Term
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Definition
When in the year: December
What it signifies: The liturgical year begins with Advent which always contains four Sundays. A common devotional for this season of preparation is the Advent Wreath that includes four candles. Advent is seen as a time for preparation, anticipation and hope.
Colour: Violet/Purple |
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Term
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Definition
When in the year: December 25
What it signifies: The Christmas season, during which we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, includes the Feast of the Holy Family, the Feast of the Mother of God and Epiphany.The Church chooses white for the Feast of Christmas. White is the colour of purity and new life. White is appropriate for a newborn infant.
Colour: White |
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Term
Ordinary Time
(Time after Epiphany) |
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Definition
When in the year: January - February
What it signifies: The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which ordinarily occurs on the Sunday after the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (6 January), begins Ordinary Time and closes the Season of Christmas
Colour: Green |
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Term
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Definition
When in the year: March - April
What it signifies: Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent which continues until the Holy Thursday. Lent is a time of penance observed with fasting and abstinence. A common devotion for Lent is praying the Stations of the Cross. Lent is a 40 day fast and penance period in the Catholic Church.
Colour: Violet/Purple |
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Term
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Definition
When in the year: March - April
What it signifies: The Easter season is 50 days long, with the Feast of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit, marking its end. Readings during the Easter season focus on Jesus’ teaching after the Resurrection. Easter is the most important season in the Church’s calendar.
Colour: White/Gold |
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Term
Ordinary Time
(Time after Pentecost) |
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Definition
When in the year: June - November
What it signifies: During the season between Christmas and Lent, the readings focus on Jesus’ early ministry of teaching, and healing, and the gathering of disciples.The Sundays and weeks of Ordinary Time are days of growth and harvest -- days of hope and time to mature in one's faith.
Colour: Green |
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Term
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Definition
When in the year: Between March - April
What it signifies: Holy Week. This special season celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Colour: Red/Violet/White |
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