Holy Day of Obligation Dec. 8
Immaculate Conception This year, the solemnity of the feast of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the United States of America, falls on Saturday. This feast is one of two holy days that retain the obligation when it falls on Saturday or Monday. Christmas Day is the other. Therefore, Saturday, Dec. 8, is a holy day of obligation.
Liturgies for the feast should be celebrated prior to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Liturgies at 4 p.m. or after will be celebrated as the Vigil Mass for the second Sunday of Advent.
Attending a Vigil Mass for Sunday does not fulfill the obligation for the holy day Mass, and attending the holy day Mass does not fulfill the obligation for the Sunday Mass.
+Joseph N. Latino
Bishop of Jackson
