Precepts of the Catholic Church

The Precepts of the Catholic Church  are a description of the "necessary minimum requirements” of Catholics.

These five precepts are meant to guarantee us “the very necessary minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God

and neighbor.” In other words, this is the minimum that you must do to say that you are a practicing Catholic.  (CCC 2041)

The first precept  is “You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.”

In the Diocese of Charleston, you must attend Mass for a minimum of six months before the reception of a sacrament.  Resting on Sundays and Holy Days means spending at least some time with your family and your Christian community.

The second precept is “You shall confess your [serious] sins at least once a year.”

However, when you are in a state of mortal sin, you should go to Confession to make sure that you are worthy to receive the Eucharist.

The third precept is “You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least once during the Easter season.”

Of course, every week is recommended.

The fourth precept “You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church” ensures that we are properly prepared for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our carnal desires.

The fifth precept “You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church” means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.  The Church doesn’t specify what percent of one’s income should be given, but 1 Corinthians 16:2 says: “On the first day of the week [Sunday] each of you should set aside whatever he can afford.”