The Precepts of the Church

Six Precepts of the Church  The Magesterium teaches to obey these rules of the Church  These are the minimum standards of behavior  Anyone who ignores one or more of the precepts needs to examine his/her relationship with God

Who? What? is the Magisterium????  Authority of the Roman Catholic Church.  The Pope  The Cardinals and Bishops.

Precept #1  Catholics attend Mass on Sundays and on Holy Days of Obligation.  There are ten Holy Day of Obligation  Eg. Christmas, Circumcision (New Year’s Day), Epiphany (Jan.6), Ascension (May 9), Corpus Christi (May 30), Assumption of Mary (Aug.15), SS. Peter and Paul (June 29), All Saints (Nov. 1), the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8), and St. Joseph (March 19).

Precept #2  Confess serious sins at least once a year  Through the sacrament of reconciliation we receive God’s mercy and love

Precept #3  Receive Holy Communion at least once a year during the Easter season.  This is a minimum requirement  Everyone is encouraged to receive it often as possible. Every Sunday for example.

Precept #4  Keep the Holy Days of Obligation Holy  Major Feasts of the Church (  Major Feasts of the Church (days set aside to remember important people)  Christmas and New Years Day you must go to Mass even if it doesn’t fall on a Sunday.

Precept #5  Observe the days of fasting and abstinence (not eating meat)  Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Fridays during Lent

Precept #6  Contribute to the Church as far as you are able.  To help those in need.

Homework Read pages and answer the following questions: 1.What reasons does the Bible give for obeying those in authority 2.What makes authority legitimate? 3.Why should we respect those in authority 4.What conditions does the common good require? What is the common good? 5.Give an example of one policy in our school community that promotes the common good?