Questions to Examine Conscience in Light of Catholic Social Teaching

 
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 reflected 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? Am I committed to both protecting human life and to ensuring that every human being is able to live in dignity?
 
Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Do I try to make positive contributions in my family and in my community? Are my beliefs, attitudes, and choices such that they 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 poor persons 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 whose rights are unfulfilled? 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 and policies that give priority to the human dignity and rights of all, especially the vulnerable?
 
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Do I give special attention to the needs of the poor and vulnerable in my community and in the world? Am [ 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?

The Dignity of Work 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 l 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 as connected to my concern for poor persons, who are most at risk from environmental problems? Do I litter? Live wastefully? Use energy too freely? Are there ways I could reduce consumption in my life? 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?