Q. 1330.  What is a “serious reason” excusing one from the obligation of hearing Mass?  A. A “serious reason” excusing one from the obligation of hearing Mass is any reason that makes it impossible or very difficult to attend Mass, such as severe illness, great distance from the Church, or the need of certain works that cannot be neglected or postponed.

Q. 1331.  Are children obliged, under pain of mortal sin, the same as grown persons, to hear Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation?  A. Children who have reached the use of reason are obliged under pain of mortal sin, the same as grown persons, to hear Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation; but if they are prevented from so doing by parents, or others, then the sin falls on those who prevent them.

Q. 1332. {391} 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.

Q. 1333.  How many holydays of obligation are there in this country?  A. In this country there are six holydays of obligation, namely, (1) Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8th); (2) Christmas (Dec. 25th); (3) Feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord (Jan. 1st); (4) Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord (forty days after Easter); (5) Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin (Aug. 15th); and (6) Feast of All Saints (Nov. 1st).

Q. 1334. {392} How should we keep the holydays of obligation?  A. We should keep the holydays of obligation as we should keep the Sunday.

Q. 1335.  Why are certain holydays called holydays of obligation?  A. Certain holydays are called holydays of obligation because on such days we are obliged under pain of mortal sin to hear Mass and keep from servile works as we do on Sundays.

Q. 1336.  What should one do who is obliged to work on a holyday of obligation?  A. One who is obliged to work on a holyday of obligation should, if possible, hear Mass before going to work, and should also explain this necessity in confession, so as to obtain the confessor’s advice on the subject.

Q. 1337. {393} What do you mean by fast-days? 
A. By fast-days I mean days on which we are allowed but one full meal.

Q. 1338.  Is it permitted on fast days to take any food besides the one full meal?  A. It is permitted on fast days, besides the one full meal, to take two other meatless meals, to maintain strength, according to each one’s needs.  But together these two meatless meals should not equal another full meal.

Q. 1339.  Who are obliged to fast?  A. All persons over 21 and under 59 years of age, and whose health and occupation will permit them to fast.

Q. 1340.  Does the Church excuse any classes of persons from the obligation of fasting?  A. The Church does excuse certain classes of persons from the obligation of fasting on account of their age, the condition of their health, the nature of their work, or the circumstances in which they live.  These things are explained in the Regulations for Lent, read publicly in the Churches each year.