1. To hear Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation. 2. To fast and abstain on the days appointed. 3. To confess at least once a year. 4. To receive the Holy Eucharist during the Easter time. 5. To contribute to the support of our pastors. 6. 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. 390. Q. Is it a mortal sin not to hear Mass on a Sunday or a holyday of obligation? 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. 391. Q. Why were holydays instituted by the Church? 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. 392. Q. How should we keep the holydays of obligation? A. We should keep the holydays of obligation as we should keep the Sunday. 393. Q. What do you mean by fast-days? A. By fast-days I mean days on which we are allowed but one full meal. 394. Q. What do you mean by days of abstinence? 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. 395. Q. Why does the Church command us to fast and abstain? A. The Church commands us to fast and abstain, in order that we may mortify our passions and satisfy for our sins. 396. Q. Why does the Church command us to abstain from flesh-meat on Fridays? A. The Church commands us to abstain from flesh-meat on Fridays, in honor of the day on which our Saviour died. LESSON THIRTY-SIXTH ON THE THIRD, FOURTH, FIFTH AND SIXTH COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH 397. Q. What is meant by the command of confessing at least once a year? A. By the command of confessing at least once a year is meant that we are obliged, under pain of mortal sin, to go to confession within the year. 398. Q. Should we confess only once a year? A. We should confess frequently, if we wish to lead a good life. 399. Q. Should children go to Confession? A. Children should go to Confession when they are old enough to commit sin, which is commonly about the age of seven years. 400. Q. What sin does he commit who neglects to receive Communion during the Easter time? A. He who neglects to receive Communion during the Easter time commits a mortal sin. 401. Q. What is the Easter time? A. The Easter time is, in this country, the time between the first Sunday of Lent and Trinity Sunday. 402. Q. Are we obliged to contribute to the support of our pastors? A. We are obliged to contribute to the support of our pastors, and to bear our share in the expenses of the church and school.