The First Precept

To hear Mass every Sunday and on other Feasts of Obligation

COMPENDIUM

This Precept bids us assist at Holy Mass with devotion on all Sunday and on other prescribed Feasts of Obligation. The Mass which the Church wishes us, if possible, to attend, is the Mass of our own parish, because:

1. Thus all who belong to the same parish are united together with their parish Priest as their head to offer prayer;
2. In this way, parishioners participate more effectually in the Holy Sacrifice which is chiefly offered on their behalf;
3. That they may hear the truth of the Gospel, which parish Priests are bound to explain at Holy Mass;
4. That they may come to know the obligations and notices which are published at this Mass.

Sunday, the Lord's Day, a day specially set apart for Divine Service, is specially mentioned in the First Commandment, because it is the principal Feast among Christians, as the Sabbath was the principal Feast among the Jews, instituted by God Himself.

The Church has also instituted Feasts of Our Lord, of the Most Holy Virgin, and of Angels and Saints:

1. In order that we may bear in mind the Divine Mysteries of our Lord;
2. That we remember the graces and mercies that God has granted to His Angels and Saints, and thank Him for His goodness therein;
3. That we may honor the Angels and the Saints, and imitate their examples, and obtain the assistance of their prayers.

CATECHISM

475. What does the First Precept of the Church: To hear Mass on all Sundays and on other Feasts of Obligation, order us to do?

The First Precept of the Church: To hear Mass on all Sundays and on other feasts of obligations, orders us to assist devoutly at Mass on all Sundays and on Feasts of Obligation.

476. At which Mass does the Church desire us to assist on Sundays and on Feasts of Obligation?

The Mass at which the Church desires us to assist, if possible, on Sundays and Feasts of Obligation is the Parochial Mass.

477. Why does the Church recommend the faithful to assist at the Parochial Mass?

The Church recommends the faithful to assist at the Parochial Mass: 1. in order that all the parishioners of the same parish may unite in prayer together with their Pastor, who is their head; 2. in order that the parishioners may participate more abundantly in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which is applied principally for them; 3. in order that they may hear the truths of the Gospel, which Pastors are bound to explain during Mass; 4. in order that they may learn the regulations and notices which are published at that Mass.

478. What is meant by the Lord's Day?

The Lord's Day means the day of the Lord, that is, Sunday, the day specially consecrated to Divine Service.

479. Why in the First Precept of the Church is special mention made of the Lord's Day?

In the First Precept of the Church, special mention is made of the Lord's Day, because it is the principal Christian Feast, as the Sabbath was the principal Jewish festival, and because it was instituted by God Himself.

480. What other feasts have been instituted by the Church?

The Church has instituted feasts of our Lord, of the Blessed Virgin, of the Angels and of the Saints.

481. Why did the Church institute other feasts of our Lord?

The Church instituted other feasts of our Lord in memory of His Divine Mysteries.

482. Why have feasts of the Blessed Virgin and of the Saints been instituted?

Festivals of the Blessed Virgin and of the Saints have been instituted: 1. in memory of the graces which God has given them; 2. to thank His divine goodness; 3. in order that we may honor them, imitate their example, and be aided by their prayers.