There are fifteen (15) additional liturgies (solemnities) that may be celebrated in a diocese/parish separately from a weekend liturgy (according to the date on which they fall).  There are three (3) solemnities that have VIGIL Masses associated with them.  The solemnities have been “fixed” by the Vatican for particular dates during the year.  Depending on the desires of the parish community one or more lectors may be enlisted to aid in the liturgy.  When these dates fall on a Sunday the diocese normally will determine whether or not it will be celebrated in place of the weekend liturgy.   As with the regular weekend liturgies, they too have three sets of readings corresponding to liturgical year (A-B-C). The focus of each liturgy depends on what or who is being exemplified in the liturgy.

NOTE:  This year (2012) includes the Solemnity of the NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN the BAPTIST on SUNDAY, JUNE24.  We had missed this and are working to correct the oversight.  You can get the readings (Lectionary Format and Proclamation Format) from us simply by contacting us and asking for them — use the CONTACT tab at the top of the screen.  We’ll respond to your email message and attach the readings to that response.  Thank you for your patience.