- Download PDF Version available for use with email and print distribution.
To: Priests and Deacons
From: Patricia DeJarnett, Liturgy Coordinator, Office for Divine Worship
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 2018 is celebrated on Saturday, December 8. As the Patronal Feast Day of the United States, this solemnity is always a holy day of obligation. The obligation is fulfilled by attending a Vigil Mass on Friday evening, December 7, or any Mass during the day on Saturday prior to the Sunday vigil.
In the Table of Liturgical Days, a solemnity of the Virgin Mary ranks lower than a Sunday of Advent; therefore, the Immaculate Conception will end on the afternoon of Saturday, December 8. On Saturday evening, Evening Prayer I of the Second Sunday of Advent is celebrated instead of Evening Prayer II of the Immaculate Conception, and Masses are that of the Second Sunday of Advent (USCCB Committee on Divine Worship).
Please note that the readings for the Solemnity must be used at all Masses celebrated prior to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
For questions, please email pdejarnett@archatl.com or call 404-920-7339.