PRECEPTS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

MEANING OF THE PRECEPTS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

• The description of the precept is of the absolute minimum actions required of Catholics regarding the Church.
• Remind us that Christian life requires a commitment to prayer and active participation in the liturgy and sacraments.
• All of the precepts are requirements.
• Together with the Ten Commandments, they represent the minimum level of moral living.

THE FIRST PERCEPT

• You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days.
• We must "sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord" (Sunday),

THE SECOND PERCEPT

• You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
• We must prepare for the Eucharist by means of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• This sacrament "continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness."

THE THIRD PERCEPT

• You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence

THE FOURTH PERCEPT

• Ensure the times of ascesis and penance
• Prepare us for the liturgical feasts
• Help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart

THE FIFTH PERCEPT

• Faithfully are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church
• Provide what you can to the Church but not all.

FASTING

• reducing the amount of food you eat below normal levels.
• eat one full meal and two smaller meals
• Catholic age of 18 to 59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
• excused from fasting if you have a legitimate need to eat normal amounts of meals

ABSTINENCE

• not eating meat
• fish is not considered meat in this case
• Catholics 14 and older are required to observe abstinence
• Ash Wednesday, Good Friday (the Friday before Easter), and all Fridays in Lent.

GOING BEYOND

• try to do far more than they require.
• Attend Mass at least one more time a week
• Go to confession at least once a month
• Find a good spiritual director to give you sound guidance
• Make a habit of practicing penitential and charitable acts