Youth Examination of Conscience

Youth Examination of Conscience | St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church | Jackson, Michigan

Help teens and youth prepare for Confession with our Youth Examination of Conscience. Age-appropriate questions guide reflection on the Commandments at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Jackson, MI.

Pdf Printable Version

Examination of Conscience for Children

1. I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD. YOU SHALL NOT HAVE OTHER GODS BESIDES ME.

  • Do I speak (pray) to God every day—when I wake up, before meals, and before going to sleep?

  • As soon as I wake up, do I offer Him my school work and my whole day?

  • Do I remember to thank God for the good things I have done or received?

  • Do I put my trust in good luck charms, palm reading, or superstitions instead of God alone?

2. YOU SHALL NOT USE GOD’S NAME IN VAIN.

  • Have I used the words “God” or “Jesus” in anger or without respect?

  • Have I used ugly or disrespectful words?

  • Have I wished evil on another person?

3. REMEMBER TO KEEP GOD’S DAY HOLY.

  • Do I go to Mass on Sunday unless I had a serious reason (like sickness or no way to get there)?

  • Do I try to make Sunday a day of rest and joy for my family?

  • Do I pay attention at Mass, or do I distract others by talking or playing?

  • Do I arrive late at Mass or leave early?

4. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.

  • Do I respect and obey my parents?

  • Have I treated them badly by word or action?

  • Am I willing to help at home, or must I be asked over and over?

  • Do I try to get along with my brothers and sisters? Am I a tattletale or a bully?

  • Do I give good example, especially to my younger siblings?

  • Do I respect others in authority: babysitters, teachers, priests, nuns, and older people?

5. YOU SHALL NOT KILL.

  • Do I beat up others or hurt their bodies?

  • Do I say mean things or make fun of others to hurt their feelings?

  • Am I willing to play with everyone, or do I stop speaking to some kids?

  • Do I encourage others to do bad things?

  • Do I take care of my health by eating well and taking care of the body God has given me?

  • Are there kids I refuse to play with or treat badly because they look different?

6. YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.

  • Do I treat my body and the bodies of others with respect and purity?

  • Do I watch TV shows, movies, or look at pictures that hurt my soul and mind?

  • Am I modest in the way I dress and the way I speak, remembering that I am truly a son/daughter of God?

7. YOU SHALL NOT STEAL.

  • Have I taken things that were not mine from a store or another person?

  • Have I broken or misused another person’s property on purpose?

  • Do I return the things I borrow—in good condition?

8. YOU SHALL NOT LIE (BEAR FALSE WITNESS).

  • Do I always tell the truth?

  • Do I say things about other people that are not true?

  • Have I cheated in class or in a game?

  • Do I tell lies to make myself look good?

  • Do I lie to avoid being punished?

  • Do I lie to make another person look bad or to get them in trouble?

  • Am I a tattletale?

9. YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S WIFE.

  • Do I get mad when I have to share my friends?

  • Am I jealous of my brothers or sisters and want my parents’ attention all for myself?

  • Am I willing to share my things and my time with others?

10. YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S GOODS.

  • Am I thankful to God and my parents for what they have given me?

  • Do I share the things I have with my family, friends, and those in need?

  • Am I jealous or envious of the things others have?

  • Am I jealous or envious of the abilities others have?