a) What is the daily examination of conscience?
It is a two- to three-minute self-examination before we sleep, in which we review our day: our prayers, study, work, relationship with others, and so on. It allows us to know our strengths and weaknesses better, and thereby to improve.
If the Altar Server realizes that he has committed a mortal sin, he should go to Confession soonest, if possible, the following day. He should not receive Holy Communion meanwhile, otherwise he will be committing another mortal sin—that of sacrilege, which is treating holy things or persons (in this case, Communion) in an unholy manner (receiving it in a state of sin).
b) How do we do the daily examination of conscience?
Before going to sleep at night, an Altar Server makes the sign of the cross and asks himself three simple questions. First, “What have I done well today?” Then he thanks God for making him his instrument in doing good. Second, “What wrong have I done today?” Then he asks pardon for these. Third, “What can I do better?” Then he makes a concrete good resolution for the next day. He ends with an act of contrition (See Appendix).
When we humbly ask pardon even for our smallest faults, we are filled with great joy and hope because we know that God is our loving Father who pardons us even before we go back to him. This way we become better prepared for the Sacrament of Confession, which brings us not only forgiveness of sins but also grace to do good and avoid temptations and circumstances of sin.