[[catechism-of-the-catholic-church|Table of Contents]] --- | Catechism of the Catholic Church IntraText - Text | - PART THREE: LIFE IN CHRIST - SECTION ONE: MAN'S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT - CHAPTER THREE GOD'S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE - Article 3: THE CHURCH, MOTHER AND TEACHER - II. The Precepts of the Church > [[3.1.3.3.p74|Previous]] - [[3.1.3.3.p76|Next]] --- # II. The Precepts of the 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: ^ccc-2041 2042 The first precept (“You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.") requires the faithful to participate in the Eucharistic celebration when the Christian community gathers together on the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord.⁸² ^ccc-2042 The second precept (“You shall confess your sins at least once a year.") ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness.⁸³ The third precept (“You shall humbly receive your Creator in Holy Communion at least during the Easter season.") guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord's Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.⁸⁴ 2043 The fourth precept (“You shall keep holy the holy days of obligation.") completes the Sunday observance by participation in the principal liturgical feasts which honor the mysteries of the Lord, the Virgin Mary, and the saints.⁸⁵ ^ccc-2043 The fifth precept (“You shall observe the prescribed days of fasting and abstinence.") ensures the times of [[ascesis]] and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts; they help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.⁸⁶ The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his abilities.⁸⁷ --- **[82]** Cf. CIC, can. 1246-1248; CCEO, can. 881 # 1, # 2, # 4.**[83]** Cf. CIC, can. 989; CCEO, can. 719.**[84]** Cf. CIC, can. 920; CCEO, can. 708; 881 # 3.**[85]** Cf. CIC, can. 1246; CCEO, can. 881 # 1, # 4; 880 # 3.**[86]** Cf. CIC, can. 1249-1251; CCEO, can. 882.**[87]** Cf. CIC, can. 222. --- > [[3.1.3.3.p74|Previous]] - [[3.1.3.3.p76|Next]]