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Holy Days of Obligation
2026: The Complete U.S. Catholic Calendar
"The Holy Days of Obligation for 2026 are the most important feasts in the Catholic liturgical year where the faithful are required to attend Mass.
In the United States, there are six specific days, though some obligations may be lifted or transferred depending on the day of the week they fall on."
From Wandering to the Word
My spiritual journey began simply: by walking through the doors of the Church for Mass after years of wandering away. At first, I was just finding my footing again. But as the years passed, my relationship with God began to bloom through the rhythm of the Rosary and the wisdom I found in Catholic authors.
The Marian Connection
Because of my love for the Rosary, I found that attending Mass on Marian Feast Days opened a window into the Mysteries I had been meditating on. It wasn't just "attending church"; it was a deep, personal understanding of Jesus through the eyes of His Mother.
Each exercise I share on Rosary Seeds—from dinner prayers to these Holy Days—is a seed meant to help you grow. I know it takes effort to go to Mass in the middle of a busy week. The pews might be quieter, and the world outside is still rushing, but I encourage you to try it.
"You may just learn something new from the homily that day, or find the peace you've been searching for."
2026 Holy Days of Obligation
In the United States, we observe these days as "Obligations of Love" to join the community at Mass.
ℹ️ Important diocesan note
While the Holy Days of Obligation listed here reflect the general practice for Catholics in the United States, how these obligations are observed can vary by diocese. This is especially true for the Ascension and for years when a feast falls on a Saturday or Monday.
Because of this, Catholics are always encouraged to check their local parish bulletin or diocesan website for the most up-to-date guidance.
🌱 Seeds of Devotion
Simple ways to honor our Lord and the Blessed Mother on Feast Days.
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Visit a Grotto Find quiet at a parish grotto or visit our Virtual Visual Garden. 🌿 Visit the Garden →
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Eucharistic Adoration Spend a Holy Hour with Jesus. Use our guide to prepare your heart. 🙏 Adoration Guide →
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Virtual Pilgrimage Walk with Mary through the Joyful Mysteries tour. ✨ Start Your Pilgrimage →
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Light a Candle Light a candle at church or home as a symbol of your prayers and Mary’s guidance.
Complete the Celebration
Bring the spirit of the feast day into your daily life.
The Meaning Behind the Feasts
Why these six days are pillars of our spiritual journey.
Mary, Mother of God (Jan 1)
We begin the secular New Year by placing ourselves under the protection of Mary. This feast celebrates her Theotokos (God-bearer) title. Just as she brought Jesus into the world, we ask her to help us bring Jesus into our lives for the coming year.
The Ascension (40 Days after Easter)
This day marks the moment Jesus ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. It is a day of hope—reminding us that where Christ has gone, we, His body, hope to follow. It is the glorious conclusion of His earthly mission.
The Assumption of Mary (Aug 15)
We celebrate Mary being taken body and soul into Heavenly glory. Because she was preserved from sin, she did not suffer the decay of death. This feast is a "seed" of promise for us that God desires to bring us to be with Him forever.
All Saints' Day (Nov 1)
On this day, we honor the "winners"—the saints who have finished the race and are now in Heaven. It reminds us that holiness is possible for ordinary people like us. We ask for their prayers as we continue our own journey on earth.
The Immaculate Conception (Dec 8)
Often confused with the birth of Jesus, this feast actually celebrates Mary being conceived without Original Sin in the womb of her mother, St. Anne. It honors her as the "Immaculate One," prepared by God to be the perfect vessel for His Son.
The Nativity / Christmas (Dec 25)
The Word became flesh! This is the core of our faith—God loved us so much that He became one of us. Attending Mass on Christmas isn't just a tradition; it is our way of joining the shepherds and angels in worshiping the newborn King.
Catholic Holy Days of Obligation
2026 Holy Days
- Jan 1: Mary, Mother of God
- May 14: Ascension of Jesus
- Aug 15: Assumption of Mary*
- Nov 1: All Saints Day
- Dec 8: Immaculate Conception
- Dec 25: Christmas Day
*Obligation lifted (falls on Saturday)
2027 Holy Days
- Jan 1: Mary, Mother of God
- May 6: Ascension of Jesus
- Aug 15: Assumption of Mary
- Nov 1: All Saints Day*
- Dec 8: Immaculate Conception
- Dec 25: Christmas Day
*Obligation lifted (falls on Monday)
Printable files:
2026 Holy Days of Obligation
2027 Holy Days of Obligation
Combined 2026-2027 Holy Days of Obligation
