The Catholic Liturgical Calendar

After Christmas and before Lent is a time to pause and reflect for many Catholics. Therefore, I thought it might be useful to do a very brief overview of the Catholic liturgical calendar and just some of the notable days within it. I am also highlighting a few of the common church supplies, decorations, or symbols associated with each season.

Advent is the beginning of the Catholic liturgical calendar year. It begins four weeks prior to Christmas and is a time of preparation for the birth of the Lord. People mark the time of Advent by lighting a candle for each week of the season, and you commonly see wreaths as a way to display those candles. Advent lasts through December 24. Christmas and the celebration of the Baptism of Jesus follows. That celebration occurs the first Sunday on or after January 6.

The next major period is the Lent season, which begins with Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday does not have a particular date; rather, it is always held 46 days prior to Easter. It has been as early as February 4 or as late as March 10. Lent is a penitential season during which many Catholics make sacrifices in preparation and honor of Easter. Many people associate Lent banners with the season. Many churches display Lent banners in purple, which is the color of the season. Lent banners most often appear in the sanctuary.

Lent ends on Holy Thursday, which then leads to the Easter Triduum, which is comprised of Holy Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. The Easter Vigil, of course, is a celebration of the risen Christ. Like Lent banners, Easter banners utilize color (white for this celebration) and messaging (an image of a risen Christ) to adorn the church with the story of the season. Easter season continues through the celebration of Pentecost, which refers to when the Holy Spirit was sent to the Apostles. A notable day within the Easter season is Ascension Thursday when Jesus’ body returned to heaven.

Ordinary time is the time between the Baptism of Christ and Ash Wednesday and between Pentecost and the first Sunday of Advent. Basically, it comprises all days that don’t fall within the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, or Easter. Ordinary time does include significant liturgical celebrations, such as All Saints Day, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

At St. Patrick’s Guild, we offer a selection of church supplies to fit the needs of your church along with faith-based gifts, decorations, and candles. Check out our online selection today or contact us personally so we can further assist you.