Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles - Holy Days of Obligation

Holy Days of Obligation

As directed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy and the Ecclesiastical Province of Los Angeles, the archdiocese annually observes four Holy Days of Obligation. The Roman Catholic Church currently recognizes ten holy days, established in the 1917 Code of Canon Law. However, the USCCB has reduced that number to 6 for Latin Rite dioceses in the United States. As of January 1, 1993, no provinces in the United States celebrate the solemnities of Epiphany, Corpus Christi, Saint Joseph, or the Apostles Saints Peter and Paul. The Province of Los Angeles, which includes the L.A. Archdiocese, further modified the list and currently celebrates 4 holy days of obligation on the day prescribed by canon law. The solemnity of the Ascension is moved from Thursday of the sixth week of Easter to the seventh Sunday of Easter. The province does not celebrate the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God as a holy day. Though this move was not approved by the proper channels, namely the Episcopal Conference with approval of Rome.

• Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15
  • Exception: If August 15 falls on a Saturday or Monday, there is no obligation to attend Mass.
• All Saints, November 1
  • Exception: If November 1 falls on a Saturday or Monday, there is no obligation to attend Mass.
• Immaculate Conception, December 8
  • Exception: If December 8 falls on a Sunday, the solemnity is transferred to the following Monday and there is no obligation to attend Mass.
• Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, December 25