Catholic Examination of Conscience

Catholic Examination of Conscience for Single Young Adults

The single life is itself a vocation — a season (and for some, a lifelong call) in which one's whole life is offered to God and lived in service. This examination addresses the questions that are particular to single Catholics in their twenties and thirties: chastity, vocation discernment, work, friendships, and the use of freedom.

1. Prayer and the practice of the faith

Single life, lived well, is a deep school of prayer.

Have I built a daily rhythm of prayer?
Have I attended Sunday Mass faithfully, even when travelling, busy, or living far from family?
Have I gone to confession regularly?
Have I made spiritual reading and serious study of the faith part of my life?
Have I sought a spiritual director or a wise confessor?

2. Vocation

Every Catholic is called to a particular vocation: marriage, religious life, holy orders, or dedicated single life.

Have I prayed about my vocation, or have I avoided the question?
Have I been open to whatever God is calling me to, or have I closed off certain possibilities (priesthood, religious life) without serious consideration?
Have I, if pursuing marriage, dated with seriousness — looking for a spouse, not just companionship or pleasure?
Have I, if discerning religious life, taken concrete steps (retreats, visits, conversation with a vocations director)?
Have I let fear, comfort, or self-will keep me from following where God is calling?

3. Chastity

Chastity is the integration of sexuality into the whole person; it is required of all the baptised, married or single (CCC 2337-2359).

Have I had sexual relations outside of marriage?
Have I cohabited with a romantic partner?
Have I viewed pornography?
Have I masturbated, or deliberately consented to impure thoughts and fantasies?
Have I led another person into sin by my conduct, dress, or words?
Have I, if dating, treated my boyfriend or girlfriend as a person to love rather than a body to enjoy?
Have I respected the dignity of every person I have known intimately?
Have I refused the help of friendship, accountability, the sacraments, or a counsellor when struggling with chastity?

4. Friendship, family, community

Single life carries a particular freedom for love of friends, of one's family of origin, and of the broader Church.

Have I been a faithful and reliable friend?
Have I been present to my parents, especially as they age?
Have I been generous with my time toward siblings, nieces, nephews, godchildren?
Have I served my parish or wider community?
Have I let loneliness make me bitter, cynical, or self-pitying?
Have I let busyness or career replace deep relationships?

5. Work, money, time

Single life affords more time and disposable income than married life. How am I using these gifts?

Have I worked honestly and well, as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23)?
Have I made an idol of career, success, or ambition?
Have I been greedy, materialistic, indulgent?
Have I been generous with the poor, the Church, and those in need?
Have I wasted time on entertainment, screens, or trivialities to the neglect of prayer and growth?
Have I used the freedom of single life as God intended — for service, for prayer, for growth — or have I used it merely for myself?

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