Confession, Easter Communion, support, and marriage law

Question 397

What is meant by the command of confessing at least once a year?

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.

Question 398

Should we confess only once a year?

We should confess frequently, if we wish to lead a good life.

Question 399

Should children go to Confession?

Children should go to Confession when they are old enough to commit sin, which is commonly about the age of seven years.

Question 400

What sin does he commit who neglects to receive Communion during the Easter time?

He who neglects to receive Communion during the Easter time commits a mortal sin.

Question 401

What is the Easter time?

The Easter time is, in this country, the time between the first Sunday of Lent and Trinity Sunday.

Question 402

Are we obliged to contribute to the support of our pastors?

We are obliged to contribute to the support of our pastors, and to bear our share in the expenses of the church and school.

Question 403

What is the meaning of the commandment not to marry within the third degree of kindred?

The meaning of the commandment not to marry within the third degree of kindred is that no one is allowed to marry another within the third degree of blood relationship.

Question 404

What is the meaning of the command not to marry privately?

The command not to marry privately means that none should marry without the blessing of God's priests or without witnesses.

Question 405

What is the meaning of the precept not to solemnize marriage at forbidden times?

The meaning of the precept not to solemnize marriage at forbidden times is that during Lent and Advent the marriage ceremony should not be performed with pomp or a nuptial Mass.

Question 406

What is the nuptial Mass?

A nuptial Mass is a Mass appointed by the Church to invoke a special blessing upon the married couple.

Question 407

Should Catholics be married at a nuptial Mass?

Catholics should be married at a nuptial Mass, because they thereby show greater reverence for the holy Sacrament and bring richer blessings upon their wedded life.

Minimum precepts are not maximum practice

Questions 397, 398, 399, 400, 401

The faithful who have reached discretion must confess grave sins at least annually; frequent confession may support conversion. Children are prepared according to age and understanding. Annual Communion is normally fulfilled during Easter time, or for a just cause at another time; local liturgical and canonical norms define practical dates.

Shared material responsibility

Questions 402

The faithful support the Church so it can sustain worship, apostolate, charity, and ministers. This duty is proportionate to ability and never authorizes coercion, financial opacity, or neglect of dependents and the poor.

Use current marriage law

Questions 403, 404, 405, 406, 407

The source's third-degree rule and blanket forbidden-time language do not state current universal Latin law. Present impediments and dispensations are governed by canons 1073–1094; canonical form ordinarily requires an authorized minister and two witnesses, with lawful exceptions. Marriage between Catholics normally occurs within Mass, but pastoral circumstances can indicate otherwise. Couples must consult their parish rather than apply this historical checklist.

2 Corinthians 8:7–15

Paul frames material contribution through generosity, fairness, willingness, and concern that others not be burdened.

7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

John 2:1–11

Christ's presence at Cana places marriage within a Gospel scene of sign, trust, service, and abundant gift.

1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. 6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. 7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. 9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. 11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.