The Catholic Church draws attention to six days – apart from Sunday – when it calls the faithful to come together in praise, prayer, and Eucharist (thanksgiving) for God’s gifts of love to us.  These are the Holy Days. The six Holy Days are:

• Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th),
• The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas),
• Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God (January 1st),
• Ascension of the Lord (the date moves with Easter),
• Solemnity of the Assumption (August 15th), and
• Solemnity of All Saints (November 1st).

Notice that Ash Wednesday is not on the list, even though it’s one of the busiest days of the year for most parishes. Continue reading →