The liturgical calendar is a cycle of seasons celebrated in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. It marks the various phases of the Church year, beginning with Advent and concluding with the last Saturday of Ordinary Time. Unlike the standard calendar year, the Church's liturgical year typically starts in late November or early December and runs through the following November.
The Church’s year consists of six key liturgical seasons: Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time (divided into two parts), Lent, Easter, and the second period of Ordinary Time. These seasons vary slightly in length each year due to movable feast days. Below is an overview of each season, including their durations, significance, and liturgical colors.
Duration: From the First Sunday of Advent to December 24th
Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30th (St. Andrew’s Feast), falling between November 28th and December 3rd. It is a season of preparation and anticipation, commemorating both the anniversary of Christ’s birth and His future return.
Liturgical Colors: Purple, symbolizing penance and preparation, and Rose, used on the third Sunday (Gaudete Sunday), signifying joy.
Duration: December 25th to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
The Christmas season starts with the celebration of Christ’s birth on December 25th and extends to the Baptism of the Lord, typically in early January. Traditionally, Christmas lasts 12 days until Epiphany, but the season includes the period from Epiphany to the Baptism of the Lord.
Liturgical Color: White, symbolizing purity and joy.
Duration: From the Monday after the Feast of the Baptism to Shrove Tuesday
This period of Ordinary Time focuses on Christ’s early life and His public ministry. Despite its name, "Ordinary" refers to the sequential nature of the counted weeks, not their significance.
Liturgical Color: Green, representing hope and life. However, special feast days during this time may have different colors, such as white for Marian feasts.
Duration: From Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days (not counting Sundays), commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. It is a season of reflection and preparation for Christ's Passion and Resurrection.
Liturgical Colors: Violet or purple for penance; Rose on Laetare Sunday (the fourth Sunday); Red on Palm Sunday and Good Friday; White or violet on Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday (no Mass is celebrated on Holy Saturday, but services may be held).
Duration: From Easter Vigil to Pentecost
The Easter season starts with the Easter Vigil, held the night before Easter Sunday, and extends to Pentecost, 50 days later. It is a joyous season celebrating Christ's resurrection and the descent of the Holy Spirit.
Liturgical Colors: White for most days, symbolizing victory and joy, and red for Pentecost, symbolizing the Holy Spirit.
Duration: From the Day After Pentecost to the Last Saturday Before Advent
The second period of Ordinary Time, the longest liturgical season, focuses on Christ’s reign and the age of the Church. It ends with the Feast of Christ the King, celebrating Christ’s ultimate authority over all creation.
Liturgical Color: Green, with other colors worn on feast days.
This cycle of liturgical seasons allows Catholics to live out the mysteries of Christ’s life throughout the year, focusing on His birth, ministry, Passion, Resurrection, and the ongoing life of the Church. Each season brings its own spiritual themes and opportunities for reflection.
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