The Liturgical Year Explained

The liturgical year is divided into seasons throughout the year in which we as Episcopalians celebrate and recall the life of Jesus Christ. The year begins with Advent which prepares us for the birth of Christ. This season lasts until Christmas Eve and ends with the feast of the Baptism of Jesus.

Lent is the season of penance and preparing for Easter which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Maundy Thursday which marks the beginning of Easter. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday recall the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples, his death, burial and resurrection from the dead. The Easter season continues for seven weeks and culminates with Pentecost which celebrates the Holy Spirit descending upon the apostles after the Ascension of Jesus. The rest of the year is known as Ordinary Time.

The altar hangings and the vestments the priests wear reflect the current place in the liturgical calendar. Green is associated with Ordinary Time. Violet is used on the Third Sunday of Advent and the Fourth Sunday of Lent. White is worn from Christmas Day until the Baptism of Jesus, the Easter season and Holy Thursday. The priests also wear white for weddings and baptisms. Red is worn on Pentecost, Palm Sunday, the Passion of the Lord and confirmations.

The following link serves as a reference for the liturgical year that includes readings and feast days on a calendar
http://www.io.com/~kellywp/

If you are interested in participating in our worship services as an acolyte, a chalice bearer, usher, reader or becoming a member of the choir, click here to go to our various ministries we offer as ways to serve at St. Andrew’s.