Hey there,
I’m sure you’re aware of practicing Catholics’ obligation to attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation.
And to go to Confession at least once per year.
But did you know that we Catholics are also required to receive Holy Communion at least once during the Easter season?
And we know we’re supposed to tithe, but did you know it’s a requirement?
These are examples of Precepts of the Catholic Church. There are 5 of them listed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church … and 2 more that are no longer considered Precepts, but are still required of us.
According to Merriam-Webster, a precept is:
1 : a command or principle intended especially as a general rule of action
2: an order issued by legally constituted authority to a subordinate official
Our Catholic Precepts are the minimum rules for us to follow to get to heaven. So they are definitely something we should know more about.
This week’s issue of Genuflect examines the Precepts of the Catholic Church, including what the 5 Precepts are, what the other 2 requirements are, the history of the Precepts, and then we take a look at each one of them in more detail.
Now that you know the minimum of how to live a holy life … you can work to exceed God’s expectations.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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The Precepts Explained
The Precepts of the Catholic Church are the minimum actions required of Catholics. All 5 of them are explained here with more explanation about fasting and abstinence … and some ideas for how to go beyond the minimum.
The Precepts of the Catholic Church | Beginning Catholic
Two More Precepts?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists 5 Precepts. But there used to be 7. And though two of these are no longer listed as Precepts, they are still required. So you better know about these also.
What Are The Five Precepts of The Catholic Church? | Learn Religions
The History of The Precepts
The Precepts of the Church go back to the very beginning of the Church to an ancient document from the later part of the first century. It’s called the Didache and provides a glimpse of the “moral teachings, sacramental life, and liturgical practice of the Church in late apostolic times.”
Appreciating the Ancient Roots of Church Precepts: The “Didache” Revisited
More Meaningful Mass
The first Precept is to attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation. When we understand the true purpose of attending Mass, we look forward to it. Here are 3 things you can do to make your time in Mass more meaningful.
Is Going to Church Every Sunday Necessary For Catholics? | Daily Bread
2022 Holy Days of Obligation
Here’s a list of all the Holy Days of Obligation between now and Christmas 2022. So you won’t miss any of them.
Holy Days of Obligation for 2021-2022 | The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
A Guide to Confession
Confession can be intimidating for those who haven’t been in a while. But with a little preparation and direction, you’ll be ready to fulfill the second Precept of the Church.
Guide to Confession | Archdiocese of Washington
Our Easter Duty Explained
The fourth Precept of the Church requires us to receive Holy Communion at least once per year during the Easter season. For this reason it’s called our Easter Duty. Here’s what you need to know about fulfilling this obligation, and some changes and dispensations.
What Is Our Easter Duty? | The Fatima Center
Giving More
The truth is that most American Catholics only give about 1% of their income to their parish. It’s no wonder parishes struggle to survive. It wouldn’t take much for us to change that. Here are 4 ways to give more.
What Your Pastor Won’t Tell You About Parish Giving | Aleteia
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