An Examination of Conscience for college students and young adults FAITH AND GOD Am I proud to be a Catholic Christian? Do I speak openly about my faith? Do I defend my faith when faced with questions about it? Do I stand up for what I believe with my friends, in class, at social events? Do I know enough about my religion to share it with others? Do I have God and faith and other people "figured out," or am I open to new adventures, to the mystery that God continues to reveal daily? Am I open to the religious traditions of others? Do I respect the faith and beliefs of others? ACTION AND DECISIONS Do I "go along with the crowd," or do I make decisions based on my beliefs and values? Am I prepared to do "what is right" under all circumstances? Can others identify me as a Christian by my speech? Do I gossip? Use foul language? Take God's name in vain? Is there enough evidence to convict me of being a Catholic? FORGIVENESS Do I learn from my mistakes? Do I apologize and forgive quickly? Do I seek forgiveness? Do I forgive? Do I hold a grudge? Do I have the ability to forgive even the person who doesn't really deserve it? Am I resentful of those who are more popular, smarter, better looking than me? SUNDAYS Am I a member of a faith community? Do I come to Sunday Mass as a willing and active participant? Do I listen reverently and join in the praying and singing? Do I appreciate the gift of the Eucharist, and this opportunity to speak to and to listen to God? Do I carry on conversations during Mass, disturbing others at prayer? AND THE REST OF THE WEEK Am I aware of God in my life on days other than Sunday? How does God enter into my studies, my work, my other activities? Have I ever invited God to be involved in these areas of my life? As I increase my knowledge in academic areas or my experience in the workplace, how am I deepening my understanding and appreciation for God in my life? What are the top three priorities in my life? Is God there? If not, then where? How has God blessed me today? Yesterday? When was the last time I said thanks? HOSPITALITY Do I welcome new people and make them feel at home? Do I reach out to those who may feel lost? Do I judge others by their appearance or dress? Do I hang out only with my friends? Do I belong to a clique? When was the last time I invited another to an activity? PARTICIPATION Who is my neighbor? How aware am I of the needs of my neighbor? How involved am I in the needs of my school or my community? Do I volunteer to help others, or do I assume that someone else will? When I do volunteer, is it done out of love? PERSONAL LIFE Do I see Jesus in others? In my friends? In my coworkers? Do I give them the benefit of the doubt? Do I work to the best of my ability, either in my studies or my employment? Do I follow through on my promises? Am I faithful to times of study? Exercise? Prayer? Do I begin and end my day with prayer? Do I turn to God in gratitude for all my blessings? SELF-AWARENESS Can I say to God: "Yes, I will go whatever You lead me"? Am I comfortable with myself and my environment? In other words, can I accept what I cannot change? Do I have a sense of humor? Can I laugh at myself? Am I hooked on fads? Drugs? Alcohol? Tobacco? Possessions? Have I abused any of God's gifts through actions, such as eating, drinking, smoking? Am I carrying on any kind of sexual relationship outside of marriage? Do I treat people as objects, especially in sexual ways? Do I make sexist remarks? Do I read pornography? Do I try to communicate with my parents? My spouse? My family? Am I truthful and honest in all I say and do? Have I done violence to others by damaging their reputation, honor, or material possessions?