Holy Days of Obligation

Holy Days in Canon Law

Can. 1246 §1. Sunday, on which by apostolic tradition the paschal mystery is celebrated, must be observed in the universal Church as the primordial holy day of obligation. The following days must also be observed: the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Epiphany, the Ascension, the Body and Blood of Christ, Holy Mary the Mother of God, her Immaculate Conception, her Assumption, Saint Joseph, Saint Peter and Saint Paul the Apostles, and All Saints.

§2. With the prior approval of the Apostolic See, however, the conference of bishops can suppress some of the holy days of obligation or transfer them to a Sunday.

Can. 1247 On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass.

Moreover, they are to abstain from those works and affairs which hinder the worship to be rendered to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s day, or the suitable relaxation of mind and body.

Can. 1248 §1. A person who assists at a Mass celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the feast day itself or in the evening of the preceding day satisfies the obligation of participating in the Mass.

§2. If participation in the eucharistic celebration becomes impossible because of the absence of a sacred minister or for another grave cause, it is strongly recommended that the faithful take part in a liturgy of the word if such a liturgy is celebrated in a parish church or other sacred place according to the prescripts of the diocesan bishop or that they devote themselves to prayer for a suitable time alone, as a family, or, as the occasion permits, in groups of families.

Holy Days in the Catechism

The precept of the Church specifies the law of the Lord more precisely: "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass." "The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day."

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 see to it that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life, and health.

The charity of truth seeks holy leisure- the necessity of charity accepts just work (St. Augustine).

Sanctifying Sundays and holy days requires a common effort. Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord's Day. Traditional activities (sport, restaurants, etc.), and social necessities (public services, etc.), require some people to work on Sundays, but everyone should still take care to set aside sufficient time for leisure. With temperance and charity the faithful will see to it that they avoid the excesses and violence sometimes associated with popular leisure activities. In spite of economic constraints, public authorities should ensure citizens a time intended for rest and divine worship. Employers have a similar obligation toward their employees.

Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 2180, 2185, 2187. English Translation of the Catechism for the United States of America © 1997, United States Catholic Conference, Inc.

Holy Days in the United States

By a decree that was in turn approved by the Holy See, the Bishops of the United States have declared the following to be days of obligation for all Latin Rite Catholics of the country:

January 1: Mary, Mother of God
Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter: Ascension of the Lord
August 15: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
November 1: All Saints
December 8: Immaculate Conception
December 25: Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ

When January 1, August 15, or November 1 fall on either a Saturday or a Monday, the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated.

Also noteworthy is that many ecclesiastical provinces in the United States have transferred the Solemnity of the Ascension to the Seventh Sunday of Easter. Only the provinces of Boston, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, and the state of Nebraska retain its celebration on the Thursday.

The final exception in the United States is that the state of Hawaii celebrates only two holy days: the Immaculate Conception and Nativity of the Lord which is in keeping with the policy of their neighbors in the South Pacific.

Holy Days of the United States: 2009-2015

2009: Thursday, January 1; Thursday, May 21 or Sunday, May 24; Sunday, November 1; Tuesday, December 8; Friday, December 25; (Assumption falls on a Saturday this year).

2010: Friday, January 1; Thursday, May 13 or Sunday, May 16; Sunday, August 15; Wednesday, December 8; Saturday, December 25; (All Saints falls on a Monday this year).

2011: Thursday, June 2 or Sunday, June 5; Tuesday, November 1; Thursday, December 8; Sunday, December 25; (Mary, Mother of God falls on a Saturday this year and the Assumption is on a Monday).

2012: Sunday, January 1; Thursday, May 17 or Sunday, May 20; Wednesday, August 15; Thursday, November 1; Saturday, December 8; Tuesday, December 25.

2013: Tuesday, January 1; Thursday, May 9 or Sunday, May 12; Thursday, August 15; Friday, November 1; Wednesday, December 25; (Immaculate Conception is transferred to Monday, December 9 and there is no obligation).

2014: Wednesday, January 1; Thursday, May 29 or Sunday, June 1; Friday, August 15; Monday, December 8; Thursday, December 25; (All Saints falls on a Saturday).

2015: Thursday, January 1; Thursday, May 14 or Sunday, May 17; Sunday, November 1; Tuesday, December 8; Friday, December 25 (The Assumption falls on a Saturday).