holy days of obligation

On December 13, 1991 the members of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States of America made the following general decree concerning holy days of obligation for Catholics…

Church law directs Catholics to their obligation to worship God on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation by attending Mass. In the Mass it is Christ Himself who worships the Father, joining our worship to His.

In no other way is it possible to adequately give thanks to God for the blessings of creation, redemption, and our sanctification than by uniting our offerings to that of Jesus Christ Himself.

The Code of Canon Law states:On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass; they are also to abstain from those labors, business, and leisure concerns which impede the worship to be rendered to God, the joy which is proper to the Lord’s Day, or the proper relaxation of mind and body (Canon 1247).

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: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. Family needs or important social service can legitimately excuse from the obligation of Sunday rest. The faithful should seeto it that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life and health (2185).

In other words – Everything we have is a gift from God. Out of love and respect for God, we are called, as Catholics, to make every attempt to fulfill our obligation to worship Him through Sunday mass and the Holy Days of Obligation.

We are OBLIGATED to attend Mass every Sunday & all six Holy Days of Obligation, regardless of homework, sports tournaments, tv shows, meetings, practices, etc.

God asks for ONE HOUR of your week, plus SIX HOURS each year…

So, what are these Holy Days and when are they?

November 1, the Solemnity of All Saints

December 8, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

December 25, Nativity of Our Lord

January 1, Mary, Mother of God

Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter – the Ascension

August 15, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary