Lesson 20: On t1& Precepts of the Church

1. Are there any other commandments, besides the ten commandments of God?

There are the commandments or precepts of the church, which are chiefly six.

2. Say the six commandments of the church.

1. To hear Mass on Sundays, and all holy-days uf obligation.*

2. To fast and abstain on the days commanded.

3. To confess our sins at least once a year.

4. To receive worthily the blessed Eucharist at Easter, or within thetime appointed.*

5. To contribute to the support of our pastors.

0. Not to solemnize marriage at the forbidden times, nor to marry persons within the forbidden degrees of kindred, or otherwise prohibited by the church, nor clandestinely.

3. v^hat is our first and chief duty on Sundays and holy-days?

To hear Mass devoutly; and in every other respect we should keep them holy.

4. Is it a mortal sin not to hear Mass on a Sunday, or holy-day 1

It is, if the omission be culpable; and fathers and mother?, masters and mistresses, and all such persons, sin grievously, who hinder, without sufficient cause, children, servants, or any others subject to them, from hearing Mass on a Sunday or holy-day. 2 Thess. iii. 4. 14

5. What do you mean by holy-days?

Certain solemn days ordered by the church to be kept holy.

6. Why were holy days instituted by the church %

To recall to our minds, with praise and thanksgiving, the great mysteries of religion; and the virtues and rewards of the saints, and to glorify God on them*

7. How are we to keep holy-days?

As we should keep the Sundays.

8. What are we obliged to do by the second commandment of the church 1

To give part of the year to fast and abstinence. Matt. vi. 16, 17, 18.

9. What do you mean by fast days 1

Certain days on which we are allowed but one meal, and forbidden flesh meat.

10. What do you mean by days of abstinence'?

A Certain days on which we are forbidden to eat flesh meat; but are allowed the usual number of meals.

11. Why does the church command us to faet and abstain?

To mortify our sinful passions and appetites: and to satisfy for our sins, by doing penance for them.

12. Is it strictly forbidden by the church to eat flesh meat on days of abstinence?

Yes; and to eat flesh meat on any day on which it is forbidden, without necessity and leave from the church, is very sinful.

13. Why does the church command us to abstain from flesh meat on Fridays?

In honour and commemoration of our Saviour's death. LESSON XXI. The Precepts of the Church continued.

14. What means the commandment of confessing our sins, at least once a year?

It means that we are threatened with very severe penalties by the church, if we do not go to confession within the year.

15. Does a bad confession satisfy the obligation of confessing our sins 'once a year?

So far from it, that it renders us more guilty by tie additional crime of sacrilege.

16. Is it sufficient to go but once a year to confession 1

No; frequent confession is necessary for all those who fall into mortal sin, or who. desire to advance in virtue.

17. At what age are children obliged to go to confession?

As soon as they are capable of committing sin, that is, when they come to the use of reason; which is generally supposed to be about the age of seven years.

18. At what age are children obliged to receive the blessed Eucharist?

As soon as they are able to discern the body of the Lord; that is, when they understand what the blessed Eucharist is, and how they should be prepared to receive it worthily. 1 Cor. xi. 29.

19. What punishment has the church decreed against those who neglect to receive the blessed Eucharist at Easter?

They are to be excluded from the house of God whilst living, and deprived of Christian burial when they die. 21 Canon Council Later.

20. Are we obliged in conscience and justice to contribute to the support of our pastors?

Yes; and by a divine precept also. St. Paul says, So the Lord ordained that they who preach the gospel should live by the gosjwl. 1 Cor. ix. 13, 14.

21. Do the precepts of the church oblige under pain of mortal sin?

Yes; lie that will not hear the church, says Chrisl, let him be to thee as the heathen and the publican. Luke, x. 16, and Matt, xviii. 17.

22. What is necessary to keep the commandments of God, and of his church?

The grace of God, which is to be obtained chiefly by prayer and the sacraments.