The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 remains a holy day for Catholics, but this year, it is not a day of obligation to attend Mass due to the dispensation granted during the COVID pandemic.  

Catholics may still attend Mass in person where possible, safely observing all diocesan pandemic restrictions, or via livestream.  

In addition, Catholics are encouraged to pray the Rosary or other devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God. The December 8 obligation will resume next year, 2021.

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A message from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception:

We have heard St. Luke’s narrative of the Annunciation so often in the Church’s celebrations of Mary, the Mother of God.  That word is proclaimed once more at Mass on this year’s feast of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, our nation’s patronal feast, and our attention is drawn to the consequence of this feast by the Gospel.

Click here for the full message from Bishop O’Connell.