2021  Holy Days of Obligation and Solemnities

"Remember when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received only what you have given: a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.
St. Francis of Assissi

2021 Holy Days of Obligation and Solemnities
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Diocese of Tyler, St. Francis of the Tejas
 
The precept of the Church specifies the law of the Lord more precisely: "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass." (CIC, can. 1247) "The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day.

Catechism of the Catholic Church #2180

All Sundays are Holy Days of Obligation.

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work.

Holy Days of Obligation with Solemnities and Other Special Dates, January 1, 2021- January 1, 2022

Note: St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day, Patron saint of St. Francis of the Tejas Catholic Church.

The 2021 Liturgical Seasons

November 29, 2020 - January 10, 2021: Advent, Christmas
January 11, 2021 - February 16, 2021: Ordinary Time
February 17, 2021 - May 23, 2021: Lent, Triduum, Easter
May 24, 2021 - November 27, 2021: Ordinary Time
November 28. 2021 - January 9, 2022: Advent Christmas

Regarding the Lenten Scrutinies (March 7, 14, 21)

The scrutinies in preparation for the Baptism of the catechumens (the elect) who are to be admitted to the sacraments at the Easter Vigil are celebrated in a solemn manner during Mass on the Third (March 7), Fourth (March 14), and Fifth (March 21) Sundays of Lent. The scrutinies are not optional. The rites found in the liturgical book Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults are to be faithfully observed.

Regarding the Easter Vigil (April 3)

In order to ensure sufficient darkness and observe the law that the celebration takes place "during the night", at least 45 minutes, and preferably one hour, should elapse after sunset before the Easter Vigil may begin. In 2021, sunset on April 3 occurs at approximately 7:40 p.m. across the Diocese of Tyler. Therefore, the celebration of the Easter Vigil may not be scheduled to begin before 8:30 p.m.

Lenten Days of Fast, Abstinence, and Penance
All Fridays of Lent are Days of Abstinence
Abstinence means not eating meat. All persons 14 years and older are bound by the law of abstinence.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are Days of both Fast and Abstinence
Fasting allows one full meal, but a light breakfast and lunch are not forbidden. All adults, 18 up to the beginning of their sixtieth (60) year, are bound by the law of fasting. Pastors and parents are to see to it that children, while not bound to the law of fast and abstinence, are educated and introduced to an authentic sense of penance.

On Fridays, when abstinence is not required by law, acts of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety are suggested. Abstinence from meat is especially recommended but under no obligation by law.

The Easter Vigil, during the holy night when Christ rose from the dead, ranks as the "mother of all vigils." Keeping watch, the Church awaits Christ's resurrection and celebrates it in the sacraments. Accordingly, the entire celebration of this vigil should take place at night, that is, it should either begin after nightfall or end before the dawn of Sunday (General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, no. 21). Easter Vigil should not begin before 8:30 pm CDT.

Regarding the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord (May 16)*

The ecclesiastical province of Galveston-Houston, which includes the Diocese of Tyler, has perpetually transferred this solemnity to the following Sunday - May 16, 2021, which is its proper day. Thursday, May 13, 2021, is observed as an Easter Weekday or the Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima.

Regarding the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Aug 15)

Because the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Sunday August 15 ranks higher in order of precedence than the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the solemnity is celebrated on that Sunday.

Regarding Parish Feast Days**

In each parish, the anniversary of the dedication of the parish church and the feast of patron (title) of the parish are celebrated as solemnities. When these occur during Ordinary Time, they may be transferred to the next Sunday. 

Regarding Certain Prayers to which Indulgences are attached:

In accord with the Handbook of Indulgences, pastors are invited to promote the following acts or public recitation of the prayers on the appropriate days, outside of Mass. An explanation of indulgences and reminders of the conditions necessary for obtaining the indulgence may be opportune on these days (cf. Norm 20).

December 31, 2020 (Final Day of the Year) – Public singing/recitation of the Te Deum (Grant 26 §1, 2°)

January 1, 2021 (First Day of the Year) – Public singing/recitation of the Veni Creator (Grant 26 §1, 1°)

June 6, 2021 (Corpus Christi) – Participating in a solemn Eucharistic procession (Grant 7 §1, 3°)

June 11, 2021 (Most Sacred Heart of Jesus) – Public recitation of the Act of Reparation (Grant 3)

November 21, 2021 (Christ the King) – Public recitation of the Act of Dedication of the Human Race to
Christ the King (Grant 2)