PRECEPTS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

WHAT ARE THE PRECEPTS?

• a description of the absolute minimum actions required of Catholics.
• represent the minimum level of moral living.
• Intentional violation of the precepts or the Commandments is a grave matter
• remind us that Christian life needs commitment!

FIRST PRECEPT

• You shall attend Mass on Sundays
• and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor
• sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord" (Sunday)

SECOND PRECEPT

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

THIRD PRECEPT

• you shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist
• at least during the Easter season
• "guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord's Body and Blood
• in connection with the Paschal feasts,
• the origin and center of the Christian liturgy."

FOURTH PRECEPT

• You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence
• established by the Church.
• "The fourth precept ensures the times of ascesis and penance
• which prepare us for the liturgical feasts
• and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart."

FIFTH PRECEPT

• You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.
• the faithful are obliged to assist
• with the material needs of the Church,
• each according to his own ability."

FASTING

• Fasting is reducing the amount of food you eat below normal levels
• Catholics ages 18 to 59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
• You are excused if:
• A. The sick or infirm, including handicapped or mentally ill people
• B. Pregnant or nursing women

ABSTINENCE

• means not eating meat
• Catholics 14 and over are required to fast
• Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays in Lent.

GO BEYOND!

• the precepts of the Catholic Church are minimum levels!
• 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
• receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at every Mass