On the Third Precept of the Decalogue

"Is it necessary to obligate under sin the faithful of the Vicariate of Chausy, who cannot hear Mass because of the lack of priests, to assist on feast days, in place of Mass, at pious assemblies of the faithful? - Resp. The faithful who, in the proposed case, cannot hear Mass on feast days are not on that account released from the obligation of sanctifying the Feast through prayers or other pious works; and therefore they are greatly to be exhorted, but nevertheless not obligated under guilt of sin, as though disobedient to a precept of the Church, to strive to be present at those pious assemblies, in which they can be instructed and nourished with the food of the word of God and other exercises of religion, and, joined in prayers in the spirit of charity, can more efficaciously implore Divine aid." S. C. de P. F. 4 Jan. 1798.