Pius X Catechism – The Third Precept of the Church

Location: On the Commandments of God and of the Church > The Precepts of the Church > The Third Precept of the Church

Q1: What does the Church command us in the words of the Third Precept: To go to Confession at least once a year?

A1: By the words of the Third Precept: To go to Confession a least once a year, the Church obliges all Christians, who have come to the use of reason, to approach the sacrament of Penance at least once a year.

Q2: What is the best time to satisfy the precept of annual Confession?

A2: The best time to satisfy the precept of annual Confession is Lent, in accordance with the usage introduced and approved by the whole Church.

Q3: Why does the Church say that we are to confess at least once a year?

A3: The Church uses the words at least to let us see her desire that we should approach the sacraments more frequently.

Q4: Is it useful, then, to go often to Confession?

A4: It is most useful to go often to Confession, especially as it is difficult for one who goes only rarely to make a good Confession and to avoid mortal sin.

Q5: What does the Church command us to do by the other words of the Third Precept: To receive Holy Communion at Easter, each one in his own parish?

A5: By the words of the Third Precept: To receive Holy Communion at Easter, each one in his own parish, the Church obliges all Christians who have come to the age of discretion to receive the Blessed Eucharist every year at Paschal time in their own parish.

Q6: Are we bound to go to Holy Communion at other times besides Easter?

A6: We are also bound to go to Holy Communion when in danger of death.

Q7: Why is it said that we are to receive Holy Communion at least at Easter?

A7: Because the Church earnestly desires us to approach Holy Communion which is the divine food of our souls, not only at Easter, but as often as we possibly can.

Q8: Is this Precept fulfilled by a sacrilegious Confession or a sacrilegious Communion?

A8: This Precept of the Church is not fulfilled by sacrilegious Confession and Communion, because the intention of the Church is that we receive those Sacraments for the end on account of which they were instituted, that is, for our sanctification.