One of the beautiful characteristics of the Catholic Church is its universality, leading to a rich array of feasts, solemnities, and celebrations within the life of the body of Christ throughout the world.
At the same time, the Church remains unified in its observance of the key tenets of our faith. Holy Days of Obligation provide an opportunity for the faithful to remember and celebrate together the core mysteries of our faith.
In fact, they are so important, they are included in the first Precept of the Church alongside Sunday Mass: You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor. (CCC 2042)
While the word “obligation” can cause some to bristle, these days are not a mindless dictate, but rather a collective celebration of the family of God. Like in our own families, where special events and dates are memorialized and celebrated, the Church does the same. We remember together the important moments that define our faith, that remind us of who we are, who God is, and what God has done for us.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in accordance with Canon 1246 of the Code of Canon Law, have identified the following as Holy Days of Obligation in addition to the Sunday obligation:
- January 1, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
- Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter, the solemnity of the Ascension
- August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- November 1, the solemnity of All Saints
- December 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
- December 25, the solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
