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Catholic spirituality places duty, honor and obligation before one's own rights. We  are permitted to concern ourselves with our personal "rights" only after we have completely fulfilled the performance of our duties and obligations to God and to others.

'"A "precept" is a decree by which an obligation is directly and lawfully imposed on a specific person or persons to do or to omit something, especially in order to urge the observance of a law.'"  (Canon Law # 49)

"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)
 
 



 

  
 
1.
 

"You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor."

 


The first precept requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days.  (ccc, 2042)



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


The second precept ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness.  (ccc, 2042)



 
3.
 

"You shall humbly receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season."
 


The third precept guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord's Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.  (ccc, 2042)



 
4.
 

"You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church."
 


The fourth precept ensures the times of abstinence and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.  (ccc, 3043)



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


The fifth precept means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.  (ccc, 2043)


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The Catechism of the Catholic Church adds:

"The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his abilities."

  
 

 
 

The moral life is a spiritual worship.  Christian activity finds its nourishment in the liturgy and the celebration of the scriptures.  (ccc, 2047)

The precepts of the Church concern the moral and Christian life united with the liturgy and nourished by it.  (ccc, 2048)

The Magisterium of the Pastors of the Church in moral matters is ordinarily exercised in catechesis and preaching, on the basis of the Decalogue which states the principles of moral life valid for every man.  (ccc, 2049)

The Roman Pontiff and the bishops, as authentic teachers, preach to the People of God the faith which is to be believed and applied in moral life.  It is also incumbent on them to pronounce on moral questions that fall within the natural law and reason.  (ccc, 2050)

The infallibility of the Magisterium of the Pastors extends to all the elements of doctrine, including moral doctrine, without which the saving truths of the faith cannot be preserved, expounded, or observed.  (ccc, 2051)
 
 
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