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Striving to leave the life of sin behind by adhering to the Commandments, we, as Catholics as obligated to follow another set of life-giving precepts namely, the precepts of the Church (the commandments of the Church). There are five precepts that each Catholic is obligated to fulfill just like the Ten Commandments.

“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)

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1. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.

Sunday, on which by apostolic tradition the paschal mystery is celebrated, must be observed in the universal Church as the primordial holy day of obligation. (CIC 1246)

The following days must also be observed: the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Epiphany, the Ascension, the Body and Blood of Christ, Holy Mary the Mother of God, her Immaculate Conception, her Assumption, Saint Joseph, Saint Peter and Saint Paul the Apostles, and All Saints.

2. You shall confess your sins at least once a year.

“After having reached the age of discretion, each member of the faithful is obliged to confess faithfully his or her grave sins at least once a year” (CIC 989) “Grave sins” here means “mortal sins” so, accordingly, “serious sins” in the Catechism are to be understood as mortal. Keep in mind that for a sin to be mortal, three conditions must be met: grave matter, full knowledge, and complete consent (CCC 1857)

3. You shall humbly receive your Creator in Holy Communion at least during the Easter season.

We need to go to Confession before receiving Holy Communion.

4. You shall observe the prescribed days of fasting and abstinence.

Fasting     – Ash Wednesday and Good Friday

Abstinence – every Friday during Lent

5. You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.

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This is what Jesus asks of us, “If you love me, keep my commandments”.

He is asking that we submit to Him in obedience and fidelity.

+ Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. +

Reference:

CIC = Code of Canon Law

CCC = Catechism of the Catholic Church