The commandments of the Church are in line with a moral life linked to liturgical life
One thing that many Catholics do not know – and therefore do not comply with – is that there are the “Five Commandments of the Church”, in addition to the known Ten Commandments. They were not repealed by the Church with the new Catechism of John Paul II (1992). It is necessary to understand that the commandment is something mandatory for all Catholics, different from recommendations, advice, among others.
Christ empowered His Church to establish standards for the salvation of humanity. He said to the Apostles: “Whoever listens to you listens to me, whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects Him who sent me” (Luke 10:16). And he continues: “Indeed, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Mt 18,18)
Therefore, the Church legislates with the “power of Christ”, and whoever does not obey her, does not obey Christ and, consequently, God the Father.
So, for the salvation of God’s people, the Church has established five obligations that every Catholic must fulfill, as taught in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CIC). This teaches: “The commandments of the Church are located in this line of a moral life linked to and nourished by the liturgical life. The obligatory nature of these positive laws promulgated by pastoral authorities aims to guarantee the faithful the minimum indispensable in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth of love for God and neighbor.” (§2041)
Note that the Catechism says that this is the “minimum indispensable” for growth in the spiritual life of the faithful. We can and should do much more, as this is just the minimum required by the Church. She knows that, as a Mother, she has children of all types and conditions, therefore, she wisely sets only the minimum necessary, leaving each one, depending on their reality, to do more. And we must do more.
1st – First commandment of the Church: “Participate in the entire Mass on Sundays, other feasts of obligation and abstain from work activities”.
Orders the faithful to sanctify the day on which the Lord’s resurrection is celebrated, and the liturgical feasts in honor of the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints, first of all by participating in the Eucharistic Celebration, in which the Christian community gathers , and abstaining from work and business that may impede such sanctification of these days (Code of Canon Law-CDC, can. 1246-1248) (§2042).
The Holy Days – with the obligation to participate in Mass are these according to the Catechism: “The day of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Epiphany (Sunday in Brazil), the Ascension (Sunday) and the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), of Saint Mary, Mother of God (January 1), of her Immaculate Conception (December 8) and Assumption (Sunday), of Saint Joseph (March 19), of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul ( Sunday) and, finally, All Saints (Sunday)” (CDC, can. 1246,1; n. 2043 after note 252) (§2177).
2nd – Second commandment: “Confession at least once a year”.
It ensures preparation for the Eucharist through the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which continues the work of conversion and forgiveness of Baptism (CDC, can. 989). Of course, it is not enough to confess once a year, it would be good if everyone confessed at least once a month, as it becomes easier to remember sins and have the grace to overcome them.
3rd – Third commandment: “Receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least by the Easter of the Resurrection” (The Easter period runs from Easter to the Feast of the Ascension) and guarantees a minimum reception of the Body and Blood of the Lord in connection with the Easter feasts , origin and center of the Christian Liturgy (CDC, can. 920).
It is also very rare to receive communion at least once a year. The Church recommends (not requires) daily communion.
4th – Fourth commandment: “Fast and abstain from meat, as commanded by Holy Mother Church” (In Brazil, this must be done on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday). This fast consists of a light breakfast, a light lunch and a light snack in the afternoon, with nothing else in the middle of the day, not even coffee. Whoever wishes can fast more rigorously; mandatory is the minimum. Those who are over sixty years of age are exempt from the obligation, but can do so if they wish.
The Catechism says that fasting “determines the times of asceticism and penance, which prepare us for the liturgical festivals and help us acquire control over our instincts and freedom of heart (CDC, can. 882)”.
5th – Fifth commandment: “Help the Church in its needs”
It reminds the faithful that they must meet the material needs of the Church, each according to their own possibilities (CDC, can. 222). It is not mandatory that the tithe be 10% of the salary, neither the Catechism nor the Code of Canon Law require this percentage, but it is good and beautiful if it is so. The important thing is, as Saint Paul said, to give cheerfully, because “God loves a cheerful giver” (cf. 2Cor 9:7). This help for the needs of the Church can be given in part to the parish and other works of the Church.
Note: As per the Code of Canon Law, the Episcopal Conferences of each country may establish other ecclesiastical precepts for their territory (CDC, can. 455) (§2043).
Let us give thanks to God for the Holy Mother Church that guides us. Pope Paul VI said that “whoever does not love the Church does not love Jesus Christ.”
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Felipe Aquino
Professor Felipe Aquino is a widower, father of five children. On TV , he presents the program “Escola da Fé” and “Pergunte e Responderemos”, on Radio he presents the program “No Coração da Igreja”. On weekends he holds in-depth meetings throughout Brazil and abroad. He wrote 73 books on Catholic formation for publishers Cléofas, Loyola and. Teacher page: and Twitter: