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Examination of Conscience in Light of Catholic Social Teaching

by Mar 11, 2022Parish Blog, Weekly-Email

Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Do I respect the life and dignity of every human person from conception through natural death?
Do I recognize the face of Christ in all others around me whatever their race, class, age, or abilities?
Do I work to protect the dignity of others when it is being threatened?

Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Do I try to make positive contributions in my family and in my community?
Do my beliefs, attitudes, and choices strengthen or undermine the institution of the family?
Am I aware of problems facing my local community and involved in efforts to find solutions?
Do I stay informed and make my voice heard when needed?
Do I support the efforts of the poor to work for change in their neighborhoods and communities?
Do my attitudes and interactions empower or disempower others?

Rights and Responsibilities
Do I recognize and respect the economic, social, political, and cultural rights of others?
Do I live in material comfort and excess while remaining insensitive to the needs of others?
Do I take seriously my responsibility to ensure that the rights of persons in need are realized?
Do I urge those in power to implement programs/policies to give human dignity and rights to all?

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Do I give special attention to the poor and vulnerable in my community and in the world?
Am I disproportionately concerned for my own good at the expense of others?
Do I engage in service and advocacy work that protects the dignity of poor and vulnerable persons?

Responsibilities and the Rights of Workers
As a worker, do I give my employer a fair day’s work for my wages?
As an owner, do I treat workers fairly?
Do I treat all workers with whom I interact with respect, no matter their position or class?
Do I support the rights of all workers to adequate wages, health insurance, vacation and sick leave?
Do I affirm their right to form or join unions or worker associations?
Do my purchasing choices take into account the hands involved in the production of what I buy?
When possible, do I buy products produced by workers whose rights and dignity were respected?

Solidarity
Does the way I spend my time reflect a genuine concern for others?
Is solidarity incorporated into my prayer and spirituality?
Do I lift up vulnerable people throughout the world in my prayer, or is it reserved for only my personal concerns?
Am I attentive only to my local neighbors or also those across the globe?
Do I see all members of the human family as my brothers and sisters?

Care for God’s Creation
Do I live out my responsibility to care for God’s creation?
Do I see my care for creation linked to the poor, most at risk from environmental problems?
Do I litter?  Live wastefully?  Use energy too freely? Are there ways I could reduce consumption?
Are there ways I could change my daily practices and those of my family, school, workplace, or community to better conserve the earth’s resources for future generations?