A.
The chief commandments of the Church are six:
To
hear Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation.
To
fast and abstain on the days appointed.
To
confess at least once a year.
To
receive the Holy Eucharist during the Easter time.
To
contribute to the support of our pastors.
Not
to marry persons who are not Catholics, or who are related to us within
the third degree of kindred, nor privately without witnesses, nor to
solemnize marriage at forbidden times.
A.
It is a mortal sin not to hear Mass on a Sunday or a holyday of obligation,
unless we are excused for a serious reason. They also commit a mortal sin who,
having others under their charge, hinder them from hearing Mass, without a
sufficient reason.
A.
Holydays were instituted by the Church to recall to our minds the great
mysteries of religion and the virtues and rewards of the saints.
A.
We should keep the holydays of obligation as we should keep the Sunday.
A.
By fast-days I mean days on which we are allowed but one full meal.
A.
By days of abstinence I mean days on which we are forbidden to eat flesh-meat,
but are allowed the usual number of meals.
A.
The Church commands us to fast and abstain, in order that we may mortify our
passions and satisfy for our sins.
A.
The Church commands us to abstain from flesh-meat on Fridays, in honor of the
day on which our Saviour died.
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