A holy day of obligation is a day on which Catholics are required to attend Mass. In the United States, there are six holy days of obligation: New Year’s Day (January 1), Epiphany (January 6), Ascension Thursday (40 days after Easter), Assumption of Mary (August 15), All Saints’ Day (November 1), and Christmas (December 25).
The obligation to attend Mass on holy days of obligation is based on the Church’s teaching that the Eucharist is essential for our spiritual well-being. The Eucharist is a sacrament in which we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. It is a time of great grace and blessing, and it is an opportunity for us to grow closer to God.