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 2025.
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.
Table of Contents
Holy days of obligation to attend mass
All Sundays are obligatory for the faithful to participate in the Mass
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 – 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, April 20, 2025 – 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.
Thursday, May 29, 2025 – 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.
Friday, August 15, 2025 – 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.
Saturday, November 1, 2025 – All Saints’ Day.
This saints day Wednesday honors all the saints, known and unknown, who have attained heaven.
Monday, December 8, 2025 – 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.
Thursday, December 25, 2025 – 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 2025
Monday, January 6, 2025 – The Epiphany of the Lord, Solemnity
Sunday, January 12, 2025 – The Baptism of the Lord
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 – Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 – Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 – The Annunciation of the Lord, Solemnity
Sunday, April 13, 2025 – Palm Sunday
Thursday, April 17, 2025 – Holy Thursday
Friday, April 18, 2025 – Good Friday
Saturday, April 19, 2025 – Holy Saturday
Sunday, April 20, 2025 – Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of the Lord, Solemnity
Sunday, April 27, 2025 – Divine Mercy Sunday
Sunday, June 8, 2025 – Pentecost Sunday, Solemnity
Sunday, June 15, 2025 – The Most Holy Trinity, Solemnity
Thursday, June 19, 2025 – Corpus Christi, Solemnity
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 – The Nativity of St. John the Baptist, Solemnity
Friday, June 27, 2025 – The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Solemnity
Sunday, June 29, 2025 – Saints Peter and Paul, Solemnity
Sunday, November 2, 2025 – All Souls’ Day
Sunday, November 23, 2025 – Solemnity of Christ the King
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.
Easter Sunday
Falling on April 20th in 2025, 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 2025 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 29th
(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 8th
Normally, the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8th.
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?
