The Most Frequently Asked Question:

What are the Holy Days of Obligation?

On December 13, 1991, the members of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States of America (now U.S.C.C.B.) voted as normative for the Dioceses of the United States:

In addition to Sunday, Holy Days of Obligation in the Latin Rite dioceses of the United States of America, and therefore in the Diocese of Charleston, are as follows:

*January 1, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God;

**the Ascension of the Lord Sunday;

*August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary;

*November 1, the solemnity of All Saints;

December 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception;

December 25, the solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

* =   Whenever this observance falls on a Monday or a Saturday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated.

** =  Ascension Thursday is perpetually transferred to the following Sunday (replacing VII EASTER) in the Diocese of Charleston.

In summary, unless transferred to another date, December 8 (occasionally transferred) and December 25 (never transferred) are always Holy Days of Obligation, no matter on what day of the week they fall.

In addition to all Sundays, January 1st, August 15th, and November 1st are always Holy Days of obligation unless they fall on a Saturday or a Monday, or are transferred to another date.