Holy Days of Obligation

The number of Days of Obligation varies from year to year because the precept to attend Mass is lifted (abrogated) if any of the following days:

• 1 January (Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God),
• 15 August (Feast of the Assumption),
• 1 November (Solemnity of All Saints)

falls on a Saturday or on a Monday. The faithful, however, are encouraged to attend Mass on those days. This was decided by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States of America on December 13, 1991 (Canon 1246) and is effective as of January 1, 1993.