f 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.

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. {39