---

FAITH: All Saints Day, November 1, Is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics

The Solemnity of All Saints, November 1, is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics, requiring attendance at Mass unless one has a valid serious excuse, just as with Sundays.

As with Sundays, the Liturgical Day begins the evening before at 4 p.m. One therefore can meet the Obligation by attending a Vigil Mass for All Saints Day the evening before, on Oct. 31 after 4 p.m., as well as by attending Mass on November 1 itself.

Failure to meet the Obligation to attend Mass for the Solemnity of All Saints, or for Sundays and other Holy Days of Obligation, constitutes grave sin, or mortal sin, unless one has a valid excuse.

If one commits grave sin, one risks eternal damnation.

While in a state of grave sin, it also is the case that one may not receive the Holy Eucharist, until one confesses the grave sin, as part of a full and valid Confession, within the Sacrament of Reconciliation, receiving Absolution and performing the prescribed Penance within an appropriate time frame.

In addition to being addressed by Bishops and the Catholic Code of Canon Law, Holy Days of Obligation are addressed by the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Some examples of excuses for missing Mass on a Sunday, or other Holy Day of Obligation, include illness or caring for an infant.

An additional requirement for Sundays and other Holy Days of Obligation is that one seeks to additionally sanctify Sunday by seeking restful, holy leisure; avoiding activities that impede joyful worship of God; and possibly caring out acts of good works and humble service to others, including family.

"2184 Just as God "rested on the seventh day ..." human life has a rhythm of work and rest. the institution of the Lord's Day helps everyone enjoy adequate rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural, social, and religious lives.

2185 On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord's Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body.Family needs or important social service can legitimately excuse from the obligation of Sunday rest. the faithful should see to it that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life, and health.

The charity of truth seeks holy leisure - the necessity of charity accepts just work.

2186 Those Christians who have leisure should be mindful of their brethren who have the same needs and the same rights, yet cannot rest from work because of poverty and misery. Sunday is traditionally consecrated by Christian piety to good works and humble service of the sick, the infirm, and the elderly. Christians will also sanctify Sunday by devoting time and care to their families and relatives .... Sunday is a time for reflection, silence, cultivation of the mind, and [Christian] meditation ....

2187 Sanctifying Sundays and holy days requires a common effort. Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others .... With temperance and charity the faithful will see to it that they avoid the excesses and violence sometimes associated with popular leisure activities. ..."

[please be sure to consider clicking the support button, to support this web project and related efforts]

Keywords: Catholic, Faith, Christian, All Saints Day, Holy Days of Obligation