Precepts (Laws) of the Church

 BASIC R.C.BELIEF

From AN EXPLANATION OF THE BALTIMORE CATECHISM, Imp. Cardinal Patrick Hayes, page 185. "...examine yourself on the Commandments of the Church.

"First, To hear Mass on Sundays and holy-days of obligation.

"Second, To fast and abstain on the days appointed.

"Third, To confess at least once a year.

"Fourth, To receive Holy Eucharist during the Easter time.

"Fifth, To contribute to the support of our pastors.

"Sixth, Not to marry persons who are not Catholics, or who are related to us within the third degree of kindred, or privately without witnesses, nor to solemnize marriage at forbidden times."

Deliberate breaking of any of the laws of the Church with full consent of the will and having had sufficient reflection, is a mortal sin.

POST VATICAN II

HANDBOOK FOR TODAY'S CATHOLIC, A Redemptorist Pastoral Publication, Imp. John Wurm, Vicar General of St. Louis, 1978, page 42 gives a slightly amended list. To No. 1 is added "to avoid those activities that would hinder renewal of soul and body, e.g., needless work and business activities, unnecessary shopping, etc,."

To No. 2 is added, "to do penance." To No. 3 is added "annual confession is only obligatory if serious sin is involved." To No. 4 is added "receive Holy Communion at least once a year, between the first Sunday of Lent and Trinity Sunday or, for a just cause, at another time during the year."

Two are added. "To study Catholic teaching in preparation for the Sacrament of Confession, to be confirmed, and then continue to study and advance the cause of Christ." "To join in the missionary spirit and apostolate of the Church."

It is now not only possible, but usual, to be able to get a dispensation from the sixth Law of the Church; however, improper marriage without this dispensation is a mortal sin.