The five precepts help Catholics grow their love for God and others. Many people attribute the five precepts to St. Peter Canisius. However, others cite evidence that the precepts were recognized long before the publication of St. Peter Canisius’ Summa Doctrinæ Christianæ in the 1550s.
The five precepts are meant to develop your moral life and nourish your liturgical life. Each precept redirects your attention to Jesus and His sacrifice. Following these precepts keeps you focused on your faith throughout the busyness of daily life, allowing you to remain closely connected to Christ and the Church.
What Are the 5 Precepts?
The five precepts are rules of the Catholic Church that give us practical ways to love God and others. As it says in 1 John 5:2-4, “In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.”
Following the five precepts is not burdensome for Catholics because these disciplines are an expression of our love for God and our trust in His love for us. Because these precepts provide the foundation for what a Catholic should do, many Catholics go above and beyond them to grow even more spiritually.
1. Attend Mass on Sundays and Days of Obligation
The first precept helps us focus on Christ throughout daily life. It includes going to mass every Sunday and Day of Obligation that you’re physically able to attend. Days of Obligation are special celebrations reminiscent of feast days in the Bible when God’s people would rest from work and worship God.
In the United States, there are six days that Catholics should celebrate in addition to Sundays:
The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God: Celebrated on January 1.
Ascension Day: Celebrated on Thursday of the sixth week of Easter.
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Celebrated on August 15.
All Saints’ Day: Celebrated on November 1.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Celebrated on December 8.
The Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Celebrated on December 25.
The Catholic Church allows for some exceptions in attending mass — for example, if you’re sick or caring for a sick loved one, it’s acceptable to miss mass. However, it’s very important for Catholics to attend mass as often as they can since attending service provides spiritual food and strengthens your faith.
2. Confess Your Sins at Least Once a Year
Attending confession is the second precept of the Catholic Church. Some Catholics feel nervous about attending confession, which is normal since no one likes talking about their sins. However, attending confession is extremely healing and prepares you to receive the Eucharist, which is the third precept.
As a Catholic, you should attend confession at least once per year. However, going more often is a wonderful practice that will empower you to receive Christ’s forgiveness and grow in your faith. As James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.”
3. Receive the Eucharist at Least Once a Year
Following confession, you should receive the Eucharist at least once a year. The Catholic Church teaches that the bread and wine used during mass transform into the physical body and blood of Christ. If you only take the Eucharist once annually, Sunday mass on Easter is the perfect time to remember Christ’s sacrifice and presence with us.
However, it’s a wonderful idea to receive the Eucharist more than once a year. Many Catholics feel unworthy to receive the physical presence of Christ, but this is something He commanded us to do in remembrance of Him. It is important to go to confession before you take the Eucharist.
4. Observe Days of Fasting and Abstinence
Catholics fast on certain days of the year to practice humility and draw nearer to God. Fasting is defined as eating one normal-sized meal and two small meals that don’t amount to a full meal together. This practice reminds us of our frailty as humans and our reliance on God for spiritual and physical sustenance.
As a Catholic, you should fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Catholics also practice abstinence during Lent by abstaining from meat on Fridays.
5. Provide for the Needs of the Church
The fifth precept is supporting the work of the Church. Because Catholics benefit from going to mass, they should help to financially support the Church and those who keep the work going. Although tithes are traditionally 10% of your income, tithing is not required by the Church.
In addition to supporting your local church, you should also consider supporting the community abroad. Through mission work, the Church brings spiritual and material resources to people who need support around the world. As Catholics, loving our neighbors through giving is one way we show love to God.
Additional Ways to Grow Spiritually
While not required, going above and beyond the five precepts gives you more opportunities to love God and your neighbor. Here are five recommended ways you can go beyond the five precepts:
Attend mass at least one more time during the week.
Go to confession once per month.
Find a spiritual director.
Receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at every mass.
Make additional charitable acts.
Attending mass and confession and receiving the Eucharist more frequently allow you to focus on Christ more often throughout your daily life. Finding a spiritual director and participating in additional acts of charity will benefit you and others spiritually. As you grow in your Catholic faith, consider incorporating some of these practices into your life.
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