Living out the Liturgical Year

"Christ yesterday and today… All time belongs to him and all the ages."
(Easter Vigil, dressing the Paschal candle)

What is the Liturgical Year? 

The mystery of Christ, unfolded through the cycle of the year, calls us to live his mystery in our own lives. This call is best illustrated in the lives of Mary and the saints, celebrated by the Church throughout the year. There is no tension between the mystery of Christ and the celebration of the saints, but rather a marvelous harmony. The Blessed Virgin Mary is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son, and the feasts of all the saints proclaim the wonderful works of Christ in his servants and offer the faithful fitting examples for their imitation. (USCCB).

Celebrating the Liturgical Seasons

Advent

Four weeks of preparation before the celebration of Jesus' birth.

Solemnities

• Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Christmas

Recalling the Nativity of Jesus Christ and his manifestation to the peoples of the world.

Solemnities

• Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
• Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
• The Epiphany of the Lord

Lent

A six-week period of penance before Easter.

Solemnities

• St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Sacred Paschal Triduum

The holiest "Three Days" of the Church's year, where the Christian people recall the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus

• Holy Thursday
• Good Friday
• Holy Saturday

Easter

50 days of joyful celebration of the Lord's resurrection from the dead and his sending forth of the Holy Spirit

Solemnities

• Ascension of the Lord
• Pentecost

Ordinary Time

Divided into two sections (one span of 4-8 weeks after Christmas Time and another lasting about six months after Easter Time), wherein the faithful consider the fullness of Jesus' teachings and works among his people.

Solemnities

• Most Holy Trinity
• Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)
• Sacred Heart of Jesus
• Nativity of St. John the Baptist
• Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles
• Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• All Saints
• Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Christ the King)
• Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Dedications

That's Not All! Additionally, we live out our faith with monthly and daily dedications! This focus gives us a specific aspect of our Faith to meditate on.