Mary, Mother of God
January 1 - one Solemnity Mass at 9:00 AM, all clergy
No other Masses this day / Exposition at 3 PM
The Parish Office will be closed, returning Monday, January 5
Is Mary, Mother of God a holy day of obligation 2026?
During the year 2026: a. Thursday, January 1, is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. This year, the obligation to attend Mass on this date is abrogated in the Diocese of Orange, in accord with the complementary norm to canon 1246 §2 confirmed for the dioceses of the United States of America. [usccb.org]
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I wish to extend to each of you my warmest greetings and blessings. Every January 1 st , we begin our new year with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. This feast day honors Mary’s unique role in the mystery of our salvation and her willingness to embrace God’s plan with courage and humility. She is the model of discipleship for us all, teaching us to say “yes” to God in our own lives, no matter what challenges we may face.
After much prayerful consideration and in consultation with the clergy, I have decided to grant a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, for the faithful of the Diocese of Orange. This decision is made in recognition of the diverse circumstances in which many of our parishioners find themselves, including the challenges of balancing family responsibilities, work commitments, and other personal needs that may prevent them from attending Mass in person.
While the obligation is lifted, I strongly encourage you to mark this day with special devotion in your homes and hearts. You may choose to attend Mass if you are able or participate in spiritual practices such as praying the Rosary, reflecting on the scriptures, or meditating on the mysteries of the Incarnation and Mary’s role in our salvation.
Please know that you remain in my prayers as we journey together, trusting in God’s providence and the loving care of Mary, our Blessed Mother. May God bless you abundantly.
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