are strictly bound to hear Mass, unless weighty reasons, as illness, nursing the sick, etc., excuse them from it.
8. When do we sin against this command of the Church?
I. When through our own fault we lose either the entire Mass or a great part of it; and 2. When during Mass we give way to voluntary distractions, look about through curiosity, talk, laugh or otherwise behave so that we cannot follow the Mass.
9. Where should the faithful hear Mass on Sundays and Holydays?
In the parish church, when it is possible; also in any church or public oratory.
10. Why does the Church wish that the faithful should attend Divine Service especially in their parish church?
Because in the parish church the pastor preaches and offers the Sacrifice of the Mass principally for his parishioners.
11. Does this Commandment of the Church also command us to hear the sermon?
According to the letter it does not; but according to the spirit it certainly does; for the hearing of the word of God also belongs to the worthy celebration of the Sundays and Holydays, and is, in general, an essential duty of a Christian.
In the primitive Church the sermon was generally preached at Mass after the Gospel; therefore the Church, which commands us to hear Mass, had no occasion for giving a particular and express commandment to hear the sermon.
12. Why are all Christians bound to hear the word of God?
1. Because the word of God is for all a most powerful means of sanctification, ordained by God Himself; 2. Because it is indispensable to all to be repeatedly reminded of the truths of Religion, and to be admonished
