Mass and Confessions, including Vigil Mass for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation

Masses and Confessions on August 14

On Wednesday, August 14, the Cathedral opens at 7:30am and closes at 6:30pm. The regular weekday Mass is celebrated at 8am and 12:10pm, and Confessions are heard from 11am to Noon.   

The 5:30pm Mass on August 14 is celebrated as the Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (see below).

Holy Day Masses on August 14 and August 15

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a holy day of obligation.

The Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be celebrated at 5:30pm on Wednesday, August 14.

On Thursday, August 15, Masses for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be celebrated at 7am, 8am,12:10pm, 5:30pm and 7pm (in Spanish). There will be no 11am Mass and no confessions. Archbishop Gregory will be the celebrant of the 8am Mass on August 15. 

This solemnity "stands out in Ordinary Time because of its theological importance.” The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a memorial of the Mother of God that “signifies and synthesizes many of the truths of the faith." For example, in its Christologocial aspect, Our Lady assumed into heaven is “a pledge of the future participation of the members of the mystical Body of Chrst in the paschal glory of the Risen Christ.” (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, No. 180).

CCC on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 966 (citing Lumen Gentium and the Byzantine Liturgy, Troparian), teaches:

"Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death." The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians:

In giving birth you kept your virginity; in your Dormition you did not leave the world, O Mother of God, but were joined to the source of Life. You conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death."

Let us rejoice in the Lord and celebrate this feast in honor of the Virgin Mary, at whose assumption the angels rejoice, giving praise to the Son of God.