Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass Schedule [12-9]

Please see below for the mass schedule for the Immaculate Conception which is occurring on Friday, 12-9-2024. Because December 8th falls on a Sunday, observance is transferred to Monday, December 9th without obligation

8:30 AM

7:00 PM

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is one of the most significant observances in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church. It is celebrated worldwide every year on December 8. This holy day of obligation commemorates the belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Contrary to common misunderstanding, the Immaculate Conception does not refer to the conception of Jesus Christ; rather, it celebrates the conception of Mary in her mother’s womb without the stain of original sin. The teaching holds that Mary, chosen by God to be Jesus's mother, was conceived without the corruption of sin through the merits of her son, Jesus Christ.

This belief emphasizes Mary's purity and her unique role in our salvation history. It is a testament to the mercy and grace of God, who prepared Mary from the very beginning for her critical mission as the Mother of God.

Pope Pius IX officially defined the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception in 1854, but the belief in Mary’s sinless conception is a tradition that dates back to the early Church. It has been celebrated as a feast in the Church since the 7th century.

As we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we are invited to reflect on Mary's unique role in the story of our salvation. She is a model of faith, obedience, and love for all believers. Her life testifies the transformative power of God's grace and serves as a beacon of hope for all Christians.