What are the precepts of the Catholic Church?
The precepts of the Catholic Church are five specific moral and liturgical obligations binding on all Catholics. They set the minimum duties required for a life rooted in prayer, sacramental worship, and charity. They include attending Mass, confessing sins, receiving Communion, observing fast and abstinence, and supporting the Church.
The Five Precepts
The first precept is to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation, and to rest from servile work. This honors the Lord's Day and keeps worship at the center of Catholic life (CCC 2042).
Sources & Further Reading
Scripture: Exodus 20:8 · John 6:54 · John 20:22-23 · Acts 2:44-45
Catechism of the Catholic Church: CCC 2041 · CCC 2042 · CCC 2043
Go Deeper
Bible lessons that explore this topic further: