The Church sets aside certain days throughout the year as holy days of obligation. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), “Holy days of obligation (also known as feasts of precept) are days when the faithful are obliged to participate at Mass and abstain from unnecessary work or other activities which hinder the suitable relaxation of mind and body.”
For 2025, in addition to Sundays, the holy days of obligation are:
- Wednesday, Jan. 1 – Mary, Mother of God
- Friday, Aug. 15 – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Monday, Dec. 8 – The Immaculate Conception
- Thursday, Dec. 25 – The Nativity of the Lord
From the USCCB’s 2025 calendar: “Saturday, November 1, is the Solemnity of All Saints. In accord with the complimentary norm to canon 1246 §2 confirmed for the dioceses of the United States of America, because it is a Saturday, this year the obligation to attend Mass on this date is abrogated.”
For 2026, in addition to Sundays, the holy days of obligation are:
- Thursday, Jan. 1 – Mary, Mother of God
- Tuesday, Dec. 8 – The Immaculate Conception
- Friday, Dec. 25 – The Nativity of the Lord
In 2026, the Solemnity of All Saints falls on a Sunday, which is already a holy day of obligation.
From the USCCB’s 2026 calendar: “Saturday, August 15, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In accord with the complementary norm to canon 1246 §2 confirmed for the dioceses of the United States of America, because it is a Saturday, this year the obligation to attend Mass on this date is abrogated.”
Many parishes offer additional Masses on Holy Days of Obligation, so be sure to check with the parish directly for Mass times. Find a parish.
Learn more about the Sunday Mass obligation.
See this article about Vatican guidance for a Holy Day of Obligation that falls on a Sunday.
