United States · 2026–2027
Holy days of obligation, 2026 and 2027
Every US holy day of obligation in 2026 and 2027, with the weekday it falls on and whether the obligation to attend Mass applies. Next up: All Saints (Sunday, November 1, 2026), the Immaculate Conception (Tuesday, December 8) and Christmas (Friday, December 25).
| Date | Holy day | Obligatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Thu Jan 1, 2026 | Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God | Yes |
| Thu May 14, 2026 | The Ascension of the Lord Thursday in the provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Omaha and Philadelphia; elsewhere moved to Sunday, May 17 | See note |
| Sat Aug 15, 2026 | The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary | No — abrogated |
| Sun Nov 1, 2026 | All Saints' Day | Yes |
| Tue Dec 8, 2026 | The Immaculate Conception | Yes |
| Fri Dec 25, 2026 | The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) | Yes |
| Fri Jan 1, 2027 | Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God | Yes |
| Thu May 6, 2027 | The Ascension of the Lord Thursday in the provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Omaha and Philadelphia; elsewhere moved to Sunday, May 9 | See note |
| Sun Aug 15, 2027 | The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary | Yes |
| Mon Nov 1, 2027 | All Saints' Day | No — abrogated |
| Wed Dec 8, 2027 | The Immaculate Conception | Yes |
| Sat Dec 25, 2027 | The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) | Yes |
Rules: Code of Canon Law canon 1246 and the USCCB complementary norms (1991, effective 1993). The Diocese of Honolulu keeps only Christmas and the Immaculate Conception; dioceses outside the US follow their own bishops' conference. When in doubt, ask your parish.
Holy day questions
What are the holy days of obligation in the United States?
Besides every Sunday: Mary, Mother of God (January 1), the Ascension (Thursday or the following Sunday, depending on the province), the Assumption (August 15), All Saints (November 1), the Immaculate Conception (December 8) and Christmas (December 25).
When is a holy day not obligatory?
Under the USCCB decree of 1991, when January 1, August 15 or November 1 falls on a Saturday or a Monday, the obligation to attend Mass is lifted (the feast is still celebrated). The Immaculate Conception and Christmas are obligatory on any day of the week.
Is December 8, 2026 a holy day of obligation?
Yes — it falls on a Tuesday.
Is November 1, 2026 a holy day of obligation?
Yes. It falls on a Sunday in 2026, so the Sunday Mass is the Mass of All Saints and fulfils both.
Is January 1, 2027 a holy day of obligation?
Yes — it falls on a Friday.
Is November 1, 2027 a holy day of obligation?
No. It falls on a Monday in 2027, so the obligation is abrogated in the United States.
Does a Saturday evening Mass count?
An evening Mass on the day before a Sunday or holy day fulfils the obligation for that Sunday or holy day. When a holy day falls on a Monday or Saturday, one Mass cannot count for both days.
A “Mass today” badge on every holy day of obligation, and the whole calendar in your pocket — free.
