As a cradle Catholic, I grew up learning only the very basics of the faith. This section is dedicated to sharing teachings of the faith the Lord has graciously led me to over the years. These traditions are not a set of rules, but ways to grow closer to God. May we detach from the ways of the world and grow in virtue.
A fantastic way to learn the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church would be to listen to the Catechism in a Year. It is an amazing podcast! Find it here.
Catholics should abstain from meat every Friday
The common misconception is that this practice only applies to lent, but according to Canon Law 1250, “The penitential days and times in the universal Church are every Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent.”
The USCCB still recommends meat but will allow for a substitute penance in accordance with Canon 1251, “Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday.”
Holy Days of Obligation are to be treated like Sundays
It is often thought that Holy Days of Obligation simply mean Catholics must go to Mass. The Catechism of the Catholic Church 2193 states: “On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound . . . to abstain from those labors and business concerns which impede the worship to be rendered to God, the joy which is proper to the Lord’s Day, or the proper relaxation of mind and body.” (Canon law. 1247)
2187: “Sanctifying Sundays and holy days requires a common effort. Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord’s Day. Traditional activities (sport, restaurants, etc.), and social necessities (public services, etc.), require some people to work on Sundays, but everyone should still take care to set aside sufficient time for leisure. With temperance and charity, the faithful will see to it that they avoid the excesses and violence sometimes associated with popular leisure activities. In spite of economic constraints, public authorities should ensure citizens a time intended for rest and divine worship. Employers have a similar obligation toward their employees.”
2186: “Those Christians who have leisure should be mindful of their brethren who have the same needs and the same rights yet cannot rest from work because of poverty and misery. Sunday is traditionally consecrated by Christian piety to good works and humble service of the sick, the infirm, and the elderly. Christians will also sanctify Sunday by devoting time and care to their families and relatives, often difficult to do on other days of the week. Sunday is a time for reflection, silence, cultivation of the mind, and meditation which furthers the growth of the Christian interior life.”