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Holy days and fasting

When Catholics are bound to go to Mass, and when to fast and abstain — as the law of the universal Church gives it, with the dates for this year and next.

Photo: Andreas Praefcke · Public domain

Coming up

The next days

  1. Sunday 1 November 2026All SaintsHoly day of obligation
  2. Tuesday 8 December 2026The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MaryHoly day of obligation
  3. Friday 25 December 2026The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)Holy day of obligation
  4. Friday 1 January 2027Mary, the Holy Mother of GodHoly day of obligation
  5. Wednesday 6 January 2027The Epiphany of the LordHoly day of obligation
  6. Wednesday 10 February 2027Ash WednesdayFasting and abstinence

Holy days of obligation

On Sundays and these days Catholics are bound to take part in Mass and to rest from work that hinders the worship of God (can. 1246–1248). The bishops’ conference of each country may, with the approval of the Holy See, transfer some of them to a Sunday or suppress the obligation — so check the calendar of your own country.

Feast20262027
Mary, the Holy Mother of GodThu 1 JanFri 1 Jan
The Epiphany of the LordIn many countries kept on the Sunday between 2 and 8 January.Tue 6 JanWed 6 Jan
Saint JosephThu 19 MarFri 19 Mar
The Ascension of the LordIn many countries kept on the following Sunday.Thu 14 MayThu 6 May
The Most Holy Body and Blood of ChristIn many countries kept on the following Sunday.Thu 4 JunThu 27 May
Saints Peter and Paul, ApostlesMon 29 JunTue 29 Jun
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin MarySat 15 AugSun 15 Aug
All SaintsSun 1 NovMon 1 Nov
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MaryTue 8 DecWed 8 Dec
The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)Fri 25 DecSat 25 Dec

Fasting and abstinence

Days of penance

Every Friday of the year and the season of Lent.

On Fridays Catholics abstain from meat — or from another food, or practise another penance, as their bishops’ conference determines — unless a solemnity falls on that Friday (can. 1250–1251, 1253).

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday

Days of fasting and abstinence for the whole Church.

Ash Wednesday: 18 February 2026
Good Friday: 3 April 2026
Ash Wednesday: 10 February 2027
Good Friday: 26 March 2027

Who is bound

Abstinence from the age of 14; fasting from 18 until the beginning of one’s sixtieth year.

Fasting allows only one full meal a day, with some food in the morning and evening (Paenitemini). Pastors and parents are to teach the meaning of penance also to those not yet bound (can. 1252); for a just cause, such as illness, a pastor can dispense or change the obligation (can. 1245).

Before Holy Communion

One hour without food or drink, except water and medicine.

The elderly, the sick and those who care for them may receive Communion even if they have eaten within the hour (can. 919).

From the Code of Canon Law, canons 1244–1253 and canon 919, and the precepts of the Church (CCC 2041–2043). Bishops’ conferences may adapt these laws for their own country.