but there are certain minimums that the Church has set out over the centuries to ensure that her members do not totally lose their spiritual life. A Truly spiritual person who puts God first in their life will not limit themselves to these six:
1) To hear Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation and to refrain from servile work. While there are some exceptions, not being able to find two hours a week to spend exclusively seeking communion with God at Mass indicates that one does not put much priority on one's relationship with God or His Church. This is especially true today with Masses in many parishes on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Keeping Sunday holy means far more that "going to Mass". One should, as far as possible avoid doing work and focus on prayer, rest and Christian fellowship. This is particularly difficult for me as a priest. It is easy for me to treat Sunday as just another day in the office. I certainly could do better by working hard to get my preparations for Sunday done on Saturdays and putting off until Monday what can wait until Monday.
2) To confess one's sins at least once a year. This precept of the Church is tied to the precept to receive communion at least once a year during Eastertide. For many centuries most Christians went to communion only after having gone to confession. It would seem fitting for one who receives communion every week to confess more frequently than once a year.
3) To receive the Holy Eucharist at least during the Easter season. This precept presumes and builds on the first two. One hopes that when churches are full on Christmas and Easter that those receiving communion have received sacramental absolution if they have failed to keep the Lord's Day holy by assisting at Mass. It is difficult to understand the value of keeping this precept of the Church whilst ignoring the first two.
4) To fast and abstain on the days appointed. The present discipline of the Church is to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and to abstain from meat on Fridays. In the United States it is permissible to substitute another form of penance on Fridays that fall outside of the season of Lent.
5) To contribute to the support of the Church. The Old Testament has very positive things to say about giving ten percent of one's income to God. Tithing is still a good benchmark for giving to the Church and other charities. There are always exceptions based on hard financial times or low income. Most Christians ought to find that they have to forgo some of their wants so that they will be able to give to help suport the mission of the Church.
6) To obey the marriage laws of the Church. Catholics are obligated to exchange vows in the presence of a priest, deacon or other Church-authorized witness. The only exceptions to this discipline can be given by a bishop and must be in writing. Those who have not obeyed the marriage laws of the Church would do very well to speak with a priest to see how their marriage can be regularized.