Dear Friends,
We call this season Lent. Throughout most of the world, it is called the 40 Days—Quadregesima in Latin. One of the topics mentioned recently at RCIA was the Precepts of the Church. The Precepts of the Church are the bare minimum requirements for remaining a “practicing Catholic.” In other words, if someone wants to call himself or herself a Catholic, they do these things. I bring them up now because some of these are pertinent to Lent and Easter.
These probably seem straightforward, but it is worthwhile to comment on them, even if briefly.
You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.
Despite what some people may say or try to tell you, it is still a mortal sin to intentionally miss Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation. Legitimate health concerns and/or being homebound excuse a person from attending Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.
You shall receive the sacrament of Confession (Reconciliation) at least once a year.
This is the minimum: go to Confession at least once a year. Many like going during Advent and Lent to prepare for Christmas and Easter, which is good. Others go more regularly, such as quarterly, monthly, or even weekly. One should go as quickly as possible if one has committed a mortal sin.
You shall receive Holy Communion at least once during the Easter season.
Some people may be confused and believe that one fulfills the obligation for Mass only when he or she receives Holy Communion. Simply by attending and participating at Mass does one fulfill the obligation. Some will remember that there was a time when far fewer people received Holy Communion at Mass, and perhaps this precept comes from that time. This is also why Confession is common in Lent: preparation to receive Holy Communion in the Easter season.
You shall keep holy the holy days of obligation.
The word “holiday” comes from the collision of the words “holy day.” When we speak of feast days, the word “feast” reminds us what the day is all about. A holy day of obligation is a day to celebrate, including going to Mass. It would be ideal to not go to work on holy days of obligation: think of devout Orthodox Jews who do not work on their high holy days. Nevertheless, priests will have to work on holy days of obligation!
You shall fast and observe abstinence on the prescribed days.
There are two days of fasting: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. For us, fasting has been defined as two small snacks and a simple meal. Once one reaches the age of 60, he or she is no longer bound to fasting. Abstinence here refers to abstaining from meat. We know we are supposed to abstain from meat on Fridays in Lent; what most probably don’t know is that we are actually still required to abstain from meat on all Fridays of the year, even outside of Lent.
You shall provide for the material needs of the Church according to your ability.
Always a touchy subject, no one likes to talk about financial support, but in this case and in our circumstances these days, we have to think a little bit about money. A parish needs to pay its bills and pay those working, as Jesus reminds us, “The laborer deserves his pay.” At the same time, the material needs of the Church are not just “paying the bills.” This also includes serving the poor, the sick, the hungry, the imprisoned, and all those in need.
We are saints under construction, members of the Family of Faith, the Body of Christ, the Church, founded by Christ and led by the Holy Spirit. Have a great week!
In Christ,
Fr. Matt