Q: December 8 is a Saturday this year. Will it be a holyday of obligation?
==
A: In the United States, yes. Mary is patron of our country under the title of the Immaculate Conception. So even though in the United States the obligation is usually lifted from holydays that fall on a Saturday, it will not be on December 8, 2018. Catholics will be expected to participate at Mass on Friday night the 7th or Saturday morning the 8th and then return to participate again at mass for the Second Sunday of Advent.