St. Mary's Parish Community

The Precepts of the Church
Jesus gave to Peter (Mt 16:18-19) and the Apostles (Mt 18:18) the power to bind and to loose. This has always been understood as the power and authority to govern the Church. These are the rules by which Catholics are bound, the Code of Canon Law codify these rules. There are a few things that every Catholic must do, these are known as the ‘Precepts of the Church.’ The Precepts of the Church are set in the context of a moral life bound to and nourished by the liturgical life. The obligatory character of these laws is meant to guarantee the very necessary minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort for the growth in love of God and neighbour.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists five:

• You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on Holy Days of obligation and rest from servile labour.
• You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
• You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.
• You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.
• You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.