Holy Days of Obligation

Holy Days of Obligation in the Catholic Church are commemorations that include a duty to attend Mass at any of the more than 220,000 Catholic parishes[1] around the world.

The holy days of obligation vary from country to country and change slightly each year. Because Catholics are required to attend Mass on all Sundays, if a Holy Day of Obligation falls on Sunday, there is no requirement to attend an additional mass. Additionally in the United States, if a Holy Day of Obligation other than Christmas falls on a Saturday or Monday, mass attendance is not required. Finally, some Holy Days of Obligation are transferred to Sunday in most but not all dioceses, meaning that the days of required mass attendance may vary from diocese to diocese.

In 2012, a total of four:

* Wednesday, August 15 - Assumption of Mary
* Thursday, November 1 - All Saints (rather than the paganized "Halloween")
* Saturday, December 8 - Immaculate Conception - patron feast day for the United States
* Tuesday, December 25 - Christmas

In 2013, a total of four:

* Tuesday, January 1, 2013 - Mary, Mother of Jesus (rather than the pagan "New Yesr's Day")
* Sunday, May 12, 2013 - Ascension of the Lord - a holy day, transferred to Sunday
* Thursday, August 15, 2013 - Assumption of Mary
* Friday, November 1, 2013 - All Saints (rather than the paganized "Halloween")
* Wednesday, December 25, 2013 - Christmas

(add to list)

## See also[edit]

* List of Catholic Holy Days with explanation

## References[edit]

1. ↑ Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate