Praecepta Ecclesiae
Catholic Requirements
God calls every Catholic to holiness through the commandments, the sacraments, and the discipline of the Church. The precepts of the Church are the minimum practice for a life in communion with Christ and His Body. Holy days, fasting, and other duties spell out how that communion is lived in time.
Precepts of the Church
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2041-2043) lists five precepts. They bind under grave matter when refused without serious reason. They do not replace love of God and neighbor; they guard the essentials.
- 1
Attend Mass on Sundays and holy days
Participatio Missae dominicalis
Catholics must participate in the Eucharistic celebration on Sundays and on holy days of obligation, unless excused for serious reason (illness, necessary work, lack of a priest, etc.).
Sunday is the Lord’s Day: the day of Resurrection and the primordial feast. Missing Mass without a serious reason is a grave matter. Holy days of obligation are listed by the bishops of each country.
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. (Exodus 20:8)
- 2
Confess sins at least once a year
Confessio saltem in tempore paschali
After reaching the age of reason, each Catholic must confess serious (mortal) sins at least once a year, normally in connection with Easter.
The Church also requires confession before Holy Communion when one is conscious of grave sin. Frequent confession of venial sins is strongly recommended for growth in holiness.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins. (1 John 1:9)
- 3
Receive Holy Communion at Easter
Communio paschalis
Catholics must receive the Eucharist at least once during the Easter season, having been properly disposed and, if needed, having received sacramental absolution.
The Easter duty expresses unity with the risen Christ and the Church. One should be in a state of grace, have fasted for one hour (water and medicine excepted), and approach with reverence.
Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. (John 6:53)
- 4
Observe days of fast and abstinence
Observantia ieiunii et abstinentiae
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence for Latin Church Catholics. All Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat. Bishops may establish other days.
Fast (Ash Wednesday, Good Friday): one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal; no eating between meals. Ages 18-59. Abstinence from meat: ages 14 and older. Other Fridays outside Lent may substitute penance where bishops permit.
When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face. (Matthew 6:17)
- 5
Provide for the needs of the Church
Subsidium Ecclesiae
The faithful have the duty to provide for the material needs of the Church according to their means, so that the Church can fulfill her mission of worship, teaching, and charity.
This includes financial support of one’s parish, diocese, and the universal Church, as well as offering time and talent. Stewardship is an act of justice and gratitude for what God has given.
Each one must do as he has made up his mind… not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Holy Days of Obligation
Holy days of obligation are days on which Catholics must attend Mass, in addition to Sundays. The list is set by the conference of bishops for each nation and may be transferred when falling on a Saturday or Monday (as in the United States). Confirm the current calendar with your diocese.
Mary, Mother of God
January 1
Ascension of the Lord
Fortieth day of Easter (observed on Sunday in many U.S. dioceses)
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
August 15
All Saints
November 1
Immaculate Conception
December 8 (patronal feast of the United States)
Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
December 25
See also the liturgical calendar for feasts and seasons.
Fasting and Abstinence
Penitential days unite the faithful to Christ’s sacrifice and train the will in self-mastery. Local bishops publish the exact obligations each year.
Ash Wednesday
Fast and abstinence from meat for Latin Church Catholics who are obliged.
Good Friday
Fast and abstinence from meat.
Fridays in Lent
Abstinence from meat. Other forms of penance may be substituted on Fridays outside Lent where the bishops allow.
Who is bound
Abstinence from meat: age 14 and up. Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: ages 18 to 59, unless health or labor excuses.
Other Duties of Catholics
Beyond the precepts, the Church teaches duties that shape Catholic life from baptism to death.
Baptism and initiation
Parents have the duty to see children baptized soon after birth. Adults seek Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist through the Rite of Christian Initiation. Baptism is necessary for salvation; the Church also trusts in God’s mercy for those who die without it through no fault of their own.
Marriage in the Church
Catholics who marry must do so before a priest or deacon and two witnesses, unless a dispensation applies. Marriage between baptized persons is a sacrament; civil marriage without ecclesiastical form is invalid for Catholics unless dispensed.
Formation in the faith
Parents are the first educators of their children in faith. Catholics should know the creed, the commandments, and the basics of prayer and sacramental life, and continue learning throughout life.
Easter season duties
The Easter season is the heart of the liturgical year. Besides Holy Communion, Catholics are encouraged to renew baptismal promises and to celebrate the whole fifty days from Easter to Pentecost.