Liturgical Calendar
Advent
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Begins the liturgical year
4 Sundays of preparation before Christmas
Ends on Christmas Eve vigil Mass
Vestments worn are purple signifying expectation
Feast of the Immaculate Conception- December 8th. Mary is visited by the
Angel Gabriel
Christmas
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The birth of Jesus
Begins after Christmas Eve vigil ends with the Feast of Baptism of the Lord
Vestments worn are white and gold signifying joy in the presence of Christ
Epiphany – 2nd Sunday of Christmas. Jesus is revealed to the whole world
Baptism of the Lord – 3rd Sunday of Christmas
Ordinary Time
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Makes up 60% of the liturgical calendar
Divided into 2 periods in the year
Gives balance between the ordinary and the extraordinary moments in life
Focuses on teachings, parables, & miracles of Jesus’ ministry
The time marked by the Gospel of his disciples who walked with, listened
to, and learned from Jesus
 Assumption – August 15th. Mary is taken up or ‘assumed’ into Heaven
 Feast of Christ the King – Last Sunday of ordinary time before Advent
 Vestments worn are green signifying life and hope
Lent
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Season begins with Ash Wednesday
Very solemn and reflective period - time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving
Lasts for 40 days
Vestments worn are purple signifying penance
Easter Triduum
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Triduum – means 3 days. The last three days of Holy Week
The most important celebrations on the liturgical calendar
Holy Thursday – The last supper with Jesus and Apostles
Good Friday – Passion (suffering) and death of Jesus. The most holy day of
the liturgical year
 Holy Saturday – Anticipation of the risen Lord
 Vestments worn on Good Friday is red signifying suffering
Easter
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Begins after the Easter vigil and ends 50 days later
Rejoices the resurrection of Jesus and our own new life
Paschal Mystery – the suffering, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus
Vestments worn are white signifying the presence of Christ with us.
Ascension – Jesus returns to the Father 40 days after Easter Sunday
Pentecost – Jesus promises to remain with his followers through the power
of the Holy Spirit 50 days after Easter Sunday. Marks the end of the Easter
season.