1} 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.

Q. 1341. What should one do who doubts whether or not he is obliged to
fast?
A. In doubt concerning fast, a parish priest or confessor should be
consulted.

Q. 1342. When do fast days c