Hey there,
Any self-help guru will tell you there are several keys to achieve a goal:
- Clearly define the goal
- Break the goal down into smaller, achievable accomplishments
- Do a little everyday towards the goal
We have been applying these techniques throughout our lives.
When we were in school and working to graduate.
In our professions to get that dream job … or promotion.
Even in our personal lives when we saved for a car or a house.
And most importantly, we applied the right mind-set to our efforts. To set ourselves up for success.
It’s not always been easy. We may have had some setbacks along the way. But we persevered.
The common goal we all share as Catholics is to get to heaven.
Fortunately, our Catholic faith provides the keys we need for success.
Just like any goal, getting to heaven takes work every day, perseverance, and the right mind-set.
There are so many things we can and should do to that end. But one relatively easy place to start is with Holy Days of Obligation.
There are only a handful of them that fall outside of a Sunday in a given year. And churches provide multiple opportunities to attend a Mass. But in addition to going to Mass on a Holy Day of Obligation, we really are supposed to use the rest of that day for relaxation and family time … not working.
That’s one area I definitely plan to improve upon!
Our next opportunity to celebrate a Holy Day of Obligation is next week on Friday, August 15th, when we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To help us all get in the right frame of mind, this week’s issue of Genuflect focuses on Holy Days of Obligation: how they came about, when they are throughout the year, how best to spend them, and what are considered excused absences.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
P. S. Don’t let Holy Days of Obligation sneak up on you. Keep track of them with Genuflect’s Catholic Calendar.
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History of Holy Days of Obligation
Technically speaking, every Sunday is a Holy Day of Obligation. But then there are those feast days that are designated as holy days and require us to attend Mass on other days of the week. Here’s a brief overview of how these days originated and who determines which ones rise to the level of a Holy Day of Obligation.
Who Decided we Should Have Holy Days of Obligation And What They Should be? | Vocation Network
The Catholic Holy Days of Obligation
Our most important feast days are called Holy Days of Obligation because the Precepts of the Catholic Church include them in our minimum level of commitment to the Catholic faith. But they vary based on the country you’re in, and even your parish. It sure can get confusing trying to keep up. This handy chart explains which feasts are Holy Days of Obligation in the Universal Church compared to the USA, Canada, Australia, England & Wales, and Ireland.
Catholic Holy Days of Obligation | Beginning Catholic
How Much of The Mass Must I Attend?
We are obligated to attend Mass, but what happens if we are a little late … or a lot late? Did we still fulfill our obligation? How late is too late? And what if we have to leave early? Pat McCloskey breaks it all down for us.
How Much of The Mass Must I Attend? | Franciscan Media
Why it’s Really a Holy Day of Opportunity
Stephen Beale makes the case that we need to change our perspective on Holy Days of Obligation and see them as opportunities. Here’s how.
Holy Days of Obligation Are Also Days of Opportunity | Catholic Exchange
How to Celebrate a Holy Day of Obligation
In order to celebrate an event, it helps to understand what the event is all about. Holy Days of Obligation are no different. Here’s an overview of what each Holy Day in the Catholic Church is all about … and some ideas as to how you can make it a priority with celebration that day.
How to Celebrate Holy Days of Obligation | Franciscan Media
Missing a Holy Day of Obligation
Just like willfully missing a Sunday Mass, missing a Holy Day of Obligation places one in the consequence of being in mortal sin. Of course, there are exceptions, like illness, but Father Bill Peckman wants to make sure we all understand the serious consequences … even if we don’t talk about it very much.
Is Missing Mass on Holy Days Sinful? This Priest Explains The Hard Truth | ChurchPOP
Can I Make up For a Missed Holy Day of Obligation?
Unfortunately you can’t make up for a missed Holy Day of Obligation. But most churches offer several Masses, beginning with a vigil Mass the evening before, and going into the holy day’s evening. So you should be able to find a Mass somewhere to attend.
Can I Make up For a Missed Holy Day of Obligation? | The Catholic FAQ
Find a Nearby Mass
Just because you’re travelling or have special plans doesn’t mean you have to miss Mass. Add your location to this site and see Mass options nearby.
Discover Mass | Discover Mass
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