The Archdiocese of Detroit is reminding worshippers of their obligation to attend attend Mass on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend since Sunday is the Feast of the Holy Family.

Christmas this year falls on a Saturday and the Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on the first Sunday after Christmas, according to Britannica. This feast day celebrates the religious life that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus shared together as an example to worshippers for religious family life.

"Catholics have two obligations to attend Mass this coming weekend, Dec. 25-26, with Christmas falling on a Saturday," Archdiocese of Detroit wrote in a Dec. 22 Facebook post. "However, the usual obligation for the faithful to attend Mass on Jan. 1 for the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, will be lifted this year. 

"According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, when Christmas falls on either a Saturday or a Monday, the obligation for Catholics to attend Mass for the holy day does not change the faithful’s obligation to attend a separate Mass on Sunday also (or a vigil Mass on Saturday to fulfill one’s Sunday obligation)."

The Feast of the Holy Family was originally celebrated the Sunday after Epiphany (Jan. 6), but was officially moved to the Sunday after Christmas in 1969, bringing it in the Christmas season.

According to Oblates of the Virgin Mary, every regular Sunday is a holy day of obligation for Catholics. Bishops relaxed obligation to attend Mass for 2020 and 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Dispensations may be given for just causes including physical illness, being a caregiver for someone homebound or being unable to go to Mass.