The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a Holy Day of Obligation, one of the days set aside by the Church when the faithful attend Mass. Our Mass schedule is: VIGIL MASS, December 31st, 5:15pm; January 1st, 8:00am, 12noon, & 5:15pm. In addition to Sundays, the days observed as holy days of obligation in the United States are: January 1st – Mary, Mother of God Seventh Sunday of Easter – Ascension of Our Lord* August 15th – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary November 1st – All Saints December 8th – Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary December 25th – Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Each Sunday, the faithful gather for worship in honor of Christ’s Resurrection. The additional holy days of obligation listed above are days dedicated to important events connected to the life of Jesus or persons linked to him. As it states in the Code of Canon Law, the faithful are obliged to participate in Mass. Insofar as possible, they are also to abstain from those works and affairs which hinder the worship to be rendered to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s Day, or the suitable relaxation of mind and body (canon 1247).