The Precepts of the Church
Jesus gave to Peter (Matthew 16:18-19) and the Apostles (Matthew
50
18:18) the power to bind and loose. This has always been understood
as the power and authority to govern the Church. In other
words, as the leaders of the Church, they make the rules. For Catholics,
there are lots of rules. The Code of Canon Law is voluminous, and there
are experts (canon lawyers) who specialize in that discipline.
But when it’s all boiled down, there are a few things that every Catholic
must do; a few rules that must be observed. These are known as the Precepts
(or Commandments) of the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic
G You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on Holy Days of obligation
and rest from servile labor.
G You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
G You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during
the Easter season.
G You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established
by the Church.
G You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.
Pretty simple, huh? Five things. It must be mentioned that Episcopal
conferences can establish other ecclesiastical precepts for their own territories.
In other words, other places may have additional precepts. But
Why does the Church have these precepts? The Catechism explains:
“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 very necessary minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral
effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor.” (CCC 2041)
For further study:
CCC 2041-2043
Matthew 16:18-19 • Matthew 18:18