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The Precepts of the Catholic Church
The precepts of the Catholic Church are provided in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). The Five (5) precepts are listed in paragraphs 2041-2043.
2041 The precepts of the Church are set in the context of a moral life bound to and nourished by liturgical life. The obligatory character of these positive laws decreed by the pastoral authorities is meant to guarantee to the faithful the indispensable minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor:
The list below is provided for easy memorization. Below this list are the full descriptions from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).
Attend Mass on Sundays and Holy days (CCC 2042a)
Confess your sins (CCC 2042b)
Receive the Eucharist during the Easter Season (CCC 2042c)
Observe days of Fasting and Abstinence (CCC 2043a)
Provide for the needs of the Church (CCC 2043b)
1st Precept
2042a The first precept (“You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.") requires the faithful to participate in the Eucharistic celebration when the Christian community gathers together on the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord.
2nd Precept
2042b The second precept (“You shall confess your sins at least once a year.") ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness.
3rd Precept
2042c The third precept (“You shall humbly receive your Creator in Holy Communion 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.
4th Precept
2043a The fourth precept (“You shall keep holy the holy days of obligation.") completes the Sunday observance by participation in the principal liturgical feasts which honor the mysteries of the Lord, the Virgin Mary, and the saints.
5th Precept
2043c The fifth precept (“You shall observe the prescribed days of fasting and abstinence.") ensures the times of ascesis and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts; they help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.
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