Holy Days of Obligation and Liturgical Celebrations
To be observed in the Diocese of Orange
Saturday, December 8th, 2012
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Holy Day of Obligation
Tuesday, December 25th, 2012
Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Holy Day of Obligation
Monday, March 25th, 2013
Chrism Mass at St. Columban Church
Sunday, March 31st, 2013
Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of the Lord
Thursday, August 15th, 2013
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Holy Day of Obligation
Friday, November 1st, 2013
Solemnity of All Saints
Holy Day of Obligation
Monday, December 9th, 2013
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Not a Holy Day of Obligation
Since December 8, 2013, is the Third Sunday of Advent, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is transferred to Monday, December 9, 2013. The obligation to attend Mass, however, does not transfer. The Optional Memorial of Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, December 9, is omitted this year.
2012 Advisory Calendar
2012 Calendar Advisory Memo
What are the Holy Days of Obligation in the United States?
At their plenary assembly in November 1991, the members of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops approved two motions, which affect the observance of holy days of obligation in the dioceses of the United States. They decided that whenever August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption, or November 1, the solemnity of All Saints, falls on a Saturday or Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated.
The action was confirmed by the Conference for Bishops on July 4, 1992 (Prot. N. 296/84) and the letter of confirmation was signed by Bernardin Cardinal Gantin, Prefect, and Archbishop Justin Rigali, Secretary. Pope John Paul II approved and confirmed the same on the same date.
