News from Rome
In response to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's inquiry, the Vatican responded that if a Holy Day of Obligation falls on a Monday, the obligation to attend Mass remains (previously, US bishops had excused Catholics from the obligation to attend Mass).
With this new update, Catholics should Save the Date, and if at all possible request off work for the following Holy Days of Obligation:
- All Saints - Friday, November 1, 2024
- Immaculate Conception - Monday, December 9, 2024
- Christmas Day - Wedesday, Dec 25, 2024
- Mary, Mother of God - Wednesday, January 1, 2025
- Ascension Thursday - Thursday, May 29, 2025
- Assumption of Mary - Friday, August 15, 2025
What is a Holy Day of Obligation?
It is a Solemnity (commonly known as a Feast Day) where a particular mystery of the faith or saint(s) lives are celebrated. It is equivalent and treated as a Sunday. If you are a business owner, if you haven't already, consider giving your employees off for these Sacred Days.
Wait, take off work? I thought I only had to attend Mass?
The Catechism says: "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder:
- the worship owed to God,
- the joy proper to the Lord's Day,
- the performance of the works of mercy, and
- the appropriate relaxation of mind and body." (2185 with emphasis and numbering added)
To try to encourage this spirit of festive joy and leisure proper to Holy Days, we will typically celebrate Masses on Holy Days of Obligation at 12:10 pm.
Our next Holy Day Mass is just two weeks from today!
Our All Saint's Day Mass will be at 12:10 pm, followed by the Saint's Festival, so mark your calendar and if at all possible request off work, so that you can worship, celebrate the joy and enjoy the leisure proper this Holy Day.
- If you can't get off the whole day, can you take a half day, and celebrate from noon onwards?
- If there is no reasonable way to avoid working on that day and you cannot attend Mass and the Saint's Festival at 12:10 pm, find a Mass at a local parish you can attend and do your best to celebrate and enjoy leisure in the time that you have.
- If you have questions, feel free to contact Fr. Johnson
Mass & Confessions Schedule
Sunday: 11am (Confessions 10:15am)
Wednesday: 12:10 pm (Confessions 11:30am)
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For pastoral needs please contact Fr. Joshua D. Johnson:
Call or Text: 828-393-5775 + wncord@gmail.com