| A | B |
|---|
| 280. By whom is this right to make laws exercised? | This right to make laws is exercised by the bishops; the successors of the apostles; and especially by the Pope; who as the successor of the chief of the apostles; St. Peter; has the right to make laws for the Universal Church. |
| 281. Which are the chief commandments; or laws; of the Church? | The chief commandments; or laws of the Church are these six:1.To assist at Mass on all Sundays and holydays of obligation. 2.To fast and to abstain on the days appointed. 3.To confess our sins at least once a year. 4.To receive Holy Communion during the Easter time. 5.To contribute to the support of the Church. 6.To observe the laws of the Church concerning marriage. |
| 282. What sin does a Catholic omit who through his own fault misses Mass on a Sunday or holyday of obligation? | A Catholic who through his own fault misses Mass on a Sunday or holyday of obligation commits a mortal sin. |
| 283. Which are the holydays of obligation in the United States? | The holydays of obligation in the United States are these six: Christmas Day (December 25) The Octave of the Nativity (January 1) Ascension Thursday (40 days after Easter) The Assumption (August 15) All SaintsÂ’ Day (November 1) The Immaculate Conception (December 8) |
| 284. What else does the Church oblige us to do on holydays of obligation? | The Church obliges us to abstain from servile work on holydays of obligation; just as on Sundays; as far as we are able. |
| 285. Why were holydays instituted by the Church? | Holydays were instituted by the Church to remind us of the mysteries of our religion and of the important events in the lives of Christ and of His Blessed Mother; and to recall to us the virtues and the rewards of the saints. |
| 286. What is a fast day? | A fast day is a day on which only one full meal is allowed; but in the morning and evening some food may be taken; the quantity and quality of which are determined by approved local custom. |
| 287. Who are obliged to observe the fast days of the Church? | All baptized person between the ages of 21 and 59 are obliged to observe the fast days of the Church; unless they are excused or dispensed. |
| 288. What is a day of abstinence? | A day of abstinence is a day on which we are not allowed the use of meat. |
| 289. Who are obliged to observe the abstinence days of the Church? | All Catholics who have passed their 14th birthday and have attained the use of reason are obliged to observe the abstinence days of the Church; unless excused or dispensed. |
| 290. Why does the Church command us to fast and to abstain? | The Church commands us to fast and to abstain in order that we may control the desires of the flesh; raise our minds more freely to God; and make satisfaction for sin. |
| 291. Why does the Church make Fridays of Lent days of abstinence? | The Church makes Fridays of Lend days of abstinence in order that we may do penance for our sins; and also in order that we may prepare ourselves more worthily for Good Friday; when we commemorate the death of Jesus Christ. |
| 292. How can we know the days appointed for fast or abstinence? | We can know the days appointed for fast or abstinence from the instructions of our bishops and priests. |
| 293. What is meant by the commandment to confess our sin at least once a year? | By the commandment to confess our sins at least once a year is meant that we are strictly obliged to make a good confession with the year; if we have a mortal sin to confess. |
