In 1991 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a motion to abrogate the precept for the following solemnities whenever the solemnity falls on a Saturday or Monday: Mary, Mother of G-d; Assumption; and/or All Saints. It was then forwarded on to the Vatican for final approval (which was given).
As stated before, the Assumption of Mary occurs on Monday this year (August 15), which means you do not have to attend Mass. You can attend Mass (I encourage you to do so), but you don't have to.
That being said, we should still set aside a time to pray and reflect on the Assumption. Specifically, I would like to point to what it means for us! The Assumption is a foreshadowing of what will one day happen, when the righteous will rise bodily into Heaven! It brings Christ's words closer to heart, because we know that Mary's in Heaven, when He said "In my Father's house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2). He went and prepared a place for all those who accept Him and live according to His ways, picking up their cross daily as they follow Him in fear and trembling.
Even though the precept that one must attend Mass on this day has been abrogated, please make sure you spend at least a little time in prayer. Here's a little help if you need it:
Father in heaven,
all creation rightly gives you praise,
for all life and all holiness come from you.
In the plan of your wisdom
she who bore the Christ in her womb
was raised body and soul in glory to be with him in heaven.
May we follow her example in reflecting your holiness
and join in her hymn of endless love and praise.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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