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What is expected of a Catholic? (Continued from previous weeks.)
The past two weeks I wrote about Mass and confession obligations. A follow-up question was asked: At what age are children bound to go to Mass on Sunday and Holy Days? The answer is that most of church law (Mass obligation included) is applicable to all Catholics over the age of seven, which is more or less “the age of reason”. However, I would really recommend younger children coming even though they are not obliged in order to develop the habit and to let the richness and wonder of the Mass to begin to sink in early. Don’t forget what a gift it is to give to your children by bringing them to Mass. You wouldn’t neglect to bring them to the doctor or to school, don’t neglect to bring them to the Lord! Sometimes they will find such things boring, but hey, I don’t like broccoli, but I eat it because I know it’s good for me. Also, kids find Mass more interesting the more we teach and explain it to them. The Catechesis the Good Shepherd program here at Curé is a great example of doing that. Mothers of Young Children also sponsor Mass demonstrations at various times of the year. I want to finish off this series about what is expected of a Catholic by briefly mentioning the final three precepts of the Church. The third precept is to “receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.” (CCC #2042) This normally is not an issue, because most of us receive communion every time we go to Mass, and we should if we are free from mortal sin and have prepared ourselves to receive. I guess, years ago, many people felt unworthy and so the Church had to require them to receive at least once a year. The fourth precept is to “observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.” (CCC #2043) This is a big issue since Lent is coming soon. I won’t go into the details as you can read them always in the Leaven, the Archdiocesan newspaper, around the time of Ash Wednesday. The fifth and final precept is “to provide for the needs of the Church.” (CCC #2043) It just makes sense that for the Church to operate and continue the mission of Jesus Christ it needs the time, talent, and treasure of its people. “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required.” (Lk 12:48) We are given so much by God! Let us strive live up to what is expected of all Catholics. -Fr. Greg If you would like submit a question, please write it out and place it in the “Ask a Priest” box in the vestibule or email me at
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