what is a holy day of obligation?

It is a celebration of the central mysteries of our faith, a day when the faithful are required to attend Mass.

What are the holy days of obligation in England and Wales this year?
- Every Sunday
​- Nativity of the Lord,
- Epiphany of the Lord (6th January),
- Ascension of the Lord (Thursday after 6th Sunday of Easter),
- SS Peter and Paul (29th June),
- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (15th August)
- and All Saints (1st November).

If a Holy day falls on a Saturday or Monday they are transferred to a Sunday. This is why Epiphany this year is not on a Sunday. Be aware that some dates and obligations in the UK differ slightly from the USA and European calendars.