The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is typically observed on December 8.
However, this year, December 8 falls on a Sunday — the second Sunday of Advent.
Because of that, the solemnity is moved to Monday, Dec. 9, where it will remain as a Holy Day of Obligation.
The solemnity commemorates Mary, the Blessed Mother’s, preservation from original sin from the moment she was conceived.
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is also the patronal feast day of the United States.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, on Holy Days of Obligation, as well as Sundays, “the faithful are bound . . . to abstain from those labors and business concerns which impede the worship to be rendered to God, the joy which is proper to the Lord’s Day, or the proper relaxation of mind and body (CCC #2193).
The Catholic faithful are expected to attend Mass on this day. Mass times can be found on your parish or pastorate website or social media channels or by contacting the parish or pastorate.