Holy Days of Obligation

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In addition to Sunday, the days to be observed as Holy Days of Obligation are as follows:

  • January 1 – Mary, Mother of God (always celebrated January 1, but if this falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the Sunday Mass will fill your obligation)
  • January – Epiphany (this has been permanently translated to the first Sunday after January 1)
  • Ascension (celebrated on the Thursday of the sixth week of Easter)
  • The Body and Blood of Christ (this has been permanently translated to the second Sunday after Pentecost)
  • August 15 – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (unless this falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the Sunday Mass will fill your obligation)
  • November 1 – All Saints Day (unless this falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the Sunday Mass will fill your obligation.)
  • December 8 – Immaculate Conception of Mary
  • December 25 – Christmas (The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains holy days of obligation this way:

On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body.