Did I love my neighbour as myself?
- Have there been times when I chose myself instead of God or others?
Loving God
The first three commandments help us love God.
- Did I pray every day?
- Did I miss Mass on Sunday because I didn't want to go?
- Did I behave at Mass with reverence?
- Did I use God's name, or Jesus's name, in a careless or angry way?
- Did I treat sacred things — the church, the Bible, the Eucharist — with respect?
Loving family
The Fourth Commandment is to honour our father and mother.
- Did I obey my parents?
- Was I respectful when speaking to my parents and grandparents?
- Did I help when asked, without complaining?
- Did I fight with my brothers or sisters?
- Did I hurt anyone in my family by my words or actions?
Loving others
Jesus said the greatest commandment, after loving God, is to love our neighbour.
- Did I hurt someone with my hands, or with my words?
- Did I bully or make fun of anyone?
- Did I refuse to share or help when I should have?
- Did I refuse to forgive someone who said sorry?
Telling the truth
The Eighth Commandment is not to bear false witness — that means not to lie.
- Did I tell a lie?
- Did I cheat in school?
- Did I blame someone else for something I did?
Honesty about things
The Seventh Commandment is not to steal.
- Did I take something that didn't belong to me?
- Did I break something on purpose?
- Did I keep something I knew belonged to somebody else?
What I look at and say
God gave me my eyes, my mind, and my mouth to use for good.
- Did I look at things on a screen or in a book that I knew I shouldn't?
- Did I say bad words?
- Did I tell jokes or stories that made fun of other people?
Ready to confess?
After your examination, pray an Act of Contrition, then make your confession. Our guide to how to go to confession walks through the rite step by step. Need to find a parish? Find confession times near you.
Primary sources