PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

WHAT ARE THE PRECEPTS?

• You shall attend Mass on every Sunday and on holy days of obligation.
• You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
• You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.
• You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.
• You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.

PRECEPT #1

• We should sanctify Lord's day.
• Not only Sundays but principal feast days.
• Holy days of obligation should also be spent at Mass.
• You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation

PRECEPT #2

• You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
• Sacrament of Reconciliation is important for receiving Eucharist
• Continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness

PRECEPT #3

• You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist
• Eucharist is the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.
• The Lord's Body and Blood

PRECEPT #4

• You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church
• Show discipline and loyalty
• Times of ascesis and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts
• Helps us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart

PRECEPT #5

• You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.
• Faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church
• Not only money but time, talent, and treasure.

FASTING

• Sign of repentance.
• Penitential practice.
• Reducing the amount of food you eat below normal levels.
• One full meal and two smaller meals, no snacks.
• Age 18 to 59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

ABSTINENCE

• Sign of repentance.
• Penitential practice.
• No meat.
• Catholics 14 and older are required to observe abstinence
• Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays in Lent are days of Abstinence.

GO BEYOND!