The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.  (CCC 2181) 

Holy Days of Obligation

On holy days of obligation, Catholics are obliged to participate in Mass. Every Sunday is a holy day of obligation, as are six other days throughout the year. In Oklahoma the Feast of the Ascension is moved to Sunday, so the remaining holy days of obligation we observe in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City are:

• January 1: The Feast of Mary, the Mother of God
• August 15: Assumption of Mary into heaven
• November 1: All Saints’ Day
• December 8: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception
• December 25: Christmas, the Nativity of Our Lord

Holy days are like Sundays in that Catholics must attend Mass and, if possible, refrain from unnecessary servile work. In the United States, Christmas Day (December 25) and the Immaculate Conception (December 8) are always days of obligation. Christmas and Easter (which always falls on Sunday) are the highest-ranking holy days, and the Immaculate Conception is the feast for the United States. 

First Communion for Children

First Communion is usually celebrated in the spring at Christ the King. Children usually prepare for and receive the sacrament during their second grade year. Children enrolled at Christ the King School receive their catechesis during the school day. Children not enrolled in Catholic schools receive their catechesis during Sunday religious education classes, following the 10am Mass.

If your child is ready to prepare for First Communion, please contact our RE Office at 843-4766 or margaret@ckokc.org.  

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

If you are not Catholic but are interested in learning more about the Faith, Christ the King offers RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) or Inquiry classes take place each Tuesday evening, beginning in the fall and continuing through Easter. While these classes are designed for non-Catholics or non-Christians who are interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith, they are often appropriate for baptized Catholics who have not practiced their faith or who have not completed the other sacraments of initiation (Holy Eucharist and Confirmation).  Anyone is welcome to attend these sessions, and there is never an obligation or pressure to become Catholic. Please contact Margaret Tunell, at 843-4766 or margaret@ckokc.org if you wish to learn more about RCIA. 

Catholics Coming Home

Catholics Coming Home is a way for Catholics who have been away from the Church for whatever reason to return comfortably to the practice of their faith and Holy Communion. Sessions provide the opportunity to pray, ask questions, share experiences and discuss issues. If Confession is needed before returning to Holy Communion, it can be arranged. If a canonical impediment to receiving Holy Communion exists, Fr. Rick will assist in addressing it. If you or someone you know is interested in returning to the practice of the Catholic Faith or would like to learn more about Catholics Coming Home, please contact Jenni Butch at (405) 843-4766 or jenni@ckokc.org.