You are uniquely and wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God; and blessed!


Have I failed to be aware of the personal love God has for me and the good that God desires for my life?  Do I worship and praise my creator as my creator has revealed? “Do this in memory of me”. “Worship God in Spirit and in Truth”. “Teach them everything I have commanded you”. “They devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers”.

Have I failed to attend on Sundays and Holy Days, the sacrifice of the Mass, where the grace of Jesus’ death for sinners is made accessible to me? Where does God “fall on the list of my priorities” of time; in any given day, week, month or year?

Have I failed to honor God’s love for me, by not returning my time and attention to God in prayer; by not listening to and studying God’s Word (the Bible) and the Teachings of his Church (the body of Christ)?

How do I show gratitude for the many blessings I have received from the hand of God or do I think it was all my doing or just random chance? Is my life a life of gratitude? Am I humbled by the good things God has blessed me with in my life? Do I “count my blessings”?

Have I failed to seek the healing and restoration that flows from Confession for all that my sin has broken, wounded or destroyed? Am I aware of the destructive nature of my sins to my own soul, to others or to the world we share? Have I intentionally refused to mention any sins in my previous confessions?

What words are found “in my mouth and on my tongue”? Are they violent, vulgar, disrespectful, demeaning, slandering of others or God?

Have I lied? Is truthfulness found in my heart? In my friendships? Do I seek out and desire truth? Do I build my life on truth? Am I worthy of other people placing their trust in me?

Your body, is the body that God created, redeemed and is meant to be eternal; through the gift of Jesus and the resurrection on the last day. You are to: Serve the Lord with gladness!

Have I failed to honor my own body by not eating right, exercising, studying or getting enough sleep? Have I intentionally hurt myself by engaging in cutting, eating disorders or contemplating suicide?

Have I engaged in drinking alcohol or using drugs, diminishing or damaging the gift of my mind, conscience or decision-making ability? Have I enabled others to use alcohol or drugs?

Have I, as an unmarried person, engaged in any sexual activity with another person; dishonoring their body and my own as a temple of the Holy Spirit?

Have I accessed pornography, thus cooperating in another person’s self-degradation and bringing impurity into my mind and heart? Did I do so to commit the sin of masturbation?

Have I fondled or kissed another person lustfully, treating them like an object, even with their consent?

Have I had an abortion, or encouraged or helped someone else to have one; destroying a unique and eternal soul intentionally created by God?

Love one another as I have loved you.

Have I committed the sin of racism or acted with prejudice, in words, thoughts or actions? Have I put others down to feel better about myself?

Have I injured another’s reputation by lying about them or have I hurt others by revealing hidden faults about them? Have I gossiped or passed on rumors? Did I insult or tease others with the intention of hurting them?

Have I judged others? Have I been greedy or jealous of things others have? Do I resent other people’s popularity or success?

Have I hated or failed to forgive someone? Have I held grudges or tried to get even with others? Do I get angry easily and lose my temper? Do I act rudely, impolitely or arrogantly toward others? Have I physically harmed or threatened to harm another person?

Have I nagged my parents into buying things my friends have, or complained when they did not purchase something for me?

Did I shoplift, steal or take things that didn’t belong to me? Did I receive stolen goods?  Have I returned or made restitution for things I have stolen? Have I “forgotten” to return something I borrowed? Did I damage others’ property without owning up to it and repairing it?

Am I a good friend, one to lead others to the good, “a person for others”? Have I helped others when they’ve needed it? Have I played fairly? Have I cheated at school or in games?

Have I wasted time, goods or food? Do I generously share what I have with the needy? Do I use the money I have responsibly?

act of contrition

O, my God, I am sorry for all my sins.  In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have offended you who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly intend, with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to penance and to amend my life. Our savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us, in His name, my God, have mercy.