Are you curious about the 5 commandments of the Church? Often referred to as the 5 precepts of the Church, these commandments serve a distinct purpose in guiding the faithful towards spiritual fulfillment. It’s essential not to confuse them with the 10 commandments or the 7 sacraments. In this article, we will explore the significance of these commandments and how they can enrich your journey with God.
Contents
- 1 Why Does the Church Add 5 Commandments to the Existing Ones?
- 2 The List of the 5 Commandments of the Church
- 2.1 1. Attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation
- 2.2 2. Confess Mortal Sins at Least Once a Year, and in Danger of Death or Before Receiving Communion
- 2.3 3. Receive Communion During the Easter Season
- 2.4 4. Fast and Abstain from Meat When Required by the Church
- 2.5 5. Support the Church in Its Needs
- 3 Conclusion
Why Does the Church Add 5 Commandments to the Existing Ones?
The purpose of the Church’s commandments is to ensure that believers fulfill the minimum requirements concerning prayer, sacramental life, moral effort, and nurturing love for God and others. You can consider these commandments as acts of affection. By establishing these guidelines, the Church aims to help us adhere to the 10 commandments of God’s Law. These Christian obligations aptly pave the way towards salvation.
The List of the 5 Commandments of the Church
1. Attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation
As a Catholic, you have the obligation to attend Mass every Sunday. This commandment is closely related to the third commandment of God’s Law: “Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.” Besides Sundays, the diocese may also designate additional days, such as patron saint feast days, as Holy Days of Obligation. On these days, Catholics are required to attend Mass. For example, in Spain, some Holy Days of Obligation include the Nativity of the Lord and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
2. Confess Mortal Sins at Least Once a Year, and in Danger of Death or Before Receiving Communion
The second commandment of the Church pertains to two sacraments: confession and the Eucharist. Catholics are obliged to participate in the sacrament of confession at least once a year. Additionally, they should confess their sins if they are in danger of death or before receiving communion. To receive communion, one must be in a state of grace, free from mortal sins. Thus, confession becomes necessary if one has committed mortal sins and desires to receive the Eucharist.
3. Receive Communion During the Easter Season
After receiving their first communion, Catholics are obligated to receive the Eucharist at least once a year. The Church mandates that the faithful receive communion at least once during the Easter season. This period spans 50 days, from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.
4. Fast and Abstain from Meat When Required by the Church
Fasting and abstinence are two practices that often go hand in hand, although they have distinct meanings. Fasting entails consuming only one full meal a day while eating sparingly for breakfast and dinner. On the other hand, abstinence from meat involves refraining from consuming meat or meat products from mammals. Two significant days where fasting and abstinence hold special importance are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. As for abstinence from meat, the Church encourages this practice every Friday, although it can be substituted with acts of mercy, penance, or other forms of self-discipline. For instance, Pope Francis often performs acts of mercy on Fridays, aligning with the teachings of the Church.
5. Support the Church in Its Needs
To understand the significance of supporting the Church in its needs, we can refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, specifically point 222. According to the Catechism, believers have a duty to assist the Church in its needs. This assistance enables the Church to fulfill its divine worship, apostolic and charitable works, and ensure the proper sustenance of its ministers. Additionally, believers are called to promote social justice and, in accordance with the Lord’s command, aid the poor with their resources. Supporting the Church in its needs encompasses:
- Contributing financially to the maintenance of churches and the development of liturgy.
- Supporting the Church’s evangelization and charitable works.
- Ensuring priests receive a livelihood to carry out their ministry.
- Promoting social justice.
- Assisting the poor through personal acts of generosity.
Conclusion
In less than a minute, we have explored the 5 commandments of the Church. These commandments serve as a roadmap for faithful Catholics seeking spiritual growth and salvation. By following these commandments, believers can deepen their relationship with God, nourish their sacramental life, develop moral virtues, and show love for their neighbors. Embracing these commandments means embarking on a journey that aligns with the teachings of the Church, guiding you towards a more purposeful and fulfilling life of faith.