Liturgical Calendar

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2024 Diocesan Liturgical Calendar of Solemnities, Feasts, and Other Observances

DECEMBER 2023

Dec. 3First Sunday of Advent 
Dec. 8

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Patroness of the United States

Solemnity; holy day of obligation

 

Dec. 12Our Lady of GuadalupeSolemnity; Co-Patron of the Diocese of Sacramento, along with St. Patrick (Statute 123 §1(b)).
Dec. 25Nativity 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. 26St. Stephen, The First MartyrFeast
Dec. 27St. John, Apostle and EvangelistFeast
Dec. 28The Holy InnocentsFeast
Dec. 31Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and JosephFeast

JANUARY 2024

Jan. 1Mary, the Holy Mother of GodSolemnity (not a holy day of obligation this year)
Jan. 7Epiphany of the LordSolemnity
Jan. 8Baptism of the LordFeast
Jan. 13Respect Life Mass8am, St. Lawrence Parish in Sacramento
Jan. 18-25Week of Prayer for Christian UnityDiocesan observance (Statute 123 §3(a))
Jan. 21Sunday of the Word of God (Third Sunday of Ordinary Time)

 

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. 25Conversion of St. Paul the ApostleFeast

FEBRUARY 2024

Feb. 2Presentation of The LordFeast
Feb. 4World Day for Consecrated Life 
Feb. 10World Marriage Day11am , Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Fairfield
Feb. 14Ash WednesdayLent begins
Feb. 17World Day of the Sick Mass10am at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Carmichael
Feb 17, 18Rites of Election 

MARCH 2024

Mar. 13Day 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. 17Fifth Sunday of LentBishop 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. 18St. PatrickSolemnity; 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. 19St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin MarySolemnity
Mar. 21Chrism Mass6:00pm at Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
Mar. 24Palm Sunday of the Passion of the LordSolemnity
Mar. 28Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper 
Mar. 29Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday) 
Mar. 30Holy SaturdayThe Easter Vigil in the Holy Night may begin at or after 8:30 p.m.
Mar. 31Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord 

APRIL 2024

Apr. 8The Annunciation of the LordSolemnity
Apr. 21World Day of Prayer for Vocations 
Apr. 25St. Mark, EvangelistFeast

MAY 2024

May 3Sts. Philip and JamesFeast
May 6, 7, and 8Rogation 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 12Ascension of the LordSolemnity
May 14St. Matthias, ApostleFeast
May 18Adult ConfirmationSacramento and Red Bluff
May 19Pentecost Sunday 
May 21-24National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Diocese of Sacramento 
May 26Most Holy TrinitySolemnity
May 31Visitation of the Blessed Virgin MaryFeast

JUNE 2024

June 2Most Holy Body and Blood of ChristSolemnity
June 7

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests

Solemnity
June 24Nativity of St. John the BaptistSolemnity
June 29Sts. Peter and Paul, ApostlesSolemnity
June 30Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament (1889).Solemnity

JULY 2024

July 3St. Thomas the ApostleFeast
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 22St. Mary MagdaleneFeast
July 25St. James, ApostleFeast

AUGUST 2024

Aug. 6Transfiguration of The LordFeast
Aug. 10St. Lawrence, Deacon and MartyrFeast
Aug. 15Assumption of the Blessed Virgin MarySolemnity, holy day of obligation
Aug. 24St. Bartholomew, ApostleFeast

SEPTEMBER 2024

Sep. 1World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation 
Sep. 8Blessing of SeedsSee Book of Blessings Order for the Blessing of Seeds at Planting Time. This is a suggested date for the rite.
Sep. 14Exaltation of the Holy CrossFeast
Sep. 18, 20, and 21Ember 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. 21St. Matthew, Apostle and EvangelistFeast
Sep. 29World Day of Migrants & Refugees 

OCTOBER 2024

Oct. 18St. Luke, EvangelistFeast
Oct. 20World Mission Sunday 
Oct. 28Sts. Simon and Jude, ApostlesFeast

NOVEMBER 2024

Nov. 1All SaintsSolemnity; holy day of obligation
Nov. 2Commemoration 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. 2Adult ConfirmationVacaville and Chico
Nov. 3-9National Vocation Awareness Week 
Nov. 9Dedication of the Lateran BasilicaFeast
Nov. 17World Day of the Poor 
Nov. 24Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Solemnity

Nov. 28Thanksgiving Day

Day of thanksgiving for the harvest and all our blessings (Statute 123 §2(d)).

Nov. 30St. 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)).

Dec. 25

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

Jan. 18-25

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.

Jan. 22

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. 8

World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking

 

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

Mar. 8, 9

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

Apr. 10

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 7

Adult Confirmation

Sacramento and Red Bluff

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

June 30

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

 

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. 8

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Feast

Sep. 14  

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Feast

Sep. 17, 19, and 20

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

Nov. 1

Adult Confirmation

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