Catholic Holy Days of Obligation & Calendar

Selected major observances for the U.S. Latin Church, 2026–2028. Every Sunday is a day of obligation. Hawaii has different weekday rules: Christmas and the Immaculate Conception. Local observances, dispensations, and personal circumstances matter; check your parish.

Most U.S. dioceses transfer Ascension to Sunday; those retaining Thursday observe it three days earlier than the Sunday date listed here. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are not themselves holy days of obligation. Illness or necessary caregiving can excuse attendance.

2026 major holy days

January 1, 2026: Mary, the Holy Mother of God — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. We honor Mary as the mother of Jesus, who is truly God and truly man. A holy day of obligation under the general U.S. rule. Hawaii has different weekday rules; check your parish for local guidance.
January 4, 2026: The Epiphany of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. In the United States, Epiphany is celebrated on the Sunday between January 2 and 8. Christ is revealed to all nations.
January 11, 2026: The Baptism of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Jesus' baptism reveals the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This celebration closes the Christmas season.
February 18, 2026: Ash Wednesday Lent begins. A day of fasting and abstinence for those bound by Church law, but not itself a holy day of obligation.
March 19, 2026: Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary We honor Jesus' foster father and the protector of the Church. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
March 25, 2026: The Annunciation of the Lord We remember Mary's yes and the Son of God becoming man. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
March 29, 2026: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Holy Week begins as we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and hear the account of his Passion.
April 2, 2026: Holy Thursday The evening Mass of the Lord's Supper begins the Sacred Triduum. Not itself a holy day of obligation.
April 3, 2026: Good Friday We remember the Lord's Passion. A day of fasting and abstinence for those bound by Church law. Mass is not celebrated today; this is not a holy day of obligation.
April 4, 2026: Holy Saturday & the Easter Vigil We wait at the Lord's tomb. The Easter Vigil is celebrated after nightfall and fulfills the Easter Sunday Mass obligation; daytime Holy Saturday is not itself a holy day of obligation.
April 5, 2026: Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Jesus is risen. The heart of the Christian year and the beginning of the fifty-day Easter season.
April 12, 2026: Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. We celebrate the risen Lord and his mercy. This is the Second Sunday of Easter.
May 17, 2026: The Ascension of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Transferred to Sunday in most U.S. dioceses. The Sunday Mass obligation applies. Choose Thursday if that is your diocese's observance.
May 24, 2026: Pentecost Sunday — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. The Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples. Pentecost closes the Easter season.
May 31, 2026: The Most Holy Trinity — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. One God in three divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
June 7, 2026: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. In the United States this solemnity is celebrated on Sunday. We honor Jesus truly present in the Eucharist.
June 12, 2026: The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus We contemplate Christ's human and divine love for us. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
June 24, 2026: The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist We celebrate the birth of the prophet who prepared the way for Jesus. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
June 29, 2026: Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles We honor these apostles and their witness to Christ. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
August 6, 2026: The Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus reveals his glory to Peter, James, and John. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
August 15, 2026: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mary is taken body and soul into heavenly glory. The weekday Mass obligation is lifted this year because this falls on a Saturday or Monday; the celebration remains. Hawaii has different weekday rules; check your parish for local guidance.
September 14, 2026: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross We honor the Cross through which Jesus saved us. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
November 1, 2026: All Saints — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. We celebrate all those who share in God's glory, known and unknown. Celebrated on Sunday, when the Sunday Mass obligation applies. Hawaii has different weekday rules; check your parish for local guidance.
November 2, 2026: The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) Pray for those who have died and are being purified for heaven. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
November 22, 2026: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. The final Sunday of the liturgical year reminds us that Christ reigns over all.
November 29, 2026: First Sunday of Advent — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. A season of preparation for Christ's coming. Make room for prayer, hope, and the celebration of his birth.
December 6, 2026: Second Sunday of Advent — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. A season of preparation for Christ's coming. Make room for prayer, hope, and the celebration of his birth.
December 8, 2026: The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Mary was preserved from original sin from the first moment of her conception. This celebrates Mary's conception, not Jesus'. A holy day of obligation under the general U.S. rule. Hawaii has different weekday rules; check your parish for local guidance.
December 12, 2026: Our Lady of Guadalupe We honor Mary under her title associated with her appearances to Saint Juan Diego. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
December 13, 2026: Third Sunday of Advent — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. A season of preparation for Christ's coming. Make room for prayer, hope, and the celebration of his birth.
December 20, 2026: Fourth Sunday of Advent — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. A season of preparation for Christ's coming. Make room for prayer, hope, and the celebration of his birth.
December 25, 2026: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. God the Son became man for our salvation. A holy day of obligation under the general U.S. rule. Hawaii has different weekday rules; check your parish for local guidance.
December 27, 2026: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. The life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph helps us see holiness in ordinary family life.

2027 major holy days

January 1, 2027: Mary, the Holy Mother of God — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. We honor Mary as the mother of Jesus, who is truly God and truly man. A holy day of obligation under the general U.S. rule. Hawaii has different weekday rules; check your parish for local guidance.
January 3, 2027: The Epiphany of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. In the United States, Epiphany is celebrated on the Sunday between January 2 and 8. Christ is revealed to all nations.
January 10, 2027: The Baptism of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Jesus' baptism reveals the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This celebration closes the Christmas season.
February 10, 2027: Ash Wednesday Lent begins. A day of fasting and abstinence for those bound by Church law, but not itself a holy day of obligation.
March 19, 2027: Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary We honor Jesus' foster father and the protector of the Church. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
March 21, 2027: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Holy Week begins as we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and hear the account of his Passion.
March 25, 2027: Holy Thursday The evening Mass of the Lord's Supper begins the Sacred Triduum. Not itself a holy day of obligation.
March 26, 2027: Good Friday We remember the Lord's Passion. A day of fasting and abstinence for those bound by Church law. Mass is not celebrated today; this is not a holy day of obligation.
March 27, 2027: Holy Saturday & the Easter Vigil We wait at the Lord's tomb. The Easter Vigil is celebrated after nightfall and fulfills the Easter Sunday Mass obligation; daytime Holy Saturday is not itself a holy day of obligation.
March 28, 2027: Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Jesus is risen. The heart of the Christian year and the beginning of the fifty-day Easter season.
April 4, 2027: Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. We celebrate the risen Lord and his mercy. This is the Second Sunday of Easter.
April 5, 2027: The Annunciation of the Lord Transferred to April 5 because March 25 falls in Holy Week. We remember Mary's yes and the Son of God becoming man. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
May 9, 2027: The Ascension of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Transferred to Sunday in most U.S. dioceses. The Sunday Mass obligation applies. Choose Thursday if that is your diocese's observance.
May 16, 2027: Pentecost Sunday — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. The Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples. Pentecost closes the Easter season.
May 23, 2027: The Most Holy Trinity — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. One God in three divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
May 30, 2027: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. In the United States this solemnity is celebrated on Sunday. We honor Jesus truly present in the Eucharist.
June 4, 2027: The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus We contemplate Christ's human and divine love for us. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
June 24, 2027: The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist We celebrate the birth of the prophet who prepared the way for Jesus. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
June 29, 2027: Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles We honor these apostles and their witness to Christ. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
August 6, 2027: The Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus reveals his glory to Peter, James, and John. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
August 15, 2027: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Mary is taken body and soul into heavenly glory. Celebrated on Sunday, when the Sunday Mass obligation applies. Hawaii has different weekday rules; check your parish for local guidance.
September 14, 2027: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross We honor the Cross through which Jesus saved us. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
November 1, 2027: All Saints We celebrate all those who share in God's glory, known and unknown. The weekday Mass obligation is lifted this year because this falls on a Saturday or Monday; the celebration remains. Hawaii has different weekday rules; check your parish for local guidance.
November 2, 2027: The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) Pray for those who have died and are being purified for heaven. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
November 21, 2027: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. The final Sunday of the liturgical year reminds us that Christ reigns over all.
November 28, 2027: First Sunday of Advent — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. A season of preparation for Christ's coming. Make room for prayer, hope, and the celebration of his birth.
December 5, 2027: Second Sunday of Advent — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. A season of preparation for Christ's coming. Make room for prayer, hope, and the celebration of his birth.
December 8, 2027: The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Mary was preserved from original sin from the first moment of her conception. This celebrates Mary's conception, not Jesus'. A holy day of obligation under the general U.S. rule. Hawaii has different weekday rules; check your parish for local guidance.
December 12, 2027: Third Sunday of Advent — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. A season of preparation for Christ's coming. Make room for prayer, hope, and the celebration of his birth.
December 12, 2027: Our Lady of Guadalupe — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. We honor Mary under her title associated with her appearances to Saint Juan Diego. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
December 19, 2027: Fourth Sunday of Advent — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. A season of preparation for Christ's coming. Make room for prayer, hope, and the celebration of his birth.
December 25, 2027: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. God the Son became man for our salvation. A holy day of obligation under the general U.S. rule. Hawaii has different weekday rules; check your parish for local guidance.
December 26, 2027: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. The life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph helps us see holiness in ordinary family life.

2028 major holy days

January 1, 2028: Mary, the Holy Mother of God We honor Mary as the mother of Jesus, who is truly God and truly man. The weekday Mass obligation is lifted this year because this falls on a Saturday or Monday; the celebration remains. Hawaii has different weekday rules; check your parish for local guidance.
January 2, 2028: The Epiphany of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. In the United States, Epiphany is celebrated on the Sunday between January 2 and 8. Christ is revealed to all nations.
January 9, 2028: The Baptism of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Jesus' baptism reveals the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This celebration closes the Christmas season.
March 1, 2028: Ash Wednesday Lent begins. A day of fasting and abstinence for those bound by Church law, but not itself a holy day of obligation.
March 20, 2028: Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary Transferred from March 19 because it falls on a Sunday of Lent. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
March 25, 2028: The Annunciation of the Lord We remember Mary's yes and the Son of God becoming man. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
April 9, 2028: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Holy Week begins as we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and hear the account of his Passion.
April 13, 2028: Holy Thursday The evening Mass of the Lord's Supper begins the Sacred Triduum. Not itself a holy day of obligation.
April 14, 2028: Good Friday We remember the Lord's Passion. A day of fasting and abstinence for those bound by Church law. Mass is not celebrated today; this is not a holy day of obligation.
April 15, 2028: Holy Saturday & the Easter Vigil We wait at the Lord's tomb. The Easter Vigil is celebrated after nightfall and fulfills the Easter Sunday Mass obligation; daytime Holy Saturday is not itself a holy day of obligation.
April 16, 2028: Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Jesus is risen. The heart of the Christian year and the beginning of the fifty-day Easter season.
April 23, 2028: Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. We celebrate the risen Lord and his mercy. This is the Second Sunday of Easter.
May 28, 2028: The Ascension of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Transferred to Sunday in most U.S. dioceses. The Sunday Mass obligation applies. Choose Thursday if that is your diocese's observance.
June 4, 2028: Pentecost Sunday — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. The Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples. Pentecost closes the Easter season.
June 11, 2028: The Most Holy Trinity — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. One God in three divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
June 18, 2028: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. In the United States this solemnity is celebrated on Sunday. We honor Jesus truly present in the Eucharist.
June 23, 2028: The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus We contemplate Christ's human and divine love for us. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
June 24, 2028: The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist We celebrate the birth of the prophet who prepared the way for Jesus. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
June 29, 2028: Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles We honor these apostles and their witness to Christ. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
August 6, 2028: The Transfiguration of the Lord — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Jesus reveals his glory to Peter, James, and John. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
August 15, 2028: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Mary is taken body and soul into heavenly glory. A holy day of obligation under the general U.S. rule. Hawaii has different weekday rules; check your parish for local guidance.
September 14, 2028: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross We honor the Cross through which Jesus saved us. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
November 1, 2028: All Saints — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. We celebrate all those who share in God's glory, known and unknown. A holy day of obligation under the general U.S. rule. Hawaii has different weekday rules; check your parish for local guidance.
November 2, 2028: The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) Pray for those who have died and are being purified for heaven. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
November 26, 2028: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. The final Sunday of the liturgical year reminds us that Christ reigns over all.
December 3, 2028: First Sunday of Advent — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. A season of preparation for Christ's coming. Make room for prayer, hope, and the celebration of his birth.
December 8, 2028: The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. Mary was preserved from original sin from the first moment of her conception. This celebrates Mary's conception, not Jesus'. A holy day of obligation under the general U.S. rule. Hawaii has different weekday rules; check your parish for local guidance.
December 10, 2028: Second Sunday of Advent — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. A season of preparation for Christ's coming. Make room for prayer, hope, and the celebration of his birth.
December 12, 2028: Our Lady of Guadalupe We honor Mary under her title associated with her appearances to Saint Juan Diego. Not a U.S. weekday holy day of obligation.
December 17, 2028: Third Sunday of Advent — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. A season of preparation for Christ's coming. Make room for prayer, hope, and the celebration of his birth.
December 24, 2028: Fourth Sunday of Advent — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. A season of preparation for Christ's coming. Make room for prayer, hope, and the celebration of his birth.
December 25, 2028: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. God the Son became man for our salvation. A holy day of obligation under the general U.S. rule. Hawaii has different weekday rules; check your parish for local guidance.
December 31, 2028: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph — Mass obligation under the general U.S. rule. The life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph helps us see holiness in ordinary family life.

Sources: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops liturgical calendars. This is a guide to principal observances, not a complete daily ordo. Use the interactive calendar to choose a month and your diocese's Ascension observance.