Definition of a Practising Catholic
Sorry in advance for re-opening this can of worms but I mentioned this to my mam over the weekend and according to her to be considered a practising Catholic, you had to
a) obey the Ten Commandments, AND;
b) obey the Precepts of the Church (any errors here are more likely due to my slow shorthand as my mam could rattle this off in one breath!)
1. To hear Mass on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation;
2. To fast and abstain on the days appointed;
3. To confess sins at least once a year;
4. To receive worthily (i.e. in a state of grace) the Blessed Eucharist at Eastertime or within the time appoitned (i.e. Between Ash Weds and Trinity Sunday);
5. To contribute to the support of pastors;
6. To observe the marriage laws of the Church.
She doesn't think that these precepts were abolished or amended by Vatican II and the only reason we don't hear them is because the Church has decided not to labour these particular points; like the vow of poverty, I suppose.
You can't say I don't do me homework, miss!!
Rebecca