The obligation of members of the Catholic Church to approach the Sacrament of Penance, if in a state of sin, once a year, and also of receiving the Holy Eucharist, as a mark of fidelity to membership, and under penalty of exclusion from it and all rights as a Catholic. The prescribed time for fulfilling the Easter duty extends: from the first Sunday of Lent to Trinity Sunday, in the United States; from Ash Wednesday to Low Sunday, in England; from Ash Wednesday to the octave of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (July 6,), in Ireland; from the first Sunday of Lent to the octave of the Ascension, in Scotland, or in some places to Low Sunday. One may follow the direction of his priest judging it proper for him to abstain for some time, but the precept binds even after the time has expired and is not fulfilled by an unworthy communion. It is recommended that the Paschal communion be received in one's own rite and in one's parish church and if received elsewhere one's pastor should be informed of the fact.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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