At their plenary assembly in November 1991, the members of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops approved two motions, which affect the observance of holy days of obligation in the dioceses of the United States. They decided that whenever  August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption, or November 1, the solemnity of All Saints, falls on a Saturday or Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated.

The action was confirmed by the Conference for Bishops on July 4, 1992 (Prot. N. 296/84) and the letter of confirmation was signed by Bernardin Cardinal Gantin, Prefect, and Archbishop Justin Rigali, Secretary. Pope John Paul II approved and confirmed the same on the same date.

Ritual Masses  (Funeral Masses and Wedding Masses) may not be celebrated on solemnities.  Holy Days of Obligation are solemnities.