'The Very Necessary Minimum': The Forgotten 'Precepts of the Church'

 'The Very Necessary Minimum': The Forgotten 'Precepts of the Church' https://www.churchpop.com/the-very-necessary-minimum-the-forgotten-precepts-of-the-church/

What are the basic requirements of being a practicing Catholic?

An important part of the answer lies in what are known as the Precepts of the Church. Unfortunately, many Catholics are unaware of them, let alone conscientiously trying to follow them. This is unfortunate, because observing these precepts would likely improve the spiritual lives of many Catholics.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists five precepts (CCC 2041–2043), which are explained below.

Some older catechisms included a sixth, requiring Catholics to follow the Church’s laws on marriage. That remains a requirement today, but this article will focus only on the five listed in the Catechism. It is important to note that these precepts do not encompass the whole of the Christian life.

So why does the Church have these precepts at all? According to the Catechism, they are “meant to guarantee to the faithful the very necessary minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor.”

Here are the five precepts of the Catholic Church:

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

This “requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days.” (CCC 2042)

Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is not a suggestion—it is a requirement. Unless there is a serious reason, all Catholics must attend. Notice also the phrase “rest from servile labor.” These are meant to be days of worship and rest.

2) “You shall confess your sins at least once a year.”

This “ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism’s work of conversion and forgiveness.” (CCC 2042)

Catholics are not to receive the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin. Confession is the sacrament by which a person is cleansed of mortal sin. Because Catholics are required to receive the Eucharist at least once a year (see Precept 3), the Church requires confession at least once a year as well.

Of course, this is only the bare minimum. To receive the Eucharist more frequently, and for the sake of their own souls, most Catholics should go to confession regularly throughout the year.

3) “You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.”

This “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.” (CCC 2042)

The Christian faith centers on Jesus Christ, his sacrifice on the cross, and our union with him in grace. The Eucharist is one of the primary ways God gives us that grace. Receiving it once a year is the minimum requirement, but a practicing Catholic should receive the Eucharist much more frequently. The point is, though, if a person is not receiving the Eucharist even once a year, there is a problem.

4) “You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.”

This “ensures the times of ascesis and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.” (CCC 2043)

Fasting has always been part of the Christian life. Jesus himself speaks about it in the Gospels (see Matthew 6). The Church prescribes certain minimal days of fasting and abstinence during the liturgical year. These obligations are not difficult, but they set a basic standard. Many Christians choose to fast more often or more intensely as a personal devotion, ideally with guidance from a spiritual director.

5) “You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.”

This “means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.” (CCC 2043)

The Catholic Church has the most important mission in the world: preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and bringing souls to salvation. Carrying out this mission requires earthly resources. Those who, by God’s grace, have received faith in Christ should naturally desire to support this work. Because of human weakness, however, the Church makes it a formal obligation.

The Church does not prescribe a set amount or percentage, but asks that each person give “according to his own ability.”

Every Catholic should prayerfully discern what they are able to contribute. Failing to provide any support at all—when one is able—is not an option.