In just a few days, we will be celebrating the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the feast honoring the moment when Our Lady was assumed, body and soul, into Heaven. This day, August 15, is a Holy Day of Obligation.
What is a Holy Day of Obligation? It is a special day set aside to honor the Lord and His saving work, present in the Church. On these days, Catholics are obligated to attend Mass, unless prevented by grave factors.
I want to invite you to these Holy Days of Obligation. Each one is an amazing opportunity to enter more deeply into Jesus’ saving work – a work that is continuing at St. Philip's today. These days are treated as if they were Sundays because the events and people they commemorate are indispensable to us as Catholics.
They are listed here, beginning with the upcoming August 15 Holy Day:
August 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mass Schedule:
Monday, August 14
7 PM Vigil Mass
Tuesday, August 15
6:30 AM | 12:15 PM | 7 PM
November 1: Solemnity of All Saints Mass Schedule:
Tuesday, October 31
7 PM Vigil Mass
Wednesday, November 1
6:30 AM | 12:15 PM | 7 PM
December 8: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Mass Schedule:
Thursday, December 7
7 PM Vigil Mass
Friday, December 8
6:30 AM | 12:15 PM | 7 PM
December 25: Solemnity of the Nativity Our Lord Jesus Christ Please note! Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, and Catholics are obliged to attend Mass for the 4th Sunday of Advent, in addition to the Christmas Holy Day. Please be sure to attend one of our regular weekend Mass times to fulfill your Sunday obligation, then choose from one of the following Mass times to fulfil the Christmas Holy Day obligation.
4 PM Christmas Eve
6 PM Christmas Eve
8 PM Christmas Eve
12 AM Midnight Mass
10 AM Christmas Day
January 1, 2024: Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God NOT a Holy Day of Obligation this year
9 AM Mass
Solemnity of the Ascension* *Transferred in our Diocese to Sunday, May 12
If you have a moment, I’d ask that you consider adding these dates to your calendar right now. Rearranging our daily schedules can sometimes be difficult. I pray that we as the Church view each day above as a “holy day of opportunity,” a chance to participate in the highest form of prayer, the Mass.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Fr. Raymond McDaniel, Pastor