THE LITURGICAL YEAR

CELEBRATING THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST

• The liturgy is the official public prayer of the church
• The liturgical year celebrates the entire life of Christ
• Advent, Christmas, Lent, Triduum, Easter, Ordinary Time

ADVENT

• Begins liturgical year in late Nov., early Dec.
• Time of joyful preparation for birth of Christ
• Awaiting arrival of Jesus at Christmas
• Seasonal color: purple

CHRISTMAS

• Season begins on Christmas Day
• Lasts until Epiphany Sunday (Jan 6)
• Celebration of Christs' birth
• Seasonal color: gold

LENT

• Begins on Ash Wednesday
• Reflection of Christs' suffering and sacrifice
• Prayer, fasting and penance
• Preparation for Easter Triduum
• Seasonal color: purple

TRIDUUM

• The Church's greatest and most important celebration
• Means "three days"
• Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday
• Preparation for Easter Sunday
• Seasonal color: red

EASTER

• Completes Triduum celebration
• Time of rejoicing for Christ's resurrection
• New life in Christ
• Begins on Easter Sunday, continues through Pentecost
• Seasonal color: gold

ORDINARY TIME

• Celebrated in 2 parts
• First: between Christmas and Lent
• Second: between Easter and Advent
• Celebrate life and teachings of Christ
• Seasonal color: green