Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 346.

YOUCAT Question n. 346 - What is the purpose of the precepts of the Church, and how binding are they?

(Youcat answer) The “Five Precepts of the Church” with their minimum requirements are supposed to remind us that one cannot be a Christian without making a moral effort, without participating personally in the sacramental life of the Church, and without union with her in solidarity. They are obligatory for every Catholic Christian.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2041) The precepts of the Church are set in the context of a moral life bound to and nourished by liturgical life. The obligatory character of these positive laws decreed by the pastoral authorities is meant to guarantee to the faithful the indispensable minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor. 

Reflecting and meditating 

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2048) The precepts of the Church concern the moral and Christian life united with the liturgy and nourished by it.

(The next question is: Why is “not practicing what you preach” such a serious deficiency in a Christian?)