On the Precepts of the Church

COMPENDIUM

It is our duty not only to keep God's Commandments, but we should also observe the Precepts of the Church, because Jesus Christ Himself has bidden us obey the Church, and because the Precepts of the Church help us to keep the Commandments of God. The obligation of obeying the Precepts of the Church usually begins with the use of reason; and it is a mortal sin to transgress one of them knowingly in a grave matter. The Pope alone (or he who has received authority thereto from the Pope) can dispense from obedience to a Precept of the Church.

The Precepts of the Church are five in number:

1. To hear Mass every Sunday and on other feasts of obligation.
2. To fast on the days prescribed.
3. To go to Confession at least once a year, and to receive Communion at least once a year during Pascal time.
4. To pay the tithe due to the Church according to custom.
5. Not to solemnize marriage at forbidden times, i.e., from Advent to Epiphany, and from the first day of Lent to the end of the Octave of Easter.

CATECHISM

469. Besides the Commandments of God, what else must we observe?

Besides the Commandments of God, we must also observe the Precepts of the Church.

470. Are we obliged to obey the Church?

Undoubtedly we are obliged to obey the Church, because Jesus Christ Himself commands us to do so, and because the Precepts of the Church help us to observe the Commandments of God.

471. When does the obligation to observe the Precepts of the Church begin to bind?

As a rule, the obligation to observe the Precepts of the Church begins to bind us as soon as we come to the age of reason.

472. Is it a sin to transgress a Precept of the Church?

Knowingly to transgress a Precept of the Church in grave matter is a mortal sin.

473. Who can dispense from a Precept of the Church?

Only the Pope, or one who has received from him the power to do so, can dispense from a Precept of the Church.

474. Name the Precepts of the Church.

The Precepts of the Church are: 1. to hear Mass on all Sundays and on feasts of obligation; 2. to fast on the days prescribed; 3. to confess our sins at least once a year, and to receive Holy Communion at Easter, each one in his own parish; 4. to contribute to the support of the Church, according to local custom; 5. not to solemnize marriage at forbidden times, that is, from the first Sunday in Advent until the Epiphany, and from the first day of Lent until Low Sunday.