Frequently Asked Questions
about
THE PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

• 1. What is a precept?"
  
• 2. How many precepts are there?"
  
• 3. What are they?"
  
• 4. Where can I get more information on the precepts?"
  

Q. 1. What is a precept?

A. Quoting from Canon Law # 49, a "precept is a decree by which an obligation is directly and lawfully imposed on a specific person or persons to do or to omit something, especially in order to urge the observance of a law.

Quoting from the Catechism of the Catholic Church # 2041, "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 indispensable minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor."

Q. 2. How many precepts are there?

A. The Catechism of the Catholic Church mentions five (5) of them.

Q. 3. What are they?

A. They are as follows:

1. "You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labour."

2. "You shall confess your sins at least once a year."

3. "You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season."

4. "You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church."

5. "You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church."

Q. 4. Where can I obtain more information on the precepts?

A. I recommend that you read # 2041 to 2043 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.