Wondering what are holy days of obligation? Learn about Catholic holy days of obligation and when they are in 2024.
In 1991, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States declared that Catholic holy days of obligation are feast days on which Catholics should attend mass and avoid work. This is an addition to every Sunday, known as the Sunday Duty, which is the first of the church’s precepts. Some Catholics may choose to participate in a late afternoon or evening mass on Saturday, which also fulfills this duty.
For Orthodox Christians, the concept of “Holy Days of Obligation” doesn’t exist in a canonical sense. Instead, there are 12 Great Feasts, with Easter celebrated as the “Feast of Feasts.” Easter isn’t included in these 12 feasts. These days are the most significant dates on the Orthodox liturgical calendar.
What are Catholic Holy Days of Obligation?
The Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church designates certain days as days of obligation. There are nine holy days apart from Sundays. Local bishops’ conferences may choose to suppress some of these days. If a holy day falls on a Saturday or a Monday, the obligation to attend mass is typically rescinded.
Catholic Holy Days of Obligation 2024 in the United States
- Solemnity of Mary: Monday, January 1* (Because it falls on a Monday, attending mass isn’t required, but is suggested.)
- Ascension of Jesus: Thursday, May 9 — Celebrated on the sixth Thursday after Easter Sunday*
- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Thursday, August 15
- Solemnity of All Saints: Friday, November 1
- Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Monday, December 9* (Same applies here)
- Christmas: Wednesday, December 25
Observance and Practices
Catholics are advised to refrain from work or any activity that hinders worship on Sundays and holy days of obligation. Exceptions are made for family requirements or essential roles like doctors, nurses, or other emergency personnel.
The Role of Holy Days of Obligation in Modern Christianity
While the Bible doesn’t instruct Christians to celebrate holidays other than Jewish feast days, it doesn’t discourage celebrating them either; they just aren’t required to do so.
In recent years, the requirement of attending mass has become more lenient, including allowing believers to attend virtual services.
To learn more about all world religion events, see our Interfaith Calendar 2024 and for more diversity holidays and DEI events, see our Diversity Calendar 2024.