Liturgical cycle
The Church liturgical cycle is a yearly rhythm of seasons, feasts, and celebrations that guide the worship and
spiritual life of the Christian community. Here's an overview:
a. Advent (Approximately November-December): The liturgical year begins with Advent, a season of anticipation
and preparation for the coming of Christ.
It typically lasts four weeks, symbolizing the four centuries of waiting for the Messiah.
b. Christmas (December 25-January 6): Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Christmas season officially extends until the feast of the Epiphany.
c. Ordinary Time – I (January-February):
Divided into two segments, one following Epiphany and another following Pentecost.
"Ordinary" does not imply plain; it comes from the Latin "ordinal," indicating the counted weeks.
Focuses on the teachings and miracles of Jesus.
d. Lent (40 days, usually February-March):
A season of penance, fasting, and prayer, preparing for Easter.
Reflects the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.
Begins with Ash Wednesday and concludes with Holy Saturday.
Holy Week (Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday): Commemorates the final week of Jesus' earthly life.
e. Easter Season (50 days, April-May):
Celebrates the “Paschal Mystery:” the Death & Resurrection of Jesus Christ (the core/central event of
Christianity).
Ends with Pentecost, marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.
Pentecost (50 days after Easter): Marks the end of the Easter season.
Commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, empowering them to spread the Gospel.
f. Ordinary Time (June-November):
The second part of Ordinary Time resumes, focusing on the teachings and miracles of Jesus.
Liturgical Colors: The changing of the liturgical season is also accompanied by a change in the colors used for altar
linens and the vestments of the celebrating priests and deacons.
Advent – Purple on most days, except for Rose (optional) on the Third Sunday of Advent (“Gaudete
Sunday”).
Christmas – White or Gold (not red and green!), except for Red on the feast days of martyrs.
Lent – Purple on most days; Rose (optional) on the Fourth Sunday of Lent (“Laetare Sunday”); Red on
Passion/Palm Sunday.
Easter Triduum – White or Gold on Holy Thursday and at the Easter Vigil; Redon Good Friday.
Easter Season – White or Gold on most days, except for Red on Pentecost Sunday.
Ordinary Time – Green, except for particular feasts or occasions that have other designated colors.
Special Colors for Particular Celebrations within any Liturgical Season:
White – Solemnities of the Lord and the Saints; memorials of saints (other than martyrs); major local feasts;
and funeral liturgies (Black is now also allowed again for funerals).
1
Red – Feasts and memorials of the Apostles, Evangelists, Martyrs, or the Holy Spirit, almsgiving is also
emphasized.
How It Works:
The decision regarding which liturgical cycle (A, B, or C) to follow is determined by the Church's lectionary, and it is
based on a three-year rotation. The lectionary is a set schedule of Scripture readings used in the liturgy, particularly
during Mass and other worship services. Here are some key factors in how the Church decides which liturgical cycle
to use:
Synoptic Gospels:
The liturgical cycles are linked to the three synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Each cycle predominantly features readings from one of these Gospels.
Cycle A focuses on the Gospel of Matthew.
Cycle B centers on the Gospel of Mark.
Cycle C highlights the Gospel of Luke.
For example, Advent readings focus on anticipation and preparation, while Lent readings emphasize repentance and
reflection.
