Catholic Calendar Guide

SolemnityWhiteEaster

Rank

A solemnity is one of the highest-ranking celebrations in the Roman calendar and marks a mystery of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or a saint of major significance.

Liturgical color

The liturgical color for this observance is White. Purity, joy, and major celebrations of the Lord and saints who are not martyrs.

Season

The Easter season celebrates the Resurrection of the Lord and extends from Easter Sunday to Pentecost.

Week in the year

6th week of Easter

Why this day matters

The Ascension celebrates the risen Christ’s return to the Father and the commissioning of the Church for mission.

Ascension of the Lord is observed on Thursday, May 14, 2026 in the Easter season. It is kept as a solemnity with the liturgical color White. The Ascension celebrates the risen Christ’s return to the Father and the commissioning of the Church for mission. In some places Ascension is observed on Thursday; in others it is transferred to Sunday.

Holy day note: In some places Ascension is observed on Thursday; in others it is transferred to Sunday.

Plan local worship

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Use the parish finder to search your area and confirm local Mass times, confession schedules, and parish details for Ascension of the Lord.

Daily readings

Daily readings for Thursday, May 14, 2026

Easter readings highlight the Resurrection, apostolic witness, life in the Spirit, and the joy of the risen Lord.

What to expect: Expect a First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading, Gospel acclamation, and Gospel for the day.

Use the linked official readings page for the approved lectionary texts and any local options or variations.

Browse readings archive

Mass guide

Mass guide for Thursday, May 14, 2026

Mass type

Solemnity Mass. Solemnities are among the Church’s highest celebrations and usually carry a more festive liturgical form, often including the Gloria and normally the Creed.

Obligation note

In some places Ascension is observed on Thursday; in others it is transferred to Sunday.

What to expect

You can usually expect a First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading, Gospel, homily, and the fuller Sunday-or-solemnity shape of Mass.

How to follow the Mass

Opening rites

Mass begins with the entrance, greeting, penitential act, and opening prayer. On more festive days, the Gloria may also be included.

Liturgy of the Word

Listen for the First Reading, Psalm, Second Reading, Gospel acclamation, Gospel, homily, and usually the Profession of Faith and Universal Prayer.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

The gifts are prepared, the Eucharistic Prayer is prayed, and the congregation joins in the Holy, Holy, Holy, the memorial acclamation, and the Great Amen.

Communion and dismissal

After the Lord’s Prayer, sign of peace, and Lamb of God, Communion is distributed. Mass ends with the final blessing and dismissal.

Postures and responses

Stand, sit, and kneel according to local custom and parish direction. Join the spoken and sung responses as you are able; posture details can vary somewhat by country and diocese.

Local music, ceremonial detail, posture, and holy day obligation can vary somewhat by country, diocese, and parish. Use this guide as a practical orientation, then follow the parish’s actual celebration.

Scope and caution

This guide is built around the universal Roman Catholic calendar for practical reference. Local episcopal conferences, dioceses, and ritual traditions may observe some dates differently.

WeekdayWhite

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Wednesday in Easter

The Easter season celebrates the Resurrection of the Lord and extends from Easter Sunday to Pentecost. This date is presented here as part of the unfolding prayer of the Church year, even when no major universal observance is highlighted in the MVP dataset.

Easter•6th week of Easter

WeekdayWhite

Friday, May 15, 2026

Friday in Easter

Easter•6th week of Easter