Holy Days

As holy days approach you will find current information regarding dates and times of our services and liturgies here. 

Holy Days of Obligation Throughout the Year

Q: We used to have six holy days of obligation, days we are expected to attend Mass, in addition to Sundays. These were January 1 (the feast of Mary, Mother of God); Ascension Thursday; August 15 (the Assumption); November 1 (All Saints); December 8 (the Immaculate Conception); and December 25 (Christmas). Now, it's hard to know on any of those days if that obligation still stands. How does one know if participating in the celebration of the Mass is an obligation on those days?

A: The U.S. bishops decided (and the Vatican approved) that as of January 1, 1993, if January 1, August 15 or November 1 falls on either a Saturday or Monday, the obligation to attend Mass is lifted. The celebration of the Ascension has been moved in most parts of the U.S. (including our province) to the Seventh Sunday of Easter, when we would normally attend Mass any way. December 8 is always considered a holy day of obligation in our country, since this is our nation's patronal feast day. Christmas is always a day of obligation to attend Mass.