Holy Days and Holidays
Learn about the holy days and holidays of the Catholic calendar. Follow the Church through the liturgical year, from Advent through Christmas to Epiphany, from Lent through Easter to Pentecost. Explore the richness of Catholicism through the history of the Church's feasts and seasons.
How Do You Celebrate Halloween? - How Catholics Celebrate Halloween
Do you and your family celebrate Halloween? Why, or why not? And if you do, how do you celebrate it? Share your stories!
Do you and your family celebrate Halloween? Why, or why not? And if you do, how do you celebrate it? Share your stories!
When Is the Virgin Mary's Birthday?
Catholics celebrate the Virgin Mary's birthday as the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. When is the Virgin Mary's birthday?
Catholics celebrate the Virgin Mary's birthday as the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. When is the Virgin Mary's birthday?
Is Transfiguration a Holy Day of Obligation?
Is Transfiguration a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Is Transfiguration a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Is January 1 a Holy Day of Obligation?
Is January 1 a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Is January 1 a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Epiphany
The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, one of the oldest Christian feasts, has celebrated a variety of things throughout the century. Today, it is best known as the visitation of the Magi or Wise Men.
The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, one of the oldest Christian feasts, has celebrated a variety of things throughout the century. Today, it is best known as the visitation of the Magi or Wise Men.
Is Epiphany a Holy Day of Obligation?
Is Epiphany a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Is Epiphany a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Baptism of the Lord
The Baptism of the Lord, commemorating Christ's Baptism by St. John the Baptist, celebrates the revelation of the Trinity.
The Baptism of the Lord, commemorating Christ's Baptism by St. John the Baptist, celebrates the revelation of the Trinity.
The Presentation of the Lord
Known originally as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, and known popularly as Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord celebrates the presentation of Christ in the temple at Jerusalem on the 40th day after His Birth.
Known originally as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, and known popularly as Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord celebrates the presentation of Christ in the temple at Jerusalem on the 40th day after His Birth.
The Annunciation of the Lord
The feast of the Annunciation of the Lord celebrates the angel Gabriel's appearance to the Virgin Mary, his announcement that the Blessed Virgin had been chosen to be the Mother of Our Lord, and Mary's fiat—her willing acceptance of God's holy plan.
The feast of the Annunciation of the Lord celebrates the angel Gabriel's appearance to the Virgin Mary, his announcement that the Blessed Virgin had been chosen to be the Mother of Our Lord, and Mary's fiat—her willing acceptance of God's holy plan.
What Is Quinquagesima Sunday?
No longer officially marked by the Catholic Church, Quinquagesima Sunday still shows up in some liturgical calendars. What is Quinquagesima Sunday?
No longer officially marked by the Catholic Church, Quinquagesima Sunday still shows up in some liturgical calendars. What is Quinquagesima Sunday?
What Is Sexagesima Sunday?
No longer officially marked by the Catholic Church, Sexagesima Sunday still shows up in some liturgical calendars. What is Sexagesima Sunday?
No longer officially marked by the Catholic Church, Sexagesima Sunday still shows up in some liturgical calendars. What is Sexagesima Sunday?
What Is Septuagesima Sunday?
No longer officially marked by the Catholic Church, Septuagesima Sunday still shows up in some liturgical calendars. What is Septuagesima Sunday?
No longer officially marked by the Catholic Church, Septuagesima Sunday still shows up in some liturgical calendars. What is Septuagesima Sunday?
What Is Clean Monday?
For Western Christians, Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. For Eastern Rite Catholics, however, Clean Monday is the first day of Great Lent.
For Western Christians, Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. For Eastern Rite Catholics, however, Clean Monday is the first day of Great Lent.
Shrove Tuesday
What is Shrove Tuesday?
What is Shrove Tuesday?
Ash Wednesday in the Catholic Church
Most people know that Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the time of preparation before Easter. But how is it celebrated? And why do Catholics wear ashes on their foreheads on this day? Find out more about Ash Wednesday here.
Most people know that Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the time of preparation before Easter. But how is it celebrated? And why do Catholics wear ashes on their foreheads on this day? Find out more about Ash Wednesday here.
Is Ash Wednesday a Holy Day of Obligation?
Is Ash Wednesday a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Is Ash Wednesday a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entrance of Christ into Jerusalem, when palm branches were placed in His path, before His arrest on Holy Thursday and His Crucifixion on Good Friday.
Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entrance of Christ into Jerusalem, when palm branches were placed in His path, before His arrest on Holy Thursday and His Crucifixion on Good Friday.
Is Holy Thursday a Holy Day of Obligation?
Is Holy Thursday a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Is Holy Thursday a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Good Friday
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, commemorates the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross. No Mass is celebrated on this day; a special liturgy is celebrated instead.
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, commemorates the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross. No Mass is celebrated on this day; a special liturgy is celebrated instead.
Is Good Friday a Holy Day of Obligation?
Is Good Friday a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Is Good Friday a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Easter 101
Many people think of Christmas as the most important day in the Christian liturgical calendar, but from the earliest days of the Church, Easter has been considered the central Christian feast. Learn more about the history and practice of Easter in the Catholic Church.
Many people think of Christmas as the most important day in the Christian liturgical calendar, but from the earliest days of the Church, Easter has been considered the central Christian feast. Learn more about the history and practice of Easter in the Catholic Church.
Easter in the Catholic Church
What does the Catholic Church teach about Easter, the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead? Learn about the history and significance of Easter, the greatest feast in the Catholic Church.
What does the Catholic Church teach about Easter, the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead? Learn about the history and significance of Easter, the greatest feast in the Catholic Church.
What Is the Easter Duty?
The Catholic Church requires all Catholics to receive Communion at least once per year, during the Easter Season. Find out why, and learn the requirements for fulfilling your Easter duty.
The Catholic Church requires all Catholics to receive Communion at least once per year, during the Easter Season. Find out why, and learn the requirements for fulfilling your Easter duty.
Easter Homily of St. John Chrysostom
On Easter Sunday, in many Eastern Rite Catholic and Eastern Orthodox parishes, this homily by St. John Chrysostom is read.
On Easter Sunday, in many Eastern Rite Catholic and Eastern Orthodox parishes, this homily by St. John Chrysostom is read.
Divine Mercy Sunday
The Feast of Divine Mercy, celebrated on the Octave of Easter (the Sunday after Easter Sunday), celebrates the Divine Mercy of Jesus Christ, as revealed by Christ Himself to Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska.
The Feast of Divine Mercy, celebrated on the Octave of Easter (the Sunday after Easter Sunday), celebrates the Divine Mercy of Jesus Christ, as revealed by Christ Himself to Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska.
How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a relatively recent but extremely popular devotion which was revealed by Our Lord to Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun. While the chaplet is most often recited between Good Friday and Divine Mercy Sunday (the Sunday after Easter Sunday), it can be prayed at any time of the year. A standard rosary can be used to recite the chaplet.
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a relatively recent but extremely popular devotion which was revealed by Our Lord to Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun. While the chaplet is most often recited between Good Friday and Divine Mercy Sunday (the Sunday after Easter Sunday), it can be prayed at any time of the year. A standard rosary can be used to recite the chaplet.
Is Ascension a Holy Day of Obligation?
Is the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Is the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Ascension of Our Lord
The Ascension of Our Lord occurred on Ascension Thursday, 40 days after Christ rose from the dead on Easter Sunday. On this day, the risen Christ, in the sight of His apostles, ascended bodily into Heaven.
The Ascension of Our Lord occurred on Ascension Thursday, 40 days after Christ rose from the dead on Easter Sunday. On this day, the risen Christ, in the sight of His apostles, ascended bodily into Heaven.
Pentecost 101
Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. Learn more about this holiday that is often called the "the birthday of the Church."
Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. Learn more about this holiday that is often called the "the birthday of the Church."
Pentecost Sunday
Pentecost Sunday, the 50th day after Easter Sunday, marks the end of the Easter season and celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is known as "the birthday of the Church."
Pentecost Sunday, the 50th day after Easter Sunday, marks the end of the Easter season and celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is known as "the birthday of the Church."
Trinity Sunday
Trinity Sunday, also known as Holy Trinity Sunday, is celebrated a week after Pentecost Sunday in honor of the most fundamental of Christian beliefs—belief in the Holy Trinity.
Trinity Sunday, also known as Holy Trinity Sunday, is celebrated a week after Pentecost Sunday in honor of the most fundamental of Christian beliefs—belief in the Holy Trinity.
Corpus Christi
The Feast of Corpus Christi celebrates the mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ. It is celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.
The Feast of Corpus Christi celebrates the mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ. It is celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.
Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in reparation for the ingratitude of men for the sacrifice that Christ made for them, is celebrated 19 days after Pentecost Sunday. The feast owes its origins to the apparitions of Christ to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in the late 17th century.
The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in reparation for the ingratitude of men for the sacrifice that Christ made for them, is celebrated 19 days after Pentecost Sunday. The feast owes its origins to the apparitions of Christ to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in the late 17th century.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel celebrates the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Simon Stock on July 16, 1251.
The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel celebrates the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Simon Stock on July 16, 1251.
The Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The feast of the Transfiguration of Christ celebrates the revelation of Christ’s divine glory on Mount Tabor in Galilee and provides us with a glimpse of our life in the world to come.
The feast of the Transfiguration of Christ celebrates the revelation of Christ’s divine glory on Mount Tabor in Galilee and provides us with a glimpse of our life in the world to come.
Assumption of Mary
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary, celebrated on August 15, commemorates the death of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her bodily assumption into Heaven, before her body could begin to decay—a foretaste of our own bodily resurrection at the end of time.
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary, celebrated on August 15, commemorates the death of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her bodily assumption into Heaven, before her body could begin to decay—a foretaste of our own bodily resurrection at the end of time.
Is Assumption a Holy Day of Obligation?
Is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Dormition
Dormition literally means "the falling asleep."
Dormition literally means "the falling asleep."
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on September 8, exactly nine months after the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. It is the traditional date of the birth of Mary, which paved the way for the birth of Christ.
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on September 8, exactly nine months after the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. It is the traditional date of the birth of Mary, which paved the way for the birth of Christ.
Should Catholics Celebrate Halloween?
Every year, a debate rages among Christians: Is Halloween a satanic holiday or merely a secular one? Should Christian children dress up like ghosts and goblins? Is it good for children to be scared? Lost in the debate is the history of Halloween, which, far from being a pagan religious event, is actually a Christian celebration that's almost 1,300 years old.
Every year, a debate rages among Christians: Is Halloween a satanic holiday or merely a secular one? Should Christian children dress up like ghosts and goblins? Is it good for children to be scared? Lost in the debate is the history of Halloween, which, far from being a pagan religious event, is actually a Christian celebration that's almost 1,300 years old.
All Saints Day
All Saints Day, November 1, is a surprisingly old feast, instituted to remember all the saints, known and unknown, especially those who suffered martyrdom for Christ. October 31, the vigil of All Saints Day, is commonly known as Halloween.
All Saints Day, November 1, is a surprisingly old feast, instituted to remember all the saints, known and unknown, especially those who suffered martyrdom for Christ. October 31, the vigil of All Saints Day, is commonly known as Halloween.
Is All Saints Day a Holy Day of Obligation?
Is All Saints Day a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Is All Saints Day a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
All Souls Day
Often overshadowed by Halloween and All Saints Day, All Souls Day is a solemn feast in the Roman Catholic Church commemorating all of those who have died and now are in Purgatory, being cleansed of their venial sins and atoning before entering fully into Heaven.
Often overshadowed by Halloween and All Saints Day, All Souls Day is a solemn feast in the Roman Catholic Church commemorating all of those who have died and now are in Purgatory, being cleansed of their venial sins and atoning before entering fully into Heaven.
The Season of Advent in the Catholic Church
Advent is a period of preparation before Christmas. Learn more about the season of Advent in the Catholic Church.
Advent is a period of preparation before Christmas. Learn more about the season of Advent in the Catholic Church.
Immaculate Conception
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is the subject of a lot of misconceptions. Learn more about what the feast really celebrates and about the history of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is the subject of a lot of misconceptions. Learn more about what the feast really celebrates and about the history of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
Is Immaculate Conception a Holy Day of Obligation?
Is Immaculate Conception a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Is Immaculate Conception a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Christmas
The word Christmas derives from the combination of Christ and Mass; it is the feast of the Nativity (birth) of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Find out more about the history of Christmas.
The word Christmas derives from the combination of Christ and Mass; it is the feast of the Nativity (birth) of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Find out more about the history of Christmas.
Is Christmas a Holy Day of Obligation?
Is Christmas Day a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Is Christmas Day a Holy Day of Obligation? Find out here!
Proclamation of the Birth of Christ
This Proclamation of the Birth of Christ comes from the Roman Martyrology. Traditionally, it has been read on Christmas Eve, before the celebration of Midnight Mass. This is a modern translation.
This Proclamation of the Birth of Christ comes from the Roman Martyrology. Traditionally, it has been read on Christmas Eve, before the celebration of Midnight Mass. This is a modern translation.
Traditional Proclamation of the Birth of Christ
This traditional translation of the Proclamation of the Birth of Christ comes from the Roman Martyrology. For centuries, it was read on Christmas Eve, before the celebration of Midnight Mass.
This traditional translation of the Proclamation of the Birth of Christ comes from the Roman Martyrology. For centuries, it was read on Christmas Eve, before the celebration of Midnight Mass.
Ember Days
An ancient practice, Ember Days mark the change of both the liturgical and natural seasons. They are celebrated four times each year, with prayer, fasting, and abstinence from meat.
An ancient practice, Ember Days mark the change of both the liturgical and natural seasons. They are celebrated four times each year, with prayer, fasting, and abstinence from meat.
Rogation Days
Rogation Days, like their distant cousins the Ember Days, are days set aside to observe a change in the seasons—in this case, to ask God's blessing on the spring planting.
Rogation Days, like their distant cousins the Ember Days, are days set aside to observe a change in the seasons—in this case, to ask God's blessing on the spring planting.