Pius X Catechism – The Precepts of the Church In General

Location: On the Commandments of God and of the Church > The Precepts of the Church > The Precepts of the Church In General

Q1: Besides the Commandments of God what else must we observe?

A1: Besides the Commandments of God we must also observe the Precepts of the Church.

Q2: Are we obliged to obey the Church?

A2: Undoubtedly we are obliged to obey the Church, because Jesus Christ Himself commands us to do so, and because the Precepts of the Church help us to observe the Commandments of God.

Q3: When does the obligation to observe the Precepts of the Church begin to bind?

A3: As arule the obligation to observe the Precepts of the Church begins to bind us as soon as we come to the age of reason.

Q4: Is it a sin to transgress a Precept of the Church?

A4: Knowingly to transgress a Precept of the Church in grave matter is a mortal sin.

Q5: Who can dispense from a Precept of the Church?

A5: Only the Pope, or one who has received from him the power to do so, can dispense from a Precept of the Church. Name the Precepts of the Church. The Precepts of the Church are: 1. To hear Mass on all Sundays and on Holydays of obligation. 2. To fast during Lent, on Ember Days and appointed Vigils, and not to eat meat on forbidden days. 3. To confess our sins at least once a year, and to receive Holy Communion at Easter each one in his own parish. 4. To contribute to the support of the Church, according to local custom. 5. Not to solemnise matriage at forbidden times, that is, from the first Sunday in Advent until the Epiphany, and from the first day of Lent until Low Sunday.