This short slide show gives a brief history and description of the six Holy Days of Obligation in the Roman Catholic Church in the United States.

2. On December 13, 1991 the members of the
National Conference of Catholic Bishops of
the United States of America made the
following general decree concerning holy
days of obligation for Catholics…

3. Church law directs Catholics to their
obligation to worship God on Sunday and
Holy Days of Obligation by attending Mass.
In the Mass it is Christ Himself who
worships the Father, joining our worship to
His.
In no other way is it possible to adequately
give thanks to God for the blessings of
creation, redemption, and our sanctification
than by uniting our offerings to that of Jesus
Christ Himself.

4. The Code of Canon Law states:
On Sundays and other holy days of
obligation the faithful are bound to
participate in the Mass; they are also to
abstain from those labors, business, and
leisure concerns which impede the worship
to be rendered to God, the joy which is
proper to the Lord’s Day, or the proper
relaxation of mind and body (Canon 1247).

5. According to the Catechism of the Catholic
Church:
On Sundays and other holy days of
obligation, the faithful are to refrain from
engaging in work or activities that hinder the
worship owed to God, the joy proper to the
Lord’s Day, the performance of the works of
mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of
mind and body. Family needs or important
social service can legitimately excuse from
the obligation of Sunday rest. The faithful
should see
to it that legitimate excuses do not lead to

6. In other words – Everything we have is a gift from
God. Out of love and respect for God, we are
called, as Catholics, to make every attempt to fulfill
our obligation to worship Him through Sunday
mass and the Holy Days of Obligation.
We are OBLIGATED to attend Mass every Sunday
& all six Holy Days of Obligation, regardless of
homework, sports tournaments, tv shows,
meetings, practices, etc.
God asks for ONE HOUR of your week, plus SIX
HOURS each year…

8. So, what are these Holy Days and when are
they?

9. November 1, the Solemnity of All
Saints

10. December 8, Solemnity of the
Immaculate Conception

11. December 25, Nativity of Our
Lord

12. January 1, Mary, Mother of God

13. Thursday of the Sixth Week of
Easter – the Ascension

14. August 15, Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary