New Year’s Day: Not a Holy Day of Obligation in 2024
In 1969 the Church placed the Solemn Feast of Mary, the Mother of God, on January 1st. In a letter explaining several of the Marian feasts of the Church, Pope St. Paul VI wrote:
This celebration, placed on January 1 in conformity with the ancient indication of the liturgy of the City of Rome, is meant to commemorate the part played by Mary in this mystery of salvation. It is meant also to exalt the singular dignity which this mystery brings to the "holy Mother...through whom we were found worthy to receive the Author of life." It is likewise a fitting occasion for renewing adoration of the newborn Prince of Peace, for listening once more to the glad tidings of the angels, and for imploring from God, through the Queen of Peace, the supreme gift of peace.
For this reason, in the United States this day has been celebrated as a Holy Day of Obligation. However, because this feast falls on a Monday in 2024, the obligation to attend Mass on that day is lifted. The Church states that any time this feast falls on a Saturday or a Monday the obligation is lifted due to the proximity to the celebration of Mass on Sunday, which is the universal Holy Day of Obligation and should always take precedence. For more information you can click here.
However, even though this feast is not a Holy Day of Obligation, there will be Mass offered on January 1 at our sister parish, St. Pius X, at 9:00am.