Topic:  When are the holy days of obligation?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: October 7, 2003

Moderator who originally posted this source: Father Joe Vetter

Question:   When are the holy days of obligation? How many are there?

Answer: 

The holy days of obligation are feasts that are celebrated in a solemn manner. Catholics are asked to celebrate Mass on holy days of obligation and to observe sabbath--abstaining from work on those days.
The holy days vary by country. In the U.S., the Holy Days are Christmas, All Saints Day (Nov 1), Immaculate Conception (Dec 8), the Assumption of Mary (August 15), the Ascension of Jesus (40 days after Easter).