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2024 Diocesan Liturgical Calendar of Solemnities, Feasts, and Other Observances
DECEMBER 2023 | ||
| Dec. 3 | First Sunday of Advent | |
| Dec. 8 | Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Patroness of the United States | Solemnity; holy day of obligation
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| Dec. 12 | Our Lady of Guadalupe | Solemnity; Co-Patron of the Diocese of Sacramento, along with St. Patrick (Statute 123 §1(b)). |
| Dec. 25 | Nativity of The Lord | Solemnity, holy day of obligation Bishop Soto has clarified that evening liturgies on December 24, 2023 shall be Christmas Eve liturgies rather than Fourth Sunday of Advent liturgies. [Ordinarily, a priest may only celebrate three Masses on a Sunday, however, by indult, a priest may celebrate a maximum of three Masses on a weekday and four Masses on a Sunday, when pastorally necessary in extraordinary circumstances, such as this (Statute 92)]. |
| Dec. 26 | St. Stephen, The First Martyr | Feast |
| Dec. 27 | St. John, Apostle and Evangelist | Feast |
| Dec. 28 | The Holy Innocents | Feast |
| Dec. 31 | Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph | Feast |
JANUARY 2024 | ||
| Jan. 1 | Mary, the Holy Mother of God | Solemnity (not a holy day of obligation this year) |
| Jan. 7 | Epiphany of the Lord | Solemnity |
| Jan. 8 | Baptism of the Lord | Feast |
| Jan. 13 | Respect Life Mass | 8am, St. Lawrence Parish in Sacramento |
| Jan. 18-25 | Week of Prayer for Christian Unity | Diocesan observance (Statute 123 §3(a)) |
| Jan. 21 | Sunday of the Word of God (Third Sunday of Ordinary Time) |
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| Jan. 22 | Day of Penance
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children | “In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion” (GIRM #373). “A day of penance for violations of the dignity of the human person and prayer for the full restoration of the right to life” (Diocesan Statute 123 §3(b)). From “Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions” the Mass “For the Forgiveness of Sins” (#38) or “For the Preservation of Peace and Justice” (#30) with violet vestments or the Mass “For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life” (#48/1A or B) with white vestments should be celebrated. |
| Jan. 25 | Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle | Feast |
FEBRUARY 2024 | ||
| Feb. 2 | Presentation of The Lord | Feast |
| Feb. 4 | World Day for Consecrated Life | |
| Feb. 10 | World Marriage Day | 11am , Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Fairfield |
| Feb. 14 | Ash Wednesday | Lent begins |
| Feb. 17 | World Day of the Sick Mass | 10am at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Carmichael |
| Feb 17, 18 | Rites of Election | |
MARCH 2024 | ||
| Mar. 13 | Day of Reconciliation and Unity | A day of penance for negative attitudes and discrimination toward people of differing culture, ethnicity and race; and prayer for unity in our diversity, for equality, mutual respect and peace among all peoples. Observed on the 2nd Wed. in March (Statute 123 §3(c)). |
| Mar. 17 | Fifth Sunday of Lent | Bishop Soto has clarified that evening Masses and Liturgy of the Hours Evening Prayer on this day shall be for the Fifth Sunday of Lent rather than the Solemnity of St. Patrick. |
| Mar. 18 | St. Patrick | Solemnity; Co-Patron of the Diocese of Sacramento, along with Our Lady of Guadalupe (Statute 123 §1(b)). Bishop Soto has clarified that evening Masses and Liturgy of the Hours Evening Prayer on this day shall be for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary rather than the Solemnity of St. Patrick. |
| Mar. 19 | St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary | Solemnity |
| Mar. 21 | Chrism Mass | 6:00pm at Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament |
| Mar. 24 | Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord | Solemnity |
| Mar. 28 | Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper | |
| Mar. 29 | Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday) | |
| Mar. 30 | Holy Saturday | The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night may begin at or after 8:30 p.m. |
| Mar. 31 | Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord | |
APRIL 2024 | ||
| Apr. 8 | The Annunciation of the Lord | Solemnity |
| Apr. 21 | World Day of Prayer for Vocations | |
| Apr. 25 | St. Mark, Evangelist | Feast |
MAY 2024 | ||
| May 3 | Sts. Philip and James | Feast |
| May 6, 7, and 8 | Rogation Days | See Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers. We are invited to pray, give thanks to God and to "see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness.” (Laudato Si’ 12) "Through the greatness and the beauty of creatures one comes to know by analogy their maker" (Wis 13:5). |
| May 12 | Ascension of the Lord | Solemnity |
| May 14 | St. Matthias, Apostle | Feast |
| May 18 | Adult Confirmation | Sacramento and Red Bluff |
| May 19 | Pentecost Sunday | |
| May 21-24 | National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Diocese of Sacramento | |
| May 26 | Most Holy Trinity | Solemnity |
| May 31 | Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary | Feast |
JUNE 2024 | ||
| June 2 | Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ | Solemnity |
| June 7 | Most Sacred Heart of Jesus World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests | Solemnity |
| June 24 | Nativity of St. John the Baptist | Solemnity |
| June 29 | Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles | Solemnity |
| June 30 | Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament (1889). | Solemnity |
JULY 2024 | ||
| July 3 | St. Thomas the Apostle | Feast |
| July 6 | St. Maria Goretti Day of Penance | Optional memorial A day of penance for sins and crimes against children and youth, including the sexual abuse of minors by clergy and other members of the Church; and prayer for the needs of children (Statute 123 § 3d). |
| July 22 | St. Mary Magdalene | Feast |
| July 25 | St. James, Apostle | Feast |
AUGUST 2024 | ||
| Aug. 6 | Transfiguration of The Lord | Feast |
| Aug. 10 | St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr | Feast |
| Aug. 15 | Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary | Solemnity, holy day of obligation |
| Aug. 24 | St. Bartholomew, Apostle | Feast |
SEPTEMBER 2024 | ||
| Sep. 1 | World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation | |
| Sep. 8 | Blessing of Seeds | See Book of Blessings Order for the Blessing of Seeds at Planting Time. This is a suggested date for the rite. |
| Sep. 14 | Exaltation of the Holy Cross | Feast |
| Sep. 18, 20, and 21 | Ember Days | See Book of Blessings Blessing on the Occasion of Thanksgiving for the Harvest and also Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers. During these days, we are asked to fast, remember our obligation to steward the earth, and regain harmony between humanity and creation. "…human life is grounded in three fundamental and closely intertwined relationships: with God, with our neighbor and with the earth itself" and these three relationships have been broken; this rupture is sin (Laudato Si’ 66). |
| Sep. 21 | St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist | Feast |
| Sep. 29 | World Day of Migrants & Refugees | |
OCTOBER 2024 | ||
| Oct. 18 | St. Luke, Evangelist | Feast |
| Oct. 20 | World Mission Sunday | |
| Oct. 28 | Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles | Feast |
NOVEMBER 2024 | ||
| Nov. 1 | All Saints | Solemnity; holy day of obligation |
| Nov. 2 | Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) | Evening Masses on November 2, 2024 use the propers and readings for Sunday, November 3 rather than All Souls Day. |
| Nov. 2 | Adult Confirmation | Vacaville and Chico |
| Nov. 3-9 | National Vocation Awareness Week | |
| Nov. 9 | Dedication of the Lateran Basilica | Feast |
| Nov. 17 | World Day of the Poor | |
| Nov. 24 | Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe | Solemnity |
| Nov. 28 | Thanksgiving Day | Day of thanksgiving for the harvest and all our blessings (Statute 123 §2(d)). |
| Nov. 30 | St. Andrew, Apostle | Feast |
Updated February 16, 2024
2025 Diocesan Liturgical Calendar of Solemnities, Feasts, and Other Observances
DECEMBER 2024 | ||
Dec. 1 | First Sunday of Advent |
|
Dec. 8 | Second Sunday of Advent | Bishop Soto has clarified that evening Masses and Liturgy of the Hours Evening Prayer on this day shall be for the Second Sunday of Advent rather than the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. |
Dec. 9 | Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Patroness of the United States | Solemnity; not a holy day of obligation this year
|
Dec. 12 | Our Lady of Guadalupe | Solemnity; Co-Patron of the Diocese of Sacramento, along with St. Patrick (Statute 123 §1(b)). |
Nativity of The Lord | Solemnity, holy day of obligation | |
Dec. 26 | St. Stephen, The First Martyr | Feast |
Dec. 27 | St. John, Apostle and Evangelist | Feast |
Dec. 28 | The Holy Innocents | Feast |
Dec. 29 | Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph | Feast |
JANUARY 2025 | ||
Jan. 1 | Mary, the Holy Mother of God | Solemnity (holy day of obligation) |
Jan. 5 | Epiphany of the Lord | Solemnity |
Jan. 12 | Baptism of the Lord | Feast |
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity | Diocesan observance (Statute 123 §3(a)) | |
Jan. 22 | Day of Penance
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children | “In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion” (GIRM #373). “A day of penance for violations of the dignity of the human person and prayer for the full restoration of the right to life” (Diocesan Statute 123 §3(b)). From “Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions” the Mass “For the Forgiveness of Sins” (#38) or “For the Preservation of Peace and Justice” (#30) with violet vestments or the Mass “For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life” (#48/1A or B) with white vestments should be celebrated. |
Respect Life Mass | 12:10pm, Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament | |
Jan. 25 | Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle | Feast |
Jan. 26 | Third Sunday of Ordinary Time | Sunday of the Word of God |
FEBRUARY 2025 | ||
Feb. 2 | Presentation of The Lord | Feast |
Feb. 8 | World Day of the Sick Mass | 10am at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Carmichael |
| ||
Feb. 9 | World Day for Consecrated Life |
|
Feb. 15 | World Marriage Day | 11:30am |
Feb. 22 | The Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle | Feast |
MARCH 2025 | ||
Mar. 5 | Ash Wednesday | Lent begins |
Rites of Election |
| |
Mar. 12 | Day of Reconciliation and Unity | A day of penance for negative attitudes and discrimination toward people of differing culture, ethnicity and race; and prayer for unity in our diversity, for equality, mutual respect and peace among all peoples. Observed on the 2nd Wed. in March (Statute 123 §3(c)). |
Mar. 16 | Second Sunday of Lent | Bishop Soto has clarified that evening Masses and Liturgy of the Hours Evening Prayer on this day shall be for the Second Sunday of Lent rather than the Solemnity of St. Patrick. |
Mar. 17 | St. Patrick | Solemnity; Co-Patron of the Diocese of Sacramento, along with Our Lady of Guadalupe (Statute 123 §1(b)) |
Mar. 19 | St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary | Solemnity |
Mar. 25 | The Annunciation of the Lord | Solemnity |
APRIL 2025 | ||
Chrism Mass | 6:00pm at Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament | |
Apr. 13 | Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord | Solemnity |
Apr. 17 | Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper |
|
Apr. 18 | Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday) |
|
Apr. 19 | Holy Saturday | The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night may begin at or after 8:45 p.m. |
Apr. 20 | Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord | Solemnity |
MAY 2025 | ||
May 3 | Sts. Philip and James, Apostles | Feast |
May 11 | World Day of Prayer for Vocations |
|
May 14 | St. Matthias, Apostle | Feast |
May 26, 27, and 28 | Rogation Days | See Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers. We are invited to pray, give thanks to God and to "see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness.” (Laudato Si’ 12) "Through the greatness and the beauty of creatures one comes to know by analogy their maker" (Wis 13:5). |
May 31 | Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary | Feast |
JUNE 2025 | ||
June 1 | Ascension of the Lord | Solemnity |
June 8 | Pentecost Sunday | Solemnity |
June 15 | Most Holy Trinity | Solemnity |
June 22 | Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ | Solemnity |
June 24 | Nativity of St. John the Baptist | Solemnity |
June 27 | Most Sacred Heart of Jesus World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests | Solemnity |
June 29 | Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles | Solemnity |
Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament (1889). | Solemnity | |
JULY 2025 | ||
July 3 | St. Thomas the Apostle | Feast |
July 6 | Day of Penance | A day of penance for sins and crimes against children and youth, including the sexual abuse of minors by clergy and other members of the Church; and prayer for the needs of children (Statute 123 § 3d). |
July 22 | St. Mary Magdalene | Feast |
July 25 | St. James, Apostle | Feast |
AUGUST 2025 | ||
Aug. 6 | Transfiguration of The Lord | Feast |
Aug. 15 | Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary | Solemnity, holy day of obligation |
SEPTEMBER 2025 | ||
Sep. 1 | World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation |
|
Blessing of Seeds | See Book of Blessings Order for the Blessing of Seeds at Planting Time. This is a suggested date for the rite. | |
Sep. 8 | The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary | Feast |
Sep. 14 | Exaltation of the Holy Cross | Feast |
Ember Days | See Book of Blessings Blessing on the Occasion of Thanksgiving for the Harvest and also Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers. During these days, we are asked to fast, remember our obligation to steward the earth, and regain harmony between humanity and creation. "…human life is grounded in three fundamental and closely intertwined relationships: with God, with our neighbor and with the earth itself" and these three relationships have been broken; this rupture is sin (Laudato Si’ 66). | |
Sep. 29 | Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels | Feast |
Sep. 29 | World Day of Migrants & Refugees |
|
OCTOBER 2025 | ||
Oct. 18 | St. Luke, Evangelist | Feast |
Oct. 19 | World Mission Sunday |
|
Oct. 28 | Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles | Feast |
NOVEMBER 2025 | ||
Nov. 1 | All Saints | Solemnity; not a holy day of obligation this year |
Vacaville and Chico | ||
Nov. 2 | Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) |
|
Nov. 2-8 | National Vocation Awareness Week |
|
Nov. 9 | Dedication of the Lateran Basilica | Feast |
Nov. 16 | World Day of the Poor |
|
Nov. 23 | Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe | Solemnity |
Nov. 27 | Thanksgiving Day | Day of thanksgiving for the harvest and all our blessings (Statute 123 §2(d)). |
Updated May 13, 2024