Catechism On first chief Commandment of the Church
Q. What is the first chief Commandment of the Church?
A. The first Commandment of the Church is, ‘To keep the Sundays and Holydays of Obligation
holy, by attending Mass and resting from servile works’.
Q. Which are the Holydays of Obligation? II
A. The Holydays of Obligation are:
1 January: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
6 January: the Epiphany
19 March: Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thursday of the sixth week of Easter: the Ascension
Thursday after Trinity Sunday: the Body and Blood of Christ
29 June: Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles
15 August: the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1 November: All Saints
8 December: the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
25 December: the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ (Christmas)
Q. Are Catholics bound to attend Mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation?
A. Catholics are under a serious obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation
unless prevented by other serious duties or by ill health.
II As promulgated in the current (1983) code of canon law. Observed Holy Days of Obligation
differ in number internationally, as they are regulated by the Bishops’ conferences. In New
Zealand, for example, the obligation extends only to Christmas and the feast of Assumption.
Q. Are parents, masters, and mistresses bound to provide that those under their charge
A. shall attend Mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation?
Parents, masters, and mistresses are bound to provide that those under their charge shall attend
Mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation.