THE PRECEPTS OF THE

WHAT ARE THE PRECEPTS?

• They are the description of the absolute minimum actions require of the Catholic Church.
• The church uses these precepts to reming us that the Christian life requires prayer.
• All the precepts are a requirement.
• Together with the Ten Commandments they represent the minimum level of moral living.
• Intentional violation of the precepts of commandments results in a mortal sin.

You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.

• We have to "sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord" (Sunday).

YOU SHALL CONFESS YOUR SINS AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.

• We have to prepare to receive the Eucharist at mass.

YOU SHALL RECEIVE THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST AT LEAST DURING THE EASTER SEASON.

• We have to receive the Eucharist during Palm Sunday, Easter etc.

YOU SHALL OBSERVE THE DAYS OF FASTING AND ABSTINENCE ESTABLISHED BY THE CHURCH.

• This helps us prepare for the liturgical feast and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.

YOU SHALL HELP TO PROVIDE FOR THE NEEDS OF THE CHURCH.

• This means that the faithful must help the church as often as needed.

FASTING

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

ABSTENANCE

• Abstinence means not eating meat.
• fish is not considered meat in this case.
• You do this on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday (the Friday before Easter), and all Fridays in Lent.

BEYOND THE PRECEPTS

• Attend Mass at least one more time a week.
• Go to confession at least once a month.
• Receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at every Mass.
• Make a habit of practicing penitential and charitable acts.