NOTE ON THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

In past years, when the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) fell on the Second Sunday of Advent, the Immaculate Conception was transferred to Monday, December 9, but the obligation to attend Mass did not transfer. After a recent clarification from the Vatican, this will no longer be the case: rather, the obligation will also transfer. Consequently, on Monday, December 9, 2024, the Church will celebrate the Immaculate Conception and be a holy day of obligation in the Dioceses of the United States. HOWEVER, given the short notice of this change, and the fact that parish calendars and Mass schedules are already in place, Bishop Battersby has dispensed the faithful from this obligation in 2024. Nonetheless, at the direction of the bishop, we will have a Mass here at OLQH at 8:00 AM to celebrate the patroness of the United States. The bishop asks those who are unable to attend Mass to do some form of extra prayer, particularly praying the Rosary with at least one other person in community.