279. Whence has the Catholic Church the right to make laws?
The Catholic Church has the right to make laws from Jesus Christ, who said to the , the first bishops of His Church:
280. By whom is this right to make laws exercised?
This right to make laws is exercised by the , the successors of the apostles, and especially by the , who as the successor of the chief of the apostles, Saint , has the right to make laws for the Universal Church.
281. Which are the chief commandments, or laws, of the Church?
The chief commandments, or laws, of the Church are these six:
1. To at Mass on all Sundays and of obligation.
2. To fast and to on the days appointed.
3. To our sins at least once a year.
4. To receive Holy Communion during the time.
5. To to the support of the Church.
6. To observe the laws of the Church concerning .
282. What sin does a Catholic commit who through his own fault misses Mass on a Sunday or holyday of obligation?
A Catholic who through his own fault misses Mass on a Sunday or holyday of obligation commits a sin.
283. Which are the holydays of obligation in the United States?
The holydays of obligation in the United States are these six: Day (December 25); The Octave of the (January 1); Ascension (40 days after Easter); The Assumption ( 15); All Saints' Day ( 1); The Conception (December 8) .
284. What else does the Church oblige us to do on holydays of obligation?
The Church obliges us to abstain from work on holydays of obligation, just as on Sundays, as far as we are able.