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 Christmas day when we celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord.
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, what are considered excused absences, and specifically the one coming up on December 25th.
Genuflect also looked at two other Holy Days of Obligation that you may want to revisit: Feast Day of the Ascension last May and the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in August.
Speaking of relaxation and family time, I’m going to take the holidays off so this is the last issue of Genuflect for 2019. I’ll be back in your inbox on Wednesday, January 8th. In the meantime, I wish you and yours much joy and many blessings this Christmas season.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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genuflect: resources
A Brief 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
What Are 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 we Should Call it a Holy Day of Opportunity
Some say that holy days of obligation are really holy days of opportunity … if you just have the right frame of mind. Here are 7 benefits of celebrating a Holy Day of Obligation to help get you in the right frame of mind.
Why Have Holy Days of Obligation? | Aggie Catholic
How to Spend The Rest of Your Holy Day of Obligation
Father B. Jerabek makes the case that in addition to going to Mass on Holy Days of Obligation, we should also treat it as a Sabbath day and spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying time with family. Even if it means taking the day off of work or closing down our business for the day.
Working on Holy Days of Obligation | Dilexi decorem domus Domini
The Hard Truth About 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 for Christmas day doesn’t mean you have to miss Mass. Add your location to this site and see Mass options nearby.
Discover Mass | Discover Mass
Solemnity of The Nativity of The Lord
December 25th the Christmas season has officially begun and we celebrate one of the most important feast days with the joyous birth of our Lord. This is also a Holy Day of Obligation so despite being on a Wednesday this year, we need to attend Mass the evening of the 24th or on the 25th. Read more about the meaning behind this special feast day.
Solemnity of The Nativity of The Lord (Christmas) | Catholic Culture
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