"It is better to be burdened and in company with the strong than to be unburdened and with the weak. When you are burdened you are close to God, your strength, who abides with the afflicted. When you are relieved of the burden you are close to yourself, your own weakness; for virtue and strength of soul grow and are confirmed in the trials of patience."

St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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"Whoever wants to stand alone without the support of a master and guide will be like the tree that stands alone in a field without a proprietor. No matter how much the tree bears, passers-by will pick the fruit before it ripens. "

St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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"Those who love God are always happy, because their whole happiness is to fulfill, even in adversity, the will of God."

St Alphonsus de Liguori

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About this "Penny" Catechism - Visit the more detailed "Catechism of the Catholic Church" here.

 
 

FROM THE "PENNY CATECHISM"
     

Precepts of the Church

(*Nos 228 - 248 in the original catechism have been replaced to reflect the latest Catechism.)
228*.

Are we bound to obey the Church?

 

We are bound to obey the Church, because Christ has said to the pastors of the Church: 'He that heareth you, heareth me: and he that despiseth you, despiseth me.' Luke 10:16.
 
229*. What are the precepts of the Church?

 

The precepts of the Church are:
1. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.
2. You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
3. You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.
4.You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.
5. You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.
 
  230*. Are Catholics bound to attend Mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation?
 
 

Catholics are under a serious obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation unless prevented by other serious duties or by ill-
health.
 
  231*. How often should we go to Confession?
 
 

If we have been guilty of serious sin we should go to Confession as soon as possible but never less than once a year.
 
  232*. What are fasting days?
 
 

Fasting days are days on which we are allowed to take only one full meal. The obligation of fasting is restricted to those who have completed their 18th year until they have begun their 60th.

 
  233*. Which are the fasting days?
 
 

The fasting days are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
 
  234*. What are days of abstinence?
 
 

Days of abstinence are days on which we are forbidden to take flesh-meat and anything made from meat.
 
  235*. Which are the days of abstinence?
 
 

The days of abstinence in the United States are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and all the Fridays in Lent. The age at which abstinence becomes
binding is 14.
 
  236*. Why does the Church command us to fast and abstain?
 
 

The Church commands us to fast and abstain so that we may mortify the flesh and satisfy God for our sins.