Liturgical Seasons of the Catholic Faith

The Catholic Church celebrates the mystery of Christ’s life throughout the year in a sacred rhythm known as the Liturgical Year. Each season has its own focus, prayers, and colors that help us grow in faith and understand the story of salvation more deeply.

Throughout the Liturgical Year, the Church invites us to journey with Christ—from His birth to His Resurrection—so that our faith may deepen and our hearts may be transformed. Each season offers a new opportunity to draw closer to God and to live out His love in our school, families, and communities.

Below is an overview of the seven major seasons of the Church year:

Advent

Advent marks the beginning of the Liturgical Year. It is a season of hopeful waiting and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ—both at His birth in Bethlehem and at His return in glory. During these four weeks before Christmas, the Church invites us to prepare our hearts through prayer, reflection, and acts of charity.

Liturgical Color: Purple (symbolizing penance and preparation)

Christmas

The Christmas season celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. It is a joyful time when we rejoice that God is with us—Emmanuel. This season begins on Christmas Eve and continues through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

Liturgical Color: White or Gold (symbolizing joy, purity, and glory)

Lent

Lent is a season of conversion, reflection, and renewal that lasts for forty days, leading up to Easter. Catholics focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to grow closer to God and prepare for the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.

Liturgical Color: Purple (symbolizing repentance and humility)

Holy Week

Holy Week is the most sacred time of the year, commemorating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It begins with Palm Sunday, includes Holy Thursday (the Lord’s Supper), Good Friday (the Passion of the Lord), and culminates in the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night.

Liturgical Color: Red (for the Passion) and White (for the Easter Vigil)

Easter

Easter is the joyful celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It is the high point of the Church year—a time of rejoicing and renewal. The Easter season lasts for fifty days, ending with Pentecost.

Liturgical Color: White or Gold (symbolizing joy and glory)

Pentecost

Pentecost marks the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, empowering them to spread the Gospel to all nations. It is celebrated fifty days after Easter and is often called the "birthday of the Church."

Liturgical Color: Red (symbolizing the fire of the Holy Spirit)

Ordinary Time

Ordinary Time makes up the longest part of the liturgical year. It is a time for spiritual growth and reflection on the teachings and miracles of Jesus. During this season, we live out our faith in daily life, guided by the lessons of the Gospel.

Liturgical Color: Green (symbolizing life and hope)