Holy Days of Obligation

Holy Days of Obligation: Catholics in the United States are obliged to attend Mass on holy days, in addition to all Sundays. These include the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God (Jan. 1), Ascension (May 14), Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Aug. 15), All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1), Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8), and Christmas (Dec. 25).

What Are Holy Days of Obligation?
In the Catholic Church, holy days of obligation are the most important days in the liturgical year, when the faithful are required to participate in Mass, including Sundays. Because it is the day Jesus rose from the dead and therefore signifies our “new creation” in him, Sunday is “the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church” (CCC 2174; 2177). These holy days celebrate key events in salvation history and honor the central mysteries of our faith.

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms, those who deliberately miss Mass on a holy day of obligation,”unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor,” commit a mortal sin (CCC 2181). These sacred days call us to give our Lord Jesus Christ the worship he is due, “and through him to the Father in the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1325; see 1354; 1366; 1408).

In the United States, if Solemnity of Mary Mother of God (Jan. 1), the Assumption (Aug. 15), or All Saints (Nov. 1) falls on a Saturday or Monday, the obligation to attend Mass is lifted. However, Christmas and the Immaculate Conception always remain obligatory, regardless of the day of the week.