Is the Immaculate Conception a holy day of obligation even when it falls on Saturday?

[dnar]

Was wondering if the immaculate conception was a holy day of obligation even when it falls on a Saturday, because my parish is saying that it is. So this Saturday we will have to attend Mass twice? Saturday morning and night?

Thanks!

[Fr. Vincent Serpa]

Hi,

Yes, Catholics are obliged to attend Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. If their parish has a vigil Mass on Friday, they may attend that--or they may attend Mass on Saturday in the morning or evening. However they may choose to attend, they are obliged to attend two separate Masses; one for the Immaculate Conception and another on the Second Sunday of Advent. Attempting to attend one Mass for both days does not fulfill their obligation.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.