The name can be misleading; though we are obliged by our faith to attend mass on these holy feast days, holy days aren’t just obligations… they’re opportunities.
Opportunities to encounter Jesus, celebrate major events of salvation history, and stay rooted in the truths that ground our faith.
What Is a Holy Day of Obligation?
Holy Days of Obligation are special dates on the liturgical calendar when Catholics are required to attend Mass and refrain from unnecessary work—just like on Sundays.
But more importantly, these days invite us into worship, memory, and mission.
Each one commemorates a central mystery of our faith: from the Incarnation and the Resurrection to the glory of Mary and the holiness we’re called to live.
Holy Days of Obligation in the U.S. for 2025
| Date | Feast Day | Required? |
| January 1 | Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God | ✅ Obligation |
| May 29 | Ascension of the Lord | ✅ Obligation (in some dioceses)* |
| August 15 | Assumption of Mary | ✅ Obligation |
| November 1 | All Saints Day | ❌ Not obligatory (falls on Saturday) |
| December 8 | Immaculate Conception | ✅ Obligation |
| December 25 | Christmas (Nativity of the Lord) | ✅ Obligation |
* Note: The Ascension is transferred to Sunday in many dioceses in the U.S. Check with your local diocese.
Downloadable Resources
Click here to import all the Holy Days of Obligation into your calendar (Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Outlook, or any other calendar app that supports the .ics format)
Use this printable Catholic feast days calendar (PDF) to hand out at your parish, Bible study, and more! And here is a handout version to place in your pews.
Important Clarifications
Corpus Christi
- In the U.S., Corpus Christi (The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ) is not a Holy Day of Obligation.
- It is celebrated on a Sunday, so Mass is still required, but that’s because it’s a Sunday, not because of the feast itself.
Easter
- Easter Sunday is always obligatory, like all Sundays.
Other Major Feasts (Not Obligatory in the U.S.)
These are not Holy Days of Obligation in the U.S., though they’re significant and celebrated liturgically:
- Ash Wednesday – Very important, but not a day of obligation
- Holy Thursday – Not obligatory
- Good Friday – Not obligatory, but highly encouraged
- Corpus Christi – Not obligatory (unless your country celebrates it as one)
- Epiphany – Transferred to Sunday in the U.S.
- St. Joseph (March 19) – Not obligatory in the U.S.
- Saints Peter and Paul (June 29) – Not obligatory in the U.S.
Why Do We Have Holy Days?
Because God’s saving work didn’t happen in the abstract—it happened in time, through real events and real people.
Each Holy Day helps us re-enter those moments: to worship, to remember, and to be changed.
For Parishes: How to Make Holy Days Come Alive
Holy Days are key moments to pastorally engage your community, especially those who may only attend Mass occasionally.
Here are a few ideas:
- Host a social event before or after a Holy Day Mass (coffee & donuts, evening meal, or holy hour with candles).
- Decorate your church to highlight the liturgical theme (white lilies for the Assumption, blue for Mary).
- Offer confession in the days leading up to a Holy Day to help people prepare spiritually.
- Post reminders on social media—and explain why the feast matters.
- Collaborate with your local FOCUS missionaries to invite young adults or college students to attend together.
- Send out a “Holy Day reminder email” with the Mass schedule, a brief explanation of the feast, and a prayer.
These days can be powerful moments of evangelization—even for people who are just coming to “check a box.” Don’t waste them!
For Students: How to Live Holy Days on Campus
In the middle of classes, labs, jobs, and midterms, it can be hard to prioritize Holy Days. But these are exactly the kinds of days that can re-anchor you in God’s love.
Ideas for making Holy Days meaningful:
- Add Mass to your calendar in advance. Most campus ministries have special Mass times!
- Invite your small group to go together—and grab dinner after.
- Change your phone wallpaper to reflect the feast’s theme.
- Post a short reflection or quote from a saint on social media.
- Pray a novena leading up to a major feast day like the Immaculate Conception or Christmas.
- Offer the day as a fast from something small—coffee, headphones, sweets—and unite it to your prayer.
Remember: You’re not just “fitting God in.” He is the reason you exist. And these days are proof of that love.
FAQs
Q: Do I really have to go to Mass on these days?
Yes, unless you’re ill or physically unable to attend. They’re the spiritual equivalent of family birthdays—you don’t want to skip them!
Q: Can I watch mass online? Does that count?
No, you need to be there in person, unless the above reasons apply to you not to attend. This is because we only receive certain graces from being in person and receiving the Eucharist physically. If you are unable to attend for a serious reason, then watching online is a fantastic thing to do to honor the day, and make sure you do everything you can to still receive communion! Parishes always have volunteers and priests on hand to deliver it to you at your home. Additionally, most priests will be able to sort out hosting Mass at your home or somewhere that is accessible to you. Our Catholic community is awesome that way!
Q: What if my diocese moved a Holy Day to Sunday?
Then Sunday Mass fulfills the obligation. Check your diocesan website or parish bulletin for local guidelines.
Q: Is All Saints Day a Holy Day in 2025?
Nope—not this year! Since it falls on a Saturday, the obligation is lifted.
Q: Is Easter a Holy Day of Obligation?
Yes—but like all Sundays, Easter is already a weekly obligation for Catholics, as it always falls on a Sunday.
Q: How many Holy Days of Obligation are there?
In the U.S., six (though some are transferred or abrogated depending on the year). The Vatican lists ten total.
Additional Resources
Check out just a few of our many helpful guides to parish and faith life on our blog:
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