An examination of conscience is a way to hold ourselves accountable before God and each other for living in a way that is true to our intent. Some refer to it as an examination of consciousness: scanning our motives, thoughts, and actions to detect our loyalty to or betrayal of the priorities we hold as Catholic Christians.

Archishop Gregory Aymond, former bishop of Austin, compiled a format for an examination of conscience. As reported in the Diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Spirit, Archbishop Aymond encourages Christians to reflect upon their lives, as a stepping stone to live a more virtuous life.
For a Printable (PDF) version of this examination, please click here.

A Review of My Life

These questions can be used on a daily basis and/or on preparation for receiving the sacrament of reconciliation. They were part of a presentation by Archishop Gregory Aymond given at seven parishes in the spring of 2006

God and me

• Am I open to his love?
• Do I spend time in prayer (conversation) with God?
• Do I allow him to shepherd my life? Do I trust him?
• Do I accept his forgiveness?
• Am I trying to see God in the events of the day?
• Do I carve out time for God on Sunday and participate in Mass?
  

Self

• Do I see myself as worthwhile?
• Do I take care of myself?
• Do I recognize and use my gifts? (Stewardship)
  

Family (vocation)

• Do I avoid problems instead of addressing them?
• Does my family have the rightful place in my life (time, priority)?
• Do I affirm others (spouse, children, family, co-workers, neighbors)?
• Do I listen to others?
• Do I give love and accept love?
• Does my vocation (marriage, single, priest, religious) help to bring good to others?
• Do I honestly work at my vocation in life? Have I been faithful to my vows?
• Am I willing to forgive?

Others, job, society

• Do I affirm others and point out their gifts?
• Do I work towards justice and peace in my daily dealings with others?
• Do I defend and protect the sacred gift of human life?
• Does my conversation build or destroy others?
• Have others become my god?
• Are pettiness and unhealthy competition in my life?
• Do I judge others and put them down?
• Do I use my life to help others, to love them, to bring Christ to them?
• Am I aware of the unrest, war, injustice, poverty that plagues our world? Have I done anything to alleviate this darkness?