Special Observances

Formularies found in this section are all written to fit the theme of various days of prayer and special observances that are promoted by the Holy See, the USCCB, or other relevant organizations. The following list is mainly drawn from a list published by the USCCB on their website.

These days do not always correspond to particular Mass texts unless otherwise noted. You can use the following Table of Contents to jump to the correct section of prayers. Please note that these formularies are being written and will be added as each day approaches. The formularies attempt to fit the theme of the day and draw upon relevant magisterial documents.

January

  • 1. World Day of Peace

    • Also Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God: See Proper of Time: Christmas Season

    • Also

  • 18–25. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

  • 22. (23 when 22 is a Sunday) Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children (USA)

  • Between 21-27 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Sunday of the Word of God

  • Last Week in January. Catholic Schools Week (USA)

February

  • Sunday following the 2nd. World Day for Consecrated Life (USA)

  • 7–14. National Marriage Week (USA)

  • Second Sunday in February. World Marriage Day

  • 8. World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking

  • 11. World Day of the Sick

March


April

  • Entire Month. Child Abuse Prevention Month

  • Fourth Sunday of Easter (variable date in April or May). World Day of Prayer for Vocations

May

  • 22. National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea (USA)

  • 24. World Day of Prayer for the Church in China

  • Seventh Sunday of Easter (variable date in May or June). World Communications Day

June

  • Variable Date Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests

  • 22–29. Religious Freedom Week (USA)

July

  • Week of July 25. Natural Family Planning Awareness Week (USA)

  • Last Sunday in July. World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

August


September

  • 1. World Day of Prayer of the Care of Creation

  • 9. — Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities (USA)

  • Third Sunday in September. Catechetical Sunday (USA)

  • Last Sunday in September.

    • World Day of Migrants and Refugees

    • Priesthood Sunday

  • Last Week in September. National Migration Week (USA)

October

  • Entire Month. Domestic Violence Awareness Month

  • Entire Month. Respect Life Month

  • First Sunday in October. Respect Life Sunday

  • Penultimate Sunday in October. World Mission Sunday

November

  • Entire Month. Black Catholic History Month

  • Thirty–Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. World Day of the Poor

  • Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Global Celebration of Youth and Young Adults (World Youth Day)

December