What are the precepts of the Church?

The precepts of the Church are five minimum obligations for Catholics. They safeguard regular worship, sacramental life, penance, and practical responsibility for the Church's mission.

The five precepts. The Catechism lists them as follows (CCC 2041-2043):

1. Attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation, and rest from work that prevents proper worship. Catholics gather for the Eucharist because Sunday is the day of Christ's Resurrection (CCC 2042; Canon 1247).
2. Confess grave sins at least once a year. Anyone conscious of grave sin must receive sacramental absolution before Holy Communion (CCC 1457; Canon 989).
3. Receive Holy Communion at least during the Easter season. This assumes proper preparation and, when needed, confession (CCC 2042; Canon 920).
4. Observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church. These practices train Christians in repentance and self mastery, especially during Lent (CCC 2043; Canon 1251).
5. Help provide for the material needs of the Church. Catholics should contribute according to their ability so that worship, ministry, charitable work, and the support of clergy can continue (CCC 2043; Canon 222).

Why the Church can require them. Christ gave the apostles real authority to teach and govern His Church (Mt 16:18-19; 18:18). Church law applies God's commandments to the common life of the faithful. These precepts are disciplines established through that authority. Their precise legal applications can change, but Catholics remain bound by the Church's legitimate laws.

A minimum, not the whole Christian life. The precepts describe the indispensable floor of Catholic practice, not a complete picture of holiness (CCC 2041). A person could technically meet them and still neglect daily prayer, charity, forgiveness, Scripture, chastity, justice, and care for the poor. Jesus calls His disciples to love God with their whole heart and their neighbor as themselves (Mt 22:37-40).

In practice. Build your life around Sunday Mass. Confess regularly rather than waiting for the yearly minimum. Receive Communion often when properly disposed. Observe fasting and abstinence faithfully, and support your parish according to your means. If you have neglected a serious obligation knowingly and deliberately, bring it to confession. The precepts are meant to keep Catholics close to Christ and within the sacramental life He gave His Church.