PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

MEANING OF THE PRECEPTS

• A description of absolute minimum actions required of Catholics
• Remind us that Christian life requires a commitment to prayer
• And active participation in the Liturgy and Sacraments
• Represent a moral living when combined with the Commandments
• Each precept is a requirement

FIRST PRECEPT

• Attend Mass on Sundays and on days of obligation and rest from servile labor
• We must go to mass on Sundays or Saturday evenings
• All Catholics are required to go to the masses of the holy days of obligation

SECOND PRECEPT

• You shall confess your sins at least once a year
• All Catholics are required to confess their sins
• It is good to confess your sins every month so that you can remember them
• We prepare for the Eucharist through the Sacrament of Penance

THIRD PRECEPT

• Receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season
• The Easter Season is during the time of the Last Supper
• Jesus had consecrated the bread and wine into his body and blood

FOURTH PRECEPT

• observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church
• We must take part of the fasting and abstinence during Lent

LAST PRECEPT

• Help to provide for the needs of the Church
• Time
• Talent
• Treasure

FASTING

ABSTINENCE

• Do not eat meat (fish is not considered meat)
• Catholics 14 and over are required to do absitnence

GOING BEYOND

• Go to mass more than once a week
• Go to confession at least once a month
• Contribute as much as possible to the needs of the Church