Solemnity of All Saints/Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (November 1-2, 2008) November 1, the Solemnity of All Saints will fall on Saturday. In accord with the USCCB decision of November 1991 the precept to attend Mass day is abrogated and a funeral Mass may be celebrated (GIRM, 336). November 1 remains a Solemnity and ritual Masses are forbidden (GIRM, 330). Most marriages in the United States are celebrated on Saturdays, so pastors should take care in scheduling weddings on this date. The Mass of the day with nuptial blessing may be celebrated. In addition, one of the readings may be changed. The Rite of Marriage outside Mass may be celebrated. The evening Mass on October 31 is that of All Saints and the evening Mass on November 1 is that of All Souls.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception – December 8, 2008
In 2008, December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, will fall on a Monday. In accord with the USCCB decision of November 1991, confirmed by the Apostolic See in July 1992, the precept to attend Mass on this Solemnity is maintained, even when it falls on a Saturday or Monday. Therefore, Monday, December 8, 2008 will be a holy day of obligation for the faithful in the United States.

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception begins with Evening Prayer I on Sunday, December 7, and concludes with the celebration of Evening Prayer II of the Solemnity on December 8th. However, in light of the fact that Sunday evening Masses are a common occurrence in many parts of the United States, the Eucharist celebrated on the evening of Sunday, December 7th, may be either the Mass of the Sunday or of The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, provided that this is made clear to the faithful in advance.

Liturgical Practices Against the Spread of Influenza

As the temperature gets cooler, the flu season will begin. This influenza webpage is devoted to the importance of good hygiene practices everyone should be observing at Mass.

This Liturgy Planning Form has been developed for use when planning Mass. Download and photocopy this form using it as a template for Mass planning. (The liturgy_planning_form is a Word Document)

Going on Vacation?

Don't miss Mass on the account that you are away from home. Checkout www.masstimes.org to find a church anywhere in the country. Just type in the address or city that you are visiting and a list of surrounding parishes and their Mass schedules will appear.