Q. 1321. {387} What are we commanded by the tenth Commandment?  A. By the tenth Commandment we are commanded to be content with what we have, and to rejoice in our neighbor’s welfare.

Q. 1322.  Should we not, then, try to improve our position in the world?  A. We should try to improve our position in the world, provided we can do so honestly and without exposing ourselves to greater temptation or sin.

Q. 1323. {388} What is forbidden by the tenth Commandment?  A. The tenth Commandment forbids all desires to take or keep wrongfully what belongs to another.

Q. 1324.  In what does the sixth commandment differ from the ninth, and the seventh differ from the tenth?  A. The sixth commandment differs from the ninth in this, that the sixth refers chiefly to external acts of impurity, while the ninth refers more to sins of thought against purity.  The seventh commandment refers chiefly to external acts of dishonesty, while the tenth refers more to thoughts against honesty.

LESSON THIRTY-FIFTH.  ON THE FIRST AND SECOND COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH.

Q. 1325.  Are not the commandments of the Church also commandments of God?  A. The commandments of the Church are also commandments of God, because they are made by His authority, and we are bound under pain of sin to observe them.

Q. 1326.  What is the difference between the commandments of God and the Commandments of the Church?  A. The commandments of God were given by God Himself to Moses on Mount Sinai; the commandments of the Church were given on different occasions by the lawful authorities of the Church.  The Commandments given by God Himself cannot be changed by the Church; but the commandments made by the Church itself may be changed by its authority as necessity requires.

Q. 1327. {389} Which are the chief commandments of the Church?  A. The chief commandments of the Church are six: 

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.

Q. 1328.  Why has the Church made commandments?  A. The Church has made commandments to teach the faithful how to worship God and to guard them from the neglect of their religious duties.

Q. 1329. {390} 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.