Catholic Confession Sins List — An Examination of Conscience for Adults

Why Examine Your Conscience

Confession is not a test you can fail. It is a meeting with a merciful God. But a good examination helps you confess honestly and receive the grace fully. The Church asks Catholics to confess all mortal sins, and naming them clearly lets the priest offer the right counsel. Think of this list as a flashlight, not a judge.

Sins Against God

Start with the First Commandment: I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods before me. Ask yourself whether anything has taken God's place in your life. Money, career, comfort, approval. Have you neglected prayer, skipped Mass on Sundays and holy days, or received Communion in a state of grave sin? Have you taken the Lord's name in vain or sworn falsely? Have you dabbled in things that pretend to divine power, like fortune telling, Ouija boards, or horoscopes you actually consulted? These belong in confession.

Sins Against Your Neighbor

The Fourth through Tenth Commandments govern how we treat other people. Have you been disrespectful to your parents, or failed to provide for your family? Have you harmed anyone through anger, hatred, or revenge? Gossip is one of the most common sins in this category: have you shared another person's faults or secrets? Have you lied, cheated, or stolen, even small things like office supplies or extra change? Have you been sexually impure in thought, word, or deed, whether alone or with others? Marriage matters here too: have you been unfaithful in heart or action, or failed in your duties as a spouse?

Sins Against Yourself and Your Family

The Church also asks about the duties of your state in life. Parents, have you prayed with your children or let the faith go quiet in your home? Have you been an example of honesty and charity? Have you neglected your health through addiction, drunkenness, or drug use? Have you harbored bitterness, envy, or unforgiveness toward anyone? Have you wasted your time and talents, or failed to develop the gifts God gave you? These quieter sins often weigh on the soul more than the dramatic ones.

The Precepts of the Church

The precepts are the minimum obligations every Catholic accepts: attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation, confess your sins at least once a year, receive the Eucharist at least during the Easter season, observe the days of fasting and abstinence, and provide for the needs of the Church. Missing Sunday Mass without a serious reason is a mortal sin, and it is one of the most common omissions in American confessionals. If you have fallen out of the habit, this is the place to start again.

How to Confess

When you enter the confessional, begin with: Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [length of time] since my last confession. Then name your sins simply, without excuses. The priest may ask a question or two. Listen to his counsel, say an act of contrition, and receive your penance. The priest absolves you, and you leave forgiven. If you are nervous, tell the priest it has been a long time. He has heard everything, and he is there to help, not to judge.

What If You Forget a Sin

If you forget a sin, it is forgiven along with the rest as long as you intended to confess everything. You only need to mention it at your next confession if it was a mortal sin. If you deliberately hide a sin, that is a different matter: the confession is invalid, and you must confess the hidden sin by name. But an honest mistake is nothing to worry about. God is not looking for a perfect list; he is looking for a sincere heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mortal sin?

A mortal sin is a grave offense against God's law, committed with full knowledge and full consent. It destroys the life of grace in the soul and must be confessed before receiving Communion. Missing Sunday Mass, adultery, and stealing something significant are common examples.

Do I have to confess every sin?

You must confess every mortal sin you remember. Venial sins are also good to confess, especially habits like gossip or impatience, but they are forgiven through other means as well, including the Eucharist.

Can I confess by email or phone?

No. Confession must be face to face or behind a screen with a priest in the sacrament. A phone call with a priest is spiritual direction, not confession, and it does not confer absolution.

How often should I go to confession?

The Church requires at least once a year, but monthly confession is a common and powerful practice among devout Catholics. Many go weekly before Sunday Mass.

What if I am not sure something is a sin?

Tell the priest the situation and ask. That is exactly what the confessional is for. He can help you sort out whether an action was a sin and how grave it was.