This obligation dates back to the Fourth Lateran Council (1215) which stated that "every faithful of either sex who has reached the age of discretion should at least once a year faithfully confess all his sins in secret to his own priest. He should strive as far as possible to fulfill the penance imposed on him, and with reverence receive at least during Easter time the sacrament of the Eucharist."
In 1983, the Code of Canon Law adjusted the decree so that the faithful were to confess serious sins at least once a year, but did not address receiving Communion.
Easter duty is not specifically mentioned in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
- Little White Book, Diocese of Saginaw