Holy Days of Obligation
in the United States

In addition to Sundays, there are six Holy Days of Obligation (Solemnities) to attend Mass during the Liturgical Year. They are:

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

Please Note:
Whenever January 1, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, or August 15, the solemnity of the the Assumption, or November 1, the solemnity of All Saints, falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated. For more information, visit the USCCB.

*The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has given discretion to dioceses in the country to determine whether Ascension is celebrated on the prescribed Thursday or the following Sunday. The Archdiocese of Seattle celebrates Ascension on the Sunday.