As you know, in 2024, December 8 is the Second Sunday of Advent, so the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is transferred to Monday, December 9. Previously, when the DATE was transferred the obligation was abrogated. That will no longer be true.
Earlier this year, Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, wrote to the Holy See seeking clarification about the obligation to attend Mass when a holy day of obligation in Advent, Lent, or Easter falls on Sunday and the Solemnity is transferred to Monday. In a memo to the U.S. bishops dated Thursday, October 10, Bishop Paprocki communicated the Dicastery for Legislative Text’s response: “the feast must be observed as a day of obligation on the day to which it is transferred.” In light of this new directive, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Monday, December 9, 2024 is to be observed as a holy day of obligation.
Because the Sundays of Advent outrank solemnities on the Table of Liturgical Days, all Masses on December 8 should be for the Second Sunday of Advent. A vigil Mass for the Immaculate Conception cannot be celebrated at any hour on Sunday, December 8.
Sample Social Media/Bulletin Text
Mon, Dec 9: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception – Holy Day of Obligation
This year, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (our national patronal feast day) is transferred from Sunday, Dec 8 to Monday, Dec 9, and is a holy day of obligation. [Insert Mass schedule and other details here]
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