The Third Precept

To go to Confession at least once a year, and to receive Communion at least once a year during Pascal time

COMPENDIUM

By this Precept, the Church binds all Christians who have attained the use of reason to approach the Sacrament of Penance at least once a year. The most opportune season for putting the Precept into practice is during Lent, according to the custom which has been approved by the Church; but if the Church bids us come at least once, it is because she wishes us to come several times to the Holy Sacraments.

It is, indeed, most profitable to make frequent confessions, and, more particularly, because it is a difficult thing to make a good confession and to abstain from mortal sin if anyone goes to Confession rarely.

This Precept also bids every Christian who has come to years of discretion to receive the Most Holy Eucharist at least once a year during Paschal time. We are further bound to receive Communion when in danger of death; and the words at least are applied to the yearly Communion of Easter, because the Church earnestly desires that we should receive Holy Communion as frequently as possible, since it is the divine nourishment of our souls.

Finally, the Third Precept of the Church is not fulfilled by a sacrilegious Confession and Communion, because the Church intends us to receive these Sacraments for the purpose for which they were instituted, that is to say, for our sanctification.

CATECHISM

495. What does the Church command us in the words of the Third Precept: To go to Confession at least once a year?

By the words of the Third Precept, To go to Confession a least once a year, the Church obliges all Christians, who have come to the use of reason, to approach the sacrament of Penance at least once a year.

496. What is the best time to satisfy the precept of annual Confession?

The best time to satisfy the precept of annual Confession is Lent, in accordance with the usage introduced and approved by the whole Church.

497. Why does the Church say that we are to confess at least once a year?

The Church uses the words at least to let us see her desire that we should approach the sacraments more frequently.

498. Is it useful, then, to go often to Confession?

It is most useful to go often to Confession, especially as it is difficult for one who goes only rarely to make a good Confession and to avoid mortal sin.

499. What does the Church command us to do by the other words of the Third Precept: To receive Communion at least once a year during Pascal time, each one in his own parish?

By the words of the Third Precept: To receive Communion at least once a year during Pascal time, each one in his own parish, the Church obliges all Christians who have come to the age of discretion to receive the Blessed Eucharist every year at Easter in their own parish.

500. Are we bound to go to Holy Communion at other times besides Easter?

We are also bound to go to Holy Communion when in danger of death.

501. Why is it said that we are to receive Holy Communion at least at Easter?

It is said that we are to receive Holy Communion at least at Easter because the Church earnestly desires us to approach Holy Communion, which is the divine food of our souls, not only at Easter, but as often as we possibly can.

502. Is this Precept fulfilled by a sacrilegious Confession or a sacrilegious Communion?

This Precept of the Church is not fulfilled by sacrilegious Confession and Communion, because the intention of the Church is that we receive those Sacraments for the end on account of which they were instituted, that is, for our sanctification.