July 20-21, 2024
Dear parishioners,
As you know, sometimes going “back to the basics” can be a useful tool to keep us alert when it comes to the liturgy, our prayers, our catechesis, and the spiritual life as well. Doing a quick reminder of some of the fundamentals of the faith can draw us deeper in our love for God, the Church, the saints, etc.
One such example of something in our catechesis that is something basic, but essential, is the precepts of the Church. While we likely learned them when we were young, sometimes it is worthwhile to briefly revisit them so as to remind ourselves of why are required to do them, so as to draw us into a deeper appreciation of God himself, and all that he does for us. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that, “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” (CCC 2041). To say it another way, the precepts of the Church are the minimum requirements for being considered “active” or “practicing” the faith.
The first precept of the Church is our obligation to attend Mass on all Sundays of the year. This precept “requires the faithful to participate in the Eucharistic celebration when the Christian community gathers together on the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord” (CCC 2042). While I am certain that no one is surprised to read that this is a precept, it is good for us to be reminded that the reason we attend Mass on Sunday is because it is the day of the Lord’s Resurrection. Being present at the celebration of the Eucharist is a concrete reminder for us that encountering the Blessed Sacrament is encountering the risen Lord himself, and it is this encounter which should purify our hearts and keep us focused on the goal of heaven throughout the week!
The second precept of the Church is to go to confession at least once per year. The Catechism explains that this “ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism’s work of conversion and forgiveness.” Again, the precepts are the minimum requirements. I always recommend going to confession once per month for good spiritual growth and, as mentioned above, to dispose our souls to more readily to receive the graces that Jesus wants to give us in the Eucharist. Of course, if we know ourselves to have committed a mortal sin, we must go to confession before we are permitted receive Communion.
The third precept is to humbly receive our creator in Holy Communion at least once during the Easter season. Although the requirement is only once during the Easter season, we are encouraged to receive Communion frequently if we are in the state of grace (i.e. no unconfessed mortal sins).
The fourth precept is the requirement for us to attend Mass on Holy Days of Obligation. Related to the first precept, there are certain days of the liturgical year that celebrate mysteries that are so essential to our faith that we are required to attend Mass to thank Jesus for these same mysteries.
The fifth precept requires us to observe the Church’s prescribed days of fasting and abstinence. Currently there are only two days of fasting: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. However, we are still expected to abstain from meat every Friday of the year. In the United States, we are permitted to do a different penance on Fridays outside of Lent if we choose not to abstain from meat.
The sixth precept is to help provide for the material needs of the Church, each according to his ability. This can include any combination of monetary or material donations to help the parish and/or the diocese have what it needs to serve the people in its care.
Lastly, though not often mentioned in present-day listings of the precepts, another precept that has traditionally been included in this list is the obligation to obey the Church’s laws governing marriage. This includes, among other items, the obligation for Catholics to get married in a Catholic church, and the need for an annulment before marrying a second time (if the former spouse is still alive). There is much more to be said on this precept, but I will try to address this in another bulletin article in the future.
Blessings,
Fr. Ammanniti
