Precepts of the Catholic Church

First Precept of the Church

You shall attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.

• (see examination under the Third Commandment)

Second Precept of the Church

You shall confess your sins at least once a year.

Have I…

• Made a good Confession of my mortal sins least once a year?
• Purposely omitted telling my mortal sins in my last Confession?
• Performed the penance I was given?
• Made reparation for any harm I have done to others?

Third Precept of the Church

You shall humbly receive your Creator in Holy Communion at least during the Easter season.

Have I…

• Fulfilled my Easter duty to receive Holy Communion at least once between the First Sunday of Lent and Trinity Sunday?
• Received Holy Communion while in the state of mortal sin?
• Fasted an hour before receiving Holy Communion?
• Received Holy Communion more than twice in one day?

Fourth Precept of the Church

You shall keep holy the Holy Days of Obligation.

• (see examination under the Third Commandment)

Fifth Precept of the Church

You shall observe the prescribed days of fasting and abstinence.

Have I…

• Done penance every Friday, if not abstaining from meat, then some other form of penance?
• Abstained from meat on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent (if I am 14 years of age or older)?
• Fasted on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (if I am between the ages of 18 and 59)?
• Spent time in prayer, doing spiritual and corporal works of mercy, and practicing self-denial?

Sixth Precept of the Church

You shall contribute to the support of the Church.

Have I…

• Contributed a just amount of my time, talents, and money to support my parish and the work of the Church?

Seventh Precept of the Church

You shall observe the laws of the Church concerning marriage.

Have I…

• Been living in a valid and licit marriage according to the laws of the Catholic Church?
• Abandoned my spouse and family by separation or divorce?
• Kept company with someone whom I cannot marry in the Catholic Church?
• Given scandal by living with a member of the opposite sex without the benefit of a marriage blessed by the Catholic Church?
• Entered into marriage with more than one person at the same time?

This detailed Catholic examination of conscience should help you reflect on how you are responding to the demands made by the love of God.