2024 Holy Days of Obligation for Catholics

Visit this link to see the Holy Days of Obligation for 2025.

The Catholic Church designates certain holy days throughout the year as days of obligation, where the faithful are required to participate in Mass. These catholic holy days are rooted in canon law and reflect the importance of these celebrations in the liturgical calendar. Below are the holy days of obligation for Catholics in the United States in 2024.

It’s important to note that holy days of obligation can vary by country. Since the Blessed Virgin Mary is the patroness of the Americas, many of our holy days of obligation revolve around her life.

Holy days of obligation to attend mass

All Sundays are obligatory for the faithful to participate in the Mass

Monday, January 1, 2024 – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

This day honors Mary as the Mother of God and celebrates her role in the mystery of our salvation.

Sunday, March 31, 2024 – Easter Sunday.

This day celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the cornerstone of the Christian faith, symbolizing the victory over sin and death and the promise of eternal life.

Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Ascension of Jesus.

This feast, often referred to as Jesus Thursday, commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven, marking the completion of His earthly ministry.

Thursday, August 15, 2024 – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This day celebrates the Assumption of Mary into heaven, body and soul, signifying her purity and her close relationship with God.

Friday, November 1, 2024 – All Saints’ Day.

This saints day Wednesday honors all the saints, known and unknown, who have attained heaven.

Monday, December 9, 2024 – The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary.

This solemnity Friday celebrates Mary being conceived without original sin, preparing her to be the Mother of Jesus.

Wednesday, December 25, 2024 – Christmas.

This holy day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

By observing these holy days, we not only fulfill our obligations as set by canon law but also deepen our faith and strengthen our connection to the divine mysteries celebrated by the Catholic Church.

Solemnities and Other Special Celebrations in 2024

Monday, January 1, 2024 – Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation, abrogated when this feast falls on a Sunday or Monday)

Saturday, January 6, 2024 – Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Sunday, January 7, 2024 – The Baptism of the Lord

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 – Ash Wednesday

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 – Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Monday, April 8, 2024 – Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Sunday, March 24, 2024 – Palm Sunday

Thursday, March 28, 2024 – Holy Thursday

Friday, March 29, 2024 – Good Friday

Saturday, March 30, 2024 – Holy Saturday

Sunday, March 31, 2024 – Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of the Lord (Solemnity)

Sunday, April 7, 2024 – Divine Mercy Sunday

Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Pentecost Sunday (Solemnity)

Sunday, May 26, 2024 – Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Thursday, May 30, 2024 – Solemnity of Corpus Christi

Friday, June 7, 2024 – Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Monday, June 24, 2024 – Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Saturday, June 29, 2024 – Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Saturday, November 2, 2024 – All Souls’ Day

Sunday, November 24, 2024 – Solemnity of Christ the King

Monday, December 9, 2024 – The Feast of the Immaculate Conception (moved from Sunday, December 8, 2024; Mass obligation abrogated)

About Holy Days of Obligation

Every Sunday

Every Sunday is a holy day of obligation to attend mass. People forget that there’s a requirement to go to mass on the Sabbath. “Thou shall keep the Sabbath holy.”- The Third Commandment

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – January 1st

This year the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, falls on a Monday, often referred to as Blessed Virgin Mary Monday. Whenever the Solemnity of Mary falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated. While it is a holy day of obligation, you do not need to attend mass this year.

Easter Sunday

Falling on March 31 in 2024, is one of the most significant holy days of obligation in the Catholic Church. This day commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and death and the promise of eternal life. As one of the 2024 holy days, it is marked by special celebrations, including the Easter Vigil, which is considered the most important service of the liturgical year. Catholics around the world gather to celebrate this joyous occasion, participating in Mass and various religious traditions that highlight the profound significance of Christ’s Resurrection.

Ascension of the Lord – May 12th

(Permanently transferred to the 7th Sunday of Easter in Florida)

The solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord takes place 40 days after Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – August 15th

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary being assumed body and soul up to heaven. If the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated.

All Saints’ Day – November 1st

All Saints day celebrates the memory of all the holy men and women who have lived. They are now in communion with God in Heaven. All Saints Day is always the first day of November. November is when we pray for all the faithfully departed for those in Heaven and those in purgatory

The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary – December 9th

Normally, the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8th. However, because that falls on a Sunday of advent in 2024. The feast day is moved to December 9th.

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates the day the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. From the very first moment of her existence in the womb of Saint Ann, the Virgin Mary was “full of grace” and worthy to become the new ark of the covenant for our lord Jesus Christ.

Christmas – December 25th

Christmas celebrates the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” God so loved the world he sent his only begotten son to redeem it. On Christmas we celebrate that Jesus was and is with us.

Ash Wednesday is NOT a Holy Day of Obligation

While Ash Wednesday, often referred to as Ash Wednesday Tuesday, is one of the most well-attended Masses of the year, it is not a Holy day of Obligation. It is a day of fasting. Holy Days of Obligation are usually days of feasting. So while it is an important day, it is not obligatory. You can learn more about this with our article Is Ash Wednesday a Holy day of Obligation?