Examination of Conscience: Kids

Preparing Young Children for Reconciliation

Mar 23, 2007 Diane Laney Fitzpatrick

Before celebrating the sacrament of reconciliation, children can use a familiar prayer to examine their consciences.

The first step of reconciliation is an honest examination of conscience. To truly enjoy the benefits of the sacrament, a candid look back over past actions is required.

Even a young child making his first reconciliation must look back and ask himself, "How've I done?"

Not an easy task, especially for youngsters unfamiliar with the practice.

Many priests use the 10 Commandments as a guideline in the confessional. But young children may have trouble relating that to their own lives.

Here is an examination of conscience for children using the Lord's Prayer as a guideline.

An Examination of Conscience for Children using The Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name.

• Do I think about God every day?
• Do I say my prayers?
• Do I pay attention and participate at Mass?

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

• Am I kind to others?
• Do I do what Jesus wants me to do?
• Do I share with others?
• Am I helpful to my family?
• Do I show respect to my teachers and classmates?

Give us this day our daily bread

• Do I remember to say thank you?
• Am I sometimes greedy?
• Do I appreciate the good things I have in my life?
• Do I think of ways to help those who have no food?
• Do I take things that don't belong to me?

Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

• Do I say I’m sorry when I have been wrong?
• Do I forgive and forget when someone does something bad to me?
• Do I help solve problems between my friends or do I cause more trouble?
• Do I say bad things about people who have hurt me?

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

• Do I play fairly in sports and games?
• Do I cheat in school?
• Do I tell the truth?
• Do I set a good example by my kindness?
• Do I let other kids tempt me to do things I know I shouldn't do?

For religious education techniques for teaching about reconciliation, see:

• Teaching Reconciliation

For more examinations of conscience, see:

• Examination of Conscience: Tweens
• Examination of Conscience: Teens

The copyright of the article Examination of Conscience: Kids in Catholicism is owned by Diane Laney Fitzpatrick. Permission to republish Examination of Conscience: Kids in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Comments

Dec 18, 2008 12:49 PM

Guest :

This is great. Thank-you for doing all this. IT has been a great heelp for me!

Jan 7, 2009 7:58 AM

Guest :

amazing site. you guys have helped make me a better instructor. Thanks so much for this i dont know what id do without 'yall!

Mar 16, 2009 1:32 PM

Guest :

thanks for these guided questions they are very helpful.

3 Comments