Why do Catholics have to go to church EVERY SUNDAY?

As a Cradle Catholic, I’d like to respond with a question of my own: Why wouldn’t you want to go to church every Sunday? I greatly cherish the time I spend with the Lord in church, and I look forward to it every week. I’d go every day if college didn’t interfere.

However, there are more official reasons other than desire for Catholics attending church each Sunday. They’re called Holy Days of Obligation.

What’s a Holy Day of Obligation?

A Holy Day of Obligation is a day on which Catholics are required to attend Mass, to put it simply. They’re feast days, some of the most important in the Liturgical Year, and what better way to celebrate them than by going to Mass?

Total, there are 62 or 63 Holy Days of Obligation, depending on the year. Every Sunday is considered a Holy Day of Obligation.

Why are they obligations? Obligations are so oppressive.

Unfortunately, obligation often has a negative connotation, and that should NOT be the case here. These days are considered obligations because celebrating Mass on these days is part of the minimum level of commitment required to be considered a good Catholic.

This requirement and others are listed in The Precepts of the Church, which can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church beginning at number 2041 (not page number. . .the Catechism is sort of set up like the Bible, with “verses,” per se).

These obligations shouldn’t be looked at as oppressive. Check out the definition of obligation. You’ll see that the third definition given is “a debt of gratitude.” We have a debt of gratitude to the Lord, for it’s through Him our lives are possible. Going to Mass, in a way, works to repay this debt, and we should be happy to repay it.

When are the other Holy Days of Obligations?

It depends on what region of the world you live in which days you’re required to celebrate Mass. For example, in Ireland you have to go on St. Patrick’s feast day, but that’s not required anywhere else in the world.

The universal church gives these feast days as Holy Days of Obligation:

·         Mary, Mother of God – January 1

·         Epiphany – January 6

·         St. Joseph – March 19

·         Ascension – 40^th day of Easter

·         Holy Body and Blood of Christ – Thursday after Trinity Sunday or 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost

·         Sts. Peter and Paul – June 29

·         Assumption – August 15

·         All Saints Day – November 1

·         Immaculate Conception – December 8

·         Christmas – December 25

What happens if you don’t go to Mass on a Holy Day of Obligation?

The Catholic Church separates sin into two types: venial and mortal. Venial sins are less serious, but if you die with a mortal sin on your soul, it’s believed you won’t be able to get into heaven and be with the Lord for eternity. Not going to church on a Holy Day of Obligation is considered a mortal sin, so if you don’t go, you have to go to Confession and confess this sin in order for it to be wiped away. You also can’t receive the Eucharist with a mortal sin on your soul.

In conclusion

Holy Days of Obligation are days you’re required to go to Mass, and they’re awesome because going to Mass is awesome.

God bless!

Jill