What are Holy Days of Obligation?
Holy days of obligation are what Catholics refer to as holidays within the liturgical calendar. Practicing Catholics are expected to attend Mass on these days.
These days are set by the Church and can vary from country to country. In the United States, there are typically six holy days of obligation each year: the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, All Saints’ Day, the Immaculate Conception, and Christmas. Holy days of obligation serve as an important part of Catholic life and help Catholics to grow in their faith and devotion to God.
What are the 2023 holy days?
Every Sunday is considered a Holy Day of Obligation. Church celebrations, like Easter that fall on Sunday are of course also considered holy days of obligation. In addition to Sunday Mass the Church considers the following to be Holy Days of Obligation for Catholics:
The Solemnity of Mary on January 1, 2023
The Ascension of Jesus on May 18, 2023
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin on August 15, 2023
All Saints’ Day on November 1, 2023
The Immaculate Conception on December 8, 2023
Christmas December 25, 2023