Holy Days of Obligation

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Holy Days of Obligation are special “must-attend” feasts when we celebrate the biggest moments in our faith – days when the Church asks us to drop everything and join the feast at Mass. Sunday is the chief day of obligation in which every weekend we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection, but there are important moments in our faith when the Church asks us in a special way to break our routines and dedicate time to Our Lord, such as on the day of His Birth or His Ascension to Heaven. By prioritizing the Mass on these days, we are able to deepen our connection with God and reaffirm Him as the center of our life.

DATES OF HOLYDAYS OF OBLIGATION IN 2026

  • January 1, 2026 (Thursday) – Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
  • May 14, 2026 (Thursday) – Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
  • August 15, 2026 (Saturday) – Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (not a day of obligation in 2026 as it falls on a Saturday)
  • November 1, 2026 (Sunday) – Solemnity of All Saints
  • December 8, 2026 (Tuesday) – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • December 25, 2026 (Friday) – Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

2184 Just as God “rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done,” 121 human life has a rhythm of work and rest. The institution of the Lord’s Day helps everyone enjoy adequate rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural, social, and religious lives. 122

2185 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. 123 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. 124