Liturgical Calendar
Discover the Christian liturgical calendar, a sacred cycle of seasons and holy days that deepens discipleship.
Explore the Liturgical Year
The Christian liturgical calendar provides a sacred framework of seasons and holy days that fosters spiritual growth through worship and reflection. Lectionary readings, lessons, and activities offer meaningful ways for individuals, families, and congregations to deepen their faith journey.
Liturgical Seasons & Holy Days
Advent
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. It is a season of joyful anticipation, and spiritual preparationfor the birth of Jesus.
Christmas
Christmas celebrates Jesus’ birth across the 12 days from 25 December to 5 January. This season centres on God’s gift of love to the world.
Epiphany
Epiphany is observed on 6 January and marks the revelation of Jesus to the world. The season after Epiphany lasts until the day before Ash Wednesday.
Lent
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 40 days before Easter (except Sundays), and ends on Holy Saturday. It’s a time to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice.
Holy Week
Holy Week is the week before Easter. It starts with Palm Sunday, marking Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, and ends on Holy Saturday.
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper and honors Jesus’ humble act of servanthood in washing his disciples’ feet.
Good Friday
Good Friday observes the darkness of Jesus’ crucifixion and death on the cross. It is a solemn day of remembrance.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is a day of waiting and thoughtful reflection, looking ahead with hope and expectation to the resurrection of Christ.
Easter
Easter launches a 50-day season celebrating Jesus Christ’s resurrection. It is the cornerstone of Christian hope and new life.
Pentecost
Pentecost comes 50 days after Easter, celebrating the Holy Spirit on the early church. “Pentecost” means “fiftieth” in Greek.
Ordinary Time
Ordinary Time starts after Pentecost with Trinity Sunday and ends with Reign of Christ Sunday. It emphasises growth in faith and discipleship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Liturgical Calendar FAQ
What is the Liturgical Calendar?
The Liturgical Calendar organizes the Christian year around seasons and holy days, focusing on Jesus Christ’s life, ministry, death, and resurrection. It starts with Advent and includes Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time.
What is the difference between Holy Week and Easter?
Holy Week is the week before Easter, including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Easter is a 50-day season celebrating Jesus’ resurrection, starting on Easter Sunday.
What are the main seasons of the Liturgical Calendar?
The main seasons include Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Ordinary Time.
What is the lectionary?
The lectionary is a curated cycle of Bible readings-Old Testament, Psalms, Epistles, and Gospels-assigned to every Sunday and major feast in the liturgical year.
How can I use the lectionary in my congregation?
The lectionary provides scripture readings for each Sunday, aligned with the Liturgical Calendar. Use these readings for worship, small groups, or personal reflection. Access them on our Lectionary Calendar.
How do families celebrate the Liturgical Calendar?
Families can celebrate with activities like Advent wreaths, Lenten prayers, or Easter crafts, fostering faith through traditions. Explore our resources for family-friendly liturgical activities.
Where can I find resources for the Liturgical Calendar?
Resources like worship outlines, Sacred Space, sermon helps, and lessons for adults, youth, and children are found on the Lectionary Calendar page.
Tools and Resources
This book offers strategies drawn from filmmaking to help worship leaders create engaging, multisensory experiences that deliver memorable messages. This resource is available only in English.
This book invites readers on a transformative journey through the Christian liturgical calendar, demonstrating how its rhythms foster spiritual growth. This resource is available only in English.
Chene Heady's book recounts his year-long experiment of centering daily life around the Church's liturgical seasons and feasts, revealing how this shift from secular busyness deepened his faith and sense of purpose. This resource is available only in English.
This book offers practical ideas for family crafts, meals, and activities tied to liturgical seasons, inspiring joyful traditions that draw people closer to God. This resource is available only in English.
